Q1 by ManitobaBeefProducers

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP March 4, 2022

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Statistics Canada Releases Livestock Estimates as of January 1, 2022, Other Industry Statistics •

On February 28th Statistics Canada released its livestock estimates as of January 1, 2022, which covers off cattle, sheep and hog inventories as of that day. The following are highlights from that report related to the cattle sector.

From the National Perspective •

To read the report in its entirety and to see more detailed statistics, go to: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/dailyquotidien/220228/dq220228d-eng.htm?CMP=mstatcan From the Manitoba perspective •

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The number of head of cattle on beef operations in Manitoba as of January 1, 2022 was 843,900 compared to 982,300 on January 1, 2018, a decline of 138,400 head. The number of head on cow-calf operations as of January 1, 2022 was 641,100 compared to 792,600 on January 1, 2018, a decline of 151,500 head. The number of head on feeder and stocker operations as of January 1, 2022 was 132,800 compared to 134,700 on January 1, 2018, a decline of 1,900 head, but down 17,100 from the five-year high set on January 1, 2020.

The number of head on feeding operations as of January 1, 2022 was 70,000 compared to 55,000 on January 1, 2018, an increase of 15,000 head.

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The Canadian livestock sector continued to navigate challenges in the latter half of 2021. In Western Canada, extreme weather events—ranging from record heat and drought conditions to severe flooding events—limited forage, increased feed costs and disrupted transportation routes. Throughout the country, ongoing labour issues, as well as enhanced public health measures caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, slowed supply chains and the processing sector. On January 1, 2022, Canadian hog and sheep inventories were up, while cattle inventories were down, compared with the same date a year earlier. The Canadian cattle herd fell to the lowest level recorded since January 1, 1989, as high feed costs and export demand for beef supported an increase in slaughter. Canadian cattle inventories have generally declined year over year since 2005. Canadian farmers held 11.1 million cattle and calves on their farms on January 1, 2022, down 0.5% from the previous year, as the Canadian cattle herd continued to contract. Inventories were one-quarter (-25.7%) below the January 1 peak reached in 2005. continued on page 8

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Provincial Government Making Free COVID Rapid Tests Available in More Places, Update on Isolation Requirements (March 3, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards: • Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/m anitoba-covid-19/explore • COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/ap ps/manitoba-covid-19-vaccinationsdashboard-1/explore • Outbreaks: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/prs/index.html Key Updates The province is distributing over four million rapid tests to retail partners across Manitoba. To date, eight retail chains have signed on to the program, including Co-op (42 locations), Loblaw/Shoppers Drug Mart (59 locations), London Drugs (one location), Rexall (18 locations), Save-On-Foods (5 locations), Safeway, Sobeys and IGA (40 locations), Walmart (16 locations) and North West Company (29 locations). Supplies are expected to be in place at all participating locations by early next week. An additional 18,000 tests are being distributed to 18 public library locations in Winnipeg. Kits contain five tests per bag and people can receive up to two bags per family. Asymptomatic people can pick these up to use in the future when they or a household member develop symptoms. For a full list of participating partners, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/rat.html. As of March 15, public health will no longer require people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate. Further guidance will be provided, however it will continue to be recommended that people with symptoms should stay home when they are sick.

Also, as of March 15, public health will no longer conduct case investigations of people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Individuals will continue to be notified of their test results. Individuals who have been tested for COVID-19 are now able to access all past COVID-19 test results through the Shared Health portal at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/. Previously, only the most current test results were available. Self-administered rapid antigen test results are not available through the portal. Individuals who experience an issue accessing their records can request support at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/covid-immunizationrecord-request/index.html. Vaccine Manitoba now has a sufficient supply of Pfizer vaccine. Individuals who previously received Pfizer or Moderna can choose either vaccine for their next dose, as both are safe, effective and available. The vaccine clinic at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg remains open with appointments and walk-ins available. The provincial call centre and online booking system is still taking appointments for many locations. More Resources • COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19. • Vaccine campaign: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca. • Testing information: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/index.h tml. • Enforcement statistics: https://manitoba.ca/openmb/infomb/depa rtments/index.html#cdr

Latest Updates on AgriRecovery Program Re: Invoice Dates and Application Deadline ***See areas highlighted in yellow below. PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters affecting several producers occur. The Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing drought conditions. The program helps livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to maintain their breeding herds. APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications will be received on an on-going basis until May 13, 2022 (11:59 p.m. CST) HOW TO APPLY Review the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance - Farmers Guidebook for detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs, as well as other program requirements. For your application to be considered complete, you must submit all necessary program documents. Required Documents Application Form Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals - if first time applying Declaration of Extraordinary Expenses - if have extraordinary expenses - only submit once Self-Haul Declaration - if you hauled the feed Invoices - for each feed and/or transportation purchase Proof of Payment - for each invoice (e.g. cleared cheque, bank statement, credit or debit card receipt) VIEW: Drought 2021 industry webinar presentation to learn more about AgriRecovery: Drought Assistance program eligibility and details. WHAT IS NEW? (March 2022) • Extension of Invoice Dates: Invoices dated on or before April 15, 2022 are eligible if the purchase or transportation was to continue maintaining the eligible breeding animals owned on March 15, 2022. This extension will assist producers facing issues with taking delivery of feed ordered before the original March 15th deadline. • Extension of Application Deadline: The application deadline has been extended to May 13, 2022 due to the extension of the eligible dates for invoices. This extension will allow time to obtain proof of payment for the purchases made by April 15, 2022. continued on page 5

Latest Updates on AgriRecovery Program Re: Invoice Dates and Application Deadline •

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Expansion of Eligible Feeds: the list of eligible feeds now includes feed additives and premixes, molasses based products, vitamins, minerals, and oils and fats. The change is retroactive to June 1, 2021. Previous applicants of the program will receive an email or letter in the mail informing them how they can apply for these expenses. Extraordinary Expenses incurred between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022 including hauling water, renting extra pasture and cropland, harvesting extra acres for livestock feed, temporary fencing for supplemental grazing, and transporting feed from distant locations. A one time declaration of extraordinary expenses can be submitted over the life of the program.

View: What are Extraordinary Expenses? View: How do Extraordinary Expenses Increase Payments? For Full Program information on AgriRecovery Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance refer to: https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/livestock/agrirecovery-feed-purchase-transport-assistance.html

SUMMARY OF RESOURCES AND SUPPORT TOOLS FOR ALL AGRIRECOVERY DROUGHT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM: Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Web Page: Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance Video: What are Extraordinary Expenses? Video: How do Extraordinary Expenses Increase Payments? Quick Reference: How to Apply for Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance Quick Reference: How to Calculate Payment per Head on Feed Purchases Quick Reference: What Qualifies for Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance Web Page: Livestock Transportation Assistance Quick Reference: How to Apply for Livestock Transportation Assistance Quick Reference: What Qualifies for Livestock Transportation Assistance Herd Management Drought Assistance Web Page: Herd Management Drought Assistance • Video - Herd Management Drought Assistance - Determining Payments • Video - Herd Management Drought Assistance - Two-Step Application Process • Factsheet - Herd Management Drought Assistance

New livestock transport rules now enforced industry said some weren’t necessarily in the animals’ best interests. They said unloading animals for feed, water and rest could be more stressful than a long haul, and there aren’t enough places to unload cattle to do this. The regulations allow no more than 12 hours on a truck for unweaned animals, and a maximum of 36 hours for weaned animals, with a required eight-hour rest stop. The regulations allow no more than 12 hours on a truck for unweaned animals and a maximum of 36 hours for weaned animals, witha required eight-hour rest stop. The industry has criticized the new rules, saying some weren’t necessarily in the animals’ best interests. | File photo

By: Karen Briere (Western Producer, March 4, 2022 https://www.producer.com/news/new-livestocktransport-rules-now-enforced/) The CFIA says

enforcement will be flexible while research continues into some feed, water and rest-stop requirements Following a two-year education period to help livestock carriers adjust, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency will now enforce transport regulations enacted Feb. 20, 2020. However, the agency noted that research into feed, water and rest-stop requirements for older beef calves and unweaned dairy calves is ongoing. “As such, the CFIA does not plan to prioritize enforcement efforts where the maximum intervals (of 36 hours) without FWR (feed, water, rest) for ruminants of nine days of age and older are exceeded by less than four hours and where all animal welfare outcomes are being met (not exceeding 40 hours),” the agency replied in response to a request for more information. Amendments to the Health of Animals regulations were first published in 2019 but

Dr. Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, a researcher at the federal research centre in Lethbridge, found the difference between calves transported for 36 hours or 12 hours, with and without rest stops, was only some fatigue. When she presented her work two years ago at the Saskatchewan Beef Industry conference, she noted that cattle management before transport seemed to have the greatest effect on how cattle travel. Calves in good condition can cope with transport stress regardless of how much rest they got, she said then. Subsequent research comparing preconditioned and freshly weaned calves found similar results. Rest stops provided no benefits, the research found, and in fact the calves that did have a rest were not as alert. The calves that were not pre-conditioned had less energy and ate less during the rest stop. The study suggested conditioning can improve the welfare of transported calves. Further research is still underway. Still, the two-year period has ended and CFIA “is moving to the full application of the standard regulatory responses process, taking into account harm, history and intent for all humane transport requirements,” the agency said late last month. CFIA said the regulations also include feed, water and rest outcome-based requirements to continued on page 7

New livestock transport rules now enforced make sure animals won’t suffer, be injured or die during transport. Pat Hayes, co-chair of the animal health and care committee at the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, said a bigger regulatory issue producers may not be aware of is that they require a transfer of care document when leaving an animal at an auction mart, assembly yard or slaughter plant. “It’s going to be in effect and it’s going to be a surprise to a lot of people,” he said. “That document is going to be required by the transporter. Now, the transporter can be a commercial company or it can be the producer.” CFIA said it has taken a “compliance enforcement approach” to the document even though it has technically been in place. The transfer of care document must contain the date and time the animals arrived at the assembly point, their condition upon arrival, and when they were last fed, watered and rested.

Verified Beef Plus has developed a template available to all producers on the organization’s website. Some provinces and companies are also developing forms. Hayes said 99.95 percent of beef cattle transported arrive at their destinations in perfect shape and the regulations were made for all sectors rather than those that might have had problems. If cattle are going to be unloaded for feed, water and rest there is a rest station in Kapuskasing, Ont., at a former demonstration farm and another at a former goat dairy in Hallebourg, Ont. However, Hayes said there still isn’t enough capacity to follow the regulations and he worries there could be more cattle from the United States moving north into Ontario feedlots rather than from Western Canada. “It isn’t only the west to east,” he added. “The Maritimes are in no better position getting into Quebec and Ontario. They face these same limits on these time restraints.”

Statistics Canada – cont. from page 1

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Cattle and calf slaughter for the period from July to December 2021 was up 0.7% from the same period in 2020, and reached the highest level recorded since the second half of 2009. Strong export demand for Canadian beef— particularly from the United States— helped support domestic slaughter, as total exports of beef and veal rose 19.6% in 2021, compared with 2020. Inventories were up 1.2% to 2.9 million head in Eastern Canada, but declined by 1.2% to 8.2 million head in Western Canada, as drought conditions maintained pressure on the livestock sector. Alberta held the largest cattle inventories among the provinces on January 1, contributing 39.4% to the national total, followed by Saskatchewan (19.9%) and Ontario (14.6%). Canadian cattle producers retained less breeding stock on January 1, 2022, as year-over-year decreases in the number of beef cows (-0.9% to 3.5 million head), dairy cows (0.2% to 979,200 head) and beef heifers for breeding (-4.0% to 517,300 head) more than offset increases in the number of dairy heifers for breeding (+0.8% to 429,700 head) and bulls (+1.7% to 213,600 head).

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Producers also held fewer feeder heifers (-2.3%) and steers (-3.9%) than on January 1, 2021. Compared with 2020, slaughter of feeder heifers and slaughter of steers were both up at the national level over the course of 2021, contributing to this decline.

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Canadian farmers held 1.4 million dairy cows and heifers on their farms on January 1, 2022, up 0.1% from the same date a year earlier. The inventory of calves grew 1.2% to 3.8 million head, as international imports of live calves increased by 36.3% over the second half of 2021, compared with the same period in 2020, to meet demand from feedlots in Western Canada.

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International exports of cattle and calves for the latter half of 2021 were up 22.8% year over year to 331,100 head, particularly in Western Canada, where drought conditions and high feed costs spurred sales of both feeder and slaughter animals to the United States.

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Average prices for Canadian feeder and slaughter cattle generally remained higher in the second half of 2021, compared with the same period in 2020, even as prices were pressured by herd reductions in the Prairie provinces.

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As of January 1, 2022, inventories of cattle and calves were reported by 72,275 farms, down 0.9% from January 1, 2021. The number of cattle farms in Canada has generally decreased since 2004, largely because of business consolidations.

continued on page 9

Statistics Canada – cont. from page 1 Also on February 28th Statistics Canada released farm cash receipts for the period January to December 2021. Of note: •

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Livestock receipts increased $3.5 billion to $29.9 billion in 2021. Hog receipts rose 32.5% to $6.2 billion while cattle and calves receipts were up 11.0% to $10.2 billion. The increase in cattle and calves receipts was driven by a rise in slaughter receipts (+14.4%) to $7.2 billion as both prices and marketings increased, 9.6% and 4.4%, respectively.

On March 3rd Statistics Canada released the Farm Product Price Index for December 2021. Of note in relation to the livestock sector: •

The livestock and animal products index increased 9.4% in December 2021, as a

result of higher prices for cattle and calves, hogs and some supply-managed commodities, which grew based on increasing production costs and high demand. This was the 11th consecutive year-over-year increase in the livestock and animal products index. •

The cattle and calves index was the main driver of the 13.7% increase in the livestock and animal products index in December 2021. Higher export demand for beef and veal offered strong support to the cattle and calves prices. By the end of 2021, total exports of beef and veal were 19.6% higher, and the total slaughter number for cattle and calves was 5.0% more than the same period in 2020.

Grazing Workshop Series Start Your Grazing Plan (Workshop 1) Choice of 3 locations MBFI Brookdale Farm Learning Centre - Tuesday, April 12, 2022 (1:00-6:00 PM) North of Brandon, corner of PR 353 and HWY #10 Eriksdale Community Centre - Wednesday, April 13 2022 (9:30-3:00PM) 22 Railway Ave - Eriksdale Grandview Kinsmen Community Centre - Thursday, April 14, 2022 (9:30-3:00PM) 435 Burrows Ave - Grandview

Agenda • Building Pasture Productivity using Pasture Planning

Steve Kenyon - Greener Pastures Ranching Ltd • Using Agri-Maps as a tool to develop grazing system plan Shawn Cabak - Ag Adaptation Specialist - Livestock, MB Ag • Developing applications for grazing project funding - Laura Grzenda - Agri-Ecosystems Specialist, MB Ag - Andrea Bertholet & Jewel Mazur - Extension Specialist, MB Ag - Local Conservation Group Programming • Hands–on supplementary training (optional, bring your laptop) SAVE THE DATES! - MORE DETAILS TO FOLLOW Fence and Water Solutions (Workshop 2) - MBFI Brookdale Farm Site - June 1, 2022 Electric Fencing Theory and Hand-on Demonstration, Solar Power for Remote Water Systems, Pasture Pipeline Installation Health Check Your Pasture and Soil (Workshop 3) - MBFI First Street Pasture - July 6, 2022 Hands-on Demonstration of Pasture and Soil Health Assessments Diversify Your Grazing (Workshop 4 ) - MBFI Brookdale Farm Site - August 4, 2022 Extended Grazing and Annual Forages for Feed and Livestock/Crop Integration

Workshop Fee - $30.00 per event (Discount available through attending multiple workshops) Pre-Registration is required and spaces may be limited. Register at MBFI website @ https://www.mbfi.ca/event-registration or call 204-761-3300 (April 8 registration deadline for Workshop 1) Funded in part by the Manitoba Government

Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month Marked With Support For Canada’s Next Generation of Farmers (March 2, 2022 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Youth and young farmers are the

future of Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector. By connecting youth directly with farmers to learn how our food is produced and showcase the vital role that farmers play in our food system, the Government of Canada is helping to inspire and build the next generation of young farmers to ensure a strong, sustainable Canadian agriculture sector. To kick off Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month (CALM), the Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced up to $415,000 in support for Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C). CALM, celebrated annually in March, encourages students to learn about and celebrate Canada's incredible agriculture and food story. In celebration of CALM, AITC-C is hosting the Great Canadian Farm Tour, an engaging learning experience which gives students an opportunity to learn about Canada’s agriculture industry by interacting virtually with real farmers. The Great Canadian Farm Tour includes a virtual field trip with 11 live farm tours focusing on the diversity of commodities across Canada throughout the month of March. AITC-C will receive up to $55,000 through the new federal AgriCommunication Program to support activities related to the virtual farm tours. In addition, AITC-C will also receive nearly $360,000 under the AgriDiversity program to expand its thinkAG initiative, which is designed to help Canadian students learn about, and inspire interest in, the many diverse and exciting career opportunities in agriculture.

The Government of Canada is committed to raising awareness, understanding and appreciation of agriculture among young Canadians. Initiatives such as AITC-C are connecting classrooms with farmers and people with a passion for agriculture and food so students and teachers can learn firsthand about the sector through information sessions, learning events and program materials for Canadian educators. These initiatives provide students with valuable education about how their food gets to their table and creates opportunities to inspire young future leaders in the sector. Quotes “To build the next generation of agricultural producers, we must inform and inspire Canadian youth. The objective of Agriculture in the Classroom is to spark their interest early by teaching youth about the origins of the food they eat and the role of our farm families, while raising awareness of the many possible careers in our sector. Supporting these efforts is an investment in a stronger, more sustainable agriculture sector.” - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“As always, we are thrilled to continue our collaborations with AAFC through this most recent announcement of funding. The support will be leveraged alongside other AITC-C donors to ensure initiatives such as CALM and thinkAG continue to grow and thrive with useful tools for educators and experiences for students. Reaching the young people of this nation, our future leaders and decision makers, is key to continued on page 12

Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month Marked With Support For Canada’s Next Generation of Farmers ensuring continued public trust and growth in Canada’s agriculture and food sector.”

Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities, to fully participate in the sector by helping these groups address the key issues and barriers they often face for sector participation.

- Johanne Ross, Executive Director, AITC-C Quick facts • Launched in December 2021, the new AgriCommunication Program will provide up to $8 million over 3 years to support projects that promote consumer awareness of the strengths of Canada’s agriculture sector. Projects will also help enhance Canadians’ trust in sustainability, animal care, and efforts to reduce food waste. Projects and final funding are subject to negotiation of a contribution agreement. •

The AgriDiversity Program is a five year, $5 million program under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership which helps under-represented groups in Canadian agriculture, including youth, women,

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AITC-C, a national not-for-profit organization, is the voice for agriculture education in Canada. Together with its ten provincial members as well as industry partners, the organization delivers accurate, balanced, and current curriculum-linked agri-food resources, programs, and initiatives that are based on science.

Associated links •

AgriCommunication Program

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AgriDiversity Program

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Agriculture in the Classroom Canada

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Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month – the Great Canadian Farm Tour

AHEM is offering a new three-part series of engaging virtual webinars geared for livestock producers. In each 60-minute interactive webinar we share vital information, tips, and tools for understanding how to prepare and respond during a serious animal disease emergency.

Participants will be introduced to AHEM’s producer-oriented simulation workshops, which give a practical understanding of how AHEM resources are used as guidance before, during and/or after a serious animal disease outbreak.

Webinar 1: Navigating the Unexpected – Emergency Management 101

Visit www.animalhealth.ca/workshops for more information including webinar dates and registration.

A general overview of emergency management along with producer roles and responsibilities.

Upcoming webinar date: July TBD, 2022. Registration for this webinar is coming soon.

Manitoba Public Insurance suspends Third Party Pandemic Policy, effective March 1 (February 28, 2022 Manitoba Public insurance News Release) Based on updated guidance from public

health, Manitoba Public Insurance is announcing the suspension of its Third Party Pandemic policy, effective March 1. As a result, individuals who are not fully vaccinated or prefer not to share will no longer be required to show proof of vaccination or a negative test result for services/appointments where physical distancing or barriers are not possible, which previously included road tests and driver assessments. The policy previously applied to all third-party individuals, including consultants, volunteers, board members and contractors, including students and instructors in the Driver Z program. “Our primary concern continues to be the safety, health and well-being of our staff, customers and business partners,” said Satvir Jatana, Chief Customer Officer, MPI. “We will continue to keep key protocols in place to ensure the ongoing protection of everyone in our locations against the spread of COVID-19.” Customers attending any MPI location must continue to adhere to the following requirements, until further notice:

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Wear a mask at all times, preferably a medical grade mask.

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While customers will again be permitted to wait for their service/appointment in our Service Centre waiting rooms, they will need to maintain social/physical distancing requirements of 6 feet from staff and other customers.

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Answer pre-screening questions when receiving services or attending appointments. We also encourage customers to continue to also selfscreen prior to attending our locations and if they have COVID-19 symptoms, please do not visit until they have subsided.

MPI’s plexi-glass barriers will remain in place and employees that complete road tests and incar assessments will be required to wear half mask respirators with P95/P100 filters until further notice. MPI will also resume booking oral knowledge test appointments as of March 1.

Applications now being accepted for Youth Employment and Skills Program (February 28, 2022 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Engaging youth in

agriculture with meaningful work opportunities is critical to the development of Canada’s next generation of farmers. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of up to $3.7 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and support approximately 300 jobs for youth in the agriculture sector. The YESP aims to support agri-food employers and provide young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 with job experience in agriculture that could lead to a career working in the sector. The YESP will support agriculture employers with the cost of hiring Canadian youth with an additional focus on those who face employment barriers. Eligible applicants include producers, agri-businesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities. What the YESP offers: •

Employers that hire youth facing specific employment barriers will be eligible for 80 per cent of the cost of salaries and benefits, up to $14,000.

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Applicants will be eligible for an additional $5,000 in funding to address the barriers, including relocation.

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Depending on demand, the program will support 50 per cent of salaries and benefits for youth who do not face these barriers, up to $14,000.

Applications are now open for a limited time. Employers can apply between February 28, 2022 and March 21, 2022 for their project to be

considered. Applications forms for the YESP are available through the webpage. Additional information, can be found by contacting aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca, or calling: 1-866-452-5558. The agriculture sector continues to face difficulty accessing labour. The YESP seeks to pair farmers with Canadian youth who may be in need of employment. By promoting youth employment in the agriculture sector, the Government of Canada is ensuring a resilient food supply chain and keeping the sector strong and well-positioned for the future. Quotes “Canadian youth are the future of our sector. We need to provide them with tools and opportunities to gain experience to help them reach their full potential. The Youth Employment and Skills Program helps eliminate barriers to employment for those wishing to pursue a career in agriculture. Our Government continues to support agri-food employers to ensure the prosperity of the industry.” - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Young Canadians deserve opportunities to build their skills and work toward a career that they are truly passionate about. The Youth Employment and Skills Strategy, with its focus on helping young people facing barriers, creates a path to meaningful employment in many indemand sectors, including the ever-growing agriculture sector. We all succeed when we open doors for young people to build their careers and dreams.” - The Honourable Marci Ien, Minister for Women and Gender Equality and Youth continued on page 17

Applications now being accepted for Youth Employment and Skills Program Quick facts •

Youth facing barriers includes: Indigenous youth, youth living with a physical disability, youth living with a diagnosed mental health disability, visible minorities, recent immigrants (within five years), those residing in a remote location, youth living in a low income household, or a single parent and early school leaver.

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First launched in June 2019, the YESP has supported the creation of nearly 1,000 agricultural jobs across Canada (2020-2021).

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The YESP is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), an Employment and Social

Development Canada-led initiative involving 12 federal departments and agencies. YESS is part of the Government of Canada's commitment to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market. Associated links •

AAFC Youth Employment and Skills Program

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Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS) – Employment and Social Development Canada

*Manitoba producers welcome to attend

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alberta Farm Animal Care to host virtual Livestock Care Conference 2022 Prep for Livestock Emergencies February 14, 2022 (Calgary, AB) - Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) is hosting the annual Livestock Care Conference virtually from March 15 to March 17, 2022. The conference centers around emergency preparedness following the PREP theme (Plan, Respond, Evaluate, Progress). The conference will focus on livestock emergencies and will include presentations, workshops and panels with experts, producers and industry leaders about crisis planning and management. Registration will also include two Lunch n’ Learn sessions prior to the conference on March 8 and March 10, 2022. “While we had hoped to introduce our new format in-person, we felt we needed to return to virtual for one more year. As well as Zoom, we have added a few new platforms that allow us to provide a more engaging and interactive experience,” said Annemarie Pedersen, AFAC executive director. “We are excited to welcome attendees from across Canada and provide an opportunity to learn and engage with people from all sectors of the livestock industry.” The Livestock Care Conference (LCC) includes three days of interactive learning sessions covering a range of topics such as: -

Biosecurity Disease preparedness Emergency response Trespass

The agenda will run through the different aspects of PREP, starting with a high-level look at livestock emergency planning, prep and management from keynote speaker, and president of Technical Large Animal Emergency Rescue, Rebecca Gimenez Husted. “We started planning this conference last summer and had no idea what the year would hold,” said Pedersen. “If the extreme weather events we experienced last year taught us anything, it’s the importance of emergency planning and preparedness.” Post-secondary students will again have the chance to join the LCC student mentorship program and take part in the unique ‘Meet the Experts’ session on March 15, 2022. This exclusive event helps students network, gain an understanding of the industry and join the rest of the conference.

“We’re happy that we can provide agriculture students the opportunity to meet and learn from industry experts,” said Pedersen. All sessions will be recorded and made available after the event for attendees who cannot watch live. To register for the 2022 Livestock Care Conference please visit https://web.cvent.com/event/1bc052f6-8f3d4ac9-a0f1-dacb41d5d751/summary . For more information about the conference and sponsorship opportunities, email kaylee@afac.ab.ca -30About AFAC Alberta Farm Animal Care Association (AFAC) was founded in 1993 by Alberta livestock producers to provide a voice for the industry on matters of livestock welfare. AFAC provides a coordinated approach for all areas of livestock production and works together to advance and promote responsible livestock care. For more information go to www.afac.ab.ca Contact: Annemarie Pedersen, (403) 652-5111 or annemarie@afac.ab.ca

Industry Update Teamsters Union votes in favour of strike action against CP Rail March 3, 2022

Calgary, AB Situation Snapshot: Teamsters Union members, who work as engineers, conductors, trainpersons, and yardpersons for Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail) voted 96.7 per cent in favour of a strike mandate. The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC) served a notice of dispute to the federal Labour Minister in early February, highlighting issue related to wages, benefits, and pensions. The Union has stated it will continue in the ongoing mediation process overseen by a federally-appointed mediator. Meetings are planned for March 11 – 16, 2022 with March 16 being the date of potential strike. With the devasting impacts of the droughts in 2021 hitting western Canada, the prairies and parts of Ontario, cattle producers are reliant on feed shipments from the United States (U.S.). On February 1, 2022, there were 1.1. million head of cattle on feed in Alberta and Saskatchewan. According to Statistics Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan corn imports in 2021 were up 400 per cent. It is estimated that over 1,000 super-B trucks would be needed weekly to replace the volume of feed grain currently transported by CP trains. Given the severe shortages in trucking, this is not a viable solution. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and National Cattle Feeders Association (NCFA) are highly concerned about the potential impacts of a rail strike on the ability of beef producers to feed their cattle with essentially no feed buffer within Canada at this time due to the significant drought this last summer and recent rail challenges that limited deliveries in January 2022. CP Rail consistently delivered an average 10 to 11 trains per week from January 24 to the current date, but this has not provided enough reserve of feed supplies to be re-built. Current estimates are that there is a 1 – 2 week supply of feed available within Western Canada. It is imperative that essential services are not interrupted, including the movement of agricultural products by rail. CCA and NCFA are strongly encouraging both sides to reach a solution prior to the strike action deadline. In the event a solution cannot be reached, the parties should move directly to binding arbitration to avoid a strike and the resulting necessity of implementing back-to-work legislation. It is imperative to prevent the serious consequences that would arise from a shortage of critical feed supplies on Canadian beef operations. Potential Paths Forward: Straight to Binding Arbitration CP rail has indicated that they would be willing to go directly to binding arbitration which would avoid an interruption in service. Usually, binding arbitration is implemented post enactment of back to work legislation. Under arbitration, the union and the employer submit what they are willing to accept a government-appointed arbitrator and the arbitrator reaches a compromise position that both parties must legally accept. “Back to work” and “essential service” legislative initiatives Back-to-work legislation is generally used to end a strike — or lockout — in an industry that the government decides is

essential to the operating of the economy. The legislation contains an enforcement section which typically includes fines. It is a unique piece of legislation - a specific law - that addresses a particular issue. The Back-to-work legislation is sponsored by the Minister of Labour, who is currently Seamus O’Regan. The act must be passed in House and in the Senate. It has been utilized a total of 39 times. Once passed, this legislation imposes a binding arbitration process. If needed, another avenue that will be pursued, is the Government of Canada can ban strikes by passing essential service legislation. Typically to be deemed an essential service, the service must prevent danger to life, health or safety as well as disruptions of the courts. However, the definition has broadened in response to economic concerns. As an example, the Government of Canada named a number of industries, including agriculture, as an essential service during the pandemic. Overview • • • • • •

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The Union representing workers at CP Rail have voted in favour of strike action. The Union has stated it will continue in the ongoing mediation process that is overseen by a federally-appointed mediator. Meetings are planned for March 11 – 16, 2022. With the devasting impacts of the droughts in 2021 hitting western Canada, the prairies and parts of Ontario, cattle producers are reliant on feed shipments from the U.S. According to Statistics Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan corn imports in 2021 were up 400 per cent. It is estimated that over 1,000 super-B trucks would be needed weekly to replace the volume of feed grain currently be transported by CP trains and trucking capacity is not available leaving no alternative solutions. Complications throughout the winter depleted the amount of feed grain storage o Covid-related sickness within rail and grain companies reduced available labour for movement and unloading of grain at elevators o Cold weather from the end of December into early January slowed train movement. The cold weather also brought increased feed consumption. CP Rail consistently delivered an average 10 to 11 trains per week from January 24 to the current date, but this has not provided enough reserve of feed supplies to be re-built. Current estimates are that there is a 1 – 2 week supply of feed available.

