E-Newsletter - calendar year 2014

mbbeef.ca

December 12, 2014

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Ohler to deliver keynote address at MBP AGM

Prairie Livestock Expo

The Prairie Livestock Expo was held Wednesday at Winnipeg’s Victoria Inn. The event included a number of events including a talk from Dr. Kim Ominski of the University of Manitoba who spoke to producers about the cost of extreme weather to their breeding herd.

Find Us Online Facebook.com @ManitobaBeef

mbbeef.ca

The man who encourages producers to “Think outside the barn,” will be the keynote speaker at the Manitoba Beef Producers Annual General Meeting in February.

Alberta native Dan Ohler will deliver the keynote address during the President’s Banquet which is one of the featured events of the two-day AGM that is scheduled for Feb. 5-6 at Brandon’s Victoria Inn. A life coach, relationship coach, motivational speaker and author, Ohler will use his humour to deliver a positive message about making “accountable choices to work with others as an

Dan Ohler

effective community,” according to an online biography.

“Dan's humorous, high-energy, engaging style gets results! His stories have clear and profound life lessons.

Continued on Page 2

Upcoming Events Dec. 16

StockTalk webinar. Topic: Keeping backgrouder calves healthy and health issues in the breeding herd. To register click here.

Dec. 18

Beef Cattle Research Council webinar. Topic: Management during calving season for healthier, more productive cows and calves.

To register please click here.

doesn’t hurt once in a while.”

Artz and his wife of 44 years, Becky, have been workManitoba Beef Producers ing their operation of approximately 450 head of cattle just northwest of Lyleton, Manitoba for over four decades, after moving to the Great White North from Antler, North Dakota in 1973.

Artz remains active on the farm alongside his eldest son Matt, who is transitioning into taking over for his father once Artz backs away from the business.

Artz takes a pragmatic view on retirement seeing it as part of the natural cycle of the agriculture industry as one

Beef Producers almost 40 ting done and why,” says learned the most is that ev- who exited agricu years ago, after attending Artz. “So Becky asked me, erything takes time,” says ing the more diffi but I2guess that a district meeting in Delo- ‘Do you just want to stand Artz. “Governments and bu-Page Newsletter raine and an Annual General around and complain, or do reaucracy move at different too stubborn or Meeting in Melita. Prior to you want to try to go out and pace than anybody else does do anything else,” “There were tim the process is terrifically about it?’ And and this, ArtzYou was experience not particu- do thesomething hurt and happiness, tears and triumph, 'suckyslow, costly, and frustrating.” few bankers sugg larly active with the associa- that’s basically why I did it.” ness' and success Once as he shares experiences that motivate you to Artz believes that having it would be a sma in, Artz found there tion and he found these early look at your life in an 'outside the barn' kind-of-way. encounters to be educational, to be a steep learning curve longevity in the cattle indus- pack it all in in; a You will know that has "been there, done that" astohe shares comes down having a they were right. B for Dan the director’s seat. He be- try if not a little overwhelming. in a next year ind passion for the business and came particularly interested “I wasvaluable never really inlife lessons learned through his varied past and present volved in this sort of stuff in the issues surrounding that being a Manitoba beef my next years experiences as a husband, father, farmer, agricultural lender, land before and I probably had trade, Country Of Origin producer is not simply about ran out; and I am in theLabeling, oil and and gas the industry, operator, andthey didn’t. It the money. Artz also knows openingagri-tourism the deer consultant in the headlights that passion alone does not like the cattle bu of borders the transfer of look, justprofessional trying to comspeaker,” theto biography noted. bills andthat thatwill there a real good futu product. he pay the prehend what the speech hell was is Ohler’s part ofUnfortunately, a packed two-day program going on,” says Artz. “They also discovered that politics have been trying times for forward.” include breakout sessions and panel discussions aimed at produc-As Artz mo were talking about all kinds would often bog down the the beef industry in recent ers. of different issues — a lot of association’s ability to deliver years, from B.S.E. to overland from directorsh flooding. eventually — th results. stuff that The I hadAGM never will reallyopen with the two breakout sessions. In one session

In the News A look at the news and other information impacting Manitoba’s Beef industry

members will be able to learn about how to capitalize on new market opportunities while the other will look at programs and initiatives that can help producers move their operation forward.

On the afternoon of Feb. 5 the formal portion of the AGM will be held. Agriculture Minister Ron Kostysyhn will be on hand to deliver the opening remarks while MBP President Heinz Reimer and General Manager Melinda German will also deliver their reports. The How many 2014-born and also the Western Beef De-at• the on cow-calf productivity. financial report will be presented meeting.

Followingchecked. That years ago, how calves were weaned? velopment Centre.

In addiSo whenthe producers raise reports members will begin debating the many resolutions that questions about reduced tion to being handed out at • When do you provide think we fair no were brought atdistrict the 14meetings, district meetings held throughout Knowing p trace mineral to your the MBP conception rates relatedforward the province. performance be cows? to time of calving, the you are likely to also see • discussion Do you creep feed? the survey handed benchmarks havewill areresume Thewe AGM Feb.being 6 with a panel that is cer-is important. ment practices • Do you pregnancy check? out at events throughout 16 years tain old to andbethe inof interest to producers. Entitled “The changing face of From the survey re- productivity and dustry has changed sig- the winter, such as Branand the opportunities presents,” the distivity influences sponsesit we can generate don AgDays, Agribition, nificantlyCanada’s since then.beef industry cussion will feature Manitoba producer Brett McRae who recently But that is about to Cow-Calfenomics, or the production performance ity. Increasing p measures thein industry.

Saskatchewan Beeffor Induschange with resurrecwonthe a major video blog contest his entry on aforday the life ity of through a ma practice change From the 1998 survey try Conference. tion of aa study last conproducer and Trish Sahlstrom of A&W Canada. A&W has drawn The questions have we learned that the av- to increases in ducted in Alberta in 1998. the ire Canadian of producers the country their controversial cow:bull ratio was pounds of calf w been throughout revamped and ex- eragefor The Western campaigns in thean operation w theantibiotics average wean pandedregarding somewhathormones from 26:1,and Cow-Calfmarketing (WCCC) Survey 1998popular survey, hamburgers. but for weight was 576 lb, the creases profitabil is being beef rolled they out across serve the in their average breeding season the most are still Western Day Canada fall, AGM twothis of the will part alsowe feature reports from the Beef Cattle Results from t starting with the provin- asking the same questions length was 93 days, and survey will iden Canfax, theand Canadian Associa- we have stren average conception man- theCattleman’s cial cattleResearch associationCouncil, dis- on productivity tion and National Cattle Feeders Association.

Aper Verified Beef where we can rate was 95.6 cent. We agement practices of cowtrict meetings from the British provements on also learned that on avercalf producers.

ColumbiaProduction to Manitoba. workshop will alsoQuestions be held during the afternoon of Feb. age 48 per cent of cows duction practices like: The survey wasinterested developed producers.

6 for through a joint effort be- • What were your start calved in the first 21 days formance meas register profor the AGM, goyour to: www.mbbeef.ca/36th-annuof the calving season, that can also use th and endplease dates for tween theToprovincial al-general-meeting-and-presidents-banquet. for the findings to guid centdeadline of operations 2013 breeding season? 30 perThe ducer associations, the quality tested their forage, and extension to provincialearly ministries ag- • How many cows calved bird of registration is Jan. 5.

- Demand for Canadian beef remains very strong

WCCCS: determining producti its link to profi tability - Straight talk about In January 2014, a the use of steroids and meeting was convened hormones cattle during thein Saskatchewan

Beef Industry Conference to discuss producers’ claims that they had moved their calving start date to May and had seen reduced conception rates.

Kathy Larson with the Western Beef Development Centre (WBDC) was part of that meeting because of her experience collecting production data from producers when calculating cost of production. WBDC’s cost of production study is a very small sample size (typically 20-30 producers) and yes, some production data is collected, but details on breeding season start and end dates or cow:bull ratios are not.

The reality is, we do not riculture, Canfax, the Beef have current benchmarks Cattle Research Council

- Five common myths about meat that have been debunked

- Weighing the benefits of leasing and owning - COOL is also having a negative impact on the inudustry in the U.S.

on your operation in that less than 50 per cent the productivity of operations pregnancy itability of cow 2014? ducers.

The survey is tions long and sh between 30 and 4 Producers in the Riding Mountain Eradication Area (RMEA) can expect to start receiving to complete. The calls regarding the On-Farm Risk Assessments for Bovine Tuberculosis (TB) in the New an online versio Year. These assessments are an integral part of the ongoing risk mitigation efforts survey on Weste undertaken by producers that have assisted in the overall management of TB in the website: www.w RMEA, allowing Canada to maintain its TB Free status. Every effort will be made by MBP wcccs.htm. The also has additio staff to make the assessment process go efficiently and at the producer’s convenience. mation about th All cattle producers are indebted to the continued effort and participation of their survey. For those counterparts in the RMEA in the ongoing management of the TB situation. ing hard copy

! Notice from the TB Coordinator

www.mbbeef.ca

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 3

Canadian Cattleman’s Association continues battle against COOL legislation From CCA Action News Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) officials hit the trail again, meeting with U.S. cattle industry allies to ensure they remain motivated by the potential of retaliatory tariffs to lobby U.S. politicians to fix U.S. mandatory Country of Origin Labeling (COOL).

CCA President Dave Solverson met with representatives from Minnesota, Nebraska, Colorado and Montana in Regina at a roundtable organized by the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association on November 25.

CCA Director Doug Sawyer and CCA Director of Government and International Relations John Masswohl were in Kansas, and this week Solverson and Masswohl will visit Iowa and Nebraska. Masswohl had also been in Washington D.C. and Washington State earlier in November.

“These missions are important as these states rely on importing both feeders and fed cattle from Canada to keep their feedlots and packing plants operating at efficient levels. The vast majority of U.S. cattle producers recognize COOL for the long-term threat that it represents to their businesses,” Solverson said.

The CCA also plans to attend the American Farm Bureau (AFB)

meetings in mid-January. AFB’s position is that they support COOL but feel it needs to be WTO compliant. “We will make sure they understand that Canada is serious about imposing tariffs on a wide variety of U.S. agriculture and processed products if the discrimination against our livestock is not eliminated,” he said. “We hope they will adopt a more proactive position in support of Canada’s position.”

Solverson emphasized that at this stage, the CCA is interested in the right fix as opposed to a fast fix. This would involve the U.S. making an appropriate resolution to COOL that is acceptable to Canada and Mexico in order to avoid retaliation.

These various meetings are timely following the November 28 decision by the U.S. to appeal the World Trade Organization (WTO) Compliance Panel ruling of October 20, which found that the U.S. has failed to bring its COOL program into compliance with its WTO obligations. While the appeal was expected, it is the U.S.’s final procedural option before Canada can exercise its right to retaliate, and the CCA remains focused on eliminating the unfair discrimination on U.S. imports of cattle (and hogs).

Efforts like these keep the COOL reform momentum building in the

U.S., including with groups that will be impacted by the retaliation that will follow if the WTO again rules in Canada’s favour on this latest appeal. The CCA believes the U.S. will lose their appeal which we view as a stall tactic.

While this process is expected to take several months, with a decision perhaps as early as the spring of 2015, the CCA believes it will be faster than many of its U.S. opponents anticipate.

The Compliance Panel decision marked the third time that the WTO has found the U.S. has failed to meet its international trade obligations. Moreover, their report made it clear that it is the U.S. COOL legislation that is causing discrimination against imports of live cattle and hogs in the U.S. marketplace.

The impact of COOL on the combined Canadian cattle and hog sectors was estimated in 2012 to be about $1.1 billion per year; however, the impact has increased since the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) amended the regulation in 2013.

