E-Newsletter dsfsfa February 16, 2024
mbbeef.ca
Publication of the TRACE “What we heard report” re: Livestock ID and Traceability System (February 13, 2024 CFIA Notice) The Canadian Food
Inspection Agency (CFIA) undertook a 90-day online consultation in Canada Gazette, Part I from March 18, 2023, to June 16, 2023, on proposed changes to Part XV (Animal Identification and Traceability) of the _Health of Animals Regulations to improve the livestock identification and traceability system in Canada.
been published on the CFIA website. This report contains a summary of the major themes heard in the feedback as well as some clarifications to some of the comments. CFIA will consider these comments received and continue to engage with stakeholders as we work to finalize the proposed regulatory text before final publication in Canada Gazette Part II.
The input gathered through this consultation has been summarized in a What we heard report which has now
Tackling low conception rates webinar series Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. and Manitoba Beef Producers have partnered to bring producers an online meeting series on Factors Affecting Beef Cow Fertility. Thanks to all who participated in the first presentation with Dr. Cheryl Waldner last week! Here is the video link if you were not able to attend or if you would like to review the presentation again. https://youtu.be/i4iwFHwykJw
The second webinar in the series is Tuesday, February 20 at 7pm with Dr. Brittany Sigfusson of Veterinary Agri-Health Services presenting, "Waking up on the wrong side of the calf bed: Common cow bugs that affect fertility."
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PRESS RELEASE - February 15, 2024
Ducks Unlimited Canada Top 5 Forage Establishment winners Steven Sawchuk, Anna Donohoe, David Collier, Kevin Bridgeman and Gerald Wildfang
DUC rewards Manitoba farmers for outstanding agronomy Winners from Basswood, Rossburn, Birtle, St. Claude and Binscarth
Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has recognized five farms in southwestern Manitoba for outstanding agronomy in establishing perennial forages, awarding $10,000 in cash prizes to the landowners. “DUC’s mission is to make farms more profitable and sustainable,” explains Alex Griffiths, lead agrologist for the Forage Program in Manitoba. “We are thrilled to celebrate the achievements of these top producers who increased biodiversity on their land by converting cropland to grass and pasture.”
The Top 5 Winning farms were judged to have the highest plant density and plant height, forage diversity and lack of weeds in new acres seeded in 2023 through DUC’s Forage Program. The program is a partnership with Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives that receives funding from the Conservation Trust. Last year, program participants established 4,200 forage acres in Manitoba and over 26,000 acres across the prairie provinces. Manitoba’s Top 5 Forage Establishment winners are: • • • • •
Anna and Haydn Donohoe, Malarky Farms Ltd, Basswood MB Steven Sawchuk, Rossburn MB David Collier, Jim Lane Ltd, Birtle MB Gerald Wildfang, Manasseh Fleckvieh Angus Farm, St. Claude MB Kevin Bridgeman, K & J Bridgeman Farms Ltd, Binscarth MB
“The 70 acres we put down to forage had been crop land for past years,” says Kevin Bridgeman, who operates a horse and cattle ranch with his son. ”Working with Ducks Unlimited Canada has been great. We appreciate their input throughout the process. They were knowledgeable about the soil conditions in our area and the weather situation we had experienced during the growing season.”
Forages are good for farms and the planet Farmers use perennial forages to feed livestock but other benefits include reducing soil compaction, building organic matter in fields and increasing water-holding capacity. Research shows DUC’s Forage Program is helping bring back declining populations of grassland birds and waterfowl. Perennial forages also capture and store more carbon than annual crops, which helps mitigate climate change. DUC’s Forage Program pays participants $125 per acre to plant forages. Custom seed mixes, on-farm advice and the chance to win cash prizes are also offered. Apply for the 2024 crop year now by calling Griffiths at 204-848-0514. “We have worked with hundreds of farmers in southwest Manitoba over the past decade and established over 37,000 acres of forages,” says Griffiths. “Our success with forages is science-backed and field tested.”