For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager 403-275-8558 | mcmullenm@cattle.ca Megan Madden Communications Manager National Cattle Feeders’ Association 780-686-8807 | mmadden@cattlefeeders.ca

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP February 25, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Important Information re: When FederallyRequired Transfer of Care Documents are Needed for Shipping Livestock

The following information is from the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) website: On February 20, 2020, amendments were made to the Health of Animals Regulations: Part XII: Transport of Animals. While the name of this legislation may not ring a bell, most producers caught word of the reduction in maximum allowed intervals without feed, water, and rest for animals in transport. However, this is far from the whole story. Since the amendments came into effect on February 20, 2020, any animal left at a slaughter facility or assembly centre (i.e. auction market, assembly yard, or independent holding facility associated with a slaughter establishment) had to be accompanied by a written

transfer of care document. This document ensures that the individual responsible for the care of the animal(s) in question is clearly identified at all times, which in turn defines who is accountable for welfare decisions. For some producers, the point at which this regulation came into effect is a source of confusion. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) implemented a two year compliance promotion period for the enforcement of the new maximum feed, water, and rest intervals. This meant that until February 20, 2022, CFIA was focusing on education and awareness rather than strict enforcement of the new regulations. However, contrary to what many producers have been told, this does not apply to transfer of care documents. That is, producers are currently required by law to implement this documentation. continued on page 4

Update on Recent MBP Advocacy Activities Topics such as flood and drought management and transportation needs were on the agenda as MBP representatives met virtually this week with Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk and Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson. This included a discussion of the status of the approvals processes and construction work required to complete the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin outlet channels project. MBP cited the valuable role this project will play in helping to reduce the risk of future flooding for beef producers and others around Lake Manitoba. The importance of continued investments in other built flood-related infrastructure in the province was raised, such as the Shellmouth Dam. The value of natural infrastructure on farms and ranches like small dams, potholes and wetlands was identified by MBP, including the role these can play in terms of adding resiliency during drought or flood events. MBP believes there is a role for governments to play in terms of making investments in natural infrastructure as it can help to lessen the impacts of extreme weather, such as drought or flooding, while providing multiple economic, environmental and social benefits. MBP commented on the importance of preserving grassland systems used by beef producers as they provide an array of ecological goods and services from water management, to carbon sequestration, to providing habitat for many plant, animal and bird species. MBP has long advocated for financial recognition from governments of these ecosystem services. MBP raised the importance of continued government investments in the construction and maintenance of the provincial highways and bridges network in the context of beef production. For example, having access to RTAC roads is valuable for hauling heavy loads as

there are no seasonal weight restrictions on these roads. MBP thanks Ministers Piwniuk and Johnson for the engagement opportunity and looks forward to future discussions with them related to the beef sector’s infrastructure and transportation needs. MBP representatives also met virtually this week for the annual meeting with both the board of directors and key staff at Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). Among the matters discussed included: the timeline for providing feed sample quality verification for potential use by producers for rational formulation; the quality adjustment provided under AgriInsurance during the 2021 drought to help make alternate sources of feed more readily available to livestock producers; the status of implementing various recommendations made in the Forage Insurance Review (e.g. reducing participant burden, starting coverage levels, the potential around creating index-based insurance products, etc.); the value of improved insurance offerings for modern production practices, including the new Polycrop Establishment Insurance; ways to potentially improve Pasture Days insurance; and, the training of MASC staff and overall service delivery. As well, there was a discussion of Livestock Price Insurance. MBP noted that both the Canadian cattle industry would like to see the program become national in scope, made permanent and for it to have cost-shared premiums between producers and government. MBP thanks the MASC board of directors and staff for this annual meeting, and for the ongoing engagement it has with the organization throughout the year on key matters such as drought, predation challenges, insurance offerings and more.

Transfer of care documents – cont. The guidelines for these written documents are quite general. There is no prescriptive format for the document, but instead, CFIA provides a list of required information to be included. The necessary information includes: 1. The names of the transporting company and driver; 2. The receiving company and representative; 3. The condition of the animal(s) on arrival; 4. The date, time, and place of the last feed, water, and rest; 5. The date, time, and place of arrival; 6. Notes regarding animal welfare concerns, dead animals found, and resulting actions; 7. Acknowledgement from the receiver indicating receipt of the animal(s) and acceptance of the responsibility for care. Producers do not have to provide transfer of care documents to commercial carriers, because responsibility for animal care is already transferred to the transporter upon release of the animals by the producer under the Health of Animals Regulations. As a result, a driver can

refuse to drop off a load due to animal welfare concerns, since they are responsible for the care of the animals at that time. Similarly, receivers should document any welfare concerns on arrival to avoid being held accountable for issues that occurred before they were responsible for the care of the animal(s). Notably, CFIA states that this is an important step, because it helps receivers avoid declining a load and prolonging non-compliant animal transport to avert blame for the welfare issues. Transfer of care documents should be kept on file for two years. This rule is important to tracking accountability for care in case of a welfare investigation. Read the amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations here. Luckily, VBP+ provides a template for a transfer of care document that is available to all producers, whether or not they are trained and/or certified in the VBP+ program. This helps producers save time and get their cattle passed on quickly and responsibly! Sample document: http://www.verifiedbeef.ca/files/producerresources/Sample_Records_2021/VBP__Transfer_of_Care_Record_Sept_2021.pdf For additional information on the federal government’s Health of Animals Regulations, visit www.inspection.canada.ca/humane

VERIFIED BEEF

TRANSFER OF CARE

SIMPLE. PRACTICAL. TRUSTED.

www.verifiedbeef.ca

TRANSFER OF CARE DOCUMENT A R R IVA L DAT E : A R R IVA L T I ME : A R R IVA L LO CAT I O N : C O ND ITION O N AR R I VAL :

Transfer of Care: Animals in transit must be under the care of a designated person responsible for their well-being and welfare. No animal(s) can be left at an auction mart, packing plant or other assembly centre without written documentation of transfer of care. It is critical that animals are not left without confirming onsite that someone will be providing and responsible for care. If livestock manifests are used in your province, these documents often have existing information that can be used to prove transfer of care. If livestock manifests are not used in your province, a simple form with the following information can be used.

To ensure continuity of care, no animal is to be left at any slaughter facility, or assembly centre without written notice that care has been transferred between the transporter and the receiver. This is done to ensure that the individual responsible for caring for the animals can be clearly identified at all times.

L AST FE D DAT E :

T I ME :

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L AST WAT E R E D DAT E :

T I ME :

LO CAT I O N :

L AST R E ST E D DAT E :

T I ME :

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COMMENTS (Number of Animals, Type of Animal, and if there are any Animal Welfare concerns.)

OWNE R / T R AN S PO RT E R : R E C E IVE R :

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Manitoba Provides Health System and COVID-19 Response Update resumption of many services that we know Manitobans have been waiting for.”

(February 24, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) COVID-19 related demands on

Manitoba’s health system continue to decrease following the pandemic’s fourth wave, enabling Manitoba to prepare for a return to more normal activities and operations including the resumption of many health services that have experienced delays or been postponed over the past two years, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced. “Now is the time to prepare for a return to normal,” said Gordon. “This pandemic has taken a significant toll on all Manitobans and together, we can look forward to a co-ordinated and cautious plan to recover from the intense demands that it has had on our health system.” The plan will see a gradual return of health-care workers who have been redeployed to support the pandemic response, the minister added. Manitoba’s provincial COVID-19 health incident command developed a phased approach to resuming services, including surgical slates, diagnostic procedures and outpatient or community services that were reduced when health-care workers were redeployed to support care of COVID patients. “There are currently more than 500 health-care workers across the province who are supporting COVID-related care in an area where they would not usually work,” said David Matear, health system co-lead, Unified Health Sector Incident Command. “As COVID admissions to hospital, including critical care, continue to decrease we will be able to return many of these staff to their usual duties, allowing for the quick

The plan, which will include provincial prioritization by clinical leaders to ensure the most urgent services resume first, will see services resume over the coming months as staff is able to be returned from redeployment to their home facility or unit. A number of indicators will continue to be monitored closely, including hospitalization rates, COVID-19 ICU admissions and overall capacity, to ensure the system is able to quickly shift resources to support care for any significant increase in COVID-19 demands. Key COVID-19 indicators in Manitoba show the province’s fourth wave activity has peaked and is on the decline with stable ICU and hospital admissions, noted the minister. Effective March 1, the province is removing proof of vaccination and testing requirements for designated public sector employees, including education, childcare and health-care workers. “Our province continues to move in the right direction when it comes to COVID-19, which means we can continue to reduce the public health restrictions,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “Manitobans have stepped up to get vaccinated and taken steps to keep themselves and their communities healthy, and advances in COVID19 treatment options are giving us yet another tool to combat the most serious effects of the virus for many Manitobans. Public health will continue to closely monitor these key indicators to guide how we deal with COVID in the weeks and months ahead.” Manitobans are reminded COVID-19 treatment options are available that can help protect against severe illness or hospitalization. continued on page 8

Manitoba Provides Health System and COVID-19 Response Update Treatment must begin within days of having symptoms, so it is important to get tested quickly to access this care. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people, including those with chronic health conditions, who are pregnant or have other risk factors, may be eligible for treatment. A new self-assessment tool and more information about COVID-19 treatment is available at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/treatment/.

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Key Updates •

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Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those who are at higher risk of severe illness as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility can be found at: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/inde x.html.

As previously announced by the province, proof of vaccination will no longer be required in public places as of March 1. However, the Manitoba immunization card and verifier app will continue to be available for businesses and venues that may choose require proof of vaccination after that date. Manitoba’s mask requirements will be removed on March 15. Essential care partners of patients transferred through the inter-regional transfer protocol are eligible for reimbursement of costs incurred when visiting. For information on eligible costs and to apply for reimbursement, visit https://sharedhealthmb.ca/files/patienttransfer-essential-care-partnerreimbursement.pdf. Verification may require receipts for some costs to be submitted. For more information about COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/. COVID-19: Information re: Testing and Vaccination Processes Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards: •

Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19/

COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19-vaccinations-dashboard1/

Manitoba Provides Health System and COVID-19 Response Update booster sooner, can go ahead and schedule a booster dose appointment. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options.

More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

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Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

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Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Manitoba Association of Watersheds Leads Partnership on AAFC’s On-Farm Climate Action Fund Producer-led groups form coalition; land AAFC’S on- farm climate action projects for Manitoba &Saskatchewan producers February 22, 2022 (Winnipeg, MB) - Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) is pleased to announce that the organization is a successful recipient of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) On Farm Climate Action Fund Project. The MAW-led project, which was supported by 38 organizations throughout the region, will receive up to $40 million over the two-year project to be delivered throughout Manitoba and Saskatchewan around three key farming practices that benefit climate resiliency in agriculture: rotational grazing, nitrogen management, and cover crops.

“The fight against climate change is not only about reducing Canada’s greenhouse gas emissions, but also helping farmers to innovate and adopt more sustainable farming practices,” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “We will continue to do what is necessary to protect our environment and provide farmers with the support needed to make their operations more sustainable for future generations. The On-Farm Climate Action Fund builds on the work already underway by our Government to lower greenhouse gas emissions and help improve long-term climate resiliency in the agriculture sector.” “We are ecstatic to receive this news,” said Lynda Nicol, MAW executive director. “The project partners we are aligned with all have long history of producer-focused project delivery and producer outreach, which are key components of the project proposal’s success.” Nicol said the AAFC project will be overseen by a steering committee led by MAW, and including Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW),

Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA), Saskatchewan Forage Council (SFC), Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC), and Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP), in addition to representatives from watershed districts in both Manitoba and Saskatchewan. The project partners will be fully engaged in planning, outreach, mentorship, and producer engagement. “We are taking a grassroots, regional approach to addressing issues related to climate change in agriculture,” said Garry Wasylowski, MAW board chair. “Supporting farmers to implement BMPs related to nitrogen management, rotational grazing, and cover cropping will have a positive impact on Canadian agriculture. We are proud to have the opportunity to deliver this programming in Manitoba and Saskatchewan thanks to AAFC.” Nicol pointed out the front-end work of the MFGA in the organizing of the regional group’s discussions around the proposal opportunity and says the framework and respective group networks, including conservation interests and agriculture groups, are in place to allow the group to move forward quickly under MAW’s leadership. “This is a project for producers and has been since our very first steps together as a group,” said Nicol. “We are intent on producers seeing the great impacts they can make on their farmlands via this project and are confident in the strength of our delivery partners to move this project forward to communicate, mentor and engage producers efficiently while delivering the on farm climate actions identified by AAFC that are so paramount to this project. We expect more program details will be released in March.” For more information: Lynda Nicol, MAW Executive Director, 204-570-0164, lynda@manitobawatersheds.org.

Seeking New Members for the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council opportunity for the next generation of leaders to share their personal experiences, perspectives, and innovative ideas on how to tackle issues from across the agriculture and agri-food sector. During this unique career building opportunity, Youth Council members will learn about how policy and programming is developed at AAFC and expand their professional skillset and network. Who can apply?

Apply by March 22! The Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, hosted by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), is recruiting creative and outspoken people who have a passion for food and farming and enjoy working in a team to find solutions and have impact. The Youth Council meets regularly with Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food as well as department officials to discuss the issues that matter the most to young people in food and farming. Together, Youth Council members look for ways to overcome challenges facing youth and build a vibrant future for food and farming in Canada that reflects the values and aspirations of young people from all walks of life. First established in 2020, the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council provides an

We welcome youth, ages 18 to 30, from across Canada to apply to the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council by March 22 if they have experience and knowledge of food and/or farming as a result of their upbringing, academic studies, volunteer work, current employment, or other life experiences. The next cohort of Youth Council members will be made up of 25 diverse youth from across Canada including farmers, students, researchers, teachers, food processors, business owners, scientists, and advocates. Agriculture doesn’t just mean on-farm activities — it also includes food processing, distribution, marketing, retail, restaurants and all the other activities along the value chain. If you want to learn more about government, expand your professional network, and work together to create positive change in the food and farming sector, please apply by March 22, 2022.

Province Announces New Approaches to Surveying Priority Big Game Populations for 2022

(February 22, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) As the 2022 Big Game Survey Program

begins, the Manitoba government is taking a modern approach to wildlife population assessments Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Scott Fielding announced. “Our government recognizes the importance of scientific data in effective wildlife management,” said Fielding. “Over the next month we will be conducting aerial surveys of selected game hunting areas using modern survey methods to collect more and better wildlife data.” The Fish and Wildlife Branch collects a variety of information to help manage big game populations in the province. Aerial population surveys is one method, which traditionally has used staff, a helicopter and a stratified random block method to focus on a single big game species in a hunting area.

Owyhee Air Research, experts in technology-led wildlife surveillance, will conduct the first survey project using infrared technology and fixed-wing aircraft to assess populations for a variety of species for Game Hunting Areas (GHA) 30 and portions of GHA 22. Sex and age classification and other wildlife occurrences of interest will also be recorded and georeferenced. This project is funded in part by the Fish and Wildlife Enhancement Fund. The second survey project is a collaboration with Superwake Ltd. and Ryerson University to survey a portion of GHA 6A. This pilot project will test the use of a fixed-wing drone equipped with infrared and Red-Green-Blue (RGB) sensor cameras, a first for North American wildlife management. Several big game species will be recorded including sex and age classification. A portion of GHA 6A will be surveyed to test the effectiveness of this new technique. The minister noted traditional survey methods are costly, time-consuming and require a team of staff to execute. With modern technology, we can collect better data in a more efficient manner to support the critical work of wildlife management.

Inaugural Agriculture-focused National Business Case Competition Launches Post-secondary Students Will Explore Careers in Ag sector as They Solve Real-world Business Problems (February 23, 2022 CAHRC News Release) – The

Canadian Agricultural Human Resources Council (CAHRC), in partnership with the Business + Higher Education Roundtable (BHER) is pleased to announce the launch of the inaugural Growing Our People: National Business Case Competition. This partnership is made possible through the support of the Government of Canada. Open to post-secondary students from across Canada, this exciting opportunity will introduce participants to the diverse career opportunities available in Canadian agriculture. Of particular interest to students from business, STEM, and agriculture programs, the real-world business problems they address will bring them into direct contact with key agriculture employers. “We are thrilled to present this experiential learning program to engage post-secondary students in our ever-changing industry,” said Jennifer Wright, Acting Executive Director at CAHRC. “These students, often coming from outside agriculture, are the future of Canada and their new skills and fresh ideas are a tremendous opportunity for agriculture as a whole.” While the primary agriculture industry is already facing significant labour gaps, CAHRC research indicates that in 2017, 16,500 jobs went unfilled in Canada’s agriculture sector, costing the sector $2.9 billion in lost revenues, or 4.7 per cent of product sales. This same research forecasts the sector’s labour gap will nearly double over the next 10 years, reaching 123,000 people by 2029.

Under-represented groups, such as women, newcomers, Indigenous people, and people with disabilities can play an important role in filling gaps and are encouraged to join the business case competition and bring diversity and innovation to solving agriculture’s unique challenges. Participation in the program will benefit students, educators, and employers alike as they share ideas and expand networks for future career opportunities. “There really aren’t any skills not presently in demand and this competition will show students how they can contribute in a meaningful way,” added Ms. Wright. “We know that graduates are eager to make their mark on an industry, and what better place than in food – something that binds us all.” Open for registration until March 4th, students can sign up as teams or as individuals to be placed on a team. The Competition is codesigned with BHER, students, educators, and employer advisory groups with campus-based competitions having already taken place at Fanshawe College (London, ON) and Lakeland College (Vermilion, AB). Winning teams will be announced on March 28th during a virtual event for all students and partners. For more information and to register visit: https://growing.agriskills.ca/nationalcompetition-home/ About CAHRC: The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) works with industry leaders, governments and educational stakeholders to research, develop and communicate solutions to the challenges in employment and skills development in primary agriculture. For more information visit www.cahrc-ccrha.ca.

Webinar 1: Navigating the Unexpected – Emergency Management 101

Visit www.animalhealth.ca/workshops for more information including webinar dates and registration.

A general overview of emergency management along with producer roles and responsibilities.

Upcoming webinar date: July TBD, 2022. Registration for this webinar is coming soon.

Manitoba's Plan to Become World Leader in Sustainable Protein Gains Momentum

(February 18, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba’s quest to become a global

leader in the development and production of sustainable protein has gained further momentum through Project Accelerating Sustainable Protein Impact and Results (ASPIRE), an industry-led, concerted and coordinated team effort toward advancing the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy , Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced. “This plan represents tremendous opportunity for our province’s industry and economic future,” said Johnson. “Our government appreciates the shared expertise that has led to this pivotal development.” The release of Project ASPIRE promises to be a key highlight of the third annual Manitoba Protein Summit, a virtual conference slated for Feb. 22 to 23. This major industry conference has attracted more than 650 attendees from around the world, with “Sustainable Protein Food Systems” as this year’s theme. “The Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy was released in 2019 to sustainably grow Manitoba’s plant and animal protein industry through innovation and value chain collaboration,” said Johnson. “To date, Manitoba’s protein industry has attracted new investments valued at $753 million, creating 840 jobs and surpassing 50 per cent of the strategy’s $1.5-billion target in new investments through 2025.” The Manitoba Protein Consortium, an industry committee appointed by cabinet, has transitioned the strategy from a government-

led initiative to an industry-led strategy through the establishment of a strategic advisory body of 18 industry leaders to lead the implementation of Project ASPIRE. “Project ASPIRE is a comprehensive plan focused on realizing the province’s potential to produce protein that is diverse, high-quality, healthy and increasingly sustainable,” said Dickson Gould, chair of the Manitoba Consortium and president of The Progressive Group. “We are very pleased to appoint David Wiens, the chair of Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and Chris Anderson, the chief technology officer at Protein Industries Canada to co-chair the strategic advisory body. Together, we want to accelerate sector leadership to make Manitoba a globally sustainable protein hub for plant, animal and alternative protein development, as well as increase the economic opportunities for our producers and protein manufacturers.” “We have established roundtables to bring action to key pillars in the strategy, such as workforce, water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainable protein research. Other priority areas will be determined within the next few months,” said David Wiens, chair, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and co-chair of the strategic advisory body. “Our Workforce Roundtable will ensure that we have the right skills in Manitoba to sustainably grow our protein industry,” said Ron Koslowsky, chair, Workforce Roundtable and head of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Manitoba. For more information about Manitoba’s work in protein innovation, visit: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/protein.

Information for Manitobans As Tax Season Approaches (February 21, 2022 Canada Revenue Agency News Release) The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) is

committed to making sure residents of Manitoba get the benefits and credits they are entitled to. Due to the continued challenges of COVID-19, this will be another unique taxfiling season. We are continuously working to improve and adapt our services to meet your tax-filing needs and to provide options for a seamless experience when interacting with us. This tax-filing season, why not join the 90% of Manitoba residents who filed their 2020 taxes online? When combining online filing with direct deposit, you can receive your tax refund in as little as eight business days. Last year, over 14 million refunds were issued by direct deposit to Canadian taxpayers. What is the advantage of filing an income tax and benefit return? Last year, Canadians received an average tax refund of $1,895 per income tax and benefit return and an average of $6,690 in Canada child benefit (CCB) payments. In order to receive the benefits and credits you may be entitled to, such as the CCB, GST/HST credit, child disability benefit, Climate action incentive or guaranteed income supplement, you need to file an income tax and benefit return – even if you have no income to report for 2021 or if your income is tax exempt. We know that everyone has a unique tax-filing situation. As such, we’d like to share tailored information that can help you file your income tax and benefit return. Let us help you get started Mark your calendar – The deadline for most Canadians to file their income tax and benefit return for their 2021 taxes is April 30, 2022. Because this date is a Saturday, your return will be considered filed on time if the

CRA receives it or it is postmarked on or before May 2, 2022. Similarly, your payment will be considered made on time if it is received by the CRA or processed at a Canadian financial institution on or before May 2, 2022. Get ready – Visit our Get ready to do your taxes webpage for the latest tax and COVID19 benefit information that you need to file your income tax and benefit return. Last year, it was visited by over one million taxpayers and was our most viewed webpage. Register for My Account – Over 460,000 Manitoba residents are already registered with My Account. This secure portal lets you update your personal information, such as home address, direct deposit information, marital status, and more. If you are registered for My Account, you can also use digital services such as Auto-fill my return and Express NOA (Notice of Assessment) in certified tax-filing software. Business owners can also sign up for My Business Account. As of February 7, 2022, you are required to provide an email address to use My Account. You will receive an email notification if important information, such as your address or direct deposit information, has been changed on CRA records. These notifications can act as an early warning about potential fraudulent activity. Learn about your taxes – Questions about the filing of your return? Don’t worry! We have launched a new online tool to help you learn about taxes so you can do them on your own. Go to Learn about your taxes for more information. continued on page 17

Information for Manitobans As Tax Season Approaches Need help filing your taxes? – If you have a modest income, a simple tax situation, and require assistance, a Community Volunteer Income Tax Program (CVITP) volunteer may be able to complete and file your tax return for free. Services are currently being offered both in-person and through virtual means such as video-conferencing. To find a clinic, please visit our Free tax clinics web page. CVITP helped over 23,000 Manitoba residents file last year. COVID-19 benefits T4A information slips – If you received taxable COVID-19 benefits in 2021, such as the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB), Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB) and Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB), you will need to enter the total amount you received on your return. A T4A information slip will be mailed to you by the end of February 2022. T4A information slips from the Government of Canada for COVID-19-related benefits will also be provided online if you’re registered for My Account and have full access. T4A information slips, including information for COVID-19-related benefits, are also available through the Auto-fill my return service in certified tax filing software. Targeted interest relief – If you received COVID-related income support benefits in 2020 and owed money to the CRA after filing your 2020 income tax and benefit return, you were not required to pay interest on any outstanding income tax debt for the 2020 tax year until April 30, 2022. This was intended to give you more time and flexibility to pay if you had an amount owing. To qualify for targeted interest relief, individuals must have had a total taxable income of $75,000 or less in 2020 and received income

support in 2020 through one or more COVID19 measures. Therefore, if you filed your 2020 return and qualified for interest relief, you have until April 30, 2022, to pay any outstanding income tax debt for the 2020 tax year and avoid future interest charges. This applies to the tax owing for the 2020 tax year only, and not for any previous tax year. If you cannot pay your balance owing, we can work with you on a payment arrangement. Updates to benefits and credits from the CRA Support for farmers – Beginning in the 2021 year, the Government of Canada proposes a new refundable tax credit, the Return of Fuel Charge Proceeds to Farmers Tax Credit, as a means to return a portion of the fuel charge proceeds from the federal carbon pollution pricing system directly to farming businesses in provinces that do not currently have a system that meets the federal requirements. These designated provinces are Manitoba, Alberta, Ontario and Saskatchewan. The credit amount is proportional to the amount of eligible farming expenses attributable to the designated provinces. For 2021, if you’re a farmer in a designated province with eligible farming expenses of $25,000 or more, you can expect to receive a credit of $1.47 per $1,000 in eligible farming expenses increasing to $1.73 in 2022. Form T2043, Return of Fuel Charge Proceeds to Farmers Tax Credit, would need to be completed in order to calculate the amount of the credit. Climate action incentive payment – The Government of Canada announced its intention to deliver the Climate action incentive (CAI) as quarterly benefit payments. If you are a resident of Manitoba and you are eligible, you continued on page 18

Information for Manitobans As Tax Season Approaches will automatically receive your CAI payments four times a year, starting in July 2022. To receive your payments, you have to file a tax return even if you have not received income in the year. If you have a spouse or common-law partner, only one of you can get the credit for the family. The credit will be paid to the spouse or common-law partner whose tax return is assessed first. If you currently reside outside of a census metropolitan area (CMA) and expect to continue to reside outside of a CMA on April 1, 2022, fill out Schedule 14, Climate action incentive, as part of your tax return, to get the supplement for residents of small and rural communities as part of your benefit payment. Northern residents deductions – As a resident of Manitoba, you may live in a prescribed zone and be eligible to claim a residency deduction and a travel deduction. To find out if you live in a prescribed zone, visit Line 25500 - Places located in prescribed zones. The northern residents deductions are available to those who permanently live in one or more prescribed zones for a continuous period of at least six consecutive months, beginning or ending in the tax year. Eligible individuals living in a prescribed northern zone can claim the full amount of these deductions, and those living in a prescribed intermediate zone can claim 50% of these deductions. The residency deduction is based on how many days you lived in a prescribed zone during the tax year. The government has proposed changes to the travel deduction. Under proposed changes, the travel deduction will be expanded and be available to eligible northern residents, including eligible family members, who take a personal trip even if no taxable travel benefit was received for that

trip. For more information, visit Northern Residents Deductions for 2021. Have additional tax-filing questions? We are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality service in the most efficient ways possible. Please keep in mind that taxfiling season is our busiest time of the year. You can find most of the information you need online. We encourage you to find answers to your tax-filing questions through our digital services. For example, you can check out these resources: •

Benefit payment dates – Find out when you will receive your benefit payments.

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COVID-19 benefits and your taxes View detailed information on how COVID-19 benefits affect your taxes and how to report the amounts on your tax return.

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Ways to do your taxes – View several ways to do your taxes, including options that are free!

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Questions and answers about filing your taxes – Find answers to common questions Canadians ask us at tax time.

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Tax tips and videos – Find information that could help you with your particular tax situation.

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Charlie the Chatbot – This service can be found on the CRA homepage and many other of our pages on Canada.ca to provide you with quick answers to your tax-filing questions.

AgriRecovery: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters affecting several producers occur. The Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing drought conditions. The program helps livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to maintain their breeding herds. HOW TO APPLY Review the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance-Farmers Guidebook for detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs, as well as other program requirements. For your application to be considered complete, you must submit all necessary program documents: Required Documents Application Form Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals - if first time applying Declaration of Extraordinary Expenses - if have extraordinary expenses - only submit once Self-Haul Declaration - if you hauled the feed Invoices - for each feed and/or transportation purchase Proof of Payment - for each invoice (e.g. cleared cheque, bank statement, credit or debit card receipt) View: Drought 2021 industry webinar presentation to learn more about AgriRecovery: Drought Assistance program eligibility and details.

WHAT IS NEW? (February 2022) Expansion of Eligible Feeds - The list of eligible feeds now includes feed additives and premixes, molasses based products, vitamins, minerals, and oils and fats. The change is retroactive to June 1, 2021. Previous applicants of the program will receive an email or letter in the mail informing them how they can apply for these expenses. Extraordinary Expenses incurred between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022 including hauling water, renting extra pasture and cropland, harvesting extra acres for livestock feed, temporary fencing for supplemental grazing, and transporting feed from distant locations. A one time declaration of extraordinary expenses can be submitted over the life of the program. View: What are Extraordinary Expenses?

AgriRecovery: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance View: How do Extraordinary Expenses Increase Payments? WHO QUALIFIES • 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, bison and elk. • Breeding animals are mature females exposed to breeding (male or artificial insemination) and males used previously for breeding. • Elk producers must have a Game Farm Production Licence and only elk farmed under that licence are eligible. AVAILABLE ASSISTANCE Assistance is provided for eligible costs incurred between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022 for: • winter-feed costs of eligible breeding animals. Breeding animals are mature females exposed to breeding (male or artificial insemination) and males used previously for breeding. • feed testing to determine the nutritional value of eligible feeds. • extraordinary expenses associated with above-normal costs for accessing additional crop or pasture acres, hauling water, harvesting extra acres, or hauling self-produced feed from distant locations. LIVESTOCK FEED AND EXTRAORDINARY EXPENSES Livestock Feed Eligible Feeds 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, screenings, dried distillers grain, and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator). Feed additives and premixes are eligible as concentrates including molasses based products, vitamins, minerals, oils and fats. Ineligible Feeds High moisture feeds with low nutrient density. Feeds that based on their name, label, registration, or contents are primarily intended for young stock. Purchased feed and feed testing are eligible expenses. The feed must be consumed within the overwintering period. Invoices and proof of payment must be submitted for all feed purchases and feed testing claimed.

