Significant rainfall and high flows on Red River
(September 19, 2024 Public Services and Procurement Canada Media Advisory) Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise the public that the section on the Red River between Lockport and Lister Rapids may experience large fluctuations in water levels. There was significant rainfall in the south of the province, which caused unusually high flows on the Red River and may also cause a rise in levels on the Assiniboine River. As a result of rising water levels in Winnipeg and to the south, the dam at the St. Andrews Lock and Dam will be releasing more water. Water levels between
Lockport and Lister Rapids are therefore forecasted to drop over the coming days. Depending on conditions, a section of the movable dam may also need to be removed.
Waters downstream and in proximity to the dam should always be treated as dangerous, but can become even more so as water levels increase.
PSPC encourages the public to exercise caution when approaching the area of the dam and the Red River due to fluctuating water levels and debris.
Feed testing equipment now available at participating Manitoba Watershed District offices
When you don’t know the quality of feed on an operation, maintaining optimal animal health, welfare, and performance can become significantly more difficult.
That’s why Manitoba Beef Producers has facilitated the placement of feed testing equipment at participating Manitoba Watershed District offices. You can access a Star Quality Samplers universal drill mount forage probe at the following offices:
Westlake Watershed District 18 Railway Ave., Alonsa
Souris River Watershed District 404 4 St., Reston
Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District 154 Friesen Ave., Steinbach
Swan Lake Watershed District 559-4th Ave N., Swan River
East Interlake Watershed District 74 1st Ave., Gimli
We also have numerous resources available to assist you. Please see pages 5-7.
This Resource is brought to you by Manitoba Beef Producers & Participating Watershed Districts
Forage Probe helpful tips for installation, care, and use (Text Version)
https://starqualitysamplers.com/relate d-info/
Forage Probe helpful tips for use (YouTube videos)
https://www.youtube.com/channel/U CsQgAddn7Mlq4kMOtALeNBQ
Webinar Recording: Feed Testing to Improve Herd Health and Feed Management
https://www.beefresearch.ca/webinar s/feed-testing-to-improve-herdhealth-and-feed-management/
Beef Cattle Research Council Feed Testing, Quality, and Analysis Resources
Central Testing Labs FAQ -Which test should I order? Can I pay online? How much sample do you need? Volume discounts, etc.
Online Submission Form (Create account and pay online): Central Testing Labs
https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/fe ed-testing-analysis-for-beef-cattle/
https://www.ctl.mb.ca/faq/#Q19
https://orders.ctl.mb.ca/Login.aspx
Printable Submission From: Central Testing Labs
https://www.ctl.mb.ca/wpcontent/uploads/Chain-Of-CustodyMRev0.pdf
This Resource is brought to you by Manitoba Beef Producers & Participating Watershed Districts
Ration Balancing Check List for cows:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/liv estock/production/beef/rationbalancing-checklist-for-cattle.html
CowBytes Ration Balancing Software available for purchase:
https://www.beefresearch.ca/cowbyte s/
CowBytes YouTube Tutorials
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list =PLU6lNl6H8OCDepDKklJHFx9cFcKY6x d0M
Would you like assistance with ration formulation and ration balancing?
This Resource is brought to you by Manitoba Beef Producers & Participating Watershed Districts
Need Help Formulating Rations for your cattle? Here are people who can help:
Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale
Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist
20 1st St. S, Box 50 Beausejour, MB R0E 0C0 kristen.bouchardteasdale@gov.mb.ca
Phone: (431) 337-1688
Pamela Iwanchysko
Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist
27 Second Avenue SW, Dauphin, MB R7N 3E5 pamela.iwanchysko@gov.mb.ca
Phone: (204) 648-3965
Elizabeth Nernberg
Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist
117 2nd Ave NW, Roblin, MB R0L 1P0
elizabeth.nernberg@gov.mb.ca
Phone: (204) 247-0087
Cindy Jack
Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist
317 River Road, Arborg, MB R0C 0A0 cindy.jack@gov.mb.ca
Phone: (204) 768-0534
Shawn Cabak
Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist
200-50th 24th St NW, Portage, MB R1N 3V7 shawn.cabak@gov.mb.ca
Phone: (204) 239-3353
Andrea Bertholet
Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist
203 South Railway St E. Killarney, MB R0K 1G0 andrea.bertholet@gov.mb.ca
Phone (204) 851-6087
Melissa Atchison
Research & Extension Specialist
Manitoba Beef Producers matchison@mbbeef.ca (204) 264-0294
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 semiannual 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
Note: If you are a producer who is considering selfnomination, MBP can provide you with guidance and suggestions on completing the application process.
