Manitoba's new Premier Brian Pallister named his cabinet this week, appointing several rural MLAs to ministerial positions.

The president of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) thinks this is a very good move for Manitoba, saying the province will benefit from having a strong rural perspective in cabinet.

"I've commented many times, you know, once you're born and raised in rural Manitoba it doesn't leave you," he says, "and when they're making these decisions (in cabinet selection), they are making decisions for all of Manitoba, and I think having that grounding or base in your knowledge from rural areas, I think it will benefit all of Manitoba."

Specifically, Mazier was pleased by the choice of Ralph Eichler as the new ag minister because of his previous experience as a rural MLA and also as a former PC ag critic.

"I think more importantly we're really pleased to see (the new government) didn't break down agriculture or take away or add to it. It's a very big portfolio to say the least, and I think (Eichler) will do well in that job and helping to move agriculture forward," Mazier says.

Mazier also looks forward to meeting with the new Infrastructure Minister Blaine Pedersen, as rural infrastructure is one of KAP's key concerns. Mazier thinks Pedersen will have a good grasp on which roads need to be fixed in the province, although he feels the challenge may be prioritizing.