AgriRecovery: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Extraordinary Expenses Extraordinary expenses required to sustain eligible livestock affected by drought are eligible and can include costs not related to feed purchases or transportation of purchased feed. Eligible Extraordinary Expenses Rental of pasture, forage and/or crop land that is not normally rented for the applicants production of feed for eligible livestock. Purchase or rental of temporary fencing supplies to provide supplemental grazing for eligible livestock. Providing drinking water to livestock including water purchases, custom water hauling, water hauling equipment rental, and fuel and hired labour to haul water with the applicant's own equipment. Harvesting of feed including mowing, raking, baling, collecting bales and silage harvesting, on land that is not typically used by the applicant, including land seeded to annual crops in 2021. The eligible costs include custom-harvesting and fuel and hired labour costs for harvesting with the applicant's own equipment. This activity must only be for producing feed for eligible livestock and cannot exceed the applicant's normal annual feed production. Transportation of feed produced by the applicant, including custom-hauling and the fuel and hired labour costs for hauling with the applicant's own equipment for trips 40 kilometres or greater one-way. The extraordinary costs are limited to the first 600 kilometres one-way for each trip. Expenses claimed cannot exceed the tonne-km payment rates described in the Transportation of Purchased Feed section of this web page.

How to Calculate Payment for Livestock Feed and Extraordinary Expenses The Program Administrator will make payments to the applicant for purchases and testing of eligible feed and extraordinary expenses made between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022. A producer share will be applied and deducted from the total value of feed purchases, feed testing and extraordinary expenses claimed. Payments are based on the total value of expenses exceeding the producer share up to the maximum per head payment. Per Head Producer Shares are: $50 per head for beef cattle, dairy cattle, bison, horses (PMU only), and elk $10 per head for sheep and goats Maximum eligible extraordinary expenses that can be claimed are capped on a per head basis. Maximum Eligible Extraordinary Expenses that can be claimed are: $133.33 per head for beef cattle, dairy cattle, bison, horses (PMU only), and elk $26.66 per head for sheep and goats

AgriRecovery: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Total Payments will be equal to 75 percent of the total value of expenses that exceeds the producer share to a maximum per head payment. Maximum Per Head Payments are: $250 per head for beef cattle, dairy cattle, bison, horses (PMU only), and elk $50 per head for sheep and goats

Total Program Payments are calculated using these three steps: STEP 1: Calculate total eligible expenses

STEP 2: Calculate total eligible expenses net of the producer share

STEP 3: Total program payment is 75% of the Total Eligible Expenses Net of Producer Share

AgriRecovery: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance TRANSPORTATION OF PURCHASED FEED Feed transportation assistance is provided for the movement of purchased eligible feeds for eligible breeding animals to address feed shortages due to drought conditions. Payments 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 loaded distance of 600 kilometres. Payments for hay, straw, greenfeed, stover and silage are based on the following rates: $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

Payments for grain and concentrates, and high moisture feeds approved by the Program Administrator are based on the following rate: $0.05 per tonne kilometre up to 600 kilometres Payments for each receipt 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. Transportation assistance is additional to assistance that may be received for feed assistance. HOW TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION The application and declaration forms are available in the "How to Apply" section at the top of the webpage. You can also pick up an application package at any of the ARD/MASC Service Centres, or by calling us at 1-844-769-6224 to have an application package mailed to you. Application and Declarations For feed purchase, feed testing, feed transportation and livestock transportation claims, multiple applications can be accepted. For extraordinary expenses, only one declaration is accepted over the life of the program. Invoices and Proof of Payment Feed purchase, feed testing, and feed transportation claims must be supported by invoices and proof of payment submitted at time of application. For custom-hauling feed, proof of purchase is required for both the hauling charges and purchase of the feed transported. For self-hauled feed, proof of purchase for the feed and a self-haul declaration are required. Applicants are not required to submit invoices or proof of purchase with their one-time declaration of extraordinary expenses, but must maintain these records in the event that they are requested by the Program Administrator as part of the review, verification or audit process.

AgriRecovery: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance EMAIL, MAIL OR DROP OFF COMPLETED APPLICATION Your completed application form and supporting documents must be sent to an Authorized Manitoba Agriculture Representative by: Email Mail: Manitoba Agriculture AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Note: If you do not receive an email acknowledging receipt of your application you should contact us immediately by email. If your application is successful, you will receive a notification letter and cheque in the mail from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). An audit inspection of final work may occur before or after payment is issued. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Support documents and tools to assist you in completing your application. • Application Check List • Factsheet - AgriRecovery Feed Assistance Payment Calculation • Factsheet - AgriRecovery Feed Transportation Assistance Payment Calculation • Frequently Asked Questions • Quick Reference - How to Apply for Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance • Quick Reference - How to Calculate Payment per Head on Feed Purchases • Quick Reference - What Qualifies for Livestock Feed and Transportation Assistance APPLICATION DEADLINE Applications will be received on an ongoing basis until April 15, 2022 (11:59 p.m. CST). WHO TO CONTACT Manitoba Agriculture AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Toll Free: 1-844-769-6224 Email: agriculture@gov.mb.ca

REGISTRATION IS OPEN!

SUSTAINABILITY OF CANADIAN AGRICULTURE 2022 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

Farming for Sustainable Food Systems

Photo: E. McGeough

MARCH 16-18, 2022 Wednesday March 16

Keynote Speaker - Dr. David Kanter, New York University Morning panel discussion: Food Systems Redesign

Thursday March 17

Workshop: Holos Model v4 Afternoon panel discussion: Road to Carbon Neutrality Q and A with Researchers

Friday March 18

Afternoon panel discussion: Managing From a Landscape Perspective

Registration for this free event is open! Come visit us at:

www.umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/sustainability-canadian-agriculture-2022

New & Noteworthy Polycrop Establishment Insurance Polycrop Establishment Insurance is now available for mixtures of two or more annual crops, other than greenfeed, grown together on the same acreage. Mixes of warm and cool-season grasses, legumes, and brassicas are eligible for coverage. Producers are eligible to claim if the polycrop acreage fails to achieve 75 per cent ground cover. Coverage level selections available in 2022 are $40 or $80 per acre.

Greenfeed Changes Producers now have more flexibility to insure crops intended for greenfeed. Eligibility has been expanded to allow for up to 20 per cent of the seed blend to be made up of crops not listed as eligible for greenfeed insurance. That is, up to 20 per cent of the seed blend can be something other than: oats, barley, mixed grain, wheat, rye, triticale, field peas, sorghum, sudan grass, and millet and the crop can still be insured as greenfeed. Greenfeed is grown for the purpose of being cut, baled, or silaged for livestock feed.

Improved Calling Features MASC clients will benefit from improved communication through a new detailed, informative call system that will provide more options, such as: Quicker access to MASC team members at their assigned service centre. Ability to leave a voicemail message with their assigned service centre. Improved phone recordings with options and information on how long they may be on hold. Outgoing calls from our main lines will now have caller ID indicating the calls are from MASC.

Chat with Us We’ve launched a new client chat feature that allows myMASC users to chat with MASC team members in real time. It’s fast and convenient. Have questions? Sign in to your myMASC account during regular business hours to connect with your service centre team members.

Higher Potato Coverage for Pre-Harvest (Stage 2UH) Claims Starting in 2022, potatoes appraised and destroyed after June 20 and prior to harvest will be subject to a 10 per cent coverage deductible (down from 15 per cent). The reduced deductible is a better reflection of current potato harvesting costs and offers more effective coverage for potato producers. Potato varieties that are eligible for coverage are updated yearly, check bit.ly/MASC_Varieties for the latest list.

Higher Hail Coverage The Hail Insurance program has increased coverage levels for 2022. Maximum hail dollar coverage is increasing from $300 per acre to $400 per acre to reflect increases in expected gross revenue for most crops. The 2022 premium rates are the same for most risk areas.

Vegetable Acreage Loss Insurance Update The minimum acreage required to be eligible for Vegetable Acreage Loss Insurance has been reduced to 0.5 acres (down from three acres in 2021).

Fee Changes MASC has increased the late fee for Seeded Acreage and Harvested Production Reports from $100 to $500.

Calendar Photo Contest Here’s your chance to showcase life on the farm! Starting March 1, we’ll be accepting your photo submissions for the 2023 MASC Calendar. Keep your camera (or phone) handy to snap those incredible pictures of life in rural Manitoba. We’re looking for images from all seasons and of all things ag (or rural living) related. Send your images to: info@masc.mb.ca. Get all the contest details and information on submitting your photos at www.masc.mb.ca/calendarphotos. #LivingTheDream February 2022

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Upcoming Deadlines Final Date to Apply for, Change, or Cancel an AgriInsurance Contract The deadline to apply for an AgriInsurance contract and to make changes to or cancel an existing AgriInsurance contract is March 31, 2022. If we do not hear from you by this date, your existing selections (i.e. insured crops, coverage levels, and options) will remain in effect.

Excess Moisture Insurance (EMI) Coverage Rented land must be added to your AgriInsurance contract by March 31 to be eligible for EMI coverage this year. Rented land added after March 31 will be eligible for AgriInsurance coverage for seeded crops and for Hail Insurance, but not for EMI. Land that is purchased on or before June 30 is eligible for EMI, based on proof of purchase provided to MASC. Contact MASC for more details.

Farmland School Tax Rebate (FSTR) Deadline The final day to apply for FSTR for the 2021 tax year is March 31, 2022.

Insure your Crops at Contracted Prices MASC’s Contract Price Option (CPO) gives you higher coverage for locked-in production to reflect market prices. For 2022, MASC continues to offer the CPO on canola, including specialty oil canola, and field peas. Producers can blend the price from their contracted production with the base AgriInsurance dollar value (weighted by production) to better reflect expected market prices. Production contracts must be submitted to MASC by June 30 to be included in the CPO.

Forage Yield Cushioning A new technique to stabilize yield coverages for forages (to combat declining coverage after disaster years) was introduced in 2021. Yield cushioning stabilizes coverage by reducing the impact of extremely low yields on future coverage.

Silage Corn Individual productivity indexing (IPI) for silage corn was introduced in 2021. IPI calculates probable yields using a producer’s own individual yield history, based on a 10-year moving average with a two-year lag.

AgriInsurance Coverage Total insurance coverage for 2022 is expected to exceed $4.66 billion. This means the average coverage is estimated at $463 per acre, compared to $321 per acre in 2021.

Premiums With dollar values increasing significantly (on average 40 per cent), coverage for most crops is at an all-time high, which means premiums are adjusted as well to reflect these positive changes. Premium increases will vary depending on the crop, coverage level, and risk area. For example, on average, producers can expect to pay $14.49 an acre compared to $9.16 last year. The cost of premiums is shared by producers (40 per cent), Canada (36 per cent) and Manitoba (24 per cent).

Probable Yield Most crops will experience an increase in probable yield for 2022, as yields are based on a 10-year average. For 2022, data from 2011 to 2020 is used in the calculation. The year dropped (2010) was cool and wet and produced generally below average yields; the year added (2020), produced average to above average yields for most crops.

MASC Contracts Review the AgriInsurance and Hail Insurance contracts at www.masc.mb.ca/contracts. If you want a printed copy, contact MASC.

Visit www.masc.mb.ca for additional updates, program information, and contact information. February 2022

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E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP February 18, 2022

NEWS RELEASE

mbbeef.ca

Innovative Agricultural Insurance Product to Strengthen Manitoba Forage and Livestock Sectors (February 16, 2022 Federal/Provincial News Release) The

governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing $253,600 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) to develop a new usage-based insurance (UBI) product, in collaboration with Dairy Farmers of Manitoba (DFM), to respond to needs expressed by forage crop growers and other stakeholders in a 2020 review of forage insurance programs, Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson and Terry Duguid, member of Parliament for Winnipeg South, announced. “The forage and livestock sectors in Manitoba have been vulnerable in times of substantial forage shortages, as was the case during last summer’s drought conditions, and traditional risk management and insurance methods used for other crops do not always work well for their specific needs,” said Johnson. “We are pleased to work with industry to develop this ground-breaking insurance product that will help forage growers better meet operational challenges, especially under extraordinary circumstances.” “Forage producers have seen firsthand the impacts of ongoing climate-related challenges – most notably this past year,” said Duguid. “By using scientific tools to gather and assess local conditions, projects like this will create new solutions for drought-affected producers in Manitoba.” The province will enter a two-year contribution agreement (2021/22 to 2022/23) with DFM to provide up to $253,600 in CAP-Ag Action Manitoba Strategic Initiatives (industryled) federal flow-through funding. The project will be led by DFM in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers and four additional producer organizations.

“Dairy Farmers of Manitoba is pleased to work with the Canada and Manitoba governments and agriculture sector to support the development of this innovative UBI product that will benefit forage growers throughout the province,” said David Wiens, chair, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba. “Using leading-edge artificial intelligence, the product will measure and predict forage crop yields automatically and in near-real time based on satellite remote sensing, weather and geophysical data.” The project will develop a usage-based, farm-specific index insurance product for Manitoba forage growers. It includes the integration of satellite remote sensing and other big data, combined with an interactive web-based application that farmers can use to individualize their insurance, receive real-time and dynamic pricing, monitor forage production throughout the season and fast-track claims settlements, the minister noted. AIRM Consulting will conduct the project over an 18month period and develop a website with a geographic information system interface for farmers to purchase insurance, monitor their policies and support claims settlements. The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3billion commitment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. For more information, visit https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/about-our-department/keydepartmental-initiatives/canadian-agricultural-partnership or www.manitoba.ca/agriculture.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

COVID-19 Rapid Antigen Tests Now Available for Both Symptomatic and Asymptomatic People The following is compiled from provincial government news releases for the week of February 14, 2022.

a provincial testing site. Those who are at higher risk of severe illness as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility can be found at: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/inde x.html.

Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards: •

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Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19/ COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19-vaccinations-dashboard1/

Key Updates •

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Rapid antigen tests (RATs) are now available for both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals at provincial testing sites. This provides members of the public with a self-testing option for use at a future point in time when they may become symptomatic. Individuals can receive up to two test kits per visit and test results do not need to be reported, but individuals are required to self-isolate and follow public health orders if they test positive. The Manitoba Government is no longer distributing KN95 masks through liquor marts and casinos. The program, launched on Dec. 23, 2021, and closed on Jan. 2, 2022. Some locations may have remaining inventory that they are distributing, but are no longer receiving shipments for public distribution. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting

Vaccine Manitobans who have been infected with COVID-19 are now recommended to wait two to three months after the infection before getting a booster dose. This recommendation follows the latest guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization. Manitobans are advised not to assume that recovery from an infection is sufficient for immunity. Those who prefer to get their booster dose sooner, or if their primary care provider recommends a booster sooner, can go ahead and schedule a booster dose appointment. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.ht ml for some of the available options. More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https: //protectmb.ca.

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Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

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Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Government of Canada lightens border measures as part of transition of the pandemic response (February 15, 2022 Public Health Agency of Canada News Release) Recent data indicates that the

exempt from quarantine, without any prescribed conditions limiting their activities. This means, for example, they no longer need to wait 14 days before attending school, camp or daycare.

latest wave of COVID-19 driven by the Omicron variant has passed its peak in Canada. As provinces and territories adjust their public health measures, and as we transition away from the crisis phase, it is now time to move towards a more sustainable approach to longterm management of COVID-19. o

This transition is possible because of a number of factors, including Canada’s high vaccination rates, the increasing availability and use of rapid tests to detect infection, decreasing hospitalization rates and growing domestic availability of therapeutics and treatments. The Government of Canada announced a series of adjustments to the current border measures, representing the beginning of a phased easing of travel restrictions. The ability of the country to transition to a new phase at the border is a result of the actions of tens of millions of Canadians across the country who followed public health measures, including getting themselves and their families vaccinated.

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Travellers will now have the option of using a COVID-19 rapid antigen test result (taken the day prior to their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry) or a molecular test result (taken no more than 72 hours before their scheduled flight or arrival at the land border or marine port of entry) to meet pre-entry requirements. Taking a rapid antigen test at home is not sufficient to meet the pre-entry requirement – it must be authorized by the country in which it was purchased and must be administered by a laboratory, healthcare entity or telehealth service.

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The Government of Canada will adjust its Travel Health Notice from a Level 3 to a Level 2. This means that the Government will no longer recommend that Canadians avoid travel for nonessential purposes.

As of February 28, 2022 at 12:01 a.m. EST: •

We will be easing the on-arrival testing for fully-vaccinated travellers. This means that travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, will be randomly selected for arrival testing. Travellers selected will also no longer be required to quarantine while awaiting their test result. o

Children under 12 years old, travelling with fully vaccinated adults, will continue to be

Unvaccinated travellers will continue to be required to test on arrival, on Day 8 and quarantine for 14 days. Unvaccinated foreign nationals will not be permitted to enter Canada unless they meet one of the few exemptions.

continued on page 5

Government of Canada lightens border measures as part of transition of the pandemic response o

Travellers should understand the risks that are still associated with international travel given the high incidence of Omicron, and take necessary precautions. On February 28, 2022 at 16:00 EST, Transport Canada’s Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) that restricts where international passenger flights can arrive in Canada will expire. This means that international flights carrying passengers will be permitted to land at all remaining Canadian airports that are designated by the Canada Border Services Agency to receive international passenger flights.

website), including proof of vaccination in English or French and a quarantine plan prior to arriving in Canada. •

To prove a previous COVID-19 infection, the Government of Canada will continue to only accept molecular test results, taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before entering Canada.

•

In considering whether to travel, travellers should consider the availability of medical services in a foreign country, and plan for the potential high costs associated with medical treatment and extending their trip, should they test positive for COVID-19 while abroad. Travellers should also understand that there is a continued risk that border and travel measures in other countries, as well as in Canada, may change while they are abroad and should regularly review the entry requirements and exemptions for their travel situation.

Quick Facts •

•

Travellers should check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling to Canada. All travellers, regardless of how long they were away from Canada, continue to be required to submit their mandatory information via ArriveCAN (free mobile app or

Associated Links •

COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

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COVID-19: Vaccinated travellers entering Canada

•

ArriveCAN

•

COVID-19: Summary data about travellers, testing and compliance

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COVID-19: Boarding flights and trains in Canada

Canada Beef to launch Canadia n Beef Information Gateway

A oow yea, Is aN about fresh buginniogs, so the liming Is perfect lor Canada Beel to launch Its ll'lO$t ambitious Initiative to !Sate lo el1$Ulll Canadian beef retaln1, Its place on the plates ol consume,.. evef)'Where. Read More

Province Releases Spring Flood Outlook Risk of Flooding in Most Southern Manitoba Basins, Spring Weather Conditions to Determine Full Scope to best prepare for potential flood mitigation operations.”

(February 18, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre’s

spring flood outlook reports the risk of moderate to major flooding in most southern Manitoba basins is dependent on weather conditions from now until the spring melt, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk announced today. “Our government continuously monitors all watershed conditions across the province to remain vigilant and ready to respond to ensure that all Manitobans are protected should there be a risk for flood conditions,” said Piwniuk. “The Hydrologic Forecast Centre monitors river flows and lake levels daily throughout the year, and we work in collaboration with municipalities and communities

The Hydrologic Forecast Centre advises that, while there is a risk of major flooding along the Red River and its tributaries, including the Roseau, Rat and Pembina rivers, water levels are expected to remain below community flood protection levels at all locations. There is also a risk of moderate flooding for most other southern Manitoba basins including the Assiniboine and Souris rivers and the Whiteshell lakes area. The risk of spring flooding is low for the Interlake region and northern Manitoba regions. The Hydrologic Forecast Centre also reports that operation of the Red River Floodway is expected this spring to reduce water levels within the city of Winnipeg with some operation of the Portage Diversion anticipated to prevent ice jamming on the Assiniboine River, the minister noted. The 2022 spring flood outlook report is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/pdf/2022/february_ 2022_flood_outlook_report.pdf. The next flood outlook will be released late March.

Province Advises Outflow from Shellmouth Reservoir Will Increase (February 17, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and

Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre advises increase of flows from the Shellmouth Reservoir as part of the normal operation to drawdown the level of the reservoir in preparation for spring runoff from the upper Assiniboine River. Outflow from Shellmouth Dam will be increased to 1,100 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the current 870 cfs as of Thursday, Feb.17.

The final release of 1,100 cfs will raise Assiniboine River water levels by one to two feet between the Shellmouth Dam and Brandon. The rise in levels will decrease in the east reaches of the river and will diminish as the river approaches to Winnipeg. The province will continue to monitor conditions in the upper Assiniboine River as well as downstream river levels.

Manitoba's Plan to Become World Leader in Sustainable Protein Gains Momentum (February 18, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba’s quest to become a global

leader in the development and production of sustainable protein has gained further momentum through Project Accelerating Sustainable Protein Impact and Results (ASPIRE), an industry-led, concerted and co-ordinated team effort toward advancing the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced. “This plan represents tremendous opportunity for our province’s industry and economic future,” said Johnson. “Our government appreciates the shared expertise that has led to this pivotal development.” The release of Project ASPIRE promises to be a key highlight of the third annual Manitoba Protein Summit, a virtual conference slated for Feb. 22 to 23. This major industry conference has attracted more than 650 attendees from around the world, with “Sustainable Protein Food Systems” as this year’s theme. “The Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy was released in 2019 to sustainably grow Manitoba’s plant and animal protein industry through innovation and value chain collaboration,” said Johnson. “To date, Manitoba’s protein industry has attracted new investments valued at $753 million, creating 840 jobs and surpassing 50 per cent of the strategy’s $1.5-billion target in new investments through 2025.” The Manitoba Protein Consortium, an industry committee appointed by cabinet, has transitioned the strategy from a government-led initiative to an industry-led strategy through the establishment of

a strategic advisory body of 18 industry leaders to lead the implementation of Project ASPIRE. “Project ASPIRE is a comprehensive plan focused on realizing the province’s potential to produce protein that is diverse, high-quality, healthy and increasingly sustainable,” said Dickson Gould, chair of the Manitoba Consortium and president of The Progressive Group. “We are very pleased to appoint David Wiens, the chair of Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and Chris Anderson, the chief technology officer at Protein Industries Canada to co-chair the strategic advisory body. Together, we want to accelerate sector leadership to make Manitoba a globally sustainable protein hub for plant, animal and alternative protein development, as well as increase the economic opportunities for our producers and protein manufacturers.” “We have established roundtables to bring action to key pillars in the strategy, such as workforce, water and wastewater infrastructure and sustainable protein research. Other priority areas will be determined within the next few months,” said David Wiens, chair, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and co-chair of the strategic advisory body. “Our Workforce Roundtable will ensure that we have the right skills in Manitoba to sustainably grow our protein industry,” said Ron Koslowsky, chair, Workforce Roundtable and head of the Canadian Manufacturers and Exporters Association of Manitoba. For more information about Manitoba’s work in protein innovation, visit: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/protein.

Emergency Management Workshops and Other Planning Resources for Livestock Producers A serious animal disease outbreak is recognized as an industry's greatest vulnerability because of the potential impact it could have on the affected industries and livestock sectors. Knowing what to do when a serious animal disease is suspected on your farm is key to limiting the spread and impact of a disease outbreak. "The First 48 Hours for Producers" is a NEW quick reference tool developed by the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) project that lists the key Communication, Enhanced Biosecurity, and On-farm Investigation actions to take to protect yourself, your animals, and business after being notified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that there is a suspicion of a federally regulated disease on your farm. See: (https://bit.ly/3h11VT7) or look for the tool in this edition of the e-newsletter. This resource can be used alongside other AHEM producer tools and handbooks found at www.animalhealth.ca/resources to proactively plan, prepare and respond to an animal disease emergency event. AHEM is offering a new three-part series of engaging virtual webinars geared for livestock producers. In each 60-minute interactive webinar we share vital information, tips, and tools for understanding how to prepare and respond during a serious animal disease emergency. Webinar 1: Navigating the Unexpected – Emergency Management 101 A general overview of emergency management along with producer roles and responsibilities.

The information is designed to boost preparedness with proactive steps and to provide insight into the knowledge and skills required during a serious animal disease outbreak. Upcoming webinar dates: March 1, March 22 (English & French) and April 5. Click here to register. All workshops are one hour starting at 10:00 am (Mountain) / 12:00 pm noon (Eastern). Webinar 2: Resourced and Ready – Exploring Proactive Disease Management Tactics and Tools Explore the concepts and support tools found in the AHEM resources and ask questions about animal health emergency management. Upcoming webinar dates: March 17 and April 14 (English and French) Click here to register. All workshops are one hour starting at 10:00 am (Mountain) / 12:00 pm noon (Eastern). Webinar 3: Testing, Testing, 1-2-3 – Scenarios for producer Handbook application Participants will be introduced to AHEM’s producer-oriented simulation workshops, which give a practical understanding of how AHEM resources are used as guidance before, during and/or after a serious animal disease outbreak. Upcoming webinar date: July TBD, 2022. Registration for this webinar is coming soon. Visit www.animalhealth.ca/workshops for more information including webinar dates and registration.

SUSPICION OF A SERIOUS ANIMAL DISEASE

THE FIRST 48 HOURS FOR PRODUCERS PURPOSE To provide a guide that producers can follow in the hours after being notified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that there is a suspicion of a federally regulated disease on your farm.

CONTEXT The CFIA cannot inform members of the public that they are conducting an investigation on your herd (Privacy Act). There are certain exceptions to this rule that can be made with your consent. For example, you can provide CFIA with consent to reach out to your veterinarian. CFIA can and will impose movement restrictions on suspicion of disease. However, it may take time for this to be put in place. This document provides a list of actions you can take during the time period required for the CFIA to arrive and assess your premises. There is always the potential that your herd is negative, so the steps you take need to be measured, responsible and complete. Please consider the following actions to protect yourself, your herd, and your business.

COMMUNICATE

IMMEDIATELY! • Contact your veterinarian to provide a complete description of the situation. If it is after hours, a weekend or a holiday call the emergency number and speak to the veterinarian on call. • Inform family members, employees and all owners of animals that are on the property of the situation. • Notify the driver of any conveyance transporting your animals if applicable. • Inform your veterinarian that you have provided consent to CFIA for him/her to discuss the disease situation with them. • Postpone movements of non-essential employees in order to minimize people movement onto and off the farm. For example, feed deliveries, milk trucks, employees currently on farm, employees scheduled to arrive, animals already loaded in a truck but still on the property, farm related children’s activities etc.

UNTIL CFIA INSTRUCTIONS ARE IN PLACE • Inform anyone who has had direct contact with the animals in the last few days. • Inform anyone who has received a shipment of animals from you in the last few days. Continued...

Continued...

ENHANCE BIOSECURITY

IMMEDIATELY! • Shut and secure farm gates. • Isolate sick animals. • If possible, dedicate a specific employee to the affected animal(s). • Do not move or allow others to move animals off the property. • Leave dead animals in place. • Inform CFIA if there are animals that need to be euthanized. • Plan animal care so that healthy animals are cared for first. • Organize and use dedicated clothing, equipment, water and feed sources for sick or suspect animals. • Wash hands frequently. Clean (or change) footwear frequently.

UNTIL CFIA INSTRUCTIONS ARE IN PLACE • Minimize people (family, employees, etc.) movements onto and off the farm. • Do not have contact with other farms or people who work on other farms. • If anyone must leave your farm premises, have them change clothing and footwear prior to leaving the premises and use appropriate exit protocol. • Keep a detailed log of all movements onto or off the premises.

PREPARE FOR ON-FARM INVESTIGATION

UNTIL CFIA INSTRUCTIONS ARE IN PLACE • Gather all relevant documents, including health records and copies of production and mortality records. • Review your visitor log and ensure that you have a list of on-farm traffic, visitors, and livestock movement to and from your premises during the previous 21 days.

SUPPORT

January 2022

This will be a very stressful situation you will need support. Reach out to your veterinarian, producer association and / or marketing board among others to ensure that you have the support you need.

Total Program Payments are calculated using these three steps: STEP 1: Calculate total eligible expenses

STEP 2: Calculate total eligible expenses net of the producer share

STEP 3: Total program payment is 75% of the Total Eligible Expenses Net of Producer Share

WECAHN BEEF NETWORK PRODUCER SUMMARY OCT—DEC 2021

Beef Network Meeting

Clinical Impressions Survey: Interesting or Unusual Findings: • Coccidiosis outbreaks without bloody diarrhea. • Liver flukes in feeder cattle. • Nutritional diarrhea in weaned calves. Respiratory system: Respiratory disease was reported Commonly to Very frequently by practitioners, with undifferentiated pneumonia having no accompanying post-mortem or laboratory work, the most frequently reported syndrome. • Fibrinous pneumonia was reported Rarely to Very frequently in pre-weaned calves or feeder cattle. • Mannheimia-associated pneumonia in cows has been reported in several provinces, with presentations from peracute to chronic, in Q4. It’s currently unclear whether this represents a true increase in the incidence rate of cases relative to other years. Evidence supporting the effectiveness of available vaccines in protecting cows from clinical disease was discussed as a current research gap for industry. • A feedlot outbreak of pneumonia associated with Bibersteinia trehalosi and Pasteurella multocida infection, with additional damage to the heart, was reported in steers and heifers by UCVM. • The Canadian Integrated Program for Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance (CIPARS) provided an update on recent feedlot surveillance of BRD pathogens (below). Digestive system: Digestive disease was reported Rarely to Very frequently by practitioners. • Diarrhea and dysentery (bloody diarrhea) were both reported Commonly to Very Frequently, and both syndromes were associated with coccidia by one practitioner. • Diarrhea was also associated with BVD or Johne’s disease by one practitioner. • Frothy bloat was reported commonly by 3 practitioners. Rectal disease (e.g. rectal prolapse) was reported Commonly by 3 practitioners. Reproductive system: Reproductive diseases were reported Rarely to Very frequently with primary female uterine disease the most frequently reported syndrome. • Non-infectious infertility was reported more frequently than infectious infertility, and associated Very frequently with energy/calorie deficiency, and Rarely with copper deficiency by one practitioner. • Laboratory data pertaining to infectious infertility in cattle (Trichomonas foetus, Campylobacter venerealis, Neospora, Ureaplasma diversum) continued to be stable for Q 4 2021.

www.wecahn.ca we.cahn@pds.usask.ca

Musculo-skeletal system: Musculo-skeletal diseases were reported Rarely to Very frequently, with one practitioner reporting digital dermatitis, and footrot, both diagnosed Very frequently, and increasing relative to the same time period last year. • Arthritis was the most frequently diagnosed non-foot condition. Dermatologic system: External parasites, and specifically lice, reported Very frequently by 2 practitioners. • Similarly, fungal infections were reported Very frequently by 2 practitioners. Neurologic system: Neurological diseases Were reported Rarely to Very frequently, with two practitioners diagnosing polio-encephalomalacia Rarely to Commonly.

