The deadline to apply for forage insurance is March 31. See article on page 9.
E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP March 26, 2021
STATEMENT
mbbeef.ca
MBP Welcomes Removal of Reference Margin Limit Within AgriStability Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) welcomes news that the federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) governments have agreed to the removal of the Reference Margin Limit (RML) from Agri-Stability and that this change is retroactive to the 2020 production year. “For some time MBP and its national and provincial beef industry counterparts have been strongly advocating for changes to business risk management (BRM) programs, including the removal of the RML,” said MBP President Tyler Fulton. “MBP believes the removal of the RML should help to increase the predictability and bankability of the AgriStability program and ultimately make it more equitable, particularly for cow-calf producers, but also others in the sector.” MBP recognizes that achieving lasting and impactful changes to Canada’s BRM programs will take time and will be a continuous process to ensure they are
responsive to risks such as the weather, trade issues, production conditions and others. MBP asks governments to continue this dialogue in conjunction with the agricultural commodities. From the perspective of the beef sector, this includes further discussions about matters such as a proposed increase to the compensation rate from 70 per cent to 80 per cent, which would also be beneficial for beef producers. Additionally, with the deadline to enroll in AgriStability now extended to June 30, MBP is encouraging Manitoba’s beef producers to evaluate this business risk management option to best determine how it fits into their operations in terms of mitigating against risk. *More information from the Canadian Cattlemen's Association along with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada can be found on pages 3-5.
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/
Prairie biodiversity considered under threat The Western Producer Holy Cow: Turning cattle hides into beef snacks New Food Magazine Take farm safety personally and make a commitment, says expert Manitoba Co-operator
Statement CCA is encouraged by AgriStability program change in today’s Federal-Provincial-Territorial meeting March 25, 2021 Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and our provincial members are encouraged by the results of today’s Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) meeting regarding the changes to the AgriStability program. CCA is pleased the FPT Ministers agreed to the removal of the reference margin limit (RML) within AgriStability. The original proposal tabled by Minister Bibeau included the removal of the RML and an increase to the compensation rate from 70 per cent to 80 per cent. While we are disappointed governments could not yet agree to the compensation rate, we are pleased with the changes that will stand to benefit beef producers across the country. Removing the RML will go a long way in making AgriStability more predictable and equitable for our industry. CCA is also encouraged that with today’s announcement, the April 30 enrollment deadline has been extended to June 30, 2021 and the removal of the RML is retroactive to 2020. “We need to have tools that help us better manage the risks of weather, trade and production. The removal of the RML will help level the playing field for beef producers and better position our industry to contribute to Canada’s economic recovery,” said Bob Lowe, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President. “The Canadian beef sector appreciates the work of all FPT Ministers to address risk management programs and to ensure the ongoing viability of Canada’s agriculture sector, particularly at a time when the beef sector is primed to drive Canada’s economic recovery.” CCA is pleased to see that the Federal offer remains on the table for cost-shared improvements to the compensation rate and encourages all FPT Ministers to continue productive discussions on changes to agriculture risk management programs in Canada. For further information, contact: Tammy Melesko Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| meleskot@cattle.ca
The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca
Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture agree to implement a key improvement to the AgriStability program to better support farmers (March 25, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) During today’s
