2021 MBP YEAR IN REVIEW

Tyler Fulton – President Melissa Atchison – Vice President Matthew Atkinson – 2nd Vice President Mike Duguid – Secretary Mark Good – Treasurer

ANIMAL HEALTH

Melissa Atchison – Chair Trevor Sund – Vice-Chair Jim Buchanan Kevin Duddridge Mike Duguid Steven Manns

AGM/Nominations/Resolutions

Nancy Howatt – Chair Andre Steppler – Vice-Chair Melissa Atchison Jim Buchanan Steven Manns

COMMUNICATIONS

Nancy Howatt – Chair Andre Steppler – Vice-Chair Kevin Duddridge Alfred Epp Steven Manns Mary Paziuk

CROWN LANDS

Matthew Atkinson – Chair Mike Duguid – Vice-Chair Mark Good Steven Manns Arvid Nottveit Mary Paziuk

ENVIRONMENT

Mike Duguid – Chair Trevor Sund – Vice-Chair Matthew Atkinson Melissa Atchison Alfred Epp Arvid Nottveit Andre Steppler

FINANCE

Mark Good – Chair Mary Paziuk – Vice-Chair Mike Duguid Kevin Duddridge Arvid Nottveit

GOVERNANCE

Arvid Nottveit – Chair Alfred Epp – Vice-Chair Jim Buchanan Nancy Howatt Andre Steppler

Production Management

Mike Duguid – Chair Trevor Sund – Vice-Chair Matthew Atkinson Kevin Duddridge Arvid Nottveit Mary Paziuk

RESEARCH

Melissa Atchison – Chair Matthew Atkinson – Vice-Chair Mark Good Nancy Howatt Arvid Nottveit Trevor Sund

2021

YEAR IN REVIEW

Who is MBP?

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is the exclusive voice of the province’s cattle industry, representing approximately 6,000 producers in the cow-calf, backgrounding and finishing sectors . MBP is a non-profit organization with a producer-elected board of 14 directors representing different geographic areas of the province . Its vision is a vibrant, prosperous, respected, sustainable beef industry in Manitoba .

MBP’s mission is to represent the province’s beef producers through communication, advocacy, research, education, and leadership within the industry, to governments and to the public . These efforts take place to strengthen the sector’s viability, improve prosperity and ensure a sustainable future for the beef industry in Manitoba for the benefit of our beef producers and all Manitobans .

How is MBP’s work funded?

MBP’s activities are funded through the collection of check-off dollars . Two check-offs with a combined total value of $5 .50/head are levied at the point of sale on all cattle sold in Manitoba . Of this, a $3/head mandatory, refundable provincial check-off goes toward financing MBP’s activities on behalf of the local beef industry, as well as its membership in organizations such as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) and others . MBP’s levy is collected under the authority of the Cattle Fee Regulation under The Cattle Producers Association Act, a piece of provincial legislation .

As well, a mandatory non-refundable $2 .50/head Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off is collected on all cattle sold in Manitoba and the monies are transferred to the Canadian Beef Check-off Agency . Goals of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off are to increase sales of domestic and export beef and to find better and more efficient methods of producing beef and beef cattle . The Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off provides industry funding for the Beef Cattle Research Council which is responsible for the industry’s national research program, as well as to Canada Beef for market development and promotion . Funding is also provided for public and stakeholder engagement, administered by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association in partnership with Canada Beef and under the oversight of the Canadian Beef Advisors .

For additional information about MBP’s 2020-21 budget, see page 10 .

How are MBP’s activities organized and executed?

MBP’s activities are guided by the board of directors’ broad direction and executed by three full-time and three part-time staff members and MBP’s Executive and Committee members . Full-time staff include general manager Carson Callum, policy analyst Maureen Cousins, and communications coordinator David Hultin . Part-time staff are finance person Deb Walger, administrative assistant Jennifer Patryluk, and Ray Bittner, project lead for the Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project . MBP employs contract staff from time to time to deliver initiatives such as the Verified Beef Production+ Program or special projects .

