MBP E-Newsletter: August 4/2023

Manitoba Government Making Changes to

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 Beef & Forage Initiatives, Manitoba Beef Producers and partners 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!

Governments of Canada and Manitoba Investing up to $2.85 Million for Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives

(August 3, 2023 Joint Federal/Provincial Government News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing up to $2.85 million over the next five years for Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives (MBFI) through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) in southwestern Manitoba, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced

“The Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives play an important role in peer-to-peer knowledge sharing and accelerating the adoption of best practices in the cattle sector,” said MacAulay. “Support for the organization will ensure they’re able to continue conducting innovative research that helps increase productivity while minimizing the sector’s carbon footprint.”

MBFI is a collaboration between Manitoba Beef Producers, Ducks Unlimited Canada and Manitoba Agriculture to undertake beef and forage research and demonstration trials with extension programming to support increased profitability and environmental sustainability in the beef industry.

“These funds will expand operational capacity for the MBFI program and will play a major role in continuing to create a successful and sustainable environment for beef producers,” said Johnson. “The more Manitoba farmers can adopt practices and technologies to increase productivity, mitigate risk and minimize carbon footprints, it will only increase the overall sustainability on our landscape.”

The funds will expand MBFI’s operational capacity by creating additional positions to focus on technology and field operations, as well as supports for outreach to producers. Funds will also expand the Manitoba Advanced Grazing Systems Mentor Program, connecting producers to

peers with real-world experience in diverse grazing management systems.

“Through ongoing engagement with our beef and forage communities, MBFI outcomes will lower risks for producers by scientifically evaluating existing practices or creating new practices to promote excellence, efficiency and sustainability of practice on farms,” said Tracy Gilson, board chair, MBFI. “The commitment from our collaborators and the provincial and federal governments is critical to accelerating the beef and forage industries.”

Developed in 2014, MBFI operates two research and demonstration farms in western Manitoba where farm practices are evaluated at a field scale, including a research herd of more than 130 cowcalf pairs. The Brookdale farm provides the ideal landscape to study the interface between cattle and wetlands, and the Johnson farm provides replicated pastures ideal for research.

Since 2018, MBFI has worked with 28 collaborators to deliver more than 40 innovative studies to improve economic and environmental impacts of beef production. Research and demonstration projects include precision ranching, rangeland drought response, soil health assessment, pasture rejuvenation, habitat assessment, herd health and forage variety testing along with others, noted Johnson.

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 agriproducts 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.

Minister MacAulay Outreach in Alberta; Included Engagement With Beef Sector Reps

(August 3, 2023 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Readout) The Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, met with Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, as well as stakeholders and industry representatives from national and provincial beef, cattle and crops sectors on August 2, 2023, to discuss ways to expand exports and the economic growth of the sector, while ensuring the region remains a global leader in sustainable agriculture production. This is the first in-person meeting of the Ministers since their respective ministerial appointments.

During their meeting, Minister MacAulay and Minister Sigurdson discussed priorities for Alberta’s agricultural sector, including regional challenges such as drought – reaffirming the importance of working in partnership with industry to encourage proactive participation in federal-provincial-territorial business risk management programs such as AgriStability

The Ministers also discussed the importance of coordinating cooperative preparation for issues such as a potential outbreak of African Swine Fever and maintaining strong international partnerships, including taking advantage of international protocols such as the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership and Canada’s IndoPacific Strategy.

Industry representatives shared their perspectives on opportunities to enhance the resiliency and sustainability of the sector, market opportunities, challenges and priorities for the region, international trade goals and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding priorities and opportunities, as well as the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy. During his outreach, Minister MacAulay had the opportunity to tour the Canadian Beef Centre of Excellence and see the results of past federal investments, including new, state-of-the-art digital resources and tools that are essential to expanding international market opportunities for Canadian beef.

Stakeholders also identified opportunities and unique challenges facing their operations and the sector from a producer perspective, and reinforced the importance of support for adopting beneficial on-farm management practices to grow their business, while tackling climate change. They expressed appreciation for federal funding programs such as the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, and shared examples of real-world results of the program.

This is the first ministerial outreach by Minister MacAulay since his reappointment as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on July 26, 2023. The visit marks the continuation of strong partnerships with sector leaders and stakeholders in Alberta.

Canada, Manitoba Invest in Enhancing Opportunities for Indigenous Participation in Agricultural Sector in Manitoba

(August 1, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) Funding is now available for initiatives that will support Indigenous participation, address barriers and build on opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food economy under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.

