Water management is a top provincial election priority for cattle producers.

Manitoba Beef Producers' annual fall district meetings have been taking place over the last two weeks.

"Of course, the flooding issue is something that has impacted almost all parts of the province," says MBP General Manager Cam Dahl. "You just have to drive over some of the roads and look at the water that's still lapping on the side of the road to know this is not an issue that has not gone away over the summer. It's a critical issue."

"Other issues include TB and concerns about producer losses when dealers declare bankruptcy, and how the industry can protect itself against that," he says.

MBP is encouraging producers to discuss these issues with provincial candidates. The organization submitted a questionnaire to provincial parties earlier this month, asking the parties for their position on issues such as water management and animal health.

"We've heard back from both the PCs and the Liberals. We appreciate them taking the time to respond to beef producers' concerns and issues," says Dahl. "I'm disappointed though that the NDP has not responded."

He says he's encouraged by some of the responses from the PCs and Liberals.

"For example, a commitment to science-based regulations, which is something that we haven't always seen. As well as a commitment to consulting with agriculture, and the beef industry in particular. Again that's something that we haven't always seen in the past," he says.