February 26, 2021
mbbeef.ca
E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers
For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/
The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/
As costs rise, menu prices could follow Winnipeg Free Press Prairie Innovation Centre gets $10,000 boost Manitoba Co-operator Vilsack confirmed for 2nd stint as US agriculture secretary Winnipeg Free Press
Province’s Second Protein Summit a Resounding Success (February 26, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)
More than 650 individuals from across the globe attended the Manitoba Protein Summit, hosted by the government of Manitoba and the Manitoba Protein Consortium, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today. “The protein industry is driving new investment and opportunities for Manitoba in both plant and animal protein,” said Pedersen. “Since the first summit and the release of the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy, we’ve seen an additional $680 million in new investment in the protein industry, creating close to 600 jobs.” The virtual event hosted a mix of international, Canadian and Manitoba presenters that covered key information on the protein industry, lessons learned for the industry through the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of producing protein in a sustainable manner. “Events such as Manitoba’s Protein Summit open doors for Manitoba companies and help connect them with global stakeholders,” said Pedersen. “Providing these opportunities will ensure Manitoba will continue to be a leader in protein innovation.” Manitoba’s Protein Advantage Strategy is a bold approach to attracting new investment in the animal and plant-protein sector, creating new jobs, increasing protein production in a sustainable manner and positioning the
province as a leader in protein research and innovation, the minister said. The strategy will continue to maintain the Manitoba government’s focus on creating an environment for investment attraction while supporting research and innovation, and reducing red tape, he added. “This event directly aligns with the work being undertaken by the Manitoba Protein Consortium and the Sustainable Protein Design Team to develop the Sustainable Protein Action Framework, and how we as Manitoba’s protein industry should take collective ownership of this Framework and move it to action,” said Dickson Gould, chair of the Manitoba Protein Consortium. “Our goals are to elevate Manitoba’s economy through sustainable protein innovation, value chain collaboration and to foster a culture of stewardship for our environment.” To learn more about Manitoba’s work in protein innovation, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/protein/pu bs/protein-factsheet.pdf.
Province Considers Changes to Public Health Orders, Seeks Feedback on Manitobans’ Reopening Priorities
(February 25, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is asking for
public feedback on possible changes to the public health orders, while continuing to monitor COVID-19 variants of concerns and protecting the health-care system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced. “Manitobans continue to do their part to keep our COVID curve down, which why we are once again in a position to consider loosening restrictions and allowing more Manitobans to get back to doing some of the things they love and have missed over the past few months,” said Pallister. “But, with variants of concern now present in Manitoba that could potentially spread COVID-19 even faster, we will continue to take a cautious and gradual approach at restarting our activities and services. We’re asking Manitobans to provide their input and priorities for the next rounds of reopening, while ensuring we continue to protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans.” Proposed changes for the entire province will be considered for implementation in two phases over a six-week period, beginning as early as March 5 and again on March 26. The following changes under consideration include: • households and gatherings:
− allowing households the choice of continuing to designate two visitors to their home, or to designate a second household to visit each other, as long as everyone in the house has authorized those designated individuals to visit and families would have to choose either the two-person option or the additional household option; − increasing gathering limits at an outdoor place to 10 people including for outdoor nonorganized sport or recreation activities; and − increasing the capacity size at places of worship for regular religious services to 25 per cent or 100 people, whichever is lower, with physical distancing measures in place and mask requirements. • business, retail and restaurants: − enabling any type of business to be able to operate with the exception of indoor theatres, indoor concert halls, casino and bingo halls; − expanding the capacity limits for retail stores, malls and personal services to up to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is lower, with other public health measures still in effect; − expanding restaurants and licensed premises to up to 50 per cent capacity with requirements to still only sit with members of your household and with other public health measures still in effect; − allowing businesses to resume operating video lottery terminals, with physical distancing measures and barriers in place; and continued on next page
Province Considers Changes to Public Health Orders, Seeks Feedback on Manitobans’ Reopening Priorities − allowing professional theatre groups, dance companies, symphonies or operas to resume rehearsals as long as rehearsals are not accessible to members of the public. • recreation and fitness: − allowing day camps for children to operate at 25 per cent capacity with a maximum group size of 50, with other public health measures in place; − allowing indoor recreation and sporting facilities, such as gyms, fitness centres, rinks, courts, fields, ranges, studios, clubs, pools and centres to open for individual use and group instruction and practices only, with public health measures in place for spectators, common areas and locker rooms for a total capacity of 25 per cent; − allowing dance, theatre and music facilities to open for individual instruction and group classes for a total capacity of 25 per cent; − allowing gyms and fitness centres to provide group instruction or classes at 25 per cent capacity per class with physical distancing measures in place, in addition to one-on-one instruction and individual workouts for a total facility capacity of 25 per cent; − allowing indoor recreational facilities such as arcades, go-kart tracks and children’s facilities to open at 25 per cent capacity with physical distancing measures in place; − allowing outdoor amusement parks to open at 50 per cent capacity with physical distancing measures in place; and − allowing users of gyms, fitness centres and pools to not wear a mask while taking part in a physical activity, but requiring mask use in other areas of the facility.