MBP also has two wholly owned subsidiary corporations – the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Program Inc . (MLCA) and Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc . (MBFI), each with their own independent staff and governance structure, but which do report information to MBP . Both the MLCA and MBFI boards of directors have representation from MBP’s board members .

MBP directors sit on internal committees where they provide input and help develop positions around specific types of issues or opportunities . Some committees serve an organizational function, such as helping to organize the district meetings and annual general meeting, or planning MBP’s participation in events and communications activities aimed at promoting the industry .

MBP is also represented at several national and provincial organizations and external committees. This affords MBP the opportunity to bring forward Manitoba-specific perspectives on topics such as business risk management programs, traceability, animal care, research, trade, sustainability initiatives and many more.

Examples include:

• Assiniboine River Basin Initiative: Alfred Epp, Maureen Cousins • Association of Manitoba Community Pastures: Carson Callum • Beef Value Chain Roundtable: Carson Callum, Maureen Cousins • Beef Cattle Research Council: Melissa Atchison • Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off Agency: Mary Paziuk • Canadian Cattle Identification Agency: Nancy Howatt • Canadian Cattlemen’s Association: Tyler Fulton, Mike Duguid, Matthew Atkinson • Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef: Andre Steppler, Arvid Nottveit, Carson Callum, Maureen

Cousins • Invasive Species Council of Manitoba: Mike Duguid, Maureen Cousins • Lake Manitoba Flood Rehabilitation Committee: Arvid Nottveit • Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Board: Melissa Atchison, Tyler Fulton until June AGM, followed by

Matthew Atkinson • Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association: Mike Duguid • Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance: Mark Good, Nancy Howatt, Mike Duguid, Kevin Duddridge, Arvid

Nottveit • National Cattle Feeders Association: Harry Dalke until February, followed by Audrey Kuik-Schweitzer,

Carson Callum • Verified Beef Production Plus Program: Alfred Epp

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Strategic direction

MBP’s activities focus around a number of key objectives: telling the industry’s story via advocacy and enhanced communications; building the industry with innovation, improved economic competitiveness and profitability; and, serving MBP’s members by developing the organization and its capacity . These strategic objectives dovetail with MBP’s mission to strengthen the viability of Manitoba’s beef sector and to ensure a sustainable future for our province’s beef industry . The following is an overview of some of the key matters affecting Manitoba’s cattle industry in 2021 and activities undertaken by MBP in support of the sector .

Production Conditions

Drought conditions made for an extremely challenging production year . In early spring MBP began drought-related advocacy work with government officials . MBP requested the reopening of BMP 503: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas under Canadian Agricultural Partnership Ag Action Manitoba Program . It provides cost-shared support for water source development projects . This was achieved and a large number of producers accessed the program .

As conditions continued to deteriorate, MBP focused its efforts on the worsening feed situation . MBP successfully asked the Manitoba government to provide access to non-agricultural Crown lands for grazing purposes, although access for haying was not allowed in 2021 . MBP requested but was unable to secure from the province a rental rate freeze for drought-hit producers leasing Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) for grazing and haying .

MBP advocated with officials from Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (MB ARD) to provide incentives to encourage producers with damaged crops to make them available as sources of alternate feed for livestock producers . On July 22 the federal and provincial governments agreed to changes to AgriInsurance in this regard . Specifically, a 60 per cent adjustment factor to in-field appraisals was applied on small grain cereal crops (all varieties of wheat, oats, fall rye, barley, and triticale) . MBP worked with other farm groups, MASC and the province to get the word out to crop producers to consider making the damaged crops available .

Also on July 22 the Hay Disaster Benefit (HDB) under AgriInsurance was triggered early, another MBP request of governments . The HDB provided an additional $44/tonne (for every tonne below coverage) to insured forage producers to help offset the added cost of replacement feed and transportation due to the severe shortage of forage throughout Manitoba . Normally triggering of the HDB is not announced until early in the new year, which was going to be problematic for producers needing immediate assistance to source feed .

