Thank you to everyone who attended the Manitoba Beef and Forage Conference! Your participation and engagement were key to making this event a success. We hope the sessions, discussions, and networking opportunities provided valuable insights and takeaways that will benefit you and your farm operations. A special thank you as well to participating agribusinesses. Without your support, events like this would not be possible! Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives, Manitoba Agriculture and Manitoba Beef Producers look forward to seeing you at future events and continuing to build a strong, connected industry. (Photo credit: Kristen Bouchard Teasdale/Manitoba Agriculture)
Make Your Herd Records Work for You
BY: BEEF CATTLE RESEARCH COUNCIL
In beef production, genetics play a critical role in both management and profitability. Regardless of the size of your operation or whether you are a commercial or purebred breeder, keeping records is an important part of managing your herd genetics.
“Without accurate records you have no way of knowing whether or not your herd is improving or if you are simply going in circles,” explains Karin Schmid, Beef Production and Extension Lead with Alberta Beef Producers.
Today, producers are flooded with information as genetic tools and prediction accuracies are continuously improving. With all this information, it can be overwhelming to turn knowledge into breeding decisions that meet specific operational goals.
Keeping Records to Track Genetic Improvements
How can genetic selection help me achieve my farm goals? Which breeding system is right for my operation? What records do I keep? How do I use these records?
Collecting, maintaining and analyzing records takes a commitment, but the payoff is worth it.
It’s not enough to know which data to collect, you have to know how to use it. To assist producers with this process, the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), in
partnership with Alberta Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Maritime Beef Test Station and the University of Guelph launched a free Records for Tracking Genetic Improvements email course in February 2024. A new updated version was recently released in November 2024.
“This course provides a template that helps to ensure that the selection choices you make today will result in measurable progress for your herd in the future. The course helps you to identify the most critical records for your particular situation, taking some of the guesswork out of it,” Schmid explains.
Consisting of seven modules, the course covers topics including criteria for selecting breeding goals and breeding programs, understanding EPDs and heritability, using genetic records to inform culling decisions and how to use records to select replacement heifers.
A comprehensive course workbook provides guidance towards the practical application of concepts and information discussed. Those enrolled are also encouraged to input their own farm data through exercises outlined in each module, culminating in a guide on how to transform their herd data into information to help meet on-farm goals.
“No matter the level producers are at with genetic
Farming is in my blood. My grandparents farmed, my parents farmed, I farm, and now my kids are farming. You keep going.”
Laval
selection, this course provides value in goal setting and monitoring your decision-making successes,” says Sandy Russell, Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council, “the true value is in how the course guides producers in a very methodical approach to tracking genetic improvements within their herd while still being flexible to the variable needs of beef producers.”
Work at Your Own Pace
Busy schedule? Don’t feel like you have the time to commit to this course? No problem! The course is designed to be “work at your own pace”. In addition, you get to pick the frequency you wish to receive the course emails - once a day for seven days, two-times per week for four weeks or one email per week for seven weeks.
The old adage “knowledge is power” rings true when it comes to tracking genetic advancements in a beef herd. Understanding the starting point of your herd will allow you to track improvements over time and positively impact your bottom line. Register for the free e-course at BeefResearch.ca/ genetics-course
Dean Laval
Family Farm, Deloraine, MB
Laval Family
We Need Your Feedback on Expansion of Livestock Inspection
I was recently asked the great question about what my wish would be for the beef industry for 2025 and I thought I could expand my response in this space. It probably comes as no surprise that working on issues in the beef farming/ranching sector, that it is a long list that is hard to whittle down, but I will bring it down to the top few priorities.
First off, the big one is the debate around whether to expand livestock inspection in Manitoba and getting a strong handle on where our members stand on this. This is a topic that has been batted around in Manitoba for many, many years and that MBP has really honed in on for a little over a year now, trying, as a board of directors, to get good producer and industry feedback. To put it bluntly, I am getting to the point that where I am getting the impression that either not that many people really hate the idea or they are pretty quiet about it. So I guess that my greatest wish on this topic is for anyone with anything to say about it, is to reach out to us at MBP and speak up. We are trying to make decisions that represent the wishes of cattle producers and for the benefits of cattle producers and we need and value your feedback.
I know there is a cost to everyone for inspection, but there is also a value. The fact of the matter is that the cost of inspection is already being factored into the price of a large percentage of the cattle bought out of Manitoba. It just doesn’t appear as a deduction at the auction mart, but rather is something a buyer is factoring into the price.
These and many other factors are things that we have weighed pros and cons of for more than a year now and if this is something we wish to go ahead with, it is a lot of work and a long process to get it in place and with that in mind, the sooner we can get your feedback on it, the better.