virtual meeting of Canada’s federal, provincial, and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture[1], Ministers agreed to remove the reference margin limit for AgriStability, one of the business risk management (BRM) programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The removal of the reference margin limit will be made retroactive to the 2020 program year. In addition, the deadline for producers to enroll in the 2021 program year will be extended to June 30, 2021. Today’s meeting was convened to discuss key changes to the program, in order to better support farmers facing challenges. Removing the reference margin limit could increase the overall amount AgriStability pays out to farmers by approximately $95 million nationally. The objectives in making this change are to help simplify the program and help farmers in need by increasing the level of support for agricultural operations with lower allowable expenses. This change is an important step towards making the program easier to understand, more bankable, more accessible, and more fair for some sectors, who might have been left out of the program under the previous rules. Costs for the removal of the reference margin limit will be shared, as outlined in the Canadian Agricultural Partnership; 60% by the federal government and 40% by provincial and territorial governments. This change will help producers better manage risks and financial losses due to poor yields, low commodity prices or rising input costs. AgriStability provides support when producers experience a large margin decline. The federal government first tabled its AgriStability proposal during the last FPT Ministers conference
in November 2020. At that time, Ministers agreed that BRM programs needed to improve to better target emerging risks that threaten the viability of the farm. As well, programs should be simple, predictable, and respond quickly for producers, while treating farms fairly and equitably. Ministers also noted that analysis continues on alternative risk management designs. This analysis will inform upcoming discussions on longer-term reforms, set to take place at their next in-person Annual Conference in Guelph, Ontario scheduled for September 8-10, 2021. Ministers also recognize the importance of close collaboration with each other to ensure the successful development and implementation of the next five-year agricultural policy framework, expected to be in place on April 1, 2023. Footnote: [1] The government of Newfoundland and Labrador is in a caretaker period due to its provincial election, as is the government of Yukon, due to its upcoming territorial election. Quotes “This is a big win for farmers across Canada, resulting in about $95 million per year. Thank you to all of the farmers and producer groups who got behind the federal offer. Our offer remains on the table for cost-shared improvements to the compensation rate. Canadian agriculture is a shared jurisdiction and we’ve been clear BRM improvements must respect the cost-shared fundamentals.” - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “Our farmers have always worked tirelessly to ensure Canadians have access to safe, healthy, locally produced food – especially so during this pandemic. As agriculture ministers, it is our responsibility to assist them in those efforts and
continued on next page
Canada’s Ministers of Agriculture agree to implement a key improvement to the AgriStability program to better support farmers removing the reference margin limit beginning in the 2020 program year is going to provide help to farmers that are facing challenging times right now. It is important we continue our discussions to work on further improvements to the AgriStability program to support our farmers and critical agrifood sector.” - Ernie Hardeman, Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs for Ontario
•
The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. In addition, under the Partnership, producers have access to a suite of business risk management programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage.
•
Agriculture and agri-food continues to be an economic engine driving Canada’s economy, contributing more than $140 billion to GDP and responsible for 2.3 million jobs.
•
With market demand for agricultural commodities remaining strong, further growth will continue into 2021 on the expectation that normal market conditions resume.
Quick facts •
•
The business risk management suite of programs, including AgriStability, helps producers manage risks such as natural disasters, weather events, severe loss and market volatility. Farmers are always encouraged to make use of the programs. AgriStability protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. Other improvements to BRM programs were announced in 2020 as a response to COVID-19. These changes extended the AgriStability enrollment deadline for the 2020 program year and boosted interim payments in most jurisdictions from 50 to 75 per cent. The federal government, along with the participation of several provinces, also committed up to $125 million to AgriRecovery to help beef, pork, and other producers cover up to 90 per cent of extraordinary costs related to the pandemic.
Canada’s national beef conference will be hosting the industry virtually for the second year in a row! CBIC has moved a few weeks later and will be hosted from August 31 – September 2, 2021, with more details being released in the upcoming months. Each day will host a variety of sessions/courses and will give attendees an opportunity to ask questions and gain further insight from all speakers and panelists. Stay tuned and keep your eyes on our website www.canadianbeefindustryconference.com and be sure to follow us on social to stay up to date on the latest!