DUC support “Alex was fantastic. Really knowledgeable,” says cow/calf producer Gerald Wildfang, who established 245 acres. “I took back this land last year after renting it out and I wanted to put it to forage, not cropland “I used an ordinary seeder – not an air seeder – and it worked out fine. I was also in a good pocket for rain.” Read more about the Top 5 Forage Establishment winners and DUC’s Forage Program at: https://ag.ducks.ca/program/grow-more-forage/. As Manitoba’s oldest and largest conserva�on group, DUC has worked with 3,000 Manitoba landowners since 1938 to conserve over 1.5 million acres (626,000 hectares). Call 204-285-9779 to find out about DUC programs and financial incen�ves or visit htps://ag.ducks.ca/programs/manitoba/.
-30Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is the leader in wetland conservation. A registered charity, DUC uses sound science and partners with government, industry, non-profit organizations, Indigenous Peoples and landowners to conserve wetlands that are critical to waterfowl, wildlife and the environment. Media contact: Glen Kirby Communications Specialist - Manitoba Ducks Unlimited Canada 204-500-9730
COVID-19 and Flu Vaccines Remain Broadly Available, Added COVID-19 Dose Available to Some Higher-Risk Manitobans (February 16, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release)
Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care reminds Manitobans it is not too late to protect themselves against COVID-19 or seasonal influenza by getting vaccinated. It is recommended people get their COVID-19 vaccine by the end of April to help ensure the recommended minimum intervals between doses in anticipation of the fall immunization campaign. Building on guidance released by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization last month, an additional dose of the XBB COVID-19 vaccine is also now available to individuals who are at higher risk of more severe outcomes from COVID-19 or whose immune system may require the additional support of another dose. Manitobans who are concerned about their risk associated with COVID19 should speak to their health provider about the need for a spring dose. For a complete eligibility list, visit https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine.html. COVID-19 vaccines will continue to be available to all eligible people until April 30. Individuals who wish to receive a COVID-19 dose after May 1 should speak with their health-care provider. By generally discontinuing COVID-19 immunization at the end of April, Manitoba is ensuring most people will have at least a six-month interval between doses when vaccines are again available in the fall. Longer intervals between COVID-19 doses provide a stronger immune response. Over the last several months, the respiratory virus season has placed significant demands on the health-care system. Older people with one or more underlying health conditions continue to be at greater risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19 and flu. Getting vaccinated is the most effective way to prevent severe outcomes, like hospitalization or intensive care admission, which is why public health highly recommends vaccination.
Vaccine appointments at some sites can be made by calling 1-844-626-8222 or through the online portal at https://patient.petalhealth.com/login?groupId=6032. Walk-in vaccinations may also be available at some locations. For more information about COVID-19 and flu vaccinations in Manitoba, visit: https://manitoba.ca/protectmb/.
New CAHRC report projects job vacancies will surpass 100,000 by 2030 as nearly one-third of agri-workforce retires (February 15, 2024 CAHRC News Release) Ottawa, ON -
At a time when Canadian agriculture continues to struggle with a chronic worker shortage, new data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has found that by the year 2030, there will be more than 100,000 vacant jobs to fill in the industry. This labour market supply and demand forecast is a study conducted by The Conference Board of Canada, on behalf of CAHRC. CAHRC found a 15 per cent increase in job vacancies compared to the number of jobs in 2022 that could not be filled by Canadians and residents of Canada. The report, titled Sowing Seeds of Change, states this is due in part to Canada’s aging population as more than 85,300 people - 30 per cent of the workforce - are expected to retire over the same period. The labour market information report says temporary foreign workers (TFW) will play an important role in narrowing the domestic labour gap. However, even with a projected increase in TFW employment by 2030, an estimated 20 per cent or 22,200 positions will remain vacant. “Labour shortages are one of the most serious issues in agriculture because they have a direct impact on local food security, economic development and the sustainability of the sector,” says Jennifer Wright, executive director of CAHRC. “CAHRC’s labour market data offers the necessary insight to inform how we will tackle current and future challenges so our industry and its workforce can reach their full potential.” The report, which also offers an in-depth analysis by provinces and subsectors, makes a suite of recommendations to attract and retain more agriculture workers. This includes public education to improve perceptions of agriculture, developing and updating HR management practices, and adopting new technology and automation.
