E-Newsletter: May 21, 2021

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP May 21, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Province Advises of Services Available for Agricultural Producers Affected by Dry Conditions (May 18, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba

Agriculture and Resource Development is reminding agricultural producers affected by dry conditions of the programs and services available to crop and livestock producers. To date, low levels of precipitation and soil moisture have impacted seeding operations and slowed the growth of pastures and forage crops in parts of Manitoba.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) provides several tools and resources for producers to manage the impact of dry conditions including: • The department will be proactively listing several parcels of Crown land located within Wildlife Management Areas and other lands, preapproved for temporary use under a casual hay permit. For information on unallocated Crown land leases and other Crown land haying and grazing opportunities visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land/index.html or contact the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program at 204-867-6550.

• The Manitoba Hay Listing Service provides an inventory of hay and alternative feed for sale and pasture for rent.

For more information visit https://web31.gov.mb.ca/HayListClntExtrnl.

• For alternative feeding strategies, visit Resources for Producers Affected by Dry Conditions section at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/beef/index.html.

• The Managing Dry Conditions resource section of ARD’s website provides information on a variety of droughtrelated topics and resources for livestock and crop

production. For more information visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html.

• Producers can access the Manitoba Crop Report at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/cropreport-archive/index.html, the Manitoba Drought Monitor at www.gov.mb.ca/water/drought_condition/ and the Manitoba Ag Weather program at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/weather/weather-conditionsand-reports.html.

Manitoba also provides risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that help producers to manage production and price risk. These include: • Crop and forage insurance under the AgriInsurance program, which insures crop, hay and pasture production and establishment against potential losses. − Extended seeding deadlines can assist during difficult seeding periods. Producers can learn more at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/crop_seeding_deadlines.html.

• Livestock Price Insurance provides a range of coverage and policy options to help manage price risk against market volatility. ARD and MASC Service Centre teams can tailor coverage to individual livestock operations. Producers can purchase price insurance year-round for their feeder and fed cattle. Calf price insurance is available until June 10.

More information is available at www.lpi.ca.

• Producers can use MASC's Contract Price Option (CPO) to increase their canola and field pea dollar coverage in a potentially difficult year. CPO allows producers to blend the price from their production contract with the base AgriInsurance dollar value to reflect market prices better.

More information is available at www.masc.mb.ca/contractpriceoption. continued on page 3

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Innovation helped processors survive COVID - The Western Producer Argentina’s Beef-Export Ban to Stoke Steak Prices Worldwide Bloomberg

continued from page 1

Aid to producers for dry conditions • Forage Insurance provides a Hay Disaster Benefit, which compensates forage producers for the increased costs of hay and transportation when there is a severe provincewide forage shortfall. This benefit is provided at no cost to producers with Forage Insurance. More information on forage insurance is available at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/program_forages.h tml.

• AgriStability is an important tool that can help producers manage risks and financial losses because of poor yields, low commodity prices or rising input costs. The program provides support when producers experience a large margin decline. The deadline to enrol in AgriStability was extended to June 30 from April 30.

• If producers are not currently enrolled in AgriStability, governments encourage them to take advantage of the support offered under the program. Participants may be eligible for an interim payment as an advance on the final 2021 AgriStability benefit. The deadline to apply for an interim payment is March 31, 2022.

Producers can access their AgriStability information with their My AAFC Account, visit the AgriStability website at www.agr.gc.ca/agristability, or call AgriStability at 1-866-367-8506 (toll-free) for more information.

For more information, producers can check their coverage at www.masc.mb.ca or contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre (toll-free) at 1-

844-769-6224, by email at ARD@gov.mb.ca or online at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/locations.html.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development will continue to assess the conditions and strategies as the season progress. Producers can visit the Managing Dry Conditions section of the department website for further updates at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html.

Background Information NEW: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development advises that due to dry conditions, Crown lands not normally designated for agricultural use are available to be hayed on a temporary basis.

Interested producers will be required to contact a Farm Production Extension Specialist and have their expression of interest recorded.

At the close of posting June 11, where multiple expressions of interest have been received, the parcels will be allocated by draw. Remaining parcels after June 11 will be allocated to first come, first served.

CLICK HERE for a list of available lands.

Note that vacant agricultural Crown land is also available for 1-year permits in Manitoba.

CLICK HERE for a listing of unallocated parcels from the 2021 auction and information on how to apply.

For more information about opportunities in your area, contact your local Farm Production Extension Specialist - Ag Crown Lands.