News Release CCA confirms leadership, sets path forward for year ahead at Annual General Meeting March 26, 2021 Calgary, AB– At the 2021 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held virtually, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) Board Members re-elected Bob Lowe (AB) and Reg Schellenberg (SK) as President and Vice President, respectively, and set CCA’s path forward for the upcoming year. During a productive AGM, CCA discussed the beef industry’s priorities for the year ahead, including focusing on maintaining full business continuity through COVID-19, making changes to business risk management programs, ensuring beef is seen as a nutritious, sustainable and safe protein choice, changing the conversation about cattle from an environmental perspective and enhancing international trade market access. “CCA is pleased that coinciding with our AGM, Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Ministers agreed to the removal of the reference margin limit (RML) within AgriStability. This has long been a recommendation of CCA and a key ask we had of Governments over the last years,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. Removing the RML will go a long way in making AgriStability more predictable and equitable for our industry. CCA encourages all FPT Ministers to continue productive discussions on further changes to agriculture risk management programs in Canada – making the Livestock Price Insurance Program national and permanent is a key recommendation of CCA that has yet to be implemented. Environment is a continued focus for CCA this coming year. This builds on the 2030 beef industry goals that were recently announced including carbon sequestration, grassland conservation and reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. “We know that the positive environmental contributions of cattle production and the Canadian beef industry aren’t as well understood as they should be,” Lowe said. “We are focused on continuing to raise the profile of Canada’s beef sector within the Government of Canada and at the Cabinet table to make sure our industry is understood as an economic engine for our country while also being an environmental positive industry.” On the international front, CCA is continuing engagement with U.S. policy makers and our allies in Washington to head off efforts to bring back Mandatory Country-of-Origin Labeling (mCOOL). Further abroad, CCA is working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to increase Canada’s ability to export more beef to the European Union, a market which has seen steady but non optimized export growth since the implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement.
The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca
As CCA awaits the Organisation for Animal Health ruling in May for the anticipated approval of Canada’s BSE Negligible Risk Status, CCA continues to seek changes to eliminate remaining BSE impediments to trade. Increasing Canadian beef exports is another area of focus as CCA continues to support the expansion of membership in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for TransPacific Partnership. CCA welcomed newly elected members to the CCA board including Linda Allison (BC), George L'Heureux (AB), Kelly Fraser-Smith (AB) and Matthew Atkinson (MB). The Board thanks the following retiring directors and members for their time and contributions to the organization and Canada’s beef industry: Grant Huffman (BC), Jodi Flaig (AB), Stuart Somerville (AB) and Gord Adams (MB). For further information, contact: Tammy Melesko Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| meleskot@cattle.ca
The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca
Deadline to Apply for Forage Insurance is March 31 Reminders re: Upcoming MASC Program Deadlines Final Date to Apply for, Change or Cancel an AgriInsurance Contract
Producers: The following is some important information from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation website regarding upcoming deadlines related to programs it administers. Forage Insurance March 31 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. Adding Land for Excess Moisture Insurance (EMI) Coverage Rented land must be added to your AgriInsurance contract by March 31 for EMI coverage this year. Rented land added after March 31 will be eligible for AgriInsurance coverage for seeded crops and for Hail Insurance, but not for EMI. Land that is purchased on or before June 30 is eligible for EMI, based on proof of purchase provided to MASC. Contact your Insurance Agent for more details.