“Ensuring Indigenous communities and organizations are equipped with the agricultural knowledge, skills and technology to increase their participation in the agricultural economy is critical,” said MacAulay. “We recognize that Indigenous communities have diverse and unique realities and the flexibility of the programs announced today reflect that diversity. Fostering relationships and working in partnership with Indigenous Peoples will support inclusive growth of the agri-food sector and contribute to economic reconciliation.”

“Food security and sovereignty are critical, and these funding streams will empower communities in developing food systems solutions that enhance access to affordable and nutritious food while increasing economic opportunities through sustainable and culturally respectful methods,” said Johnson. “Our government is addressing barriers to Indigenous participation in agriculture and agri-food with funding to improve access to training and capacity-building, capital investments, food system development and expansion, agriculture planning, and increasing youth involvement.”

As a result of engagement, two streams of funding have been developed to support equitable access to funding and strengthen relationships with Indigenous Peoples:

• Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems: supports actions and activities that increase food security and sovereignty in communities, including supporting and enhancing the revitalization of traditional food systems and increased participation in the agriculture and agri-food sector;

• Relationship Development and Engagement: supports actions and activities that engage and enhance relationships between Indigenous Peoples, industry and academia with an aim to encourage collaboration and advance opportunities in agriculture.

“We are encouraged that these new programs focus on Indigenous-led agriculture and food systems work here in Manitoba,” said Julie Price, Northern Manitoba Food, Culture and Community Collaborative. “Annually the Northern Manitoba Food, Culture and Community Collaborative provides funding and support to nearly 50 Indigenous-led initiatives across Manitoba, however, most initiatives have received little or no provincial or federal agriculture support despite being funding-ready. By explicitly focusing on Indigenous projects, these new programs are an important step towards a stronger, more inclusive food systems and agricultural sector.”

Programming has been developed to increase Indigenous sector participation, establishing and growing food systems, and supporting partnerships and collaboration. The Indigenous Agriculture and Food Systems program will provide funding across four funding streams:

• Planning and consulting activities, which support access to community-driven,

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Canada, Manitoba Invest in Enhancing Opportunities for Indigenous Participation in Agricultural Sector in Manitoba

culturally relevant services and the development of resource materials, up to a maximum of $80,000.

• Training activities, which support sharing skills, group learning and knowledge transfer events, up to a maximum of $10,000.

• Enhancing Indigenous food systems activities, which support the design and development of community-based food systems from planning and training through to implementation, up to a maximum of $200,000.

• Capital equipment and software activities, which support access to capital items required in implementing and/or scaling up food system/agriculture projects from production and processing to preservation, with a 50 per cent government and 50 per cent applicant cost-sharing up to a maximum of $50,000 in funding.

The Engagement and Relationship Development program will provide small funding grants of up to $5,000 per application to support meaningful

engagement activities prior to exploring ideas and initiating projects.

Funding is available for food system work guided by traditional knowledge systems, including activities that have not been funded under previous frameworks, such as traditional gathering and processing practices. Projects are anticipated to vary greatly and be specific to communities’ needs. They could range from building a community garden to completing agricultural feasibility studies, noted Johnson.

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 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.

The program launches today and is open until Oct. 27. For additional program details and application forms, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/scap/.

ON SET IN LENORE: MBP was on the road this week visiting the farm of Lisa and Cameron Hodgins for Great Tastes of Manitoba.

The Hodgins, along with the Lowry family from Darlingford, will be featured as part of the Before the Plate segment that airs with each MBP episode (October 7 & November 25).

The 34th season of the television show launches next month on CTV Winnipeg and across the various GTOM social media offerings. (Photo credit: Donalee Jones/ Frank Digital)

REMINDER: The Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) Survey is Still Open for the Month of July

(Information From Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) The Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) is a tool to help connect Agriculture and AgriFood 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:

English

French

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.

Manitoba Public Insurance Hail Damage Information

(Source: MPI Website) To help customers who have experienced hail damage as a result of recent storms, we’ve temporarily converted our Gateway Service Centre in Winnipeg into a dedicated hail centre.

To report your hail damage, call us at 204-9857000 or toll-free at 1-800-665-2410.

Customers who already have appointments at Gateway Service Centre that are not related to hail damage will still be helped at this location.

