E-Newsletter Livestock Estimates – July 1, 2021 dsfsfa An update from MBP August 27, 2021
mbbeef.ca
maintained the largest cattle inventories among the provinces on July 1, contributing 39.6% to the Canadian total, followed by Saskatchewan (21.9%) and Ontario (13.1%). The number of cattle farms in Canada has generally been decreasing since 2004, largely because of business consolidations. As of July 1, 2021, 72,925 farms reported inventories of cattle and calves, down 0.1% from July 1, 2020.
Note: The following information is from the August 23, 2021 edition of The Daily, a publication of Statistics Canada.
Canadian cattle, hog and sheep inventories were all up on July 1, 2021, compared with the same date in 2020. The Canadian livestock sector continued to cope with challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Meat processing facilities faced temporary closures to control COVID-19 outbreaks, disrupting supply chains as the third wave of the pandemic emerged in the spring. Labour disputes presented further challenges, particularly in the pork processing sector. Despite disruptions to the beef sector, cattle slaughter was up in the first half of 2021 compared with the same period in 2020. Overall, cattle ending inventories were just above July 1, 2020, levels, because of more births, coupled with higher imports. Canadian cattle inventories have typically declined year over year since peaking on July 1, 2005. Data on inventories of cattle, hogs and sheep were collected during the early stages of the ongoing drought in Western Canada and the United States. The impacts of the drought on inventories, if any, are expected to be clearer in subsequent releases. Export demand for beef supports cattle slaughter Canadian farmers held 12.3 million cattle on their farms on July 1, 2021, up 0.2% from the same date a year earlier. This was the first year-over-year increase since July 2017. Inventories were up 0.8% to 3.0 million head in Eastern Canada, but declined 0.1% to 9.3 million head in Western Canada. Alberta
As of July 1, 2021, cattle producers retained 0.1% less breeding stock compared with the same date in 2020, as the number of beef cows on Canadian farms fell 1.7% to 3.6 million head. This more than offset year-over-year increases in the number of dairy cows (+2.0% to 991,300 head), beef heifers for breeding (+3.8% to 654,700 head), dairy heifers for breeding (+0.8% to 445,500 head) and bulls (+4.2% to 226,800 head). The inventory of calves on July 1 grew 1.4% to 4.1 million head, as births were up 2.8%, and imports of live calves from January to June more than doubled year over year to meet increased demand from feedlots in Western Canada. Canadian farmers held 1.4 million dairy cows and heifers on their farms on July 1, 2021, up 1.6% from the same date a year earlier. Producers held fewer feeder heifers (-0.6%) and steers (-1.8%) compared with July 1, 2020. Total cattle and calf slaughter from January to June was up 9.9% from the same period in 2020, when temporary plant closures attributable to COVID-19 disrupted the processing sector. Slaughter for the first half of 2021 was also 2.5% above pre-pandemic levels observed over the same period in 2019, because of strong export demand for Canadian beef. International exports of cattle and calves from January to June were down by one-quarter (-25.8%) year over year to 274,300 head. This is the lowest level since the bovine spongiform encephalopathy crisis of 2003 to 2005, which brought Canadian exports of live cattle to a halt. In the first half of 2021, drought conditions and herd reductions in the United States decreased the need for Canadian cattle imports. Average prices for Canadian slaughter cattle were generally higher in the first half of 2021 compared with the same period in 2020. Feeder cattle prices were mixed as drought and feed costs became concerns in May and June 2021, particularly across Western Canada. Source: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210823/dq210823b-eng.htm
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Not all predict drastic cattle sell-off this fall - The Western Producer Burp-busting feed additive for cattle still a few years from approval - Alberta Farmer Express
Manitoba Expands Vaccine Passports for Fully Immunized Individuals as of Sept. 3 Indoor Mask Requirement Begins August 28 • fitness centres, gyms and indoor sporting and recreational facilities (excluding youth recreational sport); and • organized indoor group recreational classes and activities, and indoor recreational businesses.