Scan: Promed: Brucellosis in Montana: •

The Montana Department of Livestock announced on 5 Jan 2022 an animal in a Madison County cattle herd, within Montana's brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area (DSA), has been confirmed positive for brucellosis. The ranch has been placed under quarantine and an epidemiological investigation has begun. The positive animal tested negative the prior year [2020], which allows the Department to reduce the scope of the disease investigation. For more information: https:// promedmail.org

Meeting Takeaways: 1. Mannheimia pneumonia in cows fall 2021: • Unclear whether there was an increased incidence of these cases relative to the same time period in other years. • The current uptake of Mannheimia vaccination for use in breeding heifers and cows seems limited. • The effectiveness of these vaccines in protecting cows (as opposed to calves) is currently unclear, and constitutes a knowledge gap for industry. 2. CIPARS feedlot surveillance from 2019 – 2020 data: • Greater recovery of P. multocida than either M. haemolytica or H. somni at both arrival and rehandling • > 50% of M. haemolytica, P. multocida and H. somni isolates from either time point were pan-susceptible • No statistically significant increases in resistance between time points or across years (2019/2020) were observed 3. Looking ahead: • With cows returning home from different feeding sites over the winter: watch for increased neonatal illnesses and abortions, especially depending on vaccination status. • With cows that may have experienced feed deprivation in first trimester, and enhanced in second and third, watch for increased dystocias.

WeCAHN BEEF NETWORK PRODUCER SUMMARY OCT—DEC 2021

WECAHN BEEF NETWORK PRODUCER REPORT OCT—DEC 2021 INTRODUCTION:

1. Dataset Overview:

The videoconference meeting of the WeCAHN beef network was held Feb. 2, 2022. Participants attending the meeting: dairy practitioners, laboratory diagnosticians, veterinary college faculty, veterinary epidemiologists, and producers.

• •

Report Contents: 1.Dataset Overview 2.Interesting or Unusual cases 3.Respiratory System 4.Digestive System 5.Reproductive System 6.Musculoskeletal System 7.Dermatologic System 8.Urinary System

•

Clinical Impressions Survey Laboratory Data: - UCVM Diagnostic Services Unit (DSU) - Prairie Diagnostic Services (PDS) - Manitoba Veterinary Diagnostic Services Laboratory Scan: Promed

Clinical Impressions Survey and Laboratory Data: The clinical impressions survey is to be a simple, quick overview of diagnoses by practitioners, which does not require practitioners to extract data from their information management systems to complete. Practitioners report, for a list of selected pathogens/ syndromes, how frequently they have diagnosed these pathogens over the time period in question. Additionally, they are asked whether, compared to the previous time period, their diagnosis of these pathogens is increasing/ decreasing/ or stable. For each category of disease, clinical impressions survey findings are followed by relevant laboratory data.

9.Multi-systemic Disease 10.Scan 11.Looking Forward

Beef

12.Meeting Take-aways

2. Interesting or Unusual Cases: i. Heart valve infection in in 10 month-old feeder, involving 3 valves. Kidney infection: Identified at pregnancy diagnosis/BSE testing. Second calver with loss of condition; possibly given chronicity of lesion this had persisted from calving? ii. Coccidiosis outbreaks: Historically this veterinary practice has seen backgrounders having challenges with coccidia. The practice is partnering with UCVM to identify the current species of coccidia in western cattle, and their genomic makeup. iii. Liver flukes: Necropsy was performed on an animal with history of being pulled for pneumonia after being on feed for 45 days. It was unresponsive to treatment and died 24 hours after being sick. Cause of death was lung damage cause by unusual migration of liver flukes, which are seen commonly in parts of Manitoba. • A factsheet describing the problem of liver flukes in western cattle is available here: Liver flukes in Alberta's livestock - Open Government

www.wecahn.ca we.cahn@pds.usask.ca

BEEF NETWORK MEETING — 2.2.2022 |

Interesting or Unusual Cases continued: iv. Nutritional diarrhea: Group of backgrounded bull calves, being fed medium quality hay in feeders and handfed barley. About half developed watery diarrhea, while being fed ~ 1 pd per hundredweight of rolled barley. Tried stopping the barley which did not alleviate the problem. On testing the hay, found: ~ 14% protein, little fibre, lots soluble protein. Diarrhea was managed by substituting a different source of hay. Basically this seemed like an un-expected level of problem given the physical appearance of the feed.

3. Respiratory System

Beef Network Meeting

Clinical Impressions Survey: Respiratory disease was reported Commonly to Very frequently by practitioners, with un-differentiated pneumonia (no post-mortem or laboratory work available) the most frequently reported syndrome. • Fibrinous pneumonia was reported Rarely to Very frequently in pre-weaned calves or feeder cattle. • Fibrinous pneumonia associated with M. haemolytica was also reported in cows by two practitioners. Mannheimia pneumonia in cows: In addition to the report of Mannheimia pneumonia in the clinical impressions survey, other cases in Q4: • Pneumonia was reported in 2 cows from separate farms, associated with Mannheimia, by UCVM DSU. • SK dairy herd. Update: vaccinated using IN vaccine last fall; problems have subsided. • AB: dairy and beef herds in central AB. Roughly half a dozen herds experienced problems in Oct. 2021 with M. haemolytica pneumonia and blood poisoning. Samples were forwarded to PDS; no viruses or other bacteria identified, and no risk factors reported.

•

Other forms of pneumonia were also reported, including one outbreak associated with Bibersteinia trehalosi in a feedlot.

CIPARS PRESENTATION: "Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance in Canadian feedlot cattle, 2019-2020 results" Background: Work initiated with goal to implement a sustainable national feedlot AMU/AMR surveillance program Objectives: • Provide representative estimates of AMU/AMR in the finishing feedlot sector • Monitor trends in AMU/AMR in the feedlot over time. • Investigate associations between AMU and AMR on a targeted basis. • Provide producers with individualized data to support decision-making Design: 26 feedlots from 5 clinics in 3 provinces (AB, SK, ON) provided respiratory samples for AMR surveillance Takeaways: • Greater recovery of P. multocida than either M. haemolytica or H. somni at both arrival and rehandling. • > 50% of M. haemolytica, P. multocida and H. somni isolates from either time point were pan-susceptible. • No statistically significant increases in resistance between time points or across years (2019/2020) were observed.

QUESTION: Is there a new strain of MH emerging? A: This seems unlikely with variety of clinical pictures from acute/peracute pneumonia/blood poisoning, in some cases resistant to treatment, vs some more slow-moving cases and pan-susceptible isolates also reported.. QUESTION: How widespread is MH vaccination in western breeding cows? A: Based on a published survey of western cow-calf producers (Waldner et al., 2019) , this does not seem to be widely done. QUESTION: What is the effectiveness of MH vaccination in protecting cows from clinical pneumonia? A: Currently this seems to be a knowledge gap which could be shared with funding and industry groups.

www.wecahn.ca we.cahn@pds.usask.ca

BEEF NETWORK MEETING — 2.2.2022 |

4. Digestive system

Beef Network Meeting

Clinical Impressions Survey: Digestive disease was reported Rarely to Very frequently by practitioners. • Diarrhea and dysentery (bloody diarrhea) were both reported, and both syndromes were associated with coccidia by one practitioner. • Diarrhea was also associated with BVD or Johne’s disease by one practitioner. • Frothy bloat and rectal disease such as rectal prolapses were each reported Commonly by 3 practitioners.

Laboratory Data: •

However, pathologic diagnoses of Johne’s disease at PDS were reduced in Q4 from earlier time periods, and BDV detections via PCR appeared stable (below).

5. Reproductive system Clinical Impressions Survey: Reproductive diseases were reported Rarely to Very frequently with individual female disease the most frequently reported syndrome. • Non-infectious infertility was reported more frequently than infectious infertility, and associated Very frequently with energy/calorie deficiency, and rarely with copper deficiency by one practitioner.

Laboratory Data: •

Data pertaining to infectious infertility in cattle (Trichomonas foetus, Campylobacter venerealis, Neospora, Ureaplasma diversum) continued to be stable for Q 4 2021 (data not shown).

•

Idiopathic bovine abortion cases at PDS are, not surprisingly, strongly seasonal in distribution.

Recap on ‘control charts’: For each of the following graphs, each data point reflects the number of positive samples or cases reported, over a 3 month period. The upper and lower horizontal lines, called control limits, are similar to statistical confidence intervals. Control charts are a simple way of presenting data collected over time. Apparent trends (e.g. increasing or decreasing frequencies of detection) over time, or individual points lying outside the control limits, suggest a need for investigation to determine whether/how significant a signal they represent.

6. Musculo-skeletal system Clinical Impressions Survey: Musculo-skeletal diseases were reported Rarely to Very frequently, with one practitioner reporting digital dermatitis, and footrot, both diagnosed Very frequently, and increasing relative to the same time period last year. • Arthritis was the most frequently diagnosed non-foot condition.

www.wecahn.ca we.cahn@pds.usask.ca

BEEF NETWORK MEETING — 2.2.2022 |

7. Dermatologic system Clinical Impressions Survey: • •

External parasites, and specifically lice, reported Very frequently by 2 practitioners. Similarly, fungal infections were reported Very frequently by 2 practitioners.

8: Urinary system Clinical Impressions Survey: •

Urinary system diseases were reported never to Commonly by practitioners, with urolithiasis diagnosed Commonly by two practitioners, and pyelonephritis Rarely, also by two practitioners.

Beef Network Meeting

9. Multi-systemic disease

11. Looking Ahead: Question: What problems can we anticipate as consequences of extreme weather 2021? A: 1. Breeding cattle being fed at feedlots will be returning home in 3-6 weeks. • Anticipate: More neonatal disease; more repro ds in cows • Generally these cattle movements create biosecurity challenges • When home: changes in diet; transporting late in pregnancy -> stress on animals • Additional problem: some ranches were not well vaccinated when cows left home late last year. Expect to see increased abortions and neonatal disease. 2. The only time we really expect to see problems pushing cows on feed is when they were deprived in first trimester, and enhanced in second and third, which can result in dystocias.

Clinical Impressions Survey: Multi-systemic disease was reported Never to Commonly, with non of the individual syndromes in the survey (septicemia/nutritional deficiencies/toxicities/ undifferentiated neonatal loss) being reported Commonly or Very frequently, so no data regarding specific agents was reported.

10. Scan Promed: Brucellosis in Montana • The Montana Department of Livestock announced on 5 Jan 2022 an animal in a Madison County cattle herd, within Montana's brucellosis Designated Surveillance Area (DSA), has been confirmed positive for brucellosis. The ranch has been placed under quarantine and an epidemiological investigation has begun. • For more information: https://promedmail.org

12. Meeting Take-aways: 1. Mannheimia pneumonia in cows fall 2021: • Unclear whether there was an increased incidence of these cases relative to the same time period in other years. • Clinical evidence suggest that the currently known cases are associated with a variety of strains, as opposed to one new one • The current uptake of Mannheimia vaccination for use in breeding heifers and cows seems limited. • The effectiveness of these vaccines in protecting cows (as opposed to calves) is currently unclear, and constitutes a knowledge gap for industry. 2. CIPARS feedlot surveillance from 2019 – 2020 data: • Greater recovery of P. multocida than either M. haemolytica or H. somni at both arrival and rehandling. • > 50% of M. haemolytica, P. multocida and H. somni isolates from either time point were fully susceptible to antimicrobials. • No statistically significant increases in resistance between time points or across years (2019/2020) were observed. 3. Looking ahead: • With cows returning home from different feeding sites over the winter: watch for increased neonatal illnesses and abortions, especially depending on vaccination status. • With cows that may have experienced feed deprivation in first trimester, and increases in second and third, watch for increased dystocias.

www.wecahn.ca we.cahn@pds.usask.ca

BEEF NETWORK MEETING — 2.2.2022 |

News Release CCA pleased to see progression towards Canada-UK FTA February 17, 2022 Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) is pleased to see progression on a future Canada-United Kingdom Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the tabling of the objectives for negotiations on February 16, 2022, by the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade. While Canada and the United Kingdom (UK) are currently operating under the interim agreement, CCA’s highest priority has been on achieving a long-term ambitious FTA with the UK that resolves existing trade limiting factors. CCA continues to share its priorities with the Government of Canada as it is imperative that the beef industries in Canada and the UK can enjoy equal access and mutual benefit from and grow this trade relationship. The establishment of progressive trade parameters, such as those contained in the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), will be CCA’s focus for future negotiations that can now start 30 days after the tabling of the negotiating priorities. “It is imperative that the beef industries in Canada and the UK both have the opportunity to benefit from this trade relationship,” says Bob Lowe, CCA President. “Currently, the trade relationship is unbalanced and correcting this will be our focus for this negotiation as well as future trade deals.” Trade Facts: • Imports from the UK increased in 2020, going from $15.9 million CAD in 2019 to $31.6 million. However, in 2021, there was a decrease to $16.3 million. • Exports to the UK stood at $20.2 million in 2019, $17.7 million in 2020, and in 2021, they declined to $7.6 million. • The trade balance for 2021 was -$8.7 million in favour of the UK. • Under the interim Canada-UK Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA), Canada’s total access of hormone-free beef was 3,279 tonnes in 2021 and will be 3,869 tonnes cwe in 2022. Under the TCA, the UK has full duty access to Canada. CCA will continue to monitor the beef trade balance between Canada and the UK and the forth coming negotiations. For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP February 11, 2022

NEWS RELEASE

mbbeef.ca

Manitoba Beef Producers Held Successful 43rd AGM Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) virtual 43rd Annual General Meeting on February 10 featured knowledge transfer sessions, a business component, administration by-law amendments and resolutions debate.

municipal amalgamations in recent years, and the associated updating of some local government, municipality and rural municipality names listed in the 14 districts to reflect the amalgamations.

Greetings were provided by federal Agriculture and AgriFood Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Minister of Agriculture Derek Johnson. Featured speakers from MASC, MNP, Canfax and the National Cattle Feeders Association addressed topics such as business risk management programs, cattle markets and matters related to the feedlot sector. Dickson Delorme (aka Quick Dick McDick) touched upon topics such as producer mental health.

One resolution was passed by the membership calling on MBP to advocate for the reinstatement of cost-shared beneficial management practices related to the Verified Beef Production Plus program as part of any assurance programming that will be offered in the Next Policy Framework (2023-2028).

MBP members approved amendments to the organization’s administration by-law allowing for one additional term extension for a director. A provision was added related to appointments to external committees. There was also the realignment of some districts due to

MBP’s executive for 2022-23 is as follows: Tyler Fulton, President; Melissa Atchison, Vice-President; Matthew Atkinson, 2nd Vice-President; Mark Good, Treasurer; and, Mike Duguid, Secretary. MBP thanks all who participated in the 43rd AGM for helping to make it a success. A summertime producerfocused knowledge transfer and networking event is also being planned. Watch for more details in the weeks ahead.

. A recording of the meeting will be available in the days ahead please visit the MBP website.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Manitoba Accelerating Plan To Reduce Public Health Restrictions Based On Improving COVID-19 Situation Provincewide Shift to Yellow (Caution) Level Under Pandemic Response System on Feb. 15: Premier

(February 11, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) With key COVID-19 indicators stabilizing or

improving, Manitoba is moving forward with a plan to further reduce public health restrictions next week, Premier Heather Stefanson announced, noting Manitoba will continue to make adjustments as needed in the coming weeks based on the guidance of public health officials, including requirements for proof of vaccination. “I want to thank Manitobans who have made personal, professional and financial sacrifices over the past two years, and have done their part by getting vaccinated and following the fundamentals,” said Stefanson. “It is because of Manitobans’ collective efforts and dedication, compassion and willingness to protect one another that we are able to move forward once again to lift restrictions and allow Manitobans to get their lives back.” New public health orders will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 that will move all of Manitoba to the Yellow (Caution) level under the Pandemic Response System. Capacity limits will be eliminated in venues such as restaurants, licensed premises, entertainment venues, indoor and outdoor sporting events and casinos, as well as gatherings at private residences. Capacity limits will be removed for outdoor public gatherings but will be limited to 50 people indoors unless proof of vaccination is required. Young people ages 12 to 17 participating in indoor sports and recreation will no longer be required to provide proof of vaccination or recent testing. There are no changes to retail and personal services.

As of Feb. 15, close contacts of a person who tests positive for COVID-19 will no longer be required to self-isolate. Public health continues to recommend self-isolation for people who live in a household with others who have symptoms or tested positive for COVID-19 but it will no longer be required. Additionally, public health will remove self-isolation requirements for individuals entering the province. However, anyone travelling from international destinations will continue to be required to meet requirements under the federal Quarantine Act. Public health orders restricting travel to northern Manitoba remain in place. “Based on the information and data monitored by public health, we are seeing strong signals that the Omicron wave has peaked and is now having a reduced impact here in Manitoba,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “As a result, it’s prudent to continue to reduce our public health restrictions. I want to remind Manitobans that this is an important time of transition and we still need to get vaccinated, wear a mask and do simple but important things like washing our hands and staying home when we are sick. We need to remain cautious about gathering sizes, even as we shift from public health rules to public health recommendations.” Effective Feb. 15, schools will return to Yellow (Caution) under the Pandemic Response System, which requires cohorts in kindergarten to Grade 6. Masks are required indoors for staff and students but will not be required during physical education classes. Medical masks will be recommended but no longer required for school staff. Schools will continue to send out community notification letters if public health officials have identified increased transmission or recommended continued on page 4

Manitoba Accelerating Plan To Reduce Public Health Restrictions Based On Improving COVID-19 Situation Provincewide Shift to Yellow (Caution) Level Under Pandemic Response System on Feb. 15: Premier remote learning for a class, cohort or entire school. The online dashboard will continue to post this information but will no longer include case numbers. Children, school staff and child-care staff will only be eligible for PCR testing if medically indicated, in line with eligibility criteria for all Manitobans.

Effective March 8, this will no longer occur. Mask requirements and other restrictions will be lifted effective March 15.

The province plans to remove proof of vaccination requirements effective March 1. In some settings, such as personal care homes, shelters, and healthcare facilities, public health officials have continued to work with facilities to notify close contacts.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION ATTACHED

For more information about COVID-19 and the pandemic response in Manitoba, visit manitoba.ca/covid19.

Backgrounder Backgrounder-Changes to Public Health Orders

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

UPDATED PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS IN MANITOBA’S REOPENING PATH The following COVID-19 prevention orders take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 15 and will remain in place until March 1. Sector Masks and physical distancing

Indoor gatherings in public spaces

Outdoor gatherings in public spaces

Indoor gatherings at private residences

Feb. 8 Restrictions

Feb. 15 Restrictions Continue to be required in all indoor public places.

Medical exceptions may apply to mask use. Gatherings that include one or Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or they are 12 years of age or older) are limited to 25 people older) are limited to 50 or 25 per cent of the usual people. capacity of the space, whichever is lower. No restrictions on indoor public gatherings when all Gatherings restricted to fully who are present are fully immunized people and those immunized people or are under 12 years of age are under 12 years of age. limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less. Gatherings that include one or There are no capacity limits to more unvaccinated people (if outdoor gatherings regardless they are 12 years of age or of vaccination status. older) in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces are limited to 50 people. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less. Private indoor gatherings are limited to 25 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt). Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

There are no capacity limits to indoor gatherings at private residences regardless of vaccination status.

Outdoor gatherings at private residences

Outdoor gatherings at a private residence are limited to 50 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

There are no capacity limits to outdoor gatherings at private residences regardless of vaccination status.

Private outdoor gatherings are limited to 20 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt). Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts

Proof of vaccination is required for those 12 years of age and older. Individuals are required to wear masks but are not required to provide proof of vaccination to enter for the sole purpose of picking up takeout or delivery orders. Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts are limited to 50 per cent capacity and are limited to seated service only with a maximum of 10 people per table. Liquor sales must end at 12 a.m. daily.

Gyms and fitness centres

Casinos, bingo halls and VLTs

Museums and galleries

Capacity limited to 50 per cent with proof of immunization required everywhere. Proof of vaccination is required. Capacity is limited to 50 per cent. Museums operate under the requirement to show proof of vaccination when open to the public as a museum. Capacity limited to 50 per cent with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Proof of vaccination is required for those 12 years of age and older. Individuals are required to wear masks but are not required to provide proof of vaccination to enter for the sole purpose of picking up takeout or delivery orders. There are no capacity limits to restaurants, licensed premises and food courts. The requirements to limit table sizes and for patrons to remain seated at licensed premises are removed. Liquor sales return to normal hours of operation. No capacity limits. Proof of immunization required. No capacity limits. Proof of immunization required. No capacity limits. Proof of immunization required.

Libraries

No change.

No capacity limits.

Professional sports or performing arts events

Limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of immunization required everywhere. Limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of immunization required everywhere. Permitting indoor public gathering group sizes to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated.

No capacity limits.

Movie theatres and concert halls

Weddings and funerals

Indoor religious services and Indigenous cultural events

Outdoor religious services and Indigenous cultural events

Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 people, whichever is less. Indoor religious services and Indigenous cultural events are limited to 25 per cent capacity or a total of 250 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required. Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine are limited to 50 per cent capacity. Outdoor cultural and religious services that include one or more unvaccinated person (if they are 12 years of age or older) are restricted to 50 per cent capacity in outdoor locations. Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space. Drive-in services continue unrestricted.

Proof of immunization required. No capacity limits. Proof of immunization required. Permitting indoor public gathering group sizes to 50 people for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated. No restrictions on indoor gatherings when all who are present are fully immunized people or are under 12 years of age.

When proof of vaccination is not required, indoor religious services and Indigenous cultural events are limited to 50 per cent capacity or a total of 500 people, whichever is lower. No restrictions on indoor gatherings when all who are present are fully immunized people or are under 12 years of age. No capacity limit if the service is held outdoors.

Personal services

Indoor sports and recreation, including dance, theatre and music schools.

Open without capacity restrictions and physical distancing is required. Spectator capacity for sporting and recreation facilities is reduced to 50 per cent and proof of vaccination is required for those 18 and over. Tournaments are allowed.

No change.

No capacity limit for spectators. Tournaments are allowed. Proof of vaccination/testing is no longer required for 12 to 17-year-olds for indoor and recreational sports.

Proof of at least one dose of vaccination or a recent (within Proof of vaccination is still 72 hours) negative rapid test required for those 18 and result will be required for 12 to over. 17-year-olds for indoor and recreational sports. Negative rapid tests need to be confirmed by a pharmacist or by staff at a nursing station on a First Nation, as provincial testing sites should only be accessed by symptomatic individuals or those who are advised to receive testing by public health. Outdoor sports and recreation Games, practices and tournaments permitted.

Children’s camps

Retail, markets, garden centres and malls

Capacity for spectators is limited to 50 per cent. No change.

Retail capacity at 100 per cent throughout Manitoba. Physical distancing measures are required. Masks required indoors.

Workplaces

Indoor self-help gatherings

Open without restrictions. No requirement to report cases to public health. Indoor gathering limits and mask use orders apply.

No capacity limit for spectators. Tournaments are allowed. No capacity limits. Overnight camps allowed. No capacity limits. Proof of vaccination is required at food courts. Physical distancing measures are required. Masks required indoors. No change.

No change.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government The following information is compiled from provincial government news releases for the week of February 7, 2022.

software Manitoba used to produce PVCs that has affected approximately 12 per cent of PVCs issued after Dec. 31, 2021. The Manitoba Government is recommending that anyone who requested a PVC since Jan. 1, 2022 test their code with the Manitoba Immunization Verifier Application found here https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccin e/immunizationrecord/businesses.html #application. If the QR code is unable to be scanned, Manitobans are encouraged to request a new QR code at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccin e/immunizationrecord. Please note that this impacts the PVC only and does not impact your Manitoba Immunization card (physical or digital).

Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards: •

Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19/

•

COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19-vaccinations-dashboard1/

Key Updates •

•

Manitobans are reminded that COVID19 treatments options are available for eligible patients. Early testing is key as treatment must begin within 5-7 days of symptoms developing. Manitobans are encouraged to seek testing as soon as symptoms develop and to contact their health care provider, doctor or Health Links-Info Santé if they meet the minimum eligibility criteria that include but are not limited to: 18 year or older, unvaccinated or partially vaccinated, have a risk factor (smoking, diabetes) or chronic condition, or are fully vaccinated Manitobans with a risk factor or chronic condition may also be eligible for treatment. For full criteria, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/treatment /index.html. People who requested a pan-Canadian proof of vaccination credential (PVC) this year may be experiencing QR code scanning issues. This is due to a technical issue with the federal

•

Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those who are at higher risk of severe illness as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility can be found at: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/inde x.html.

Vaccine Manitoba is adopting new guidance from the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) for vaccinating youth ages 12 to 17 against COVID-19 and its variants. continued on page 10

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government Effective February 7, 2022, youth ages 12 to 17 should receive a third dose of a COVID-19 vaccine if they are, or if they might be, at a high risk of severe outcomes due to medical and/or social risk factors. The third dose will be offered at least six months after the second dose. Several eligibility factors define who among this age group can get this booster: •

underlying medical conditions, which put them at increased risk;

•

belonging to racialized or marginalized communities that are disproportionately affected by COVID19;

•

living in shelters, group homes and correctional facilities; and

•

immunocompromised and have received three doses (so their next dose would be a fourth dose).

Neither the province nor NACI is recommending boosters for the general population of youth ages 12 to 17. Only those who meet the criteria outlined above are eligible. Public health will continue to use Pfizer, to minimize the small risk associated with myocarditis and/or pericarditis. This inflammation of heart tissues is extremely rare and mild when it occurs after vaccination, and it almost always fully resolves without severe reaction. Preliminary safety data from the realworld use of boosters in teens showed no additional safety concerns. If your child does not fit into the eligibility categories, but you still feel they should be immunized, please discuss your individual

circumstances with your family doctor or pediatrician. Delivering the second round of vaccines to children ages five to 11 is continuing in many locations, including schools. It is recommended by Health Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and public health that the second dose be administered eight weeks following the first dose. Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria information can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options. More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

•

Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

•

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Do you work in the Canadian beef cattle industry? We want to hear from you! We are looking for participants to help provide insight into the beef cattle industry and help us understand the system complexities from a "boots on the ground" perspective. WHO CAN PARTICIPATE: Ranchers Feedlot Operators Auction Owners Transporters Veterinarians Waste Removal Services Beef Consumers Meat Packers Wholesalers Other Related Professions

WHAT IS INVOLVED: You will be asked to participate in an online interview at a time that is convenient to you.

We will ask you to describe the technology and systems that you use in your daily work to help us identify and visualize the barriers and facilitators to decreased antimicrobial use in beef cattle.

IMPACT: Your insights will be used to develop an online tool that will be shared publicly and is intended to help inform decisions made by technology developers, researchers, consumers, producers, and/or policy makers to promote innovative solutions and technologies to help slow the transmission of antimicrobial resistance.

If you are interested in participating, or know other individuals who would be interested, please contact Courtney MacDonald to learn more: courtney.macdonald@ucalgary.ca This study has received ethics approval through the Conjoint Health Research Ethics Board (CHREB) Ethics ID: REB20-0156

Increases to Lending Limits Will Help Manitoba Producers Changes to Loan Limits Will Provide More Options to Invest in Operations: Johnson

(February 10, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba Agricultural Services

Corporation (MASC) is increasing limits on several lending products to help the province’s producers manage demands of farming in today’s economy, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced. “Our government recognizes the economic pressures on producers as they strive to succeed in the competitive world of agriculture, despite the challenges presented by last year’s drought and the impact of the ongoing pandemic,” said Johnson. “In response, MASC has increased lending limits to provide our farmers, especially the younger generation, with financial options that give them greater flexibility in managing, establishing or expanding their operations.” MASC's lending programs provide Manitoba's agricultural producers access to credit with reasonable interest rates and flexible repayment terms. The corporation provides direct loans and stocker loans, and guarantees loans made by private-sector financial institutions to help create and expand farming operations in rural Manitoba, thereby supporting the transition to the next generation of farmers. Limits were last updated in 2018. Effective April 1, 2022, the direct loan limit will increase to $4.25 million from $3.5 million, reflecting increased land values and operating costs. Loans may be used to purchase agricultural land and buildings, agricultural equipment, breeding livestock and quota for

supply-managed commodities. They may also be used for construction or renovation of farm buildings, greenhouses and nurseries, consolidation and refinancing of debt, and financing operating expenses. Limits on stocker loans, which provide producers with short-term financing for the purpose of purchasing feeder cattle and lambs or as a cash advance on their retained feeder animals, are also being increased. As well, effective April 1, 2022, stocker loan limits will increase to $750,000 from $500,000. With Manitoba’s beef herd reduced significantly because of recent drought years, increasing the lending limit to $750,000 from $500,000 provides an excellent tool to help producers rebuild their herds, the minister noted. Limits on the Manitoba Livestock Associations Loan Guarantee program, which encourages feeding cattle in the province thereby providing several economic spinoffs, will increase to $750,000 from $500,000 and association limits will increase to $12 million from $8 million, both as of April 1, 2022. “By providing lending programs, our government further supports and encourages the sustainability, development and diversification of agriculture and the rural economy of Manitoba,” said Johnson. “These changes will help ensure that MASC’s lending products remain relevant to producers and that capital is available. Supporting growth in the agricultural industry is important as it is a key driver of our provincial economy.” For more information, contact an AG-MASC Service Centre or go to www.masc.mb.ca.