The labour market forecast is a key data source that informs CAHRC’s National Workforce Strategic Plan (NWSP). The NWSP exists as a national framework to address labour shortages and skill gaps throughout the sector. To date, more than 100 stakeholders, including primary producers, food and beverage manufacturers, educational institutions, producer groups, industry associations, and government officials, have participated in the development of this strategic plan. This research and its publication were made possible through Employment and Social Development Canada’s (ESDC) Growing the Agriculture Workforce of the Future: Cultivating Canada’s Post-Pandemic Recovery initiative. This funding is part of Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workplace Solutions Program (SWSP), which helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs.
Province Invites Manitobans to Share Feedback on Provincial Truck Highway 3 Functional Design Study Additional Background Information from the EngageMB website
(February 15, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release)
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) invites Manitobans to provide their thoughts on a functional design study to twin a section of Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 3 to address increased traffic volume. MTI is in the process of a functional design study for PTH 3, from Road 7E to the Winnipeg city limit. The plan will consider options for two main corridor alignments: the existing alignment connecting to McGillivray Boulevard and a realignment to connect to Bishop Grandin Boulevard (proposed Abinojii Mikanah). An online survey is now inviting feedback from Manitobans regarding the proposed options for the PTH 3 functional design study which includes multiple roadway and intersection design options for the public to consider. The survey will be available until Feb. 27. The government will post a What We Heard report summarizing the feedback received on the EngageMB website after the survey closes. Other public engagement opportunities are expected to take place in summer 2024 and will include a presentation of the preferred highway alignment and intersection designs. The functional design study in its entirety will take approximately 18 months to complete and will be informed by both technical studies and feedback from the public. To participate in the EngageMB survey, visit https://engagemb.ca/pth3.
Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 3 is a major link between the City of Winnipeg (McGillivray Boulevard) and PTH 100 and destinations south of PTH 100. Increasing traffic volumes, in part precipitated by commercial and industrial development along the corridor, means that twinning may need to be considered in the short to medium term. The purpose of this study is to develop a functional design and access management plan for twinning PTH 3. The plan will consider options for two main corridor alignments: (1) the existing alignment to connect to McGillivray Boulevard and (2) a realignment to connect to Bishop Grandin Boulevard (proposed Abinojii Mikanah). This functional design study will take approximately one-and-a-half years to complete. A functional design study is an early phase of the design process in which the road right-of-way and roadway layout are established based on projected travel patterns and demand. Functional designs are informed by both technical studies and public input and feedback throughout the process. We Want to Hear from You Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure has met with stakeholders and local community in May 2023 to introduce the project and collect initial feedback. Following this engagement, the study team developed road alignment and intersection options. We are now asking the public to provide input on the proposed options for the PTH 3 Functional Design Study. •
PTH 3 Functional Design Study Presentation
Government announces Canada Carbon Rebate amounts for 2024-25 (February 14, 2024 Department of Finance Canada News Release) The federal government
announced the Canada Carbon Rebate amounts for 2024-25. The Canada Carbon Rebate (previously known as the Climate Action Incentive Payment) returns fuel charge proceeds to Canadians through direct deposit or cheque, every three months, ensuring most households get more money back, with lower-income households benefiting the most. All direct proceeds are returned in the province of origin. Starting this April, a family of four will receive Canada Carbon Rebates of $1,200 in Manitoba ($300 quarterly). In addition to the base Canada Carbon Rebate amounts, starting this year, the federal government is proposing, through legislative amendments in Bill C-59, to double the rural top-up to 20 per cent, in recognition of rural Canadians’ higher energy needs and more limited access to cleaner transportation options. This year’s Canada Carbon Rebate amounts reflect the temporary pause of the fuel charge on deliveries of home heating oil that came into effect on November 9, 2023. In Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador—where households more often rely on home heating oil— rebate amounts have been adjusted to reflect expected fuel charge proceeds in 2024-25 compared to 2023-24. In all other provinces where the federal fuel charge applies (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, and New Brunswick), Canada Carbon Rebate amounts have increased. The federal government is encouraging financial institutions to consistently label the Canada Carbon Rebate direct deposits that Canadians receive in their bank accounts every three months.
