E-Newsletter Final Call for Applications for The dsfsfa Environmental Stewardship Award An update from MBP December 15, 2023
mbbeef.ca
Manitoba Beef Producers has extended the application deadline to Monday, December 18, 2023 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA). Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. As stewards of a vast portion of the Canadian landscape, Canada’s beef cattle producers play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. They continuously strive to improve existing stewardship conservation practices to create a sustainable future – always farming for tomorrow. At the local level, a producer receives provincial recognition for their outstanding environmental contributions. In the case of Manitoba, this occurs in conjunction with MBP’s annual general meeting in February. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete for national recognition from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semi-annual meeting at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air. All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for TESA. Beef producers interested in TESA can apply by filling out the application form here: https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa
Producers can either nominate themselves, another individual or be nominated by an organization. All methods are equally encouraged. The completed application form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba Beef Producers by email to info@mbbeef.ca no later than 4:30 p.m. on Monday, December 18, 2023. If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.
Manitoba Government Issues 2023 Fall Conditions Report Current Soil Moisture Levels, River and Lake Levels Reported as Normal to Below Normal Throughout the Province (December 14, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and
Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has released the 2023 Manitoba Basins Fall Conditions Report, which indicates soil moisture levels at the time of freeze-up, precipitation received over the fall and summer, and river and lake levels are all normal to below normal throughout Manitoba, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced. “While the fall report shows our rivers and lakes have the capacity to receive a normal amount of spring run-off, this will depend on precipitation and snowmelt rate,” said Naylor. “We will continue to closely monitor the conditions and prepare for potential outcomes.” The report notes although much of the November precipitation fell as snow, warmer temperatures allowed for the snow to melt and contribute to soil moisture levels, leaving very little snow accumulation on the ground. The report also contains long-term forecasted winter and spring precipitation as a general indication of probable future weather, as well as spring flows and levels throughout Manitoba basins. Global climate models project the effect
of El Nino weather patterns across the globe. As a result, most Manitoba basins are forecasted to receive normal to below-normal precipitation and above-normal temperatures for the remainder of the winter and spring. These factors are possible indicators of lower spring runoff levels, but the long-term spring runoff forecast for spring 2024 cannot be confirmed as conditions could change, the minister noted. The Hydrologic Forecast Centre continues to work collaboratively with Environment and Climate Change Canada, the National Weather Service and flood forecasters in neighbouring jurisdictions to monitor watershed conditions and winter precipitation patterns. The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization continues proactive preparations for emergency response efforts in advance of spring runoff. The minister noted further basin condition updates will be released as necessary. To read the 2023 Manitoba Basins Fall Conditions Report, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/mti/floodinfo/pdf/2023/2023 _fall_conditions_report.pdf .
News Release McDonald’s Canada grows its investment in young leaders of the beef industry December 13, 2023
Calgary, AB – The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to announce McDonald’s Canada as a Platinum Partner of its Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program. McDonald’s Canada has been a generous Foundation Partner of the program since 2017. This elevated partnership marks an exciting milestone, as McDonald’s Canada becomes the very first Platinum Partner of the Canadian CYL Program. McDonald’s Canada is a long-time supporter of Canadian cattle farmers and ranchers and the sustainable practices used to raise high-quality Canadian beef. This partnership not only invests in the development of our young people, but also supports the overall beef sector in Canada. “The future success of Canada’s beef industry is built on the investment we make in our next generation of leaders,” said Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “We are grateful to McDonald’s Canada for growing their investment in our young leaders and helping us to take our program to new heights.” McDonald’s Canada’s support of the Canadian CYL Program exceeds just their financial contributions. This support has ranged from participating as mentors to our young leaders, collaborating on workshops and tours, and helping select program participants by engaging in the judging process. We look forward to our continued collaboration to support the future of the Canadian beef industry. “At the root of McDonald's Canada’s purpose is our ambition to continue serving guests the burgers they know and love, while continuing to help advance agricultural practices and support the next generation of Canadian farmers,” said Ashwin Ramesh, Head of Sustainability & Impact Strategy at McDonald’s Canada. “Our investment in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders Program is one way we’re contributing to the future of farming by helping to empower tomorrow’s generation of beef farmers, ranchers, and other young industry professionals, alongside our long-term partners at the Canadian Cattle Association.”
About McDonald’s Canada In 1967, Canada welcomed the first McDonald's restaurant to Richmond, British Columbia. Today, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited has become part of the Canadian fabric, serving more than one million guests every day. In both franchised and corporate-owned restaurants, nearly 100,000 people are employed from coast to coast to coast, and more than 90 per cent of McDonald's 1,400 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees. Of the almost $1 billion spent on food, more than 85 per cent is purchased from suppliers in Canada. For more information on McDonald's Canada, visit mcdonalds.ca.