Emergency Management Workshops for Livestock Producers The Animal Health Emergency Management Project (AHEM) is pleased to offer a new threepart series of engaging virtual webinars geared for livestock producers. In each 60-minute interactive webinar we share vital information, tips, and tools for understanding how to prepare and respond during a serious animal disease emergency. Webinar 1: Navigating the Unexpected – Emergency Management 101 A general overview of emergency management along with producer roles and responsibilities. The information is designed to boost preparedness with proactive steps and to provide insight into the knowledge and skills required during a serious animal disease outbreak.

Webinar 2: Resourced and Ready – Exploring Proactive Disease Management Tactics and Tools Explore the concepts and support tools found in the AHEM resources and ask questions about animal health emergency management. Webinar 3: Testing, Testing, 1-2-3 – Scenarios for producer Handbook application Participants will be introduced to AHEM’s producer-oriented simulation workshops, which give a practical understanding of how AHEM resources are used as guidance before, during and/or after a serious animal disease outbreak. Visit www.animalhealth.ca/workshops for more information including webinar dates and registration. The workshops begin February 1.

Volunteer for Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month (CALM) 2022! The following information is from Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba.

book in addition to a personalized virtual visit from you – our volunteers!

French and English speaking volunteers are needed!

CALM is a hands-on program that brings agriculture into classrooms and encourages students to learn about and celebrate Canadian agriculture. Many students don’t fully understand agriculture. By telling students why you love Canadian agriculture and giving them a glimpse of what you do, you will open their eyes to new knowledge, help them build a stronger appreciation for the food they eat, and for the role agriculture plays in their lives. All teachers will be provided with a hands-on agriculture activity and an agriculture themed

Who: Grade 1 to 6 students Date: March 2022 Time: 30-60 min How: Pick a virtual platform (Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime…) and date/time with the teacher Registration: Open until Feb. 4, 2022

Total Program Payments are calculated using these three steps: STEP 1: Calculate total eligible expenses

STEP 2: Calculate total eligible expenses net of the producer share

STEP 3: Total program payment is 75% of the Total Eligible Expenses Net of Producer Share

Canfax A division of Canadian Cattlemen’s Association #180, 6815 - 8th St NE Calgary, AB T2E 7H7 Tel: (403) 275-5110 Fax: (403) 275-6943 www.canfax.ca Canfax is Canada’s go-to source for cattle market information. Canfax has provided expert analysis of markets and trends in the ever-changing North American beef industry for over 50 years. Canfax is a non-profit organization, funding itself through memberships as well as data information services it provides to industry stakeholders. Cattlemen, feedlot managers and agri-business professionals rely on accurate, relevant, and timely information as an essential tool for maximizing profit in today’s beef sector.

Position Offering – Market Analyst The Market Analyst is responsible for providing market analysis services to Canfax members, overseeing the publication of weekly and special reports, managing data, information requests, speaking engagements, and being an industry spokesperson for media inquiries. Travel in Canada and possibly the U.S. will be required. This position offers an opportunity for the candidate to focus on in market intelligence and analysis for the Canadian beef cattle industry. Location: Calgary

Status: Full-time, permanent

Duties and Responsibilities: • • • • • • • •

Analysis and writing for the Weekly Report and other publications Present market updates and outlooks, traveling as needed Take media interviews Ensure Canfax reports are relevant and representative to industry Answering producer calls and assisting other market analysts Keeping up to date on Price Discovery research and current events Project management Other activities and tasks that may be assigned from time to time

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have: • A degree in agriculture, economics or business • A good understanding of the Canadian cattle industry and beef supply chain • Business management and marketing skills • Strong organization skills and attention to detail • Strong Analytical skills • Public Speaking Experience • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint If you are interested in this position, submit your cover letter and resume by February 25, 2022 to: info@canfax.ca.

Canfax Research Services A Division of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 180, 6815 – 8th Street NE Calgary, Alberta T2E 7H7 Tel: (403) 275-5110 Fax: (403) 275-6943 http://canfax.ca/Research.aspx

Canfax Research Services (CRS) provides the Canadian beef industry with statistical and market information on the domestic and global beef trends. Economic analysis is utilized for marketing, research, policy and investment decisions, supporting strategy and business plan development, as well as performance measurement. CRS monitors data sources from national statistics and develops new economic models to make annual outlooks and evaluate the impact of management decisions on cost of production. CRS maintains its independence as a third-party source of unbiased market information and analysis, maintaining operations through regular publications, long-term contracts and projects. Position Offering – Research Analyst The research analyst position is responsible for database maintenance, background research, statistical and market analysis for regular publications and specialized research projects. The successful candidate will be involved in collaborating on existing contracts and specialized research projects in the areas of cost of production, sustainability, and the cost:benefit of adopting certain practices as they relate to the Canadian beef industry. Location: Calgary Responsibilities: • Facilitate cost of production data collection individually and in focus groups • Development of producer decision making tools • Database management, statistical analysis, and model development in Excel • Solid research skills for literature reviews Qualifications: • Applicants must have a degree in agriculture, economics or business • Familiar with the agricultural production systems • Well-developed problem solving, research, and organizational skills. • Basic understanding of agricultural economics and economic modeling • Familiar with general database maintenance techniques and challenges • Ability to work independently with a strong self-motivation work ethic • Good time management with the ability to work on multiple projects at a time Skills required: • Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to data management • Chart development, editing and analysis • High standards for professional materials • Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint If you are interested in this position, submit your cover letter and resume by February 25, 2022 to: info@canfax.ca.

Position Offering – Member Relations and Database Coordinator The Member Relations and Database Coordinator role provides support to the Canfax team and members by provided data quality control on publications, overseeing the membership database and website. This position also assists with aggregating information, and formatting articles for a variety of reports. This position is involved in and supports a wide variety of the day-to-day tasks at Canfax. Requires comfort with learning a wide-variety of unique programs and service systems that are scheduled to be upgraded and re-vamped. We are looking for someone with problem solving skills and interest in project management. Location: Calgary

Status: Full-time, permanent

Duties and Responsibilities: • •

• • • •

Ensure the Canfax membership database is kept current and operating efficiently o Review monthly billing and ensure accuracy o Transition and upgrade systems Data quality control on publications o Collects and format data and commentaries for weekly and daily reports o Disseminates the weekly Canadian slaughter and grading reports o Completes and disseminates the Monthly Feedlot Trends Report o Update online files Maintain and upgrade the Canfax website Update spreadsheets as needed, and coordinate with team on file management o Assists with tasks as needed, such as updating and creating charts, compiling information for data requests, Sort Mail, code invoices and maintain adequate office supplies Other activities and task that may be assigned from time to time

Qualifications: The successful candidate will have: • Strong organization skills and attention to detail • Strong computer skills with Microsoft Excel, Word, Powerpoint • Website management skills • Strong interpersonal and communication skills for client relationships • Database management experience • Ability to work independently and self-motivated If you are interested in this position, submit your cover letter and resume by February 25, 2022 to: info@canfax.ca.

Canadian Agriculture and Food Industry Calls for Government Action to Restore Essential Transport and Trade Corridors February 11, 2022 Ottawa, ON - With the prolonged disruptions at Canada-U.S. border crossings, Canada’s agriculture and food industry is calling for an immediate conclusion of the blockades and for all levels of government to work collaboratively towards action to reinstate integral transport and trade corridors. Transport of fruits and vegetables, meat, food packaging, feed supplies, livestock shipments, transport equipment, and integral inputs for agriculture and food processing have already been seriously impacted by the blockades. These blockades are impacting the livelihoods of Canadian farm families, the further businesses they are connected to and the timely supply and delivery of essential goods. Canada and the U.S. have the largest two-way trade of essential goods and each day the blockades continue further strains these integral supply chains and the Canadian economy. In 2020, Canada and the U.S. traded $50 billion CDN dollars of agriculture and food for an average of $137 million per day with Coutts, Alberta, Emerson, Manitoba, and the Ambassador bridge being key trade routes for these goods. The signatories below are requesting immediate action by all parties to fully reopen Canada’s trade corridors. This is imperative to the livelihoods of Canadian agriculture businesses and key to maintaining Canada’s strong reputation as a stable trading nation. Quotes: “We cannot let these disruptions endanger Canada's reputation as a reliable and stable trading partner. Our sector's supply chains are highly integrated across the Canada-U.S. border and these vital trade corridors support jobs across Canada. It is time to restore stability in Canada's most significant and important trading relationship.” Dan Darling, President, Canadian Agri-Food Trade Alliance "Maintaining a stable supply chain is critical to Canadian beef production. The evolving situation at the U.S.-Canada border and the transportation delays are resulting in major impacts for the entire beef supply chain and it is now time for this to end.” Bob Lowe, President, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association “Governments must recognize the negative impact these recent blockades and convoys are having on Canada’s critical trade infrastructure, which includes the agriculture and agri-food sector, and take immediate actions to restore the supply chain.”

Mary Robinson, President, Canadian Federation of Agriculture “Canada’s fruit and vegetable growers have been faced with considerable supply chain disruptions throughout the past two years, and the recent border blockades have only exacerbated them. Now is the time for government to put an end to the blockades at our trading ports and ensure the uninterrupted movement of fruits and vegetables across the Canada-U.S. border.” Jan VanderHout, President, Canadian Horticultural Council “Pork industry’s supply chain operates on a structured, just in time delivery system for animal feed, movement of live animals across Canada and the U.S. and many more critical materials that keep our industry providing food for Canadians. Supply chain delays impact producers’ mental health and the potentially the health and welfare of the animals we are entrusted to care for. Our industry cannot sustain any more delays.” Rick Bergmann, Chair, Canadian Pork Council “These blockades are affecting the whole supply chain, from farm to fork. We need swift action to put an end to this. Throughout this period of disruption, our members have appreciated the agility and flexibility of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to assist them in getting their products across the border and to market.” Chris White, President, Canadian Meat Council “Companies throughout the fresh fruit and vegetable supply chain continue to navigate the challenges and hardships of the pandemic. The recent blockades have compounded the strain on a fragile system that is working to address food inflation and availability. As trade between Canada and the United States relies heavily on open and fluid transportation corridors, it is essential all levels of government work together to address these issues and allow for the uninterrupted flow of perishable goods with our largest trading partner (the United States).” Ron Lemaire, Canadian Produce Marketing Association “The closures and delays caused by the protest blockades have affects all the way back to the farm gate. The beef supply chain has already been disrupted by drought, floods, transportation issues, and more; we need to get both products and animals moving freely across the border for the sake of animal welfare and economics alike.” James Bekkering, Chair, National Cattle Feeders’ Association

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP February 4, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Drought Relief Program Expanded For Manitoba Livestock Producers Under AgriRecovery Framework Additional Extraordinary Expenses Now Deemed Eligible for Coverage The governments of Canada and Manitoba are continuing to support livestock producers by expanding the eligibility of expenses under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program. Today, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced the addition of extraordinary expenses producers incurred in accessing feed, water and pasture as part of the program to address the challenges faced throughout the drought in 2021. “Canadian producers have stayed strong and resilient as they took care of their land and animals, while facing natural disasters,” said Bibeau. “Our governments recognize the need to adjust risk management programs to support them. By expanding the eligibility criteria of allowable expenses under AgriRecovery, we are helping Manitoba producers get feed to their herds and move forward through this challenging period.” “Manitoba producers care deeply about their livestock and these programs offer a flexible and responsive approach that will help them recover from the drought and plan for the 2022 growing season,” said Johnson. “Since the program was introduced in August, industry stakeholders have told us that the needs of producers had changed. In .

response, we recognized that producers need additional help with other extraordinary expenses to recover from the drought and today’s announcement addresses that expressed need.” Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program was established to help producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain their breeding herds, including through the transport of purchased feed from distant locations. “Manitoba Beef Producers thanks the federal and provincial governments for listening to our concerns about how to make the programs more reflective of the many different types of strategies producers have had to use to source critical feed and water resources for their livestock,” said Tyler Fulton, president, Manitoba Beef Producers. “These important additions will better address the wide array of extraordinary costs arising due to the drought and will help mitigate some of the negative financial impact it is having on producers.” Many producers have obtained feed and maintained their herds through baling extra acres, renting extra pasture, hauling water and other extraordinary measures. continued on page 3

Everyone who registers by 4pm on Monday, February 7 will be entered into a draw for a QDM prize package!

Agenda + proposed by-law amendments available here.

AgriRecovery enhancements – cont. from page 1 Among the additional extraordinary costs now covered are expenditures related to rentals of additional crop or pasture acres, temporary fencing for supplemental grazing, hauling water, harvesting extra acres or hauling self-produced feed from distant locations. Eligible animals under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program include breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine, sheep, goats, bison and elk. Producers must support a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance. The program covers feed, feed transportation and related extraordinary expenses incurred between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. The Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program has processed more than 1,200 claims and will accept new claims until a deadline of April 15. The governments of Canada and Manitoba will continue to work in collaboration to support farmers during this challenging period to ensure they have access to the necessary resources to maintain competitiveness. The Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program complements two other AgriRecovery programs offered to producers. The Herd Management Drought Assistance program helps producers replace breeding animals culled due to drought. The Livestock

Transportation program offers assistance to producers facing extraordinary costs to transport breeding animals of beef cattle, sheep and goats to alternate locations to feed, up to 1,000 kilometres. Both programs are part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership with funding shared on a 60-40 federal-provincial basis. Under the Canada-Manitoba AgriRecovery Drought Assistance program, the Government of Canada is investing up to $93 million and the Manitoba government is investing $62 million to cover eligible extraordinary costs, for total program funding of up to $155 million. For detailed program information, producers can contact their AG-MASC Service Centre or call toll-free at 1-84-GROW-MB-AG (1-844-7696224). They can also visit: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/canadianagricultural-partnership/business-riskmanagement-programs/index.html. Manitobans can stay up to date on the province’s agricultural programs and services by following Manitoba Agriculture on Twitter at https://twitter.com/MBGovAg. Note: Additional program details, including backgrounders, application forms and application deadlines are found beginning on page 20 in this edition of the e-newsletter.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

New Public Health Orders Set Out First Phase In Manitoba's Plan To Relax Restrictions

(February 2, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Based on current COVID-19 projections,

the Manitoba government is taking a cautious path towards reducing public health restrictions over the next several weeks, Premier Heather Stefanson announced today, noting the province will also make $16.3 million available to businesses and the arts and culture sector that have been affected by public health orders. “Last week, we chose to extend public health orders to ensure the COVID-19 situation in Manitoba was stabilizing or improving, and we can see that continues to be the case,” said Stefanson. “This means we can be confident in moving forward with the next phase in our pandemic response, which is a gradual and cautious reopening. New public health orders will reduce restrictions over the next two weeks for private gatherings and begin a shift in how we address capacity limits and how and when we gather in public spaces.” Private gatherings where everyone is fully vaccinated will be expanded to allow the household plus 25 others in indoor spaces and 50 people in outdoor spaces. More stringent restrictions are in place for private gatherings with individuals who are not vaccinated. However, these are also expanded from previous public health orders. The changes to public health orders will also allow sports and recreation tournaments to resume, extend liquor sales to 12 a.m. at licensed premises and adjust capacity restrictions in many public spaces.

“To be effective, public health orders should only be as restrictive as we need at the time,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “Manitobans have largely stepped up and followed these rules when it was critical in our pandemic response and also chose to get vaccinated, which has helped us to protect ourselves, each other and the capacity of our health-care system. The data and modelling show that we are stabilizing and may have in fact passed the peak we expected from omicron. The next few weeks will be critical as we monitor these trends and determine if it is appropriate to reduce additional restrictions over the longer term.” The premier noted the province will continue to consult with public health to determine the timing and extent of the next phase of relaxing public health orders based on health-care system capacity, modelling and other data. The intent is to implement a gradual loosening of capacity restrictions and other measures by spring, while learning to live with COVID-19. The new public health orders will come into effect at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and will remain in place until Tuesday, Feb. 22. Manitoba remains at the Orange (Restricted) level under the Pandemic Response System. The Manitoba government is also providing further support to business by expanding program eligibility under the Sector Support Program and providing second payments to those affected by the COVID-19 public health orders that were in place before Jan. 31. “Many businesses and organizations across the province have faced significant financial losses under the latest public health orders,” said Stefanson. “We are following through on the continued on page 6

New Public Health Orders Set Out First Phase In Manitoba's Plan To Relax Restrictions commitment we made when we established the Sector Support Program. This will help sustain businesses in the coming weeks as we begin to reopen our economy. The arts and cultural sector will also be eligible for another $6 million to help address the challenges they have faced over the last several months. Together, this will help rebuild a vibrant economy and cultural scene in our province as we look forward with our reopening path.” The expansion to the Sector Support Program is expected to flow up to $10.3 million of the $22 million allocated under this program and includes: •

extending the program intake period until Feb. 28, 2022;

•

expanding eligibility under the program to include event rentals, catering and photographers; and

•

providing a second payment to businesses that have been previously approved and are affected by public health orders in place into February.

Businesses can apply for grants based on the number of employees. With the addition of a second payment, the maximum support available increases to: •

$6,000 for one to nine employees;

•

$12,000 for 10 to 19 employees;

•

$18,000 for 20 to 49 employees; and

•

$24,000 for 50 or more employees.

The Sector Support Program is available to businesses such as restaurants, hotels and bars that provide dine-in food services, fitness and recreation facilities, movie theatres, performance venues and museums. The premier noted that all these applicants will receive two payments if they apply before the Feb. 28 deadline. Event rentals, catering and photographers who apply will be recognized as being impacted by the December public health order and qualify for the new maximum supports. Other eligible businesses who apply for the first time in February will be eligible for the original amounts in recognition of the impact of the current public health orders. More information on the Sector Support Program is available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/programs/issp. html. The premier noted $6 million in new funding has been allocated to the Arts and Culture Sustainability Program to support organizations in this sector negatively affected by COVID-19 and public health order restrictions. For more information, visit https://artscouncil.mb.ca/grants/supportarts-and-culture-sustainability-fund/. For more information about COVID-19 and the pandemic response in Manitoba, visit: manitoba.ca/covid19 . See the detailed changes in the following backgrounder: BACKGROUNDER

NEW PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS IN MANITOBA’S REOPENING PATH The following COVID-19 prevention orders will take effect 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8 and will remain in place until Feb. 22. Sector Indoor gatherings in public spaces

Outdoor gatherings in public spaces

Indoor gatherings on private property

Jan. 28 Restrictions Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent of the usual capacity of the space, whichever is lower. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less. Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces are limited to 50 people. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less. Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if all are

Feb. 8 Restrictions No change.

No change.

Private indoor gatherings are limited to 25 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth

Outdoor gatherings on private property

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts

fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

under the age of 12 are exempt).

Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt). Outdoor gatherings at a private residence are limited to 50 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Private outdoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Private outdoor gatherings are limited to 20 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts are limited to 50 per cent capacity and are limited to seated service only with a maximum of 10 people per table.

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts are limited to 50 per cent capacity and are limited to seated service only with a

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts are limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 persons, whichever is lesser.

Gyms and fitness centres

Casinos, bingo halls and VLTs

Museums and galleries

Libraries Professional sports or performing arts events

Movie theatres and concert halls

Liquor sales must end at 10 p.m. daily. Capacity limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Proof of vaccination is required.

maximum of 10 people per table. Liquor sales must end at 12 a.m. daily.

Capacity limited to 50 per cent with proof of immunization required everywhere. Proof of vaccination is required.

Capacity is limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less. Museums operate under the requirement to show proof of vaccination when open to the public as a museum.

Capacity is limited to 50 per cent.

Capacity limited to 50 per cent with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Museums operate under the requirement to show proof of vaccination when open to the public as a museum.

No change. Limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of immunization required everywhere. Limited to 50 per cent capacity with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Weddings and funerals

Indoor religious services and Indigenous cultural events

Permitting indoor public gathering group sizes to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 people, whichever is less. Indoor cultural and religious services are limited to 25 per cent capacity or a total of 25 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required. Cohorts may be implemented where groups can be physically divided up to a maximum of 10 cohorts or 250 people. Cohorts must not mingle, masks must be worn and physical distancing rules apply.

Outdoor religious services and indigenous cultural events

Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine are limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. Outdoor cultural and religious services that include one or more unvaccinated person (if they are 12 years of age or

No change.

Indoor community, cultural and religious services are limited to 25 per cent capacity or a total of 250 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required. Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine are limited to 50 per cent capacity.

Outdoor cultural and religious services that include one or more unvaccinated person (if they are 12 years of age or older)

Personal services

Indoor sports and recreation, including dance, theatre and music schools.

older) are restricted to 50 people in outdoor locations.

are restricted to 50 per cent capacity in outdoor locations.

Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space.

Drive-in services continue unrestricted. Open without capacity restrictions and physical distancing is required. Spectator capacity for indoor sporting and recreation facilities is reduced to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less and proof of vaccination is required for those 18 and over.

Drive-in services continue unrestricted.

No change.

Spectator capacity for sporting and recreation facilities is reduced to 50 per cent and proof of vaccination is required for those 18 and over. Tournaments are allowed.

While games and practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted. Proof of at least one dose of vaccination or a recent (within 72 hours) negative rapid test result will be required for 1217 year olds for indoor and recreational sports. Negative rapid tests need to come from a participating pharmacy as provincial testing sites should only be accessed by symptomatic individuals or those who are

Proof of at least one dose of vaccination or a recent (within 72 hours) negative rapid test result will be required for 12 to 17-yearolds for indoor and recreational sports. Negative rapid tests need to be confirmed by a pharmacist or by staff at a nursing station on a First Nation as provincial testing sites should only be accessed by symptomatic individuals or those who are

Outdoor sports and recreation

Children’s camps

Retail, markets, garden centres and malls

required to take a PCR test by public health. While games and practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted. Capacity for spectators is limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less. Day camps are limited to no more than 25 campers and camper groups must be cohorted. Overnight camps are prohibited under these orders. Permitting retail capacity at 50 per cent in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region. This restriction does not apply to the municipalities of Cartier, Headingley, Macdonald, Ritchot (Niverville/Ritchot), St. François Xavier and Taché. Permitting retail capacity at 100 per cent in the InterlakeEastern, Northern, Prairie Mountain Health and Winnipeg capital region, including the municipalities of Cartier, Headingley, Macdonald, Ritchot (Niverville/Ritchot), St. François Xavier and Taché. Physical distancing measures are required. Masks required indoors.

advised to receive testing by public health. Games, practices and tournaments permitted. Capacity for spectators is limited to 50 per cent.

No change.

Retail capacity at 100 per cent throughout Manitoba. Physical distancing measures are required. Masks required indoors.

Workplaces

Indoor self-help gatherings

Open without restrictions. Businesses are required to report two or more positive cases to public health. Indoor gathering limits and mask use orders apply.

Open without restrictions. No requirement to report cases to public health. No change.

Click here to register

Industry Update The Philippines lifts import suspension on Canadian beef January 31, 2022 Ottawa, ON As of January 28, 2022, the Philippines has lifted its temporary import suspension on Canadian beef. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has worked closely in collaboration with the Government of Canada to regain market access, following the Philippines’ temporary suspension of imports of Canadian beef on January 5, 2022. The suspension came following the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s notification to the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) about a confirmed case of atypical Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. Atypical BSE is a distinct form from classical that arises rarely and spontaneously in all cattle populations around the world. The case was detected as part of routine surveillance initiatives and did not enter the food system. From January to November 2021, Canadian beef exports to the Philippines were 4,681 tonnes valued at $14 million. This is up 409 per cent in volume and 223 per cent in value from the same period in 2020. The detection of an atypical case does not impact Canada’s BSE negligible risk status, nor should it further interrupt trade flows. CCA continues to work with the Government of Canada to regain market access to China. The Philippines is one of ten members of the Association of Southern Asian Nations (ASEAN), Canada’s sixthlargest trading partner. CCA will continue to focus on removing remaining BSE-era market access restrictions and supports the trade negotiations between Canada and ASEAN. For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager mcmullenm@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

Statement ABP, ACFA, CCA Statement on Canada-U.S. Border Disruption February 3, 2022 Calgary, AB – With the prolonged disruptions at the Canada-U.S. border crossing, Canada’s beef industry has serious concerns with supply chain challenges, including the lack of access to feed coming from the U.S. and impacts on cross border movement of cattle and meat products. Alberta Beef Producers (ABP), Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association (ACFA), and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) are calling for a timely resolution and the restoration of our essential supply chain. ABP, ACFA, and CCA want to see the blockade resolved safely and effectively for truckers, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, producers, and all involved. In 2020, food and agriculture were deemed an essential service to continue moving supply chains during the pandemic, and it is critical agriculture continues to be able to operate without disruption. The Canadian and American beef industries are highly integrated. Every day the industry is unable to move cattle, beef, or access feed puts the entire supply chain at risk. Canadian beef producers are already facing challenging supply issues from access to feed, following the devastating drought conditions in 2021, limited rail access, and trucking shortages. Blocking the transport of beef to cross border consumers is slowing down processing in Canada and creating a backlog at processing facilities, feedlots and farms and ranches. The obstruction is also blocking the growing critical supplies of feed that are needed across western Canada. ABP, ACFA, and CCA continue to monitor developments and work with the federal and provincial governments, and other stakeholders to keep all components of the beef supply chain functioning. Quotes: “The beef industry is aware of the situation evolving at the Canada-U.S. border crossing. Our focus remains on the people who are affected by immediate delays to the beef supply chain and ensuring the welfare of animals. Further impacts to cattle prices must be avoided." Dr. Melanie Wowk, ABP Chair “The unintended consequences of these closures and delays further affect already existing shortages on products like animal feed that have been caused by drought, trade disruptions, and transport issues. Transportation delays can severely impact the beef supply chain from cattle feed to grocery shelves.” Greg Schmidt, ACFA "Maintaining a stable supply chain is critical to Canadian beef production. The evolving situation at the U.S.-Canada border and the transportation delays are resulting in major impacts for the entire beef supply chain.” Bob Lowe, CCA President For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca

NEWS RELEASE Canada Beef congratulates Sage Watson for 4-H Canada recognition February 03, 2022 Calgary, AB - Canada Beef extends sincere congratulations to Canadian Olympian Sage Watson for being named as the recipient of the 2021 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes the outstanding leadership and contributions of 4-H alumni to “our communities, country, and world.” Watson, from Medicine Hat, Alberta, grew up on a beef farm, an experience she credits with helping shape a strong work ethic. She made her Olympic debut in 2016. Canada Beef has worked with the Olympic track and field athlete to promote the health and nutritional benefits of Canadian beef as well as the stewardship of farmers and ranchers for the land and cattle under their care. Supporting the farming community is a topic Watson is passionate about. “Canada Beef has been extremely pleased to be able to foster our relationship with Sage to serve as a Canadian beef ambassador and influencer for consumers in Canada and around the world. Clearly, Sage is a tremendous example of the 4-H ethic in application to all aspects of life and we congratulate her on this latest achievement,” said Canada Beef Vice President, Corporate Affairs, Ron Glaser. Under the My Canadian Beef campaign, Watson shared her love for eating beef as part of a wholesome and well-rounded diet to increase performance and help with physical recovery. She engages with a large running and sports audience through her social platform, and posts videos and stories that resonate with her followers. She loves to cook with beef and her audience enjoys watching her prepare Canada Beef recipes. Her work has been a tremendous benefit for the beef industry and Canada Beef was pleased to support her nomination to 4-H Canada. Watson will receive the 4-H Canada Distinguished Alumni Award at the virtual 2022 4-H Canada Leadership Awards on February 23 hosted by Peter Mansbridge. For more information, please contact: GINA TEEL, APR Manager, Stakeholder Communications Canada Beef 403-875-3616 gteel@canadabeef.ca About Canada Beef As the marketing division of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency, Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has staff in Canada, Japan, China, Taiwan and Mexico. In addition to National Check-Off and import levy funding, Canada Beef leverages cattle producer dollars with private market partner investments and government industry development funding to maximize the benefits of producer check-off investment.

Suite 146, 6715 – 8th Street NE, Calgary, AB Canada T2E 7H7 canadabeef.ca

Important information from the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency regarding identification tags upon us, demand is exceeding availability for some products.

Supply chain issues are affecting many products, including livestock identification devices. Shortage of raw material and staff absenteeism at manufacturing plants are now creating some noticeable delays. CDMV (CCIA’s distributor) is receiving some shipments periodically, but as the busy calving season is

It is important to remember to place your order on the CCIA Webstore even if your selected products show as ‘Back Order”. By placing your order, you secure your priority in the queue, and it will be filled as soon as there is availability. Or you may want to consider another approved tag that is in stock right now. Consult the CCIA Tag-and-Tag-AccessoriesCatalogue.pdf catalogue for alternative options. Also, please note to ensure fair distribution, some products are subject to a weekly purchase limitation for an undetermined period.

Attention livestock producers – the calf season for Livestock Price Insurance is now open

Protect your bottom line from market price declines by purchasing calf policies. Livestock Price Insurance offers forward price coverage

for calves you plan to market between September and February 2023. Choose from a range of coverage options every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. The last day to purchase calf policies is June 9. Visit LPI.ca or call 1-844-782-5747 for program details.

Volunteer for Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month (CALM) 2022! The following information is from Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba.

book in addition to a personalized virtual visit from you – our volunteers!

French and English speaking volunteers are needed!

Who: Grade 1 to 6 students Date: March 2022 Time: 30-60 min How: Pick a virtual platform (Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime…) and date/time with the teacher Registration: Open until Feb. 4, 2022

First batch of COVID-19 rebate cheques in the mail: Manitoba Public Insurance (February 1, 2022 MPI News Release) About

our way through this challenging time in our province.”

200,000 COVID-19 rebate cheques are being sent to Canada Post this week, Manitoba Public Insurance announced today. In total, 680,000 cheques will be issued in coming weeks, for a total rebate amount of $312 million. It’s expected all cheques will be mailed by midFebruary.

This is the third MPI COVID-19 rebate in less than two years. In total, MPI will have provided rebates of nearly $500 million to its policy holders ─ $110 million in May 2020 and $69 million in December 2020. This latest will result in about $328 rebated to an average private passenger policy.

