E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 19, 2024
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AgriInsurance Coverage Continues to Provide Stability for Manitoba Farmers (January 16, 2024 Joint Federal/Provincial Government News Release) Manitoba’s AgriInsurance program is expected to provide farmers with nearly $5 billion in coverage on an estimated 9.55 million acres for the upcoming crop year, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced here today.
“AgriInsurance is a federal-provincial-producer cost-shared program that helps producers manage production and quality losses,” said MacAulay. “Support for the program is provided by the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).”
values are lower than 2023.
The AgriInsurance program is a risk management tool for Manitoba farmers to protect against production shortfalls and quality losses caused by natural perils. In the case of extreme weather events that impact production such as drought or excess moisture, the AgriInsurance program provides predictable coverage producers can depend on when planning for the upcoming growing season. The program is administered by MASC. Manitoba has a high level of AgriInsurance participation, with over 90 per cent of annual crop acres and more than 7,650 farms enrolled in the program. MASC is further enhancing the AgriInsurance program by launching a pilot program for the upcoming crop year designed to meet the needs of small-scale vegetable producers. The program will enable these producers to bundle eligible crops to meet acreage minimums so they can adequately insure a variety of their vegetable crops.
The ministers released details indicating that 2024 AgriInsurance premiums will be lower than they were in 2023 for most crops insured in Manitoba. For annual crops, producers can expect to pay an average premium of $16.21 per acre in 2024 compared to $19.21 The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership per acre in 2023. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) (Sustainable CAP) is a five-year $3.5-billion investment by Canada’s calculates premium rates using methodologies that are reviewed federal, provincial, and territorial governments that supports and approved by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Canada's agri-food and agri-products sectors. Under the Sustainable CAP, AgriInsurance premiums for most programs are shared 40 per “Managing costs and risks will be critical for success as margins are cent by insured producers, 36 per cent by the government of Canada projected to tighten,” said Kostyshyn. “We’re pleased to offer and 24 per cent by the Manitoba government. Administrative affordable and effective risk management for Manitoba farmers expenses are shared 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by through the AgriInsurance program.” Manitoba. Continued volatility in global commodity markets has impacted AgriInsurance dollar values for the 2024 season. Some crops such as dry beans, forage seeds, potatoes, vegetables and forages will have higher dollar values. For the majority of crops, however, dollar
For more information, contact MASC at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/ contact.html or go to www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/index.html
See agenda on pages 9-10
Governments of Canada and Manitoba Invest $450,000 in Mental Health and Wellness in the Manitoba Agriculture Sector (January 16, 2024 Joint Federal/Provincial Government News Release) The governments of
Canada and Manitoba through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) are investing $450,000 over three years toward the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program (MFWP) to provide access to professional counselling services to Manitoba’s agricultural community, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced here today. “Farmers face unique stressors and challenges, but they don’t complain, and they always get the job done,” said MacAulay. “If they’re struggling with their mental health, we need to be there for them. Through this shared investment under Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, farmers across Manitoba will have better access to the tools and supports they need to continue producing the high-quality products we depend on.” The minister noted that this program is different from other mental health services available, as it is rooted in agriculture and the counsellors are familiar with the unique stressors of managing an agri-business such as seasonality of operations, impact of extreme climate events, global and market fluctuations and the dynamics of rural living. “We support the hard work that farmers have committed their lives to and know that being a producer in the Ag industry can be difficult, said Kinew. “This is why it is important to have specialized mental health resources available specifically for producers and their families, and why we are proud to partner with the federal government on this key initiative.”
“The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program is a pivotal resource for farmers, their families and their workers,” said Kostyshyn. “Extreme weather conditions, market fluctuations and disease outbreaks often isolate and challenge the mental health and wellbeing of farmers and their families. These funds will support the expansion of professional counselling services to increase access to mental health support.” The Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program, a nonprofit organization launched in 2022, addresses the mental health of farmers, farm families and farm workers through access beyond crisis intervention to longer-term counselling support that prevent mental health crisis. “This new investment will allow the Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program to continue our important work of providing free counselling to Manitoba producers, their families and workers,” said Marcel Hacault, chairman of MFWP. “We understand the many challenges that come with farming and how difficult it can be to know where to turn for help when stress on the farm begins to feel overwhelming. This funding will allow us to continue our focus on getting the support producers need without the worry of incurring additional costs.” The funding will support MFWP to ensure a consistent and professional service delivery and a standardized onboarding for new counsellors. MFWP works with over 32 industry partners to promote mental wellness and coping strategies and resilience. 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 continued on page 3
Governments of Canada and Manitoba Invest $450,000 in Mental Health and Wellness in the Manitoba Agriculture Sector 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 Manitoba Farmer Wellness, visit https://manitobafarmerwellness.ca.