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
News Release About the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) Program Canadian Cattle Young Leaders (CYL) welcomes young people ages 18-35 across Canada, involved in various aspects of the beef supply chain, to be paired with an industry leader in their specific area of interest for a nine-month mentorship. Through mentorship, networking, and travel, the Canadian CYL Program acts as an industry succession planning tool to equip the next generation of leaders with the skills and tools they need to continue to drive the growth and profitability of the Canadian beef industry. Since established by the Canadian Cattle Association in 2010, the program has seen over 180 CYL graduates. Program applications are open annually for ages 18-35 on our website from early January to the end of March. Learn more at www.canadiancattleyoungleaders.ca. For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Government of Canada announces new economic incentive to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle (December 10, 2023 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) Against the
backdrop of Food and Agriculture Day at COP28, the global community is witnessing a pivotal moment in the collective effort to address environmental challenges within the agricultural sector. As world leaders convene to deliberate on sustainable solutions, there is a growing consensus on the critical role agriculture plays in reducing emissions and fostering a more sustainable planet. Today, Environment and Climate Change Canada published a draft fourth protocol under Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. This new draft protocol, Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle (REME protocol), will incentivize farmers to implement changes that would reduce enteric methane emissions from their beef cattle operations with an opportunity to generate offset credits that they can sell. Methane is generated during the natural digestive process of cows and is released into the air when cows burp. This is known as an enteric methane emission. The REME protocol will encourage beef cattle farms to reduce enteric methane emissions by improving animal diets, management, and other strategies that support more efficient animal growth. Each credit represents one tonne of emission reductions. Credits can be sold to facilities that will use them to meet emissions reduction obligations, or to other businesses to meet their low-carbon economy commitments. This means fewer methane emissions, and more financial opportunities for Canadian farmers.
To ensure the offset protocol will be a practical solution for farmers to earn revenue for emissions reductions, the Government of Canada developed the REME protocol with input from technical experts in the agricultural sector. Additionally, the Government is working closely with provinces and territories that have shown leadership in agricultural environmental action to incorporate best practices and build on their experience. For example, the draft REME protocol was informed by Alberta’s offset protocol on reducing greenhouse gas emissions from fed cattle. The REME protocol is just one of a number of measures the Government of Canada is taking to help decarbonize the agricultural sector. Just last month, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced a $12 million investment in the Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge. This Challenge awards funding to innovators advancing low-cost and scalable practices, processes, and technologies designed to reduce enteric methane emissions produced by cattle. The Government of Canada is seeking input from stakeholders on the draft REME protocol. Interested parties are invited to submit comments via email at: creditscompensatoiresoffsets@ec.gc.ca by February 6, 2024. The final protocol is expected to be published in the summer of 2024, when farmers can begin registering their projects in Canada’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Offset Credit System. For more information on Canada’s GHG Offset Credit System, eligible activities, and how to submit an application to register an offset project, please visit Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. continued on pages 6-7
Government of Canada announces new economic incentive to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle municipalities, Indigenous communities, foresters, and other project developers in sectors such as agriculture, waste, forestry, and advanced technology to undertake domestic projects that reduce the greenhouse gases that cause climate change.
Quotes “Canadian farmers have become frontline champions for climate action by harnessing the power of sustainable agriculture. The newest draft protocol under Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System not only addresses agricultural greenhouse gases, but will provide a financial benefit for Canadian farmers. This is an opportunity for farmers to implement practical solutions to reduce agricultural methane emissions, generate revenue, and harvest a greener future for all.” – The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change “Canada’s farmers and ranchers care deeply about the environment and want to be part of the solution to climate change. This initiative would ensure our ranchers benefit from the methane emissions reductions they achieve from their herds - that’s a win for the environment and for farmers. By working together with our farmers and ranchers, we can drive economic growth, keep the sector competitive, and put more money back into the pockets of our farmers, all while fighting climate change.” – The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
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The REME protocol builds on the existing suite of protocols published since the launch of Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System. The Offset Credit System is among several measures that Canada is taking to reduce domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 40 to 45 percent below 2005 levels by 2030 and delivers on a commitment in Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
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The Agricultural Methane Reduction Challenge builds on the Government of Canada’s actions to reduce methane emissions through Canada’s Methane Strategy, in support of the Global Methane Pledge, the 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan, and the Sustainable Agriculture Strategy.
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On December 4, 2023, Environment and Climate Change Canada published strengthened oil and gas methane regulations to cut emissions from this potent greenhouse gas. From 2027 to 2040, the draft methane regulations will reduce cumulative emissions by 217 megatonnes (carbon dioxide equivalent). They will also have positive social and economic benefits of $12.4 billion from avoided global damages.