MBP Note: MBP recognizes the Manitoba government for committing to make parcels of Crown land available for casual hay permits as production conditions are proving challenging due to the drought conditions. Any other potential haying and grazing opportunities that can be provided by the provincial government would be very valuable to cattle producers. The other urgent problem facing producers is water availability. MBP has asked the government to reopen access to the BMP program related to wells and dugouts, and to examine any other means to address short and long-term water challenges. MBP will continue to advocate with government for initiatives like these to help our producers move through and beyond this very serious situation.

Wildfire Information for Producers

Due to the dry conditions, parts of Manitoba have been affected by wildfires. The following is information that may be useful to producers affected by these conditions, or those preparing for the possibility of a wildfire.

Protecting livestock and crops Source: Manitoba Wildfire Evacuation Guidelines • Owners should have an evacuation plan for livestock threatened by fire. If animals can't be moved to a safe area on your property, make and confirm transportation and feeding arrangements in advance. Obtain insurance coverage for all farm resources at risk from fire, including crops and livestock.

• The risk to farm animals can be reduced by preparing and maintaining fuelreduced areas. Livestock can be moved and held there during a fire. Use a plowed or heavily grazed field with a minimum of grass or stubble. If possible, this field should be shaded and located well away from any forested areas. Water should be available.

• Concrete or metal buildings located away from forest vegetation are another livestock shelter option.

• As a last resort, if you are unable to move livestock to a safer area, cut fences and turn the animals loose, as long as there is no danger to people or traffic.

For more information about preparing for a wildfire, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Prevention/Wil dfire%20Evacuation%20Brochure%202011.pdf Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development also has information about evacuating livestock. See: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animalhealth-and-welfare/emergencypreparedness/caring-for-livestock-during-anevacuation.html Emergency Planning Kit SafeWork Manitoba has a 7-Step Safety and Health Emergency Planning Kit which contains information about how to prepare for different types of emergencies on the farm or ranch. It includes forms such as: a farm critical information sheet; family members/workers emergency contact information sheet; emergency contact sheets; and, a sample farm site map(s), among other tools for scenario planning. See: http://www.ecolog.com/daily_images/1002957 109-1002962408.pdf Manitoba’s Wildfire Service Manitoba Conservation and Climate Wildfire Service is responsible for the prevention, detection and suppression of wildfires.

To report a Wildfire call 1800-782-0076 (toll-free). continued on page 5

continued from page 4

Wildfire Information for Producers The Wildfire Service’s website includes valuable information such as: • Fire & Travel Restrictions • Daily Situation Report • Current Fire Update Report • Interactive Map of Current Wildfires • Fire Danger Map

Manitoba Government Inquiry 1-866-626-4862 (toll free) Email: mgi@gov.mb.ca www.gov.mb.ca https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaGovernm ent https://twitter.com/MBGov

Factsheets Manitoba's Home Owner's FireSmart Manual Wildfire Safety - Fire and Travel Restrictions Manitobans Affected by Evacuations Fire Prevention Tips

Manitoba Hydro Emergency Information 1-888-624-9376 (toll-free) https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaHydro https://twitter.com/manitobahydro

Other Useful Links Current municipal burning restrictions https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/burn_conditio ns.html Provincial fire and travel restrictions https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/ind ex.html Government and Other Agency Contact Information

Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization EMO 1-888-267-8298 (toll-free) Email: emo@gov.mb.ca https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/ Disaster Financial Assistance - EMO 1-888-267-8298 (toll free) Email: dfa@gov.mb.ca https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/recover/home/df a_home.html

Education Property Tax Rebate Cheques Being Mailed To Manitobans To provide property owners their rebate as soon as possible, the government has passed new legislation and will begin the printing and mailing process in the week ahead. Manitobans do not need to apply for the rebate, as the province will calculate the amount and automatically mail cheques before the municipal property tax due date.

(May 21, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government will begin mailing education property tax rebate cheques in the next week to the owners of residential, farm and commercial properties in Manitoba, Finance Minister Scott Fielding announced.

“Our government promised to start phasing out the education property tax in 2021, which will return nearly $250 million this year to Manitobans who own homes, farms and businesses,” said Fielding. “The education property tax phase-out represents the largest tax savings in Manitoba history and protects Manitobans’ hard-earned incomes by offering much-needed tax relief.”

Budget 2021: Protecting Manitobans, Advancing Manitoba committed $248 million in education property tax rebates to the owners of approximately 658,000 eligible properties, based on municipal assessment information.

Depending on the municipality, owners of multiple properties may receive one combined bill.