“Manitoba’s case numbers continue to trend in the right direction which allows us to consider reopening more services cautiously and safely,” said Roussin. “However, with the variant of concern now here in Manitoba, it is crucial that Manitobans continue to follow the fundamentals and avoid the activities that are known to cause the greatest risk – crowded places, closed-spaces, and close-contact settings – so we can contain the spread of COVID-19 until we can immunize and better protect more of our population.” As with previous orders, Manitobans are asked to provide their feedback on these latest proposed changes, with particular focus on deciding which services are the most important to reopen at this point while continuing to balance public safety. Roussin also noted that based on public feedback and COVID-19 indicators, changes could be made to public health orders beginning March 5. Further feedback received will be used to guide subsequent orders in the weeks ahead. To provide feedback, visit https://engagemb.ca/. Results of public feedback gathered will be posted on the EngageMB website once completed.
For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.
Canada’s farm incomes on track for a record year just over $194,000 in 2020, driven by increases in NOI from farming.
(February 25, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Agriculture continues to
be a strong driver of Canada’s economy, with our farmers playing a key role in ensuring Canadians have access to affordable, highquality food. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has completed an analysis of farm income for 2020 and 2021, and the results show that Canadian farm income and the value of farms is expected to be at an all-time high. This puts many farmers and farm families on a stronger footing and positioned to contribute to Canada’s economic recovery. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, shared the results of the analysis while speaking at the annual meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. The agriculture sector is expected to see significant growth in key financial areas for 2020 and 2021. In spite of recent challenges, notably COVID-19’s impacts on the food supply chain, the growth in farm income shows that the sector is weathering these disruptions well and adjusting farming decisions accordingly. Net cash income (NCI) is forecast to have grown by 21.8 per cent in 2020, from $13.5 billion in 2019 to $16.5 billion in 2020. In addition, farmlevel income is also forecast to have increased in 2020, with average net operating income (NOI) per farm increasing by 25.4 per cent, from just under $76,000 in 2019 to approximately $95,000 in 2020. Average farm family income is forecast to have increased by 8.6 per cent to
The grains sector had a very strong year, contributing to an 11.9 per cent increase in overall crop receipts. However, disruptions to the workforce, shifting international trade patterns, and fluctuating commodity prices have caused challenges, including for some parts of the crop sector, such as horticulture. Livestock receipts were forecast to have declined 1.9 per cent, largely due to negative impacts of COVID-19 on the red meats sector. Looking ahead to 2021, there continues to be uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. However, based on the expectation that the current situation continues to return to normal market conditions, NCI is forecast to further grow in 2021 by 6.8 per cent to $17.6 billion. Average farm-level NOI is forecast to increase 8.5 per cent to approximately $103,000 per farm, and average farm family income is forecast to grow 7.2 per cent to just under $208,000. Net worth is forecast to reach $3.5 million per farm, up 2.9 per cent from 2020 levels. Building on this income forecast, the sector also had a strong export showing in 2020, reaching nearly $74 billion up from $67 billion in 2019. This brings the government close to achieving its target of $75 billion in agri-food and seafood exports by 2025. The sector has shown resilience in posting a record performance for agriculture and agri-food exports, despite COVID-19 and its challenges. The agricultural sector is an engine of growth, helping to restart the Canadian economy. Quick facts •
The Farm Income Forecast is a regular analysis that Agriculture and Agri-Food continued on next page
Canada’s farm incomes on track for a record year Canada undertakes in consultation with the provincial governments and Statistics Canada. The forecast provides important insights into the short-term outlook for primary agriculture in Canada. •
Farm Cash Receipts for all principal field crops are forecast to have reached $28.3 billion in 2020, up 17 per cent from 2019 levels.
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Overall crop receipts are forecast to have increased by 12 per cent in 2020, offsetting a 2 per cent decline in livestock receipts.
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Farm Cash Receipts for pulses and special crops are forecast to have reached $3.6 billion in 2020.
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The Government of Canada has made significant investments and taken important action to support the agriculture and agri-food sector, prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and address outbreaks on farms when they do occur.
Net Cash Income is forecast to have grown significantly in 2020 – from $13.5 billion in 2019 to a new record of $16.5 billion, amounting to a 21.8% increase. Large increases in receipts are projected to have outpaced increases in expenses. Strong returns in the grain and oilseed sectors outweighed weaker performance in the red meat sector (due to challenges at processing plants) as well as the horticulture sector (due to demand and labour challenges). Average Net Operating Income per farm is also forecast to have risen significantly in 2020, amounting to approximately $95,000 in 2020 – up 25.4% from just under $76,000 in 2019 and 15.9% higher than the 5-year average. For 2020, average farm family income is forecast to have increased 8.6% to just over $194,000, driven by increases in Net Operating Income from farming. The average net worth increased by 4.1%, to $3.4 million per farm. In 2021, Net Cash Income is forecast to grow 6.8% to $17.6 billion as prices are expected to improve as global markets recover from the effects of COVID-19. Outlook •
Net Cash Income is forecast to rise in 2020 to a new record, and to see further growth in 2021. Balance sheets overall are expected to remain strong as well.
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As global markets recover from the effects of COVID-19, prices for Canadian agricultural commodities are expected to improve in 2021, however COVID-19 is still a significant risk for markets going forward.
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While the agriculture sector on the balance had a good year, some sectors did better than others and growth was uneven. The grain sector had a very good year with record crop production, strong prices, and minimal transportation issues. However, some other commodities, such as red meat and horticulture, saw more challenges from COVID-19 impacts.
Additional Background From the Report Farm Income Forecast results for 2020 and 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Farm Income Forecast is a key tool for monitoring income in the farm sector, and understanding the short-term outlook for primary agriculture. The sector is forecast to have seen strong financial performance in 2020, which is expected to continue into 2021. With market demand for agricultural commodities remaining strong, growth is expected in Net Cash Income, farm-level Net Operating Income, as well as net worth. Positive performance in the face of uncertainty
Province’s Ice-Jam Mitigation Program Underway on Red River (February 22, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The
province will begin its annual ice cutting this week on the Red River to reduce the potential for ice-jam flooding, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced. “Predicting when and how our rivers ice will break up naturally is complex due to varying conditions,” said Schuler. “Knowing this, our government is remaining vigilant and prepared by implementing the ice-jam mitigation program. We have committed to investing in strategic flood-control operations in order to protect Manitobans in the chance of a high water event due to ice jamming.” The ice-jam mitigation program, which consists of cutting and breaking river ice, was launched in 2006 to reduce the risk of flooding caused by ice jams on the lower Red River and several other rivers. Ice jams form when floating ice is blocked from moving downstream, forcing water to backup and overflow river banks. Remote controlled ice-cutting units and three Amphibex icebreakers are used each year to cut and break approximately 28 kilometres of ice on the Red River from Selkirk to Netley Creek for an approximate width of 100 metres. Ice cutting and breaking is also often completed on the Icelandic River at Riverton and at the outlet of the Portage Diversion.
Notices have been posted in areas where the ice-cutting machines will be working and river users are advised as a safety reminder to stay off the ice where notices are posted or where evidence of recent ice cutting is apparent. Ice fishers are also reminded to remove huts or other materials in the areas covered by the icemitigation program. The icebreaking and ice-cutting equipment is operated and maintained by Winnipeg Environmental Remediations Inc., a Manitoba company that provides comprehensive environmental services, general contracting and civil earthworks to a variety of industries in both the private and public sectors throughout Canada and the United States.
2021 Manitoba Young Farmers Conference The 2021 Manitoba Young Farmers Conference will be held virtually on Thursday, March 4, 2021. KAP continues to invest in Manitoba Young Farmers, providing training and networking opportunities to support their success in the agriculture industry. To achieve this goal KAP is hosting a one-day virtual conference focused on strategies for improving profitability without increasing farm size. The conference is free for everyone, with a particular focus on farmers ages 18-40.
Presentations: This year’s topics include: • • • • •
How to thrive in a high debt/low margin environment Improving farm efficiencies Making data driven decisions Adding value to your agricultural ventures and farm products Managing mental health
Highlighted Speakers: •
Chris Beaudry, a farmer, and former assistant coach of the Humboldt Broncos. He will touch on his experience with the accident, grief, addiction, healing, and mental health.
