Beware of Highly Toxic Water Hemlock
E-Newsletter dsfsfa
MBP has received calls from several producers concerned about the proliferation of water hemlock in their pasture and hay land. Water hemlock is one of the most toxic weeds in beef cattle production where one root bulb can kill an adult cow in as little as 15 minutes. Water hemlock is a Tier 3 weed under Manitoba’s Noxious Weeds Act. In terms of the responsibility to destroy or control noxious weeds, the Act states a person must “control a tier 3 noxious weed that is on land that the person owns or occupies if the weed's uncontrolled growth or spread is likely to negatively affect an aspect of Manitoba's economy or environment in the area of the land or the well-being of residents in proximity to the land.” For more details about individuals’ responsibility related to weed control see: https://web2.gov.mb.ca/laws/statutes/ccsm/n110.php#3
IDENTIFICATION:
As with any toxic plant, accurate identification is critical. Water hemlock has narrow leaves with serrated edges. The flowers are small and white, forming umbrella-like clusters similar to other plants in the carrot family. The base of the stem is somewhat swollen with hollow chambers separated by horizontal membranes. The roots are very bulbous or tuberous and are clustered around the stem base and when cut vertically, the chambers exude a yellowish, highly toxic oil that smells like parsley. Look-alike plants such as water parsnip, also has narrow leaves, but lacks serrated edges and bulbous roots. Cow parsnip is common, but it is generally a larger plant and has very large fan-like leaves.
POISONING:
Poisonings related to water hemlock generally occur in the early spring from its young shoots, which appear before much else is growing. Hemlock likes wetter conditions so is often found around dugouts, streams, and other water sources. It generally does not like a lot of shade so is often out in the open. Late fall when other vegetation is sparse is the other critical time when poisonings occur from eating the bulbous roots. The plant in its entirety can be pulled out easily which is how livestock, especially cattle, gain access to the roots. Being found in wet areas means that grazing of the plants in spring may result in roots being pulled out of the soft soil. In wet areas the thick roots may have little or no soil cover, and when a pond dries up, grazing animals may access previously submerged areas and easily uproot the plant. Green seeds are highly toxic.
In drought conditions, or under intensive grazing management, cattle are less discriminant about what they consume and are more likely to eat plants that they would normally avoid.
All species of water hemlock are poisonous to all livestock, as well as to human beings. Poisonings of humans are on record throughout countries in which water-hemlocks occur. The toxin acts directly on the central nervous system causing extreme and violent convulsions and death from respiratory failure within a few hours of ingestion of the plant. A small dose is lethal and symptoms of poisoning appear rapidly, usually within 30 minutes after ingestion.
continued on page 3
Manitoba Beef and Forage Production Conference
You’re invited to
Working On the Farm with Hands-On Science!
December 12 & 13, 2023
Victoria Inn, Brandon Manitoba
Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives and Manitoba Beef Producers invite you to attend this inaugural event.
Conference presentations include: Smart Farm Technology – Dr. Susan Markus, Livestock Research Scientist, Lakeland College
Key Findings from the Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network – Dr. John Campbell, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan
Setting Up a Grazing Plan - Anneliese Walker, a Grazing Successmentor for MaiaGrazing, a market-leading grazing management software solution.
Breakout topics include:
Pasture Rejuvenation; Using Implants in Beef Production; Calving Troubleshooting; Intercropping for Forage Production; Farm Transition; Beef Nutrition and more…
Each breakout technical presentation will be paired with a producer presentation to show how the science can be applied on farm.
And an evening Banquet featuring Lewellyn Melnyk – Author, farmer and mental health advocate, a journalist by trade and a farmer by choice.
More details to come!
For more information contact: 1-844-769-6224, agriculture@gov.mb.ca
Water Hemlock – continued from page 1
The first symptom is excessive salivation and frothing at the mouth. Frothing is followed by tremors, uneasiness, and violent convulsions. Severe pain, especially in the abdomen, is evident. Clamping of the jaws and grinding of the teeth often occur, and the tongue may be lacerated. Relaxed periods with laboured breathing, loss of muscle control and lying down may occur between convulsive seizures.