In 2021, home and farm owners will receive a 25 per cent rebate, which will increase to 50 per cent in 2022. Other property owners will see a 10 per cent rebate this year. The average rebate will be an estimated $1,140 per property over the next two years. The province will also reduce various related credits and rebates to ensure all property owners are paying 25 per cent less on residential and farm properties, regardless of whether they qualify for existing credits and rebates.

The minister noted Manitoba is the only province that uses school property taxes, which are set locally by each different municipality, to fund the education system. The rebate will not impact the amount of school taxes that fund local school divisions.

The legislation also makes a change to the Residential Tenancies Act to freeze the rent increase guideline at zero per cent in 2022 and 2023.

For more information about Manitoba’s education property tax rebate, visit www.manitoba.ca/edupropterytax or call Manitoba Government Inquiry at 1-866-6264862.

Province Launches Online Engagement Seeking Input On Trade and Commerce Routes - Information to Direct Investments For Highway Networks: Schuler Manitoba’s economy, and the province’s highway network plays a vital role in enabling market access,” said Schuler. “The information gathered from this engagement will help direct our investments toward critical shipping routes in Manitoba.”

The proposed Routes: Trade and Commerce grid builds on the existing network of highways that support Manitoba’s heaviest highway loading to ensure Manitobans have a reliable connection to highways that support the movement of goods. The expanded grid consists of key north-south and east-west trade (interprovincial/international goods movement) and commerce (regional goods movement) routes that support Manitoba’s economy by enabling access to interprovincial and international markets.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/map/

(May 21, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is launching an online public engagement to seek input for a proposed grid of trade and commerce routes across the province, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced.

“International, interprovincial and regional movements of goods are an integral part of

The proposed grid encompasses more than 7,000 kilometres of provincial roads, with nearly 6,000 km of the grid already supporting Manitoba’s heaviest loading. When completed, the grid of trade and commerce routes will represent 36.5 per cent of Manitoba’s allweather provincial road network.

The minister noted that allowing heavier loads on Manitoba’s highways equates to fewer shipments to transport goods, resulting in cost savings for businesses.

To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca. The online public engagement will close June 11.

Additional Public Health Orders Introduced To Lower Case Counts, Reduce Stress On Health-Care System exceptions, such as a single parent with children, or someone who requires a caregiver.

(May 20, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Additional public health orders will come into effect this Saturday to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the strain on the healthcare system, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced.

“These additional measures are necessary right now, as Manitoba has seen some of its highest case counts ever in recent days,” said Stefanson. “I’m asking all Manitobans to follow the orders, as these additional measures are necessary to slow the spread of this virus, and protect our communities and our health-care system.”

The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m.: • outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are no longer allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields; and • only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some

“We are still seeing case numbers in our province that are far too high,” said Roussin. “I know it is tough for us all when we have to tighten restrictions, but everyone needs to understand that we are at a critical point with this virus. We are seeing more and more people in ICU, especially younger people. We need to lower these case numbers. This long weekend is not the time to gather with friends.”

Roussin noted that with second-dose appointment bookings beginning this week, the province’s vaccine rollout is headed in the right direction. However, Manitobans must to continue to do everything they can to reduce transmission of the virus.

“We all need to follow these orders, stay home as much as possible, reduce our number of contacts and wear masks when we are around others from outside your household,” said Roussin. “Above all, book your appointment for a vaccine right away and your second dose as soon as you are eligible.”

The new changes to public health orders will be in place until 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Second-Dose Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment Booking To Start May 21

(May 19, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Manitobans can begin to book second-dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments starting 11:45 a.m., Friday, May 21. At this time, only people who have the following priority conditions will be able to book a second dose appointment by phone or online on Friday including: • those receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; • those with liver cirrhosis due to any cause or portal hypertension; • those with severe heart failure; • those with cancers including solid tumor and blood (leukemia/lymphoma) who will or are receiving chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab); • those receiving one or more of the following medications: - B cell therapies (e.g., rituximab, ocrelizumab); - Cyclophosphamide; - Alemtuzumab; - calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus); - chronic dose prednisone (more than 20 mg/day); - mycophenolate; and - JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib); • those who have received or are on the list to receive a solid organ transplant; • those who have received a stem cell

transplant or CAR-T therapy at least three months ago; • those with Down syndrome; • those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); or • individuals receiving home care more than four times per week or receiving 24/7 Community Living Disability Services supports (or as per family physician determination of equivalent levels of family support).

People should only book a second-dose appointment when they are eligible. When booking the second dose, it is important to know the date of the person’s first dose and the type of vaccine received. This information can be found at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/testresults/ or by calling the local public health office. Contact information for public health offices is available at www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/office s.html.

A second super site will soon be opened in the Northern health region, with a location in The Pas expected to open early next month. This will bring the total number of super sites across the province to 12.

Age Eligibility Young people aged 12 and up are now eligible to book their first-dose appointments.

To make the visit as easy as possible, young people aged 12 to 15 can either attend the appointment with a parent, guardian or caregiver, or bring a signed consent form at the time of their appointment. If the youth attends without a guardian and without a signed consent form, they will go through an informed consent process with a clinical lead to assess continued on page 10

continued from page 9

Second-Dose Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment Booking To Start May 21 their ability to consent on their own and proceed with the vaccine.

Young people aged 16 and 17 can sign their own consent form. There are about 111,000 young people aged 12 to 17 in Manitoba.

Appointments Parents or guardians booking for their children (ages 12 to 15) are reminded to book the appointment under the child’s name and not their own name.

Eligible people can now book appointments at all vaccination super sites: Gimli, Dauphin, Steinbach, Winnipeg (RBC Convention Centre and Leila locations), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden. In addition, appointments can be made at pop-up clinics taking place in communities throughout the province next week.

Indigenous people can also choose to receive their vaccine at urban Indigenous pop-up clinics led by community organizations in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie.

Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online at https://protectmb.ca/, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844MAN-VACC).

A walk-in vaccine clinic is being held in The Pas at Roy H. Johnson Arena (523 Smith St.) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and May 19. A walk-in clinic is being held in Flin Flon at the Flin Flon Community Hall (2 North Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 20 and 21.

Additional Information When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online: https://protectmb.ca/), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

Public Engagement Campaign re: Views on Vaccines, etc.

Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced May 19 that the Manitoba government will be launching a public engagement campaign to understand better peoples’ personal experiences with COVID-19, their views on the vaccines and their plans to vaccinate eligible children, as well as to get feedback on the provincial vaccine program.

“Collecting this information will allow us to understand better the views of Manitobans so we can implement new plans or adjust others based on public feedback,” said Stefanson. “This will allow us to address vaccine hesitancy better by allowing us to target specific communities and help share information that will increase vaccine uptake.”

Manitobans can fill out the survey at https://engagemb.ca/.

Minister Bibeau Announces Investment to Strengthen Trust in Canadian Agriculture (May 19, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister of Agriculture and

Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of over $244,000 to support the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s (CCFI) work to build public trust in Canada’s food system. The announcement followed Minister Bibeau’s meeting with several members of the organization.

Delivered through the AgriCompetitiveness Program, this investment will help CCFI develop tools to share information with Canadian consumers about food production and enable food producers to share their stories. The investment will support activities like creating new content for CCFI’s It’s Good Canada website, which profiles real farm families and others working in the agricultural supply chain.

By sharing accurate, transparent information about Canadian food production, CCFI will increase trust in the Canadian food system and in those who produce the food that Canadians eat and enjoy.

continue to support initiatives that advance public trust in Canada’s food system.”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “We are very excited to receive this funding from the Government of Canada for It’s Good, Canada. Building public trust in Canadian food is an important component of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and this support complements the work we’ve been doing since 2016, when CCFI was formed to help earn public trust in Canada’s food system. This contribution will be used to highlight the outstanding work of farm families and others who continue to deliver safe, nutritious food to Canadians and people around the globe.”

John Jamieson, President and CEO, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity Quick facts •

The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) was established in 2016 as a national non-profit charity with a mandate to build public trust in the food system. CCFI is a membershipbased organization with members from agri-food corporations, commodity groups, and academia and amplifier organizations. CCFI works to earn Canadians' trust in the food they consume and in the processes and practices that the agri-food industry employs to produce it.

•

The CCFI recently assumed leadership of Agriculture More Than Ever, a social media channel dedicated to public trust in Canadian agriculture.

Canadians are more interested than ever in understanding how their food is grown and the system that brings it from the farm to their tables. Helping consumers better understand this process and agricultural practices more broadly builds trust, which is essential for the sector’s continued growth and long-term prosperity.

Quotes “COVID-19 has meant many Canadians are more interested in where their food comes from.

Through this initiative the CCFI will help connect Canadians with food producers, so they can better understand the origin of the food they eat and how it is produced. Our Government will

National BSE Surveillance Reimbursement Program The following information is from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

The enhanced BSE surveillance program targets animals most at risk for the disease, which are cattle of any age exhibiting neurological signs consistent with BSE and cattle aged 30 months and older that are dead, down, diseased or dying. The BSE surveillance program provides essential information that tells us how effective Canada's BSE control measures are. It helps Canada to secure and maintain international market access for live cattle, beef products and by-products. The program also helps to maintain consumer confidence in Canadian beef by demonstrating the very low level of the disease in the cattle population. The effectiveness of the national BSE surveillance program relies on the strong commitment from all levels of government, producers, private veterinarians and industry stakeholders to finding the disease. Canadian cattle producers have a key role to play in the enhanced surveillance program. They are best placed to monitor the health of their herds and spot any animals that should be tested. Producers across Canada are encouraged to immediately report these animals to their local veterinarian or their local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office.

The Reimbursement Program There is a program where producers and veterinarians will receive payment when services are provided to the CFIA. Such payment may assist producers in covering a portion of the veterinary examination fees and carcass disposal costs. Payment is only available to producers who report high-risk animals that yield an eligible brain sample. An animal or sample may be considered to be ineligible when it is associated with a confirmed diagnosis that

rules out BSE as an underlying or contributing factor in the animal's clinical presentation. To be eligible for payment, producers must meet all the terms and conditions of the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement and sign the Agreement Form.

In provinces where there are joint agreements or top-ups on reimbursement amounts, the reimbursement program details may be modified. In all cases, the National Reimbursement Program fundamentals are still in place. Additional information can be obtained from regional CFIA offices or provincial representatives.

How the Reimbursement Program Works Producers are eligible for payment when an eligible sample is obtained and all other terms and conditions of the Agreement are met.

Producers will receive an amount of $75 directly from the CFIA to assist them in covering carcass disposal costs either on farm or through commercial deadstock streams.

Additionally, CFIA will pay up to a maximum of $100 for veterinary services, which CFIA will pay directly to the Veterinarian.

In each case the completed National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement Form and eligible sample must be submitted to a local CFIA office.

Through the CFIA Producers who contact the CFIA directly, without the involvement of a private veterinarian, to report an animal for testing are eligible for the $75, if services are rendered and all applicable conditions are met. Producers may report animals for testing by contacting their local CFIA office. Once CFIA has been contacted, an inspector will be sent to the farm continued on page 13

continued from page 12

National BSE Surveillance Reimbursement Program to collect the sample and submit it to the laboratory. At that time the Producer will be required to complete page one of the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement Form and submit it to the CFIA inspector. Receipt of the Agreement Form will trigger the reimbursement payment process, resulting in a payment of $75 to the Producer.

Through a Private Veterinarian In the case where a producer chooses to have a private veterinarian conduct a veterinary examination that ultimately results in an eligible sample, the CFIA will pay up to a maximum of $100 directly to the Veterinarian for the services rendered. This amount is paid by the CFIA in order to offset the whole or part of the veterinary examination costs. The Veterinarian will be expected to offset fees charged to the Producer by the amount equivalent to the reimbursement payment.

Please note that census collection is still ongoing, and that it's not too late to complete your questionnaire.

Count yourself into Canada's statistical portrait!

The Producer will complete page one of the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement Form and the Veterinarian will complete page two. Collected samples must be sent by the Veterinarian, along with the completed Agreement Form, to a local CFIA office. Receipt of the Agreement Form will trigger the reimbursement process.

Additional information about the reimbursement program is available by calling the regional CFIA office. In Manitoba these include: •

Brandon: 204-578-6670

•

Dauphin: 204-622-4086

•

Emerson: 204-373-2346

•

Winkler: 204-325-1560

•

Winnipeg: 204-259-1400

Reminder: Still Time to Participate in Consultation on Manitoba’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Industry

(Province of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government has launched an online public engagement to seek feedback on the priorities and future direction of Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced May 7.

“Manitoba’s agri-food industry has demonstrated a strong commitment to Ag Action Manitoba and the next agricultural policy framework dialogues,” said Pedersen. “We are seeking people’s experiences with the Ag Action Manitoba program and will collect data on key sector priorities for Manitobans.”

Building on previous engagement, the province is seeking Manitobans thoughts on the priorities and future direction of Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry. This information will

support preparation for the upcoming Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture meeting where the next FPT agricultural policy framework priorities and policy statement will be set.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development is seeking to better understand Manitobans experiences with the Ag Action Manitoba program, thoughts on existing Ag Action Manitoba priority areas, and thoughts on new and emerging issues and opportunities in the sector.

To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca/engaging-mb-ag-industry .

The deadline for public feedback is May 27.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what are their names? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ______________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program:

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

•

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

•

the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation.

These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is

valid, please contact KAP to inquire (204) 6971140.

No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.

A digital version of the paper is available here!