Another area of cattle farming and ranching that I would really like to see some movement on improving for Manitoba and all of Canada is our business risk management tools. I think livestock price insurance is a good product, unfortunately, the uptake on it continues to be low due to the premium price (LPI). We have, for quite a while now been advocating for a cost-shared premium for livestock price insurance like is available in the United States, and also for crop insurance here in Canada. This would be a huge step forward for ranchers, backgrounders and feedlot owners to be able to more affordably take some risk off the table.
LPI also has the ability to act as a first year catch all should we have major market disruption like a potential foot and mouth disease outbreak or as was experienced during the COVID pandemic or BSE. At those times, here provincially and nationally, we worked hard with different levels of government trying to come out with programs to keep those folks caught at that moment afloat. Unfortunately, those programs have had to be thrown together last minute and they struggled to sometimes meet all the needs of everyone impacted, or the impacts were less than expected and it looks like we all cried wolf. A good, effective and affordable program that could be a regular risk management tool, that would also take care of that first impact of a disruption would be so much better.
Also on the business risk management side, I would like to see us move forward on a more effective, simpler
and less subjective system for forage and pasture insurance. I would be in favor of something like having the weather station-based system used for measuring annual rainfall to put you in a claim position or not. And yes, I understand that those weather stations might not always be in close enough proximity to my operation or might have had a rainfall my pasture didn’t, but next time, my pasture might have gotten a rainfall the weather station didn’t and I’m happier taking that gamble on my forage insurance.
So to round out a few other top priorities, right up there on the list would Canada be no longer being required to remove specified risk materials from over 30 month cattle. This costs Canada millions of dollars a year and is a deterrent from seeing processors wanting to operate here. There is currently a paper out for peer review on this topic and hopefully the sector will see some movement in 2025. Sticking with the animal health file, we have had commitments that if science-based research proved that cattle were better left on a truck than unloading for feed, water and rest between here and our common eastern locations, that the federal rules around this would be reviewed and potentially reversed. The beef sector has done that research and proved that the result was healthier outcomes when remaining on the truck. This is another change we would like to see that would save a lot of producer dollars.
As I say, it is very hard to keep any wish list for cattle ranchers, backgrounders and feedlots short, and I could go on all night talking about others, but these are some of the big things it would be nice to see movement on in 2025. All the best to you and yours as we prepare for the year ahead!
EPP
Brenda-Waskada, Grassland, Deloraine-Winchester, and Two Borders
Argyle, Cartwright-Roblin, KillarneyTurtle Mountain, Lorne, Louise, Pembina, and Prairie Lakes
DISTRIC T 3 ANDRE STEPPLER
Cartier, Du erin, Grey, MacDonald, Portage la Prairie, Rhineland, Roland, Stanley, Thompson, Montcalm, Morris, and Ritchot
DISTRIC T 4 BYRON FALK De Salaberry, Emerson-Franklin, Hanover, La Broquerie, Piney and Stuartburn, Montcalm, Morris, Ritchot, Spring eld, Ste. Anne, Taché, R.M. of Piney and Reynolds
DISTRIC T 5 STEVEN MANNS Cornwallis, Elton, Norfolk-Treherne, North Norfolk, Oakland-Wawanesa, Glenboro-South Cypress, and Victoria
DISTRIC T 6 BRIAN ENGLISH Pipestone, Riverdale, Sifton, Souris-Glenwood, Wallace-Woodworth, and Whitehead
DISTRIC T 7 T YLER FULTON 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT Ellice-Archie, Hamiota, Prairie-View, Riding Mountain West, Rossburn, Russell-Binscarth, and Yellowhead
DISTRIC T 8 MATTHEW ATKINSON Clanwilliam-Erickson, Glenella-Lansdowne, Harrison-Park, Minto-Odanah, Oakview, North Cypress-Langford, Rosedale,
DISTRIC
MARY PAZIUK Dauphin, Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains, Grandview, Roblin and Mossey River
Maureen Cousins
Reflecting on MBP’s Fall District Meetings, Planning for a Busy and Interesting Start to the New Year
Greetings all,
First, I want to again thank those that took the time to come out to our district meetings this fall across the province. We were very pleased with the attendance. Lots of great discussions were had around the opportunities and challenges facing the industry. The feedback we received on the potential expansion of livestock inspection services was very helpful for our board as we consider this complex endeavor.