The CCA will continue to work with the Government of Canada on the COOL file until it is fully resolved, including preparing to impose tariffs on U.S. exports selected from the June 2013 list of targeted commodities, including beef.

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 4

Verified Beef Production Workshops MAFRD together in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers will be hosting Verified Beef Production workshops by video conference throughout the winter at a number of MAFRD locations in the province.

VBP is Canada's verified on-farm food safety program for beef – a dynamic program to uphold consumer confidence in the products and good practices of this country's beef producers.

Grass-roots driven and industry-led, the program is part of a broad effort by Canada's food providers to ensure on-farm food safety. The overall result is stronger competitiveness for Canada's beef industry, as food safety continues to grow as a major factor in consumer buying decisions.

Verified Beef Production Video Conference Workshops All workshops will take place from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Date

Location

Pre-register by

Thursday, Nov 20, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Nov 13, 2014

Thursday, Dec 18, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Dec 11, 2014

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Jan 8, 2015

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Feb 12, 2015

Thursday, March 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, March 12, 2015

For more information on the training, to find your closest video location site or to preregister, call your local MAFRD office.

REGISTER TODAY!

36TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & PRESIDENT’S BANQUET February 5-6, 2015 | Victoria Inn, Brandon, MB REGISTER AT WWW.MBBEEF.CA OR CALL 1-800-772-0458.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS 36TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.MBBEEF.CA OR MAIL OR FAX YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY! EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $75 PER PERSON

PERSON 1: q EARLY BIRD $75 q GENERAL $90

• Must be purchased by Monday, January 5, 2015 at 4 p.m.

NAME: _______________________________________________

• Package includes admission to all MBP meetings, lunch on February 5, coffee breaks, 1 FREE Banquet ticket (value: $50).

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

• Non-refundable.

POSTAL CODE: ________________________________________

Book early to get your best value!

MEETING ONLY (NO BANQUET) $40 PER PERSON GENERAL REGISTRATION $90 PER PERSON - AFTER JAN. 5 • Package includes admission to all MBP meetings, lunch on February 5, coffee breaks, 1 FREE Banquet ticket (value: $50).

• Non-refundable.

q MEETING ONLY (NO BANQUET) $40

CITY/TOWN: __________________________________________

ADDITIONAL AGM DETAILS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MBBEEF.CA UNDER THE NEWS TAB.

PHONE: ______________________________________________ FAX: _________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________ PERSON 2 (IF REQUIRED): q EARLY BIRD $75 q MEETING ONLY (NO BANQUET) $40 q GENERAL $90 q YOUNG PRODUCER *Complimentary with mentor’s registration NAME: _______________________________________________

NEW! YOUNG PRODUCER MENTORSHIP OFFER

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

• MBP members are encouraged to mentor and register a young producer (ages 18 to 39).

CITY/TOWN: __________________________________________

• The young producer receives a complimentary registration with a mentor’s registration.

PHONE: ______________________________________________

• Package includes admission to all MBP meetings, lunch on February 5, coffee breaks, 1 FREE Banquet ticket (value: $50).

MAKE CHEQUE PAYABLE TO: Manitoba Beef Producers 220 - 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 PHONE: 1-800-772-0458 FAX: 204-774-3264

RESERVE A ROOM: Call the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre toll free: 1-800-852-2710 Quote booking number: 268463

POSTAL CODE: ________________________________________ FAX: _________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________ EXTRA BANQUET TICKET NAME: _______________________________________________ q BANQUET $50 *Banquet tickets are non-refundable.

www.mbbeef.ca

Click here to register for the 36th Manitoba Beef Producers Annual General Meeting

The Western Canada Feedlot Management School is back for 2015 – with a few new twists!

This year’s school will cater to the backgrounder who may be new to cattle feeding. Whether you are feeding 50 head or 5000 head, this school will provide you with excellent information to sharpen your cattle feeding skills. In addition to the classroom presentations, there will be a tour of two operations providing attendees a first-hand look at how to background calves. Be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and experienced producers.

Fax:

Prov/State:

_____________________

Registration Form

Webcast: Also new for 2015 is a webcast option for attendees. If you are unable to travel to Saskatoon, you will be able to join the school remotely via the internet. There will also be four satellite locations where attendees can gather including the SK Ministry of Ag Regional offices in Tisdale, Lloydminster, Weyburn and Swift Current. In these locations, Regional Livestock Specialists will be on site to help answer questions or direct questions to presenters/panels in Saskatoon.

Name: Company: Address: City: Postal/Zip Code: Phone: Email: Registration Fees & Deadlines: (Please check one) Full Registration - $250 (includes all meals and transportation for the tour) Student - $175 Online Participant - $100 (for anyone joining the school remotely) Satellite Participant - $125 (for anyone attending one of the satellite locations - includes lunch on day one). Preferred location: Swift Current Weyburn Tisdale Lloydminster

Registration in advance is required for Saskatoon, online and Satellite attendees.

For more details, visit the website www.saskcattle.com phone (306) 969-2666 or email office@saskcattle.com.

Accommodation info: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Travelodge Hotel at the rate of $139 until December 28, 2014. Please call the Hotel directly at (306) 242-8881 to book your room.

Acknowledgements: WCFMS is supported by the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Development Fund administered by the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. Financial support was also provided by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Presented by : Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association University of Saskatchewan, Department of Animal and Poultry Science Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Method of Payment: Please select one method of payment & complete details below.

Pay by Cheque Make cheque payable to ‘Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association’ in Canadian funds and mail with a completed copy of this registration form.

Pay by Credit Card - Visa/Mastercard

Credit Card #: Expiry Date (MM/YY): Name (as appears on the front of the card): Signature: I authorize the use of my credit card (By agreeing, you authorize the use of your credit card. Your credit card statement will read “Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association”)

Return completed form and payment to: Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association PO Box 95 Ceylon, SK SOC OTO or Fax (306) 969-2226

17th Western Canada Feedlot Management School

The Backgrounder’s Edition

JANUARY 27 - 29, 2015

Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon, SK

Visit www.saskcattle.com for more info

9:00

8:00

Developing the Right Rations for Your Cattle Take a look at feed options and how by-products, and non-traditional feed ingredients may be incorporated into backgrounding rations. Get an understanding of feed value incorporating both economics and nutritional quality.

John McKinnon, University of Saskatchewan and Kim McLean, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Refreshment and Networking Break Attracting and Retaining Employees The success of every operation depends on its people.

Learn some key points to incorporate in your search for employees and important strategies to creating a work environment where people will want to stay.

Dawn Hillrud, Sourcing People

Producer Panel on Recruiting and Keeping Employees Sheri Pedersen, Pound-Maker Agventures, Dave Kerr, Kerr Brothers, George Ekman, E-Kay Enterprises, Eric Buyer

Adjourn Cocktails and Supper

Carrie Cholak, Farm Credit Canada

This session will focus on lending options for cattle feeders as well as the importance of developing a relationship with your lenders. Learn which key measures lenders consider and the importance of effectively communicating a financial plan.

Developing Relationships with Lenders and Exploring Lending Options

So you have the most recent market data – now what?

This session will provide an overview of the markets with a focus on understanding how to use market data in your operation to maximize profits.

Greg Appleyard, AgriRisk

Understanding and Interpreting Market Data

Thursday, January 29, 2015 ECONOMICS

5:00 6:00

4:15

3:15

LABOUR ISSUES

2:45

1:45

January 27 to 29, 2015 Travelodge, Saskatoon, SK Wednesday, January 28, 2015 (cont.)

Refreshment and Networking Break 10:30

Western Livestock Price Insurance Program

Return to Saskatoon – Closing Remarks and Certificates

This tour will allow producers to see a modern feeding facility used for backgrounding growing steers and heifers and wintering pregnant beef cows. The focus will be on facility design, feeding and health strategies and information management. Again, there will be plenty of discussion and opportunities for attendees to interact with staff and owners during this tour.

Primrose Livestock – Outlook, SK

See first-hand how this family run operation manages backgrounding of retained steers and heifers including health, nutrition and marketing of animals. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn from an experienced producer.

Fuglerud Ranch – Broderick, SK

Conclude Classroom Portion of Workshop Board Bus for Tour – Lunch on Bus

Joe Jackson, Jameson, Gilroy and B&L Livestock

Cattle feeding is a risky business. This dynamic session will leave you with an understanding of the main risk factors in feeding cattle as well as the tools available to manage risk.

Understanding Risk and Tools for Reducing Financial Risk

Jodie Griffin, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp.

This program is now available for beef commodities from calves to finished animals. Get an overview of the program and how it can protect your operation from volatile markets.

5:30

3:00

1:15

TOUR

12:00 12:15

11:00

MANAGING RISK

10:00

Thursday, January 29, 2015 (cont.)

17th Western Canada Feedlot Management School - The Backgrounder’s Edition Registration – Meet and Greet

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 7:00 - 9:00pm Registration and Breakfast Opening Remarks and Introduction – From the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 8:00 9:00

Lunch

Chad Ross, Ross L-7 Feeders, Kristen Hunter, Buffalo Plains Cattle Co., Steve Pylot, Bar P Land and Cattle, Kyle Primrose, Primrose Livestock

Refreshment and Networking Break Producer Panel on Management of Health Issues

Dr Nathan Erickson, DVM, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Learn to identify acute and chronic respiratory diseases including mycoplasma pneumonia and how they affect your bottom line.

Bovine Respiratory Disease – the Big Thief

Dr Kent Fenton DVM, Feedlot Health Management Services

Identifying health risk in retained and purchased calves. Strategies to reduce health risk in feeder cattle and the importance of developing induction protocols.

Understanding Health Risk Status of Calves and Management Strategies

ANIMAL HEALTH 9:15

10:00

10:45 11:15

12:00

Backgrounding 101 – Developing a Nutrition Program

NUTRITION 1:00

The basics of backgrounding diets – what to look for, setting goals and monitoring your feeding program.

To be announced.

*Agenda subject to change

Attention Cattle Producers

Find out what MASC’s loan options for cattle mean to you The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation has been providing financial assistance to producers for over 50 years.

If you are a cattle producer looking to grow your operation, you should learn more about how we can help you.

Stocker Loans – these loans provide short-term financing for producers who purchase feeder cattle or heifers for breeding.

Direct Loans – these loans can be used for purchasing or raising breeding stock with terms up to ten years. Unbred heifers purchased for breeding have a first-year interest-only option.

All our loans feature no pre-payment penalties and our low rates are fixed with flexible repayment terms that match your cash flow.

To learn more about how MASC’s financing options will help you grow your operation, please contact your local MASC lending office or visit masc.mb.ca

Lending and Insurance Building a strong rural Manitoba

MASC – Lending – Cattle Loans

Southeast Beef & Forage Day Thursday, January 15th, 2015 Vita MB Ukrainian National Home of Vita (Hall)

November 28, 2014

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Upcoming Events Dec. 9 & 10 Forage and Livestock Symposium For more information please click here.

Dec. 10 Prairie Livestock Expo.

Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, Winnipeg. For more info click here.

Find Us Online

mbbeef.ca

Facebook.com

@ManitobaBeef

What’s For Supper?

Two students check out the Canadian Beef Buying and Cooking Guide during the Amazing Rangeland Adventure Nov. 6 in Brandon. Manitoba Beef Producers was among the groups involved in the event and spoke to students about buying and cooking beef and gave each of them a guide to take home.

Survey looking into labour needs on the farm The issue of labour shortages in the agriculture industry is becoming a major concern throughout the country and particularly in Manitoba where a number of people are flocking to Saskatchewan and Alberta for high paying jobs in the oilfield.

With that in mind, the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) recently announced a survey to look at the

country’s Ag workforce from every commodity and region.

In a posting on their website, the CAHRC said they need help from all corners of the agricultural sector to answer a number of important questions including: how much farm work is done by family members and how much is done by employees? What work is done by domestic and or foreign Continued on page 2

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

In the News A look at the news and other information impacting Manitoba’s Beef industry - Quarantine pens reducing risks on Manitoba farms.

