MBP E-Newsletter: Jan. 20/2023

E-Newsletter

An update from MBP January 20, 2023

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Manitoba AgriInsurance Dollar Values Increasing for 2023 Crop Year

(January 17, 2023 Joint Federal/Provincial News Release)

Manitoba’s crop insurance coverage is expected to increase for the upcoming crop year, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.

“Climate challenges, like last spring’s flooding, continue to threaten farmers’ livelihoods,” said Bibeau. “Enhancements to the AgriInsurance program for 2023 will bring increased value to Manitoba’s producers and ensure they have fair and flexible coverage to meet their needs.”

The ministers released details indicating 2023 dollar values are higher than 2022 dollar values for most crops insured in Manitoba. Total AgriInsurance coverage for 2023 is expected to reach $5.3 billion on 9.45 million acres. This means the average coverage is estimated at $560 per acre, compared to $499 per acre in 2022. This increase in coverage reflects the expectation of continued strength in commodity prices into the 2023 crop year.

“The costs and risks related to farming in Manitoba continue to climb,” said Johnson. “We’re increasing our support for Manitoba farmers through the AgriInsurance program because we know that adequate coverage is now, more than ever, important in helping manage that risk.”

The AgriInsurance program is a risk management tool for Manitoba farmers to protect against production shortfalls and quality losses caused by natural perils. In the case of extreme weather events that impact production such as drought or excess moisture, the program provides predictable coverage producers can depend on when planning for the upcoming growing season. The program is administered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). Manitoba has a high level of AgriInsurance participation, with over 92 per cent of annual crop acres and more than 7,600 farms enrolled in the program.

AgriInsurance – continued from page 1

Additional program enhancements for 2023 growing season include:

• Expanding the Contract Price Option (CPO) to be available for the majority of crops (including the corresponding pedigreed and organic crop if applicable), excluding potatoes, vegetables, and forages. Established in 2020, CPO was previously only available for canola and field peas. This expansion of CPO will provide flexibility for producers by allowing the price of contracted production to be blended with the base AgriInsurance dollar value (weighted by production) to better reflect expected market prices.

• Amending premium rate calculations so that AgriInsurance premium rates will not exceed a 10 per cent increase year-

over-year. This change will lessen the impact of disastrous growing seasons on premium rate increases.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) is a five-year, $3 billion commitment by the federal, provincial, and territorial governments that supports Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. Under CAP, AgriInsurance premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by insured producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada, and 24 per cent by the Manitoba government. Administrative expenses are shared 60 per cent by the Government of Canada and 40 per cent by the Manitoba government.

For more information, contact MASC at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/contact.html or go to www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/index.html

Manitoba Government Announces Public Engagement for Budget 2023

Public Invited to Help Shape Provincial Priorities for Upcoming Spring Budget: Friesen

(January 20, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is inviting Manitobans to join telephone town hall engagement sessions and attend in-person public meetings to help inform Budget 2023, Finance Minister Cameron Friesen announced.

“As the upcoming budget is prepared, our government remains committed to making life more affordable to Manitobans, while focusing on the creation of local jobs and providing health-care accessible to all,” said Friesen. “We’re listening to Manitoban families and want to hear from them.

To permit as many individuals to contribute as possible, we’re inviting all Manitobans to participate in telephone town halls or in-person engagement sessions.”

In-person sessions will be held in late January and early February. Community meeting dates include:

• Winnipeg – Jan. 30 at 6 p.m. (Winnipeg Convention Centre, Pan Am Room, 375 York Ave.);

• Steinbach – Jan. 31 at 6 p.m. (Days Inn Steinbach, 75 PTH 12 North);

• Brandon – Feb. 6 at 6 p.m. (Victoria Inn, 3550 Victoria Ave.); and

• Thompson – Feb. 9 at 6 p.m. (Best Western Thompson Hotel & Suites, 205 Mystery Lake Rd.)

Regional telephone town halls will be held:

• Winnipeg – Feb. 7 at 6 p.m.;

• Rural – Feb. 8 at 5 p.m.; and

• North – Feb. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

The minister noted participants are asked to preregister and reserve a spot for an in-person meeting or sign up to receive a phone call for the telephone town hall at https://engagemb.ca/budget-2023.

The Manitoba government also invites Manitobans to participate in an online survey that will launch soon at https://engagemb.ca. Manitobans can also email comments and ideas to Budget2023feedback@gov.mb.ca or mail written submissions to: Minister of Finance c/o budget engagement 103 - 450 Broadway Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 0V8

“Budget 2023 will focus on what Manitobans want most including affordability measures, quality health care, education, economic growth, and infrastructure investments,” said Friesen. “We invite all Manitobans to help prioritize investments in the upcoming budget.”

The province will release its full public engagement schedule along with the online survey at https://engagemb.ca/budget-2023

Governments Invest $55,000 to Conduct

Wastewater Study in Portage La Prairie-Area Industrial Park

Study Will Determine Feasibility of Establishing a Non-Potable Water Source for Industrial Purposes to Recycle and Conserve Water

(January 18, 2023 Joint Federal/Provincial News Release) As part of a commitment to sustainability and environmental action, the governments of Canada and Manitoba are committing $55,000 through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) to study the viability of providing an alternative non-potable water source for non-food processing purposes to industrial park tenants in the Rural Municipality (RM) of Portage la Prairie, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister MarieClaude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.

“With increasing signs of climate change, every action the agriculture industry can take to use scarce inputs wisely matters,” said Bibeau. “Projects like this show great initiative on the part of Manitoba’s processing sector –improving sustainability through one small action can lead to further wins and opportunities down the road.”

“Protecting Manitoba’s water resources while working with industry to grow the economy is a key priority of our government, which is laid out in our water management strategy,” said Johnson. “This wastewater study supports the strategy in the key focus areas of making every drop of water count, and addressing water infrastructure challenges and opportunities. By working together with governments, communities and industries, our government is committed to ensuring healthy and sustainable water management that supports resilient, thriving ecosystems, communities and economies for generations of Manitobans.”

The study also supports Project ASPIRE, the action plan that positions Manitoba as the preferred supplier of sustainable plant and animal protein by stretching water supplies needed for protein industry expansion, the minister noted.

The Poplar Bluff Industrial Park is located west of the city of Portage la Prairie and includes Simplot Canada Ltd., Roquette Canada Ltd., Enns Brothers, Overton Environmental and K&G Mushrooms. Water for the businesses is provided from Portage la Prairie’s city water treatment plant, while the fire protection water supply is provided through the RM of Portage la Prairie’s non-potable distribution system.

The industrial park’s tenants have expressed interest in using alternate non-potable water sources for non-food industrial purposes and reusing water where possible, with the goal of conserving potable water to support future food processing opportunities.

“Roquette is committed to improving sustainability at all of its facilities, including the Portage pea protein plant,” says Dominique Baumann, global head of plant protein operations and managing director, Roquette Canada Ltd. “Emerging research and technology are revealing creative ways to conserve and recycle water. This study will provide valuable direction for local industrial users as we work together toward a more sustainable approach for water usage. I would like to thank the governments of Canada and Manitoba for their support of this important initiative.”

Governments Invest $55,000 to Conduct

Wastewater Study in Portage La Prairie-Area Industrial Park

Study Will Determine Feasibility of Establishing a Non-Potable Water Source for Industrial Purposes to Recycle and Conserve Water

The report is expected in Spring 2023 and will provide options and high-level cost estimates on infrastructure needed to use this nonpotable water source. Once completed, the Manitoba government and RM of Portage la Prairie will review the report and consider next steps in conjunction with the industrial park businesses.

More information on Manitoba’s water management strategy is available at: https://manitoba.ca/sd/pubs/water/water_mg mt_strategy2022.pdf. To learn more about Project ASPIRE and Manitoba’s work in protein innovation, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/protein/ind ex.html.

The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a fiveyear, $3-billion commitment by the 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-ourdepartment/key-departmentalinitiatives/canadian-agricultural-partnership

Manitoba Government Launches Fertilizer Efficiency Calculator

(January 17, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) As part of its ongoing commitment to support the agricultural industry and help farm producers develop climate change resiliency, the Manitoba government is launching a new fertilizer efficiency calculator tool, Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.

“Manitoba farm producers are great stewards of the land in the use of sustainable agricultural practices and work tirelessly every day to produce high-quality, affordable food while protecting the environment,” said Johnson. “Our government recognizes producers face historically high fertilizer prices, highly variable grain prices, increased focus on environmental impacts of fertilizer use and the need to integrate, recalibrate and optimize all these variables in order to maintain farm profitability. We created this calculator so that producers, agronomists and industry partners can quickly and easily assess the financial benefits to improving fertilizer management practices.”

The calculator uses field-specific soil test results and science-based analysis to provide application recommendations, to optimize fertilizer application on-farm. The calculator compares a producer’s fertilizer plans to the most- and leastefficient fertilizer application cost per acre and net profit per acre. It also provides a user friendly dashboard score for cost efficiency, greenhouse gas efficiency, maximum profitability and maximum yield.

The new fertilizer efficiency calculator demonstrates the value of adopting 4R Nutrient Stewardship, noted the minister, adding that the Manitoba government recently signed a fourth memorandum of understanding with Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) and Fertilizer Canada to reaffirm its commitment to the science-based nutrient management framework.