If you have a hail claim but are unable to attend our Gateway location, we will provide additional hail claim service at later dates at our Steinbach, Beausejour, Arborg and Selkirk locations. This will help us centralize support for the increase in claims out of Gateway Service Centre.

Manitoba Government Adopts New Regulations to Improve Testing for Chronic Wasting Disease; Streamlined Submission Process Makes It Easier for Hunters to Submit Samples

(July 31, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) Ahead of the 2023 hunting season, the Manitoba government has introduced new amendments to the Wildlife Protection Regulation to simplify data collection and provide more options for hunters to engage in the mandatory sample requirements for chronic wasting disease (CWD), Natural Resources and Northern Development Minister Greg Nesbitt announced.

“Our government has shown our commitment to taking action to stop the spread of chronic wasting disease,” said Nesbitt. “Budget 2023 committed $880,000 to increase the capacity of Manitoba’s mandatory sample program and these new amendments will further improve sampling efforts for hunters. Early detection and improving our testing capacity is key to developing effective strategies to protect wildlife populations today and into the future.”

CWD is an incurable, fatal disease that affects members of the deer family (cervids) including mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose and caribou. The discovery of the first positive cases of CWD late in 2021 prompted the Manitoba government, through its Wildlife Health Program, to expand its surveillance and prevention program in 2022. The 2022-23 hunting season saw a substantial increase in biological sample submissions – up to 6,000, compared to an average of 1,000 before CWD was discovered in Manitoba. As a result, sample processing times were lengthy.

The Manitoba government is implementing process improvements in 2023 in an effort to reduce turnaround times for test results, the minister noted. Amendments now give hunters

the option to extract and submit the testable tissue samples themselves rather than submitting the animal’s entire head. In addition, mandatory sample submission periods have been extended from two days to seven days to allow hunters additional time to extract samples, the minister added.

“By encouraging hunters to extract and submit testable samples, resources can be redirected to quicker collection and processing to reduce turnaround time for test results during peak hunting season,” said Nesbitt.

As part of these changes, the Manitoba government is engaging with key stakeholders and hunters on the implementation of these new legislative requirements. The Department of Natural Resources and Northern Development anticipates the number of cases will rise as further testing is completed, the minister noted.

“Today’s announcement is welcome news to hunters and Manitoba Wildlife Federation members,” said Chris Heald, senior policy adviser, Manitoba Wildlife Federation. “All Manitobans must work together to stop the spread of CWD.”

“We applaud the changes being made because we know hunters in our province are committed to doing what is required to ensure the sustainability of our wildlife populations,” said Mat Hobson, president, Manitoba Lodges and Outfitters Association. “By making it easier to meet requirements, the Manitoba government is ensuring proper monitoring is done to control the spread of CWD within our borders.”

continued on page 9

Manitoba Government Adopts New Regulations to Improve Testing for Chronic Wasting Disease; Streamlined Submission Process Makes It Easier for Hunters to Submit Samples

CWD is not known as a human health risk but Health Canada has recommended that meat from a CWD-infected animal not be consumed. In areas where CWD is a concern, it is mandatory for licensed hunters to have harvested animals tested, practise safe carcasshandling protocols and avoid consumption of any animal that has tested positive for CWD. Samples results from harvested animals will be posted, once available, at www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/fish-wildlife/wildlife/cwdresults/cwd-results.html

The amendments also remove requirements for bovine tuberculosis testing in the Riding Mountain National Park area as Manitoba has been considered bovine tuberculosis-free for the last number of years.

Hunters with questions or concerns about an animal that has been harvested can email cwd@gov.mb.ca or call 1-204-638-4570.

For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/cwd.

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

Manitoba Government Establishes Disaster Financial Assistance Program for 2023 Spring Flooding

(July 31, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is establishing a Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program for eligible municipalities, homeowners, farms, small businesses and non-profit organizations impacted by the 2023 spring flood, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk announced today.

“Our government is committed to helping Manitobans recover from the 2023 spring flood by providing financial assistance for uninsurable losses to basic and essential property,” said Piwniuk. “We continue to work with local authorities on response and recovery efforts and invite eligible Manitobans to apply for assistance.”

The minister noted the DFA program provides provincial assistance for certain disaster-related losses that meet three criteria:

• damages from the event are widespread;

• damages are mostly uninsurable; and

• damages from the event represent a significant financial burden.

Municipalities, primary residences, farms, small businesses and non-profit organizations affected by this year’s spring flooding may apply to the

DFA program. The deadline for applications is Oct. 30.