The deadline to apply for an AgriInsurance contract and to make changes to or cancel an existing AgriInsurance contract is March 31, 2021. If we do not hear from you by this date, your existing selections (i.e. insured crops, coverage levels, and options) will remain in effect. Producers can review the entire 2021 AgriInsurance contract online via https://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/contracts_i nsurance.html . Printed copies are available by request. Farmland School Tax Rebate (FSTR) Deadline The final day to apply for FSTR for the 2020 tax year is March 31, 2021. Completed and signed 2020 FSTR applications must be received by MASC by March 31, 2021. Your 2020 property taxes, any penalties or interest charges, and Real Estate Services Board (RESB) lease fees must be paid by March 31, 2021. Existing FSTR clients can now complete and submit their FSTR application online with myMASC. Note: Firsttime applicants must submit a paper copy of their application form to a MASC office for processing. See: https://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/program_fa rmland_school_tax_rebate.html For details on all of MASC’s programs and initiatives, go to: www.masc.mb.ca
Manitoba Remains At 'Critical' On Pandemic Response System; PHO Changes Announced • increasing gathering limits at outdoor public places to 25 from 10 people; (March 23, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Based on feedback from Manitobans,
concerns over rising variants case numbers and the need to maintain the stability of the healthcare system, the Manitoba government is making minor changes to the current public health orders and will remain at the ‘critical’ (red) level on the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System, while continuing to balance the needs of the health-care system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial health officer, announced today. “At every step of the way throughout this pandemic, we’ve endeavored to reach out directly to Manitobans to get their input and perspectives on a variety of measures and their comfort level with learning to live with this virus. Once again, I want to thank Manitobans for providing their feedback for the next stages of our gradual reopening,” said Pallister. “As more Manitobans get back to doing some of the activities they love and have missed over the past few months, it is crucial that we continue to follow the fundamentals and avoid the activities that are known to cause the greatest risk.” Following feedback from Manitobans, only a limited number of the options proposed late last week will be implemented in the next round of public health orders. The following changes to public health orders go into effect on Friday, March 26 at 12:01 a.m. and will expire on April 15:
• increasing gathering limits at weddings and funerals to 25 from 10 people; • maintaining the capacity limits for retail stores at 50 per cent, but expanding the in-store limits to a 500-person capacity, whichever is lower, with other public health measures still in effect; and • relaxing rules for drive-in events to allow people to leave their vehicles while still observing public health measures. Roussin noted that changes to indoor or outdoor gathering sizes at personal residences or in restaurants will not be introduced, as prolonged contact has a higher risk of transmitting the virus. “We are carefully monitoring our hospitalization data and case numbers of cases linked to variants of concern to ensure that as we gradually reopen, we continue to have capacity in the system,” said Roussin. “That said, we are going to see more cases and more exposures as we slowly reopen. COVID-19 will be here to stay for awhile, and we need to work together to manage its effects and protect our most vulnerable. We can continue to do this by following the fundamentals including mask wearing, frequent handwashing, staying home when sick and getting vaccinated when eligible.” Additional changes may be considered after spring break, Passover and Easter if data supports making further reopening efforts, Roussin said.
continued on next page
Manitoba Remains At 'Critical' On Pandemic Response System; PHO Changes Announced The new public health orders follow priorities set out by Manitobans in response to the survey launched on March 18 with proposed changes. Nearly 32,000 responses were provided on the proposals and preliminary results indicated: • 53 per cent of respondents felt increasing gathering limits at outdoor public places to 25 people is an appropriate next step; • 48 per cent of respondents felt increasing gathering limits at weddings, funerals and other gatherings to 25 people is an appropriate next step; • 45 per cent of respondents felt expanding capacity limits for retail stores to 50 per cent or 500 people, whichever is lower, is an appropriate next step; • respondents indicated that their top priority of the proposed public health changes was increasing gathering limits at an outdoor public place to 25 people; and • 39 per cent of respondents indicated that bigger changes should wait until after Passover and Easter or later to prevent further spread of COVID-19. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19 .
A friendly reminder from MBP:
125,000-acre initiative aims to conserve Canadian prairies through collaboration with ranchers “In North America’s prairie ecosystems, cattle help ensure the sustainability of grasslands,” said Karla Guyn, chief executive officer for DUC. “Cattle fertilize the soil and help maintain plant biodiversity through grazing, controlling invasive grasses and allowing other species to thrive.