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) also provided important updates to their programming. Changes to their predation monitoring will be helpful with directing policy as it relates to predator control and compensation. Specifically, MASC has acted on a resolution passed by MBP’s membership that asked MASC to consider tracking suspected predation-related livestock losses, and that this information be shared with government departments and agencies to help better inform the understanding of the scope of livestock predation issues, as well as associated program and policy discussions and decision-making in this area. Producer who suspect they have lost an animal to predation are asked to contact MASC to report the situation, and the MASC service centre staff will collect predation information for tracking purposes. MBP thanks MASC for moving to collect information on suspected losses.
MBP has been advocating for a cost-shared premium for LPI, similar to what is seen in crop insurance. This would make a more affordable insurance program for cattle producers. LPI is the only program that allows producers to proactively manage their price risk and it is particularly important for the cow-calf sector. Given the volatility of livestock markets, managing risk is critically important to producers’ long-term sustainability. We will continued to advocate for movement on this file.
information about participating local restaurants or visit https://burgeritforward.ca/. MBP will be supporting the campaign through a donation to Harvest Manitoba to help the organization meet its goals of reducing food insecurity in Manitoba.
Canada Beef’s Burger it Forward campaign is taking place at various restaurants in February. Watch our website, social media channels and the e-newsletter for information about participating local restaurants or visit https://burgeritforward.ca/. MBP will be supporting the campaign through a donation to Harvest Manitoba to help the organization meet its goals of reducing food insecurity in Manitoba.
This is your reminder of MBPs 46th AGM. It will be back in Winnipeg this year on February 20-21, 2025 at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre. The big topic for discussion during the business portion will be building on what was discussed at our district meetings around possibly expanding livestock inspection services in Manitoba. I strongly you encourage you to come share your perspectives as we continue down this path of potential implementation. We also will have a great lineup of speakers, such as Dr. Eric Behlke of TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, who will focus on utilizing technology in decision making, as well as updates from our national partners. The banquet is always a welcomed time to unwind and connect with friends in the sector.
MASC staff also gave an overview on Livestock Price Insurance (LPI). MBP strongly believes that there is inequity in insurance offerings in the agriculture sector, specifically for the livestock industry. This is why
Lots will be happening in the coming weeks and months on the communications front. Look for MBP at Ag Days (January 21-23 in Brandon), Discover Agriculture in the City (tentatively March 15 in Winnipeg), and the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair (March 31-April 5, Brandon). All of these are great industry or consumer-focused events to share the benefits of the beef sector and to update folks on key activities.
Canada Beef’s Burger it Forward campaign is taking place at various restaurants in February. Watch our website, social media channels and the e-newsletter for
WILD PIGS
As we get close to the year’s end, I look forward to seeing what 2025 will bring. There are lots of things happening on a global and local level that could influence our sector. The incoming administration of United States president-elect Donald Trump will be an area of focus for our colleagues in the Canadian Cattle Association and National Cattle Feeders Association, as renegotiation of the Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement (CUSMA) could impact dealings with our largest trading partner.
Merry Christmas and a happy New Year all.
SAVE THE DATE
Manitoba Beef Producers 46th AGM, President’s Banquet and Tradeshow
FEBRUARY 20-21, 2025
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre - 1808 Wellington Ave., Winnipeg
Resolutions Suggestion Form for 46th Manitoba Beef Producers AGM
MBP’s board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested resolutions for potential debate at its 46th Annual General Meeting set for February 20-21, 2025, at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre at 1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBP’s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the AGM. In consultation with the resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions.
Please note: If the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking.
Send the proposed resolution and your contact information to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Or, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220-530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 They will be accepted for consideration until 9 a.m. Friday, January 10, 2025. All resolutions for debate will be posted on MBP’s website.
Whereas
Whereas Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers
Your name:
Address: (include MBP District number if known)
Phone Number:
Email Address:
Nominate a Producer for The Environmental Stewardship Award
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 13, 2024 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).
TH ANNIVERSARY
Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. As stewards of a vast portion of the Canadian landscape, Canada’s beef cattle producers play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. They continuously strive to improve existing stewardship conservation practices to create a sustainable future – always farming for tomorrow.
Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm or ranch operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.