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.
CRSB holds its Annual General Meeting celebrating 10 years of beef sustainability progress in Canada.
September 18, 2024, Calgary, AB. – The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) and conference in Calgary, AB this week - celebrating its 10th anniversary of bringing together a diverse community working towards a common vision for continuous improvement in social, economic and environmental aspects of the Canadian beef value chain. With over 100 registered and 95 in attendance, and eight new members this year, the CRSB currently has 85 voting members from across the beef value chain and beyond.
The event kicked off with our “Harvesting Knowledge” tour, which included stops at Olds College and Wray Ranch – recipients of the 2023 Environmental Stewardship Award, followed by an evening reception hosted by Chop Steakhouse & Bar.
On day two, the AGM business meeting highlighted CRSB’s annual successes, including the launch of the 2nd National Beef Sustainability Assessment and Strategy, a revised CRSB Certified program, updates to how projects will align with the Sustainability Strategy, and more. Council and committee reports were provided, and the 2024-25 CRSB Council was announced (see page 2).
“The CRSB’s AGM is a great opportunity to bring everyone together and celebrate our annual successes, connect with our members and discuss challenges and opportunities for continuous improvement in the coming year,” says Ryan Beierbach, Chair of the CRSB and SK rancher.
The AGM and Conference opened with a keynote from Ashwin Ramesh, Sustainability and Impact at McDonald’s Canada on amplifying youth engagement for the next decade of responsible beef production Attendees heard presentations from two graduate students from the University of Calgary and University of Guelph, studying rotational grazing practices and effects on productivity, and processing of low-quality forages on animal performance, feeding behaviour and enteric methane emissions, respectively. Honorable R.J. Sigurdson, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation brought greetings to attendees from the Government of Alberta. A CRSB member panel marked our 10th anniversary, Kim Cornish of Food Water Wellness spoke about insights from the Regenerative Living Lab, and the day closed with a capstone by Dr. Sarah Klopatek of JBS. The event also featured a tradeshow with 11 CRSB member booths to showcase how they contribute to the sustainability of the beef sector.
The 2024 CRSB Annual Report (English / French), released today, is available on our website in both English and French for a more detailed look at our work and accomplishments over the past year.
We would like to thank all who attended our annual meeting, and everyone who has contributed to our continued success.
Following are the representatives elected and re-elected (noted in green) to the 2024-25 CRSB Council All voting members were elected for a two-year term.
Chair: Ryan Beierbach (re-elected)
Vice-Chair: Clay Holmes (re-elected)
VOTING
MEMBERS
Beef Producer Associations
• Brodie Haugan, Alberta Beef Producers - elected
• Dean Manning, Beef Cattle Research Council - elected
• Andrea Stroeve-Sawa, National Cattle Feeders’ Association
Beef Processors and Associations
• Clay Holmes, Intercity Packers Meat & Seafood
• Kristine Tapley Cargill – elected by acclamation
Retail and Food Service Sector
• Hope Bentley, McDonald’s Canada
• Carl Dean, Cactus Restaurants Ltd. – elected by acclamation
Non-Governmental Organizations
• Tom Lynch-Staunton, Nature Conservancy of Canada
• Karli Reimer, Ducks Unlimited Canada - elected
Agriculture and Food Businesses
• Tim Hardman, Fulton Market Group
Member at Large
• Graeme Finn – re-elected
NON-VOTING REPRESENTATIVES
Government Liaisons – appointed by Council, to support its work.
• Karen Clark, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
• Fonda Froats, Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture
• Jamie Wuite, Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation - 30 –
AbouttheCRSB
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) advances, measures and communicates sustainability in the Canadian beef value chain in collaboration with its multi-stakeholder membership. It drives continuous improvement through science-based sustainability performance measurement and goals, a voluntary 3rd party sustainability certification program (CRSB Certified), and projects and initiatives aligned with strategic goals. Learn more at crsb.ca.
The CertifiedSustainableBeefFramework,known as CRSB Certified, provides credible assurances for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada. Learn more at crsbcertified.ca.
