Protecting nature in Manitoba to help fight climate change and protect biodiversity
(July 18, 2024 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) Conserving and restoring nature is fundamental for capturing harmful greenhouse gas emissions by pulling more carbon dioxide out of the air, while also safeguarding the places and species that are part of who we are as Canadians. The Government of Canada has launched the largest conservation campaign in the country’s history in order to meet its emissions reduction targets and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030.
Today, Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, announced on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, over $11 million for two major greenhouse gas emissions reduction projects funded through the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.
These projects will aim to fight climate change in Manitoba while benefitting biodiversity by safeguarding carbon-rich ecosystems from destruction to keep carbon in the ground:
• The Manitoba Habitat Conservancy: An investment of $6.1 million to secure approximately 1,200 hectares of privately held carbon- and biodiversityrich land. The activities will take place in priority habitats, including grasslands, forests, riparian areas, and wetlands. The project will help to mitigate climate change and will provide co-benefits for biodiversity.
• The Fisher River Cree Nation: An investment of $5.1 million will focus on preventing land conversion and loss of carbon from peat harvesting in the Interlakes region of Manitoba. The project will take place in carbon-rich peatlands and will provide connectivity
within a migratory bird flyway. The project will help mitigate climate change and provide co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being, while also supporting Indigenous reconciliation.
The Government of Canada is investing heavily in nature-based climate solutions that restore degraded ecosystems, create new protected areas, improve land management practices, and plant two billion new trees. Activities supported by the Government of Canada help mitigate climate change, build resilience, improve water quality, and provide critical habitat for Canada’s wildlife.
Quotes
“Nature is our greatest ally in the fight against climate change. But nature needs our help. Too many of the precious and beautiful ecosystems that we hold dear as Canadians are under threat and need protection. Our Government has launched the largest conservation campaign in Canada’s history, with a goal of reversing biodiversity loss and protecting 30 percent of land and water by 2030. We’re working with partners of all kinds across the country to protect these carbon-rich landscapes to save critical habitat and get us closer to our climate goals.”
– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change
“Protecting nature is one of the best and easiest ways that we can fight climate change. These vital ecosystems, like those here in Manitoba, absorb carbon and increase our communities’ resilience to the effects of climate change. Our Government has launched the largest ever conservation campaign in Canada’s history with a goal of protecting 30 percent of land and water in Canada. That starts with supporting
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Protecting nature in Manitoba to help fight climate change and protect biodiversity
the important work being done by partners such as the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy and the Fisher River Cree Nation. The long-term benefits are enormous, getting us closer to our climate goals and protecting forever the critical habitat of so many species.”
– Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water
“Our province’s prairies and forests are unique and resilient environments, much like its people. It is through people and our interaction with nature that we can find climate change and biodiversity solutions. The Manitoba Habitat Conservancy is a community-driven conservation organization working with all Manitobans to ensure our landscapes remain alive with people and nature. By harnessing the power of nature and landowner participants, the Manitoba Habitat Conservancy is working to implement nature-based solutions to our human-caused impacts and ensure a natural legacy. We are grateful for the historic investments that the Government of Canada is making in conservation, resulting in our largest conservation project to date. Because of this investment, 1,200 hectares of land will be forever preserved to help mitigate climate change impacts, sequester carbon, provide habitat for wildlife, and retain the natural beauty of our prairie and forested landscapes in Manitoba.”
– Stephen Carlyle, Chief Executive Officer, Manitoba Habitat Conservancy
“Conserving nature brings benefits not only to the plants and animals that depend on thriving ecosystems, it provides important nature-based services to Canadians to help mitigate the impacts of climate change, provide clean and plentiful water, and capture and store greenhouse gases. That is why these investments in nature conservation and
protecting wetlands in Manitoba are so important and why the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund is such a powerful tool in the fight against climate change and for preserving biodiversity. Ducks Unlimited Canada applauds the federal government’s investments announced today, which will help to advance Indigenous leadership in nature conservation, protect and restore critical habitat for waterfowl and migratory birds, reduce greenhouse gases, and mitigate the impacts of a changing climate.”
– Michael Nadler, Chief Executive Officer, Ducks Unlimited Canada
“We are thrilled and grateful to receive this significant funding from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund to support our efforts in preventing land conversion and loss of carbon from peat harvesting in our region. This project is a critical step in mitigating climate change and will provide invaluable co-benefits for biodiversity and human well-being in our community and surrounding areas. As Indigenous people, we are stewards of this land, we have a deep responsibility to protect and preserve our natural resources for future generations. This funding will allow us to take meaningful action to safeguard our peatlands, which play a vital role in sequestering carbon and supporting the delicate ecosystems that our people have relied on for centuries.”