How to Nominate
All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. All methods are equally encouraged. More details and the application form can be found at: https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa
Note: If you are a producer who is considering self-nomination, MBP can provide you with guidance and suggestions on completing the application process. The completed application form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba info@mbbeef.ca no later than Friday, December 13, 2024. If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542. The time is now to purchase your Livestock Price Insurance policy and secure a market floor price on your cattle. Producers can choose from a wide range of coverage and policy lengths. If the cash market at the time of settlement is higher, producers can take advantage of those market prices. If the cash market is lower at the time of settlement, producers can count on Livestock
University of Manitoba and Industry Partners Are Promoting the Province’s Beef Production to the Public
BY PETER FROHLICH,
University of Manitoba’s (UM) Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) staff, graduate students and industry partners are working together to promote agriculture production in Manitoba through a series of public events. The goal of these events is to engage the general public, including school age children about Manitoba’s sustainable agriculture practices, to promote Manitoba’s agriculture and to celebrate where our food comes from. Informational displays and presentations emphasizing the Manitoba beef industry are a highlight of the fun, educational and interactive events.
Discover Agriculture on the Farm
The annual Discover Agriculture on the Farm event is hosted at the University of Manitoba’s Glenlea Research Station (GRS) and the Bruce D. Cambell Farm and Food Discovery Centre (FFDC), located 15 minutes south of Winnipeg. This free event offers interactive family fun and opportunities to talk with Manitoba farmers, see live animals and explore prairie crops. Every year the oneday event draws between 800 and 1,600 visitors in a four hour period. This past September the event featured 10 informational displays sponsored by several Manitoba commodity groups and agriculture organizations. The displays are interactive and include hands-on activities, games, food and recipe giveaways that are all focussed on fun learning about food production in Manitoba.
Updated and interactive MBP display attracts visitors of all ages
The recently updated eye-catching MBP display features information about the history of Manitoba beef farms and the type of commercial beef production operations found in the province: cow-calf, backgrounders or feedlots. Visitors can also learn about on farm food safety, the Verified Beef Production Plus Program and the economic impact of the beef industry in Manitoba, as well as the nutritional benefits of beef. Visitors can try hands-on activities that include comparing their height to that of a calf or a cow, and a magnetic board revealing environmental benefits of pastures and the role of cattle in maintaining these grasslands. Cummings adds that the interactive upgrades which focus more on sustainability are of great interest to teachers, students and the general public alike.
School age students learn where their food come from
The Amazing Agriculture Adventure is an annual week long event organized by Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba and hosted by the GRS and FFDC. Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba is a non-profit, charitable organization dedicated to developing curriculum-linked programs, resources and activities for educators and students to learn more about the importance of agriculture in Manitoba. During this event, students of all ages visit the UM facilities at the GRS to learn about food production in Manitoba. This past September approximately 700 students visited eight fun and interactive informational displays and learned about topics like beef, forage, chickens, eggs, bees and more.
Discover Agriculture in the City provides an opportunity to the public to explore the vibrant and innovative world of agriculture. The event highlights the contributions agriculture makes to the economy and includes interactive displays with hands-on activities, games, take home giveaways and prizes.
One of the highlights at this year’s event was a Shorthorn cow-calf pair brought in by Sigga Vigfusson, a 4H Manitoba member. The students were excited to be able to see and touch the two animals. Students also interacted with Clover, a cow model with a calf inside to learn about the calving process.
Visitors can also attend a UM Food Fight (a food product development competition organized by FAFS) and much more.
Discover Agriculture in the City
At this year’s event, visitors to the Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) informational display learned about the Manitoba beef industry, tried tasty food products made with Manitoba beef and had a chance to chat with MBP directors and beef producers Trevor Sund and Alfred Epp who provided firsthand information about beef farming. Those that visited the MBP display were also able to play the Guardians of the Grassands interactive game that teaches the public about carbon sequestration and the benefits of grazing and beef cattle in the ecosystem.
Kate Cummings, Manager of the FFDC says the event is important as it connects the public with primary producers in agriculture.
Discover Agriculture in the City is a “twin” event to Discover Agriculture on the Farm. This free event is focused on urban consumers that may not be able to get outside of the city to visit a Manitoba farm. It is held in the springtime at locations with lots of foot traffic like the Forks or a city mall. This past March the event was held at the Outlet Collection Mall in Southwest Winnipeg. Similar to its twin event, Discover Agriculture in the City provides an opportunity to the public to explore the vibrant and innovative world of agriculture. The event highlights the contributions agriculture makes to the economy and includes interactive displays with hands-on activities, games, take home giveaways and prizes. Visitors can also attend a UM Food Fight (a food product development competition organized by FAFS) and much more.
During the last day of the event, the commodity groups had a chance to chat with the high school students about the many careers available in agriculture.
Manitoba beef production gets international exposure
In October, students from England, Australia, the United States and from several Manitoba high schools learned about climate smart agriculture (CSA) including beef production at the Nutrients for Life Canada Global Student Summit. The event was held at Kelburn Farm. Kelburn farm is Richardson Internationals research and demonstration farm located south of Winnipeg. CSA refers to agriculture that sustainably increases productivity, enhances resilience and reduces greenhouse gas emissions. The focus of the annual three day event was to teach students about how CSA approaches can enhance global food security.