That same day the federal government identified the initial list of prescribed regions for the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision . This included 102 prescribed regions in southern and central Manitoba . The Canadian cattle industry, including MBP continues to advocate for the livestock tax deferral provision to cover all classes of cattle . Having it span over more than one year has also been requested to allow for more flexibility in producers’ re-stocking decisions . On July 22 MBP toured Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau on a multi-generation Manitoba cattle operation, showing her the effects of the drought on pasture and forage production and on water supplies . The implications of producers being forced to sell part or all of their herds was discussed . This included the financial effects on operations, productivity impairment in multi-year droughts (damages to pastures and forages) and equally important, the stress facing farm families . James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman and Derek Johnson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Interlake-Gimli, and departmental officials from both levels of government also participated in the discussions .

Regarding other programs, Manitoba invoked the late participation provision of AgriStability (which MBP had requested), and Manitoba agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75% .

MBP provided extensive feedback as the federal and provincial governments undertook the AgriRecovery assessment process and examined program development . The federal government committed $100 million and the province $62 million toward programs under the AgriRecovery Framework . Manitoba’s three programs announced in late August included: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance, Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance, and Herd Management Drought Assistance .

In terms of specific asks related to these programs, MBP requested a per head/day payment similar to the approach used in Saskatchewan and Alberta, but in the end a receipts-based approach was taken in Manitoba . In recognition of producers having had to downsize their herds, MBP asked for a herd recovery plan to provide financial assistance as producers seek to replenish breeding stock .

Examples of other assistance sought by MBP included: aid for unanticipated infrastructure requirements such as fencing or watering needs; sharing the costs of hauling water; implementation of a forage restoration program; aid for feed testing and source water testing; interest only payments on MASC loans; and, knowledge transfer activities related to alternate feeds .

At year’s end MBP was continuing to provide feedback to governments to ensure the resources committed under the Canada-Manitoba AgriRecovery Drought Assistance programs can be most effectively utilized to help move Manitoba’s beef sector through and beyond this devastating disaster .

It will take time to assess the lasting effects of drought on Manitoba’s beef cattle numbers . According to Statistics Canada’s July 2021 Livestock Estimates report, year over year for the period ending July 1 the number of cattle on beef operations was up slightly by 18,600 to 998,400 head; cattle on cow-calf operations was up by 21,700 to 776,600 head; feeder and stocker operations were down by 1,100 to 156,800 head; and, feeding operations had 65,000 head, down by 2,000 head . Manitoba’s herd size is expected to drop in future estimates due to drought-related downsizing, but it is not known how long this effect will last .

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, visited Manitoba in July to see the drought situation firsthand. She is pictured with MBP President Tyler Fulton and District 10 Director Mike Duguid. Photo credit: David Hultin/MBP

Business Risk Management Programs

There was continued advocacy work around making business risk management (BRM) programs more responsive to beef producers’ needs . This included work on the removal of the reference margin limit (RML) under AgriStability, a change proposed by the federal government in late 2020 which required the support of provincial and territorial governments . In March the governments agreed that the reference margin limit would be removed retroactive to the 2020 program year, and to extend the enrolment deadline for the 2021 program year to June 30, 2021 .

MBP believes removing the RML should help increase the predictability and bankability of the program and ultimately make it more equitable, particularly for cow-calf producers, but also others in the sector . Before the change, triggering a payout required a significant drop in a producer’s margin; however, with the removal of the RML, a 30 per cent drop in the current year may trigger a payout .

Regarding AgriInsurance, MBP was pleased that the transportation allowance within the Forage Insurance dollar value and Hay Disaster Benefit for the Forage Insurance program was updated to $16 from $8 per tonne for Select and Basic Hay, and to $24 from $20 per tonne for the Hay Disaster Benefit . This will be beneficial for policy holders . As well, individual productivity indexing for silage corn was introduced .

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Agricultural Crown Lands

Advocacy efforts continued around changes the Manitoba government has made as part of its modernization of the Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) Leasing Program . Key focal points of MBP’s efforts included: assuring the continued ability of producers to utilize unit transfers; restating the need for a five-year overall phase-in period for the rental rate increase; securing the right to informed access whereby those wishing to access ACL would need to notify the lease or permit holder prior to entry; ensuring there is adequate staffing to administer all program elements, including providing technical guidance, monitoring and enforcement; and, seeking clarification around potential opportunities for interested lease holders to purchase ACL parcels in a swifter fashion .

