The Manitoba government has announced that it is strengthening support for farmers and rural communities with two new Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) offices in Virden and Shoal Lake. “Our government is committed to ensuring Westman farmers have the tools and support they need to succeed after the previous government closed these offices,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “The Town of Virden is so pleased to welcome the MASC offices back,” said Mayor Tina Williams, Town of Virden. “The value of having a local office for our surrounding farm communities cannot be overstated.”The Virden and Shoal Lake offices are now open to serve 650 to 700 farmers and agri-businesses in the surrounding regions. MASC now has 12 service centres across the province providing access to agricultural insurance, lending and other agricultural programs and services.