– Chief David Crate, Fisher River Cree Nation
Quick facts
• The Government of Canada has set the ambitious goal to protect 30 percent of land and water by 2030, as well as halt and reverse nature loss in Canada by 2030 and achieve a full recovery for nature by 2050.
Protecting nature in Manitoba to help fight climate change and protect biodiversity
• Canada is home to 24 percent of the world’s wetlands, 25 percent of temperate rainforest areas, and 28 percent of remaining boreal forests.
• Nature-based climate solutions are a key part of Canada’s 2030 Emissions Reduction Plan.
• The Government of Canada has committed to invest $5 billion over 10 years (2021–2031) in the Natural Climate Solutions Fund, including $1.4 billion in Environment and Climate Change Canada’s Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund.
o The Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund will help Canada meet its target to reduce five to seven megatonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually by 2030 using naturebased climate solutions.
Associated links
• Backgrounder: The Government of Canada invests in nature-based solutions to help fight climate change and protect biodiversity across the country
• Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund
Manitoba Government Repairing Perimeter Highway this Summer
(Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is providing $9.1 million to repair the Perimeter Highway, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced.
The $9.1 million will go toward repairing the Perimeter Highway to improve driving conditions, starting this month. Repairs will be focused on sections of the highway that are the most uneven for drivers including:
• North Perimeter eastbound lanes between Brookside Boulevard and McPhillips Street;
• South Perimeter westbound between Fermor Avenue and Lagimodiere Boulevard, including the southeast loop and ramp;
• North Perimeter at the Trans-Canada Highway east overpass, including loops and ramps;
• South Perimeter at the Trans-Canada Highway west overpass, including loops and ramps;
• westbound lanes approaching the intersection of Provincial Trunk Highway
(PTH) 100 and PTH 3 (McGillivray Boulevard);
• South Perimeter at Roblin Boulevard overpass, including loops and ramps;
• intersection improvements at South Perimeter and Provincial Road 330; and
• concrete repairs between Wenzel Road and Dugald Road, and from the Trans-Canada Highway west to Road 63N.
In addition, construction continues for the St. Mary’s Road and PTH 100 Interchange project, planned to open to traffic later this year. The PTH 3 (McGillivray Boulevard) and PTH 100 interchange project is currently in design and award of the construction contract is anticipated in early 2025, the minister added.
Budget 2024 invests $500-million in capital funding to repair and rebuild Manitoba’s highways and public infrastructure to spur economic development and make it easier to get around the province.
Statement from Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture on the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct
(July 18, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Statement) “After years of work and widespread industry participation, we are pleased to announce that all major retailers have agreed to join the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct. This includes Loblaw, Sobeys, and Metro, and most recently, Walmart and Costco. This is a positive step towards bringing more fairness, transparency, and predictability to Canada’s grocery supply chain and for consumers. We thank the Grocery Sector Code of Conduct Interim Board for their tireless work.”
Canadian Grain Commission fully compensates eligible producer claims for unpaid deliveries to Zeghers Seed Inc.
(July 18, 2024 Canadian Grain Commission News Release) - Producers who were not paid for grain delivered to Zeghers Seed Inc. (operating as Zeghers Canada) will be fully compensated for their eligible claims through the Canadian Grain Commission’s Safeguards for Grain Farmers Program.
Following a review of individual producer claims, the Canadian Grain Commission determined that there were 27 eligible claims for unpaid deliveries to Zeghers Seed Inc. The Canadian Grain Commission will issue compensation totalling over $1.2 million from the company’s security to these producers. Producers will receive 100% compensation for their eligible claims for unpaid deliveries.
The Canadian Grain Commission revoked the licences of Zeghers Seed Inc. on March 25, 2024. The company held a grain dealer licence and a primary elevator licence for an elevator located in Holland, Manitoba.
Quotes
“The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to ensuring producers are fairly compensated for their deliveries. Our Safeguards for Grain Farmers Program plays a key role in securing payments for producers, and we are pleased to be able to provide 100% coverage of eligible claims for unpaid deliveries to Zeghers Seed.”
David
Hunt, Chief Commissioner, Canadian Grain Commission
Rick Wright Selected to Judge at World Livestock Auctioneering Championship
(Submitted Article) Rick Wright has been in the livestock marketing industry for most of his adult life. During that time, he has travelled across Canada representing the livestock marketing industry on numerous committees and boards at national and provincial levels. One of the highlights of Wright's career was being selected to join the judging team at the 2024 World Livestock Auctioneering championship in Oklahoma City held in June of 2024.
According to the Livestock Markets Association (LMA) representatives, this was the second time since 1963 that a Canadian has been selected to judge the live auctioneering competition portion at the World Auctioneering championships held in United States.
Wright said that being asked to judge at the World Auctioneering Championships “is like being selected to umpire the final game of the World Series of baseball. It was an incredible honour to be selected.”
Wright’s journey to the 2024 World Championships started when Danny Skeels from Rimby, Alberta submitted his name as a potential judge to the LMA competition committee. Skeels is the only Canadian to ever have won the World Auctioneering Championships. He is considered “auctioneering royalty” in North America. He is the only person to win the auctioneering Triple Crown ‒ the Canadian Championship, the International Championship and the World Title.
To compete in the World Championship, contestants must place in the top 10 at one of three qualifiers held in the United States or win the international competition at the Calgary Stampede. The top 31 auctioneers in North America are selected to compete in the World Championships. Wright was first asked to judge at one of the qualifiers held at Motley, Minnesota. Wright was one of five persons on the judging team; the rest were market operators from all over the northern United States.
A few months later, Wright received a phone call from staff at the LMA office in Kansas City. He was told that he had made the short list of auctioneer judges and was asked if he would be available to judge at the World Championships in Oklahoma City.
Wright said, “I was nearly speechless, and of course the answer was yes! This was a bucket list moment, one of those opportunities that you think about the odd time, but in reality, it probably won’t happen.”
Wright is no stranger to auctioneering competitions. He has organized over 30 provincial championships and has been the chairman of all 25 Canadian championships. He has judged at the provincial level, twice at the Canadian championships, twice at the
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Rick Wright Selected to Judge at World Livestock Auctioneering Championship
international championships at the Calgary Stampede, and twice at the Winner’s Circle competition at the Western Canadian Agribition.
He is a second-generation auctioneer and still sells the cattle sales for the Rainy River Cattlemen’s Association in Rainy River, Ontario. He has been in the cattle marketing business for 44 years as either a market operator or order buyer and has watched hundreds of auctioneers from all over world ply their trade.
The Oklahoma experience is something he will never forget. The National Stock Yards in Oklahoma City is one of the oldest functioning cattle auctions in North America. Opened in 1910, The National Stock Yards is the last terminal market in North America. All cattle sales or purchases are conducted through one of the nine commission firms that operate out of the market.
In the early years, all transactions at the National Stockyards were done by private treaty. The public auction of livestock began in 1961 and continues today. Producers consign cattle to the commission firm of their choice. Each commission firm conducts its own auction in the main central ring. Anyone wishing to purchase cattle must purchase them through one of the existing commission firms that have a license to do business at the stockyards. Buyers can bid on the cattle themselves, but use paddles to indicate which commission firm is brokering their cattle.
The National Stock Yards in Oklahoma City has 60 acres of pens most of which are made of wood. Each pen has a feeder with alfalfa pellets and water available to the cattle after delivery and up until sale time. The stockyard alleyways are made of bricks, not cement. The pens have no cover, but many of them have sprinkler systems to keep the cattle cool. Cattle are moved in the stockyards mostly by horses.
The stockyard has one major ring located near the centre of the facility. The sales ring is accessible by catwalk only.
On the day of the competition, over 11,000 feeder cattle were sold. During the cattle sale, if a buyer wants cattle taken out of a package, the cattle are penned, and after they are sold, staff from the commission firm that purchased the cattle will go out and take the “outs” out of the package. The “outs” are weighed off the package weight, and they are resold at a later date or returned to the producer. This speeds up the sale by not having to stop to sort the “outs” while in the ring.
A large portion of the heifers that were sold on that particular sale were preg-tested after they were purchased; any heifers that were found to be pregnant were returned to the producer or sold at a later date.
The Stockyards sells over 500,000 cattle per year, and the day of the competition, there were between 40 and 50 buyers bidding on cattle. Wright was pleasantly surprised by the quality of cattle on offer. There were large framed green cattle, mostly British influence crossed with a “bit of ear.” The buyers said most of the mother cows have some hot weather bloodlines in their background to help with fertility in the heat and dry conditions. There were lots of black and red hided cattle, a slicker hair cover, good quality with very few long horns.
Rick Wright Selected to Judge at World Livestock Auctioneering Championship
There were 31 auctioneers from all over the United States in competition. Two Canadians also qualified: Brennin Jack from Virden, Manitoba and Dean Edge from Rimby, Alberta.
Wright said, “The competition was very tight. All of the auctioneers won the right to be there, so there were no weak auctioneers.”
The live sale portion of the competition accounts for 75% of the points, while a public interview portion, held the day before the sale, accounts for the remaining 25%. The live event judges are not allowed to watch the interviews and are not given the interview scores. Wright said the interview is very important; the best bid caller may not have the best interview and that could influence where that auctioneer places in the final selections. Some auctioneers gain a couple of placings due to a strong interview. He noted when the competition is this close, it can be the smallest details that make the difference between placing in the top three.
The top ten live scores come back for the second round, and the interview score is carried forward to the second round. The World Championship live competition had judges from Canada, Louisiana, Iowa, California and Pennsylvania.
The auctioneers are judged on the following categories worth up to 10 points each:
Command of Sale: Introduction, Professionalism and Poise; Body Language and Eye Contact.
Chant: Clarity; Rhythm, Timing; Voice Quality and Control
Execution of Sale: Knowledge of Product; Bid Catching; Auctioneer Accuracy and Expedition of Sale
How likely are you to hire this auctioneer? (20 pts possible per judge)
Wright mentioned that judging at this competition is a challenge. “You must stay focused and sharp the entire day, about nine hours’ worth of judging in 90+ degree heat. There are different chants, accents, and distinct regional differences in how the auctioneers conduct a sale. I enjoyed every minute of it. However, there was a lot of pressure representing Canada and LMAC.”
Both Canadian auctioneers did very well, placing in the top ten. Dean Edge from Rimby placed third overall. Brennin Jack had a very strong first round and represented Canada very well.
Wright stated, “Both Jack and Edge have the tools to win the Worlds in the future. Just getting to the Worlds is an accomplishment.” Both have placed in the top ten for several years.
Wade Leist from Michigan was named the 2024 World Champion. The World Champion wins $6,000 cash, a new truck, champion belt buckle and a host of prizes. He will travel the country making personal appearances at LMA member markets, and there is always the chance of commercial endorsements.
Wright feels honoured that he has had the opportunity to judge every major livestock auctioneering competition in Canada and now the World Championships. To be recognized by your peers in the industry is the ultimate reward.
“My father was an auctioneer and cattle dealer, and he influenced me a lot. I am sure he would be proud that his guidance was put to use.”
Applications for Consideration for The Environmental Stewardship Award Due to MBP
by December 13
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 13, 2024 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 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 Cattle Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semi-annual meeting held in August in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm or ranch operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.
How to Nominate
All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. All methods are equally encouraged. More details and the application form can be found at: https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa
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 Friday, December 13, 2024. If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.
Hotel block increased due to demand - Register today for the Canadian Beef Industry Conference 2024
(Canadian Beef Industry Conference eblast) For anyone looking to register for Canadian Beef Industry Conference 2024, we have good news! Our hotel block was full but we have just been able to secure an additional block of rooms at the Delta Bessborough with rates from $164 per night. The shuttles to and from CBIC during peak times will be at the Delta Downtown - three minute walk from the Bessborough.
If you have never been to Saskatoon, the Bessborough is along the river with the best views of summer in the city.
Book your group rate at the Delta Bessborough! Deadline is July 24!
Saskatchewan Cattlemen's Association has organized a terrific tour for 100 guests on Monday August 19 that showcases the Saskatchewan agriculture industry, and that evening Lammle's has sponsored Bullfighters Only 2.0 for all CBIC registered attendees and their invited guests - so bring the family!
We see the logos on the screens, we hear the thank-you's but we cannot reiterate enough that events like CBIC do not take place without sponsors. Sponsorships support over half the actual cost of an attendee, and the logos you
see are the integral reason the industry is able to meet. Meet them on the tradeshow floor where you can compete in axe throwing, get your hat cleaned or have your boots shined.
August 20 includes an update from Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef over lunch and Kelly Dobson is presenting that afternoon, courtesy of Farm Management Canada.
The MNP LLP reception welcomes everyone to the tradeshow floor August 20, where there will be boot-shining, hat cleaning, axe throwing, live sketches and more. The tradeshow floor provides multiple opportunities to grow your network and connect with over 50 organizations. Meet up at the bar located at the Canadian Cattlemen's Magazine booth for a beverage or two.
CBIC welcomes Becky McCray as the Opening Keynote. While Becky may be new to you, she is not new to working with towns, municipalities, communities and associations on how to thrive. Becky does limited engagements outside of the US and CBIC is fortunate that she has chosen to be available for the conference. Whether you are rural or urban - her ideas apply to anyone involved in building community.
Hear directly from producers on handling drought, succession, starting an operation from scratch, and how they make genetics work for them. The program includes producer-led discussions throughout the two days. Learn from their experiences and share you own.
Have questions but there is never enough time after a presentation? This year we have
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