Manitoba Celebrates 10 years of Farm and Food Awareness Week with Support to Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba
This year's theme is ‘Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the Future'
(September 13, 2024 Joint Federal/Provincial News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are encouraging all Manitobans to learn more about the important role that agriculture producers play in ensuring that our agri-food system remains diverse, safe and sustainable by attending at least one of the many events around the province celebrating the 10th annual Farm and Food Awareness Week, September 16th-20th, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced.
To support K-12 teachers and students in learning about the importance of agriculture in Manitoba, through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable-CAP), the governments of Canada and Manitoba have provided $400,000 to Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba. Funding will be used for the Amazing Agriculture Adventure Program, which helps students and teachers learn about Manitoba agriculture, eating local, and opportunities in Manitoba's agriculture sector.
As a part of the celebrations minister Kostyshyn has proclaimed Wednesday, September 18 as Local Veggie Day to celebrate Manitoba vegetable farmers, local vegetables and initiatives across the province that nourish and support families and communities.
This year's events include:
• The launch event, Discover Agriculture on the Farm, is a family friendly event at the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre on Sunday, September 15 where urban and rural communities
can come together to discover where our food comes from.
• Manitoba Agriculture has also launched the ‘selfie challenge' on X (formerly known as Twitter) to highlight the diversity of the province's agri-food industry. Manitobans are encouraged to follow @MBGovAg and share their passion for the industry by posting photographs of themselves at farms or enjoying meals made with Manitoba foods, accompanied by #FacesofMBAg and #FarmFoodAwarenessWeek.
• In conjunction with Farm and Food Awareness Week, Manitoba's Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) program, has launched a video to demonstrate Manitoba producers' ongoing commitment to sustainability.
The Sustainable CAP is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada's agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quotes
"Farm and Food Awareness Week is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the vital contributions our farming communities make. This funding for Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba will help students right across Manitoba learn more
Manitoba Celebrates 10 years of Farm and Food Awareness Week with Support to Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba
This year's theme is ‘Sustainable Agriculture: Feeding the Future'
about how their food is produced and grow their passion for agriculture."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Manitoba's farmers and producers play a critical role in feeding our province and the world, and growing our economy. Celebrating and learning about the many people who ensure our food goes from farm to table in the safest, most efficient and sustainable way possible is an important way for agricultural producers get the recognition they deserve."
- Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
"We are incredibly grateful to the governments of Canada and Manitoba for their visionary support, which has been vital to the success and growth of Agriculture in the ClassroomManitoba. This partnership not only demonstrates the province's confidence in our mission but also highlights the government's strong commitment to the future of agriculture. By investing in our programs and resources, the Manitoba government is ensuring that our students and educators, especially in rural, remote, Francophone and Indigenous communities, have the tools they need to understand and engage with our province's vibrant agri-food sector Together, we are laying the groundwork for a thriving agricultural industry supported by future generations of informed and inspired Manitobans."
- Katharine Cherewyk, Executive Director, Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba
Quick facts
• Over 48% of Manitoba farms have participated in the EFP since the program began and remains the primary tool to guide Manitoba producers in best practices ensuring sustainability on the farm.
• Nearly 40,000 Manitobans work in the agricultural industry, contributing significantly to Manitoba's economy.
Advisory: Guidance and precautions for participation in United States agricultural exhibitions to mitigate the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canadian cattle
(Canadian Food Inspection Agency Advisory) Since early 2024, the United States (U.S.) has reported outbreaks of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in dairy cows in several states. Due to the presence of HPAI (H5N1) in the U.S. dairy cattle population, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) advises against all Canadian cattle travelling to and participating in agricultural exhibitions in the U.S. at this time While we understand the traditional and business significance of attending these events, the current HPAI situation in the U.S. may pose a risk of introducing and spreading the virus into Canada and may negatively impact the health of your animals.
To protect your cattle – dairy or beef – from HPAI, the CFIA does not recommend showing them at exhibitions. This particularly applies if there are cattle or poultry participating from states or regions where HPAI in cattle has been detected. Find out where HPAI has been detected in livestock on the U.S. Department of Agriculture's website
Recommendations to prevent the spread of HPAI
Various American agricultural exhibitions may have testing requirements prior to entry of cattle, given the current situation. This may vary from state-to-state and by exhibition. If you choose to participate, be sure to contact exhibition organizers to find out what is required before your departure from Canada.