CONTROL:
It is recommended to wear rubber gloves, protective eyewear and a mask when handling this plant, and to wash thoroughly afterwards. On a hot day, the plants’ toxins may be absorbed into the skin. The plant is a perennial, so try to pull the entire root out. This is generally easy especially o the bigger plants by grasping right at the base of the plant. Any small leaf shoots should also be removed. Dispose by desiccating, composting or incinerating,. Be vigilant in subsequent years in case of regrowth, and check pastures before livestock are turned out. Leaves are not as toxic as the roots and concentration of the toxin drops during the process of curing but may remain a problem in contaminated hay. The level continues to drop slowly during storage. Therefore, the longer contaminated hay is stored before being fed, the lower the risk but FEEDING IS NOT RECOMMENDED AS ROOTS REMAIN TOXIC EVEN IN STORED HAY.
Attempts to control the plant by cutting may result in stimulating late-season regrowth that may be attractive to animals in a drought. For small populations in high-use areas, digging out the entire plant may be the best control method. After the top growth dies in the fall the remaining bulblets are easily separated so care should be taken to collect all of them. If you are able, contact your local weed district, custom herbicide applicator, or other local weed specialist to discuss control options. See Manitoba Agriculture’s website for a list of Tier 1, 2 and 3 weeds under The Noxious Weeds Act, including a fact sheet with frequently asked questions around the control of noxious weeds:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/weeds/p ubs/controlling-noxious-weeds.pdf
Sources of information:
https://www.beefresearch.ca/files/Stock_Poisoinin g_Plants_of_Western_Canada.pdf
https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/livestock/wes
What are growing conditions like in your area?
Good or bad, MBP would appreciate your feedback. Please send comments and/ or photos to our email at info@mbbeef.ca
Significant federal Cabinet shuffle includes changes at Agriculture, Transport, and Health
July 25, 2023
Ottawa, ON - This morning, the Prime Minister of Canada made significant changes to his cabinet.
Of highest significance to beef producers, the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau was shuffled out of Agriculture and Agri-Food. She is now the Minister of National Revenue It is disappointing to see her leave the portfolio as we have spent time building a trusted relationship. However, we now have another voice at the cabinet table outside of agriculture that understands the important economic and environmental impact the beef sector brings to Canada.
The Hon. Lawrence MacAulay moves from Veterans Affairs to return as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. He held this role previously and was Agriculture Minister when the Comprehensive and Progressive for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) agreement was signed. We look forward to working with Minister MacAulay again, upholding the progressiveness and integrity of the CPTPP by bringing a science-based approach to address barriers to the United Kingdom (UK) market in advance of the UK accession into the CPTPP.
On trade, the Hon. Mary Ng becomes Minister of Export Promotion, International Trade and Economic Development. The “Small Business” portion was removed from her title, which indicates a larger priority on trade. This should be good news for our sector, given the high priority we place on trade, particularly with ongoing key trade issues.
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) was pleased to see the Hon. Pablo Rodriguez moved to become Minister of Transport. Transportation is key to the beef sector and with ongoing concerns regarding electronic logging devices and their impact on animal health on welfare, CCA will be working with other stakeholders to prioritize meeting with Minister Rodriguez and his team to brief them and urge a science-based approach.
Likewise, the Hon. Mark Holland is moved from Leader of the Government in the House of Commons to Minister of Health. CCA continues to prioritize a positive working relationship with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA), which falls under the purview of Minister of Health. CCA will prioritize connecting with Minister Holland’s team to advocate for beef for both its nutritious and environmental benefits.
The Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson’s title shifts to become Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, indicating a shift on policy files, bringing a further economic lens to the file.
Of note to the beef sector, the Hon. Chrystia Freeland continues as Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, the Hon. Steven Guilbeault continues as Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Hon. Gudie Hutchings continues as Minister of Rural Economic Development, and the Hon. Dan Vandal as Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development
To see the full Cabinet list, please click here.
Industry Update
www.cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots
FCC supports customers impacted by dry conditions in Western Canada
(July 24, 2023 FCC News Release) Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is offering support to customers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba facing financial hardship as a result of dry conditions that are impacting crop quality and grazing lands.
Crops are at a critical state with extremely dry and hot weather creating adverse conditions in parts of all four provinces. Depending on the area, quality and yield are expected to be significantly reduced by drought. Subsequently, feed is a major concern for livestock producers, particularly in the beef and dairy sectors.
For many producers, the lack of moisture since June of this year is an extension of multiple years of below-average precipitation. This has also created drought-related pest infestations for some, compounding the challenges.
As a result of the ongoing challenges preventing a productive harvest, producers may experience a cash shortfall, particularly in the fall and winter
“Agriculture and food is the only industry we serve, so we have a deep understanding of the challenges that come with the business,” said Sophie Perreault, FCC executive vice-president of operations, in announcing the support for customers.