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In 2021, agriculture was responsible for 31 percent of Canada’s total methane emissions, the majority coming from enteric fermentation produced by beef and dairy cattle. Methane is generated during the natural digestive process of cows and is released into the air when cows burp. This is known as an enteric methane emission. Canada’s Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System provides an incentive for farmers,
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Draft Protocol—Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle
Government of Canada announces new economic incentive to reduce methane emissions from beef cattle Note as per the proposed REME: The Reducing Enteric Methane Emissions from Beef Cattle federal offset protocol will be intended for use by a proponent undertaking a project to reduce enteric methane emissions in confined beef cattle feeding operations through improved management, diet reformulation, the use of feed additives, growth promotors or other innovative strategies in order to generate offset credits under the Canadian Greenhouse Gas Offset Credit System Regulations (the Regulations). Implementation of project activities will reduce the quantity of greenhouse gases (GHGs) emitted per unit mass of beef produced by improving animal performance or directly reducing enteric methane emissions. Improvements to animal performance may also result in decreased methane and nitrous oxide emissions from manure. The proponent must follow the methodology and requirements set out in this protocol, including to quantify and report GHG
emission reductions generated by the eligible project activities. The requirements contained in this protocol are part of the Regulations and must be read in conjunction with provisions in the Regulations. This protocol is designed to ensure a project generates GHG emission reductions that are real, additional, quantified, verified, unique and permanent… A project undertaken using this protocol cannot generate GHG emission reductions during cattle grazing, from dairy cattle or from the use of emerging feeds or technologies that directly inhibit enteric methane production without improved animal performance. GHG emissions reductions from cattle other than beef cattle and from technologies that directly inhibit enteric methane emissions will be considered for incorporation in the protocol in the future.
Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services provides telephone and online counselling to anyone who lives on a Manitoba farm, or in a rural or Northern community. Learn more at http://supportline.ca. Or toll-free: 1-866-367-3276
CBSA Gives Tips For Smoother Travel This Season (December 13, 2023 Canada Border Services Agency News Release) The holiday season is a busy time
at the border. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has a few tips for smoother travel, which you should know before you go. The CBSA invests significant effort planning and preparing for peak periods, including holidays. We monitor traveller volumes and work hard to minimize border wait times at ports of entry, including international airports, without compromising safety and security. Help us by coming prepared! Follow these tips for a smoother trip: Save time with Advance Declaration. If you are flying into the Toronto, Vancouver, Montréal, Winnipeg, Halifax, Québec City, Ottawa, Billy Bishop, Calgary and Edmonton international airports, you can make your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours in advance of your arrival. Using Advance Declaration gives you access to express lanes to get to an airport kiosk or eGate faster. Plan ahead and check our border wait times web page. Travellers crossing the border by land are encouraged to cross during nonpeak hours such as early morning. The Monday of holiday long weekends tends to be the busiest – pick another day to cross the border if you can. Also, it’s always best to check the official CBSA Directory of Offices and Services for a port of entry’s hours of operation. Know your exemption limits. Returning residents who make purchases or pick up online purchases outside of Canada should be aware of their personal exemption limits. Use the CBSA duty and taxes estimator to help calculate your monies owed. Have your travel documents handy. Whether travelling by land, air or water, you can help speed things up by coming prepared with your travel documents.
Be prepared to declare. All travellers must declare their goods upon entry into Canada. For returning residents, have your receipts readily available for goods purchased or received while outside of Canada. You are encouraged not to travel with firearms, but if you choose to do so, be sure to check the CBSA website for the rules on importing firearms and other restricted and prohibited goods. Leave gifts unwrapped. If travelling with gifts, make sure they are unwrapped or in gift bags in case border services officers need to inspect the contents. Declare any foods, plants, or animals. Consult the Automated Import Reference System (AIRS) on the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website before bringing any food, plant, and animal products into Canada. Bringing turkey across the border? Poultry products must be retail packaged, for human consumption, and labelled as a "Product of the USA". Homemade food or leftovers containing poultry cannot be brought into Canada. Check the latest Information for travellers: Restrictions on poultry and birds from the United States before bringing these products across the border. When travelling with children, it is recommended that the accompanying adult have a consent letter authorizing them to travel with the child if they share custody or are not the parent or legal guardian. Border services officers are always watching for missing children, and in the absence of the letter, officers may ask additional questions. Cannabis: Don’t bring it in. Don’t take it out. Bringing cannabis across the border in any form, including oils containing tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), without a permit or exemption authorized by Health Canada is continued on page 9
CBSA Gives Tips For Smoother Travel This Season a serious criminal offence subject to arrest and prosecution, despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada. A medical prescription from a doctor does not count as Health Canada authorization. If you are travelling with a pet or planning to import an animal into Canada, you will need the right paperwork at the border to meet Canada's import requirements. Not sure? Ask a border services officer. The best thing you can do to save time is to be open and honest with the CBSA officer. If you are not sure about what to declare, don't hesitate to ask. Our officers are here to help!
