Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) held an advisory council meeting Tuesday in Portage la Prairie.

KAP President Bill Campbell said the meeting was educational and informative.

He looks to the presentation from STARS as a highlight. He explains it is essential that STARS remains a part of Manitoba Infrastructure and part of the health and wellness program.

"STARS is a vital service to remote and rural areas," says Campbell. "So that we can make sure that we can get to proper care facilities in the quickest, and safest way possible."

During the presentation, it became known STARS is struggling with funding while it upgrades equipment. They brought forth a program, where farmers collaborate with STARS to fund them through acres. The Canada Grain Commission also had a notable presentation about grain grading, and the Canadian Grain Act itself was discussed.

During the advisory council meeting, numerous resolutions were brought forward.

The first resolution was about permission to hunt on farm owners' and property owners' land. Campbell outlines this would include written consent for access and a chargeable offense for trespassing. He explains this is necessary to keep the spread of diseases down and reduce the impact of outside influences on our landscape.

The second resolution brought forward was all about the review of the Canada Grain Act. The decision opens the act to include the Canadian Grain Commission, an independent federal agency that inspects grain. Campbell notes this is done to ensure Canada's standards are met.

The third resolution brought forward focused on carbon tax exemptions. Campbell outlines natural gas, and propane should be included in the tax exemptions because they are used for drying grain and heating barns.

Lastly, a resolution regarding the price of prescription drugs was mentioned. The cost has been passed onto producers which has been making it difficult for the farmer to take care of their animals.