Manitobans are encouraged to check with insurance providers to review their policy coverage before applying for the DFA, said the minister, noting that insurable losses, such as sewer backup, are not covered by the program. Some Manitobans may have also purchased overland flood insurance, added Piwniuk.

The federal government may provide financial assistance to provincial and territorial governments through Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) following large-scale natural disasters. The anticipated DFA costs related to the 2023 spring flood are expected to meet the DFAA’s threshold for funding, the minister added.

When the Manitoba government establishes a DFA program that is eligible for cost-sharing with the federal government, municipalities have the option to opt into the Mitigation and Preparedness Program (MPP) to invest their cost-sharing amount into a mitigation or preparedness project. If an MPP is established for the 2023 spring flood, more information will be shared with eligible municipalities.

For more information about eligibility or to apply, visit www.manitoba.ca/emo/dfa or email dfa@gov.mb.ca.

2023Cattleandhogoutlookupdate:feedcosts anddemandstrengthleadprofituncertainty

This is the second quarterly update to our 2023 Outlook for cattle and hogs published in February. Over the last two weeks, we updated our Outlooks for dairy and major crops.

Prices for fed steers in Ontario and Alberta have continued to gain since our May outlook update. Our forecasts for each price category are also higher year-over-year (YoY) and significantly higher than their respective five-year averages. Prices for live hogs have similarly improved since May except for Manitoba feeder hogs and isoweans, bringing some relief to eastern producers. However, they’ve not yet returned to the levels we had initially forecasted in February.

Table1:Pricescontinuetoriseforcattle;hogproducersseeaturnaroundinthedownwardtrend

Hogmarginsstillfacingpressure:Cattlesectorisinagood spot

As good as cattle margins were in 2022, they will improve in 2023. Cow-calf operations will easily surpass the five-year average, while feedlot profitability should return to the black throughout 2023 after five hard years. Isowean margins continue to face pressure, especially in the East, as do eastern farrow-to-finishers. Western farrow-to-finish operations should expect positive returns, although they will fall short of the five-year average.

In February, we identified a shrinking North American herd, red meat demand, and escalating feed costs as three factors to monitor throughout 2023.

NorthAmericandroughtconditionsaddingtoherdsizewoes

Our February outlook showed a year-over-year decline in the North American cattle herd as of January 1. As of July 1, the U.S. herd on feed is estimated at 13.1 million head (a 2% year-over-year decline) and the Alberta/Saskatchewan herd on feed at 910 thousand head (a 7.7% decline year-over-year but in line with the 5-year average). The 2.9% decline in the overall size of the North American beef herd as of July 1 is the biggest year-over-year drop in the last 30 years, as cows and heifers continue to show up in an increasing percentage of total cattle slaughter (Figure 1). The USDA estimates <https://apps.fas.usda.gov/psdonline/circulars/livestock_poultry.pdf> that the U.S. herd will decline by 3.0%,

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aFC nd the Canadian herd will shrink by 2.2% year-over-year in 2023

Sources: Statistics Canada, AAFC, USDA, CanFax, CME Futures, and FCC calculations

Sources: Canfax, Statistics Canada, USDA, FCC Calculations

Westernsoilmoisturelacking

Soil moisture across the prairies is well below normal for July 24 . While many Saskatchewan crops continue to look good, Manitoba and Alberta especially are seeing some challenging conditions with repercussions for Canada’s livestock sectors.

Dry periods can accelerate slaughter as cow-calf producers balance lower their own feed supplies while minimizing purchased feed at elevated prices. In this situation, they’re likelier to send more heifers to feedlots rather than retain them, which is what happened during the drought of 2021 (Figure 2). Cow slaughter also picked up during the period.

Figure1:Anotheryear-over-yeardipintheNorthAmericancattleherd

Figure2:Dryperiodsandpricesignalsdrivechangesinslaughternumbers

Source: Statistics Canada

On the other hand, high prices in 2014-15 served as a signal to retain cattle to build a stronger herd, visible as a drop in cow and heifer slaughters between November 2014 and July 2016. But the extent of western dryness this year is keeping slaughter numbers strong, despite a small and shrinking North American cattle herd and price signals that might otherwise motivate heifer retention.