Janine Hansen, a graduate student from the Department of Animal Science was one of several
NATIONAL CENTRE FOR LIVESTOCK AND THE ENVIRONMENT, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA
Photo credit: University of Manitoba
speakers from FAFS. Hansen met with 60 students from local and international high schools and shared information about sustainable beef production systems in Manitoba. Her presentation included the basics of beef production, addressing questions like what is a ruminant and what are common cattle feeds. She spoke to the students about the role of pastures in carbon sequestration and the importance of maintaining and preserving prairie grasslands, as well as the benefits of grazing management practices like rotational grazing on soil health and biodiversity.
Other presentations by FAFS students and researchers focused on beneficial insects and pollinators, soil health and perennial cropping systems. The overall goal of the summit is for students to gain an appreciation of the components needed to create a sustainable farm system and this includes grazing cattle. The students demonstrate what they have learned by designing mock climate smart farms systems where beef production is an asset.
Curriculum-linked programming for Manitoba students
Throughout the year, the GRS and FFDC are hosts to numerous curriculum-linked programs to early, middle and senior year students. Curriculum-linked programs include presentations and tours given by FFDC staff that tie in with the school curriculum. Annually, approximately 260 classes visit the FFDC to learn more about Manitoba agriculture and sustainable food production systems. During these day-long programs, the students visit all the interactive displays and the barns at the GRS and FFDC. They learn about Manitoba agriculture, talk about beef cattle as natural grazers and watch the Guardians of the Grasslands video that demonstrates the benefits of beef production on the prairies.
For example, a popular program is Grade 5 Day where more than 250 students from the Pembina Trails School Division visit the GRS and the FFDC to learn
about the importance of agriculture and where their food comes from. Students that attended Grade 5 Day this past May learned about pork, beef, swine, dairy and egg production as well as prairie fruit farming from commodity group representatives, FFDC and GRS staff, and FAFS graduate students.
Be a part of learning
Producers are welcome to join the programs! Be a part of the interactive displays, chat with visitors and share your knowledge on sustainable agriculture in Manitoba with the public. If you are interested, please contact David Hultin, Communications and Marketing Lead with Manitoba Beef Producers at info@mbbeef. ca or 1-800-772-0458 and inquire about opportunities to be a part of the many public agriculture educational programs.
WEDNESDAY, December 11
Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Canada
New & Evolving Technologies: expert presentations for today’s producers Canada’s largest PORK QUALITY COMPETITION
Latest in livestock production techniques
Photo credit: University of Manitoba
Expansion of Manitoba Cow Herd is Still a Ways Away
As I sit down to write this edition of the Bottom Line, it is the week of November 11. If you follow my columns in Cattle Country, you will remember that I often mention the “Remembrance Day Wreck” in the cattle business. In my 45 years of marketing cattle, I have been witness to a sharp downward correction in the cattle prices many times at this time of the year. The correction is often driven by the large volume of calves on offer, a shortage of trucks, and a negative change in the weather.
This year, we all held our breath hoping that this strong calf market would continue past November 11. Guess what? Despite high volumes at markets across the country, the market got higher! The November weather remained fall-like, with little to no snow and warmer than normal temperatures. With so many calves from Manitoba going west and into the local backgrounding lots, the trucking shortage was manageable. The local backgrounding feedlots were ready to take large volumes of feeders about two to three weeks earlier than other years. With the extra feed available this year, markets saw more local producers at the markets purchasing
The Bottom Line
calves. Combine all of these factors, and demand was able to absorb the supply on offer without a downward price correction.
Demand for heifers showed tremendous strength in this week. 550-pound heifers surpassed $4.00 per pound and closed the spread between the heifer and steer prices. Some heifer classes have increased over 50 cents per pound in the past three weeks. There is nothing on the horizon that indicates the market breaking from now until January 1, 2025. The surprising observation is that, depending on whom you are talking to, the current cash calf market is $100 to $200 per head off side compared to the available future fed-cattle market, and that is with the current cheaper feed market worked into the feeding costs. The cattle feeders purchasing the 2024 calf crop are very optimistic!
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The cattle industry has been talking about the record low beef cow numbers in Canada and across North America. This should result in lower numbers of calves on the market. Favourable weather and pasture conditions have delayed deliveries in western Canada compared to previous years. As of November 1, 2024, both Alberta and Saskatchewan auction markets and electronic sales reported feeder cattle volumes down 19% from last year. Ontario auctions were running 8% behind last year. BC was down 32% from 2023. Manitoba was the only province to buck the trend, reporting 246,000 feeder cattle sales for 2024, up 1%.