Ducks Unlimited Canada, McDonald’s Canada and Cargill support expansion of Canadian grazing land and forages to help combat impacts of climate change and protect wildlife. (March 25, 2021 Ducks Unlimited Canada News Release, Winnipeg, Man.) Beef farmers
and ranchers play an important role in providing quality food, but few people know they also play an essential role in protecting Canada’s land, water and wildlife. With the urgency of unprecedented environmental challenges, like climate change, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has teamed up with McDonald’s Canada and Cargill to support rancher-led work through a $5-million CAD Forage Program. The program will work to return 125,000 acres (50,585 hectares) of cropland to grass and pasture by 2025. In response to growing climate concerns, returning less productive annual cropland to perennial grass helps remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Collectively, the impact of this program is comparable to removing 75,000 metric tonnes of carbon dioxide from the atmosphere—the same as the emissions from driving 299 million kilometres in an average passenger vehicle. Perennial grass cover also provides habitat for prairie wildlife.
“For decades, we’ve worked with Canadian cattle farmers and ranchers to conserve natural habitat on their land,” said Guyn. “This initiative builds on their long-standing environmental stewardship while providing opportunities to help support their operations. We’re grateful to have strong partners in Cargill and McDonald’s that recognize the importance of natural habitats as part of sustainable agriculture.” Grasslands are some of the world’s most productive and diverse ecosystems, but these habitats and the species they support continue to be lost at alarming rates. Canada’s prairies contain wetlands, lakes, rivers and valleys that provide habitat to more than 60 wildlife species at risk. This project will help expand habitat and provide enhanced water quality, as grasslands naturally filter harmful nutrients from water. The support from McDonald’s and Cargill allows DUC to provide farmers and ranchers incentives via discounted seed and technical support to help establish the forage on their land. In return, program participants agree to maintain the forage for 10 years. “The result is a healthy, productive landscape where ranchers can graze their herd or harvest hay and a diversity of wildlife thrive,” said Guyn.
continued on next page
125,000-acre initiative aims to conserve Canadian prairies through collaboration with ranchers McDonald’s and Cargill are market leaders in Canadian beef. Both have made sustainability a cornerstone of how they do business, recognizing the role they play in advancing responsible food production. These companies are investing $1.25 million CAD in the Forage Program over the next five years, with DUC adding $3.75 million CAD through matching programs. “This initiative is an example of how McDonald’s is driving toward our global climate change commitment by supporting beef farmers and ranchers in their efforts to implement practices that reduce greenhouse emissions,” says Nicole Zeni, senior manager, supply chain management, McDonald’s Canada. “Here in Canada, we’ll continue to collaborate with our partners, working together to create change and positive outcomes for farmers, ranchers, communities and the planet.” This collaboration also supports Cargill’s BeefUp Sustainability initiative, which seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions throughout the company’s North American beef supply chain by 30 per cent by 2030. Cargill has launched several initiatives and three other programs to support this goal. “At Cargill, we are in a unique position to drive sustainable beef production across North
America. Through this project, we are partnering with Canadian ranchers to show how cattle are a force for good in conserving this critical ecosystem of soil, grassland and wildlife habitats,” says Heather Tansey, sustainability lead for Cargill’s global protein and animal nutrition and health businesses. “By working hand in hand, we can scale realistic solutions that address sustainability challenges and feed the world.” Learn more about the Forage Program
Province Advises Nutrient Application Ban Lifted March 23 (March 23, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Agriculture and Resource
Development, and Manitoba Conservation and Climate advise that soil temperatures have risen to the point that effective today, the restriction for the application of nutrients, including livestock manure to agricultural land across Manitoba, has been lifted. All other requirements of the Nutrient Management Regulation and the Livestock Manure and Mortalities Management Regulation remain in effect. Nutrients cannot be applied to sensitive lands along waterways or to lands classified as Nutrient Management Zone N4.
Agricultural producers are obliged to assess current weather conditions and periodically check weather forecasts when applying nutrients prior to April 11. Nutrients should not be applied in instances where the weather outlook is unfavourable. Those conditions include a forecast of snow or an appreciable amount of rainfall that would result in run-off. Nutrient Management Regulation (62/2008) allows the director to lift the restriction on winter application of nutrients if weather conditions warrant. More information on the restriction of winter application of nutrients is available at: www.manitoba.ca/nutrientdates.