The reduced numbers have impacted beef production in both markets. Canadian beef production will fall 3.6%, and U.S. production will be cut by 4.0% YoY. Carcass weights are also lighter YoY across North America and lighter than they were in 2021. But with higher slaughters in the last two years, there are fewer cattle to keep meat processing plants running closer to capacity in 2023. It appears that younger cattle are being pulled from feedlots early to reduce underutilization.

Productiondeclinesneededtosupporthogsectoras consumptionwanesinNorthAmerica

With the ongoing shuttering of five pork processing plants, Canadian pork production is forecasted to be down 2.9% YoY. Unsurprisingly, our pork exports are also forecasted to drop 8.0% YoY. On the other hand, hog exports are expected to increase 50% YoY, destined for U.S. processing which the USDA pegs at 1.4% higher YoY. Global pork production will stabilize this year at last year’s levels, with a minor increase for China (1.1%) that will keep production at

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grapples with California’s Proposition 12, which implies that pig and pork sales in the state must come from animals housed in cages larger than the currently used gestation crates.

Global consumption will also flatten this year, with a 1.3% increase in China’s consumption offsetting declines in Brazil, the E.U. and the U.K. Japan and South Korea will see no YoY changes. It remains very strong, though, at 8.1% higher than the previous five-year average (2018 – 2022).

The North American outlook isn’t as rosy, though, as the U.S. is expected to see a 1.9% YoY decrease in pork consumption which will more than offset an expected 9.4% bump in Canada. Here at home, despite a favourable price differential, pork is facing an uphill battle (Figure 3).

Figure3:Demandforbeefexceedsconsumptionlevelswhileporkstrugglestoboosteither

Sources: Statistics Canada, AAFC, and FCC calculations

FCC Economics’ red meat demand indices show that consumers’ preferences for beef are still strong.

Recent increases in pork consumption levels have resulted from favourable price swings at the retail level. Despite its low prices and the relatively higher prices of beef and chicken, pork demand is finding it hard to regain the vigour exhibited before the pandemic.

in response to the news. First, South America’s record corn crops are alleviating some fears. Second, there’s the uncertainty arising from the Black Sea region, where Ukrainian grains may not have a safe passage for export. Third, North American dryness and drought conditions produce more uncertainty.

Table2:Recentpricegainswipeoutpriorimprovementsinfeedcosts($/tonne)

Feedlots are more proactively sourcing feed grains compared to the last drought in the 2021-2022 crop year (Figure 4). That year, Canada imported 3.7 million tonnes (mt) of corn from the U.S. This year, feedlots are jumping on the expected drought-induced feed grain shortage much sooner. Canada has already purchased over 450,000 mt of corn for delivery at the start of the new crop year in September, with deliveries already showing up.

Figure4:U.S.newcropcornsalestoCanada(asofJuly20)

Sources: Statistics Canada, AAFC, USDA, CanFax, CME Futures, and FCC calculations

Bottomline

Perhaps the largest factor weighing on Canadian red meat sectors is the weather. Drought conditions in North America have led to feed costs creeping up again after trending down throughout most of 2023. With such good current prices, they’re also keeping cattle slaughter rates higher than we’d expect. For their part, the hog sector must contend with rising costs and lowered prices.

Martha Roberts Economics Editor

Martha joined the Economics team in 2013, focusing on research insights about risk and success factors for agricultural producers and agri-businesses. She has 25 years’ experience conducting and communicating quantitative and qualitative research results to industry experts. Martha holds a Master of Sociology degree from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario and a Master of Fine Arts degree in non-fiction writing from the University of King’s College.

OUTLOOKS CATTLE AND HOG COMMODITY MARKETING COST OF PRODUCTION MARKET ANALYSIS

Governments of Canada and Manitoba Announce over $1.9 Million Distributed to Support Sustainable Farming in Manitoba

(July 31, 2023 Joint Federal/Provincial Government News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing over $1.9 million in funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to 54 projects supporting sustainable farming in Manitoba through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.

“As good stewards of the land, Manitoba producers are prepared to embrace new, proactive on-farm projects that help mitigate the effects of climate change,” said MacAulay. “Support for sustainable farming projects through these programs helps producers take a leadership role in shaping the future of Manitoba’s resilient agriculture sector.”

“Manitoba farmers know that the success of their business depends on good stewardship of the land,” said Johnson. “We are proud to support them as they work to maintain and restore grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands. This work isn’t just beneficial to the farmers; it contributes to the environmental and economic benefit to all Manitobans.”

