On October 23, Manitoba’s Progressive Conservative government named its new cabinet. The new minister of agriculture and resource development is Blaine Pedersen, MLA for the riding of Midland. His expanded ministry now includes water management, mining and forestry. 

The former farmer will face a barrage of issues, not the least of which is a poor harvest season. Potato growers had to abandon $50 million of potatoes in the field due to a rainy fall and then a snow-stopping storm in mid-October.   

He replaces Ralph Eichler who is now minister of economic development and training. 

Source:  www.gov.mb.ca