“Manitoba has been a longstanding champion of the 4R Nutrient Stewardship program as a key

driver for increased production and reduced environmental impact,” says Karen Proud, president and CEO, Fertilizer Canada. “This calculator helps address barriers to adoption of the 4R program by helping farmers understand the value these practices can provide to their bottom line and the environment. Farmers need tools and data to better inform their decisions and we look forward to working with government and industry to build on this important work. Using the calculator is a great starting point and if growers are interested in learning more about 4Rs they should speak with their trusted adviser.”

The 4R approach considers the:

• right source, which matches fertilizer type to crop needs;

• right rate, which matches the amount of fertilizer to crop needs;

• right time, which makes nutrients available when crops need them; and

• right place, which keeps nutrients where crops can use them.

“One of KAP’s main goals is to ensure the perspectives of producers are included in the development of any initiatives or tools focused on supporting sustainable agricultural practices, to ensure they result in practical strategies that can be applied on-farm,” said Bill Campbell, president, Keystone Agricultural Producers. “Agriculture has the solutions to many of the challenges we face, and KAP is pleased to see the fertilizer efficiency calculator come to fruition as a result of direct consultation with Manitoba farmers. This new tool will allow for farmers to better measure their fertilizer use for improved sustainability outcomes, reduced input costs, and encourage broader adoption of nutrient management strategies like 4R Nutrient Stewardship.”

The Excel-based version of the calculator is now available at: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/farmmanagement/production-economics/fertilizercost.html A mobile-friendly, web-based version is in development and will be available in the coming months, said Johnson.

Manitoba Government Celebrates Return of Ag Days, Re-Affirms Support for Agricultural Industry

(January 17, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) In remarks at the 46th annual Manitoba Ag Days, Premier Heather Stefanson and Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson welcomed Manitobans and visitors from North America back to the exposition, commended the resiliency of Manitoba farmers, who have faced significant challenges in recent years, and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to continue supporting the growth and innovation of Manitoba’s agricultural industry.

“Ag Days is back, and better than ever,” said Stefanson. “Farmers are the backbone of our province they work tirelessly every day, often in very difficult conditions, to feed the world. They are business owners, innovators and leaders, and they are key contributors to our provincial economy. I look forward to connecting with Manitoba producers and welcoming visitors from all over North America to Canada’s largest indoor farm show.”

Farmers and agri-businesses have recently navigated significant challenges, including the COVID-19 pandemic, high input costs and supply chain disruptions, noted the premier, adding that these challenges were exacerbated by drought in 2021 and excess moisture in 2022.

“A thriving and sustainable agricultural sector is important to Manitoba’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Johnson. “I extend my appreciation to our producers for leading the way in sustainable agriculture and growth across the sector, and for their ongoing efforts to build on this sector’s significant contributions to our province.”

In response to the impacts of these extremes of moisture, the Manitoba government implemented a temporary rent reduction on forage leases on agricultural Crown lands

including a 50 per cent reduction in 2023, a 33 per cent reduction in 2024, and a 15 per cent reduction in 2025. To bring further assistance and relief, Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation increased the dollar value of Excess Moisture Insurance coverage for 2023 to $75 for basic coverage, with higher coverage options of $100 and $125 per acre.

The minister noted the Manitoba government has also implemented proactive initiatives to improve sustainability in the province’s agricultural sector as it adapts to emerging climate conditions. These initiatives include the development of the online Environmental Farm Plan platform that integrates national and international sustainable sourcing standards and the renewed commitment to the 4R Nutrient Stewardship, a science-based nutrient management framework.

To advance profitability and competitiveness of producers and processors in the protein sector, the Manitoba government launched the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy in 2019 with goals to attract new investments of $1.5 billion and create 1,550 new jobs by 2025, the minister noted. Having already attracted over $823 million in new investments and created 912 new jobs, the strategy’s ongoing momentum has been very positive, added Johnson.

To address the critical need for rural veterinarians in large-animal practice, the Manitoba government increased its annual funding to the Western College of Veterinary Medicine to allow five additional Manitoba students to be accepted to the program each year.

“Ag Days is the premier event for agriculture in Manitoba and is one of the leading indoor farm shows in Canada,” said Johnson. “We are

Manitoba Government Celebrates Return of Ag Days, Re-Affirms Support for Agricultural Industry

pleased to be here today to connect with producers, agri-businesses and industry professionals, and see innovation and expertise being shared.”

The minister noted this year’s Ag Days theme of farmer health, safety and wellness, with a focus

to work smart, take care and feed the world is a great inspiration for all Manitobans.

For more information on Manitoba Ag Days visit: https://agdays.com

Reminder: Province Announces Agricultural Crown Land Lease Auctions to be Held Online Feb. 6-10

(Government of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government’s agricultural Crown land lease and permit auctions will be held online Feb. 6 to 10.

Leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers to provide additional land base for agricultural activities. The Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program supports the sustainable expansion of livestock in Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing or 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.