There are two streams of funding provided through the RALP: Watershed Resilience and Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience that support on-farm management practices and projects that sequester carbon and improve sustainability through grassland management and agroforestry practices, such as maintaining and restoring grasslands and wetlands.

The watershed resilience stream provides funding to watershed districts to collaborate with farmers to implement projects on

agroforestry, grasslands and grazing management, natural upland area enhancement and rejuvenation, riparian area enhancement, water retention and runoff management, and wetland restoration and enhancement.

Selected watershed districts received up to $100,000 per project at 100 per cent of the total approved eligible costs and projects will be complete within 18 months. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local watershed districts to inquire about any potential programming that may be available.

The carbon sequestration and grassland resilience stream provides funding to community pastures, agricultural Crown land forage leaseholders, Indigenous farmers and communities, and farmers outside of watershed district boundaries to support on-farm projects that increase the productivity of grasslands that support a strong and viable livestock industry in Manitoba. These projects enhance valuable ecological goods and services and provide mitigation and adaptation practices to support producers in a changing climate.

Selected applicants received a maximum of $15,000 per project at 75 per cent of the total approved eligible costs and projects will be complete within 18 months.

"We would like to thank the province for their confidence in watershed districts’ ability to successfully deliver programs like RALP, and for recognizing that the watershed district program is an effective method for water and land management throughout the province,” said Garry Wasylowski, chair, Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW). “Watershed districts are committed to educating communities on the importance of land management and

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Governments of Canada and Manitoba Announce over $1.9 Million Distributed to Support Sustainable Farming in Manitoba

supporting landowners to implement projects that protect and enhance their local landscapes. MAW is pleased to work with the province to support the districts in their efforts."

Projects were evaluated on their ability to increase the environmental resilience of agricultural landscapes by adopting practices that increase environmental benefits that:

• improve soil and water quality;

• reduce greenhouse gas emissions;

• reduce stream-bank degradation;

• improve nutrient and water retention; and

• improve biodiversity and wildlife habitat.

Projects under RALP will enhance the Manitoba government’s commitment to improve the productivity of agricultural Crown lands,

improve soil health and implement on-theground actions identified in Manitoba’s Protein Strategy and Water Management Strategy, Johnson added

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 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 designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

For more information on the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/scap/climatechange/car bon-sequestration.html.

Manitoba RCMP Monthly Crime Statistics for June 2023

(Source: August 3, 2023 Manitoba RCMP News Release)

Calls for Service for June 2022 vs. June 2023: East District: -1% (7,342 to 7,303)

North District: +5% (6,720 to 7,088)

West District: 0% (5,099 to 5,091)

Overall, the Calls for Service counts increased by 2% (19,161 to 19,482).

East District

Common Police Activities +2% (877 to 891) Crime against Property 0% (922 to 918)

Crime against Person +30% (400 to 519)

Drug Enforcement +152% (21 to 53)

West District

Common Police Activities +5% (641 to 672) Crime against Property +2% (821 to 838) Crime against Person +13% (353 to 400)

Drug Enforcement +18% (40 to 47)

North District

Common Police Activities +5% (912 to 959)

Crime against Property +5% (1367 to 1429)

Crime against Person +2% (1030 to 1053)

Drug Enforcement +6% (47 to 50)

Traffic Enforcement Tickets Issued (all districts combined)

+3% increase over June 2022 (3,780 to 3,914

For a listing of the communities served by each District, please visit: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb/stats/ districts-eng.htm.

The complete statistics can be found here: https:// www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/mb/stats/index-eng.htm. Any questions on the statistics can be directed to the Manitoba RCMP Media Relations Unit.

Help protect our plants! It's tree check month

(August 1, 2023 CFIA News Release) Every August, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) observes Tree Check Month as a reminder of the importance of protecting our precious plants and trees from invasive pests. Throughout this month, Canadians are encouraged to inspect backyards, gardens, local parks and even vehicles, for any unwelcome pests.

Plant health is essential to Canada's economic prosperity and it is directly linked to the health of people, animals and the environment. The introduction and spread of invasive species could have devastating impacts on human and animal health and Canada's forests, agriculture, environment and economy.

Many plant pests and diseases affect the health of plants and trees all across Canada. These pests are most often introduced and spread throughout via human activity. Oak Wilt was found in Canada for the first time in June. This dangerous disease poses a serious threat to oak trees, and if it spreads, it could have a major impact on our forests. Another invasive species to watch out for is the Spotted Lanternfly, which has not yet reached Canada, but is present in the United States near the Canadian border. This pest can be particularly harmful to vineyards and orchards all across the country.