Backgrounder In provinces that request it or do not have their own carbon pricing system that meets the federal benchmark, a federal fuel charge is put in place. Currently, the fuel charge applies in the provinces of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, and Newfoundland and Labrador. All direct proceeds are returned within the province where they were collected, primarily through the quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate, directly to Canadians. The Canada Carbon Rebate In provinces where the federal fuel charge applies, a family of four will receive up to $1,800 under the base Canada Carbon Rebate in 202425. In April 2024, residents of these provinces will receive their first of four quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate payments, with additional payments in July 2024, October 2024, and January 2025. To ensure carbon pricing continues to make life more affordable for all Canadians, the government is proposing, through legislative amendments in Bill C-59, to double the top-up for rural residents from 10 per cent to 20 per cent. Starting in 2024-25, rural Canadians would receive a 20 per cent top-up to the base Canada Carbon Rebate, in recognition of their higher energy needs and more limited access to cleaner transportation options. In order to receive their Canada Carbon Rebate, Canadians need to file their annual tax return. To receive the rural top-up, rural residents must check the corresponding box on their tax return. For Canadians who are registered for direct deposit with the Canada Revenue Agency, the Canada Carbon Rebate will be deposited directly into their bank account every three months; continued on page 10
Government announces Canada Carbon Rebate amounts for 2024-25 otherwise, the Canada Carbon Rebate will be delivered via cheque. For those who have a spouse or common-law partner, the person who files their tax return first will receive the Canada Carbon Rebate amount for all members of the household, including children. The federal government is encouraging financial institutions to consistently label the Canada
Carbon Rebate direct deposits that Canadians receive in their bank accounts every three months. For additional information and tables (such as quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate Amounts for 2024-25), go to: Backgrounder: Canada Carbon Rebate amounts for 2024-25
Cooking with Canadian Beef Contest launches to kick off the new year! Over the past year, Canada Beef has been building the capacity to enable Canadian consumers to scan existing bar codes on beef packages with a smartphone using the Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway). The Gateway currently supports barcodes from more than 30 retailers who represent most of the beef sold in Canadian grocery stores. Scanning barcodes will provide dedicated information about a specific product, including recipes, videos, cooking tips and more.
The campaign encourages consumers to scan a QR code to enter the Gateway website and gain a contest entry for a chance to win one of 30 prize packages. Additional entries can also be earned.
To introduce consumers to this new scanning capability, Canada Beef launched its Cooking with Canadian Beef Contest. This national contest will be supported by a multi-layered promotional campaign which includes signage in the meat department at retail locations across the country. This initiative is also being featured in social media, consumer and industry publications and Canada Beef newsletters.
The ability to scan the existing barcode on beef packages represents a convenient solution for both retailers and Canadian consumers. The Cooking with Canadian Beef Contest is dedicated to creating awareness of the Gateway and to support our ability to educate consumers in the years ahead.
The Cooking with Canadian Beef Contest is open to individuals who have reached the age of majority in their province or territory of residence. The campaign runs from January 25 until March 10, 2024.
Important Reminders re: Temporary Foreign Work Program and Tax Obligations Source: Employment and Social Development Canada
workers, employers must enter code "15" in box 29 of T4 slips.
The purpose of this email is to provide employers and workers with a few reminders about the tax obligations that apply under the Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) Program.
