E-Newsletter An update from MBP October 8, 2021
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Consumer Research Demonstrates Strong Support for Cattle and Food Waste Stories
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By: Amie Peck, Public and Stakeholder Engagement, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association
agriculture, but it also represents huge amounts of products being diverted from the landfill. From the Hall and White study in 2017, it was determined that cattle utilize 43 billion kgs of food waste per year in the US. The Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) team set out to determine how Canadians felt about the role of cattle in diverting food waste.
Food waste is a key focus of both national and international climate change discussions with the Government of Canada announcing its Food Waste Reduction Challenge in 2020. Over half of the food produced in Canada never makes it to our plates, with the largest percentage of waste coming at the consumption level. Reducing food waste is also the most common food goal with consumers, identified by 90% of Canadians as something they are actively doing or trying to do. It is common practice in the beef industry to upcycle food loss and waste into high quality feed for cattle. This includes crops damaged by weather or pests (which was demonstrated through drought, smoke, and grasshoppers in 2021) all the way to non-retail quality food items from grocery stores and the by-products of brewing. Not only is this demonstrating the circular economy present in
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A large online focus group was conducted in July 2021. A representative sample of Canadians was chosen and then oversampled for women under 45, which prior research shows is the demographic most concerned about the environmental impact of eating beef. Participants were first asked questions about their perceptions of the beef industry and farmers and ranchers. These were consistent with previous research conducted by PSE. Canadians do not know much about how beef cattle are raised but many have heard about potential environmental impacts. However, most Canadians feel that farmers and ranchers themselves are doing a good job taking care of the land and animals in their care. This demonstrates how trust for communications coming from ‘industry’ vs individuals raising beef cattle and highlights how important it is to have producers front and centre in public facing campaigns. continued on page 4
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For reliable information and resources please visit:
Consumers get a side of carbon with their beef - The Western Producer Drought affects supply of grass-fed beef - The Western Producer
The deadline to apply is next month November 5!
Food waste research – cont. Participants were then shown social media and video content highlighting how cattle can utilize both waste products from brewing as well as grocery shrink. Ads instantly appealed as something surprising and new, especially among urban participants who lack awareness and knowledge about raising beef cattle and many wondered why they had not seen this information before.
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“That cattle are fed good food (contrary to what may otherwise be shown in some popular documentaries) and that this process helps reduce food waste in Canada.
Finally, participants were asked to choose which key message resonated with them more, specifically about cattle in feedlots. The first was on how feedlots reduce the amount of resources required and the second was how feedlots play an integral role in reducing food waste. 76% of participants identified the food waste key message as more personally relevant to them. Reasons for this included reducing food waste is a universal concept, something Canadians are doing in their own homes, and connects humans to cattle. Overall, no major concerns were identified with connecting cattle to food waste seen as positive by consumers and improves their impressions about the industry and its efforts to reduce impacts.
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“That all the food doesn't go to waste and is fed to cattle. I think the ad is very believable and makes you look differently at the cattle industry.
Amie Peck, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, presented the findings of this research in September. A recording of this presentation can be found here.
When asked what the main message of the ads were, participants said:
Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program
Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program? The program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing low moisture levels. The program will assist livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to purchase feed in order to maintain their breeding herds. Producers may be eligible to apply for two types of assistance: 1. Feed assistance - buy and test feed for eligible breeding animals 2. Feed transportation assistance - transport purchased feed from distant locations for eligible breeding animals Who is eligible for the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program? Primary producers who owned or leased the eligible animals, located in Manitoba, as of June 1, 2021 and continued to own or lease them to March 15, 2022 or later are eligible. Eligible animals include breeding head of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Breeding animals are mature females exposed to breeding (male or artificial insemination) and males used previously for breeding. The producer must own or lease a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program. How do I apply? Applicants can download the Application Form, Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals, and associated program documents on the website at manitoba.ca/agriculture. Application packages can also be picked up at any of the ARD/MASC Service Centres, or mailed to you by calling us at 1-844-769-6224. The minimum value of receipts required to submit an application is $500. Review the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance – Farmers Guidebook for detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs and other program requirements. When is the deadline to apply to the program? April 15, 2022 is the final day to apply. Can multiple applications be submitted? Yes, you can submit more than one application until program maximums are reached.
1. Feed Assistance What feed assistance can I apply for? The eligible feeds that can be purchased for eligible animals from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022 to maintain them over the winter include: grazed corn and greenfeed mechanically harvested hay, silage, greenfeed, stover, straw, including those purchased as standing crops or grazed in a swath grain and concentrates (pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator) When can eligible feeds be purchased? Are claims retro-active to a certain date? Eligible feed purchases can occur from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022. Is there assistance for feed testing the eligible feedstuffs? Yes, the program will pay for feed testing to determine the nutritional value of eligible feeds. Can feed be purchased for feeders or non-breeding animals? No, feed for feeders, growing animals or non-breeding aged animals is not eligible under this program. How will livestock feed assistance payments be calculated? The administrator will make payments to the applicant for purchases and testing of Eligible Feed made between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, as follows: On a per breeding head basis, a producer share will be applied $50 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $10 per head for sheep and goats. Payments will be equal to 75 per cent of the purchased cost of feed and feed testing that exceeds the producer share to a maximum per head payment. The maximum payment is $250 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $50 per head for sheep and goats. How are the breeding head determined in calculating payments? Breeding head are based on the number declared on the Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals at the time of first application. The declaration is the number of head being maintained and fed over winter, and does not include animals that have or will be sold prior to March 15, 2022. If applicants reduce their breeding animals below the number declared with their first application, they should contact the Program Administrator and submit a new declaration.
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2. Feed Transportation Assistance What feeds qualify for feed transportation assistance? Feed transportation assistance is provided for the movement of eligible feed types (hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, silage, grain and concentrates) to eligible breeding animals. The eligible concentrates are pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator. What are the eligible dates and distances for feed transportation? Transportation costs for eligible feed purchased and transported between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, for a minimum distance of 40 kilometres up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 kilometres. What are the payments for the feed transportation assistance? Payments will be calculated on the tonnes hauled on a per loaded kilometre basis up to 600 kilometres. For hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, and silage the payment rates are: $0.16 per tonne kilometre for the first 100 kilometres of a haul $0.10 per tonne kilometre for the remainder of a haul for up to an additional 500 kilometres. For grains and concentrate, the payment rate is $0.05 per tonne kilometre up to 600 kilometres. Payments for each receipt or invoice provided by the applicant will be the payment rate multiplied by the distance transported multiplied by the number of tonnes transported, or the amount of the receipt, whichever is less. Feed can be hauled further than 600 kilometres; however, the extra distance is not eligible for payment. Can feed be sourced from outside of Manitoba qualify for assistance? Feed can be sourced from outside Manitoba and the shipping will still be eligible based on the program’s rates and distances. Does the feed transportation assistance come out of the feed assistance funding? Feed transportation assistance is in addition to funding available to a producer for feed purchases. It is not subtracted from the $250 per head cap for beef, bison and PMU horses or $50 cap for sheep and goats. Is feed transportation assistance available for animals moved to an alternate feeding location? Feed transportation assistance is not available for animals for which producers have received assistance to move eligible animals to an alternate feeding location under the Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program. Alternate feeding locations should have adequate feed locally available for the animals moved. What feed is not eligible for feed transportation assistance? Feed for market animals or ineligible animals. Feed produced on your own operation. Feed for breeding animals that are sold/culled prior to March 15, 2022. Feed that is sold or replaces similar feed that is sold. Feed transported less than 40 kilometres. Feed transported to an alternate feeding location used to house eligible animals for which the applicant received payments under Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance.
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Walmart Canada Makes Largest Retail Commitment to Purchase Beef Sourced from Certified Sustainable Farms and Ranches In Canada
(October 7, 2021 Walmart Canada Corp. News Release) - Walmart Canada will purchase the
largest known quantity of beef from certified sustainable Canadian farms and ranches ever sourced by a single retailer. Beef purchased through this commitment will support the environmental, social and economic sustainability of Canadian farmers and ranchers whose operations are certified through a thirdparty audited system, in accordance with sustainability standards set by the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). This is the largest public commitment made by a single retailer to date: 1.5 million pounds of beef sourced from CRSB Certified sustainable farms and ranches will be purchased by Walmart Canada over the next calendar year. A milestone moment, this commitment contributes to advancing beef sustainability in Canada – and it's only the start. The amount of beef Walmart Canada sources from CRSB Certified sustainable farms and ranches will continue to increase each year. "Leadership from organizations like Walmart inspires change and supports the Canadian beef sector's continuous improvement goals," explains Anne Wasko, Chair of the CRSB and rancher from Eastend, SK. "The CRSB is honoured to partner with Walmart Canada on this ambitious commitment on its journey towards a more sustainable future."
Committing to sustainable sourcing at this unprecedented level sets a new threshold in the industry for what is possible and reaffirms the company's partnership with the CRSB. As a valued partner, Walmart Canada continues to help expand the CRSB's program in Canada, advocating for continuous improvement in industry standards and engaging in open dialogue with industry and supply chain partners. "We're immensely proud of what this commitment signifies to the industry and the impact it will have for our farmers and ranchers, customers, suppliers and partners," said Horacio Barbeito, President and CEO, Walmart Canada. "We're making massive strides towards advancing sustainability within the Canadian beef industry, propelled by our commitment to being a regenerative company and made possible by strong partnerships with the CRSB and our suppliers." Walmart Canada sources 100% of its fresh beef in Canada, supporting Canadian ranchers and farmers. These hardworking Canadians are integral in the shared journey towards sustainability and contribute to managing and preserving 35 million acres of native grassland in Canada. In the coming months, customer-facing messaging will be developed to share this milestone commitment to sustainable beef sourcing. About The CRSB Established in 2014, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder organization focused on continued on page 9
Walmart Canada Makes Largest Retail Commitment to Purchase Beef Sourced from Certified Sustainable Farms and Ranches In Canada advancing environmental, social and economic sustainability in the Canadian beef industry. The CRSB drives recognition and continuous progress in beef sustainability through benchmarking and setting strategic goals, and communicating on-the-ground continuous improvement. The CRSB's Certified Sustainable Beef Framework, known as CRSB Certified, was developed to recognize sustainable practices through third-party certification, support sustainable commitments for retail and foodservice companies, and build consumer trust through credible, science-based claims about sustainable beef production in Canada. Learn more at crsb.ca. Learn more about the positive contribution of Canadian beef production, and how farmers and ranchers conserve healthy ecosystems and support critical wildlife habitat at beeffortheplanet.ca. Follow our beef sustainability journey on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
About Walmart Canada Walmart Canada operates a chain of more than 400 stores nationwide serving 1.5 million customers each day. Walmart Canada's flagship online store, Walmart.ca is visited by more than 900,000 customers daily. With more than 100,000 associates, Walmart Canada is one of Canada's largest employers and is ranked one of the country's top 10 most influential brands. Walmart Canada was recently recognized as a LinkedIn Top Company of 2021 and was also named one of Canada's most popular brands (based on Google searches). Walmart Canada's extensive philanthropy program is focused on supporting Canadian families in need, and since 1994 Walmart Canada has raised and donated more than $500 million to Canadian charities. Additional information can be found at walmartcanada.ca and on Walmart Canada's social media pages Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
COVID-19 Vaccine: Updates re: Eligibility for Third Doses, Medical Exemptions, etc.
Source: October 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba news release.
Third Doses Manitoba is expanding its recommendations on third doses of the COVID-19 vaccine today to include: •
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individuals who have only received a viral vector vaccine, such as two doses of AstraZeneca or a single dose of the Janssen vaccine; and health-care personnel who have direct contact with patients, residents or clients.
There are about 6,800 people who have received only viral vector vaccines. These individuals can be immunized without a prescription at any vaccine clinic or participating medical clinic or pharmacy with an mRNA vaccine. This dose must be given at least six months after their last vaccine. The third dose is recommended for health-care personnel, including volunteers, who have direct contact with patients, residents and clients. This recommendation also includes all First Nation health-care workers, such as traditional healers and knowledge keepers. There are approximately 50,000 health-care workers in Manitoba. Health-care personnel can receive their third dose at any clinic or site where the COVID vaccine is offered including available occupational health clinics. It is recommended
the third dose be given at least six months after their second dose, unless they meet other thirddose criteria, and a prescription is not required. Receiving a third dose is voluntary and healthcare personnel who do not receive a third dose are still considered to be fully immunized. Individuals can check their dates of immunization at : www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/immunization record/residents.html#immunization-records. Medical Exemptions The province has finalized the process for individuals to request a medical exemption from COVID-19 vaccination. Eligible medical conditions and situations are available at: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#exemptions. Individuals who believe they meet the criteria for a medical exemption should first meet with their regular health-care provider or specialist. If the health-care provider determines the individual meets the criteria, they will be referred to a specialist for further assessment of their condition. Exemptions can only be submitted to Manitoba Health and Seniors Care by a licensed specialist. The exemption will be entered into the provincial immunization database, including whether the exemption is permanent or temporary. Exempt people will be able to request their digital or physical Manitoba immunization card approximately seven to 14 business days after their exemption is submitted. The card and the display shown after scanning the QR code will be identical to those currently used by fully immunized people. This will help protect the private health information of exempt
COVID-19 Vaccine: Updates re: Eligibility for Third Doses, Medical Exemptions, etc. individuals, while also keeping a simple, consistent process for venues and events that must validate immunization status. Eligibility In addition to the expansions noted above, recommendations for a third dose includes: •
all residents and staff of First Nation personal care homes;
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all residents of personal care homes in Manitoba;
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people who are immunocompromised;
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people who require a third dose to meet travel requirements at their destination; or
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individuals who previously received doses of vaccines that are not approved by Health Canada.
Information about where third doses can be administered is online at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibili ty-criteria.html#third. Generally speaking, third doses can be given anywhere first or second doses are provided. Eligibility for first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine continues to include anyone born on or before Dec. 31, 2009. Vaccine Administration, Supply and Distribution
Manitoba is now allowing the COVID-19 vaccine to be given at the same time as other vaccines. This change is consistent with updated guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and is reflected in revised guidance to Manitoba’s health-care providers. See: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/healt hcare-professionals.html.A total of 2,003,159 doses of vaccine have been administered in Manitoba. Manitoba super sites are offering walk-in and appointment-based vaccinations. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC). For hours and days of operation for super sites, pop-up clinics and other vaccine clinics, visitwww.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.ht ml. Over the next several weeks, COVID-19 immunizations are available to eligible young people at school-based clinics. For more information, visit https://protectmb.ca/schoolimmunizations/. Additional Information More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccineand https://protec tmb.ca. For more information about COVID-19 immunization records and cards, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/imm unizationrecord/index.html.
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federally regulated transportation employees and travellers (Excerpts from October 6, 2021 Transport Canada News Release) Vaccinations are our best line of
defense against COVID-19 and its variants. On August 13, 2021, the Government of Canada announced its intent to require COVID-19 vaccination for employees in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors and its travellers. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland announced that, as of October 30, the Government of Canada will require employers in the federally regulated air, rail, and marine transportation sectors to establish vaccination policies for their employees. Also effective October 30, travellers departing from Canadian airports, and travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, will be required to be fully vaccinated in order to travel. For travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated, there will be a short transition period where they will be able to travel if they can show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel, but that transition period will end on November 30. The Government of Canada strongly advises any Canadians planning to travel by plane or train this holiday season to get vaccinated as soon as possible or they will be unable to travel. Travellers will be responsible for declaring their vaccination status and providing documentation prior to boarding.
The Government of Canada is committed to keeping the transportation sector, including employees and travellers, safe and secure. Mandatory vaccination for the federally regulated air, rail, and marine sectors helps limit the risk of spreading COVID-19 and helps prevent against future outbreaks. Vaccine requirements for travellers Effective October 30, air passengers departing from Canadian airports, travellers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains, and travellers on non-essential passenger vessels on voyages of 24 hours or more, such as cruise ships, will need to be vaccinated. Effective October 30, travellers will need to be fully vaccinated in order to board. Specifically, the vaccination requirement will apply to all travellers 12 years of age and older who are: •
Air passengers flying on domestic, transborder or international flights departing from airports in Canada
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Rail passengers on VIA Rail and Rocky Mountaineer trains
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Marine passengers on non-essential passenger vessels, such as cruise ships, on voyages of 24 hours or more
For travellers who are in the process of being vaccinated, there will be a short transition period where they will be able to travel if they can show a valid COVID-19 molecular test within 72 hours of travel. By November 30, all travellers must be fully vaccinated, with very limited exceptions to address specific situations such as emergency travel, and those medically unable to be vaccinated.
Mandatory COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federally regulated transportation employees and travellers In addition, this vaccination mandate will include specific accommodation to recognize the unique needs of travellers from small, remote communities (some of which are not accessible by road) to ensure they will be able to travel to obtain essential services in support of their medical, health, or social well-being, and return safely to their homes. This accommodation will be informed by engagement with Indigenous organizations and provinces and territories in the coming days. Enforcement Transport Canada will oversee compliance by means of inspections and enforcement tools— including Administrative Monetary Penalties— using oversight systems in place for each mode. For those who falsify information or otherwise fail to comply, there will be serious consequences. For example: •
Railway companies could be subjected to compliance actions up to $250,000 per violation, per day, under the Railway Safety Act
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In the air sector, individuals—either travellers or employees—could be fined up to $5,000 per violation under the Aeronautics Act, and operators could be fined up to $25,000 per violation
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In the marine sector, employees and travellers could be fined for being noncompliant with the obligation to provide proof of vaccination up to $250,000 per violation, per day, and operators could be fined up to $250,000 per violation, per day, for noncompliance to the Interim Order made pursuant to the Canada Shipping Act, 2001
Pan-Canadian Proof of Vaccination A pan-Canadian, secure, and standardized proof of vaccination for international travel was announced on August 11, 2021, and is being developed in partnership with provinces and territories. This document, which will be available to travellers in digital formats, will be easily recognized and trusted. This credential will make it easy and quick for travellers to provide transportation operators and border officials in other countries with their validated COVID-19 vaccination history needed to facilitate travel. Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to fight COVID-19 and the Government of Canada will continue to take action to get as many Canadians vaccinated as possible.
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) 697-1140.
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environme nt/events-and-deadlines/index.html Note: Workshops are currently available through November 2021.
The next available workshops are October 20 and November 3, both running from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.