(August 27, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)
Manitoba is expanding the vaccine passport benefit for fully immunized individuals that will enable businesses, services and events to be available without capacity limits or public health restrictions as of Sept. 3, Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon announced. “The emergence of the delta variant has changed things significantly. Now, public health officials tell us the pandemic is one of the unimmunized and we must take these extra steps to protect the nearly 230,000 children who are not yet eligible for immunization,” said Gordon. “Manitoba’s vaccine passport benefit will help encourage greater vaccine uptake, which is necessary to protect our health-care system from the COVID-19 fourth wave.” Gordon also announced the new public health order requiring mask use in all indoor public spaces across the province will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 28. The province has developed new requirements for people to be fully immunized to participate in certain events and activities. These requirements will come into effect by public health order on Sept. 3 for all health regions and will include: • indoor and outdoor ticketed sporting events and concerts; • indoor theatre/dance/symphony events; • restaurants (indoor and patio dining); • nightclubs and all other licensed premises; • casinos, bingo halls and VLT lounges; • movie theatres;
Children 11 and under who are not eligible to be immunized will be able to attend events and activities with a fully immunized adult. “Unless immediate and strong measures are taken, the fourth COVID-19 wave would likely lead to another round of business restrictions or closures. Such a scenario would be absolutely devastating to business and our community. The Winnipeg Chamber supports today’s actions to avert the human and economic turmoil being seen in other provinces,” said Loren Remillard, president and chief executive officer, the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce. “We will continue to work with our members to ensure they have the tools they need to support the province's public health orders.” The minister noted these new public health orders complement the mandatory vaccination steps taken earlier this week requiring all designated provincial public service workers who have ongoing contact with vulnerable populations, especially children, to be fully immunized. These individuals will need to receive their first dose by Sept. 7 and their second dose by Oct. 17 to be fully immunized by Oct. 31. Designated employees who are not fully immunized or cannot provide proof of vaccination will need to undergo regular COVID-19 testing, up to three times a week for full-time employees, and provide proof of a negative test result before they can resume working. “As the restaurant industry continues to put the health and safety of Manitobans as their top priority, we recognize the latest changes as a shortterm measure that models a proactive approach to Continued on page 4
Manitoba Expands Vaccine Passports for Fully Immunized Individuals as of Sept. 3 Indoor Mask Requirement Begins August 28 eliminate the requirement for more permanent restrictions that would cause further detriment to an industry that has faced monumental challenges over the last 16 months,” said Shaun Jeffrey, executive director and chief executive officer, Manitoba Restaurant and Foodservices Association. Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, said these public health orders will reduce the need for more stringent public health restrictions and lockdowns that would otherwise be necessary to combat the COVID-19 fourth wave and protect the province’s hospital and critical care capacities. “Ensuring that people are fully immunized before attending higher-risk events, activities and services will help reduce community spread of the virus,” said Roussin. “Already, we are seeing more of the newly identified cases are in people who have not yet been immunized, and we need to take these steps to protect them, others in their communities and the health-care system from the effects of the delta variant.”
Manitoba released new COVID-19 case numbers today that show unvaccinated individuals are accounting for a significant proportion of all new cases. Of the 31 new cases identified today, 26 were in individuals who were unvaccinated. In the Southern Health–Santé Sud health region, 13 of the 14 cases identified today were in individuals who were unvaccinated. As of today, 76.2 per cent of Manitobans age 12 and up have received two doses of vaccine, and 81.7 per cent have received at least one dose. Roussin again noted that public health officials recommend that private businesses and organizations follow the province’s lead and consider mandating COVID-19 vaccination for their employees to protect their customers and staff, and to reduce the chance of an outbreak at their workplaces. For more information on how to book a vaccine appointment, visit www.protectmb.ca/.
Singapore becomes first country to remove remaining restrictions following Canada’s BSE status change (August 24, 2021 Canadian Cattlemen’s Association News Release) Calgary, AB - As of August 20,
2021, Singapore has approved the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) certificate for the export of all beef, including beef offal, with no age restrictions. This change in certificate makes Singapore the first country to remove the remaining Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy (BSE) trade restrictions following the World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) recognizing Canada as a BSE negligible risk country on May 27, 2021. “While Singapore is not currently a large market for Canadian beef, CCA is pleased with the market access progress as diverse market access leads to trade resiliency and the highest overall value for Canadian farmers and ranchers,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. “We are encouraged by Singapore’s change and hope others will follow soon.”
Previously, Singapore had approved all Canadian boneless beef and bone-in beef from animals under 30 months of age. Expanded types of beef and beef products from May 27, 2021 onwards will now be accepted for import into Singapore. Canadian beef exports to Singapore peaked in 2014 at 53.77 tonnes valued at $586,000. In 2019, exports were at 1.79 tonne and $31,000. No trade was reported in 2020 or the first half of 2021. While most of Canada's trading partners had already approved all Canadian beef based on Canada's previous OIE BSE controlled risk status, several key trading partners such as China, Taiwan and South Korea have yet to approve all Canadian beef. In partnership with the Government of Canada, CCA has been working to have all remaining BSE restrictions on Canadian beef exports removed. Additionally, CCA is working to align the removal of Specified Risk Material (SRM) Removal with the U.S.
Province Extends Application Deadline for BMP 503 re: Water Source Development (August 19, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government has
extended the application deadline for Ag Action Manitoba- Assurance: Beneficial Management Practice (BMP 503) to Oct. 1 from Sept. 1, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced. “As our dry weather continues, we are committed to ensuring that agricultural producers have options when it comes to dealing with this drought,” said Eichler. “By extending this application deadline, we will ensure that more producers will be able to apply and get assistance when they need it most.” The Ag Action Manitoba Program Assurance under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, helps agricultural producers protect ground and surface water sources that are essential to ensuring the health of livestock and ground water sources. To date, the province has received almost 100 applications for a total of $630,000 in funding for the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas BMP. Items eligible for cost-shared funding include:
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water source development, constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts;
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solar, wind or grid-powered alternative watering systems;
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permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts; and
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permanent pipeline development.