- Funding available to help cover Verified Beef Program costs - Farmers’ incomes beefed up - Record heavy U.S. cattle won’t ground sky high beef prices - Increasing wolf numbers worry Manitoba producers - Oil boom creating labour shortage on the farm If you have an article that may be of interest to E-Newsletter readers please email csaxon@mbbeef.ca

Page 2

workers? Is there a growing reliance on hiring employees to support farm operations? What labour challenges are facing producers today?

By answering the online survey, which will take about 10 to 15 minutes to complete, producers will be ensure their needs are included in the work that will help “government and educators create policies and programs that will shape future farm labour requirements.”

The CAHRD post also noted it is imperative that they learn about producer opinions on the opportunities, challenges and issues that their operation face, as well as their suggestions for improving the agricultural workforce. Participation in the survey is completely confidential and voluntary.

To take part in the survey, click the area that applies to you.

Employer (farm owner/operators): Please complete this survey if you are a farm business owner, or a farm manager who is completing the survey on behalf of the owner.

Worker (farm worker, family or paid): Please complete this survey if you are a family member working in the farm business, paid or unpaid, or a non-family worker hired by the farm business.

Stakeholder: This survey will be completed by provincial governments, provincial agricultural sector councils, agricultural associations, commodity groups, labour organizations and researchers interested in labour issues.

MANITOBA FORAGE AND LIVESTOCK SYMPOSIUM December 9th & 10th, 2014 • Canad Inn, Portage La Prairie, MB Sponsored by

To register contact the MAFRD Dauphin Go Centre at 204-622-2006 Early Bird deadline is November 21st Topics include: 3 Achieving Profitability 3 Striking a Balance 3 Energy-dense Forages 3 Forage Restoration

3 Grass Fed Beef 3 MASC Insurance Programs 3 Producer Panel – Doing Things Differently!

Interested in the trade show? Contact the MAFRD Pilot Mound Go Office at 204-825-3512 or by e-mail: jo.gardiner@gov.mb.ca

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 3

New Director

October 3, 2014 District 1 Director Ted Artz (left) shakes mbbeef.ca Outgoing hands with incoming director Gord Adams following the District 1 meeting Nov. 13 in Deloraine. Adams was elected as the new director for District 1 by acclamation and will officially join the board in February. District 3 will also have a new director as Peter Penner was elected to take over from Cheryl McPherson who chose not to run for re-election.

E-Newsletter www.prairielivestockexpo.ca An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

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Beef and Cattle related research topics to be featured at Prairie Livestock Expo

Where the livestock industry CONNECTS...

Wednesday, December 1O Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre WINNIPEG, MB

10:10 Qiang Zhang - Electrostatic particle ionization for reducing airborne PRRS virus.

10:50 Ehsan Khafipour, Hein Min Tun, Jacqueline Donogh - PEDV survivability and infectivity in Manitoba lagoons – a pilot study.

11:10 Kees Plaizier - Phosphorus management on Manitoba dairy farms.

2:00 Kim Ominski - The cost of extreme weather to your beef breeding herd.

2:20 Trevor Fraser - Nitrogen and phosphorus in solid and liquid manures: The tortoise versus the hare.

2:40 Anna Rogiewicz and Bogdan Slominski - High inclusion levels of canola meal in poultry diets.

Prairie Livestock Expo announces expansion for 2014 More than 140 exhibits

MULTI-SPECIES LIVESTOCK SHOW featuring: hog, beef, dairy, sheep, poultry, bison, goat...

The latest in livestock production techniques NEW & EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES: expert presentations for today’s producers

One of the province’s top agriculture industries.

Canada’s largest Pork Quality Competition shows is undergoing a facelift in 2014. free admission / free parking door prizes The exhibits will/provide attendees with

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 4

Verified Beef Production Workshops MAFRD together in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers will be hosting Verified Beef Production workshops by video conference throughout the winter at a number of MAFRD locations in the province.

VBP is Canada's verified on-farm food safety program for beef – a dynamic program to uphold consumer confidence in the products and good practices of this country's beef producers.

Grass-roots driven and industry-led, the program is part of a broad effort by Canada's food providers to ensure on-farm food safety. The overall result is stronger competitiveness for Canada's beef industry, as food safety continues to grow as a major factor in consumer buying decisions.

Verified Beef Production Video Conference Workshops All workshops will take place from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Date

Location

Pre-register by

Thursday, Nov 20, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Nov 13, 2014

Thursday, Dec 18, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Dec 11, 2014

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Jan 8, 2015

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Feb 12, 2015

Thursday, March 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, March 12, 2015

For more information on the training, to find your closest video location site or to preregister, call your local MAFRD office.

Attention Cattle Producers

Find out what MASC’s loan options for cattle mean to you The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation has been providing financial assistance to producers for over 50 years.

If you are a cattle producer looking to grow your operation, you should learn more about how we can help you.

Stocker Loans – these loans provide short-term financing for producers who purchase feeder cattle or heifers for breeding.

Direct Loans – these loans can be used for purchasing or raising breeding stock with terms up to ten years. Unbred heifers purchased for breeding have a first-year interest-only option.

All our loans feature no pre-payment penalties and our low rates are fixed with flexible repayment terms that match your cash flow.

To learn more about how MASC’s financing options will help you grow your operation, please contact your local MASC lending office or visit masc.mb.ca

Lending and Insurance Building a strong rural Manitoba

MASC – Lending – Cattle Loans

The Western Canada Feedlot Management School is back for 2015 – with a few new twists!

This year’s school will cater to the backgrounder who may be new to cattle feeding. Whether you are feeding 50 head or 5000 head, this school will provide you with excellent information to sharpen your cattle feeding skills. In addition to the classroom presentations, there will be a tour of two operations providing attendees a first-hand look at how to background calves. Be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and experienced producers.

Fax:

Prov/State:

_____________________

Registration Form

Webcast: Also new for 2015 is a webcast option for attendees. If you are unable to travel to Saskatoon, you will be able to join the school remotely via the internet. There will also be four satellite locations where attendees can gather including the SK Ministry of Ag Regional offices in Tisdale, Lloydminster, Weyburn and Swift Current. In these locations, Regional Livestock Specialists will be on site to help answer questions or direct questions to presenters/panels in Saskatoon.

Name: Company: Address: City: Postal/Zip Code: Phone: Email: Registration Fees & Deadlines: (Please check one) Full Registration - $250 (includes all meals and transportation for the tour) Student - $175 Online Participant - $100 (for anyone joining the school remotely) Satellite Participant - $125 (for anyone attending one of the satellite locations - includes lunch on day one). Preferred location: Swift Current Weyburn Tisdale Lloydminster

Registration in advance is required for Saskatoon, online and Satellite attendees.

For more details, visit the website www.saskcattle.com phone (306) 969-2666 or email office@saskcattle.com.

Accommodation info: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Travelodge Hotel at the rate of $139 until December 28, 2014. Please call the Hotel directly at (306) 242-8881 to book your room.

Acknowledgements: WCFMS is supported by the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Development Fund administered by the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. Financial support was also provided by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Presented by : Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association University of Saskatchewan, Department of Animal and Poultry Science Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Method of Payment: Please select one method of payment & complete details below.

Pay by Cheque Make cheque payable to ‘Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association’ in Canadian funds and mail with a completed copy of this registration form.

Pay by Credit Card - Visa/Mastercard

Credit Card #: Expiry Date (MM/YY): Name (as appears on the front of the card): Signature: I authorize the use of my credit card (By agreeing, you authorize the use of your credit card. Your credit card statement will read “Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association”)

Return completed form and payment to: Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association PO Box 95 Ceylon, SK SOC OTO or Fax (306) 969-2226

17th Western Canada Feedlot Management School

The Backgrounder’s Edition

JANUARY 27 - 29, 2015

Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon, SK

Visit www.saskcattle.com for more info

9:00

8:00

Developing the Right Rations for Your Cattle Take a look at feed options and how by-products, and non-traditional feed ingredients may be incorporated into backgrounding rations. Get an understanding of feed value incorporating both economics and nutritional quality.

John McKinnon, University of Saskatchewan and Kim McLean, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Refreshment and Networking Break Attracting and Retaining Employees The success of every operation depends on its people.

Learn some key points to incorporate in your search for employees and important strategies to creating a work environment where people will want to stay.

Dawn Hillrud, Sourcing People

Producer Panel on Recruiting and Keeping Employees Sheri Pedersen, Pound-Maker Agventures, Dave Kerr, Kerr Brothers, George Ekman, E-Kay Enterprises, Eric Buyer

Adjourn Cocktails and Supper

Carrie Cholak, Farm Credit Canada

This session will focus on lending options for cattle feeders as well as the importance of developing a relationship with your lenders. Learn which key measures lenders consider and the importance of effectively communicating a financial plan.

Developing Relationships with Lenders and Exploring Lending Options

So you have the most recent market data – now what?

This session will provide an overview of the markets with a focus on understanding how to use market data in your operation to maximize profits.

Greg Appleyard, AgriRisk

Understanding and Interpreting Market Data

Thursday, January 29, 2015 ECONOMICS

5:00 6:00

4:15

3:15

LABOUR ISSUES

2:45

1:45

January 27 to 29, 2015 Travelodge, Saskatoon, SK Wednesday, January 28, 2015 (cont.)

Refreshment and Networking Break 10:30

Western Livestock Price Insurance Program

Return to Saskatoon – Closing Remarks and Certificates

This tour will allow producers to see a modern feeding facility used for backgrounding growing steers and heifers and wintering pregnant beef cows. The focus will be on facility design, feeding and health strategies and information management. Again, there will be plenty of discussion and opportunities for attendees to interact with staff and owners during this tour.

Primrose Livestock – Outlook, SK

See first-hand how this family run operation manages backgrounding of retained steers and heifers including health, nutrition and marketing of animals. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn from an experienced producer.

Fuglerud Ranch – Broderick, SK

Conclude Classroom Portion of Workshop Board Bus for Tour – Lunch on Bus

Joe Jackson, Jameson, Gilroy and B&L Livestock

Cattle feeding is a risky business. This dynamic session will leave you with an understanding of the main risk factors in feeding cattle as well as the tools available to manage risk.

Understanding Risk and Tools for Reducing Financial Risk

Jodie Griffin, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp.

This program is now available for beef commodities from calves to finished animals. Get an overview of the program and how it can protect your operation from volatile markets.

5:30

3:00

1:15

TOUR

12:00 12:15

11:00

MANAGING RISK

10:00

Thursday, January 29, 2015 (cont.)

17th Western Canada Feedlot Management School - The Backgrounder’s Edition Registration – Meet and Greet

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 7:00 - 9:00pm Registration and Breakfast Opening Remarks and Introduction – From the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 8:00 9:00

Lunch

Chad Ross, Ross L-7 Feeders, Kristen Hunter, Buffalo Plains Cattle Co., Steve Pylot, Bar P Land and Cattle, Kyle Primrose, Primrose Livestock

Refreshment and Networking Break Producer Panel on Management of Health Issues

Dr Nathan Erickson, DVM, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Learn to identify acute and chronic respiratory diseases including mycoplasma pneumonia and how they affect your bottom line.

Bovine Respiratory Disease – the Big Thief

Dr Kent Fenton DVM, Feedlot Health Management Services

Identifying health risk in retained and purchased calves. Strategies to reduce health risk in feeder cattle and the importance of developing induction protocols.

Understanding Health Risk Status of Calves and Management Strategies

ANIMAL HEALTH 9:15

10:00

10:45 11:15

12:00

Backgrounding 101 – Developing a Nutrition Program

NUTRITION 1:00

The basics of backgrounding diets – what to look for, setting goals and monitoring your feeding program.