Manitoba Announces Online Public Engagement For Road Improvements In Swan River (March 23, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is launching
an online public engagement to seek input for safety improvements at the intersection of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 83 and PTH 10, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced. “Protecting Manitobans on our roadways is a priority for our government, and we are committed to building a more responsive approach by listening to concerns expressed by drivers and community members,” said Schuler. “By engaging with the public, we will ensure we consider the safest and most practical options to enhance road safety and traffic flow.”
The province is seeking public consultation through the Engage MB process on two options for permanent safety infrastructure at the intersection: the construction of a new roundabout or the addition of protected left turn lanes. These options will enhance safety and improve overall traffic flow. After feedback has been received, an option will be selected followed by the completion of detailed design and tender preparation for construction at this intersection. To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca. The online public engagement will close April 13.
Manitoba Announces Online Engagement for Phase 2 Of Perimeter Highway Safety Review intersections that are signalled appropriately or have interchanges. Closing non-signalled access points would greatly improve safety by eliminating unprotected cross-traffic and unprotected leftand right-turning vehicles and would be safe for traffic entering or leaving the roadway by limited access to interchange and non-signalled intersection locations, noted Schuler. The Manitoba government is launching an online public engagement for Phase 2 of the Perimeter Safety Review, which will include the north section of the Perimeter Highway (PTH 101) from Portage Avenue to Fermor Avenue, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced. “The Perimeter Highway is one of Manitoba’s most important economic corridors. It is a key link in the Trans-Canada Highway and plays a strategic role in Manitoba’s economy by providing industry with access to world markets,” said Schuler. “Engaging with the public will allow our government to consider the safest and most practical options to enhance the North Perimeter Highway while providing access to adjacent properties.” Phase 2 of the Perimeter Safety Review proposes closing all non-signalled median openings and stop sign-controlled access points limiting the North Perimeter Highway to
Phase 2 of the Perimeter Safety Review builds upon Phase 1, which was developed for the South Perimeter Highway in 2018. Safety improvements for the South Perimeter Highway included closing access and/or median openings at 26 intersections. Improvements to the South Perimeter Highway are expected to be completed over the next several years, the minister noted. To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca/. The online public engagement will close April 10. For more information on the South Perimeter Highway Safety Plan, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/mit/hpd/pth100/index.html.
2021 ANNUAL T.K. CHEUNG LECTURE IN ANIMAL SCIENCE
HANDLING CATTLE, PIGS, AND SHEEP AT MEAT PLANTS PRESENTED BY DR. TEMPLE GRANDIN PROFESSOR OF ANIMAL SCIENCE COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
TUESDAY, MARCH 30, 2021 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Via Zoom - Register at bit.ly/cheung2021 or email chengbo.yang@umanitoba.ca Dr. Temple Grandin is a professor of animal science at Colorado State University and she has been a pioneer in improving the handling and welfare of farm animals. She was born in Boston, Massachusetts. Temple’s achievements are remarkable because she was an autistic child. At age two she had no speech and all the signs of severe autism. Many hours of speech therapy, and intensive teaching enabled Temple to learn speech. As a teenager, life was hard with constant teasing. Mentoring by her high school science teacher and her aunt on her ranch in Arizona motivated Temple to study and pursue a career as a scientist and livestock equipment designer. Dr. Temple Grandin obtained her B.A. at Franklin Pierce College in 1970. In 1974 she was employed as Livestock Editor for the Arizona Farmer Ranchman and also worked for Corral Industries on equipment design. In 1975 she earned her M.S. in Animal Science at Arizona State University for her work on the behavior of cattle in different squeeze chutes. Dr. Grandin was awarded her Ph.D. in Animal Science from the University of Illinois in 1989 and is currently a Professor at Colorado State University. She has done extensive work on the design of handling facilities. Half the cattle in the U.S. and Canada are handled in equipment she has designed for meat plants. Other professional activities include developing animal welfare guidelines for the meat industry and consulting with companies on animal welfare. (See Dr. Grandin’s complete bio at bit.ly/cheung2021). This annual lecture recognizes and honours Dr. Tsang Kay (Stan) Cheung’s enduring support for the Department of Animal Science and agricultural research at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cheung obtained his B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Animal Science from the U of M. His graduate training was in Animal Breeding/Genetics under the supervision of the late Dr. Bob Parker. He was also awarded a Doctor of Laws from the U of M in 1991. Dr. Cheung returned to his family business in Hong Kong in 1975 and is currently the Executive Chairman/Director of Herald Holdings Ltd. Dr. Cheung’s many contributions include support of the TK Cheung Center for Animal Science Research, the National Center for Livestock and the Environment, the TK Cheung Reading Room and recent contributions to education and research in Animal Science. In recognition of his generosity and commitment to education and research, the Department established this annual seminar in his honour.