Photo credit: Dan Myhre
Let’s Talk About Water Quality!
Acer Consulting is looking for cow-calf producers from across Canada to participate in virtual focus groups on water quality. They want to hear from producers about their experiences managing water and water quality for their herds. This information will assist the Beef Cattle Research Council in developing resources to support producers. Focus group discussions will take 90 minutes and will be held over Zoom. If you are interested, please contact Erin Wynands at ewynands@acerconsult.ca or 226-820-5650.
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is asking all Canadian cow-calf producers to share insight into their onfarm management and production practices, which will help inform future beef research and extension strategies. The 2023 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey is an online questionnaire set up to collect data to help understand longerterm trends in production methods and efficiencies. Collecting credible information directly from beef cattle producers helps the BCRC identify research priorities and information gaps, develop provincial benchmarks and examine changes over time that impact farms and ranches.
Minister MacAulay concludes productive visit to Washington, D.C. (January 18, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Agriculture connects so many
communities in Canada and the United States, and both countries depend on our strong trade relationship and ongoing cooperation. Earlier this week, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, travelled to Washington, D.C. for meetings with key industry and agri-food stakeholders and U.S. officials, aimed at strengthening those ties and advancing shared priorities. While in Washington, Minister MacAulay met with the United States Secretary of Agriculture, Tom Vilsack. During their meeting, they highlighted the importance of continuing to work collaboratively on mutual priorities with an emphasis on the resiliency of Canada-U.S. food supply chains, food security, environmental sustainability, and rules-based international trade. During the meeting, Minister MacAulay raised proposed changes in voluntary “Product of USA” labelling regulations for meat and livestock and California’s Proposition 12. The Minister reaffirmed Canada’s concerns that these rules have the potential to restrict trade and disrupt supply chains. The Minister and Secretary Vilsack took the opportunity to discuss the importance of sustainable agriculture. Canada and the U.S. are working together to accelerate global agricultural innovation on climate change through increased research and development. This includes efforts to identify innovative tools to support decision making, monitoring and measurement of enhanced sustainability and resiliency in agricultural landscapes. Minister MacAulay also sat down with representatives from the National Cattlemen’s Beef
Association and the Canadian Cattle Association to discuss reducing trade barriers and the important integrated nature of our beef supply chains. To conclude his visit, the Minister took part in a reception with key U.S. stakeholders, featuring food and drinks made with both Canadian and U.S. ingredients. Quotes “Canada and the U.S. have a bond like no other in the world. My discussions with our American partners highlighted the important and unique agricultural partnership between our two countries. This is a connection based on shared geography, common values, mutual interests and economic ties, with the shared goal of building a sustainable agricultural sector that strengthens our rural economies, and feeds folks at home and around the world.” - The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Quick facts • This is the first ministerial outreach to the U.S. by Minister MacAulay since his reappointment as Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food on July 26, 2023. • Canada and the U.S. have highly integrated and mutually beneficial supply chains. • In 2022 Canada-U.S. trade in agriculture and food rose by 14 percent to over USD $70 billion – nearly USD $200 million a day. • Canada is the second largest agricultural customer of the United States – and the number one agriculture export market for over half of U.S. states. • On July 1, 2020, the Canada-United StatesMexico Agreement (CUSMA) entered into force, reinforcing Canada’s strong economic ties with the United States and Mexico.
NEWS RELEASE Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef releases second National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA) Key progress includes reduction in greenhouse gases, contribution to carbon storage, biodiversity and wildlife habitat; social responsibility strengths and opportunities identified. January 15, 2024, Calgary, AB – Today, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) released its second and highly anticipated National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA) and Strategy report. The assessment reflects three years of in-depth scientific analysis and highlights the Canadian beef sector’s progress between 2014 and 2021 on sustainability indicators like greenhouse gas emissions, biodiversity, carbon storage, people’s health and safety, animal care, economic contributions and more. The report also includes accompanying sustainability strategies that identify areas for continuous improvement. The report was completed as part of over $2.8 million in funding for the CRSB under the Government of Canada’s AgriAssurance Program - National Industry Association Component, an initiative under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. Key environmental Improvements include a 15 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions to produce 1 kg of beef (boneless and consumed) since 2014. This improvement is largely attributed to increased efficiencies of cattle growth, leading to a smaller overall carbon footprint as fewer resources (e.g. land, water and feed) are required to produce the same volume of beef. “It’s exciting to see the 15 per cent reduction in GHG emissions intensity, which puts us on track to achieve the 33 per cent reduction 2030 goal that the industry has set,” says Ryan Beierbach, Chair of the CRSB and Saskatchewan beef producer. The report also shows that land used for beef cattle production is estimated to store 1.9 billion tonnes of soil organic carbon, and with overall loss of habitat, Canadian beef farmers and ranchers play an important role in preserving intact critical habitat wildlife need for reproduction and feeding. “I am proud of the Canadian beef industry’s commitment to continuous improvement, and the progress already made on our sustainability journey. This assessment demonstrates the important role Canadian beef producers and our members play in advancing sustainability, and what we can accomplish when we work together towards common goals,” Beierbach adds. A peer-reviewed scientific paper highlighting the Environmental Life Cycle Assessment results has been published in the Canadian Journal of Animal Science1.