If the first two weeks of November 2024 are any indication, those percentages should change. Many of the auctions are reporting record sale numbers in November. The strong market prices should bring even larger numbers of cattle to town for the remainder of the fall run. In Manitoba, steer prices from 400 to 600 pounds are 47 - 56 cents per pound higher than last year. Heifers of the same weights are 65 - 80 cents per pound higher. 600 to 700 pound steers in Manitoba were 39 cents per pound higher, with heifers up 42 cents per pound.
Producers in Manitoba are still selling a large percentage of their heifer crop this fall, indicating that any expansion in the Manitoba cow herd is at least two years away, despite large supplies of forage feed. We are coming to the conclusion of two years of very good calf prices and profitability in the cow-calf sector. However, producers are still not convinced that these prices are here to stay. Many plan to get their herd size back up to pre-drought inventory, but very few are talking about expansion. The reduction in interest rates lowers the carrying costs of the cow herd. The talk of $3,500 to $5,000 per head sales of bred stock has potential bred cow and heifer buyers having second thoughts of expanding at this time.
With Donald Trump’s election as president of the United States comes the great unknown with regards to agricultural trade with Canada’s biggest customer. One of Trump’s pre-election campaign promises was to lower the cost of food production in the USA and make farming there less costly and more profitable. There were hints of better production insurance plans, subsidies and tariffs on incoming products. If he is able to deliver on those promises, Canadian farmers and cattle producers would face more competition, resulting in less competitiveness with the American farmer. There was talk of M-COOL resurfacing which would be harmful to the Canadian industry.
2025 is the year to review the free trade agreement between Canada, the United States and Mexico. Trump talked about going further and re-negotiating the entire agreement. The carbon tax and supply-managed commodities in Canada will definitely be on Trump’s radar this term. Trump’s lack of respect for the current Canadian government may make the next year very difficult for the Canadian business sector. The unpredictability of Donald Trump, combined with how the rest of the world will react to his administration, brings a high level of uncertainty to world trade. Many feel that his current stance on the environment and energy production will help the economy in North America. If history repeats itself, Trump will fail to follow through on many of his campaign promises. Only time will tell. Until next time.
RICK WRIGHT
StockTalk Q&A Feature Brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture
Cindy Jack Livestock Specialist-Beef Manitoba Agriculture
Cindy.Jack@gov.mb.ca
Question: I know feeding cows trace minerals and vitamins in the final trimester is important for them, but does it have any benefits to the unborn calf?
Answer: During the final trimester of gestation, where 75 per cent of fetal growth occurs, the growth and development of the fetus in beef cattle is critical for ensuring healthy calves at birth. One of the key factors influencing this development is the availability of trace minerals and vitamins in the diet of the pregnant cow. Trace minerals, although required in small amounts, play a significant role in various physiological processes that are essential for fetal growth and overall health.
Key trace minerals and their functions
Zinc: Zinc is vital for DNA synthesis, cell division and immune function. It supports the development of the fetal skeletal system and contributes to the overall growth of the fetus. Adequate zinc levels during the final trimester can lead to healthier calves.
Copper: Copper is essential for the formation of connective tissue and the development of the cardiovascular system. It plays a role in iron metabolism and the prevention of anemia in both the cow and the fetus. Supplementing with copper can enhance fetal growth rates and reduce the risk of developmental issues.
Selenium: Selenium is known for its antioxidant properties and is crucial for immune function. In pregnant cattle, selenium supplementation can help prevent white muscle disease in calves, a condition that affects muscle development. Adequate selenium levels are associated with better calf vigor and reduced neonatal mortality.
Manganese: Manganese is involved in bone formation and the metabolism of carbohydrates and fats. It is essential for the proper development of the fetal skeleton and overall growth. Ensuring sufficient manganese levels can lead to improved skeletal health in calves.
The availability of these trace minerals in the diet can be influenced by various factors, including soil quality, forage composition and the overall diet of cattle. It is important to test your feed to ensure trace mineral deficiencies are properly addressed with supplementation. Research has shown that trace mineral supplementation can lead to significant improvements in fetal growth and overall calf health.