Government announces extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to help small businesses deferrable expense stream and increasing the loan amount from $40,000 to $60,000, demonstrate the government’s commitment to stand by small businesses. Quick facts •
Launched on April 9, 2020, CEBA provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses, to help cover their operating costs—such as rent, utilities and insurance—during a period where their revenues have been temporarily reduced. These loans are partially forgivable as repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2022 will result in loan forgiveness of up to 33 percent (up to $20,000).
•
As of March 18, 2021, more than 850,000 CEBA loans have been approved, representing nearly $45 billion in credit disbursed.
•
To qualify for CEBA, applicants must meet either the payroll eligibility criteria or they must demonstrate a minimum of $40,000 in eligible nondeferrable expenses. In addition to requiring an active business number with an effective date of registration on or prior to March 1, 2020, applicants with payroll lower than $20,000 will still need to show that they meet the following CEBA eligibility requirements: an income tax return with the Canada Revenue Agency with a tax year ending in 2019 or, if its tax return for 2019 has not yet been submitted, 2018; and eligible non-deferrable expenses of between $40,000 and $1.5 million, after
(March 22, 2021 Department of Finance Canada News Release) the Deputy Prime Minister and
Minister of Finance, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, and the Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade, the Honourable Mary Ng, announced that the deadline for new Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA) applications is being extended from March 31 to June 30, 2021. This deadline extension applies to any new applications for CEBA loans of $60,000 or to new applications from businesses that have already received the $40,000 loan and intend to apply for the additional $20,000. The extension will allow more businesses to access the support they need as Canada’s economy continues to deal with localized public health restrictions and, for a number of businesses, reduced opening hours or reduced demand for services. Extending the application deadline to June 2021 also aligns CEBA with the timelines of other federal government support programs for business. The extension of the application deadline and other adjustments that the government has made to CEBA, such as introducing the non-
continued on next page
Government announces extension of Canada Emergency Business Account to help small businesses •
taking into consideration other federal COVID-related supports.
•
To apply for CEBA or to learn more about the program, businesses can contact their primary financial institution. Information can also be found on the program’s website.
•
The Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS) provides a direct and easy-to-access rent and mortgage subsidy of up to 65 per cent of eligible expenses to qualifying businesses, charities and non-profits. This support is available directly to tenants.
•
Qualifying organizations that have been significantly restricted by a mandatory public health order issued by a qualifying public health authority can receive an additional 25 per cent of rent support through the Lockdown Support. The combined effect of the rent subsidy and the Lockdown Support is that hard-hit businesses, non-profits and charities subject to a lockdown can receive rent support of up to 90 per cent.
•
The Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS) covers up to 75 per cent of an employee's wages for qualifying eligible employers to keep and re-hire employees and avoid layoffs.
Click on the graphic to see in a full screen: https://ceba-cuec.ca/statistics/
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.