Aboagye et al., (2024). An Assessment of the Environmental Sustainability of Beef Production in Canada. Canadian Journal of Animal Science. doi.org/10.1139/CJAS-2023-0077
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NEWS RELEASE: CRSB National Beef Sustainability Assessment & Strategy
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Key Findings • Producing 1 kg of beef (boneless and consumed), now creates 15 per cent less greenhouse gases than in 2014 (Aboagye et al., 2024), on track towards the 2030 Canadian beef industry goal of a 33 per cent emissions intensity reduction. • Land used for beef production is estimated to hold 1.9 billion tonnes of soil organic carbon, storing nearly 40 per cent of the total soil carbon across Canada’s agricultural landscape. This is equivalent to annual CO2 emissions from over two billion cars (~58 cars for every Canadian). • Land used for beef production contributes the majority of critical habitat that wildlife needs for both reproduction (74 per cent) and feeding (55 per cent) when all of Canada’s crop and pastureland is considered. Despite an overall loss of wildlife habitat on Canada’s pasture and cropland, beef’s share within what remains has increased, demonstrating the importance of beef production in keeping these areas intact. • The conversations around farmer stress and mental health have grown louder, increasing awareness. Work continues to reduce the stigma of mental health challenges across the beef supply chain. • Animal care continues to be a top priority for the Canadian beef industry. Surveillance data shows no risk of resistance from Category I antimicrobials (very high importance to human medicine) indicating that tools to treat sickness in beef cattle is not a risk to human health. • Demand for Canadian beef remains strong with Canadian consumers (up five per cent) and around the world (16 per cent increase). • For every worker employed by farm-level production of cattle in Canada, 2.5 workers are employed either directly or indirectly in the Canadian economy. And for every worker employed in the Canadian meat packing industry, another 3.4 workers are employed, including direct and indirect employment. • The Canadian cattle industry contributes $51.5 billion in the production of goods and services, $21.8 billion to the Canadian GDP and $11.7 billion in labour income. Measuring sustainability performance is only the first step; having clear goals and actions for achieving continuous improvement is critical. Therefore, a National Beef Sustainability Strategy supports the Assessment, outlining tangible, ambitious and achievable actions and opportunities for collaboration in high priority areas for the CRSB and its members over the next several years. “The Canadian beef sector is committed to transparency and continuous improvement in sustainability,” adds Beierbach. “We look forward to further collaborations and innovations to make a positive impact and meet our goals for the Canadian beef industry’s social, economic and environmental performance.” Visit crsb.ca/benchmarks for more information on the CRSB’s National Beef Sustainability Assessment & Strategy. - 30 -
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ABOUT THE CRSB The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is a multi-stakeholder not-for-profit organization that advances, measures and communicates continuous improvement in the sustainability of the Canadian beef value chain. The CRSB drives recognition and continuous progress in Canadian beef through sustainability performance measurement, a voluntary 3rd party sustainability certification program, and projects and initiatives aligned with strategic goals. Learn more at crsb.ca. For media inquiries, contact: Lisa Libin Brookline PR Email : llibin@brooklinepr.com For more information about the CRSB, contact: Andrea White Director, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Email: info@crsb.ca https://crsb.ca
Additional Quotes: “This report on the Canadian beef industry’s advancements in sustainability is an important tool to track the sector’s progress towards its 2030 goals. We can all be proud of the industry’s commitment to taking action to reduce their environmental footprint, without compromising their high standards and commitment to quality they’re known for.”
~ The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “It is exciting to see all of the improvements and hard work by the beef industry since our baseline assessment released in 2016 - especially in the areas of greenhouse gas reductions. It highlights the important role that beef production plays for preserving critical wildlife habitat and Canada’s grasslands. This report also enables transparency of the beef industry to the public and confirms significant progress based on sound data that sets the stage for meeting many of the Canadian beef industry’s 2030 goals through purposeful, science-based actions.”
~ Brad Downey, Senior Wildlife Biologist – Alberta Conservation Association and Chair of the CRSB’s Scientific Advisory Committee
"We are pleased to see these results, which will help our advocacy and communications efforts to support the Canadian beef industry. This progress is directly attributed to our producers who work hard to sustainably produce the world's best beef by increasing production efficiencies, reducing the time needed to produce an individual animal, and ultimately reducing the number of resources to produce the same amount of beef. These efforts are making our industry well on its way to attaining the 2030 goals."