“The pandemic has negatively impacted many Manitobans personal finances, but it has also reduced the collision claims to MPI allowing for a rebate,” Kelvin Goertzen, Minister of Justice and Attorney General & Minister Responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) said today. “Returning these funds to its customers benefits Manitobans and is in keeping with the mandate of Manitoba Public Insurance. “The last two years have been a challenging time in our province. This current rebate is both positive and welcomed. Together, we’ll work

“The financial strength of MPI has allowed us to once again provide a COVID-related rebate cheque,” said Eric Herbelin, President & CEO, Manitoba Public Insurance. “Once again the public auto insurance model demonstrates its strength and financial benefits to our customers.” The rebate is calculated on the Basic Autopac premiums paid between November 22, 2020, and December 9, 2021, and is expected to be about 27 per cent of the customer’s annual Basic Autopac premium. Rebate amounts of $10 or less will be credited to the customer’s account.

Total Program Payments are calculated using these three steps: STEP 1: Calculate total eligible expenses

STEP 2: Calculate total eligible expenses net of the producer share

STEP 3: Total program payment is 75% of the Total Eligible Expenses Net of Producer Share

Status: Full-time, permanent

Duties and Responsibilities: • • • • • • • •

Status: Full-time, permanent

Duties and Responsibilities: • •

• • • •

SAVE THE DATE

SUSTAINABILITY OF CANADIAN AGRICULTURE 2022 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE

Farming for Sustainable Food Systems

Photo: E. McGeough

MARCH 16-18, 2022 Wednesday March 16

Keynote Speaker - Dr. David Kanter, New York University Morning panel discussion: Food Systems Redesign

Thursday March 17

Workshop: Holos Model v4 Afternoon panel discussion: Road to Carbon Neutrality Q and A with Researchers

Friday March 18

Afternoon panel discussion: Managing From a Landscape Perspective

Registration for this free event is opening soon! Come visit us at:

www.umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/sustainability-canadian-agriculture-2022

Free Resources

Calf 911 Practical online tools for hard working beef producers.

www.beefresearch.ca

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 28, 2022

mbbeef.ca

New Polycrop Establishment Insurance Available Through MASC (Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Agriculture is advising dollar values for many crops insured in Manitoba are mostly higher than the previous year and have reached record levels in many cases, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced January 25th.

Total AgriInsurance coverage for 2022 is expected to exceed $4.66 billion on 9.8 million acres. This means the average coverage is estimated at $463 per acre, compared to $321 per acre in 2021. This substantial increase in coverage reflects the expectation of continued strength in commodity prices into the 2022 crop year. “With a widespread drought throughout the province, 2021 was a difficult year for many Manitoba farmers,” said Johnson. “We’re proud to increase our support to the agricultural sector as we value its strength as a driving force to our economy.” AgriInsurance premium rates have increased by about 10 per cent due to the reduced program surplus as a result of record payments in 2021. Premiums per acre will also be higher for most crops due to the increased coverage. Based on industry and producer feedback, several other program enhancements for 2022 include: •

The introduction of a new Polycrop Establishment Insurance that will provide financial assistance to Manitoba farmers if an eligible polycrop fails to establish. Polycrops are a mixture of two or more annual crops other than greenfeed that are grown

simultaneously on the same acreage for the purpose of livestock feed, soil restoration or green manure.

•

An increase in the indemnity level for table and processing potatoes destroyed prior to harvest from 85 per cent to 90 per cent, resulting in a better reflection of current potato harvesting costs. The vegetable acreage loss insurance has been updated to reduce the minimum required acres for the program to one-half from three. This will provide smaller commercial producers with an effective risk management tool.

The AgriInsurance program is a risk management tool for Manitoba farmers to protect against production shortfalls and quality losses caused by natural perils. The program is administered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriInsurance premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada and 24 per cent by the Manitoba government. Administrative expenses are paid 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by Manitoba. The hail insurance program, administered by MASC outside the scope of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will also see increased coverage levels for 2022. Maximum hail dollar coverage is increasing to $400 per acre from $300 per acre, based on higher expected gross revenue for most crops. The 2022 premium rates are the same for most risk areas and expected coverage will increase to $1.5 billion from $1.1 billion

Agenda + proposed by-law amendments available here.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Manitoba To Extend Public Health Orders To Protect Against COVID-19 Another Week

Public health orders currently in place will continue for an additional week as Manitoba continues to assess the spread and impact of the omicron variant, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced today. “Manitoba has imposed restrictions earlier and for a longer period of time compared to most other Canadian jurisdictions,” said Gordon. “As we all learn to live with the virus, it is still critical that we stay the course over the next week. There are signs of stabilization but we need more data to fully assess our next steps and implement initiatives that support our pandemic response.” Current orders expire on Tuesday, Feb. 1. They will be extended until 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 8. Manitoba remains at the Orange (Restricted) level under the Pandemic Response System. Provincial data released today indicates that severe outcomes from the spread of the omicron variant may have peaked. Admissions to hospital and intensive care units are high but either stable or slowly declining in recent weeks. However, recent data from Winnipeg wastewater suggests the viral count may once again be increasing. Test positivity rates have limitations because they only include PCR tests. They have been high and stable at around 30 per cent in most regions. “While we are seeing some key indicators signal a peak, we need to remain cautious in our approach to the virus,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. “COVID-19 continues to add stress to our health care system and we need all Manitobans to get vaccinated, stay home when you are sick, get tested and self-isolate according to public health orders. I know we are all tired. Working together, we have the ability to reduce the impact of the virus.”

As work continues to manage hospitalization and ICU capacity, additional patients may need to be relocated outside of their home region. There continues to be capacity within Manitoba hospitals with care teams that are trained to provide appropriate, high-quality care for a wide range of patient needs. “Manitoba recognizes that for some patients and their designated support person this is a short-term inconvenience, but for others it is a significant hardship,” said Gordon. “We are putting a new program in place that will provide financial assistance for meals, transportation and accommodations or link to community support resources when a person is relocated to a facility outside of their region for on-going inpatient care.” When a patient is transferred out of their community, their regional health authority or service delivery organization will work directly with them and their designated support person to coordinate this financial assistance. The program will allow for up to eight visits per month by a designated support person and: • meal vouchers so the designated support person can dine with the client when onsite meal service is available, or assistance to a maximum of $8 for breakfast, $10 for lunch and $15 for dinner when on-site meal service is unavailable; • transportation assistance of return bus fare or gas expenses; and • accommodation assistance up to a maximum of $70 per night plus taxes. Program details are currently being finalized and are expected to be in place in early February. The program will not be retroactive. For more information about COVID-19 and the pandemic response in Manitoba, visit manitoba.ca/covid19. Backgrounder BG-Extension of COVID-19 General Prevention Orders

EXTENSION OF COVID-19 GENERAL PREVENTION ORDERS Manitoba’s current COVID-19 general prevention orders have been extended, effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1 and will remain in place for an additional week until Feb. 8. Sector

Restrictions

Indoor gatherings in public spaces

Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent of the usual capacity of the space, whichever is lower. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Outdoor gatherings in public spaces

Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces are limited to 50 people. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Indoor gatherings on private property

Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Outdoor gatherings on private property

Private indoor gatherings are limited to five additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt). Outdoor gatherings at a private residence are limited to 20 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt). Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts

Gyms and fitness centres

Casinos, bingo halls and VLTs

Liquor sales must end at 10 p.m. daily. Capacity limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Proof of vaccination is required.

Museums and galleries

Libraries Professional sports or performing arts events Movie theatres and concert halls

Weddings and funerals

Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings

Capacity is limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less. Museums operate under the requirement to show proof of vaccination when open to the public as a museum. Capacity limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Limited to 50 per cent capacity. Limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Permitting indoor public gathering group sizes to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 people, whichever is less. Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings are limited to 25 per cent capacity or a total of 25 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required. Cohorts may be implemented where groups can be physically divided up to a maximum of 10 cohorts or 250 people. Cohorts must not mingle, masks must be worn and physical distancing rules apply.

Outdoor community, cultural and religious gatherings

Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine are limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated person (if they are 12 years of age or older) are restricted to 50 people in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces. Outdoor gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Personal services Indoor sports and recreation, including dance, theatre and music schools.

Drive-in services continue unrestricted. Open without capacity restrictions and physical distancing is required. Spectators for indoor and outdoor sporting and recreation capacity is reduced to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. While games and practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted. No group activities outside of practice time or games, come ready to play and limit group time indoors (e.g. in dressing rooms). Province-wide, proof of at least one dose of vaccination or a recent (within 72 hours) negative test result will be required for 12-17 year olds for indoor and recreational sports.

Outdoor sports and recreation

Negative tests need to come from a participating pharmacy as provincial testing sites should only be accessed by symptomatic individuals or those who are required to take a PCR test by public health. While games and practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted. No group activities outside of practice time or games, come ready to play and limit group time indoors (e.g. in dressing rooms).

Children’s camps

Capacity for spectators is limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less. Day camps are limited to no more than 25 campers and camper groups must be cohorted. Overnight camps are prohibited under these orders.

Retail, markets, garden centres and malls

Workplaces

Permitting retail capacity at 50 per cent in the Southern Health-Santé Sud health region. This restriction does not apply to the municipalities of Cartier, Headingly, Macdonald, Ritchot (Niverville/Ritchot), St Francois Xavier and Tache. Permitting retail capacity at 100 per cent in the Interlake-Eastern, Northern, Prairie Mountain Health and Winnipeg capital region, including the municipalities of Cartier, Headingly, Macdonald, Ritchot (Niverville/Ritchot), St Francois Xavier and Tache. Physical distancing measures are required. Masks required indoors. Open without restrictions.

Indoor self-help gatherings

Indoor gathering limits and mask use orders apply.

Interested in learning more about sustainable food systems, collaborative research ecosystems and digital innovation? This event will include dynamic speakers from around the world, panel discussions and opportunities for networking. The Summit will feature Natalia Suescun Pozas from the World Economic Forum (Switzerland), Michael McCain from Maple Leaf Foods, Dr. Sylvain Charlebois from Dalhousie University, and other organizations including IMPROVE (France), Wageningen University & Research (Netherlands), The Nature Conservancy (United States), Bridge2Food (Netherlands), Farmers Edge, Regeneration Canada, and more! Register today: https://pheedloop.com/MBProteinSummit/site/home/

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government The following information is compiled from provincial government news releases for the week of January 24.

screening. Children or staff exposed to COVID-19 in the child care and school settings may continue to attend child care and school if they are asymptomatic. Public health will continue to monitor the overall cases in child care centres and may contact a facility if increased COVID-19 activities is suspected. The guidance will take effect Friday, Jan. 28. To learn more, visit https://manitoba.ca/fs/pubs/covid19-elcc-practice-guide-jan-2022.pdf.

Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards: •

Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19/

•

COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19-vaccinations-dashboard1/

•

Key Updates •

•

Oral antiviral medications are now available in Manitoba for the treatment of COVID-19. Eligibility criteria for available treatment options for COVID19 (both Paxlovid and monoclonal antibodies) have expanded to include some fully vaccinated individuals (two doses of an approved two dose vaccine or one dose of a single dose vaccine), with the second dose (or single dose for one dose vaccine) administered more than four months ago. These individuals must also meet other criteria set out related to age and co-morbidity. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/treatment /index.html, call Health Links-Info Sante at 204-788-8200 or 1-800-315-9257, or contact your family doctor. To more closely align schools and early learning child-care centres (ELCC) COVID-19 guidance, notification of close contacts by child care centres is no longer required. Attendance of children and staff will be based on symptom

Vaccine The RBC provincial vaccine clinic is open for walk-in appointments. Manitobans who are eligible for a third dose, or booster, are urged to get one. The booster dose is readily available to everyone over age 18 in Manitoba. It is most important that those who are 50 and over get immunized with a third dose right away, because this age group is experiencing - and will continue to experience more severe outcomes, including hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government Manitobans who live in First Nations communities, have diabetes, or are immunocompromised are urged to get a third dose. A complete listing of the medical conditions that would classify a person as immunocompromised can be found at https://protectmb.ca. Delivering the second round of vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 is continuing in many locations, including schools. It is recommended by Health Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and public health that the second dose be administered eight weeks following the first dose. Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to

be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria information can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options. More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

•

Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

•

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Agricultural Crown Land Lease Auctions Being Held Online January 31 to February 4 cropping. The official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: http://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPpropertie s.aspx#agLeasePermit. (Province of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government’s agricultural Crown land lease and permit auctions will be held online beginning Monday, Jan. 31, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced January 12. “The online auction format ensures we can offer all Manitoba producers the opportunity to lease agricultural lands while remaining in accordance with current public health orders,” said Eichler. “Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations.” A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing or

The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/. These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers to provide an additional land base to conduct agricultural activities. The Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program supports the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to climate change. For more information about the upcoming auctions, visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land or contact your local ARD and MASC Service Centre.

The document Preparing for an Online Agricultural Crown Lands Lease Auction follows on pages 14-15.

Preparing for an Online Agricultural Crown Lands Lease Auction Parcels for Lease Agricultural Crown Lands available for lease or renewable permit at auction can be reviewed at: resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx#agLeasePermit The lots will be available for viewing on the website of the 3rd party hosting the auction one week prior to the start of the auction.

Prior to the Auction • Potential bidders are encouraged to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Any arrears on agricultural Crown lands lease or permit accounts must be paid in full prior to the auction in order to be eligible to bid. Eligibility may also be impacted by previous compliance history with the Agricultural Crown Lands program. • Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching and visiting the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations. Potential bidders must ensure they can legally access the parcels. º Aerial photo map viewer agrimaps.gov.mb.ca/agrimaps/ º Information on the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program, including the standard Forage Lease Agreement and Cropping Lease Agreement can be found on the Agricultural Crown Lands website: manitoba.ca/agriculture/ land-management/crown-land/index.html

º Farm Production Extension Specialists Crown Lands can provide assistance prior to the auction dates. • Please note that The Crown Lands Act prohibits some provincial employees from holding Crown land without further vetting. For additional information, please contact staff. • If translation or accommodation services are required for the auction, please contact staff at least five (5) days in advance of the auction.

Online Auction Bidding

Following the Online Auction

• The registration and auction process is administered by an independent 3rd party to be identified on the ACL website and/or auction notice. For technical assistance with participation in the auction process, please contact the auctioneer. • The auction website will display available parcels for one week prior to the scheduled auction. • Potential bidders will complete the online registration process, including a declaration of eligibility. • The auction website will list the auction rules, and examples will be provided. º FORAGE LEASE: The lease is for a 15 year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land. Rent is determined separately via formula. º RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT or RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The permit is for 15 one-year terms. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to hold a permit on the land. Rent is determined separately via formula.

• The successful bids will be listed on the auction website at the end of the auction. Official auction results will be posted on the provincial website soon thereafter. • The payment process, and lease document signing is administered by provincial staff. Successful bidders will be required to sign lease documents and make payment in full within 30 days of invoicing following the auction. º FORAGE LEASE, RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT, RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s rent and amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable. º CROPPING LEASE: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable.

º CROPPING LEASE: The lease is for a five (5) year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 plus the minimum rental amount, and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land and set the annual rental amount via the auction bid.

Contact us • Email us at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg

PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS LEASE AUCTION

Volunteer for Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month (CALM) 2022! The following information is from Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba.

book in addition to a personalized virtual visit from you – our volunteers!

French and English speaking volunteers are needed!

Who: Grade 1 to 6 students Date: March 2022 Time: 30-60 min How: Pick a virtual platform (Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime…) and date/time with the teacher Registration: Open until Feb. 4, 2022

AgriRecovery: Herd Management Drought Assistance WHO QUALIFIES PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters affecting several producers occur. The Herd Management Drought Assistance program is the third program developed with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba livestock producers experiencing drought conditions. The other two programs include the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program and Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program. This program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: • purchase replacement breeding females

Primary producers who owned eligible animals located in Manitoba, and were responsible for their feeding expenses as of March 16, 2021, are eligible. Elk producers must have a Game Farm Production Licence and only elk farmed under that licence are eligible. An applicant must: • be an individual who is 18 years of age or older at the time of application; a partnership, a corporation, a cooperative, a commune or a First Nation • be liable to pay income tax in Manitoba under the Income Tax Act (Canada), or is specifically exempted from filing income tax but is a permanent resident of Canada; and must file farm and expense tax forms

Eligible animals • Breeding females of beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and elk owned by the applicant • Breeding females are mature females (cows, ewes, does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does) that have previously calved, lambed or been exposed to breeding. The producer must own a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

• retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock The replacement is to assist in returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels. Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs launched on Aug. 31, 2021.

Available Assistance Assistance is provided to replace breeding females culled due to drought and support returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Eligible Sales of Breeding Females Culled Due to Drought The breeding females must be sold during the March 16, 2021 to March 15, 2022 time period and contribute to a decline in the applicant’s inventory of eligible breeding females on March 16, 2022.

March 16, 2021 inventory (pre-drought)

March 16, 2022 inventory (drought impacted)

Decrease in inventory due to drought culling

Eligible Replacement Breeding females culled due to drought can be replaced by purchases or retaining replacement females from the applicant’s existing herd or flock. The replacement must contribute to an increase in the applicant’s inventory of eligible breeding females on Jan. 31, 2023. Any increase in the inventory above pre-drought levels is not eligible. The following replacements are eligible: • Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does • Purchases of females that will be bred by Jan. 31, 2023 • Retaining females from the applicant’s existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023 The replacement animals must be maintained in the herd or flock until Jan. 31, 2023 or later.

Breeding Herd Inventory The following dates will be used for assessing the impact of drought and subsequent recovery on the applicant’s inventory of breeding females: • March 16, 2021 • March 16, 2022 • Jan. 31, 2023 The difference between the recovery and drought impacted inventory indicates the effect of purchasing and retaining replacement females on recovering from the drought.

Jan. 31, 2023 inventory (recovery inventory)

March 16, 2022 inventory (drought impacted)

Increase in inventory due to purchasing and retaining replacements

HOW TO DETERMINE HERD MANAGEMENT PAYMENT Payment Rates Payments per head for each animal type are listed in the table below for the replacement of eligible breeding animals culled due to drought. The payments are made for breeding females purchased or retained. Animal Type(s)

Payment ($) per head

Beef Cattle, Bison, Elk

$250

Sheep and Goats

$50

Producers are paid the rates shown in the table above, based on the increase in the breeding female inventory between March 16, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023. The payments are calculated as follows,

Per Head Payment Rate Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250 Sheep/Goats $50

Increase in inventory due to purchasing and retaining replacements

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

Note: Payments are capped once inventory is restored to pre-drought levels. No payments are made for increases in inventory beyond the pre-drought level.

Other Criteria for Declaration of Inventory of Breeding Females: The following animals should not be included in the declared inventories of breeding females: • animals sold prior to being exposed to breeding for the first time • market livestock intended for slaughter or purposes other than breeding • animals sold after March 15, 2022

• animals leased by the applicant • animals not located in Manitoba as of March 16, 2021 (pre-drought) or Jan. 31, 2023 (when recovery complete) For the March 16, 2022 inventory declaration, breeding females that both gave birth and were sold in the Jan. 1, 2022 to March 15, 2022 time period should be included in the number of head declared. Producers should maintain records of breeding animals sold or purchased in case they are requested by the program administrator.

HOW TO APPLY The application package will be available on Jan. 10, 2022: online at www.manitoba.ca/ agriculture, in-person at ARD and MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1-844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail. Application is a two-step process requiring applicants to fully complete and submit:

Program Timelines • Jan. 10, 2022 – Applications will be available • April 15, 2022 11:59 PM – Deadline for application declaring March 16, 2021 and March 16, 2022 inventory • Dec. 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available • Feb. 17, 2023 11:59 PM – Deadline for claim forms declaring Jan. 31, 2023 inventory

1) Application form, declaring their: a. March 16, 2021 inventory of eligible breeding females owned b. March 16, 2022 inventory of eligible breeding females owned 2) Claim form, declaring their a. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory of eligible breeding females

Contact Us • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Email us at ARD@gov.mb.ca • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg • Visit your nearest ARD and MASC Service Centre

Available in alternate formats upon request.

Further Resources • Herd Management Drought Assistance – Frequently Asked Questions • Video – Herd Management Drought Assistance – Determining Payments • Video – Herd Management Drought Assistance – Two-Step Application Process

What Qualifies AgriRecovery Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Helping livestock producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain eligible breeding herds and transport purchased feed from distant locations.

Primary Producers • Owned or leased the eligible breeding animals between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022

• Have a minimum of 10 eligible breeding animals (per type of livestock)

Breeding Animals • Mature females exposed to breeding (natural service or artificial insemination)

• Males used previously for breeding • Immature replacement females are not eligible

Eligible Breeding Animals • Beef and dairy cattle, sheep, bison, goats and licensed elk herds • Horses raised for pregnant mare urine (PMU)

Eligible Feed • Must be purchased and consumed during the overwintering period • Mechanically harvested hay, silage, greenfeed, stover, straw including those purchased as standing crops or grazed in a swath

• Grazed corn and greenfeed • Grain and concentrates (pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator)

Eligible Distance for Feed • Minimum distance of 40 kilometres to a maximum one-way distance of 600 kilometres

Date of Eligible Expenses • Incurred from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022

Contact • 1-844-769-6224

• manitoba.ca/agriculture

• ARD@gov.mb.ca

How to calculate payment per head on feed purchases

AgriRecovery: Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program

1 2

Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals You must sign a declaration containing the number of eligible breeding animals to be maintained and overwintered this season that need financial support under this program.

Determining the producer share and maximum per head payment When you submit your invoices and proof of payment for eligible feed purchases as part of the application process, a producer share is applied first for each eligible animal declared when you submit your first application. The producer share is the value of initial eligible feed invoices submitted but not cost shared. Program payments and cost-sharing begins when the value of eligible invoices submitted exceeds the producer share. These invoices are cost-shared 75 per cent until a maximum per head payment cap is reached. TYPE OF BREEDING LIVESTOCK

PRODUCER SHARE PER HEAD

MAXIMUM PAYMENT PER HEAD

Beef and dairy cattle, bison, horses (PMU), licensed elk herds

$50

$250

Sheep and goats

$10

$50

ELIGIBLE FEED PURCHASES AND MAXIMUM PER HEAD PAYMENT EXAMPLE: BEEF AND DAIRY CATTLE, BISON, HORSES (PMU), LICENSED ELK Total le Eligibces Invoi

.33 $383

Subtract Producer Share of $50 $383.33 - $50

=$333.33

Net Eligible Invoice Amount

Multiply by 75% $333.33 x 75%

=$250 Program Payment per Head

EXAMPLE: SHEEP AND GOATS Total le Eligibces Invoi

6 $76.6

Subtract Producer Share of $10 $76.66 - $10

=$66.66

Net Eligible Invoice Amount

Multiply by 75% $66.66 x 75%

=$50 Program Payment per Head

Example of How to Calculate Maximum Assistance for a Farm Scenario Producer declares 100 eligible beef breeding head submits 4 applications before the March 15, 2022 deadline. Each application is for $10,000 in eligible feed invoices.

Producer Share $50 x 100 eligible beef breeding head = $5,000 (value of initial invoices not cost-shared)

Maximum AgriRecovery Assistance $250 per head payment (maximum) x 100 eligible beef breeding head = $25,000

APPLICATION SUBMISSIONS #1

$10,000 Invoices

$5,000 Producer Share

Last application IS NOT fully cost-shared because maximum per head funding cap has been reached.

$1,666 Producer Share 100% Producer

$7,500

Government

$7,500

OVER

Government

$6,250

Government

$3,750

Government

$1,250

Cost-Share 75% Government 25% Producer

Producer

Program Payment = 75% X $5,000

$2,500 Producer

Program Payment = 75% X $10,000

$2,083 Producer

TOTAL PAYMENTS = $25,000

Program Payment = 75% X $8,333

The maximum total payments will depend on the size of the herd. For example, maximum payments for 200 eligible beef breeding head would be $50,000. Note: Refer to the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance for Farmers Program Guide for full eligibility details.

Contact • 1-844-769-6224 • manitoba.ca/agriculture • ARD@gov.mb.ca

How to Apply for STEP 1

Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance

Application form and program guide Complete the form as instructed, declare that you meet all the program terms and conditions, and that the information you provide is complete and accurate. The terms and conditions are outlined in the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance for Farmers Program Guidebook. You can access the application form and the program guide by: downloading them at manitoba.ca/agriculture

In-person at your nearest Agriculture and Resource Development and MASC Service Centres (see reverse for locations)

STEP 2 STEP 3

Self-haul declaration Prepare your application

STEP 5

Declaration of eligible breeding animals

STEP 4

calling 1-844-769-6224 to have a copy mailed to you

• Complete a Declaration with your first application • Declare the number of eligible breeding animals that will be maintained and overwintered

• Contact the program administrator (email: agaction@gov.mb.ca) if the number of eligible animals changes over time.

If you self-haul feed or livestock, complete the self-haul declaration form and provide invoices for feed purchases or accessing feed as outlined in the guidebook.

After completing the necessary documents, ensure you have the following ready to submit:

 application form  eligible breeding animal declaration (first application only)  invoices for each purchase

 proof of payment for each invoice (e.g. cleared cheques; bank statement; credit or debit card receipt)  self-haul declaration (only if you self-hauled feed or livestock)  complete check boxes for all declarations on all forms

Submit your application Email documents in step 4 to: agaction@gov.mb.ca

Application deadlines:

or mail to: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8

April 15, 2022 for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance July 30, 2022 for Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance

Note: If your application is successful, you will receive a notification letter and cheque in the mail from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).

Agriculture and Resource Development and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Service Centres Arborg Box 2000, 317 River Road Arborg MB R0C 0A0 1-833-206-0451 1-833-478-1304 arborg@masc.mb.ca

Morden 536 Stephen Street Morden MB R6M 1T7 1-833-206-0479 1-833-467-1056 morden@masc.mb.ca

Brandon Unit 100 - 1525 1st Street S Brandon MB R7A 7A1 1-833-206-0455 1-833-478-1305 brandon@masc.mb.ca

Neepawa Box 1179, 41 Main Street E Neepawa MB R0J 1H0 1-833-206-0469 1-833-478-1310 neepawa@masc.mb.ca

Dauphin Room 209, 27-2nd Avenue SW Dauphin MB R7N 3E5 1-833-206-0459 1-833-478-1306 dauphin@masc.mb.ca

Portage la Prairie Unit 400, 50-24th Street NW Portage la Prairie MB R1N 3V7 1-833-206-0470 1-833-478-1312 portagelaprairie@masc.mb.ca

Headingley 1-5290 Monterey Road Headingley MB R4H 1J9 1-833-206-0465 1-833-478-1307 headingley@masc.mb.ca

Steinbach Unit C – 284 Reimer Avenue Steinbach MB R5G 0R5 1-833-206-0480 1-833-467-1059 steinbach@masc.mb.ca

Killarney Box 190, 203 South Railway Street Killarney MB R0K 1G0 1-833-206-0466 1-833-478-1309 killarney@masc.mb.ca

Swan River Box 1108, 120-6th Avenue N Swan River MB R0L 1Z0 1-833-206-0476 1-833-478-1315 swanriver@masc.mb.ca

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Brand new Web Portal Designed to Connect Manitoba Grain Farmers and Livestock Producers Soil health, alternative feed sources main drivers behind Manitoba Grazing Exchange Manitou, MB – (Jan 27, 2022) - The connection between annual crop farmers and grazers just got a lot stronger today, thanks to the launch of the Manitoba Grazing Exchange (MGE) website today by the Manitoba Organic Alliance (MOA) and Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA). “As a part of our larger project, “Improving soil stewardship on Manitoba organic farms”, we have designed a grazing exchange website to make it easier for livestock producers to connect with grain producers,” said Karen Klassen, MOA Executive Director. “The goal of the MGE is to virtually connect farmers who have available grazing pasture or cover crop fields with livestock owners/ranchers who are seeking grazing land through an interactive map.” The web portal will be launched today at the Innovative Strategies for Organic and Regenerative Livestock Production Online Mini-Conference hosted by the prairie organic associations from Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The MGE came to reality in the fall of 2021 through a partnership between the Manitoba Organic Alliance and the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association. Support for this project has been provided by the Conservation Trust, a Manitoba Climate and Green Plan Initiative delivered by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation. “Integrating livestock onto cropland and proper grassland management is key to improving soil health and is becoming increasingly adopted by climate-friendly farmers who are building their soil health and reducing their greenhouse gas emissions,” said Lawrence Knockaert, MFGA chair. “After the recent summers we have just experienced with dry conditions here in Manitoba, the connections via this website stand to become even more important as possible feed sources for livestock in times of drought.” The Manitoba Grazing Exchange platform being demonstrated and launched at the conference is based off the South Dakota Grazing Exchange developed by the South Dakota Soil Health Coalition. Cindy Zenk, SDSH coordinator and Shawn Freeland, SDSH Vice Chair, will update the conference attendees on how the platform has worked in South Dakota. Klassen says the Manitoba website has the potential to be

engaged in agricultural lands across the Prairies and Canada. SIDEBAR: Listed below are some important reasons why integrating livestock back onto the land is beneficial as well as a few ways to accomplish this. *Modified from The South Dakota Grazing Exchange. How do we return livestock to the landscape?* - Fall and winter grazing of cover crops and annual crop residues. - Summer grazing of full season cover crops, allowing adequate plant recovery, followed by a second grazing during the fall or winter. - Winter feeding on hayland fields by rolling out bales or bale grazing. - Seeding rotational perennials, grazing and managing them as part of the crop rotation. What are some of the benefits of returning livestock to the landscape?* - Fall or winter stubble grazing converts high carbon crop residue, such as corn stalks, to low carbon organic material. This improves the carbon to nitrogen ratio needed to improve soil health and manages crop residue to facilitate no-till seeding in the spring. - Spring or summer grazing of annual and/or perennial plants, with short grazing periods followed by long recovery and growth periods, allows the plants to regrow until frost and harvest additional sunlight and CO2. - For organic farmers, spring or summer grazing reduces tillage and an additional post-plough down seeding pass. This not only improves soil fertility, but also reduces the farmer's time spent on the fields and consumption of fossil fuels. - Grazing reduces nutrient export from our cropland and hayland fields, recycling the majority of nutrients, minerals, vitamins, and carbon. - Grazing improves soil fertility and increases organic matter. Nutrients are cycled so that they can be used to fertilize the next season’s crop, while reducing the need to apply synthetic fertilizers. - Grazing aids in weed pressure management without the use of chemicals. - Grazing cover crops and/or crop residues allows livestock to be taken off perennial grasslands earlier in the fall, extending the grass recovery period, and providing a more nutritious diet for livestock. - Grazing provides a feed alternative in times of drought where feed stocks are low and provides livestock with a food source post-harvest - Properly grazed fields and pastures can increase biodiversity. - Grazing reduces livestock waste associated with confinement; helping manage our water quality and nutrient management concerns. It allows cattle and sheep to be herbivores by securing their energy needs from plants. -30For more info: Karen Klassen, MOA Executive Director, 204.333.9577, communications@manitobaorganicalliance.com manitobaorganicalliance.com Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director, 204.770.3548,

The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences presents Conversation Series 2021-22

CLOSING THE LOOP: RECYCLING FOOD WASTE IN INTEGRATED CROPLIVESTOCK PRODUCTION SYSTEMS Kim Ominski

Professor, Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Tim McAllister

Principal Research Scientist, Lethbridge Research and Development Centre, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

Herman Peters

Nutrition and Agronomy Program Manager, Birkland Farms

UMANITOBA.CA/AFS

Tuesday February 1, 2022 3:30 - 4:30 pm CT Event Link: https://youtu.be/6H4N98CWG4U

Questions may be asked through the chat platform Sli.do. Event code: #food2feed The event will be livestreamed on YouTube and recorded for later viewing.

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 21, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Premier Stefanson Announces Changes to Provincial Cabinet Derek Johnson Appointed Minister of Agriculture

(January 18, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Premier Heather Stefanson welcomed three new members and a well-respected former member into the provincial cabinet and unveiled new and reframed portfolios to address the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, plan for economic growth and recovery, and better focus on the priorities of all Manitobans. “Manitobans want and expect a government that acts with integrity and compassion, and that puts their needs first. I am confident this team will focus on the priorities of Manitobans as we continue to fight back against COVID-19 and work together to build a healthier, stronger and more prosperous province for all,” said Stefanson. “We are committed to strengthening and realigning our health-care system to manage COVID-19 and to ensure Manitobans can access the care they need now and well into the future. We also recognize the need to enhance care for seniors and those experiencing mental health and additions challenges, and as such, I am proud that our government will have three dedicated and compassionate people providing health leadership where it is most needed."

Scott Johnston (MLA for Assiniboia) comes into cabinet and will lead the new Department of Seniors and Long term Care with a focused agenda to implement all recommendations of the Stevenson Review. Audrey Gordon (MLA for Southdale) will lead the reframed health portfolio as minister of health with a mandate to strengthen resources to help manage COVID-19 while working with the Surgical and Diagnostic Task Force to clear the backlogs and improve the quality of life for all Manitobans. Sarah Guillemard (MLA for Fort Richmond) takes on the new role as minister of mental health and community wellness and is tasked with working collaboratively with community organizations to better address and treat the addictions and mental health challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic. The premier also welcomed Doyle Piwniuk (MLA for Turtle Mountain) as minister of transportation and infrastructure, and Andrew Smith (MLA for Lagimodiere) as minister of sport, culture and heritage, and minister responsible for Travel Manitoba and the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation (MCCC). Eileen Clarke (MLA for Agassiz) returns to cabinet as minister of municipal relations, a position she held previously and in which she was well respected among her colleagues across all levels of government, added Stefanson. continued on page 4 Agenda now available! Click here.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government The following information is compiled from provincial government news releases for the week of January 17. Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards: •

Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19/

•

COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19-vaccinations-dashboard1/

Key Updates •

Vaccine The RBC provincial vaccine clinic is re-opening its doors for walk-in appointments beginning Jan. 20. This is a good opportunity for the whole family to get first, second and third doses. Manitobans who are eligible for a third dose or booster are urged to get one. The booster dose is readily available to everyone over age 18 in Manitoba. It is most important that those who

are 50 and over get immunized with a third dose right away, because this age group is experiencing - and will continue to experience more severe outcomes, including hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths. Manitobans who live in First Nations communities, have diabetes, or are immunocompromised are urged to get a third dose. A complete listing of the medical conditions that would classify a person as immunocompromised can be found at https://protectmb.ca. Delivering the second round of vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 gets underway this week. It is recommended by Health Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and public health that the second dose be administered eight weeks following the first dose. When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca ), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a well-fitting mask and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time. Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria continued on page 4

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government information can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options.

More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

•

Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

•

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

New provincial cabinet – cont. from page 1 The premier noted the most pressing issues facing Manitoba and Manitobans will be viewed through a whole-of-government approach including the COVID-19 response and recovery, climate change and mitigation, and reconciliation. Ministers will engage Manitobans in conversation and consultation to ensure their perspectives, concerns and ideas are heard and acted on. Other changes to the Manitoba Executive Council include: • Cliff Cullen (MLA for Spruce Woods) as deputy premier and minister of economic development, investment and trade; • Kelvin Goertzen (MLA for Steinbach) as minister of justice and attorney general, and minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and government house leader; • Cameron Friesen (MLA for MordenWinkler) as minister of finance and minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro; • Scott Fielding (MLA for Kirkfield Park) as minister of natural resources and northern development, and minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL); • Jeff Wharton (MLA for Red River North) as minister of environment, climate and parks, and minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba;

• Reg Helwer (MLA for Brandon West) as minister of labour, consumer protection and government services, minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and minister responsible for the civil service; • Wayne Ewasko (MLA for Lac du Bonnet) as minister of education and early childhood learning; • Derek Johnson (MLA for Interlake-Gimli) as minister of agriculture; and • Jon Reyes (MLA for Waverley) as minister of advanced education, skills and immigration. The premier noted Rochelle Squires (MLA for Riel) will assume the roles of minister responsible for the status of women and minister responsible for accessibility while continuing as minister of families and minister responsible for francophone affairs. Alan Lagimodiere (MLA for Selkirk) remains minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations with a renewed focus to work collaboratively with Indigenous leadership and the federal government to pursue social and economic opportunities for Indigenous youth and families. The premier thanked former ministers Ralph Eichler and Cathy Cox for their outstanding service and dedication to the people of Manitoba in their various cabinet positions since 2016 and their continued work for their constituents and all Manitobans as government MLAs.

Province Advises Outflow From Shellmouth Reservoir Will Increase (January 21, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre advises it will increase flows from the Shellmouth Reservoir as part of the normal operation to drawdown the level of the reservoir in preparation for spring run-off from the upper Assiniboine River. Outflow from Shellmouth Dam will be increased to 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the current 250 cfs on Friday, Jan. 21 and to 800 cfs from 500 cfs on Saturday, Jan. 22.

The final release of 800 cfs will raise Assiniboine River water levels by three to four feet between the Shellmouth Dam and Brandon. The rise in levels will decrease in the east reaches of the river and will be near one foot in Winnipeg. The province will continue to monitor conditions in the upper Assiniboine River as well as downstream river levels.

Industry Update South Korea lifts import suspension on Canadian beef January 19, 2022 Ottawa, ON As of January 19, 2022, South Korea has lifted its import suspension on Canadian beef. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has worked closely in collaboration with the Government of Canada to regain market access, following South Korea’s temporary suspension of imports of Canadian beef on December 21, 2021. The suspension came following the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) notification to the World Organisation for Animal Health about a confirmed case of atypical Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. Atypical BSE is a distinct form from classical that arises rarely and spontaneously in all cattle populations around the world. The case was detected as part of routine surveillance initiatives and did not enter the food system. From January to November 2021, Canadian beef exports to South Korea were 12,178 tonnes valued at $108.7 million. This is up 130 per cent in volume and 207 per cent in value from the same period in 2020, representing 2.6 per cent of total beef exports and surpassing the 5,290 tonnes exported for the calendar year 2020. The detection of an atypical case does not impact Canada’s BSE negligible risk status, nor should it further interrupt trade flows. CCA continues to work with the Government of Canada to regain market access to both China and the Philippines. CCA will continue to focus on removing remaining BSE-era market access restrictions and updating the Canada-Korea export certificate. For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager mcmullenm@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

Industry Update Transport update January 19, 2022 Calgary, AB As of January 15, 2022, a new vaccine mandate is now in effect for cross-border truckers coming into Canada. Canadian truckers who are not fully vaccinated will have to show proof of a negative PCR test collected within 72 hours of arriving at the border and will need to quarantine after arrival, while unvaccinated American drivers will be denied entry. The United States (U.S.) Government is also expected to put forward a vaccination mandate for truckers going into the U.S. on January 22. The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) have asked the federal government to delay the truck driver measures. The CTA projects 10 to 15 per cent of cross-border truckers will be affected, which would involve 12,000-22,000 of Canadian truck drivers, as well as 40 per cent, or some 16,000, of U.S. truck drivers travelling into Canada. CCA recognizes the current and compounding challenges our supply chain is facing with transportation, resulting in immense pressure on the beef sector. In addition to the new truck driver measures, other challenges include limited railway capacity to transport grain feed and the trucking industry’s acute shortage of truck drivers. On January 14, CCA met with the Ministers of Transport and Agriculture to advocate for safety measures that support both COVID-19 reduction efforts and our supply chain. CCA, together with other agriculture stakeholders, continues to meet with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) to raise these current challenges and ensure the Government of Canada is aware of the direct and indirect impacts to our supply chains. CCA will continue to work in partnership with the Government of Canada and other stakeholders to support our supply chain’s transport and efficiency. For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager communications@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

Volunteer for Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month (CALM) 2022! All teachers will be provided with a handson agriculture activity and an agriculture themed book in addition to a personalized virtual visit from you – our volunteers! The following information is from Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba. French and English speaking volunteers are needed! CALM is a hands-on program that brings agriculture into classrooms and encourages students to learn about and celebrate Canadian agriculture. Many students don’t fully understand agriculture. By telling students why you love Canadian agriculture and giving them a glimpse of what you do, you will open their eyes to new knowledge, help them build a stronger appreciation for the food they eat, and for the role agriculture plays in their lives.

Every year, we need a team of over 150 volunteers to meet the demand for CALM. We anticipate that with a fully virtual offering, this demand from teachers will grow even more - so we are calling on you! If you feel comfortable with giving a virtual presentation, we will take as many as you are willing to offer. Who: Grade 1 to 6 students Date: March 2022 Time: 30-60 min How: Pick a virtual platform (Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime…) and date/time with the teacher Registration: Open until Feb. 4, 2022

Online Auction Bidding

Following the Online Auction

Contact us • Email us at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg

PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS LEASE AUCTION

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery Manitoba beef producers affected by the drought conditions are reminded they may be able to receive assistance via two programs under the AgriRecovery framework aimed at helping with the extraordinary costs incurred for feed and transportation. As well, there is a herd management program to assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program helps producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain their breeding herds including transporting purchased feed from distant locations. The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers assistance to help offset freight expenses associated with moving livestock to alternative feed supply areas. Eligible animals under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program are breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Producers must be supporting a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance and the program covers feed and feed transportation expenses between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. Feed must have been delivered from a supplier at least 40 kilometres away and assistance is available for hauling feed for up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 km. Eligible feed purchases are those made between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022.

Only purchased feed and feed testing is eligible for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance. The feed must be consumed within the overwintering period. The eligible feeds that can be purchased for eligible animals 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, screenings, dried distillers grain, and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator).

Note: Feed additives and premixes, including molasses based products, vitamins, minerals, and oils and fats, are now eligible. The change is retroactive to June 1, 2021. The application deadline for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance is April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm). The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers help for producers with extraordinary costs to transport breeding animals of beef cattle, sheep and goats to alternate locations to feed, up to 1,000 km. This program does not cover moving animals to market or sale. The application deadline for Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance is July 30, 2022 (11:59 pm). continued on page 13

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery Applications are available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/a grirecovery-feed-purchase-transportassistance.html and must include receipts for feed purchases and transportation. The Herd Management Drought Assistance program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: •

purchase replacement breeding females

•

retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock

The replacement is to assist in returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels. Of note, the breeding females culled due to drought can be replaced by purchases or retaining replacement females from the applicant's existing herd or flock. The replacement must contribute to an increase in the applicant's inventory of eligible breeding females on January 31, 2023. Any increase in the inventory above pre-drought levels is not eligible. The following replacements are eligible: •

Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does.

•

Purchases of females that will be bred by Jan. 31, 2023

•

Retaining females from the applicant's existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023.

The replacement animals must be maintained in the herd or flock until Jan. 31, 2023 or later. Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs. Access the application package online at the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture), in-person at ARD and MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail. Applications for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program will be received from Jan. 10, 2022 up to the application deadline of April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm). Applicants who submit a complete application by this deadline are eligible to submit a claim. Claims will be received from Dec. 1, 2022 to the claim deadline of Feb. 17, 2023 (11:59 pm). Note, for all three programs mailed applications and claims must have a postmark date no later than the application or claim deadline. There are also a number of resources on the MB ARD site to provide more details on the three programs, such as frequently asked questions, program guides, certain application forms and, important deadline reminders. For explanatory videos see: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7Oi KfhYvB8p4bxsvxcT_hxQpCL1Ykea Manitobans can also stay up to date on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services by following @MBGovAg on Twitter https://twitter.com/MBGovAg.

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.

Version 4

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.

Version 4

Herd Management Drought Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Herd Management Drought Assistance program? This program assists livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals, when culling is above normal because of winter feed shortages. If you are a producer, you may be eligible to apply for assistance to:  purchase replacement breeding females  retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock The replacement animals will help you return your inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels. Who can apply for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program? You are eligible if you are a primary producer, who owned eligible animals that were located in Manitoba, and you were responsible for their feeding expenses as of Mar. 16, 2021. If you are an elk producer, you must have a Game Farm Production Licence, and only elk that were farmed under that licence are eligible. You must own a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program. What animals are eligible? The program provides assistance to replace breeding female beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk that the applicant owned and had located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021. Breeding females are mature females (cows, ewes, does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs and bred does) that have previously calved, lambed or been exposed to breeding. Is feed assistance provided for breeding animals that were culled? Feed assistance is not available under this program for breeding animals that were culled. Assistance to purchase feed for breeding animals kept over the winter is available from the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program. You can receive both herd management and feed assistance for your herds or flocks. However, you cannot be paid twice (herd management and feed assistance) for the same animals. Does it matter when breeding females were culled? The program provides assistance to replace breeding females culled from Mar. 16, 2021 to Mar. 15, 2022. The decline in a producer’s inventory of breeding females over this period is one of the criteria being used to determine the program payments. Which herd inventories need to be declared? The program uses the following dates to assess the impact of drought and recovery on an applicant’s inventory of breeding females:  Mar. 16, 2021  Mar. 16, 2022  Jan. 31, 2023

The difference between the Mar. 16, 2022 (drought impacted) inventory and the Jan. 31, 2023 (recovery) inventory indicates the effect that purchasing and retaining replacement females has on drought recovery. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory

March 16, 2022 inventory

Increase in inventory due to purchasing

(recovery inventory)

(drought impacted)

and retaining replacements

What are the payment rates for this program? Payments per head for each animal type are listed in the table below. Payments are made for breeding females that are purchased or retained. Animal Type(s) Payment ($) per head Beef Cattle, Bison and Elk $250 Sheep and Goats $50 Payments are based on the increase in the breeding female inventory between Mar. 16, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023. The payments are calculated as follows: Per Head Payment Rate

Increase in inventory due to

Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250

purchasing and retaining

Sheep/Goats $50

replacements

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

Is there a payment cap? Payments are capped once inventory is restored to pre-drought levels. No payment will be made for increases in inventory beyond the pre-drought level. Why are payments made after breeding females are replaced? The program is designed to assist producers in restoring their herds after the drought. The program does not pay producers to downsize their herd. Breeding animals that have been culled must be replaced to be eligible. What animals are not included in the breeding female inventory declared for this program? The following animals should not be included in the declared inventories of breeding females:  animals sold before being exposed to breeding for the first time  market livestock intended for slaughter or purposes other than breeding  animals sold after Mar. 15, 2022  animals leased by the applicant  animals not located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021 (pre-drought) or Jan. 31, 2023 (when recovery complete)

When is an adjustment required for the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of breeding females? Breeding females that gave birth between Jan. 1, 2022 and Mar. 15, 2022 and were sold in the same time period must be included in the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory declaration for the number of head. These females most likely have not been culled because of drought and are not eligible for assistance. Does the program provide assistance for culling immature replacement females? If immature females intended to breed are culled, a payment will be triggered if it causes the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of mature and bred females to decline. However, the decision to cull mature females can impact this payment.  For example, if heifers intended to breed in the summer of 2021 are culled, the March 2022 inventory of breeding females may decrease because the herd has fewer bred heifers than normal. However, if the number of cows normally culled is reduced, the lower number of bred heifers may be partially or totally offset. How do I apply for the Herd Management Program? The application package will be available as of Jan. 10, 2022  on the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture)  in-person at Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Service Centres  by calling 1-844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail If you are applying, you will need to fully complete and submit your application, as part of a two-step process. This process includes filling out: 1) application form to declare: a. Mar. 16, 2021 inventory of eligible breeding females owned b. Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of eligible breeding females owned 2) claim form to declare : a. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory of eligible breeding females Do we need to send in receipts, invoices or other records with our applications or claims? No, you do not have to submit invoices, receipts or proof of payment with your application or claim forms. However, you are expected to keep these documents for all breeding animals you have sold or purchased. You may be asked to submit them as part of a review or audit of your application or claim. In a limited number of cases, an on-farm visit or pregnancy check may also be requested to verify declarations. What is the earliest date the application and claim form can be submitted? Applications can be submitted starting in Jan. 2022 when they are available, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Mar. 16, 2022. Similarly, you can submit claim forms starting in December 2022, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Jan. 31, 2023

What are the program timelines and deadlines? 

Jan. 10, 2022 - Applications will be available.



April 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for applications declaring Mar. 16, 2021 and Mar. 16, 2022 inventories.



December 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available.



Feb. 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for claim forms declaring the Jan. 31, 2023 inventory.

For more information, contact: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Toll-free: 1-844-769-6224 Email: ARD@gov.mb.ca

Emergency Phases A disease-related sector-wide emergency will generally move through the following phases – some of which are more complicated than others. Depending on the disease and particular incident, some phases may occur quickly and go unnoticed, while others may last an extended period of time due to heightened risk of contracting a disease or difficulty managing an outbreak.

Alert

Following an unusual animal health event, industry may be asked to remain vigilant and to take precautions to minimize serious animal disease risk.

This document is part of a suite of tools that have been developed in partnership with producers and industry associations across Canada.

Preparing for Animal Disease Emergencies

For more in-depth information and specific serious animal disease resources in your province please visit:

Serious animal disease outbreaks are recognized as the industry’s greatest vulnerability because they have the potential to:

animalhealth.ca Suspicion

Confirmation

Response

Recovery

Prevention

WEAKEN our livestock sector as a whole

A formal notice of suspicion may be issued by the CFIA or the provincial government and industry may be asked to adopt voluntary movement controls.

A formal notice of confirmation from the Chief Veterinary Officer (Canada), Chief Provincial Veterinarian, or either federal or provincial Ministers will verify the presence of a serious animal disease. Mandatory containment strategies may follow.

RESTRICT Canada’s trade relationships and export capacity

Phone: (403) 870-8784 Email: design@declercq.ca

UNDERMINE public trust

Project endorsed by:

The disease landscape is ever changing. Whether known or evolving diseases, producers must stay informed and aware of the signs and symptoms of serious animal diseases.

Industry professionals, government and producers may all have a role to play in various key response components including: containment, investigation/tracing, vaccination, depopulation/disposal, valuation/compensation, cleaning/disinfection, and lifting of restrictions.

With the emergency situation now resolved, producers and industry may focus on demonstrating absence of disease and regaining market access.

Industry is unaffected by serious animal diseases but must remain aware and continue to take steps to minimize risk.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease • Rift Valley Fever • Bovine Tuberculosis

Disease Emergencies

The producer HANDBOOK helps those on the ground understand, prepare and respond to serious animal disease events.

PRODUCER SUMMARY Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy • Rinderpest • Brucellosis

UNDERSTAND

PREPARE

RESPOND

A serious animal disease outbreak will put our industry’s livelihood at risk. As a producer, you know your operation inside out. When an animal is unwell, there will be signs and it is your responsibility to take appropriate action.

By being proactive, your operation will be in a better position to respond and convey key details to emergency personnel as an emergency situation unfolds.

Whether directly affected or not, operators may have distinct roles and responsibilities during a serious animal disease emergency.

Know Your Objectives

Containment

During an emergency, government priorities will be human health safety and public infrastructure. Producers will need to focus on minimizing the risk to people directly involved and maintaining the health and safety of animals.

Be it voluntarily ceasing movement of animals, personnel, products and equipment in and around the potentially affected area, complying with mandatory movement controls, holding animals longer or implementing heightened biosecurity protocols, there are ways to protect your farm and the industry at large.

Share Concerns Producers have a duty of care as well as a legal requirement to report all suspected cases of certain diseases*. Notifying the appropriate authorities as early as possible not only helps reduce animal and human health impacts, it is integral to protecting our industry.

Have a Clearly Defined Plan A diagram setting out the unique features of the property and location of key items will help first responders be more efficient and effective.

Regular onsite activities, the flow of people and the frequency of deliveries and shipments are important considerations during an emergency.

Part of containing a disease is determining how it was introduced and how far it has spread. Effective traceability is essential for disease tracking and control. Traceability requires animal identification, premises identification and movement recording. Producers facilitate an effective response by keeping up-to-date records, registering their premises and implementing traceability options.

Assign Key Decision Makers

Vaccination

Primary and secondary contacts should be authorized and able to make quick decisions on behalf of the operation.

Mass vaccination may be ordered during a disease event to establish a buffer area around an infected place, to protect animals at risk and to safeguard the industry. The CFIA or provincial government will provide producers with a detailed protocol to follow. Compliance is a legislated requirement under the Health of Animals Act (Canada) or provincial legislation.

Work Together If a serious animal disease is suspected, an Emergency Operations Centre may be established by first response organizations. Producer organizations will be a part of broader emergency management discussions and should be the first point of contact for updates and information.

Protect Others Following Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard can help safeguard your operation and the industry at large. Producer commitment to good animal husbandry, hygiene practices, vehicle management and staff training is paramount. Once a disease is confirmed, control zones may also be established to keep unaffected areas free from disease. These movement restrictions are essential to managing risk, maintaining trade relationships and ensuring continued industry viability. * For more information visit animalhealth.ca

Investigation and Tracing

Document Your Work Cycle

Keep Up-to-Date Inventory and Contacts Lists First responders and other emergency management will benefit from knowing how many livestock are onsite as well as what equipment, personnel, resources, and professional services are available.

Depopulation and Disposal Regulatory authorities may order mass depopulation and disposal of carcasses in response to a major outbreak. These are emotionally and financially challenging activities that may be necessary to stop disease spread and to protect the industry. Compliance with such orders is also a legislated requirement.

Seek credible and current information on potential risks and any actions required, from your veterinarian, industry association and from government.

Financial Considerations While depopulation orders are never welcome, producers may be compensated for some of their losses. There may also be support available through other sources such as insurance and government aid. Compensation is paid in accordance with the Health of Animals Act or provincial legislation. This amount includes fair market value of animals ordered destroyed less any salvage value, disposal costs, and other things that require destruction such as feed or animal products. Fair and accurate valuation of the animals is a necessary step in determining compensation. A process agreed to by industry will be overseen by CFIA. Accurate and up-to-date animal records will help producers to streamline the process and substantiate the value of their animals. The current limit for non-registered beef cattle is up to $4,500 and up to $10,000 per head for registered animals.

Cleaning and Disinfection An operation will continue to be designated as an infected place until this step has been completed to the satisfaction of the province or CFIA. Producers will need to develop a standard operating procedure for barns, pens, equipment, service rooms, etc. on the premises. CFIA will provide advice and complete inspections throughout the process, and prior to any restocking.

Lifting of Restrictions Once the situation has stabilized and the risk has diminished, the appropriate regulatory authority will begin lifting disease response conditions. The focus will then shift to the recovery process. Producers should continue to look to their respective associations for updates and information.

RECOVERY CFIA, the federal government and industry leaders will be working diligently to gain formal recognition of Canada’s ‘disease-free’ status by our trading partners around the world and to re-establish market share. This is an involved process that can take months or even years.

DETECTING FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE IN CATTLE Many serious animal diseases are absent1 in Canadian cattle herds, however, these diseases are present in many other countries and thus constitute a continued threat to beef and dairy production in Canada. Of the diseases which are absent from the Canadian herd, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is of particular importance because it is an infectious disease that is transmitted rapidly from one animal to another and is easily spread between premises i.e., it is a highly contagious disease.

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease would cause serious damage to the welfare of animals, industry vitality and our global trade presence. Early detection is paramount as it can prevent spread and limit the size of an outbreak and thereby avoid devastating economic consequences for the entire cattle sector.

1 or 2 or 3 + 4

= DANGER

CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IF 1, 2 OR 3 ARE OBSERVED TOGETHER WITH 4 IN several cattle in a pen and multiple pens of animals

Excessive salivation

Animals with vesicles (blisters) which progress to erosions

• Mouth (tongue, dental pad, gums) • Muzzle, nostrils • Teats 3

Painful lameness and reluctance to move

Depression, fever, anorexia

Feet:

Decreased performance e.g. milk production, feed consumption

• Blanching of the coronary band • Vesicles in the interdigital space

Swift Action Prevents Spread Report immediately If, after the clinical assessment, the veterinarian suspects the presence of foot-and-mouth disease, immediately notify: • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the provincial agriculture authority NOTE: reporting is a legal obligation • Your provincial industry association for assistance

Quickly secure the farm As soon as there is a suspicion of foot-and-mouth disease, the following biosecurity measures must be implemented until the CFIA veterinarian arrives at the farm: • Block any access routes to the site (e.g., with a gate, chain, vehicle) • Contact product and service providers to cancel any scheduled visits • Do not let any live or dead animal, waste, vehicle, or farm equipment leave the farm • Ask everyone on the premises to remain on site until instructions are received from the CFIA

What to expect in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease If foot-and-mouth disease is confirmed, the CFIA will order the destruction of affected animals and things under the Health of Animals Act. Such measures are needed to prevent the spread of the disease and protect export markets. In such a case, the producer may be compensated for: • The animals ordered destroyed • Things ordered destroyed, such as contaminated feed and animal products • The costs incurred for the disposal of animals ordered destroyed Resource developed through the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) project (www.animalhealth.ca) January 2022 1. Serious animal diseases which are absent from Canada are often referred to as foreign animal diseases. 2. Image credit: Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine 3. Image credit: Rajeev Ranjan, Project Directorate on FMD, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 14, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Agricultural Crown Land Lease Auctions Being Held Online January 31 to February 4

official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: http://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx#agLea sePermit. (Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba

government’s agricultural Crown land lease and permit auctions will be held online beginning Monday, Jan. 31, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced January 12. “The online auction format ensures we can offer all Manitoba producers the opportunity to lease agricultural lands while remaining in accordance with current public health orders,” said Eichler. “Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations.” A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing or cropping. The

The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/. These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers to provide an additional land base to conduct agricultural activities. The Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program supports the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to climate change. For more information about the upcoming auctions, visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/land-management/crown-land or contact your local ARD and MASC Service Centre.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and associated public health restrictions, our AGM is now a virtual-only meeting.

Online Auction Bidding

Following the Online Auction

Contact us • Email us at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg

PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS LEASE AUCTION

Click here for information

Apply to the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Mentorship Program today!