Specific information for workers in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program (SAWP) of the TFW Program
Reminder for employers: T4 information return and distribution of T4 slips to workers All employers must file a T4 information return (Summary and Slip) to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) and must give workers their T4 slips by the last day of February of the following calendar year to which the information return applies. This year's deadline is Thursday, February 29, 2024. For more information, please consult: Guide RC4120, Employers' Guide - Filing the T4 Slip and Summary. Note that the CRA issues financial penalties to employers for non-compliance with these requirements. Seasonal Agricultural Workers Depending on certain factors, foreign seasonal agricultural workers may have to pay income tax in Canada. To determine whether employers should withhold income tax from a seasonal agricultural worker's earnings, please refer to the CRA’s Seasonal Agricultural Worker web page. For temporary foreign workers who meet the CRA's definition of seasonal agricultural
Employers who have workers participating in the SAWP stream of the TFW Program must continue to follow the usual guidelines for the distribution of T4 slips to these workers, based on their country of origin. 1. Caribbean countries: Provide the country representative (embassy or consulate liaison officer in Canada) with a T4 slip (and a Relevé 1 slip, when in Québec). 2. Mexico: Provide the worker and, if applicable, the person designated by the worker, with a T4 slip (and a Relevé 1 slip, when in Quebec). What to do if a worker did not receive any T4 slips Consult the following CRA web pages: 1. Tax slips: Get a copy of your slips Canada.ca 2. Scam prevention and the CRA Canada.ca If you have questions on T4 slips and taxes, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency. If you have questions on the TFW Program or to report a misuse of the Program, please visit Canada.ca or contact the Employer Contact Centre.
Statistics Canada’s Farm product prices, December 2023 Monthly provincial prices received by farmers in December 2023 for grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, cattle, hogs, poultry, eggs and dairy products are now available. Monthly prices for wheat (excluding durum) declined in December in the Prairie provinces. Alberta (-2.9%), Saskatchewan (-1.9%) and Manitoba (-1.4%) recorded their fifth consecutive month-over-month decrease. During the 2023/2024 crop year, ample global supply and competitive exports from Turkey contributed to the price decline. Canola prices continued to decrease in the western provinces in December compared with November, while Quebec (+7.2%) posted an increase. In addition, Alberta (-1.0%) and Manitoba (-0.5%) recorded their fourth consecutive month-over-month price decline. On a year-over-year basis, the price of canola declined in all provinces, mainly as a result of the rise in global soybean stocks, which were destined for vegetable oil and biodiesel markets. Alberta (-20.5%) posted the most notable yearover-year drop, followed by Saskatchewan (-18.0%) and Manitoba (-17.8%). The price of corn declined for a fifth consecutive month in Manitoba (-10.4%) and Ontario (-2.7%) in December compared with November. Quebec recorded a 1.8% increase month over month but had a 17.8% decrease year over year. Increased global corn supply in the 2023/2024 crop year exerted downward pressure on prices. In December, barley prices were on a downward trend across Canada. Month-overmonth declines ranged from 0.3% in Prince Edward Island to 12.1% in Quebec, as more competitive prices for other feed grains, particularly corn, weakened barley prices.
In December, feeder cattle prices varied across the provinces compared with November. The monthly price increases ranged from 0.7% in Ontario to 4.2% in Alberta, while decreases ranged from 3.2% in Manitoba and British Columbia to 7.4% in Saskatchewan. Slaughter cattle prices in December were down across all provinces compared with November, except Quebec, where prices were flat. Decreases ranged from 3.1% in British Columbia to 5.1% in Ontario.
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SUSTAINABILITY OF CANADIAN AGRICULTURE 2024 VIRTUAL CONFERENCE MARCH 12 - 14, 2024
Embracing Change for a Sustainable Future Photo: D.J. Cattani
Tuesday, March 12
Keynote: Robin Wall Kimmerer Panel session: The Role of Indigenous Perspectives in Reshaping our Food Systems
Wednesday, March 13
HOLOS model workshop Ted Poyser lecture in soil health Panel session: Water....At the Root of it All
Thursday, March 14 Panel session: Adopting Precision Technologies for a Sustainable Future