If you choose to travel with your animals to agricultural exhibitions in the U.S. despite the known risks, a certificate for all Canadian cattle that are in the U.S. for less than 60 days will be
required. The requirements for cattle returning from a temporary stay in the U.S. (any breed, any end use) are available at – Requirements for return to Canada. The USDA-APHIS certificate is available at: Export certification statements for Canadian origin cattle (all breeds and end uses) in United States for less than 60 days returning to Canada (PDF)
Your cattle will be required to stay in the U.S. for 60 days if they have resided on a premises (including exhibition sites) where HPAI or any other contagious disease that cattle can contract, has been detected within the last 60 days, or if they have been exposed to these diseases.
For dairy cattle, other measures will be required upon return to Canada, including:
• isolating the imported cattle as per the Biosecurity for Canadian Dairy Farms: National Standard A formal quarantine may be issued when biosecurity measures are not sufficient to prevent potential spread of disease.
• bulk tank test by your veterinarian and testing of the individual imported dairy cattle, including heifers, between 14 and 21 days after return The results must be shared with your CFIA district office when they are received.
o if negative results are obtained the animal can be re-integrated into the herd
Advisory: Guidance and precautions for participation in United States agricultural exhibitions to mitigate the risk of highly pathogenic avian influenza in Canadian cattle
o if results are not received in a timely manner, the CFIA will follow up and may conduct a disease investigation
• additional bulk tank test by your veterinarian 30 days after re-integration of imported animals into resident herd is recommended
• information on how to submit bulk tank samples to a Canadian Animal Health Surveillance Network (CAHSN) lab can be found at HPAI in cattle: Guidance for Private Veterinarians
• for more details refer to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Cattle: Letter for Dairy Cattle Exporters
For beef cattle, a recommended best practice is to isolate any animals for 21 days after their return to Canada as per the Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard.
• For more details refer to Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Cattle: Letter for Beef Cattle Exporters
While beef and dairy cattle are the same species, the risk of HPAI is currently higher for dairy cattle. While beef cattle are likely susceptible, the differences in production and
management practices (for example the use of milking equipment, higher density housing, and more contact with humans), there is an increased transmission potential for dairy herds.
It is the responsibility of the owner to understand the requirements and to ensure the appropriate documentation and requirements are met. Practicing good biosecurity is the best way to prevent the spread of animal diseases, including HPAI.
If you suspect HPAI in your cattle or any other animals, you must report it immediately to your local CFIA office or district veterinarian under the Health of Animals Act.
Additional information
• Notice to industry: Additional certification for Canadian cattle returning from the United States after a stay of less than 60 days
• Biosecurity recommendations for Canadian fairs and exhibits
• Recommendations to minimize influenza transmission at dairy cattle livestock exhibitions (USDA APHIS) (PDF)
• Trade implications for HPAI in dairy cattle
• Actions producers can take to prevent the spread of HPAI in cattle
Manitoba RCMP remind drone pilots of the dangers of interfering with first responders
(September 16, 2024 RCMP News Release) This past week RCMP officers were at the scene of a serious traffic collision, when a drone was observed flying over the scene. The drone in the air led to STARS air ambulance being delayed as it could not land. Fortunately in this case, the delay did not have serious consequences to operations at the scene.
Officers have yet to identify the operator, but would like to take this opportunity to remind the public, that operating a drone in an area where police and first responders are attending could interfere with life-saving measures, and can result in a fine of up to $1000.
The use of remotely piloted aircraft systems or "drones," is regulated by Transport Canada under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations include that the drone must be operated:
• below 90 m above the ground
• at least 30 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 250 g up to 1 kg)
• at least 75 m away from vehicles, vessels, and the public (if your drone weighs more than 1 kg up to 35 kg)
• at least 5.5 km away from aerodromes (any airport, seaplane base, or areas where aircraft take-off and land)
• at least 1.8 km away from heliports or aerodromes used by helicopters only
• outside of controlled or restricted airspace
• at least 9 km away from a natural hazard or disaster area
• away from areas where operation could interfere with fire fighters, police or first responders
• during the day and not in clouds or smoke
• within your sight at all times
• within 500 m of yourself or closer
• must be clearly marked with your name, address and phone number
A complete set of rules, regulations and requirements can be found at https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/dronesafety/learn-rules-you-fly-your-drone/flyingyour-drone-safely-legally#legal
“In an emergency, it is imperative that all necessary resources are able to respond,” said Corporal Ryan Cadotte of the Manitoba RCMP Remotely Piloted Aircraft System unit. “I urge all drone pilots to be responsible and ensure they know and follow all regulations under the Canadian Aviation Regulations. These regulations are in place for everyone’s safety.”