Invasive species and diseases can cause irreversible and widespread damage to our environment, agriculture, and economy. There are many ways Canadians can help protect our forests and plants from invasive species and disease:

• Not all pests are equally spread across Canada. Learn about the invasive insects and plant diseases that could be found in your community on the CFIA's website.

• Inspect the trees in your yard and their surroundings, and look for unusual or sudden changes in the tree's health, such as discoloration of leaves, cracks in the bark, presence of insect holes, tunnels beneath peeled bark, etc. Start your inspection at the roots, move up the trunk and along the branches, looking for noticeable insect populations and signs of feeding activity on the leaves.

• Report suspected invasive species or plant disease to the CFIA. Timely reporting allows CFIA inspectors to investigate the source and take preventive measures against further spread. Early detection is the best way to protect our trees and plants.

• Prevent the spread of invasive species and pests, as they can travel in many different ways. Do your part to stop their spread by checking for egg masses and insects on your vehicle, RV, trailer, boat, etc. before going on and returning from a trip.

• Another way to prevent the spread of pests: don't move firewood. Pests and their eggs can be hiding under the bark. Buy local and burn local instead.

Anyone can participate in Tree Check Month, even kids. Check out our plant health hero activity book where kids can learn about the importance of plant health within their own community and Canada, the numerous threats to plant health like invasive species, and how they can help to protect plant life. Canadians of all ages can play a role in keeping our plants and trees healthy for a better future.

continued on page 22

Help protect our plants! It's tree check month

Quotes

"Healthy plants and trees are crucial for our food, agriculture, forestry, and environment. During Tree Check Month, and also every day of the year, I encourage all Canadians to rally in protecting our beautiful country by taking simple steps to ensure the well-being of our plants and trees."

– Dr. Harpreet S. Kochhar, President, CFIA

"In the face of both new and recurring invasive species, it is important for all of us to do our part to protect Canada's trees and plants from the detrimental effects caused by destructive pests. Now, more than ever, our collective action is essential to safeguarding the well-being of our natural environment."

– Dr. Anthony Anyia, Chief Plant Health Officer, CFIA

Quick facts

• The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) dubbed August as Tree Check Month to mobilize community scientists and help keep Canada's trees healthy and free from invasive species and pests.

• In June 2023, the CFIA confirmed the presence of oak wilt in three locations in Southern Ontario following suspect oak wilt reports received from the public. Oak wilt is a disease caused by the fungus Bretziella fagacearum which develops in the outer sapwood of the tree. Red oaks are particularly susceptible, resulting in tree death within a single season. Oak wilt is spread naturally through root grafts or beetles carrying fungal spores. To help prevent the spread of oak wilt, don't prune oak trees between April and November. Signs of oak wilt are:

o Dull green, brown or yellow leaves

o Cracks in the trunk

o White, grey or black fungus

o Early and sudden leaf drop

• The spotted lanternfly is an impressive and colourful insect that can feed on more than 100 species of trees and plants. Although it is a particular threat to the grape and wine industries, it could also affect the fruit tree, nursery, maple syrup and forestry sectors. It is not yet in Canada but has been detected in some parts of the United States close to the border with Canada.

o If you are travelling back from the United States, it's important not to accidentally transport this pest with you into Canada.

o Check your car, camper, trailer or RV for the spotted lanternfly or its egg masses before making the return trip.

o Be sure to check any camping gear or equipment you have with you before returning to Canada.

o If you spot a spotted lanternfly or its egg masses in Canada, snap a photo, catch and place it in a container, and report it to the CFIA.

• Other pests of concern include: the emerald ash borer, which has killed millions of trees in North America; the spongy moth, which has a significant impact on forests in eastern Canada and is a major threat to western Canada; the box tree moth, a serious pest of boxwood in Ontario; and the Japanese beetle, a major pest in eastern Canada with current eradication efforts in British Columbia.

Associated links

• Learn about Invasive Species

• Stop the spread and help keep invasive species out of Canada

• Don't move firewood

LAKE MANITOBA LAKE ST. MARTIN OUTLET CHANNELS PROJECT

Summer Update Newsletter – July/August 2023 Issue 21

The coming months will be a very busy time for the proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project. In this issue, we will share updates about important project activities and let communities know what to expect during the summer and fall of 2023.