In addition to trace minerals, vitamins A and E play an essential role during the final trimester of gestation. Vitamin A is essential for the proper formation of vital organs and systems, including the eyes, lungs and immune system which are critical for the calf’s survival and health after birth. A deficiency in vitamin A can lead to developmental issues, night blindness, increased susceptibility to diseases and poor colostrum quality in the dam. Additionally, sufficient vitamin A supports the overall growth and vitality of the calf, ensuring it is strong and healthy at birth. Similarly, adequate levels of vitamin E in the diet can support proper fetal development, improve calf vigor at birth and enhance immune function, leading to healthy, thriving calves. This supplementation can also reduce the incidence of retained placentas and improve reproductive performance in the subsequent breeding season.
In summary, trace minerals and vitamins play a vital role in the fetal growth and development of beef cattle during the final trimester of gestation. Testing your feed is crucial for understanding the nutrient availability and allows you to make informed decisions on supplementing minerals and vitamins. By ensuring that pregnant cows receive adequate levels of zinc, copper, selenium and manganese, along with vitamin A and E, producers can significantly enhance the health and viability of their calves. This not only benefits the individual animals but also contributes to the overall productivity, performance and profitability of the beef cattle operation. Ensuring a well-balanced diet with proper trace minerals and vitamin supplementation is crucial for supporting fetal development, producing healthy calves that thrive after birth and achieving successful outcomes in beef cattle operations.
Share Your Voice
In the next issue of Cattle Country, a Manitoba Agriculture forage or livestock specialist will answer a selected question. Send your questions to Elizabeth. Nernberg@gov.mb.ca.
StockTalk for Cattle Country is brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture. We encourage you to email your questions to our department’s forage and livestock team. We are here to help make your cattle operation successful. Contact us today.
Andrea Bertholet Killarney 204-851-6087 Andrea.Bertholet@gov.mb.ca
Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale Beausejour 431-337-1688 Kristen.BouchardTeasdale@gov.mb.ca
Cindy Jack Arborg 204-768-0534 Cindy.Jack@gov.mb.ca
Juanita Kopp Beausejour 204-825-4302 Juanita.Kopp@gov.mb.ca
Elizabeth Nernberg Roblin 204-247-0087 Elizabeth.Nernberg@gov.mb.ca
The Importance of Vaccine Programs to Herd Health
DR. TANYA ANDERSON, DVM
The uptake of vaccination in calves is poorer than that in cows. According to a 2019 Western Canadian Cow Calf Surveillance Study all producers vaccinate for Clostridial diseases and 15% do not give respiratory vaccines to calves before weaning. Cow herd vaccination is done primarily for the prevention of reproductive diseases but some of those same viruses (BVD, IBR namely) cause pneumonia in young stock. Carryover of colostral antibody to calves helps provide protection for them within the first few months of life.
Calves are the most at-risk group in the herd for developing illness. They have immature immune systems and rely on colostral antibody transfer from their dams at birth. A solid cow herd vaccination and nutrition program will ensure that this transfer is the best it can be. But colostral immunity begins to wane by as early as two months depending on the disease organism and calves will then become more susceptible to disease unless their immune systems are boosted using vaccines.
Calves are also high risk for developing disease due to herd dynamics and modern large scale management
practices. Crowding and stress during processing, weaning, and shipping causes immunosuppression. Mixing of cattle from various sources at sale time through auction barns or when sorted for placement in the feedlot also increases the risk of disease transmission. Vaccination of calves prior to leaving the farm and going to the feedlot is crucial to ensure lowered sickness rates post-weaning.
Choosing not to vaccinate because you don’t have health issues on your farm may be a valid comment but if you are wanting to sell your calves or are considering entering the bred cow/ heifer market, no vaccinations equates to poor management and flags your operation as high risk for both disease and even antibiotic resistance. Some in the industry feel that the time will soon come where tracebacks to the herd of origin by cattle feeders will happen. Don’t be the producer who becomes known for cattle with high sickness and death losses in the feedlot.
Feedlot technologies are improving as new devices such as the Whisper and QuantifiedAg programs allow better and earlier sick calf detection despite the labour shortage issues plaguing the whole agricultural indus-
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try. However, due to tightening regulations on the use of antibiotics in food production systems, the lack of new antibiotics in the pipeline and the paucity of effective alternative feed additives to boost immune function, we need to focus more on prevention rather than treatment.
Pharmaceutical companies are making great strides in the development of better vaccines that stimulate multiple aspects of the immune system ‒ both mucosal and systemic. Research is demonstrating how cattle respond to infections by IBR, BVD, PI3, BRSV, Mannheimia, Pasteurella, Histophilus and Mycoplasma. Knowing that response then helps them develop vaccines that support and aid that response to prevent infection or to at least minimize the damage following infection.