Public Survey Open to Complement Provincial Review of Planning and Development Legislation
(Submitted Notice) To complement the Province of Manitoba’s efforts in performing a statutory review of planning and development legislation, and to ensure that all stakeholder perspectives are captured, an online survey has been launched to gather stakeholder input and feedback on Bill 19, Bill 34, and Bill 37. To learn more about the statutory review that is underway, please refer to Manitoba Public Bulletin 2024-18.
Your participation in this survey is highly encouraged so that you can share your perspectives as a land developer, quarry operator, and or livestock operator on the legislation and how you may have been impacted by Bill 19, Bill 34, and Bill 37. In this survey, you will be asked questions about:
• Whether the legislation within review scope has met its intended targets,
• How you as a land developer, quarry operator, and or livestock operator have been professionally impacted by the legislation, and
• Your perspectives on eight focus areas ranging from new service standards, appeal provisions, and regional plans that were introduced through Bills 19, Bill 34, and Bill 37.
Land developers, quarry operators, and livestock operators can access the survey through the following link:
Manitoba Agriculture, in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers and Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives, has announced the return of the Manitoba Beef and Forage Conference for its second year.
This year’s event has been condensed to a one-day format, but attendees can still look forward to the same high-quality information through a mix of keynote presentations and hands-on breakout sessions. Click on the graphic for information.
• Developer Survey to Provide Feedback on Bill 19, Bill 34, and Bill 37
The survey will take about 30 minutes to complete. It can be completed an individual or you can complete it to provide an official response from your organization. If you choose to provide an official response on the legislation, you will be requested to share your contact information (e.g., name, title, and email address) to the Province of Manitoba and the Project Review Team should any follow-up be required.
The survey became active as of September 10th and will remain live for at least three weeks. The survey may be extended further depending on participation in the survey. Your participation in this survey is greatly appreciated as Manitoba and the Project Review Team continue to conduct an independent review of the legislation document and capture all stakeholder perspectives in this important process.
Please note, a public survey is also available to ensure that all Manitobans have a say in this public consultation. Interested people their perspectives on Bill 19, Bill 34, and Bill 37 through the following link:
• General Public Survey to Provide Feedback on Bill 19, Bill 34, and Bill 37
Manitoba Wolf Trapping Workshops
Attend a free Manitoba Agriculture workshop to learn, develop and/or enhance your wolf trapping skills to assist producers experiencing livestock predation losses. There will be hands on outdoor demonstrations and discussion.
Date: Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024 (2 locations)
Time: 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Place: Mulvihill Community Pasture
From Mulvihill, turn east on Rd 133N and travel 4.5 km, turn north on Rd 28W and travel 2.5 km View on Apple Maps
Date: Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024
Time: 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Place: Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives Farm
Corner of Highway 353 and #10 north of Brandon View on Apple Maps
3:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. (includes light supper)
Dauphin/Ochre River – Justamere Farm
From Ochre River junction travel 8.3 km east on highway 5, turn south on Rd 104W, and travel 2.5 km to yellow Justamere farm sign. View on Apple Maps
Agenda featuring John Hart, Wildlife Biologist, Custom Wildlife Capture and Consulting, LLC
Introduction to wolf biology in relation to trapping in agricultural landscape
Trapping techniques, equipment, and strategies
Wolf population management
Characteristics of predator kills
Working with producers
Requirements for working under Targeted Predator Removal Program
John is a certified wildlife biologist with a wildlife degree from the University of Wisconsin. Involved with wolf damage management in northern Minnesota since 1989, he has extensive experience with the capture of depredating wolves, training, the supervision of trappers, and assisting with the development of the Minnesota Wolf Management Plan.
Please register before Sept. 25, at 1-844-769-6224 or agriculture@gov.mb.ca
October Workshops to follow in Teulon and Birds Hill Provincial Park.