“We stand by our customers over the long term. This year’s dry weather in parts of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba has certainly been challenging for many producers,” said Perreault. “As a Crown corporation, we have a unique responsibility to partner with our customers and ease their financial stress where possible.”
FCC will work with customers to come up with solutions for their operations and will consider deferral of principal payments and/or other loan payment schedule amendments to reduce financial pressure on producers.
Although dry conditions are affecting Western Canada specifically, FCC offers flexibility to all customers through challenging business cycles and unpredictable circumstances on a case-bycase basis.
Customers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager or the FCC customer service centre at 1-888-332-3301 to discuss their individual situation and options.
FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, dedicated to the industry that feeds the world. FCC employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food by providing flexible financing, AgExpert business management software, information and knowledge. FCC provides a complement of expertise and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of food businesses. As a financial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca.
Governments of Canada and Manitoba Investing up to $6.4 Million for Agricultural Research and Training Facility at University of Manitoba
facility to find solutions to critical questions about our food supply.
“This facility promotes industry-governmentacademia collaboration that positions Manitoba as a national leader in agricultural research, innovation and education,” said Guillemard. “The PCSRF will provide incredible training and research opportunities for students in the agricultural field, helping them gain valuable experience in a sector that is continuously advancing.”
(July 25, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing up to $6.4 million to establish the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility (PCSRF) at the Fort Garry campus of the University of Manitoba, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau, Manitoba Advanced Education and Training Minister Sarah Guillemard and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.
“A great deal of our agriculture industry’s success comes from research and skill development. This investment not only creates local, collaborative opportunities in the shortterm, it also lays the foundation for a growing research community that will create more agricultural innovations in the future,” said Bibeau.
Manitoba Advanced Education and Training is providing funding of up to $5.9 million in capital investment over three years, and the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is providing up to $500,000 to create a new state-of-the-art 20,000-sq.-ft.
The total budget for the PCSRF is $20.7 million, including investments from agricultural industry organizations. The new facility is set to be operational by June 2026.
“Manitoba has always offered world-class research, innovation and training that benefits crop producers and grain markets, and today we are making sure we continue to attract top researchers and students,” said Johnson. “This investment ensures that we enhance the resiliency and sustainability of Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-processing sectors for years to come.”
The PCSRF will meet the emerging needs of our food system that Canadian farmers and the industry can innovate in a wide range of areas including nutrient management, cropping systems, digital agronomy and breeding. This initiative was developed through a multi-year consultation with agronomists, entomologists, pathologists, plant breeders, geneticists, soil scientists and other stakeholders in the industry.
“This is a significant investment that will greatly enhance our capacity for research, education programs, and collaborations with producers for more sustainable crop production,” said Martin Scanlon, dean, faculty of agricultural and food
An artist’s rendering of the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility at the University of Manitoba. Photo: University of ManitobaGovernments of Canada and Manitoba Investing up to $6.4 Million for Agricultural Research and Training Facility at University of Manitoba
sciences, UM. “The PCSRF sets the stage for our researchers to develop an integrated approach to robust agronomic systems that will benefit Western Canadian producers and consumers across Canada for years to come. At the same time this will allow our students to become the next generation of agri-food leaders.”
The current facility at the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba is nearing the end of its lifespan, and this new facility will expand and modernize agronomic research and training. The PCSRF will improve the quantity, quality, and efficiency of seed, soil, and plant sample processing, analysis and archiving, and will integrate of soil, crop, entomology, livestock, and engineering research for creative sustainable crop production solutions.
The ministers noted this initiative aligns with the Manitoba government’s priories of strategic investments that advance education, as well as
developing economic growth opportunities in sustainable agriculture.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5 billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments that supports Canada’s agriculture, agri-food and agri-products sectors This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities, and a $2.5-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 about the Sustainable CAP agreement, visit https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/department/in itiatives/sustainable-canadian-agriculturalpartnership
For more information about the Manitoba Agriculture programs, visit https://www.manitoba.ca/scap/
Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council; Apply by August 17, 2023
On July 6, 2023 the (then) Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, launched a new recruitment process for membership on the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council
The Council was created to support greater collaboration in understanding complex and interconnected food systems issues from diverse perspectives to make meaningful and sustainable progress. It plays a key role in the Food Policy for Canada, providing advice to the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on addressing challenges and opportunities across Canada’s food systems.
The membership of the Council is intended to reflect diversity of Canada’s food systems, and bring forward
economic, health, social, and environmental perspectives to issues that impact, or are impacted by food. To achieve this, we are seeking new members from across Canada’s food systems, including from the food and agriculture sector, academia, civil society, and Indigenous communities, with a focus on ensuring Indigenous and equity-deserving groups have a voice on the Council.
We welcome applications from Canadians and permanent residents with demonstrable expertise and experience, on issues related to Canada’s food systems to apply to the Council by August 17, 2023.
This information has been provided by the Food Policy Secretariat of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
Manitoba Government Invests $21.2 Million to Upgrade Bridges Over Souris River
(July 27, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) Bridge projects over the Souris River at Provincial Trunk Highways (PTH) 2 and 3 are moving ahead, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk announced.
“The Manitoba government continues to make record investments in the province’s highways, including bridges, with the vision of ensuring safe, reliable and resilient infrastructure and services for Manitobans and their communities,” said Piwniuk. “These bridge upgrades will protect against future flood events and ensure that the movement of people, goods and services over these highways can continue seamlessly.”
Located near Melita on PTH 3, the bridge over the Souris River is a key commerce route in southwest Manitoba, the minister noted. Over 800 vehicles cross the bridge per day. The PTH 3 bridge will be fully replaced at an estimated total cost of $19.5 million, including engineering and construction, with an expected completion date of summer 2025.
“Safety is a priority for our government. The existing Souris River bridge on PTH 3 was built in 1970 and it has outlived its useful lifespan. Significant flood events in the past have taken their toll,” said Piwniuk. “The new bridge will be more resilient and designed to better handle the impacts of severe flooding and demonstrates our commitment to helping municipalities mitigate the effects of significant weather events.”
The bridge on PTH 2 near Wawanesa was constructed in 1958 and serves as a vital link on the strategic east-west route in southwest Manitoba, the minister said. PTH 2 conveys approximately 2,270 vehicles per day at this location. The PTH 2 bridge upgrades include engineering and river training construction work, which will help provide erosion and scour protection in the waterway to protect this critical highway crossing during major flood events. The construction cost of the project is estimated at $1.7 million with an expected completion date in the spring 2025.
“We are excited to be making progress with these projects. Both are important investments in critical infrastructure that helps support Manitoba’s economy,” said Piwniuk.
The upgrades are part of the Manitoba government’s key investment category of climate resiliency in the 2023 Multi-year Infrastructure Investment Strategy. Climate resiliency projects are undertaken to ensure key infrastructure can withstand the impact of changes to the climate over time, including severe weather events. In particular, bridge infrastructure was targeted for upgrades to improve resiliency and ensure operation during flood events, the minister noted.
For more information on the Manitoba government’s multi-year investment planning, visit
https://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/myhis/index.html
Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) Survey Open for Month of July
(Information From Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)
The Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) is a tool to help connect Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with people in Canada's agricultural community. AAFC relies on its network of AIR volunteers to provide information regarding agroclimate impacts on farm operations across the country.
The AIR network provides valuable and reliable data that are mapped and used in the assessment and development of policies and programs including AgriRecovery and the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision, which can provide assistance to the industry during extreme weather and climate conditions and events.
AAFC is currently collecting AIR reports for the month of July. This month has again been very varied across the country, with generally excessive
moisture in the east and dryness in the west. To let AAFC know what the conditions are like this month in your area, please respond to one of the links below:
To view previous Agroclimate Impact maps, follow this link. Or see some of the other resources we produce on the AAFC Weather and Drought home page. Thank you for your participation, and have a great weekend!
The AIR network is an ever-growing database of agroclimate impacts, which enables better data analysis to help identify trends and anomalies. To learn more about AIR, follow this link. Thank you for your interest in this citizen science project.
Spotted: beef producer Amanda Seward of Amaglen Limousin on the set of Fields to Forks July 28.
Be sure to catch her feature segment on CTV Winnipeg, 103.1 Virgin Radio and 99.9 Bounce FM between August 21 - October 1. (Photo credit: David Hultin/MBP)
Hot off the grill: Chef Anna Borys with a beef banh mi sandwich on the backyard BBQ set of Great Tastes of Manitoba July 21. (Photo credit: Donalee Jones/GTOM)
English French
You're invited to participate in the inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Photography Showcase during #CDNBeefConf
2023! The competition theme is “PROUD.” Click on the image for info, rules and to submit photos. Don't delay; submission deadline is Aug 4!