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Watch this video to learn how to use Advance Declaration to submit your declaration before flying to Canada.
Draft Manitoba Beef Producers’ 45th Annual General Meeting Agenda Location: Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre, 3550 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB Note: This is an initial draft of the agenda, with some speakers/topics still to be finalized. The Manitoba Beef Advantage Day One − Thursday, February 8, 2024 9:00
Registration Begins and Trade Show Opens
10:00 – 12:00 Industry Knowledge Session The Manitoba Competitive Advantage • Ontario feedlot operator Jack Chaffe on sourcing Manitoba cattle • Sustainability and beef production -- Sarah Klopatek, JBS Chief Livestock Scientist (virtual) • Cattle marketing options and what works from one producer’s perspective – speaker TBC • Corn-based production and why it makes increasing sense – speaker TBC 12:00
Lunch for registered AGM delegates
12:45
Screening of MBP-funded videos highlighting beef production in Manitoba • Great Tastes of Manitoba beef producer family profiles • Fields to Forks video featuring Manitoba beef producers
MBP’s Annual General Meeting Convenes 1:00 – 1:10
MBP General Manager Carson Callum calls meeting to order
1:10 – 1:30
Greetings from Elected Officials
1:30 – 2:15
Business Portion of the Annual General Meeting ▪ Approval of Agenda ▪ Report from the President ▪ Report from the General Manager ▪ Report from the Finance Chair • Review of MBP’s audited financial statement • Appointment of MBP auditor for the upcoming fiscal year ▪ Introduction and ratification of MBP directors
2:15 – 3:00
Resolutions Debate (Part 1)
3:00 – 3:30
Coffee Break and Opportunity to Visit Trade Show
3:30 – 4:00
Resolutions Debate (Part 2) if required or move on to a guest speaker
4:00 – 4:15
Guest speaker if no added resolutions debate; or PSE video Reduce, Reuse, Ruminate
DRAFT Agenda, MBP’S 45TH Annual General Meeting, Feb. 8-9. 2024, Victoria Inn, Brandon
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4:15 ‒ 5:15
Keynote Speaker: Shaun Haney, RealAgriculture
5:30
Cocktail Hour
6:30
MBP President’s Dinner A. Opening Remarks from the MBP President B. Dinner and dessert C. Greetings from the provincial government D. Presentation of Manitoba’s Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) E. Recognition of retiring director Nancy Howatt, District 2 F. Presentation of MBP’s Lifetime Achievement Award
8:30 •
Entertainment Comedian Aisha Alfa
Friday, February 9, 2024 8:00 – 8:30
Coffee service, trade show opens
8:30 – 8:45
Livestock Predation Prevention Project update • Ray Bittner, Project Lead
8:45 -- 9:20
The Perspective to the South • TENTATIVE: National Cattlemen’s Beef Association rep – to be confirmed
9:20 – 9:50
Coffee Break and Opportunity to Visit Trade Show
9:50 – 11:20 • • • • •
Roundtable Updates and Q&A With National Beef Organizations (4 to 5 speakers) Beef Cattle Research Council ‒ confirmed Canadian Cattle Association – confirmed Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef – confirmed National Cattle Feeders Association rep – to be confirmed Canada Beef rep – to be confirmed
11:20 ‒ 11:55 Market Update • Canfax 11:55
MBP President’s Closing Remarks
12:45 to 2:30
Producer-Focused Workshop • Topic: Data collection and how to best utilize it once you have it Note: This workshop is free for producers to attend, but lunch is not included.
DRAFT Agenda, MBP’S 45TH Annual General Meeting, Feb. 8-9. 2024, Victoria Inn, Brandon
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Resolutions Suggestion Form for 45th Manitoba Beef Producers AGM MBP’s board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested resolutions for potential debate at its 45th Annual General Meeting set for February 8-9, 2024, back at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre at 3550 Victoria Avenue in Brandon. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBP’s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the AGM. In consultation with the resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions. Please note: If the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking. The sample resolution format is below and two examples are on the second page. Send the proposed resolution and your contact information to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Or, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220-530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4. For resolutions to be considered in time to be published in the December edition of Cattle Country prior to the 45th AGM, they need to be received by MBP no later than 9 a.m. Thursday, November 9, 2023. Otherwise they will be accepted for consideration until 9 a.m. Friday, January 26, 2024. All resolutions for debate will be posted on MBP’s website. Whereas
Whereas
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers
Your name: Address: (include MBP District number if known) Phone Number:
Email Address: