My opinion on EQUIP/government funding is that it should be used for worthwhile projects but that have limited immediate cash ROI for the farm business such as water quality improvement, filter strips, erosion control dams, etc. 

In my opinion things like fencing are really business expenses and should be paid for by the business either through a loan or retained earnings. If the business can't produce enough income, over time, to pay for fences there is something wrong.

Using EQUIP/government funding to pay for necessary business infrastructure seems to be another sign that cattle prices are too low to really create a business profit without using government funds.

Taking EQUIP funds for business expenses just because they are available while preaching fiscally responsible government seems to me to be not walking the talk. I applaud Garvo for wanting to pay for his business expenses from his business.