The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service with further information to follow at https://gartonsauction.com/

For more information about the upcoming auctions, visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land or contact a Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation (MASC) service centre. For more information on MASC locations visit: https://masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/locations.html. Arriving in mailboxes and available online February 1

Manitoba Government Announces $10-Million Investment to Support New Prairie Innovation Centre at Assiniboine Community College Centre

Will Provide Innovative Programming, Support High-Demand Jobs in Booming Agriculture Sector

(January 17, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government will invest up to $10 million to support the development of the Prairie Innovation Centre at Assiniboine Community College (ACC) in Brandon, Premier Heather Stefanson announced as part of her address at the 46th annual Manitoba Ag Days.

“As our economy emerges into a new era of growth, our government is working collaboratively with industry, the business sector and our post-secondary institutions to ensure we attract our youth to the jobs of the future, and provide the training and skills necessary to be successful,” said Stefanson. “I want to commend ACC and their leadership for spearheading this expansion project, along with their donors and community members who are keen to see this centre come to life which will provide innovative programming and support the growth of the local community and economy.”

As part of ongoing collaborative efforts to align education and training to meet evolving labour market needs and foster competitiveness and growth, ACC aims to significantly expand its programming to address labour shortages and high-demand jobs, specifically in the agriculture sector, the premier noted.

“This investment represents a significant step forward for Assiniboine Community College to

help support new programs for labour market development, applied research and industry engagement in the agriculture, environment and processing sectors,“ said Mark Frison, president, ACC. “We have seen great enthusiasm from the community, industry and donors for the project. It’s great to see Premier Stefanson and the Manitoba government respond in such a significant way by providing up to $10 million to assist the college in moving this project forward to the next stage of development.”

ACC has proposed 16 new or expanded educational programs and supporting infrastructure on its North Hill Campus. The college projects the new centre would increase enrolment by approximately 600 students, to nearly 900 from the current 300, in such highdemand fields as agriculture, agriculture extension, environment and technology programs, the premier noted.

The $10-million commitment will support the initial planning phases, including exploration of facilities and land development needed to support the design and development of the new centre. Assessment of the proposed educational programs and associated supporting infrastructure is slated to begin early this year, the premier said.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT: Angie Stump Denton Beef Improvement Federation Communication Coordinator angiedenton@ksu.edu or 785-562-6197

December 20, 2022

Register Now for 2023 Beef Improvement Federation Research Symposium and Convention

MANHATTAN, KAN – Registration is now open for the 2023 Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) Research Symposium and Convention This year’s event will be hosted July 3-6 in Calgary, Canada.

The deadline for early registration is February 28. Attendees can save $50 (U.S) by registering early. Registration includes a student and media option. Online registration is available at BIFSymposium.com Early reservations at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, the headquarters hotel, are also highly recommended. You can also find hotel information posted to BIFSymposium.com.

The BIF Symposium features two and one-half days of educational programming with focused on this year’s theme “Precision Breeding.” Monday, July 3, kicks off with the Young Producer Symposium at 1 p.m. followed by the Welcome and Scholarship Reception. Monday evening the National Association of Animal Breeders (NAAB) will host its biennial symposium at 7 p.m.

Tuesday’s general session will feature presentations by Dr. Peter Amer, AbacusBio Limited managing director; Dr. Eileen Wall, Scotland’s Rural College

head of research & professor of integrative livestock genetic; Dr. Filippo Miglior, Lactanet Canada scientist and innovation executive; and Dr. Brian Kinghorn, University of New England, Australia.

Wednesday’s general session speakers will include Dr. John Crowley, AbacusBio Limited; Dr. Juan Pedro Stieble, Iowa State University Lush Chair for Animal Breeding & Genetics; and Mokah Shmigelsky, OneCup AI CEO.

Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday late morning technical breakout sessions will focus on a range of beef-production and genetic-improvement topics. A highlight of this year’s symposium will be a Technology showcase at Olds College on Tuesday afternoon

For registration and more symposium details, including hotel information, visit BIFSymposium.com. Prior to and during this year’s symposium, be sure to follow the event on social media channels using the hashtag #BIF2023.

Each year the BIF symposium draws a large group of leading seedstock and commercial beef producers, academics and allied industry partners. The attendance list is a “who’s who” of the beef value chain, offering great networking opportunities and conversations about the issues of the day. Program topics focus on how the beef industry can enhance value through genetic improvement across a range of attributes that affect the value chain. # # #

The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) is an organization dedicated to coordinating all segments of the beef industry from researchers and producers to retailers in an effort to improve the efficiency, profitability and sustainability of beef production. The organization was initiated almost 70 years ago to encourage the use of objective measurements to evaluate beef cattle. Continuing the tradition, BIF is now the clearinghouse for developing standardized programs and methodologies for recording of performance data for all traits, from birth weights to carcass traits. Its three-leafclover logo symbolizes the link between industry, extension and research.