To be announced.

*Agenda subject to change

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 8

Optimistic outlook at Canfax Cattle Market Forum From CCA Action News Optimistic outlook and price reporting central theme at Canfax Cattle Market Forum The Canfax Cattle Market Forum featured a great lineup of informative speakers, with Harmony Beef Company President Rich Vesta leading the pack. The owner of the Harmony Beef plant in Balzac, AB, relayed intentions to have the 800-head per day capacity facility operational in the spring of 2015.

The plan is to take typical feedlot cattle for the first six month of operations and after that focus on producing product that meets the specifications of markets in the EU and Asia.

The many factors influencing the outlook of the global and North American beef industry were dissected by presenters. Many of the factors which have brought prices to these levels continue to look supportive for the markets for the next 1 – 3 years. Improving economic conditions in the U.S., and a potentially weaker Canadian dollar are certainly positive moving forward.

Projected lower beef production in North America, flat global production, and growing demand is also very positive for Canadian cattle producers.

One recurring theme in many of the presentations was the need in Canada for price discovery, which is critical for sending the correct price signal from the consumer to the producer.

Canfax recently announced it

is launching an enhanced price reporting system to ensure the industry has the most relevant market information for decision making and analysis. The enhanced system includes new Formula and base contract prices. The contracts will provide volumes and prices or basis levels for forward sold fed cattle, by each month the cattle are committed to.

This will help ensure accurate, current, and historical cattle prices which are so critical to producers and industry, said Canfax Manager Brian Perillat.

“Greater market information is beneficial to the entire industry,” he said. “The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program requires additional information, otherwise producers will face the risk of higher premiums or no coverage during certain times if consistent price information is unavailable to create a settlement index.”

Producers use the data for making marketing and risk management decisions as well as business planning (long term breeding decisions). The information is vital to ensuring robust program requirements for price insurance, income and disaster programs. Finally, policy and regulatory development requires reliable historical data for strategy development by industry and government (including defending against trade actions).

The new enhanced reporting system will add valuable information for these analyses, Perillat noted in

his presentation.

The need for the change comes as the method of marketing cattle has changed dramatically in the past few years, and continues to adapt as market conditions rapidly change.

There are many reasons for these changes as feedlots have opted to do more contracts or formula priced cattle versus marketing fed cattle on the cash market. In a report posted to the Canfax website, Perillat explained how contracts help producers to manage their risk, while formula priced cattle reduces the transactional costs of negotiating prices each week. These changes have resulted in an extremely thin cash market in Western Canada and in most regions of North America. The aggressive contracts from domestic packers to secure inventories through the rest of 2014 and into 2015 will continue to keep cash trade at a minimum.

The cash market has traditionally been the source of price discovery, and remains the most referenced price series for market analysis and is used extensively in programs, such as price insurance. Canfax continues to collect cash prices, and highly encourages all feedlots selling cash cattle to report their cash sales each week. However, there have been weeks when Canfax has been unable to report an average weekly Alberta fed price, as trade has been too thin to establish a market trend, or the confidentiality requirements to publish prices has not been met.

REGISTER TODAY!

36TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING & PRESIDENT’S BANQUET February 5-6, 2015 | Victoria Inn, Brandon, MB REGISTER AT WWW.MBBEEF.CA OR CALL 1-800-772-0458.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS 36TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

REGISTER ONLINE AT WWW.MBBEEF.CA OR MAIL OR FAX YOUR REGISTRATION TODAY! EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION $75 PER PERSON

PERSON 1: q EARLY BIRD $75 q GENERAL $90

• Must be purchased by Monday, January 5, 2015 at 4 p.m.

NAME: _______________________________________________

• Package includes admission to all MBP meetings, lunch on February 5, coffee breaks, 1 FREE Banquet ticket (value: $50).

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

• Non-refundable.

POSTAL CODE: ________________________________________

Book early to get your best value!

MEETING ONLY (NO BANQUET) $40 PER PERSON GENERAL REGISTRATION $90 PER PERSON - AFTER JAN. 5 • Package includes admission to all MBP meetings, lunch on February 5, coffee breaks, 1 FREE Banquet ticket (value: $50).

• Non-refundable.

q MEETING ONLY (NO BANQUET) $40

CITY/TOWN: __________________________________________

ADDITIONAL AGM DETAILS WILL BE AVAILABLE AT MBBEEF.CA UNDER THE NEWS TAB.

PHONE: ______________________________________________ FAX: _________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________ PERSON 2 (IF REQUIRED): q EARLY BIRD $75 q MEETING ONLY (NO BANQUET) $40 q GENERAL $90 q YOUNG PRODUCER *Complimentary with mentor’s registration NAME: _______________________________________________

NEW! YOUNG PRODUCER MENTORSHIP OFFER

ADDRESS: ____________________________________________

• MBP members are encouraged to mentor and register a young producer (ages 18 to 39).

CITY/TOWN: __________________________________________

• The young producer receives a complimentary registration with a mentor’s registration.

PHONE: ______________________________________________

• Package includes admission to all MBP meetings, lunch on February 5, coffee breaks, 1 FREE Banquet ticket (value: $50).

MAKE CHEQUE PAYABLE TO: Manitoba Beef Producers 220 - 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 PHONE: 1-800-772-0458 FAX: 204-774-3264

RESERVE A ROOM: Call the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre toll free: 1-800-852-2710 Quote booking number: 268463

POSTAL CODE: ________________________________________ FAX: _________________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________ EXTRA BANQUET TICKET NAME: _______________________________________________ q BANQUET $50 *Banquet tickets are non-refundable.

www.mbbeef.ca

Click here to register for the 36th Manitoba Beef Producers Annual General Meeting

November 17, 2014

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Upcoming Events Nov. 18 - StockTalk The MAFRD farm production team produces a free monthly webinar for the livestock industry - live and on demand. To register, click here.

Dec. 9 & 10 - Forage and Livestock Symposium For more information please click here.

Dec. 10 - Prairie Livestock Expo.

Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, Winnipeg. For more info click here.

Find Us Online

mbbeef.ca

Facebook.com

@ManitobaBeef

The federal and provincial governments announced funding for producers battling flooding and excess moisture conditions Nov. 12.

Funding announced for water weary producers After weeks of anticipation, the federal and provincial governments announced funding for Manitoba producers dealing with floods and excess moisture conditions Nov. 12.

In the release, it was noted that livestock producers facing the extraordinary costs of having to buy and move feed for the winter months following an extremely wet growing season will receive forage shortfall assistance, thanks to a new AgriRecovery initiative.

“Beef producers play an important role in creating economic growth in Manitoba,” Federal Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz said in the release.

“This support, combined with that available through existing programs, will help producers with the extraordinary costs of accessing forage for their herds over the coming winter months.”

Among the highlights of the program are: assistance of up to $0.16 per tonne per loaded kilometre for the transportation of forage/feed and up continued on page 2

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

In the News A look at the news and other information impacting Manitoba’s Beef industry

- Canada’s beef industry supports forage research.

- Studying cattle’s feed efficiency throughout the finishing period.

- What can we do about mycoplasma?

- Working for Canada’s beef industry.

- Feeder cattle prices at lofty levels.

- Kidney disease in cattle more comman than realized.

- Water doesn’t stop at the border.

- Beef Market Update

Page 2

to $0.08 per head per loaded kilometre for the transportation of breeding livestock and their unweaned calves to feed sources.

For producers in the Lake Manitoba/Lake Winnipegosis regions, forage purchase assistance of up to $50 per tonne. It was also noted that to ensure the money is targeted to those most affected, payments will be calculated based on individual need and receipts will be required to ensure producers have incurred eligible transportation and feed costs.

In a follow up media release, Manitoba Beef Producers President Heinz Reimer noted that MBP was pleased to hear of the program and that government recognized the issues facing a number of producers who were facing feed shortages due to the floods and excess moisture.

“We would like to thank the provincial and federal governments for recognizing the seriousness of this issue and coming forward with a plan that will be of great help to producers in the affected regions,” said MBP President Heinz Reimer. “With so many positive trade developments in the past year, we should be seeing an expansion of the industry. For a number of producers, today’s announcement could be the difference between them staying in business or dispersing their herd. Although producers still face many challenges these assistance programs will give them some much-needed certainty as they make plans for the future.”

MBP General Manager Melinda German added that although “this isn’t the comprehensive program we were seeking, it does provide some short-term assistance to those in the Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipegosis and alleviates some of the hurt province wide through the transportation assistance program.

“We will continue to seek more comprehensive programming that can be accessed by all impacted producers in the province.

We are also working with the federal government on the implementation of the tax deferral provision for those selling off breeding animals to reduce their herd due to feed shortages.”

German added MBP will continue to press government for a long-term solution to the ongoing water-related issues.

Further details about the program and how producers can take part are expected this week. For more information check the MAFRD site at: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/index. html. MBP also recommends producers keep all of their receipts and any applicable paperwork to ensure their eligibility and that all money available to them is collected.

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 3

Attention Cattle Producers

Find out what MASC’s loan options for cattle mean to you

The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation has been providing financial assistance to producers for over 50 years.

If you are a cattle producer looking to grow your operation, you should learn more about how we can help you.

Stocker Loans – these loans provide short-term financing for producers who purchase feeder cattle or heifers for breeding.

Direct Loans – these loans can be used for purchasing or raising breeding stock with terms up to ten years. Unbred heifers purchased for breeding have a first-year interest-only option.

All our loans feature no pre-payment penalties and our low rates are fixed with flexible repayment terms that match your cash flow.

To learn more about how MASC’s financing options will help you grow your operation, please contact your local MASC lending office or visit masc.mb.ca

Lending and Insurance Building a strong rural Manitoba

MASC – Lending – Cattle Loans Publication: Cattle Country Ad size: 1/8 pg vert (3.125x5.8")

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 4

Verified Beef Production Workshops MAFRD together in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers will be hosting Verified Beef Production workshops by video conference throughout the winter at a number of MAFRD locations in the province.

VBP is Canada's verified on-farm food safety program for beef – a dynamic program to uphold consumer confidence in the products and good practices of this country's beef producers.

Grass-roots driven and industry-led, the program is part of a broad effort by Canada's food providers to ensure on-farm food safety. The overall result is stronger competitiveness for Canada's beef industry, as food safety continues to grow as a major factor in consumer buying decisions.

Verified Beef Production Video Conference Workshops All workshops will take place from 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm Date

Location

Pre-register by

Thursday, Nov 20, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Nov 13, 2014

Thursday, Dec 18, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Dec 11, 2014

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Jan 8, 2015

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Feb 12, 2015

Thursday, March 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, March 12, 2015

For more information on the training, to find your closest video location site or to preregister, call your local MAFRD office.

Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey Click here for more information and to find the survey

This survey was first conducted in Alberta in the late 1980s. It is now being expanded to western Canada through a combined effort involving representatives from the Provincial Producer Associations, Provincial Ministry of Agriculture specialists, the Beef Cattle Research Council, Canfax and the Western Beef Development Centre.

The survey asks producers questions about their operation and management and marketing practices as they relate to the 2014 calf crop, starting with breeding in 2013 and ending with weaning of 2014-born calves.

The results of this survey will be used in a number of ways: • Offer historical comparison with previous study findings to determine how the industry has October 3, 2014 changed given that the last time this survey was conducted was 16 years ago in 1998; •Guide extension and research efforts; •Validate anecdotal evidence on production matters; •Identify which management practices are linked to strong production performance; •Generate an updated set of production benchmarks for the cow-calf industry.

Information is being collected for the purpose of monitoring the productive efficiency and management practices of Western Canadian cowcalf herds under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It is subject to the provisions of this Act. Results from this survey will be published in aggregate so as to protect the identity and information of survey participants.

Individual results will remain under the strictest of confidence.