MBP has long sought government recognition and incentivization of the ecosystem services lease holders provide in managing ACL, such as helping to provide mitigation and adaptation to climate change . For example, MBP had asked that some monies generated through the auction process for leases and permits go into a designated ACL sustainability fund . Producers could access the fund to implement cost-shared beneficial management practices (BMPs) to enhance the carrying capacity of the land or provide environmental benefits . A resolution carried at MBP’s Annual General Meeting in February 2020 requested the provincial government set aside 25 per cent of the revenue generated through ACL leases to an ACL improvement program . In late October 2021 the federal and provincial governments announced they were investing up to $1 million in a new one-year Agricultural Crown Lands Forage Productivity Pilot Program . The cost-shared program is providing targeted financial assistance to ACL forage lease holders to adopt BMPs to sustainably increase productivity on their forage leases . Eligible items under the program included grazing management plans, water source development and watering systems, cross-fencing for pasture management, and forage rejuvenation such as forage establishment and brush management .

MBP sought adjustments to the ACL lease and permit auction process to make future auctions more responsive to bidders’ needs, and to address outgoing lease and permit holders’ needs . Concerns had arisen about using an online process versus in-person auctions due to the pandemic . MBP requested that thorough instructions be posted well in advance of future auctions to address questions about the registration process for virtual auctions, as well as around bidding and payment processes . MBP asked if a working list of parcels potentially becoming available could be posted early to allow producers to view them during the production season, not during the winter months . MBP noted it would be useful to use the latest satellite imagery to provide updated photos of available parcels to help producers assess them . And, MBP asked for a system whereby all bidders names are revealed before bidding commences, not just identifying the winning bidder .

Outgoing lessees are very concerned about being able to recoup the value of their ACL improvements under the new system . MBP noted there would be less hesitancy about making such investments if there were greater assurances fair value would be received for them at the end of the lease . In terms of valuing improvements, MBP has suggested having an independent, third-party assessment done when the parcel comes up for auction so the producer knows what they will be paid for their improvements . This could include an assessment of the physical infrastructure . Further, MBP believes it would be beneficial to have a guide that identifies the value of various types of improvements being made as their value is being considered at the end of a lease . MBP believes Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development could play a key role in having this tool developed, as it already has a number of production guides . Having a fair and transparent process for valuing improvements would help reduce the need for arbitration to settle disputes .

Wildlife Matters

Predation-related challenges pose a significant concern for Manitoba’s livestock producers, who pride themselves on providing quality animal care and husbandry . MBP continues to advocate for strategies to help reduce the risk of negative wildlife-livestock interactions . MBP co-chairs the Livestock Predation Protection Working Group (LPPWG), which includes representatives from MB ARD, MASC, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, Manitoba Trappers Association and the Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA) .

In 2020 it was announced that MBP would receive up to $300,000 in provincial government funding toward the three-year pilot Manitoba Livestock Predation Prevention (LPPP) Project . Added funding for this work is coming from MBP and the MSA, and MBP hired Ray Bittner as the project lead . The three main aspects of the project include: On Farm Predation Risk Assessments; testing the effectiveness of Risk Management Practices (RMPs); and, communication of potential risks and management practices that could help reduce risk .

MBP conducted a survey to gauge predation’s impact on Manitoba livestock operations, with a strong level of responses from beef and sheep producers . Outreach to potential producer co-operators began in early 2021 . Project participants have begun using a number of RMPs on their operations to test their effectiveness in reducing the risk of negative livestock-predator interactions . These include: game cameras, predator resistant pens, deadstock pens, solar foxlights, GPS collars, fladry wire, Electro Net, and veterinary assessments .

This project will help producers affected by predation to develop individual risk management plans, while also supporting broader industry-wide efforts to test a variety of risk management approaches . It will share knowledge of best practices to help reduce predation losses . More project participants will be sought in 2022, and information about the project and available RMPs will continue to be shared with producers via Cattle Country, MBP’s website, media interviews and other avenues as they arise .

