Manitoba livestock producers affected by drought conditions will be receiving much-needed help from the provincial government.

Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler listed a number of measures Monday to offer producers some relief after a hot, dry summer forced 16 municipalities to declare states of agricultural disaster.

Among the list of measures is the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation -the Crown Corporation in charge of providing insurance and loans to producers- has been asked to defer loan payments for up to six months, with a possibility of an extension of up to another six-months.

MASC will also be providing loans in financing for the purchase of calves with a minimum weight of 181 kilograms, using the livestock as security. The loan would be repayable when the livestock is sold.

Minister Eichler said the federal government is also providing some relief. In the past, producers were able to apply to the MASC for a cash advance of up to 50 percent. The feds have now given permission to raise that amount to 75 percent.