The last day to participate in this survey is February 28, 2015.

The aggregated survey results will be widely shared starting Spring 2015.

To receive a complimentary report summarizing mbbeef.ca your performance indicators in comparison with regional, provincial and/or herdsize benchmarks, please provide your contact information at the end of this survey.

The survey is 58 questions in length and is estimated to take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

If there are any questions a producer does not want to answer they can leave it and move on.

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

ming Events

Where the livestock industry CONNECTS...

D Stock Talk Webinar. nomics of Backgroundrn Price Insurance ProClick here to register.

an Cattlemen’s Town Begins at 3 p.m. at the entre in Dauphin. MBP eting to follow. Register

e Livestock Expo. Victonvention Centre, Winniinfo click here.

Wednesday, December 1O Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre WINNIPEG, MB

Us Online Prairieinformation Livestock Expo For more please go to:

beef.ca

More than 140 exhibits

MULTI-SPECIES LIVESTOCK SHOW featuring: hog, beef, dairy, sheep, poultry, bison, goat...

announces expansion for 2014 www.prairielivestockexpo.ca The latest in livestock production techniques NEW & EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES: expert presentations for today’s producers

One of the province’s top agriculture industries.

Canada’s largest Pork Quality Competition shows is undergoing a facelift in 2014. free admission / free parking door prizes The exhibits will/provide attendees with

The Western Canada Feedlot Management School is back for 2015 – with a few new twists!

This year’s school will cater to the backgrounder who may be new to cattle feeding. Whether you are feeding 50 head or 5000 head, this school will provide you with excellent information to sharpen your cattle feeding skills. In addition to the classroom presentations, there will be a tour of two operations providing attendees a first-hand look at how to background calves. Be sure to take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn from industry experts and experienced producers.

Fax:

Prov/State:

_____________________

Registration Form

Webcast: Also new for 2015 is a webcast option for attendees. If you are unable to travel to Saskatoon, you will be able to join the school remotely via the internet. There will also be four satellite locations where attendees can gather including the SK Ministry of Ag Regional offices in Tisdale, Lloydminster, Weyburn and Swift Current. In these locations, Regional Livestock Specialists will be on site to help answer questions or direct questions to presenters/panels in Saskatoon.

Name: Company: Address: City: Postal/Zip Code: Phone: Email: Registration Fees & Deadlines: (Please check one) Full Registration - $250 (includes all meals and transportation for the tour) Student - $175 Online Participant - $100 (for anyone joining the school remotely) Satellite Participant - $125 (for anyone attending one of the satellite locations - includes lunch on day one). Preferred location: Swift Current Weyburn Tisdale Lloydminster

Registration in advance is required for Saskatoon, online and Satellite attendees.

For more details, visit the website www.saskcattle.com phone (306) 969-2666 or email office@saskcattle.com.

Accommodation info: A block of rooms has been reserved at the Travelodge Hotel at the rate of $139 until December 28, 2014. Please call the Hotel directly at (306) 242-8881 to book your room.

Acknowledgements: WCFMS is supported by the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Development Fund administered by the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. Financial support was also provided by the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture.

Presented by : Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association University of Saskatchewan, Department of Animal and Poultry Science Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Method of Payment: Please select one method of payment & complete details below.

Pay by Cheque Make cheque payable to ‘Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association’ in Canadian funds and mail with a completed copy of this registration form.

Pay by Credit Card - Visa/Mastercard

Credit Card #: Expiry Date (MM/YY): Name (as appears on the front of the card): Signature: I authorize the use of my credit card (By agreeing, you authorize the use of your credit card. Your credit card statement will read “Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association”)

Return completed form and payment to: Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association PO Box 95 Ceylon, SK SOC OTO or Fax (306) 969-2226

17th Western Canada Feedlot Management School

The Backgrounder’s Edition

JANUARY 27 - 29, 2015

Travelodge Hotel Saskatoon, SK

Visit www.saskcattle.com for more info

9:00

8:00

Developing the Right Rations for Your Cattle Take a look at feed options and how by-products, and non-traditional feed ingredients may be incorporated into backgrounding rations. Get an understanding of feed value incorporating both economics and nutritional quality.

John McKinnon, University of Saskatchewan and Kim McLean, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture

Refreshment and Networking Break Attracting and Retaining Employees The success of every operation depends on its people.

Learn some key points to incorporate in your search for employees and important strategies to creating a work environment where people will want to stay.

Dawn Hillrud, Sourcing People

Producer Panel on Recruiting and Keeping Employees Sheri Pedersen, Pound-Maker Agventures, Dave Kerr, Kerr Brothers, George Ekman, E-Kay Enterprises, Eric Buyer

Adjourn Cocktails and Supper

Carrie Cholak, Farm Credit Canada

This session will focus on lending options for cattle feeders as well as the importance of developing a relationship with your lenders. Learn which key measures lenders consider and the importance of effectively communicating a financial plan.

Developing Relationships with Lenders and Exploring Lending Options

So you have the most recent market data – now what?

This session will provide an overview of the markets with a focus on understanding how to use market data in your operation to maximize profits.

Greg Appleyard, AgriRisk

Understanding and Interpreting Market Data

Thursday, January 29, 2015 ECONOMICS

5:00 6:00

4:15

3:15

LABOUR ISSUES

2:45

1:45

January 27 to 29, 2015 Travelodge, Saskatoon, SK Wednesday, January 28, 2015 (cont.)

Refreshment and Networking Break 10:30

Western Livestock Price Insurance Program

Return to Saskatoon – Closing Remarks and Certificates

This tour will allow producers to see a modern feeding facility used for backgrounding growing steers and heifers and wintering pregnant beef cows. The focus will be on facility design, feeding and health strategies and information management. Again, there will be plenty of discussion and opportunities for attendees to interact with staff and owners during this tour.

Primrose Livestock – Outlook, SK

See first-hand how this family run operation manages backgrounding of retained steers and heifers including health, nutrition and marketing of animals. This will be an excellent opportunity to ask questions and learn from an experienced producer.

Fuglerud Ranch – Broderick, SK

Conclude Classroom Portion of Workshop Board Bus for Tour – Lunch on Bus

Joe Jackson, Jameson, Gilroy and B&L Livestock

Cattle feeding is a risky business. This dynamic session will leave you with an understanding of the main risk factors in feeding cattle as well as the tools available to manage risk.

Understanding Risk and Tools for Reducing Financial Risk

Jodie Griffin, Saskatchewan Crop Insurance Corp.

This program is now available for beef commodities from calves to finished animals. Get an overview of the program and how it can protect your operation from volatile markets.

5:30

3:00

1:15

TOUR

12:00 12:15

11:00

MANAGING RISK

10:00

Thursday, January 29, 2015 (cont.)

17th Western Canada Feedlot Management School - The Backgrounder’s Edition Registration – Meet and Greet

Tuesday, January 27, 2015 7:00 - 9:00pm Registration and Breakfast Opening Remarks and Introduction – From the Saskatchewan Cattle Feeders Association

Wednesday, January 28, 2015 8:00 9:00

ANIMAL HEALTH

Bovine Respiratory Disease – the Big Thief

9:15

Understanding Health Risk Status of Calves and Management Strategies Identifying health risk in retained and purchased calves. Strategies to reduce health risk in feeder cattle and the importance of developing induction protocols.

10:00

Dr Kent Fenton DVM, Feedlot Health Management Services

Lunch

Chad Ross, Ross L-7 Feeders, Kristen Hunter, Buffalo Plains Cattle Co., Steve Pylot, Bar P Land and Cattle, Kyle Primrose, Primrose Livestock

Refreshment and Networking Break Producer Panel on Management of Health Issues

Dr Nathan Erickson, DVM, Western College of Veterinary Medicine

Learn to identify acute and chronic respiratory diseases including mycoplasma pneumonia and how they affect your bottom line.

10:45 11:15

12:00

Backgrounding 101 – Developing a Nutrition Program

NUTRITION 1:00

The basics of backgrounding diets – what to look for, setting goals and monitoring your feeding program.

To be announced.

*Agenda subject to change

October 31, 2014

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Upcoming Events Nov. 18 - StockTalk The MAFRD farm production team produces a free monthly webinar for the livestock industry - live and on demand. MAFRD specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management. To register, click here.

Dec. 10 Prairie Livestock Expo.

Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, Winnipeg. For more info click here.

Find Us Online

mbbeef.ca

Facebook.com

@ManitobaBeef

Manitoba Beef Producers’ members in District 7 made their way to the Rossburn Community Hall for their annual district meeting Wednesday. The evening included an update from general manager Melinda German.

MBP district meeting schedule underway

Manitoba Beef Producers is coming to a district near you!

Starting with Monday’s District 14 meeting in Durban, MBP staff and directors have been making their annual trek throughout the province to meet with members at 14 district meetings. Thus far, four meetings have been held and attendance at each of them has been solid. The schedule resumes next week with the District 11 meeting in Ashern.

As always MBP encourages producers in each district to attend their meeting and get informed on the issues that are directly impacting their

business. Attendees will also have the opportunity to shape the future of MBP by submitting resolutions to be voted upon by the membership at large during the annual general meeting in February in Brandon.

Members will also have the opportunity to see the various resolutions prior to the meeting as they will be printed in the December edition of Cattle Country. Further information about the AGM will also be included.

A complete list of district meetings can be found on page 4 of the newsletter.

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 2

In the News Managing a year-round A look at the news impacting Manitoba’s Beef industry

- The October edition of Cattle Country is online.

- Four frustrating agriculture messages that need to be fixed.

- Talk, tweet and shout about antibiotics in food animals.

- Canada Beef is looking at ways of bringing more Canadian beef to China.

- Vet table tilts a cow’s world.

- Flipping for mechanically tenderized beef.

- AAFC’s AgriInnovation program accepting applications for funding.

mineral program that’s right for you: webinar Nov. 4 The Beef Cattle Research Council is offering a webinar to help producers ensure their animals are getting the proper minerals.

In an announcement from the BCRC, it was noted that some herds across Canada aren’t getting enough of some necessary minerals. It was further noted that if animals’ mineral needs are not met, the results are costly.

Without adequate mineral intake, cow-calf producers will see poor performance, disease resistance and reproduction in their herds. Mineral requirements for cattle depend on their weight, age, and expected performance (maintenance vs. weight gain vs. pregnancy).

Mineral supplementation needs also depend on the feed, water and soil chemistry around the herd.

Producers are encouraged to register for this free webinar, which is scheduled to begin at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4, to hear from experts on how to develop and manage a mineral program that works for your cows to improve your bottom line. Among the topics will be: • why the cost of buying minerals is worth the expense; • which minerals to feed, at what concentrations and when;

• how to better understand mineral tags to compare different mixtures; • advice on getting your cows to consume the right amount and • how to troubleshoot an existing mineral program.

Producers will also hear about the latest research done on mineral supplementation strategies, and have the opportunity to ask questions.

To register for the webinar click here.

If a producer is interested but unable to attend, they are encouraged to register anyway as the webinar will be recorded and posted online at a later date.

All registrants will receive a link to the recording and supplemental learning resources.

Speaking during the webinar are John McKinnon and Reynold Bergen.

McKinnon is a professor, researcher and the Saskatchewan Beef Industry Chair in the Department of Animal and Poultry Science at the University of Saskatchewan.

Bergen is the Beef Cattle Research Council Science Director and provides scientific and industry expertise to the BCRC, Beef Science Cluster and Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA).

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 3

Attention Cattle Producers

Find out what MASC’s loan options for cattle mean to you

The Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation has been providing financial assistance to producers for over 50 years.

If you are a cattle producer looking to grow your operation, you should learn more about how we can help you.

Stocker Loans – these loans provide short-term financing for producers who purchase feeder cattle or heifers for breeding.

Direct Loans – these loans can be used for purchasing or raising breeding stock with terms up to ten years. Unbred heifers purchased for breeding have a first-year interest-only option.