~ Nathan Phinney, President, Canadian Cattle Association 3
“The CRSB engaged Canadian scientists to employ the most sophisticated life cycle analysis procedures to compare the environmental sustainability performance of beef production in Canada from 2014 to 2021. Results indicate that the Canadian beef industry is continually striving towards improving the environmental footprint of beef production with continued reductions in GHG emissions and water consumption. The Canadian industry is clearly continuing to make progress, is investing in research and technologies more than many other countries, and it is clear that the industry takes the 2030 goals that it has set seriously and is actively positioning itself for success.”
~Dr. Tm McAllister, Principal Research Scientist, Lethbridge Research & Development Centre, Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada “We are encouraged by the positive results indicated by the CRSB National Beef Sustainability Assessment and proud of the role that feedlots play in that equation. Our producers are always finding ways to be more innovative and efficient, producing safe, nutritious beef with less resources and less impact on the environment.”
~ Janice Tranberg, President and CEO – National Cattle Feeders’ Association “Nature Conservancy of Canada (NCC) is pleased to support the release of the latest National Beef Sustainability Assessment. NCC works in partnership with beef and other livestock producers across Canada, especially to conserve native grasslands across the prairies. The data and information within the NBSA will help guide us on where threats may be to biodiversity, but also where we can continue to work with and support ranchers in their conservation efforts. The land use, wildlife habitat index, and other biodiversity measures will help us improve and focus our efforts to conserve the remaining 18% of native grasslands across Canada.”
~ Tom Lynch-Staunton, Regional Vice President Alberta Region - Nature Conservancy of Canada
We want to continue making the same delicious burgers our guests have loved over the past 57 years in Canada. We are dedicated to ensuring that the beloved taste and quality go hand in hand. As a founding member of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), we are proud to continue to support the CRSB and their work with Canadian ranchers. We're delighted to source at least 30% of the beef for our Quarter Pounder burgers from farms and ranches certified to CRSB standards. Congratulations to CRSB and all stakeholders involved for their contributions seen on the National Beef Sustainability Assessment release.
~ Hope Bentley, Head of Supply Chain – McDonald’s Canada
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Draft 15 Manitoba Beef Producers’ 45th Annual General Meeting Agenda Location: Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre, 3550 Victoria Avenue, Brandon, MB 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 on sourcing Manitoba cattle – Jack Chaffe, Chaffe Farms • 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 – Brett Graham, Syngenta 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 • Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food ‒ virtual • Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture • Jeff Bereza, Progressive Conservative Shadow Minister of Agriculture
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) ▪ Adoption of Standing Rules for Resolutions Session
3:00– 3:30
Coffee Break and Opportunity to Visit Trade Show
3:30 – 4:00
Resolutions Debate (Part 2) if required (If time permits: PSE video Reduce, Reuse, Ruminate)
DRAFT Agenda, MBP’S 45TH Annual General Meeting, Feb. 8-9. 2024, Victoria Inn, Brandon
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4:00 – 4:15
RCMP Livestock Investigations Unit ‒ RCMP Cpl. Owen Third
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 Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture 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
Title to be determined, but will be related to Canadian agricultural policy • Dr. Al Mussell, Director of Research, Canadian Agri-Policy Institute
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 Beef Cattle Research Council – Andrea Brocklebank, Executive Director Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef – Ryan Beierbach, Board Chair National Cattle Feeders Association – Will Lowe, Board Chair Canada Beef – Eric Bienvenue, Incoming President
11:20 ‒ 11:55
Market Update • Canfax ‒ Brenna Grant, Executive Director
11:55
MBP President’s Closing Remarks
12:45 to 2:30
Producer Workshop • Data collection and how to best utilize it once you have it Note: This workshop is free for producers, 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. 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:
SHARE YOUR STORY! Attention Volunteers: Due to overwhelming demand, we're extending our CALM volunteer registration till Jan. 26. We urgently need volunteers who speak French.
VOLUNTEER FOR CANADIAN AGRICULTURE LITERACY MONTH! We need English and French-speaking volunteers to share their agriculture story and start the farm-to-food conversation in Manitoba classrooms this March! Your volunteer commitment can be as little as one hour (but we will take as many presentations as you’re willing to offer!). You’ll get all the materials you need to make your classroom visit a success. To help make a difference in agriculture education, go to aitc.mb.ca/CALMvol and sign up to volunteer for CALM by January 26, 2024.
QUESTIONS? Contact Larissa Peitsch, CALM Program Manager at larissa@aitc.mb.ca or 204-979-6384