Elsewhere on the wildlife management front, in early November it was announced that Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) had been discovered for the first time in Manitoba in two mule deer in the western and southwestern regions of the province . CWD is an incurable fatal disease affecting members of the deer family, including white-tailed deer, mule deer, elk, moose and caribou, but it is not known to infect cattle . The provincial government was undertaking steps to control the spread of the disease, including hunting and targeted removal .

Environment and Water-Related Matters

MBP has received additional funding from Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) for the continuation of the Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) Keep Grazing project for the period 2019 to 2022 . The project’s aim is to help protect important habitats for at-risk plant and animal species in a designated region of southwestern Manitoba . Some of the targeted grassland species include: Sprague’s Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Loggerhead Shrike, Burrowing Owl and Baird’s Sparrow . MBP has again engaged the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) on the delivery of this project . The enhancement of grasslands – and the associated species at risk habitat – is being achieved primarily through the implementation of enhanced livestock grazing systems . Landowners invest significant in-kind time and resources into implementing projects, with ECCC funding supporting the purchase of grazing infrastructure, such as fencing or watering systems .

This project shows that species at risk conservation and agricultural production can coexist . With the majority of native grasslands in Manitoba being managed by private landowners, this project provides these land stewards with tangible evidence that the public is willing to support, and invest in the public good that results from their land management .

MBP had been investigating options to potentially expand SARPAL-type activities to other regions of Manitoba . MHHC has now partnered with MBP to support nature-based approaches to climate change . The Conservation Trust is a Manitoba Climate and Green Plan Initiative, administered by MHHC . The MBP – Grassland Enhancement Program has had considerable uptake and success in the first year . Twenty agreements totaling $247,998 of landowner incentives payments to implement of a variety of best management practices (BMPs) have been signed and are mostly implemented . These actions will enhance over 8,700 acres of grasslands in the Eastern Mixed Grass Priority Place to enhance sustainable cattle operations with a focus on multi-species biodiversity co-benefits . In addition, over 6,700 acres under these agreements secure uneased lands from agricultural conversion for 10 years ensuring that the positive ecological impacts from BMP implementation are sustained .

In its outreach to governments and the public, MBP focused on communicating the positive environmental impact beef production plays on soil health, carbon sequestration, and maintaining biodiversity on grasslands . The sector has a powerful story to tell in this area, and significant headway is being made on this with consumers and policy makers .

A key example of this is type of work is MBP’s support for the enhancement of the FortWhyte Alive (FWA) Prairie Soil exhibit and the development of associated program-

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ming in its newly-renovated Richardson Interpretive Centre and Climate Action Lab . Situated in south Winnipeg, FWA is a place for people to learn about natural ecosystems and in a typical year it reaches more than 110,000 visitors and 35,000 school children . The soil exhibit is a collection of three dioramas with narrative panels telling the story of prairie soil health as it has evolved over time from pre-settler contact through to today . As well, an MBP video highlighting the synergies between livestock production and the protection of critical ecosystems for species at risk will be shown at the facility . It is expected that the soil exhibit and lab will help bring climate change challenges and solutions in a unique prairie context to largely urban visitors . FWA has also worked closely with Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association on the soil health, livestock production synergies and regenerative agriculture details of the Climate Action Lab .

MBP participated in several environment-related consultations in 2021 . For example, MBP provided feedback on a federal consultation into proposed Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations . MBP advocated for the use of incentive-based programming to recognize and reward ecological goods and services provided by the agriculture sector which benefit larger society, including reductions in GHG emissions . MBP asked that Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) consider amending the proposed regulation to recognize carbon offset projects implemented by producers prior to 2017 . MBP also asked ECCC to provide clear and transparent guidance around ownership of GHG reductions under various types of scenarios, such as on projects producers may undertake on lands they rent from a private party or lands they lease through programs such as Manitoba’s Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program . MBP cautioned that increases to the federal carbon tax will impact the competitiveness of Canadian beef producers .

Input was provided on the proposed Nutrient Target Regulation under The Water Protection Act . MBP asked that the provincial government continue making investments in activities aimed at reducing nutrient loading, such as providing financial support for built and natural infrastructure projects, for beneficial management practices delivered through mechanisms such as Growing Outcomes in Watersheds and Ag Action Manitoba, and for other types of environmental initiatives . MBP noted the role beef producers play in maintaining wetlands on their operations . These wetlands provide a critical array of ecosystem services, including filtering nutrients, storing carbon and creating resiliency during times of droughts and flooding . ’

Water management remains a key area of focus for MBP . Comments were provided for a consultation on the province’s water management strategy . Of particular importance to Manitoba’s beef industry are areas such as building resilience to a variable and changing climate as it pertains to water resources, and addressing water infrastructure challenges and opportunities . Timely construction and completion of critical water infrastructure projects is important to the sector . MBP reiterated its ask that the provincial and federal governments work with stakeholders to swiftly resolve outstanding matters related to the Lake Manitoba and Lake St . Martin outlet channels project so it can move forward . MBP noted the value of investments in rural water infrastructure for agricultural production . MBP believes this needs to be considered in the context of ensuring resilience for the livestock sector, such as rural water pipelines to support pasture and forage production and to water animals .

Animal Health and Care

MBP provided feedback on proposed provincial legislation: Bill 62 – The Animal Diseases Amendment Act and Bill 63 – The Petty Trespasses Amendment and Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act . These bills address matters such as protecting biosecurity on farms and ranches, and clarifying the laws around trespassing and liability (duty of care) . Maintaining high biosecurity standards is very important for livestock producers as the introduction of foreign animal diseases could compromise animal health, may have costly economic consequences, and could lead to possible trade implications . MBP reiterated the need for informed access by members of the public seeking to access agricultural Crown lands, something not currently required . MBP noted that rural crime and trespassing can harm cattle operations, causing financial losses, endangerment to people and livestock, possible biosecurity breaches and result in damages to pastures, forages and infrastructure . Both bills were passed in the spring of 2021, with implementation details pending .

MBP provided feedback to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) as part of its proposed modernization of the regulatory framework for the Feeds Regulations . MBP recommended that this process include a comprehensive and well-articulated implementation plan to help effectively guide the affected parties, such as the use of plain-language guidance documents and training exercises . Clearly identifying and conveying the requirements and expectations will help facilitate adaptation and compliance .

In its comments MBP touched upon the importance of cattle producers having access to nutritionally sound and safe feed products, particularly when concerns arise about potentially toxic levels of contaminants such as ergot . How mycotoxin challenges are managed can potentially affect not only animal health, but also feed availability and affordability . MBP asked for continued CFIA dialogue with the beef sector, the animal nutrition sector and the research community around best approaches to managing mycotoxins in feed that take into account the aforementioned factors . It is hoped that continued research into the effects of mycotoxins on cattle (such as tolerance levels) will provide useful guidance as to how to better mitigate against potential risks associated with feed production and consumption .

Through its representation on the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency, MBP continued to raise the importance of addressing ongoing concerns about ID tag retention issues . MBP also identified the desire among producers to potentially have access to a wider variety and style of RFID tags and new technology .

At year’s end the federal government was still finalizing expected changes re: traceability/movement reporting for the livestock sector, such as move-in and move-out reporting requirements . These changes are intended to make traceability more accurate when issues arise, such as a disease trace-out and the beef industry has been advocating to ensure any changes are least disruptive and burdensome to the sector .

New federal regulations for the humane transport of livestock came into force on February 20, 2020 with a two-year transition period on the enforcement of feed, water and rest (FWR) interval provisions for the cattle sector . There are also a number of record keeping requirements . MBP, along with other industry stakeholders have expressed concerns to government officials that by reducing the hours in transit it means cattle will have to be unloaded more frequently, potentially increasing the risk of injury and illness during the loading/unloading and comingling processes . The beef cattle transportation success rate is more than 99 per cent and it is important that any regulatory changes not negatively impact this . Enforcement of the humane transport requirements continue and producers or transporters could be cited for violations . More information on changes to FWR requirements is expected early in the new year .