Programs must be tailored to your operation’s health problems and to meet your ultimate marketing program requirements. Don’t forget that environmental factors like malnutrition, dehydration, dust, and stress will undermine the positive effects of your vaccination program. That is where the challenges of the transport regulations lie. The job of the cow calf producer is to prepare calves for shipment, so they have a chance to arrive at the feedlot before their “best before” date.
Winter Fair
Tourtière Hand Pies
Ingredients:
1lb Ground Beef, lean
1 Cup Mushrooms, minced
¼ Cup Celery, minced
½ Cup Onion, grated
¼ Cup Carrot, grated
½ tsp Cinnamon, ground
METHOD FILLING:
Healt H Manage M ent
334 Park Avenue BRANDON MB 204-727-7807 807 45th St N LETHBRIDGE AB 403-380-6650
¼ tsp Nutmeg, ground
¼ tsp Allspice, ground
2 tsp Kosher salt
¼ tsp Black pepper, ground
1 Cup Russet potato, grated
¼ Cup Walnuts, rough chop (optional)
1. Add grated potato to ½ cup of cold water. Allow to sit.
2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium high heat.
3. Brown ground beef in pan then add mushrooms, celery, onion and carrot. Sautee until softened slightly, about 5 minutes.
4. Add all spices and seasonings. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Strain potatoes from water, reserving water.
6. Pour water into meat mixture, scraping bottom to remove any burnt bits from the bottom, while thickening mixture (due to starchy potato water).
7. Remove mixture from heat and stir in grated potato and chopped walnuts.
8. Allow mixture to cool in the fridge so it’s no longer warm to the touch.
ASSEMBLY:
½ Cup Potato water (see directions)
1 lb Pre-made pie pastry (9” rounds)
1 Egg, whisked
1. Preheat oven to 375 F.
2. Using a pre-made pastry dough pre-rolled to 9”, slice down the middle to create two half-moon shapes.
3. Lightly brush all edges with egg wash.
4. Scoop about ½-¾ Cup of chilled meat mixture into bottom half of half-moon.
5. Fold top half over onto bottom half and secure all seams with a fork. Place it onto a prepared sheet pan with parchment paper.
6. Repeat with the remaining meat mixture and dough.
7. Brush all top surfaces of meat pies with egg wash and cut 3-4 slits on top as air vents.
8. Bake for 25-30 minutes until pastry is golden brown and baked through.
9. Remove from oven and allow to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.
A Tradition Filled With Flavour –Meat Pies, Including Tourtière
BY: ANNA BORYS, MBP FOOD EXPERT
I’ll be perfectly honest; I haven’t eaten too many tourtières in my lifetime. Nor do I even really know the history behind it, so I did what any good Millennial might do and Googled “tourtière” and went down a rabbit hole of this long-standing Canadian tradition.
Meat pies are in no way a new thing, nor are they exclusive to Canada. Meat pies date back to at least 1600 BCE but became a staple as they remained common through the Middle Ages, and still remain a popular dish today. In fact, Canadian tourtière became a thing before Canada actually became a thing, seeing as it was created in Quebec when it was just a French settlement.
Although traditionally made with a variety of game like rabbit, moose, pheasant or even pigeon, the inevitable evolution with time has seen this recipe become more suited for today’s mainstream proteins such as beef, pork, and veal. Some even go as far as plant based. We won’t discriminate against whatever blend of proteins you choose, but we’re partial to a 100% ground beef tourtière.
I will be the last one to say this recipe is “traditional”, but that’s the beauty of cooking; you can make it your own. That’s exactly what many Canadian families have done over the years. Some enjoy tourtière with gravy, applesauce or chili sauce, whereas we enjoyed these with classic Heinz ketchup. Trademarked possibly by its distinctive Christmas-forward spices, you may enjoy a different blend of spices or even have a favourite pie pastry recipe but as long as you have
some type of spiced meat filling in a
crust, I think you’re on the right track.
Although I do have a favourite pie pastry recipe, I opted for a storebought variety that came in the form of pre-formed 9” rounds that I just sliced down the middle, filled and sealed shut. In my opinion, any dinner can be made so much better if it can be handheld. I got about five to six large tourtière hand pies from this recipe, so I had
a bit of leftover pastry which was so convenient to stuff with some apple pie filling, brush with egg wash and top with coarse sugar, then baked for a sweet treat afterwards. Enjoy!
Source: Peyton, G. (n.d.). Iconic Canadian Food: Tourtière – Canada’s Meat Pie. Retrieved from Food Bloggers of Canada: https://www.foodbloggersofcanada.com/tourtiere-canadas-meat-pie/
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