Take advantage of mentorship and career building opportunities in the Canadian beef industry through the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s (CCA) Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program! Applications for the CYL Program have officially launched and are open until March 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm MT at www.cattlemensyoungleaders.com. The CYL Program is open to young people ages 18-35 across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain, including producers, students, veterinarians, financial advisors and much more! Through the CYL Program, 16 participants are selected annually to be paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a ninemonth mentorship to help advance their career in the beef industry and are awarded a $2,000 budget to put towards learning opportunities of their choice. In addition, participants are offered numerous skill-building training and networking opportunities catered uniquely to the beef industry. We strongly value diversity amongst applicants where all are welcome to

apply, as it plays a key role in young leaders gaining exposure to new ideas and creating peer learning experiences. If you’re interested in taking the next step to fast-track your career and involvement in the Canadian beef industry, please visit our website for more information. The opportunities for these young leaders would not be possible without the tremendous support received from our generous program sponsors. Funding for the CYL Program is made available through Foundation Partners Cargill, MNP, McDonald’s Canada and New Holland. The program also receives support from Gold Sponsors Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, RBC Future Launch and Elanco, along with program sponsorship from the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association and Kim McConnell. Please direct any questions about the program or application process to CCA Youth Leadership Coordinator, Jessica Radau, at radauj@cattle.ca.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Public Health Updates Contact Tracing, Case Management Guidance For Schools school operations, a seven-day period of remote learning for the class, cohort or school may be recommended by public health. (January 13, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Public health officials are updating guidance for contact tracing and case management in Manitoba schools as the omicron variant continues to spread across the province, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced today. “As public health officials study the omicron variant and continue to learn more about it, they advise we need to change how we respond to COVID-19 both in the community and in schools,” said Cullen. “The changes public health has recommended to case and contact management in schools will ensure continued monitoring of the risk in individual schools as we learn to live with the virus.” Moving forward, schools will no longer provide close contact notification and notification letters on individual cases but will provide reports of absenteeism through their regular notification channels to their school community. Schools will monitor staff and student absenteeism rates and self-reported COVID-19 cases. In addition, public health will continue to report confirmed cases through the online dashboard and monitor confirmed cases in schools for evidence of increased transmission above levels expected in the community. When there is increased COVID-19 activity based on absenteeism, case counts or operational concerns, public health will investigate and provide recommendations to school officials. In situations where public health determines increased transmission may be occurring in a school, they may recommend the implementation of a period of rapid antigen testing or other preventive measures in school, such as reducing higher-risk activities. Where transmission continues to increase or where COVID-19 cases are affecting

“The omicron variant isn’t going to go away and we need to learn to live with the virus. This means adjusting our mindset from trying to contain the virus to trying to mitigate our risk,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “Public health officials will also continue to monitor cases in schools and work with schools to track absenteeism rates for staff and students. This will help us target measures like rapid antigen testing programs and remote learning to specific schools as needed, rather than all having measures apply to all schools in a region.” Students or staff who test positive on a PCR test or rapid antigen test, or suspect they have COVID-19, are required to follow public health isolation protocols and are strongly encouraged to notify the school. School staff and students should attend a test site if they have signs and symptoms of COVID19. Students and staff who are exposed at school can continue to attend as long as they are asymptomatic. Household close contacts who are exempt from isolation but have a case in their household are encouraged to use rapid tests to monitor for asymptomatic transmission, as household contact remains the highest-risk setting for transmission. “The benefits of in-person learning can’t be understated, from mental and physical health to socialization and supports for families,” said Cullen. “Schools have done a tremendous amount of work and have measures in place to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect our children. Schools will continue to work with public health to help mitigate the risk of the virus and keep children where they need to be – in the classroom.” continued on page 8

Public Health Updates Contact Tracing, Case Management Guidance For Schools The minister noted the announcement builds on a number of actions and investments to protect students and staff in schools including: • implementing a rapid testing program for asymptomatic teachers, staff and kindergarten to Grade 12 students at Manitoba schools experiencing high case numbers or high levels of absenteeism; • expanding rapid testing for symptomatic staff at schools to include vaccinated and unvaccinated staff; • moving schools to the Restricted (Orange) level on the Pandemic Response System to ensure enhanced cleaning measures are in place and schools are ensuring two metres of physical distancing to the greatest extent possible; • providing 500,000 rapid tests for students from kindergarten to Grade 6 to test for COVID-19 as they return to school; • providing $6 million for medical masks that meet Health Canada performance requirements as well as other personal protective equipment;

•

• •

offering COVID-19 vaccinations at schools including after-school clinics for students, teachers and community members; providing an additional $6.8 million in funding to support over 200 short-term operating improvements related to air purification, including filters, units and systems; investing in mental health supports for students and staff; and providing $45 million in the Safe Schools Fund to help address COVID-19 related expenditures in schools, of which $30 million has been allocated by school divisions to support learning impacts, mental health and well-being including hiring additional teachers, educational assistants and clinicians.

For more information on COVID-19 and measures in place to address the spread of the virus in schools, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/schools/index.html.

Changes to Manitoba’s COVID-19 Testing Approach Manitoba's COVID-19 testing approach is based on current and evolving public health evidence. To protect testing capacity, (as of January 5, 2022) Manitoba Public Health is recommending updates to eligibility for rapid antigen testing (RAT) and PCR testing at provincial testing sites. Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 is eligible for testing. Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those

who are at higher risk of severe illness, as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test, will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility is at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/inde x.html. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 testing site locations and hours and to book an appointment online at certain sites, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/locations.ht ml.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government The following information is compiled from provincial government news releases for the week of January 10. Testing Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those who are at higher risk of severe illness, as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test, will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility can be found at https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/index.html. Vaccinations The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recently examined the interval between first and second doses for children ages five to 11 to determine if a shorter interval

would provide more protection against the virus, particularly with rising Omicron cases. NACI determined that eight weeks was still the recommended interval. Manitoba’s Pediatric Vaccine Advisory Committee also re-assessed this recommendation and re-affirmed its guidance of eight weeks between first and second doses. Public health has also maintained this recommendation. Provincial clinics, doctor’s offices, pharmacies, community clinics and public health will continue to reiterate this recommendation. However, in some circumstances it may be possible to shorten the duration between first and second doses for this age group to a minimum of 21 days. Parents are encouraged to discuss their concerns with a health professional before arriving for their appointment. Clinic staff will discuss individual circumstances to determine continued on page 10

Vaccine updates - cont. next steps for those who request an early second dose. There is currently a limited supply of the Pfizer vaccine. All adults ages 30 years or older will be offered the Moderna vaccine for their first, second or third dose. This will help ensure enough Pfizer remains available for people ages 12 to 29. People under 30 receiving an mRNA vaccine may face an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis as a rare side effect. While this is rare after Moderna, it is even more rare after Pfizer. These side effects are rare, temporary, mild and treatable. This means that if only Moderna is available to a young person, it is still safer for them to get the Moderna vaccine than to take the risk of a COVID infection. When both vaccines are available, Manitoba wants to ensure young people are offered the option that has the lowest risk of myocarditis. People over the age of 30 did not experience the same increased risk of these side effects, regardless of which vaccine they received. When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca ), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a well-fitting mask and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time. Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While

COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria information can be found at: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html. Eligible individuals can book appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options. More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

•

Possible exposure locations by region: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flight s.html#event.

•

Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

•

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Loan Forgiveness Repayment Deadline for Canada Emergency Business Account Extended (January 12, 2022 Department of Finance News Release) The Canada Emergency Business

Account (CEBA) program has provided interestfree, partially forgivable loans to nearly 900,000 small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to help them navigate the pandemic and remain resilient. However, the Omicron variant has delayed the recovery for businesses in many parts of the country. The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced that the repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing. This extension will support short-term economic recovery and offer greater repayment flexibility to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations, many of which are facing continued challenges due to the pandemic. Repayment on or before the new deadline of December 31, 2023, will result in loan forgiveness of up to a third of the value of the loans (meaning up to $20,000). Outstanding loans would subsequently convert to two-year term loans with interest of 5 per cent per annum commencing on January 1,

2024, with the loans fully due by December 31, 2025. The government is also announcing that the repayment deadline to qualify for partial forgiveness for CEBA-equivalent lending through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is extended to December 31, 2023. Quick facts •

The CEBA program was open for applications from April 9, 2020, to June 30, 2021. It has provided more than $49 billion in liquidity to over 898,000 Canadian businesses.

•

CEBA provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses to help cover their operating costs during a time where their revenues have been reduced. These loans are partially forgivable. With the extension announced today, repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2023, will result in loan forgiveness of up to 33 per cent (up to $20,000).

•

The $2 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, operated through Regional Development Agencies, has been a key support for businesses unable to access other federal pandemic support programs.

NEWS RELEASE Canada Beef launches Canadian Beef Information Gateway Phased rollout begins with Canadian Beef branded edition for smaller retailers January 11, 2022 Calgary, Alberta - Canada Beef is pleased to announce the launch of the Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway), our most ambitious initiative to date. The Gateway is dedicated to supporting the future growth of the Canadian cattle industry and an outstanding beef eating experience for our customers in Canada and around the world. Canada Beef recognizes the importance of keeping information accessible at key time points relating to beef purchases and preparation. Consumers simply scan a Gateway QR or UPC code with a smart phone or tablet to access content that inspires them to try new beef cuts, recipes and preparation methods with confidence. The launch of the first-phase of the Gateway showcases approximately 75 beef cuts organized into categories of Roasts, Steaks, Grounds and Other beef cuts. Each product has a digital profile that features essential information including recommended cooking methods, food safety and storage information, written recipes along with ‘hands-in-pans” instructional videos, nutritional information and shopping lists. Canada Beef President Michael Young said the Gateway’s blend of convenience and technology will maximize the food basket for grocers, increase carcass utilization for producers and increase consumer satisfaction. “Our goal is to enhance the customer experience and we intend to accomplish this through direct to consumer promotion and collaboration with retailers as well as other supply chain partners,” he said. The first edition of the Gateway is designed for local retailers and those looking for quick-to-implement solutions. Future phases of the Gateway will feature co-branded partnerships with national retail banners that incorporate customizable content. Canada Beef is actively engaged in talks with the grocery sector and continues to evolve the Gateway in response to the feedback received. A French version of the Gateway resources will be made available later in 2022. The launch of the first-phase of the Gateway comes as consumers continue to seek out new ways to enjoy Canadian beef including information on preparation methods and recipe ideas. As food costs increase the mandate to deliver an outstanding eating experience continues to be of great importance to the sector. It also follows more than a year of innovation and collaborative effort at Canada Beef to develop a modern digital ecosystem that provides awareness of the versatility of Canadian beef with a goal to inspire a wider repertoire of beef choices more often. Scan the code below using the camera on your smartphone to try the Gateway for yourself and watch for ads in regional and national industry and consumer publications from January to March including Canadian Living, Reader’s Digest, Chatelaine, Macleans magazine, Style at Home, House and Home, Western Living and Toronto Life.

To learn more about how the Gateway will serve the Canadian beef industry, please visit: https://canadabeef.ca/stakeholder-gateway/

For more information, please contact: Gina Teel, APR Manager, Stakeholder Communications Canada Beef e. gteel@canadabeef.ca c. 403.875.3616 www.canadabeef.ca

About Canada Beef As the marketing division of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency, Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has staff in Canada, Japan, China, Taiwan and Mexico. In addition to National Check-Off and import levy funding, Canada Beef leverages cattle producer dollars with private market partner investments and government industry development funding to maximize the benefits of producer check-off investment

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery The following information has been updated as of January 13, 2022.

those made between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022.

The application deadline for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance is April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm).

As well, there is a herd management program to assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program helps producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain their breeding herds including transporting purchased feed from distant locations. The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers assistance to help offset freight expenses associated with moving livestock to alternative feed supply areas. Eligible animals under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program are breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Producers must be supporting a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance and the program covers feed and feed transportation expenses between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. Feed must have been delivered from a supplier at least 40 kilometres away and assistance is available for hauling feed for up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 km. Eligible feed purchases are

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers help for producers with extraordinary costs to transport breeding animals of beef cattle, sheep and goats to alternate locations to feed, up to 1,000 km. This program does not cover moving animals to market or sale. The application deadline for Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance is July 30, 2022 (11:59 pm). Applications are available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/a grirecovery-feed-purchase-transportassistance.html and must include receipts for feed purchases and transportation. The Herd Management Drought Assistance program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: •

purchase replacement breeding females

•

retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery applicant's existing herd or flock. The replacement must contribute to an increase in the applicant's inventory of eligible breeding females on January 31, 2023. Any increase in the inventory above pre-drought levels is not eligible. The following replacements are eligible: •

Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does.

•

Purchases of females that will be bred by Jan. 31, 2023

•

Retaining females from the applicant's existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023.

ARD and MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail. Applications for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program will be received from Jan. 10, 2022 up to the application deadline of April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm). Applicants who submit a complete application by this deadline are eligible to submit a claim. Claims will be received from Dec. 1, 2022 to the claim deadline of Feb. 17, 2023 (11:59 pm). Note, for all three programs mailed applications and claims must have a postmark date no later than the application or claim deadline. There are also a number of resources on the MB ARD site to provide more details on the three programs, such as frequently asked questions, program guides, certain application forms and, important deadline reminders. For explanatory videos see: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7Oi KfhYvB8p4bxsvxcT_hxQpCL1Ykea Manitobans can also stay up to date on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services by following @MBGovAg on Twitter https://twitter.com/MBGovAg.

Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program

Version 4

Herd Management Drought Assistance Program

March 16, 2022 inventory

Increase in inventory due to purchasing

(recovery inventory)

(drought impacted)

and retaining replacements

Increase in inventory due to

Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250

purchasing and retaining

Sheep/Goats $50

replacements

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

What are the program timelines and deadlines? 

Jan. 10, 2022 - Applications will be available.



April 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for applications declaring Mar. 16, 2021 and Mar. 16, 2022 inventories.



December 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available.



Feb. 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for claim forms declaring the Jan. 31, 2023 inventory.

For more information, contact: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Toll-free: 1-844-769-6224 Email: ARD@gov.mb.ca

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 7, 2022

mbbeef.ca

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED

Applications for Herd Management Drought Assistance Program Available January 10th

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery

producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain their breeding herds including transporting purchased feed from distant locations.

Manitoba beef producers affected by the drought conditions are reminded they may be able to receive assistance via two programs under the AgriRecovery framework aimed at helping with the extraordinary costs incurred for feed and transportation. As well, there is a herd management program to assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program helps

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers assistance to help offset freight expenses associated with moving livestock to alternative feed supply areas. Eligible animals under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program are breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Producers must be supporting a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance and the program covers feed and feed transportation expenses between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. Feed must have been delivered from a supplier at least 40 kilometres away and assistance is available for hauling feed for up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 km. Eligible feed purchases are those made between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers help for producers with extraordinary costs to transport breeding animals of beef cattle, sheep and goats to alternate locations to feed, up to 1,000 km. This program does not cover moving animals to market or sale. continued on page 11

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Manitoba Extending Prevention Orders To Protect Against Covid-19 Nothing Off The Table, Will Act Swiftly If Further Action Required: Gordon

(January 7, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) All current COVID-19 prevention orders

The current public health orders were set to expire on Tuesday, Jan. 11 and will be extended until 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1. ICU numbers remain relatively stable and the province will continue to monitor omicron cases, their impact on the health system and outcomes here and in other jurisdictions.

will be extended for three weeks while the province continues to gather data and monitor the impacts of the omicron variant, Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.

Manitoba continues to have some of the strictest public health orders in place in the country to help respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the minister noted.

“Ongoing restrictions are a challenge for many Manitobans, but remain necessary to help slow the spread of the virus and protect our healthcare system,” said Gordon. “While these orders remain in place, we continue to take steps to improve supply and access to testing and other important initiatives that support our pandemic response and protect our health system. Nothing is off the table and we will act swiftly in the weeks ahead if further action is required to protect Manitobans.”

Manitoba remains at the Restricted (Orange) level on the Pandemic Response System. For more information about COVID-19 and the pandemic response in Manitoba, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/. BACKGROUND INFORMATION Public Health Orders Extension Also available on pages 5-9

Vaccine Update from the Provincial Government

(January 5, 2022 Province of Manitoba Information)

There is currently a limited supply of the Pfizer vaccine. All adults aged 30 years or older will be offered the Moderna vaccine for their first, second or third dose. This will help ensure enough Pfizer remains available for people aged 12 to 29. People under 30 receiving an mRNA vaccine may face an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis as a rare side effect. While this was rare after Moderna, it is even more rare after Pfizer. These side effects are rare, temporary, mild and treatable. This means that if only Moderna is available to a young person, it is still safer for them to get the Moderna vaccine than to take the risk of a COVID infection. When both vaccines are available, Manitoba wants to make sure that young people are offered the option that has the lowest risk of myocarditis. People over the age of 30 did not experience the same increased risk of these side effects, regardless of which vaccine they received. When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca ), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a well-fitting mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time. Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be

available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria information can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html. Many Manitoba vaccine sites as well as pharmacies and clinics are offering walk-in and appointment-based vaccination for COVID and seasonal flu. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options. More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

•

Possible exposure locations by region: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flight s.html#event.

•

Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

•

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

EXTENSION OF COVID-19 GENERAL PREVENTION ORDERS Manitoba’s current COVID-19 general prevention orders have been extended, effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and will be in place for three weeks until Feb. 1. Sector

Restrictions

Indoor gatherings in public spaces

Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent of the usual capacity of the space, whichever is lower.

Outdoor gatherings in public spaces

Indoor gatherings on private property

Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less. Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces are limited to 50 people. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less. Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt). Private indoor gatherings are limited to five additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Outdoor gatherings on private property

Outdoor gatherings at a private residence are limited to 20 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt). Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts

Gyms and fitness centres

Liquor sales must end at 10 p.m. daily. Capacity limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Casinos, bingo halls and VLTs

Proof of vaccination is required.

Museums and galleries

Capacity is limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less. Museums operate under the requirement to show proof of vaccination (indoors only) when open to the public as a museum.

Libraries Professional sports or performing arts events Movie theatres and concert halls

Weddings and funerals

Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings

Capacity limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Limited to 50 per cent capacity. Limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere. Permitting indoor public gathering group sizes to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated. Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 people, whichever is less. Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings are limited to 25 per cent capacity or a total of 25 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required. Cohorts may be implemented where groups can be physically divided up to a maximum of 10 cohorts or 250 people. Cohorts must not mingle, masks must be worn and physical distancing rules apply. Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine are limited to 50 per

Outdoor community, cultural and religious gatherings

cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated person (if they are 12 years of age or older) are restricted to 50 people in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces. Outdoor gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Personal services Indoor sports and recreation, including dance, theatre and music schools.

Drive-in services continue unrestricted. Open without capacity restrictions and physical distancing is required. Spectators for indoor and outdoor sporting and recreation capacity is reduced to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less. While games and practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted. No group activities outside of practice time or games, come ready to play and limit group time indoors (e.g. in dressing rooms). Province-wide, proof of at least one dose of vaccination or a recent (within 48 hours) negative test result will be required for 12-17 year olds for indoor and recreational sports. Negative tests need to come from a participating pharmacy as provincial testing sites should only be accessed by symptomatic individuals or those who are required to take a PCR test by public health.

Outdoor sports and recreation

While practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted. No group activities outside of practice time or games, come ready to play and limit group time indoors (e.g. in dressing rooms).

Children’s camps

Retail, markets, garden centres and malls

Workplaces Indoor self-help gatherings

Permitting retail capacity at 50 per cent in the Southern Health – Santé Sud health region. Permitting retail capacity at 100 per cent in the Interlake-Eastern, Northern, Prairie Mountain Health and Winnipeg capital region, including the municipalities of Cartier, Headingly, Macdonald, Ritchot (Niverville/Ritchot), Saint François Xavier and Taché. Physical distancing measures are required. Masks required indoors. Open without restrictions. Indoor gathering limits and mask use orders apply.

QOM set to deliver ACM l<eynote address After a 20-year career in the oil and gas industry, a Saskatchewan boy came back home to Tuffnell in the fall of 2019 and accidentally created a social media persona named Quick Dick McDick. Quick Dick McDick (Dickson Delorme) is part of a 4000 acre/350 cattle mixed farming operation near Tuffnell, SK. Now when he is not busy on the farm, Dickson spends his time trying to show people the many things that happen here in Canada that keep us fed, watered and sheltered - all while trying to keep his audience snickering.

Drought assistance – continued from page 1 Applications are available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/a grirecovery-feed-purchase-transportassistance.html and must include receipts for feed purchases and transportation. The Herd Management Drought Assistance program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: •

purchase replacement breeding females

•

retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock

Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does.

•

Purchases of females that will be bred by Jan. 31, 2023

•

Retaining females from the applicant's existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023.

The replacement animals must be maintained in the herd or flock until Jan. 31, 2023 or later. Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs launched on Aug. 31, 2021. The application package will be available on Jan. 10, 2022: access it online at the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture), in-person at ARD and MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail. There are also a number of resources on this site to provide more details on the three programs, such as frequently asked questions, program guides, certain application forms and, important deadline reminders. For explanatory videos see: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7Oi KfhYvB8p4bxsvxcT_hxQpCL1Ykea Manitobans can also stay up to date on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services by following @MBGovAg on Twitter https://twitter.com/MBGovAg.

Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program

Version 4

Herd Management Drought Assistance Program

March 16, 2022 inventory

Increase in inventory due to purchasing

(recovery inventory)

(drought impacted)

and retaining replacements

Increase in inventory due to

Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250

purchasing and retaining

Sheep/Goats $50

replacements

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

What are the program timelines and deadlines? 

Jan. 10, 2022 - Applications will be available.



April 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for applications declaring Mar. 16, 2021 and Mar. 16, 2022 inventories.



December 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available.



Feb. 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for claim forms declaring the Jan. 31, 2023 inventory.

For more information, contact: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Toll-free: 1-844-769-6224 Email: ARD@gov.mb.ca

Beef & Forage Days in Austin, Eriksdale and Grandview have been cancelled due to the current COVID-19 situation. A StockTalk virtual webinar will take place on January 13 at 1:00 pm featuring several of the keynote speakers from Beef & Forage Days covering Cattle Marketing, Stress Management and Alternative Watering Systems. Register here for the StockTalk webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ regi.../5178910191774198797

Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Auction Set for January 31 to February 4 includes results from previous allocation auctions.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development announces the latest Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Auction to take place January 31, 2022 through February 4, 2022 online at Garton's Auction Service. For a complete list of lands available at auction please visit the Real Estate Services Branch online. See: http://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPpropertie s.aspx#agLeasePermit for listings. This page also

These units are available for lease to farmers who meet eligibility requirements. They are not available to lease as recreational parcels. Information on how to prepare for an Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Auction can be obtained by viewing our Fact Sheet (and is also included in this issue of the enewsletter). Samples of the standard Forage Lease Agreement and Cropping Lease Agreement are available for review. Although the lease will apply to most parcels, there may be specific additional provisions that apply to specific parcels.

Please refer to the Preparing for an Online Agricultural Crown Lands Lease Auction on the next two pages.

Online Auction Bidding

Following the Online Auction

Contact us • Email us at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg

PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS LEASE AUCTION

Pandemic Policy Now In Effect ─ Many Transactions Can Be Completed By Phone: Manitoba Public Insurance The following transactions can be conducted by phone: •

New registration and policy application (including rental vehicle insurance and temporary registration)

•

Renewal of a driver’s licence

•

Reapplication of a lapsed driver's licence

•

Reassessment of an active or lapsed driver's licence

•

Driver's licence replacement

•

Basic ID card replacement (no information changes)

•

Vehicle insurance coverage renewal, reassessment, reactivation, reapplication

•

Cancellation

•

Mid-term change

•

Plate and/or registration certificate replacement

•

Transfer of policy

•

Payments

•

Mailing or permanent address changes within Manitoba

(January 5, 2022 MPI News Release) Manitoba

Public Insurance’s new pandemic policy focusing on protecting customers, employees and our community, is now in effect. Customers must provide either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to receive services where physical distancing or barriers are not possible, including all in-car road tests, including Class 1-5, and driver assessments. Full details on proof of vaccination or accepted negative COVID-19 tests can be found here. The policy also aligns with requirements for all MPI employees – who must share proof of full vaccination or consent to complete regular COVID-19 testing every 48 hours prior to attending an MPI work location. “MPI, like other businesses in Manitoba, is diligently supporting our customers and employees as we continue to navigate impacts of COVID-19. Despite the operational challenges our corporation is facing, our focus remains to best serve our customers. These are very difficult times and we ask for patience from our customers,” said Satvir Jatana, Chief Customer Officer, MPI. Transactions by phone To offer Manitobans additional options for their driver services and insurance needs during the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, MPI is reminding its customers that they are able to conduct many transactions by phone with Autopac agents.

Customers who need to complete any of these transactions are encouraged to call their Autopac agent directly. Payments Customers in a reassessment year are typically not required to visit an Autopac agent or Service Centre unless they need to make continued on page 23

Pandemic Policy Now In Effect ─ Many Transactions Can Be Completed By Phone: Manitoba Public Insurance changes to their policy. As such, Manitobans are able to pay for their services online at mpi.mb.ca and MPI encourages them to do so at this time. A customer with a Renewal Notice saying they are required to visit in person and/or need to have a photo taken for their driver’s licence), should call an Autopac agent to discuss their options. Changes to in-person payments for salvage purchases Effective Tuesday, January 4, 2022, MPI’s Salvage Department will no longer accept inperson payments or transactions for auction sales due to the ongoing public health concerns with COVID-19. Customers will not be permitted to enter the Salvage Auction Hall – Building B at 1981 Plessis Road, as it will remain closed to the public. Customers are encouraged to complete payment for their purchases through available online options, including INTERAC Online or electronic fund transfers.

As a temporary payment option, customers from Manitoba purchasing items will be able to complete credit card payments (VISA or MasterCard) by phone at 204-985-7844. The credit card must be in the buyer’s name (company or individual). Please note: Significant wait times for this option are anticipated. More information is available on our dedicated COVID-19 information page under Salvage. Services cancelled MPI has recently cancelled some services due to these operational issues, including road tests, at certain locations. Customers with cancelled appointments have been contacted and will have the opportunity to reschedule when services are available. Also impacted is estimating of non-drivable collision claims. Affected customers are advised not to attend the Physical Damage Centre, but contact their adjuster regarding the status of their vehicle. Due to towing capacity issues, there may also be towing delays for drivable vehicles being towed from a residence to MPI’s compound.

Province To Implement Phased-In Approach For Return To School In January Most Students to Learn Remotely Until January 17th

(January 4, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) As a proactive measure, the Manitoba government is shifting to a one-week remote learning period for most Manitoba students after the holiday break to ensure schools can implement enhanced measures for in-person learning, Premier Heather Stefanson and Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced.

“Our government’s number one priority is to protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans, especially our children, youth and most vulnerable citizens,” said Stefanson. “Today we are announcing a slight adjustment for the return to classes to give schools additional time to implement enhanced protocols to ensure inperson learning for all students can continue under our pandemic plans and to give public health more time to learn about the omicron variant’s effects in Manitoba. We know our children learn best in a classroom setting and it is our goal to ensure they can return to the classroom as quickly as possible.” Effective Jan. 10, 2022, a phased-in approach will be applied to allow students of critical service workers in kindergarten to Grade 6 and all highrisk students and students with special learning needs in kindergarten to Grade 12 to attend school if no alternate care is available. Current plans are to have all other students return to inperson learning on Jan. 17. Manitoba Education has heard from stakeholders this phased-in approach will give school divisions more time to address expected staffing shortages

and develop plans for the implementation of enhanced measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This will also allow schools time to prepare to move to the Restricted (Orange) level on Manitoba’s Pandemic Response System. Child-care facilities that offer twelve months of service, including centres in schools, will remain open and are strongly encouraged to prioritize children of critical service workers. School-age child-care facilities that operate based on the school calendar and do not provide service during school breaks will offer services to children of critical service workers requiring before- and after-school care. Effective Monday, Jan. 10, licensed centres and child-care homes will be able to apply for additional funding support to offset the loss of parent fees. This will include situations where a facility must reduce capacity due to staffing shortages or if a facility is required to close by public health officials due to COVID-19. Details on how to apply will be provided directly to facilities. “We know in-person learning is best for students but we are still learning about how the omicron variant will affect our health-care system and Manitobans in the longer term,” said Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer. “This change will allow us more time to study the data we have and provide any needed additional advice to the education sector and families as we go forward.” Atwal reminded Manitobans they should reduce the number of close contacts in their household at this time. That includes staying home as much as possible, not gathering with people from outside their household and following the public health orders. In addition, he urged people to get

continued on page 25

Province To Implement Phased-In Approach For Return To School In January Most Students to Learn Remotely Until January 17th vaccinated and get their booster shots as soon as they are eligible to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19. The minister noted several enhanced measures have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in schools and will be expanded in the coming days including: •

distributing 500,000 rapid tests to all schools for students from kindergarten to Grade 6 and planning to expand access to rapid tests for all Manitobans as the rapid testing kit supply increases in Manitoba, particularly for schools with high case counts of COVID-19; and

•

requiring medical masks for all staff during this high transmission period and allowing students to wear a well-fitting mask with at least three layers and schools to provide masks for students if needed. Manitoba will be distributing at least five million more child and adult medical masks over the next eight weeks to increase supply in schools and support increased demand.

The minister noted schools across the province continue to implement enhanced ventilation projects in accordance with provincial ventilation guidelines for schools. Vaccination also continues to be a priority with 168 school clinics and 104 after-school clinics held in the month of December, which provided 10,812 vaccine doses. Manitobans over age 18 eligible for booster shots can attend any immunization site, including physicians’ offices and pharmacies, community clinics and after-hours clinics at schools.

Cullen noted the Manitoba government is also investing up to $80 million in new funding for Manitoba schools during the 2021-22 school year to help address wage agreements for teachers and other cost pressures. The announcement increases the total operating funding for education to close to $200 million for this school year alone. “We know school divisions are facing financial pressures at this time and this investment will enable schools to continue providing high-quality learning for all Manitoba students,” said Cullen. “This investment today builds on other funding increases to ensure our system is supported, particularly during COVID-19 and as we move forward to implement the recommendations from Manitoba’s Commission on K to 12 Education.” An additional $63 million was allocated earlier in this school year to support the return to school including: •

$45 million distributed directly to school divisions and schools for providing additional staffing, addressing learning impacts and enhancing health and safety;

•

$6.8 million for enhanced ventilation projects;

•

$6 million for masks and personal protective equipment;

•

$5 million for the Kindergarten to Grade 8 Remote Learning Support Centre for students who are immunocompromised; and

•

$1 million in additional funding for staff and student mental health supports to address increased needs related to the pandemic.

CALLING ALL BEEF PRODUCERS! Contribute to the update of the National Beef Sustainability Assessment The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef is in the process of updating the National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA), expected for release in 2023. The NBSA provides farm to fork national sustainability performance metrics for the Canadian beef sector, from environmental, social and economic perspectives. The metrics from our first Assessment, released in 2016, are widely used to demonstrate Canada’s global sustainability leadership, and have been critically important to the beef industry’s communication efforts with respect to sustainable beef production over the past five years. The accompanying Sustainability Strategy highlighted key areas for continuous improvement, which has also helped inform the industry’s 2030 goals. The CRSB is looking for a minimum of 500 beef producers to participate in an online survey. This survey provides critical inputs to inform many of the NBSA performance metrics. • •

The first 200 producers that complete the survey will receive a $20 gift card. ALL completed surveys will be entered for a grand prize (Tag reader, valued at $1100), as well as seven regional prize packs (e.g., gift sets, experiences, gift cards, swag, etc.), which will be awarded through a random draw following the close of the survey period in January 2022.

We would like to thank the following CRSB members who have generously contributed these grand prizes.

Please complete a 30-45 minute survey by January 7th 2022. ENGLISH: http://survey.groupeageco.ca/s3/NBSA-ENG FRENCH: http://survey.groupeageco.ca/s3/NBSA-FR We appreciate all who participate in this process and contribute to the success of the NBSA update! If you have any questions, please contact us at projects@crsb.ca/.