MBP E-Newsletter: May 31/2024

MBP Takes Part in Annual Fly-in to Ottawa in Conjunction with CCA

dsfsfa

This week MBP conducted its annual advocacy meetings in Ottawa in conjunction with the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). These fly-ins are very important opportunities to meet with Members of Parliament, Senators and staff from various departments and agencies to discuss matters of importance to Manitoba and Canada’s beef industry.

Participating for MBP were President Matthew Atkinson, 2nd VicePresident Tyler Fulton, District 3 Director Andre Steppler, District 9 Director Trevor Sund, General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. They split into two teams with CCA staff ‒Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs Jennifer Babcock and Regulatory Affairs Manager Jarred Cohen ‒ to maximize the opportunities to engage.

Formal meetings were held with several Manitoba MPs, including Brandon-Souris MP Larry Maguire, Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Dan Mazier, Portage-Lisgar MBP Branden Leslie, Provencher MP Ted Falk, Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman MP James Bezan, Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid, and Winnipeg North MP Kevin Lamoureux. MBP also met with Cowichan—Malahat—Langford MP Alistair MacGregor, the NDP Critic for Agriculture and Agri-Food. MBP reps also had the opportunity to meet with Manitoba Senators Don Plett, Marilou McPhedran and Flordeliz (Gigi) Osler.

In traveling around Parliament Hill there were also informal opportunities to speak with MPs such as Winnipeg South MP Ben Carr and Foothills MP John Barlow who is vice-chair of Parliament’s Standing Committee on Agriculture and Agri-Food Committee.

continued on page 3

Director Trevor Sund, 2nd Vice-President Tyler Fulton, President Matthew Atkinson, District 3 Director Andre Steppler. For additional photos please see page 12. (Image credit: Dorelle Fulton)

MBP was in Ottawa in conjunction with the Canadian Cattle Association, meeting with Members of Parliament, Senators and staff from various departments and offices of elected officials. From left to right: District 9

MBP on Parliament Hill –

Topics discussed during these meetings included federal legislation such as Bill C-282 ‒An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (supply management) and Bill C-275 ‒ An Act to amend the Health of Animals Act (biosecurity on farms), among others. The array of ecosystem services supplied by the beef sector was raised, including the need to protect grasslands from conversion to other uses. The effects of the carbon tax were discussed. Animal health priorities were advanced, such as having strategies to deal with foreign animal disease threats such as FMD.

The need for equitable business risk management programs that put the beef sector on a level playing field with other sectors was identified, including the importance of achieving a cost-shared premium approach for Livestock Price Insurance. Suggestions to improve the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision were advanced. Challenges around the Disaster Financial Assistance program were noted, including instances of Manitoba producers being deemed ineligible for aid related to the spring 2022 storm damage due to the $2 million gross revenue cap, or due to the way farms are structured in terms of the number of partners involved.

There were meetings as well with staff from the office of the Hon. Dan Vandal, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada, and with the Senior Regional Advisor (West and North) for the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance. And, a joint meeting was held with staff from Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC) in relation to beef production and the valuable ecosystem services it provides.

Another important meeting was a chance to sit down with senior staff from the Canadian Food

Inspection Agency to discuss matters related to the Saskatchewan bovine TB investigation as the trace-out process had effects on some Manitoba beef producers. MBP made a series of suggestions as to how to ensure these processes work more smoothly for affected producers. There was also a detailed discussion about livestock movement reporting requirements, including when and by whom of Transfer of Care and Animal Transport Records are to be completed. MBP believes it is very important that these reporting requirements are easy for all affected parties to use and also made some suggestions as to how to potentially streamline these processes.

MBP sincerely thanks the elected officials, the Senators and their staff, and staff from the CFIA, AAFC and ECCC for the chance to share issues and opportunities related to the beef sector. The two-way dialogue is very valuable.

MBP also extends its sincere appreciation to Babcock and Cohen, as well as to Sarah Creach, CCA Administrative Assistant and other CCA staff working behind the scenes, for all the legwork that went into planning and participating in this busy meeting schedule.

MBP was in studio this week with Chef Anna Borys as she filmed recipes for the quintricennial (35) season of Great Tastes of Manitoba What's on the menu this fall? Sweet and Spicy Italian Sausage Pizza Rolls, Ginger Beef Egg Rolls, Pulled Beef Sliders, Carne Asada Nachos + more! Watch or stream MBP on GTOM September 28 and November 16. (Photos: David Hultin/MBP)

Petroleum Bulletin #5: Pipeline Returns to Partial Operation as Repairs Continue On Schedule

(May 28, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Provincial inspectors were on-site when Imperial Oil safely restored service to one of the two fuel lines at the pipeline repair site south of St. Adolphe today. This repair restores a partial flow of fuel through the pipeline and will significantly reduce the volume of fuel that has to be alternatively delivered by rail and truck.

Provincial inspectors will continue to monitor the repair operation to ensure all regulations and environmental protection measures are followed as repairs to the second fuel line are completed in order to return the pipeline to full operation.

The pipeline repair for the second line is on schedule and expected to be completed by midJune.

Supplies of gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel are stable. The province is maintaining close contact with suppliers and stakeholders to track supply levels and fuel distribution.

The Manitoba government will continue to monitor the pipeline repair to ensure it is completed in a safe and environmentally responsible manner.

Time to Participate in May Agroclimate Impact Reporter May Survey

Help Inform Government of Weather Conditions Affecting Your Farm/Ranch

Have you ever considered how charting the weather conditions on your farm or ranch might have an impact on actions by governments?

Data is a key tool used by governments to examine the effects of factors such as droughts and floods on agriculture, and also to decide whether assistance such as compensation will be offered. Producers can help provide information about such impacts to the federal government via the Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR).

AIR helps to connect Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with people in agriculture. AAFC relies on its network of AIR producer volunteers to provide information regarding agroclimate impacts across the country.

AAFC is now collecting AIR reports for the month of May. To learn more about AIR, follow this link.

To let the Science and Technology Branch of 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 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.

The AIR network is an ever-growing database of agroclimate impacts, which enables better data analysis to help identify trends and anomalies.

The AIR survey is open during the last week of the month over the growing season (April to October) and is intended to collect weather and climate impacts on farm operations across Canada over the previous month. Survey results are made into maps and published on the Drought Watch website the first week of every month during the growing season. Impact maps are also available and cover topics such as: moisture and erosion, crop, hay and pasture quality and staging, feed production and availability, water supply and quality and much more. See: https://www.agr.gc.ca/DWGS/mapselectorselecteurdecartes.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=tru e

For more information about AIR and how to enrol to complete the surveys go to www.agr.gc.ca/air . All information collected through the surveys is confidential.

Province Encourages Manitobans to Make Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Part of Summer Plans

(May 30, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) During open water season, Manitobans are reminded to remain vigilant and do their part to protect the province’s water bodies from aquatic invasive species (AIS).

Prevention is the most effective, practical and cost-effective approach to managing AIS. All water users play an important role in preventing the introduction and spread of AIS such as zebra mussels, quagga mussels, spiny waterflea, flowering rush and water lettuce.

To prevent the spread of AIS, water users are required to clean, drain and dry watercraft and water-related equipment when removing them from a waterbody. Water users must also adhere to prescribed decontamination requirements when operating in AIS control zones.

These sequential clean, drain and dry steps are legally required for both motorized and nonmotorized watercraft, including power boats, jet skis, sailboats, standup paddle boards, canoes and kayaks, as well as all water-related equipment including:

• watercraft trailers;

• fishing gear;

• water pumps;

• personal flotation devices including life jackets;

• paddles and anchors;

• beach toys (such as sand pails and shovels);

• floating devices and inflatables (such as tubes, rafts, water mats and hunting decoys); and

• scuba and snorkeling gear.

The annual watercraft inspection program is in operation, with six stations open and more opening in the coming weeks.

Inspection stations help water users to be compliant with AIS requirements. Anyone transporting motorized or non-motorized watercraft over land must stop at all open watercraft inspection stations along their route. Failure to stop at an open watercraft inspection station can result in a $672 fine. It is important to remember to remove the watercraft drain plug when transporting watercraft over land. The fine for not removing the plug is $237.

Float plane operators are reminded when pumping out a plane’s floats and pontoons to place water in a container and deposit it on land so it does not enter a water body. The fine for depositing or releasing AIS in Manitoba is $2,542.

For more information on AIS, including locations and hours of watercraft inspection stations, a list of control zones and details on decontamination requirements, visit www.manitoba.ca/StopAIS

Before purchasing aquatic plants, algae and animals online, ensure they are not designated as AIS and prohibited from possession in Manitoba. Aquatic hobbyists are also reminded to never release contents of an aquarium, water garden or pond, including plants, animals or the water itself, into water bodies, storm sewers, toilets or drains. This can introduce new invasive species, parasites and diseases, which can have negative consequences on native flora and fauna.

For more information on the Don’t Let it Loose program, visit www.manitoba.ca/stopais/spread/dont-let-itloose.html

Meat sector calls on Government to reverse course to keep food prices affordable and help save rural Canada’s economy

Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program have had a disproportionate impact in

rural areas

(May 29, 2024 Joint CMC, CCA, NCFA and CPC News Release) Recent changes to foreign worker rules from the Government of Canada are having a disproportionate impact on the rural Canadian economy, and the national organizations representing the Canadian meat industry are calling on the Government to reconsider these changes.

The Canadian Meat Council, the Canadian Cattle Association, National Cattle Feeders’ Association, and the Canadian Pork Council are asking Government to restore the Temporary Foreign Worker Program’s Workforce Solution Roadmap, a roadmap introduced in 2022, to address the industry’s critical labour shortage.

While we understand the federal government is seized with a housing shortage, temporary foreign workers are not the problem, representing only 9% of the temporary resident population. Meanwhile, the decision to reduce temporary foreign worker numbers is having the precise opposite impact the government says it wants on food affordability in Canada.

On May 1, producers and processors faced not only the reduction of the 30% cap, but a reduction in the time limit for a labour market impact assessment (LMIA)s. Both of these changes were made without industry consultation, and are already having an impact on productivity, competitiveness, and levels of food production possible in Canada. Agriculture accounts for nearly 10% of Canada’s gross domestic product, and the sector provides 1 in 9 jobs within the Canadian economy.

“Every job unfilled in our barns, in our processing facilities, and in our supply chain has an outsized impact on rural areas because Canada does not have additional people living in these areas who can fill these jobs,” said Rene Roy, Chair of the Canadian Pork Council. “If there’s a shortage of workers in the processing sector, it runs the risk that producers can’t ship their product to market, causing uncertainty for producers and consumers alike. We need to help recruit more new Canadians to rural areas, and creating uncertainty defeats our efforts to convince people to come join our industry.”

“Beef producers are integral to Canada’s rural economy and changes to the temporary foreign worker program will increase pressures on our labour challenges,” said Nathan Phinney, President of the Canadian Cattle Association. “It is essential that we have a reliable supply chain for our economic sustainability and ability to produce for Canadians and global consumers. Our trade partners need steady, consistent supply any disruption can impact our ability to compete on a global scale, while keeping costs down at home.”

“As part of the labour market impact assessment (LMIA) application for bringing in foreign labour, producers and processors alike must advertise in Canada and show that Canadians are not willing to take the job,” said Will Lowe, Chair of the National Cattle Feeders’ Association. “Now with a reduction in the amount of time this assessment is valid as well as the length of time assessors take to review applications, there is concern that the industry will not be able to bring in much-needed foreign

continued on page 9

Meat sector calls on Government to reverse course to keep food prices affordable and help save rural Canada’s economy

Changes to the Temporary Foreign Worker program have had a disproportionate impact in rural areas

workers. The end result will ultimately impact the supply of food Canadian farmers can provide nationally and globally.”

“Industry has proven its case time and again to Government. The Government decision to reduce the cap did not consider the impact to food security data but was instead a knee-jerk reaction to a housing challenge that our industry is not responsible for,” said Chris White, President & CEO of the Canadian Meat Council. “Our industry is mostly located in rural communities, and those communities still depend on these workers to keep our operations going so we can feed Canadians at an affordable price and bring quality Canadian products to the world.”

Our associations will, on behalf of our members, continue to ask Government to hear the concerns of producers and processors – indeed, the entire agricultural supply chain – as we work to improve food security and help ensure affordability for Canadian consumers and our global partners. We urge the government to work with us on these important aims through advanced consultation and dialogue.

Media Contacts

The Canadian Meat Council | Lauren Martin Info@cmc-cvc.com

Canadian Pork Council | Darcie Pentillier pentillier@cpc-ccp.com

National Cattle Feeders’ Association | Gina Devlin gdevlin@cattlefeeders.ca

Canadian Cattle Association | Carol Reynolds reynoldsc@cattle.ca

Statistics Canada Releases Farm Income Figures for 2023

(Source: May 29, 2024 Statistics Canada’s The Daily)

Realized net income for Canadian farmers rose 18.3% to $14.5 billion in 2023, as growth in receipts offset the rise in expenses. The increase in 2023 followed a 4.1% decline in 2022 and a 69.6% increase in 2021. Excluding cannabis, realized net income in 2023 was up 16.2% to $14.2 billion.

Realized net income is the difference between a farmer's cash receipts and operating expenses, minus depreciation, plus income in kind.

In 2023, total farm cash receipts rose 4.4% compared with 2022. Higher prices for cattle and calves resulted in increased livestock receipts (+$3.3 billion), while higher crop marketings contributed to increased crop receipts (+$1.7 billion). Program payments decreased $758.4 million in 2023, as much of the relief related to the 2021 drought had been paid out in 2022.

Total expenses (after rebates) increased at a more modest pace (+2.4%) than receipts in 2023. Farmers faced higher costs for interest expenses (+39.1%) and livestock and poultry purchases (+36.5%), while key agricultural inputs, such as fertilizer and lime (-18.9%) and machinery fuel (14.1%) declined following gains in 2022.

Changes in realized net income ranged from an increase of $1.9 billion in Saskatchewan to a decline of $244.3 million in Quebec. The gains in Saskatchewan were mainly the result of a drop in fertilizer prices, the largest expense item in the province, while lower hog receipts were the main factor in the decrease in Quebec.

Farm cash receipts rise due to higher cattle and calves' prices and crop marketings

Farm cash receipts, which include crop and livestock revenues, as well as program payments, rose 4.4% from 2022 to $99.6 billion in 2023.

Strong cattle receipts were responsible for most of the increase in total farm cash receipts in 2023, along with increased crop marketings.

The 2022 crop harvest pushed marketings higher for 2023, as crop production in 2022 returned to normal levels following the drought in Western Canada in 2021. Crop prices dropped in 2023 following their record highs in 2022 as global wheat and corn supplies improved.

Farm cash receipts were up in every province. Saskatchewan (+$1.6 billion) posted the largest increase, followed by Alberta (+$1.1 billion).

Strength in cattle markets drives the rise in livestock receipts

In 2023, livestock receipts climbed 9.8% to $37.3 billion, the third consecutive year of growth, where the 2023 gain was attributable to increases across the cattle and calves, poultry and dairy sectors. The increase in livestock receipts followed a 11.9% rise in 2022 and a 13.7% gain in 2021.

Cattle receipts increased 25.4% to $13.5 billion in 2023, primarily due to a rise in slaughter cattle receipts (+21.2%). Higher feed costs and tight supplies following drier growing conditions pushed farmers to further thin their herds to help contain rising costs. This resulted in the Canadian cattle herd falling to its lowest level since January 1, 1989 In 2023, the number of cattle slaughtered decreased 4.5% compared with 2022, while demand for beef remained robust, putting further upward pressure on prices. Slaughter cattle prices rose 27.4% in 2023, driven by strong demand in Canadian and US markets.

The supply-managed sector, which accounted for about 40% of total livestock receipts, grew 5.7% to $14.9 billion in 2023. A 3.9% rise in dairy receipts (unprocessed milk from bovine) to $8.6 billion accounted for just over one-third of the increase in the supply managed sector. Unprocessed milk prices were up 3.3% in 2023, following an 11.3% rise in 2022. On the other hand, total poultry receipts rose 8.1% compared with 2022, as farmers continued to face challenges posed by the avian influenza virus and rising production costs.

In 2023, receipts for hogs dropped 10.3% to

continued on pages 11-12

Statistics Canada Releases Farm Income Figures for 2023

$5.9 billion, driven by an 11.4% reduction in prices. Slaughter hogs were responsible for more than three-quarters of the decline in total hog receipts. Furthermore, all provinces reported decreases in farm cash receipts for hogs, with Quebec (-15.8%) and Ontario (-10.1%) reporting the largest declines. In 2023, a major pork processing facility closed in Quebec, following losses from increased operating costs, labour challenges, and reduced global demand for exports. In response, Quebec introduced a voluntary herd reduction program to encourage producers to leave the industry, and this further contributed to the decline in receipts.

Eastern payment gains masked by western decline

In 2023, total direct payments to Canadian producers fell 10.3% to $6.6 billion, following a gain of 23.6% in 2022.

In 2023, direct payments to Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba declined as the 2021 drought-related crop insurance payments ended in 2022. The sharp declines in the western provinces overshadowed the increased payments made to farmers in the eastern provinces, following several weather events such as Hurricane Fiona.

Increases in direct payments ranged from 15.1% in New Brunswick to 94.2% in Nova Scotia. In 2023, eastern provinces faced wildfires, as well as multiple extreme weather events such as hurricanes, tropical storms and a derecho, impacting agriculture production and farms across the provinces.

Interest expenses rise, while fertilizer and fuel expenses drop

Total farm operating expenses (after rebates) rose 2.3% to $74.7 billion in 2023 a modest gain compared with the increase in 2022 (+19.4%).

In 2022, the Bank of Canada began to raise interest rates in response to widespread inflation in the Canadian economy. Interest expenses (after rebates) were up 39.1% to $6.9 billion in 2023 on higher average interest rates (+33.7%) and debt levels (+4.1%). This was the largest increase in interest expenses since 1981 (+50.1%). For

reference, in 1981, interest expenses comprised a large share (18.3%) of total operating expenses. However, in 2023, the interest expense share was 9.3% the highest in over 20 years.

Livestock and poultry purchases rose 36.5% to $3.8 billion in 2023. Prices for cattle and calves rose sharply, contributing to higher livestock and poultry purchases.

Fertilizer expenses for Canadian farmers fell 18.9% to $8.9 billion in 2023. Fertilizer prices in 2023 weakened as supplies improved and key products involved in its production, such as natural gas, recorded price decreases. Fertilizer prices faced upward pressure in 2022 from high natural gas prices, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as the 35% tariff placed on most goods coming from Russia, including fertilizers. Russia's invasion of Ukraine continued to impact fertilizer markets in 2023.

Machinery fuel expenses for farmers fell 14.1% to $3.5 billion in 2023. Fuel prices began to rise in 2021 as economies around the world opened up after taking measures to limit the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, fuel prices were supported by supply-chain disruptions and were also influenced by sanctions imposed on Russia following its invasion of Ukraine.

Total farm expenses (after rebates), which include operating expenses and depreciation, increased 2.4% to $85.1 billion in 2023, as depreciation charges rose 2.7%. Total farm expenses were up in every province except Saskatchewan (-2.1%).

Total net income declines

Total net income decreased by $8.9 billion from 2022 to $12.8 billion in 2023.

Total net income is realized net income adjusted for changes in farmer-owned inventories of crops and livestock. It represents the return to owner's equity, unpaid farm labour, management and risk. In 2023, the year-end inventories were lower compared

Statistics Canada Releases Farm Income Figures for 2023

with 2022 due to increased marketings. Inventories in 2022 were higher as result of better growing conditions, which led to higher production following the drought in 2021. Excluding cannabis, total net income decreased $9.1 billion to $12.7 billion in 2023.

To see the report in its entirety (including charts and graphics) go to: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/dailyquotidien/240529/dq240529a-eng.htm

Funding

for, but not

The Beef Cattle Research Council has announced that the funding program for regional extension initiatives has been renewed and applications are now being accepted. The application deadline is June 14, 2024

is available

limited to, events. The extension events eligible for funding must involve beef producers and be aligned with the Canadian Beef Research and Technology Strategy. Click here for more information.

SCAP Intake Open for Indigenous Agriculture Relationship Development Program Applications

We are pleased to inform you that the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) Indigenous Agriculture Relationship Development program is accepting applications.

Deadline to submit:

• For Relationship Development and Engagement funding: 11:59 PM on July 4, 2024

• For Indigenous Agriculture Food Systems funding: 11:59 PM on July 18, 2024

Funding is available across the following two streams:

1. Relationship Development and Engagement

• For initiatives which support actions and activities related to engagement and enhancing relationships between industry, academia, and Indigenous Peoples.

• Eligible applicants include:

o Indigenous Groups (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) including governments, individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and other Indigenous groups undertaking agricultural initiatives

o Municipal governments

o Other Industry organizations

o Processor organizations

o Producer organizations

o Research bodies, academia

Click here for more information on the program.

2. Indigenous Agriculture Food Systems

• Funding available for initiatives which support actions and activities that look to increase food security and sovereignty in communities, support and enhance the revitalization of traditional food systems, and/or increase participation within the agriculture and agri-food sector through:

o Planning and Consulting

o Training and Resource Development

o Capital Equipment and Software

• Eligible applicants include Indigenous Groups (First Nation, Métis, and Inuit) including: governments, individuals, businesses, communities, organizations, and other Indigenous groups undertaking agricultural initiatives.

Click here for more information on the program.

Should you require further information or additional assistance, contact agriculture@gov.mb.ca or 1-800- 811-4411.

Manitoba Agriculture Summer Pasture Tour

Manitoba Agriculture invites you to join us for a pasture tour in northwest Manitoba featuring multiple aspects of summer pasturing systems, including grazing planning, using annuals, livestock predation prevention and more!

Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Place: Dauphin Recreation Complex –200 1st St SE Dauphin, MB

Registration: $40 (includes bus transport, lunch, and supper) payable to Inter-Mountain Watershed District PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Friday, June 28, 2024

Agenda

8:00 a.m. Sign in at the Dauphin Recreation Complex Parking Lot – East Side of Building

9:00 a.m. Buses depart at 9:00 a.m. sharp

9:30 a.m. Myhre Land and Cattle – Extended Grazing with Corn

Hans and Mary Myhre – Dauphin

Brett Graham – Corn Agronomy – Syngenta Canada

11:00 a.m. Grazing Planning and Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas

Martin and Corrine, Billy and Haley DeVos – Fork River

Jessa McNabb – Intermountain Watershed District – PWCP Programming

Mary-Jane Orr – MBFI Grazing Mentorship Program, and Ron Moss – Grazing Consultant

12:30 p.m. Lunch on Bus

1:00 p.m. Benefits of Increasing Plant Diversity through Cover Crops

Robin and Carol Sime – Fork River

Dakota Odgers - Covers and Co.

2:30 p.m.

4:00 p.m.

Moose Mountain Bison Ranch Focusing on Sustainable Production

Tom Olson – Owner and Operator – Pine River

Tyson Gillis, Manitoba Crown Lands - Manitoba Agriculture

Manitoba Beef Producers Livestock Predation Prevention Project – Deadstock Composting Pen

Eugene and Doreen Burdeny – Ethelbert

Elizabeth Nernberg, Manitoba Agriculture

5:00 p.m. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation - Forage and Livestock Insurance Programming

Rachel Jensen MASC Insurance Agent - Dauphin

6:00 p.m. Supper at Smitty’s Restaurant – 1601 Main St South Dauphin

For more information and to register contact: Pam Iwanchysko, Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture at pamela.iwanchysko@gov.mb.ca or call (204) 648-3965

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Livestock Predation Prevention Program

Program Description

The Livestock Predation Prevention Program supports adoption of non-lethal, on-farm measures that reduce the risk of livestock predation by wolves, coyotes, bears and other predators. Reducing livestock predation promotes the co-existence of wildlife and livestock in agricultural regions of Manitoba.

Who Qualifies

Livestock producers who have both:

• A paid livestock predation claim under the Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program in 2021 or later.

• A Manitoba Premises Identification Number.

What Qualifies

Eligible expenses include purchasing equipment, livestock guardian dogs, and constructing predator resistant fencing to deter attacks on livestock by coyotes, wolves, and other predators. The objective of a project must be to deter predation of livestock located on Manitoba farms. More details of eligible expenses can be found in the program guide.

Cost-Share and Funding

Cap

FUNDING STREAMS

Pre-approved Livestock Predation Equipment and Guardian Dogs

Predator Resistant Fence Construction

The Pre-approved Livestock Predation Equipment and Guardian Dog funding stream is a rebate program. It allows eligible applicants to purchase items from a pre-approved list and submit the required documents to receive reimbursement.

Eligible producers can apply for funding to support construction of fencing that deters predators from entering calving and lambing areas, pastures, extended grazing areas, and deadstock compost sites. Producers will receive a funding decision letter indicating the approved budget for eligible projects.

Important Dates

June 14, 2024: Deadline for fence construction applications.

October 31, 2024: Complete fence construction. November 29, 2024: Complete fence inspection.

December 20, 2024: Deadline for submitting claims and proof of payment for equipment and guardian dog purchases and completed fence projects.

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of:

• $5,000 for purchases of pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs.

• $10,000 for fence construction projects

These maximums are the total funding available per applicant. Maximums also apply to individual categories of purchases and fence construction projects.

Pre-Approved Equipment & Guardian Dog Rebate Details

Producers submit a rebate claim for purchases from a list of pre-approved equipment and livestock guardian dogs that deter predators from their livestock. No prior approval is required. Claims are processed up to the claim deadline or until funding is exhausted.

Cost Sharing and Funding Cap

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $5,000 for all eligible equipment and livestock guardian dog purchases. Each category of eligible purchase has its own funding cap.

Solar foxlights create an unusual frequency and colour of light to mimic human presence and deter predators from entering a livestock area. They are best used during high-risk periods as their effect can wear off as predators become used to them.

Electronet is a wire netting fence that is electrified and can be used as temporary fence to deter predators from sheep or other small livestock. Netting and ground rods are eligible purchases. One energizer is also eligible when electronet is purchased.

Fladry is a line of brightly coloured flags that can be hung in front of a fence or other barrier to deter predators due to the novelty of the installation. Turbo fladry has the added feature of being electrified and further deterring predators. They are used temporarily in high-risk periods as the effect will wear off. Fladry, turbo fladry, temporary posts and insulators are eligible. One energizer and ground rods are eligible when combined with the purchase of turbo fladry.

Livestock guardian dogs are breeds of dogs that will deter predators from cattle, sheep, and other livestock. Eligible breeds include Akbash, Anatolian Shepherd, Central Asian Shepherd, Great Pyrenees, Kangal, Komondor, Kuvasz, Maremma, Sarplaninac, and Tatra. One spike collar can be claimed per dog.

Based on the 75% government cost-share, the $5,000 total funding cap is reached with total eligible purchases of $6,666.66. The caps for each category are reached with eligible purchases of $1,333.33 for solar fox lights and $4,666.66 each for electronet, fladry/turbo fladry and livestock guardian dogs.

Eligible Expenses

· Purchase cost including shipping and PST

· Purchasing an energizer when electronet or turbo fladry is also purchased. Two energizers are eligible if both electronet and turbo fladry are purchased.

All invoices must be dated on or after April 1, 2024.

Fence Construction Project Details

Financial assistance is available for construction of fences that reduce the risk of livestock predation:

Cost Sharing and Funding Cap

Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $10,000 for all fence construction. Funding approved for each fence construction project is based on the size, type and purpose of the fence.

Caps Applied to Funding For Fence Projects

Project Type

Predator Resistant Fence

Deadstock Compost Pen

Fence Type

Wire-net fence (e.g. page, welded, fixedknot, or hinge-joint fencing)

· 152 cm (60”) high

· 178 cm (70”) high

Electrified, high tensile, no apron

· 7-wire

· 9-wire

· 11-wire

If an apron is added to prevent burrowing under a fence.

Project Cap (base + additional cost per linear foot of fence)

· $1,000 + $6/linear foot

· $1,000 + $7/linear foot

· $1,000 + $3 per linear foot

· $1,000 + $4 per linear foot

· $1,000 + $5 per linear foot

· $1/linear foot is added

For each of the above fence types, the base funding is $2,000 (instead of $1,000). The per linear foot rates are the same as for Predator Resistance Fence.

Note: Based on 75% government cost share, the $10,000 total funding cap is reached with eligible expenses of $13,333.33 or more. Depending on fence size and type, the approved funding may be less than the $10,000 fence category cap.

Eligible Expenses

· Incremental Personal Labour at $30/hour and Incremental Personal Equipment Use at fixed, program rates. For these two incremental expenses combined, applicants can claim up to a total of $3.00/linear foot for deadstock compost areas, $1.00/linear foot for predator resistant fences or $1.50/linear foot if the predator resistant fence has an apron.

· Subcontracted Services related to custom labour and custom equipment use

· Equipment Rental for completion of the project

· Materials and Supplies such as gates, lumber, wire, and energizer (0.7 joules or more.)

· Provincial Sales Tax (PST).

Further conditions for a fence project:

· Fences are inspected to verify work completed and that they will deter predators.

· Specific ineligible items include barbed wire fences, hard-wired power sourcing, temporary or mobile fences, infrastructure and land preparation inside the fence, and fences around feedlots, feed storage areas, and non-grazed crops.

Fence Inspection

Fences constructed to contain cattle, sheep and other livestock are often ineffective barriers to predators. To be effective, fences must be constructed to deter predators from climbing over, passing through, or burrowing under them. All fence projects are inspected to verify that the work has been completed and the fence will deter predators. See the Program Guide and the Sustainable CAP website for fence

HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING

standards as well as guidelines and examples for fence construction.

An inspection of the finished fence can be arranged by calling the Program Information Line at 1-800-811-4411 or emailing agriculture@gov.mb.ca

The applicant will then be contacted by an inspector from their local MASC Service Centre. The completed inspection report will be submitted by MASC on the applicant’s behalf.

The application and claim documents for equipment, guardian dogs, and fence construction can be found on the Manitoba Agriculture website:

· Applicant Information Form to be completed once. It covers both pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs and fence construction

· Rebate Worksheet for pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs

· Application Worksheet for fence construction

Go to www.manitoba.ca/scap/ and click on Resiliency and Public Trust and then on Livestock Predation Prevention to find these forms as well as the Program Guide.

The applicant must attach all invoices and proof of payment, along with the Rebate Worksheet for equipment and guardian dogs and the Claim Worksheet for fence construction projects.

An applicant can submit one Rebate Worksheet and one Fence Claim Worksheet over the life of the program. The documents can be emailed to: agriculture@gov.mb.ca.