More details on the program are available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadianagricultural-partnership/pubs/guidebook/agaction-mb-program-guide-forfarmers.pdf#page=30 and answers to frequently asked questions are at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadianagricultural-partnership/pubs/faq/bmp-503faq.pdf . For information on how to apply, visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/envir onmental-farm-plan/assurance-bmp.html . For more information about managing dry conditions and other resources for producers, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html
FAQ on next two pages
Arriving in mailboxes and available online next week!
Frequently Asked Questions BMP: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas (503) Q1. When is the deadline to apply?
A: Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm Friday, October 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted continuously up to that date and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. They will be assessed by technical reviewers based on the environmental benefit assessment index, program priorities and project planning.
Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall? A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.
Q3. If I have already done a water source development project this spring, am I eligible? A: Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1, 2021 are eligible. However, projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria.
Q4. What do I need to include with my application? A: Please answer the questions provided in either the Farmers Application Form or ISP Application Form, and refer to the BMP Specific Questions listed in either the Farmers Guidebook or ISP Guidebook to assist you. Ensure that you explain the proposed project in detail, current practices on the farm, and the environmental benefit of the new practice. Include an aerial map of the pasture with the location of the existing and proposed water sources identified as well as any fencing (existing and proposed).
Q5. Do I need a valid Environmental Farm Plan Statement of Completion? A: You can submit an application without a valid Statement of Completion, however, if your project is approved, you will be required to provide proof of a valid EFP by November 5, 2021 when you submit your project claim for reimbursement. Environmental Farm Plan workshop dates and locations will be listed at www.ManitobaEFP.ca .
Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.
Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.
Q8. Can I drill a new well in my yard? A: Drilling a well in the yard is eligible if it is primarily intended for watering livestock on pasture and is the most cost efficient means of doing so. It can be used for supplying water to the yard as well, assuming the pastures are next to the yard. Only the well and pasture components are eligible for funding, not any components used for inyard water.
Q9. Do I need any permits? A: Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This may include: A Water Rights License is required for all livestock operations extracting more than 25,000 litres of water (25 m3 or 5,499 Imperial gallons) per day. If developing a new water source, a permit must be obtained in advance of starting work. Approvals from the rural municipality or Crown. Any other standards or approvals as required by law.
Q10. Can I pump / pipe / haul water from an existing water source into a dugout that has gone dry? A: Piping or hauling water from any water source (well, dugout or wetland) into a dugout that has run dry is not eligible.
Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout? A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.
Q12. I just need a water trough or water storage tank. Is this eligible? A: No - watering system components such as watering bowls, troughs or storage tanks are only eligible as a part of a water source development project. However, if your project includes development or rehabilitation of a water source (ex: well or dugout) or management of a riparian area (ex: exclusion fencing), watering system components are eligible.
Q13. How deep does a pipeline need to be? A: Summer pasture pipelines permanently installed underground, and which can be properly winterized before freezing are eligible (ex: installed with a pasture pipeline plow). Above-ground pipelines are ineligible. Projects must be for permanent solutions only.
Q14. Can I apply for a project on a pasture that I rent? A: Yes. Either the landowner or renter can apply. If the renter applies, they must identify the landowner and provide contact information with their application. For pastures on Crown Land, you must get approval from your local Farm Production Extension Specialist – Crown Lands.
Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.
Manitoba Beef Producers 2021 DroughtRelated Industry Survey reservoirs, restoring existing water sources, or hauling water. Producers are also asked to indicate their intentions with respect to herd sizes going forward, such as projected culling rates. This survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Your participation is sincerely appreciated.
In support of Manitoba Beef Producers’ drought-related advocacy efforts with the federal and provincial governments, MBP is conducting a confidential producer survey to gather further data on the impact the drought is having on the province’s beef sector. For example, producers are being asked to identify their estimated percentage of feed/forage production compared to last year. Producers are asked to indicate if they are incurring additional fencing costs in order to access alternate sources of feed for grazing. There are questions related to the drought’s impact on water resources. This includes investments producers are having to make in this area, such as digging new wells or
Note: All data and comments collected will be aggregated before being used for MBP’s advocacy activities. No operation-specific identifying information will be shared with governments. Thank you in advance for your consideration in completing the survey which can be found at the following link:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ YX52PFG MBP is continuing to engage with government officials about the severity of the drought, its effects on producers and the need for a timely, multi-pronged approach to help the beef industry deal with the immediate and longerterm implications of the drought.
Environmental Farm Plan Workshops Availability Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via Online Meetings until further notice. To register for an EFP workshop, click on the link “Register now!” in the link below for your preferred workshop date. Once registered, you will then receive an email with a link to access the meeting. Workbooks are mailed and you should receive yours approximately 1 week prior to the workshop. You can also visit this link to register: 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. There is no preparation required for this workshop. EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire at (204)6971140.
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environme nt/events-and-deadlines/index.html Note: Workshops are currently available through November 2021.