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Saskatchewan's YouTube sensation Quick Dick McDick will be sending a special video for Manitoba Young Farmers and attend a Q&A session at the end of the conference.
Schedule: The conference will begin at 8:00am and there is a full day of expert presentations, farm tours, and networking planned.
Socialising is encouraged: A virtual visiting and networking area will be available throughout the event.
Stay for the prizes: Event prizes will be awarded at the end of the conference. Registration: Register in advance here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=NfAxKjPdXESbSjFvTM_z3E0uXABNluVLlfTj7qaun ytUQUlUWFcwVkFENVBKUDBNNDFRVjk4NjNQNi4u Agenda and full conference program will be available here in the coming days.
Funding provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership
“Everyone at the Table”: Minister Bibeau announces members of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council (February 19, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister
of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced the membership of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council, a central component of the Food Policy for Canada. Minister Bibeau made the announcement as part of the virtual Food Systems Summit Dialogue convened by the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, where she delivered a speech. The Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council’s 23 members bring together diverse expertise and perspectives from across the food system, including the agriculture and food sector, health professionals, academics, and non-profit organizations. Members also represent Canada’s geographic and demographic diversity. “Everyone at the Table” is the slogan for the Food Policy for Canada, and reflects the need for actors across our food system to work together on solutions to systemic issues. The Council will advise the Minister on current and emerging food-related issues that matter to Canadians. This advice will reflect the integrated and complex nature of Canada’s food system, and support improved and sustainable health, social, environmental and economic outcomes. The Council’s first meeting will be held virtually on March 4, 2021. Media will be invited to a breakout scrum following the meeting with the Minister and the Council’s co-chairs. The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a strong and resilient food system in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting a healthier and more sustainable food sector, and to ensuring that all
people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food. More information on the Council, including brief biographies of the members, can be found on the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council web page. Quotes “Whether it’s food insecurity, food fraud, food waste, or promoting the good stories of our agricultural producers, collaboration is the key. This Advisory Council is a first-of-its kind in Canada, and reflects our vision for a sustainable food system in Canada built on an inclusive approach. Each of these members has a unique set of experiences and knowledge that will help improve the way Government programs are developed and implemented. I can’t wait for our first discussion!” The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “We cannot build a just, competitive and sustainable food system without active dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. The Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council is designed to meet exactly this need and I am extremely excited to be working with Co-chair, Sylvie Cloutier, the Honourable Minister Bibeau, and the rest of the Council to help foster dialogue for positive change, position Canada as a global leader, and promote greater awareness among Canadians about the importance of food in all of our lives.” Evan Fraser, Co-chair, Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council continued on next page
“Everyone at the Table”: Minister Bibeau announces members of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council “I am honoured to serve alongside Mr. Evan Fraser from the Arrell Food Institute as Co-chair of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council. I am convinced that our diverse group of Council members representing a broad range of stakeholders will dutifully and collaboratively come together to fulfill the important responsibilities entrusted to us by Minister Bibeau. Our food system is as complex as it is critical to Canada’s security, economic development and health of all Canadians.”
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The Council will support progress towards achieving the Food Policy’s vision: that all people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food, and that Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment and supports our economy.
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Food Policy for Canada initiatives are currently underway, including the Food Waste Reduction Challenge. This $20 million initiative will grant awards for innovations that prevent or divert food waste at any point from farm-to-plate.
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In addition, the Local Food Infrastructure Fund has funded more than 360 projects to date, to increase accessibility of healthy, nutritious, and ideally, local foods in communities across Canada.
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The Government has also made strides to identify and mitigate risks in the food supply chain so that Canadians are protected from food misrepresentation, which is a common form of food fraud. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s food fraud program recently published its honey authenticity surveillance results.
Sylvie Cloutier, Co-chair, Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council Quick facts •
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The Food Policy for Canada is a roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada – one that builds on the Government’s ambitious agenda to support the growth of Canada’s farmers and food businesses, as well as key federal initiatives like the Healthy Eating Strategy, Canada’s Food Guide, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Food Policy also supports work on food fraud, food labelling, and food loss and waste, among other initiatives. More than 45,000 Canadians shared their ideas on the development of the Food Policy through a national online survey, regional engagement sessions, a Food Policy Summit, town halls hosted by Members of Parliament, and other community-led engagement events held across the country.
Associated links •
The Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council
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The Food Policy for Canada
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Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph
Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management. Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you. StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.