Environmental Advisory Committee

The Environmental Advisory Committee (EAC) is a new group that will include representatives from communities and from Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI). The purpose of the EAC is to facilitate information sharing and provide advice or recommendations to MTI on ongoing refinement and implementation of the Environmental Management Program. In other words, the EAC will assist in preventing any potential Project-related environmental impacts. Though the environmental assessment regulatory processes are ongoing, through the EAC, communities will have an opportunity to discuss environmental concerns, review environmental management plans and plan for local participation in compliance monitoring during the construction phase of the project through the EAC.

Earlier this spring, the terms of reference for the EAC was distributed to community leadership. More recently, a letter was sent to the Indigenous communities potentially most-affected by the proposed project and the Rural Municipality of Grahamdale, asking each

community to appoint up to two representatives to participate in the EAC. Each community may choose who they would like to represent their community; this could include elected leaders, employees, a consultant or a community member at large. While discussions about the EAC have been underway since 2021, the first official EAC meeting is being planned for summer 2023.

One of the EAC’s first tasks will be to decide upon a workplan for itself. In essence, the EAC will decide which topics they are most interested in and what activities the EAC will undertake to reflect the priorities of member communities. MTI has asked the EAC to review the Wetland Compensation Plan and the Fish and Fish Habitat Offsetting Plan with an eye towards identifying potential projects for wetland or fish habitat offsetting. If the EAC chooses to undertake this, they will be able to suggest wetland and fish habitat projects for MTI to complete in order to offset any impacts to existing wetlands or fish habitat that may be caused by the proposed project.

MTI has also proposed that construction compliance monitoring activities can be coordinated through the EAC. This means that the EAC will help to coordinate training and paid employment for community members to monitor and ensure that contractors working on the project follow the practices and procedures identified in the Environmental Management Program. This monitoring work will be an important component of minimizing environmental impacts and ensuring that the project is built and operates as expected.

Stay tuned for more news on the EAC as the group is formed and begins its work this year.

Indigenous Economic Development Fund

The Indigenous Economic Development Fund is a $15 million fund that aims to support economic initiatives in Indigenous communities affected by the proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels project.

Between February and May 2023, MTI reached out to the 39 eligible Indigenous communities and representative groups to receive feedback about what they would like the fund to accomplish. The communities were asked where they thought funds should be allocated and which groups should be involved.

MTI processed this community feedback to incorporate it into the plan for the Fund. Communities have shared that they want the Fund to have clear, transparent and fair guidelines. A call for proposals has been issued and MTI looks forward to reviewing them.

As further information becomes available, updates will be shared with community leadership and on the proposed Project’s website.

Construction Sequencing

The proposed Project aims to build two channels: one from Lake Manitoba to Lake St. Martin, and one from Lake St. Martin to Lake Winnipeg. Each channel contains several components such as water control structures, drains, and bridges. A summary document is available for review on the proposed Project website. It outlines how MTI plans to proceed with contracted work over the proposed construction period. Previous information on proposed construction sequencing was provided in the July 2021 and January 2022 newsletters.

The plan considers environmental, social and economic factors during the construction process. MTI will address these factors through mitigation plans and regulatory requirements.

More information on the environmental assessment processes and environmental management program is available online at www.gov.mb.ca/mit/wms/lmblsmoutlets/environmental/ index.html.

Environmental Approvals and Other Considerations

The current major step for the proposed Project is federal environmental approval through the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada. This is an ongoing process that intends to identify potential environmental effects and make plans to mitigate them wherever possible. The proposed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project has been working through this process for several years.

MTI recently provided preliminary responses to the Round 2 information requests to the federal agency in May 2023 and submitted formal responses in July 2023. This is a key milestone for the Project, because it shows the department’s commitment to addressing concerns from federal regulatory representatives, and most importantly, the communities that may be affected by the Project. Further information about this process can be found on the Impact Assessment Agency of Canada website.

Finally, the Manitoba government would like to acknowledge that some communities have expressed their concern that the proposed Lake Manitoba Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project is in some way connected to Manitoba Hydro’s water regulation activities. MTI can confirm that the proposed Project is not a Manitoba Hydro-regulated project, and the movement of waters within the proposed outlet channels is not being used for hydro-electric generation purposes.

Thank you for taking the time to read this newsletter. If you have any questions or concerns, please send us an e-mail at outletchannels@ gov.mb.ca