All our loans feature no pre-payment penalties and our low rates are fixed with flexible repayment terms that match your cash flow.

To learn more about how MASC’s financing options will help you grow your operation, please contact your local MASC lending office or visit masc.mb.ca

Lending and Insurance Building a strong rural Manitoba

MASC – Lending – Cattle Loans Publication: Cattle Country Ad size: 1/8 pg vert (3.125x5.8")

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 4

Attend Your MBP District Meeting

Meet with MBP representatives and fellow beef producers to discuss the timely issues affecting your district and industry.

Elections will be held in odd numbered districts. All meetings begin at 6 p.m. with a beef on a bun supper.

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Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey Click here for more information and to find the survey

This survey was first conducted in Alberta in the late 1980s. It is now being expanded to western Canada through a combined effort involving representatives from the Provincial Producer Associations, Provincial Ministry of Agriculture specialists, the Beef Cattle Research Council, Canfax and the Western Beef Development Centre.

The survey asks producers questions about their operation and management and marketing practices as they relate to the 2014 calf crop, starting with breeding in 2013 and ending with weaning of 2014-born calves.

The results of this survey will be used in a number of ways: â&#x20AC;˘ Offer historical comparison with previous study findings to determine how the industry has changed given that the last time this survey was conducted was 16 years ago in 1998; â&#x20AC;˘Guide extension and research efforts; â&#x20AC;˘Validate anecdotal evidence on production matters; â&#x20AC;˘Identify which management practices are linked to strong production performance; â&#x20AC;˘Generate an updated set of production benchmarks for the cow-calf industry.

Information is being collected for the purpose of monitoring the productive efficiency and management practices of Western Canadian cowcalf herds under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It is subject to the provisions of this Act. Results from this survey will be published in aggregate so as to protect the identity and information of survey participants.

Individual results will remain under the strictest of confidence.

The last day to participate in this survey is February 28, 2015.

The aggregated survey results will be widely shared starting Spring 2015.

To receive a complimentary report summarizing your performance indicators in comparison with regional, provincial and/or herdsize benchmarks, please provide your contact information at the end of this survey.

The survey is 58 questions in length and is estimated to take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

If there are any questions a producer does not want to answer they can leave it and move on.

Verified Beef Production Workshops MAFRD together in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers will be hosting Verified Beef Production workshops by video conference throughout the winter at a number of MAFRD locations in the province.

VBP is Canada's verified on-farm food safety program for beef â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a dynamic program to uphold consumer confidence in the products and good practices of this country's beef producers.

Grass-roots driven and industry-led, the program is part of a broad effort by Canada's food providers to ensure on-farm food safety. The overall result is stronger competitiveness for Canada's beef industry, as food safety continues to grow as a major factor in consumer buying decisions.

Verified Beef Production Video Conference Workshops All workshops will take place from 1:00 pm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 4:00 pm Date

Location

Pre-register by

Thursday, Nov 20, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Nov 13, 2014

Thursday, Dec 18, 2014

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Dec 11, 2014

Thursday, Jan 15, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Jan 8, 2015

Thursday, Feb 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, Feb 12, 2015

Thursday, March 19, 2015

MAFRD Video conference site Thursday, March 12, 2015

For more information on the training, to find your closest video location site or to preregister, call your local MAFRD office.

Mitigation of Agricultural Greenhouse Gases in the Livestock Industry:

An International Perspective

Greenhouse gases (GHGs) emissions from human activity are significant contributors to global climate change. Major human activities contributing to GHGs are agriculture and livestock production.

Two perspectives are featured on reducing GHGs from agriculture industries from both sides of the Atlantic.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Agricultures Contribution – James Breen Managing Environmental Issues Related to Livestock – Tim McAllister Some of the questions this webinar addresses:  How is agriculture and livestock industry influencing climate change?  How can greenhouse gases be mitigated in agriculture and livestock industry?  What policies exist in regards to GHG and the livestock industry?  Is everything the same everywhere in regards to GHG (international perspective)?  What role is technology playing in the environment and sustainable agriculture?  What are the policy implications?

FREE WEBINAR For more information or to register Wednesday, November 12, 2014 adedirany@brandonu.ca | 204-571-8585 Time: 10:30 am – 11:30 a.m. (CST) RSVP by November 7, 2014 Audience: Policy Makers, Environmentalists, Scientists, Ag Practitioners, Livestock Producers, Academics, Students, Mayors, EDOs, NGOs, CDCs and Decision Makers.

Together, these two presenters will provide valuable perspectives on GHG emissions, climate change, and policy implications giving examples from their wide experience and relationships with scholars in the field. Discussion will follow.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Agricultures Contribution – James Breen

In 2007, the European Commission made “an independent EU commitment to achieve at least a 20% reduction of greenhouse gases by 2020 compared to 1990 levels and an objective for a 30% reduction by 2020 subject to the conclusion of a comprehensive international climate change agreement” (European Commission 2008). Ireland is a significant net exporter of food, with a high ratio of bovine and ovine animals. Agriculture accounts for 29 percent of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions in Ireland, it accounts for more than 40 percent of Ireland’s non-ETS emissions.

Agriculture’s contribution to Ireland’s GHG emissions is a reflection of the relatively small heavy industry sector within Ireland. Given the sizeable contribution to total GHG emissions made by agriculture, the sector is vulnerable to policy focussed on reducing GHG emissions. It is in this context that a wide variety of GHG abatement technologies are under consideration in Ireland.

Presenting is Dr. James Breen, lecturer in food chain management at University College Dublin. He completed his PhD in Agricultural Economics at the University of Missouri in 2011, his PhD research examined agricultures contribution to Greenhouse Gas emissions and the potential impact on farm profitability of reducing greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. His research interests are predominantly in the area of farm-level modelling and specifically in the examination of the impact of alternative agricultural and environmental policies on Irish farmers.

Managing Environmental Issues Related to Livestock – Tim McAllister

The global human population is projected to reach 9 billion by 2050 with an increasing portion of this population living within urban communities. Growth of the economic middle class is projected to nearly double the per capita caloric and protein demand by 2050. Presently, livestock production for meat export occurs in few regions of the world and if these areas expand to satisfy future demands, their environmental sustainability will be questioned. Expansion of meat production will require sustainable intensification with more meat being produced using less land; as opportunities to expand arable land globally is limited. Steps are being taken to account for and reduce agriculture’s contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) as well as consider its impact on water use and biodiversity.

Presenting is Dr. Tim McAllister, principal research scientist in Ruminant Microbiology, Nutrition and Biotechnology at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Research Centre in Lethbridge, Alberta. Tim obtained his Ph.D. in rumen microbiology and nutrition from the University of Guelph in 1991. He has given presentations on aspects of greenhouse gas emissions in Norway, New Zealand, Australia, Japan and Canada. His participation on the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change was recognized by the awarding of the 2007 Nobel Peace Prize shared between the IPPC and former Vice President Al Gore.

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October 17, 2014

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Upcoming Events Oct. 21 MAFRD Stock Talk Webinar. Topics are Economics of Backgrounding and Western Price Insurance Program Update. Click here to register.

Oct. 28 Canadian Cattlemen’s Town Hall meeting. Begins at 3 p.m. at the Credit Union Centre in Dauphin. MBP District 13 meeting to follow. Register here.

Dec. 10 Prairie Livestock Expo.

Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, Winnipeg. For more info click here.

Find Us Online

mbbeef.ca

Facebook.com

@ManitobaBeef

Bovine TB surveillance receives a facelift

By Debbie Furber, Canadian Cattlemen

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is wrapping up an ambitious round of bovine tuberculosis testing of cattle, wild elk and deer in and around Riding Mountain National Park in west-central Manitoba as the first step in easing TB surveillance measures for producers living in this area.

It can’t come soon enough for the producers in the Riding Mountain Eradication Area (REMA).

It’s going on 12 years that beef producers in the RMEA have been required to present their herds to CFIA for routine on-farm testing as often as every second year in some locations.

There hasn’t been a case of bovine TB in Manitoba’s domestic herd since 2008, yet the RMEA surveillance program remains unchanged because wild elk in the park are a known reservoir for the disease.

It’s taken a toll on producers, says bovine TB co-ordinator Allan Preston. Not only on those who’ve already called it quits, but those still committed to making a go of it despite the stress and ever-present dread of having TB turn up again.

Surveillance currently takes up half of the standing TB management plan’s annual $2-million budget and

many feel it would be better for all concerned if more of that money could be spent on research, risk mitigation and disease prevention.

Preston, a beef producer himself and former practising veterinarian and assistant deputy minister of agriculture in Manitoba was appointed to his position by the provincial and federal governments in December 2012 at the urging of Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP).

His role has since been extended to the end of this year.

This was part of the MBP’s continuing campaign in support of producers in the RMEA who have had to bear the burden of the heightened security measures on behalf of all Manitoba producers. Their co-operation with the program allowed Manitoba, including the RMEA, to regain its TB-free status in 2006 and maintain it since then.

The CFIA created the RMEA on January 1, 2003, on the heels of the TB outbreak of the early 2000s, after the USDA decision to downgrade Manitoba’s TB status in the summer of 2002. To this day, the U.S. requires negative individual tests on all cattle and bison of breeding potential from anywhere in Manitoba before they’re allowed in.

Continued on Page 2

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

In the News A look at the news impacting Manitoba’s Beef industry

- The October edition of Cattle Country is now online.

- The provincial government says it is still assessing the damage from this summer’s flooding.

- Pasture land hasn’t recovered from flooding.

- New tool measures heat to understand animal stress.

- The federal government has earmarked $7.5 million for a livestock traceability database.

- An interesting look into the realities of agriculture and farming in Canada.

Page 2

As of this summer there were 429 herds (41,052 head) in the RMEA with 37 herds (3,367 head) in the core area.

Special testing program A big part of Preston’s initial work involved bringing together the various stakeholders — MBP, two federal departments, two federal agencies, two provincial departments, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation and a large First Nations community — to decide on a path forward.

Using wildlife modelling it was determined that 102 elk and 135 white-tailed deer would need to test negative to prove TB had reached an undetectable level. The CFIA also chose to test 5,000 cattle from 55 herds in the RMEA. At an undetectable level, Preston says he would feel comfortable saying TB has been pushed back far enough that it would no longer be a problem. To eradicate it they would have to eliminate all wild elk and deer from the park and that was never in the cards.

Testing the wild population ran into a couple of hitches earlier on.

Hunters were required to submit samples but only six elk and 95 deer had been submitted up to February of this year and by then it was discovered that the elk and deer populations in the park were lower than expected.

Preston says Parks Canada then stepped up with a program to capture, kill, inspect and test 46 elk and 40 deer, and donate the meat from healthy animals.

The remaining elk samples were collected by the conventional method of capturing animals for a blood sample, then fitting them with an ID collar and releasing them. Positive ones would be recaptured and euthanized to confirm a diagnosis with a culture test that can take up to four months.

All elk removed from the park were cultured as well as five of the captured animals.

Results and implications On May 12 one elk cow cultured positive. Fortunately she was born in the spring of 2003, making her a remnant of the early 2000 outbreak.

“Picking up one of those old cows or bulls wasn’t unexpected,” Preston says. “Where a positive in the elk population would be of greater concern is finding one born after 2004 because that’s the area that would tell us if we have the disease still percolating in the wild.”

To date, there has not been a positive wild elk born after 2004.

Continued on Page 3

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter All of the deer samples came back clean. Finding a positive deer would have been uneventful at any rate because TB in this population was a spillover from the previous high level in wild elk. The first of 11 deer cases was confirmed in 2001 and the last in 2009.