Building sectoral capacity: research

Among MBP’s strategic objectives are building Manitoba’s cattle industry through innovation, improved economic competitiveness and profitability . MBP strongly supports investments in research, innovation and knowledge transfer . Twenty three cents of every Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off (national check-off/NCO) dollar collected in Manitoba goes towards conducting and promoting research activities re: beef cattle, beef and beef products . See the Beef Cattle Research Council at www .beefresearch . ca for more details . A further 6 .5 cents of every NCO dollar collected in Manitoba is retained for Manitoba projects that reflect MBP’s research priorities and which align to national priorities .

Over the past year, MBP investments have gone toward research projects such as: assessing the impacts of cattle grazing on the proliferation of foxtail barley in wet meadow rangeland communities; use of multispecies annual forage crops to promote healthy

Manitoba Beef Producers took part in ‘Fields to Forks’ and our featured farm family was Andre and Katie Steppler, along with their children, who reside in the Miami area. Photo credit: Chris Thenhaus/CTV

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soil microbial communities and improve forage yield and sustainability; response of rangeland ecosystems to extreme drought; perennial forage grain for fall grazing of beef cattle; strategic supplementation to improve beef performance in grazing; assessing the relationship between tick abundance on pastures and on cattle, and the risk ticks represent to cattle and livestock workers; extension re: livestock vaccination; the Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team forage testing trials; and a project re: cattle as a natural systems solution to effectively utilize resources and mitigate climate change .

MBP remains a key partner in Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc . (MBFI), the collaborative beef and forage research and demonstration farm at three sites in the Brandon area . The other partners are Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association and Ducks Unlimited Canada . MBP strongly believes the applied research and knowledge transfer activities being undertaken through MBFI can play a critical role in advancing Manitoba’s beef and forage industries, ensuring they are well positioned for future generations of producers .

Core funding for MBFI is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership . As well, MBP provides financial, administrative and governance support to MBFI . Organizationally MBFI’s direction and activities are overseen by an elected board of directors which includes producers . MBP thanks the core partners and all the other generous partners (including corporations, companies and academic institutions) for their ongoing commitment to MBFI’s success . For more details on MBFI’s activities in 2021 see page 11 or visit www .mbfi .ca to learn more .

Governance

Some changes to the Manitoba Cattle Producers Association (operating as MBP) administration by-law were passed at the 42nd Annual General Meeting in February . These changes included affirming the use of electronic means to both notify of and to conduct district meetings, AGMs and special meetings, something which became increasingly necessary due to the pandemic . To allow for more flexibility, the by-law changes also adjusted the period in which MBP’s district meetings can be held prior to AGM .

Review of the administration by-law continued in 2021, with more proposed amendments going forward to the 43rd AGM in relation to the composition of the districts and regarding director term limits .

Due to pandemic’s continued impact in fall 2021, MBP held seven in-person meetings in even-numbered districts where director elections were required, and two virtual meetings for producers in odd-numbered districts and those in even-numbered districts who had missed their meeting .

Telling our Story: Communications, Outreach and Sponsorship

MBP undertakes a range of activities aimed at communicating with its members, and to engage with the general public to help inform them about beef production .

Pandemic-related restrictions again hindered in-person public outreach activities in 2021 so MBP focused on radio, TV, social media, and other offerings . For example, during the summer MBP participated in Bell Media’s Fields to Forks campaign, a series aimed at raising awareness of agriculture in Canada . The sector profile featuring beef producers Andre and Katie Steppler of Steppler Farms of the Miami area ran on CTV Winnipeg and the digital content was posted to the campaign’s website . As well, MBP director Matthew Atkinson was interviewed about a day in the life of a beef producer . And, director Melissa Atchison took part in the companion piece “On the Farm” that aired on Brandon’s Bell Media radio stations .