Finding the one old positive elk cow will have implications for ongoing surveillance of the elk population because it means that TB in the wild isn’t yet at an undetectable level. However, Preston says it shouldn’t affect plans to reduce the testing of the domestic cattle herd because the elk was taken from deep in the core area of the park, where the risk to cattle would have been minimal.

Testing of the RMEA domestic herd is focused mainly on the rural municipalities of Rossburn to the south of the park and Grandview to the north where past outbreaks have occurred. Fourteen herds have been depopulated since the start of Manitoba’s bovine TB management plan in 1990.

Page 3 and tracking the cattle using the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) tags issued to those premises until the tags are retired at slaughter or export.

“Only 50 per cent of them were found, indicating that there are serious problems with the traceability system, especially when it comes to accounting for the retirement and/or export of tags,” Preston says. “Recent funding announcements and projects in development have a strong focus on this problem because slaughter surveillance is critical to doing less herd testing and right now, we’re not getting the data.”

Of course, the producers have to be willing to share their premises ID and data in order to make this work. In February, people were already on the ground asking RMEA producers to sign off on sharing their testing information with MBP. Otherwise it remains confidential through an agreement between the CFIA and CCIA.

The Manitoba government has since committed $150,000 As of late August, 51 herds had been tested covering 3,600 to back the development of a surveillance program using TB test results from packing plants and abattoirs for cattle head and two remained to be done. Six head reacted to originating in the RMEA. This project will be managed by the caudal tail fold test. This is in line with the expected reactor rate. Those animals were retested using a two-stage the producer-run MBP. The federal government is also on board with $297,000 to support ongoing development of blood test. Five of the animals have been cleared and the a disease-testing model, tracking TB test results at slaughresults were still pending on the last one. ter, and enhancing existing monitoring and management “Finding one or more positives in the domestic herd activities. wouldn’t be the end of the world,” Preston says. “The On-farm risk assessments coupled with biosecurity meaCFIA has a well-exercised drill for dealing with that and the clock starts ticking. We have 48 months from the first sures will be important in the effort to reduce the level of routine testing. herd and if we have a second herd in that 48-month window, then our TB status is at risk.”

TB spreads through saliva, making saliva left on bales the The goal of the working group is to reduce the amount of most likely route of transmission from wildlife to cattle.

Assistance has been available for building eight foot high live testing at the farm and rely on packing plant data for stackyard fences. cattle from the RMEA to provide the necessary surveillance.

Now there is interest in 3D fencing to prevent mingling of cattle and wild cervids. (For more on 3D fencing, see “The reduced testing will be much more targeted and strategic based on qualitative and quantitative risk assess- Canadian Cattlemen, October 2013.) ments of the RMEA producers,” Preston explains.

A herd-health module has been developed to be delivered in conjunction with CFIA testing.

TB surveillance at packing plants is a long-standing program in Canada and the U.S. In Canada, CFIA personnel on the floor at federally inspected plants and veterinarians “There has been concern over the years that testing has a negative impact on some of these herds and we’ve been supervising other abattoirs check for TB when they carry out regular health inspections. Unfortunately, a test run on able to demonstrate that’s not the case,” Preston says. A third-party review of TB control programs in four other this concept last winter had disappointing results.

This project started by identifying premises in the RMEA

Continued on Page 4

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter countries found no documented negative health effects from long-term repeated tuberculin testing. Negative effects on cattle and people due to stress have been documented and recognized, however.

The reviewer also found that research is underway to develop alternatives to the current TB-testing regime, including a vaccine, however, none are likely to be available any time soon and are possibly 10 years away.

Preston says a new surveillance model is being developed by the CFIA and MBP with input from AusVet, an Australian consulting company.

Page 4 The current Manitoba project will provide useful information for other jurisdictions should they have to deal with TB issues down the road.

TB has been present in Canadian dairy and beef herds since 1897 when the federal government started providing free testing. Ten years later, TB inspections at packing plants were introduced.

Area TB testing started in 1923 and outbreaks werenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t uncommon through to 1961, when the first general TB test was conducted across Canada.

Approximately 400,000 of the 500 million cattle tested had positive reactions and were put down.

Article Courtesy of Canadian Cattlemen www.canadiancattlemen.ca

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

CONTACT

Wednesday, October 15

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Birtle United Church Fellowship Hall

204-937-6460

Wednesday, October 15

8:00 to 10:30 a.m.

McCreary Legion Hall

204-622-2007

Thursday, October 16

8:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Meadow Portage Community Hall

204-622-2007

Monday, October 20

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Siglunes Community Hall

204-768-2782

Tuesday, October 21

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Woodlands Legion Hall

204-768-2782

Thursday, October 23

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Fraserwood Hall

204-768-2782

Thursday, October 23

8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Plumas Legion Hall

204-385-6633

Tuesday, October 28

8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Pipestone Hall

204-522-3256

Wednesday, October 29

8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Lyleton Hall

204-522-3256

Thursday, October 30

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

The Pas Provincial Building

204-627-8255

LivestockMeetingAdArnfTwn5.2x6.indd 1

14-10-01 2:32 PM

Western Canadian Cow-Calf Survey Click here for more information and to find the survey

This survey was first conducted in Alberta in the late 1980s. It is now being expanded to western Canada through a combined effort involving representatives from the Provincial Producer Associations, Provincial Ministry of Agriculture specialists, the Beef Cattle Research Council, Canfax and the Western Beef Development Centre.

The survey asks producers questions about their operation and management and marketing practices as they relate to the 2014 calf crop, starting with breeding in 2013 and ending with weaning of 2014-born calves.

The results of this survey will be used in a number of ways: â&#x20AC;˘ Offer historical comparison with previous study findings to determine how the industry has changed given that the last time this survey was conducted was 16 years ago in 1998; â&#x20AC;˘Guide extension and research efforts; â&#x20AC;˘Validate anecdotal evidence on production matters; â&#x20AC;˘Identify which management practices are linked to strong production performance; â&#x20AC;˘Generate an updated set of production benchmarks for the cow-calf industry.

Information is being collected for the purpose of monitoring the productive efficiency and management practices of Western Canadian cowcalf herds under the authority of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. It is subject to the provisions of this Act. Results from this survey will be published in aggregate so as to protect the identity and information of survey participants.

Individual results will remain under the strictest of confidence.

The last day to participate in this survey is February 28, 2015.

The aggregated survey results will be widely shared starting Spring 2015.

To receive a complimentary report summarizing your performance indicators in comparison with regional, provincial and/or herdsize benchmarks, please provide your contact information at the end of this survey.

The survey is 58 questions in length and is estimated to take between 30 to 45 minutes to complete.

If there are any questions a producer does not want to answer they can leave it and move on.

Attend Your MBP District Meeting

Meet with MBP representatives and fellow beef producers to discuss the timely issues affecting your district and industry.

Elections will be held in odd numbered districts. All meetings begin at 6 p.m. with a beef on a bun supper.

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mbbeef.ca

October 3, 2014

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Upcoming Events

Where the livestock industry CONNECTS...

Oct. 21 MAFRD Stock Talk Webinar.

Topics are Economics of Backgrounding and Western Price Insurance Program Update. Click here to register.

Oct. 28 Canadian Cattlemen’s Town Hall meeting. Begins at 3 p.m. at the Credit Union Centre in Dauphin. MBP District 13 meeting to follow. Register here.

Dec. 10 Prairie Livestock Expo. Victoria Inn and Convention Centre, Winnipeg. For more info click here.

Find Us Online

Wednesday, December 1O Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre WINNIPEG, MB

Prairie Livestock Expo announces expansion for 2014 More than 140 exhibits

MULTI-SPECIES LIVESTOCK SHOW featuring: hog, beef, dairy, sheep, poultry, bison, goat...

The latest in livestock production techniques

mbbeef.ca

Facebook.com

@ManitobaBeef

NEW & EVOLVING TECHNOLOGIES: expert presentations for today’s producers

One of the province’s top agriculture industries.

Canada’s largest Pork Quality Competition shows is undergoing a facelift in 2014. free admission / free parking door prizes The exhibits will/provide attendees with The Prairie Livestock Expo, which for an incredible look at new and evolving prairielivestockexpo.ca years was known as Hog and Poultry technologies in the different industries Days, has expanded to include a more and livestock techniques.

Formerly production HOG & POULTRY DAYS diverse range of livestock this year.

There will be also a number of expert presentations available for today’s The new and expanded lineup will debut producers. on Dec. 10 at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre in Winnipeg.

According to organizers interest in the expo is high and they instruct anyone Organized by stakeholders within the interested in securing a booth to do various commodity groups, the Expo so soon as they are a first come, first will include over 140 exhibits from serve basis. For more information businesses and groups in the hog, beef, and to register for a booth go to: dairy, sheep, poultry bison and goat prairielivestockexpo.ca.

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

In the News A look at the news impacting Manitoba’s Beef industry

- Manitoba Beef Producers renews calls for programming to help producers.

- A look into the future of forages.

Page 2

We’re Back!

After a brief hiatus, the Manitoba Beef Producers’ E-Newsletter is back.

Published on a bi-weekly basis, the newsletter is a companion to our flagship publication Cattle Country and will serve as a vehicle for MBP to update members on its activities and important matters pertaining to our industry.

The newsletter will also feature a coming events calendar for upcoming events of interest to beef producers and the agriculture industry at large. If you have an item you would like to see included in our newsletter please send the information to MBP Communications Coordinator Chad Saxon at: csaxon@mbbeef.ca.

- From Canadian Cattlemen, an article about the need for trust in the beef industry.

- The Winnipeg Free Press takes an excellent look into the struggles of farmers in southwest Manitoba.

- There remains a number of questions about the provincial government’s flood management program.

- A look at five ways cattle feeders can prepare for the fall.

- The hard work to establish Canadian beef in Korea has begun.

Canadian Beef launches Roundup App

A wealth of information about Canada’s beef industry is now available on your smartphone.

Canadian Beef has launched its new app, the Roundup, on both the Apple and Andriod platforms. The Roundup includes recipes and meal ideas as well as terrific cooking instructions, tips and how-to cooking videos. Canadian Beef’s informative meat cuts chart is also available on the free app which can be downloaded on from the Apple and Android app stores.

Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 3

MBP In the Community

Meeting with our members and hearing about their concerns is an important part of the work of Manitoba Beef Producers. On Sept. 19, MBP general manager Melinda German and staff members met with Shoal Lake area producers to learn about their ongoing struggles due to flooding and excess moisture conditions. More photos and an article on the tour can be found in the November edition of Cattle Country.

Attend Your MBP District Meeting

Meet with MBP representatives and fellow beef producers to discuss the timely issues affecting your district and industry.

Elections will be held in odd numbered districts. All meetings begin at 6 p.m. with a beef on a bun supper.

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Manitoba Beef Producers Newsletter

Page 4

DATE

TIME

LOCATION

CONTACT

Wednesday, October 15

8:30 to 10:30 a.m.

Birtle United Church Fellowship Hall

204-937-6460

Wednesday, October 15

8:00 to 10:30 a.m.

McCreary Legion Hall

204-622-2007

Thursday, October 16

8:00 to 10:30 a.m.

Meadow Portage Community Hall

204-622-2007

Monday, October 20

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Siglunes Community Hall

204-768-2782

Tuesday, October 21

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Woodlands Legion Hall

204-768-2782

Thursday, October 23

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

Fraserwood Hall

204-768-2782

Thursday, October 23

8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Plumas Legion Hall

204-385-6633

Tuesday, October 28

8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Pipestone Hall

204-522-3256

Wednesday, October 29

8:30 to 11:00 a.m.

Lyleton Hall

204-522-3256

Thursday, October 30

7:00 to 9:30 p.m.

The Pas Provincial Building

204-627-8255

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14-10-01 2:32 PM

E-NEWSLETTER MBP WELCOMES CANADA-KOREA FREE TRADE AGREEMENT MBP NEWS RELEASE MARCH 11, 2014

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) welcomes the announcement of a successful Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement.

“MBP applauds the successful conclusion of the free trade negotiations with South Korea,” said Heinz Reimer, MBP president. “Beef producers welcome the opportunities presented by this free trade agreement and we appreciate renewed access to compete in this important export market.”

Before BSE in 2003, Korea was Canada's fourth largest export market for beef at a value of $40 million. Canadian beef exports to Korea only resumed in 2012 after Korea lifted its BSE prohibition. A tariff on fresh and frozen beef has prevented Canada from fully accessing the Korean market and Canada has also experienced a tariff disadvantage relative to U.S. beef.

Under the agreement, Korea’s 40 per cent tariff on fresh and frozen beef will be fully eliminated in 15 equal annual steps. As well, the 18 per cent tariff on offals will be fully eliminated in 11 equal annual steps.

MARCH 14, 2014

UPCOMING EVENTS To March 15: Agriculture in the City, The Forks Market, Winnipeg, MB. Website March 20: Prairie Improvement Network (formerly MRAC) Annual General Meeting, Canad Inns, Portage la Prairie, MB. Website March 31-April 5: Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB. Website April 10: Manitoba Ag Hall of Fame Annual General Meeting, 1:30 p.m. Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB. Website April 24: Attend Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba's Annual General Meeting, Western Canada Aviation Museum, Winnipeg, MB. Website

“MBP congratulates the Government of Canada on the successful conclusion of this process,” said Reimer. “We thank Prime Minister Stephen Harper, Hon. Gerry Ritz, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food; and Hon. Ed Fast, Minister of International Trade, for their steadfast support of our industry.”

The free trade agreement with Korea will help maximize the value of each beef cut and return those dollars to Manitoba beef producers and put Canadian beef in a more competitive position.

RELATED NEWS:

Canadian Cattlemen’s Association News Release MB Beef Producers Encouraged By Canada-Korea Free Trade CJOB Free-trade deal with South Korea opens market for local producers Brandon Sun South Korea pact cheers livestock sector Winnipeg Free Press

Above: MBP’s Tradeshow Spokesperson Karen Emilson welcomes visitors to our Ag in the City Backyard Barbeque booth at The Forks this week.

FORAGE INSURANCE DEADLINE

AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK RESOURCES Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is held March 9-15, 2014.

Visit www.agsafetyweek.ca for information and tools to help you in your beef operation. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Watch this Let's Talk About It! video featuring a beef producer's story.

The deadline for Forage Insurance is Monday, March 31, 2014.

This is the last day to apply for, cancel, or make changes (add or delete crops, change coverage levels) to Select Hay Insurance, Basic Hay Insurance and options.

Visit www.masc.mb.ca for more information.

Hear from Ray Murphy, a livestock operator based out of Bonnyville, Alberta, who suffered a serious farm injury after an altercation with a bull in 2009.

Ray shares his story in the hopes of raising awareness around the risks associated with handling large animals. ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

SAFE FARMS 7 STEP SAFETY AND HEALTH EMERGENCY PLANNING KIT View the 7 Step Safety and Health Emergency Planning Kit here.

Also visit SAFE Farms for safety tips. Topics include: Workplace safety and health orientation Emergency Plans Tool Box Talks Working Alone or in Isolation Youth Safety on Farms

NEW CCA AWARD The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association introduced a new award that recognizes innovation that supports industry competitiveness and sustainability.

The Beef Industry Innovation & Sustainability Award (BIISA) publicly recognizes industry stakeholders and value chain members for their outstanding commitment to the sustainability of Canada’s beef industry through loyalty and innovation.

The CCA announced McDonald’s Canada as the first recipient of the BIISA. Read more

E-NEWSLETTER

FEBRUARY 28, 2014

MARCH CATTLE COUNTRY IS HERE

UPCOMING EVENTS

Cattle Country brings you the latest industry news, interesting features, producer profiles and updates on the activities of MBP.

March 1: Manitoba Sheep Association Annual General Meeting, Rapid City, MB. Website

It’s SALE SEASON! Read all about the sales happening in our March issue.

March 4-7: Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Annual General Meeting, Ottawa, ON. Website

Missed the AGM? Check out the full coverage including changes to the provincial check-off, resolutions, sessions, awards and more.

March 13-15: Agriculture in the City, The Forks Market, Winnipeg, MB. Website

Also inside: • Price insurance and enhanced forage coverage • Meet MBP’s new General Manager • Be on the lookout for water hemlock • The Bottom Line by Rick Wright: Will 2014 continue to break records?

• Vet Corner: Lameness – timing is critical • Financial requirements of the retiring generation…and more!

TAKE ON THE ROAST BEEF CHALLENGE Looking for some fun family activities over March Break? Canada Beef and MBP want you to take on the “I Love Canadian Beef Roast Beef Challenge “with your family!

You make sure your kids know how to read, write and do math—now teach them the basic skills to prepare a healthy meal.

Roast Beef is one of the easiest things to prepare.

READ MORE ABOUT THE CHALLENGE HERE.

March 20: Prairie Improvement Network (formerly MRAC) Annual General Meeting, Canad Inns, Portage la Prairie, MB. Website March 31-April 5: Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB. Website April 24: Attend Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba's Annual General Meeting, Western Canada Aviation Museum, Winnipeg, MB. Website

AGRICULTURAL SAFETY WEEK Canadian Agricultural Safety Week is held March 9-15, 2014.

Most injuries are predictable, and thus preventable, if you know what to look for and how to control the hazards on your farm.

Visit www.agsafetyweek.ca for information and tools to help you in your beef operation. A series of producer tools are available for free to download. Check out the Farm Talk Series. These reference tools include advice on building your farm safety team, talking to your kids about farm safety, orienting new, young or returning farm workers, and overcoming language and cultural barriers with migrant farm workers.

E-NEWSLETTER

MBP APPLAUDS LIVESTOCK PRICE INSURANCE PROGRAM Manitoba Beef Producers welcomes the announcement of a new livestock price insurance program that will be available to Manitoba producers this spring.

Yesterdayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s announcement assures Manitoba producers that they will be fully part of the Western Livestock Price Insurance pilot program that was first announced by the federal government and three western provinces on January 24, 2014. The unveiling of the program in Manitoba was delayed due to the recent provincial by-elections. Read the full news release

FEBRUARY 14, 2014

MBP ANNOUNCES NEW GENERAL MANAGER Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to announce the appointment of Melinda German to the position of general manager.

German comes to MBP after serving as the director of the Livestock Knowledge Centre for Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development. She holds a Master of Science from the University of Saskatchewan, specializing in Beef Animal Nutrition/Grazing and Pasture Management.

Above: Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development, announces price insurance at Edie Creek Angus near Anola, Man. From right: Beef producer Jonathan Bouw of Edie Creek Angus, MBP President Heinz Reimer and KAP President Doug Chorney. Special thanks to The Bouw Family for hosting the announcement at their farm.

"We are very pleased to welcome Ms. German as general manager," said Heinz Reimer, MBP president.

German brings over 15 years of experience in research, extension and management to MBP. She will begin her role at MBP on March 3, 2014. News release

CATTLE CHECK-OFF INCREASE WILL HELP SUSTAIN THE FUTURE OF MANITOBA’S BEEF INDUSTRY A resolution to increase the provincial check-off producers pay when they sell cattle was passed at Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) Annual General Meeting on Feb. 4, 2014 in Brandon.

Approval from the AGM completes the requirements to change the regulations under the Cattle Producers Association Act to increase the provincial check-off by $1 per head of cattle. The current provincial checkoff is $2. This check-off was last increased in 2006.

“Beef producers have been expressing the need for additional financial resources for their organization for some time,” said Heinz Reimer, MBP president. “Producers made it clear that increased investment in MBP is needed when they brought forward and approved resolutions to increase the check-off at MBP’s 2013 district meetings and when they passed the check-off increase at the annual meeting. The check-off increase will help us sustain our future as we work to promote and defend beef producers’ interests and livelihoods.”

Effective July 1, 2014, $3 per head of cattle will be collected to fund the activities of MBP on behalf of beef producers in the province.

Read the full news release

BOOSTING THE CALF CROP PERCENTAGE IN YOUR BEEF HERD: BCRC WEBINAR Reproduction is the basis of profitability in the cow-calf sector. Of course the closer a producer can get to having 100% of their cows deliver healthy, uniform calves that thrive through to weaning, the better their bottom line. Register for this free webinar to hear from industry experts on how those reproductive goals can be achieved. You’ll also hear how ongoing investments in research have improved reproductive efficiency in Canada’s beef herd, and what issues still need to be tackled.

Speakers: - John Campbell, DVM, Ph.D. - Researcher and Professor at the University of Saskatchewan - Reynold Bergen, Ph.D. – Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Science Director Interested but can't make it? REGISTER ANYWAY! This webinar will be recorded and posted online at a later date. All registrants will receive a link to the recording. Everyone will also receive supplemental information on reproduction. By attending the live event, you’ll have the opportunity to interact and ask questions too.

Details here: www.beefresearch.ca/blog/reproduction-webinar

EDIE CREEK ANGUS 7TH ANNUAL 2-YEAR OLD BULL SALE March 15, 2014 Interlake Cattlemen's Co-op (Ashern Auction Mart) For catalogue and sale information visit www.ediecreekangus.com

E-NEWSLETTER

JANUARY 17, 2013

UPCOMING EVENTS Jan. 21-23: Manitoba Ag Days, Keystone Centre, Brandon Website Feb. 4-5: Manitoba Beef Producers 35th Annual General Meeting and President’s Banquet, Victoria Inn, Brandon. Website Feb. 5: Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association’s AGM at 1 p.m., Victoria Inn, Brandon. Website

UPCOMING DEADLINES

HAVE YOU REGISTERED? It is time to register for MBP’s 35th Annual General Meeting! The AGM will be held February 4 to 5, 2014, at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Brandon, MB. The AGM agenda is posted here.

**REGISTER ONLINE!** THANK YOU TO OUR AGM SPONSORS! SPONSOR LIST

EVENT FUNDING PROVIDED BY:

The application deadline is February 6, 2014 for the Shellmouth Dam Artificial Flooding Compensation Program. To apply, click here.

Producers have until Feb. 14, 2014 to apply for funding under the Growing Forward 2 Growing Assurance – Environment program.

Read more information February 14, 2014 is also the deadline for Conservation Districts (CDs) wishing to apply for funding under the GF2 Growing Assurance – Ecological Goods and Services Program. For more program information, click here.

BUG SPRAY FOR BEEF?

NEWS FROM BEEF CATTLE RESEARCH COUNCIL BCRC’s last two research columns have been about technologies and best practices that large and small beef packers can adopt to avoid bacterial contamination during dressing of beef carcasses, and to avoid bacterial (re)contamination of beef cuts and trim during further processing.

Ground beef is more of a food safety risk than other cuts, for reasons discussed in last month’s column. As a result, Dr. Colin Gill, Xianqin Yang, Madhu Badoni and Mohamed Youssef of AAFC’s Lacombe Research Station have studied whether lactic acid sprays can combat E. coli in beef trim.

You may view the full article and comment at: www.beefresearch.ca/blog/bug-spray-for-beef-bergen ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

MEET US AT AG DAYS!

MBP is looking forward to meeting with beef producers at Manitoba Ag Days Jan. 21 to 23, 2014 at the Keystone Centre, Brandon!

Booth #1702 in Barn 3 Manitoba Ag Days website ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………...

IN THE NEWS Beef producers smile, consumers cry Got a beef over high prices? Then switch to chicken or pork A&W calls Better Beef a hit with consumers Taiwan to open its doors to Canadian bone-in beef Canadian Beef Packers Looking at Short Term Squeeze 5-ways to prepare to meet future sustainable beef-requirements U.S. clamps down on antibiotic use in livestock