MBP was involved with several virtual cooking events . These included Cooking With Matt, a four-part Facebook Live series during July and August whereby Brandon’s Bounce Radio host Matt Gates cooked beef burgers with MBP’s food expert Tamara Sarkisian, RD . In April, Winnipeg radio station QX104FM held a QXNation Cooks with Manitoba Beef Producers online contest that gave three lucky listeners a chance to join morning show hosts Brody and Randy for a virtual cooking party featuring beef recipes developed and demonstrated by Sarkisian specially for this promotion . And in February, with the assistance of Canada Beef there was also a virtual cooking event with 25 Manitoba 4-H club members .

MBP took part in the 32nd season of Great Tastes of Manitoba (GTOM), a popular cooking show on CTV Winnipeg . Videos involving two Manitoba beef producers families accompany the two beef episodes when they air, providing viewers with the farm to table connection . This season’s beef producer participants included the Plett family from the Stead area and the McRae family from the Brandon area . As well, Tim Sopuck of Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation is featured in one of these segments, talking about the environmental benefits of beef production . Public reaction to these webisodes was extremely positive . Access GTOM episodes, recipes and the webisodes at the newly-updated show website: www .greattastes .mb .ca .

MBP hosted or participated in a number of producer-focused webinars . In April the MBP webinar “A Conversation on Many Aspects of the Industry” featured beef producer Jill Harvie, market analyst Anne Wasko and mental health expert and producer Cynthia Beck . This dynamic group of leaders shared their personal and professional experiences in the Canadian cattle industry while offering practical tips related to fostering mental health .

In mid-July MBP hosted a virtual discussion with producers about the drought . MBP provided updates on the situation, including its advocacy activities . It was an important opportunity for producers to share feedback with MBP on potential initiatives to help them deal with the effects of the disaster .

In mid-September MBP, along with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Keystone Agricultural Producers and the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association hosted a webinar which gave an overview of the AgriRecovery programs to assist producers affected by the drought .

Collaboration is very important when it comes to MBP’s ability to engage with diverse audiences . For example, MBP has a longstanding relationship with Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba (AITC-M) and was a core level supporter of it in 2021 . Its work focuses on providing accurate, balanced and current information for use as education resources in school curriculum and on enhancing awareness of agriculture in schools . MBP is also a supporter of the Manitoba 4-H Council as 4-H activities are important to the children of many Manitoba cattle producers .

Media engagement is vital to MBP’s advocacy work . Throughout 2021 MBP directors and staff participated in dozens of media interviews (local, national, and international) about the drought . This helped raise both public and policy makers’ awareness of its impact on the sector . Other interview topics included: changes to business risk management programs, meat prices, livestock predation, cattle production, the environment, provincial legislation, agricultural Crown lands, and more . MBP took part in more than 200 interviews in 2021 .

Member communications efforts remained a priority too . The primary outreach vehicle continues to be our newspaper Cattle Country which is distributed to producers, value chain members, government officials and others eight times annually . Subscribers to our biweekly e-newsletter continue to grow, as do the number of people gleaning information through our social media channels . To sign up for the e-newsletter contact MBP Communications Lead David Hultin at dhultin@mbbeef .ca . You can follow us on Facebook, and check us out on Twitter via @ManitobaBeef .

Serving our members: looking ahead

MBP will continue to advocate on behalf our members as we work to advance Manitoba’s beef industry in 2022 . Many familiar issues will be revisited, from production challenges to agricultural Crown lands, predation, water management, BRM tools, public trust and more . New issues and opportunities will undoubtedly emerge and MBP’s board of directors and staff will be there to tackle them . MBP thanks our producer members for your ongoing support . Moving the dial on policy issues is not always swift or easy, but your insights and support of our advocacy efforts is sincerely appreciated .

Similarly, MBP appreciates the collaborative efforts between the various industry associations and other value chain members to help the sector respond to the various challenges, such as those arising from the pandemic . This level of cooperation has been invaluable . And, MBP thanks elected officials and government staff at all levels for ongoing engagement on issues and opportunities affecting Manitoba’s beef industry .

As always, our organization is stronger when we hear from our members, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 1-800-772-0458 or via info@mbbeef .ca .

For more information, please visit MBP’s website at www .mbbeef .ca .