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.
Manitoba Government to Extend Gas Tax Holiday to December 31
(September 25, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government intends to extend the gas tax holiday until the end of the calendar year, Premier Wab Kinew announced.
“Since we cut the gas tax in January, inflation has gone down in Manitoba,” said Kinew. “This is what governments are for. We know Manitobans are still struggling with the impact of interest rates and grocery prices so we’re going to continue to step up and save you 14 cents at the pump.”
The current gas tax holiday on gasoline and diesel used to operate motor vehicles will be extended until Dec. 31, noted the premier.
The premier noted the people who drive the most popular type of vehicle in the province, a pickup truck, will save around $14 every time they fuel up. The Manitoba Bureau of Statistics estimates the gas tax holiday has directly contributed to a decrease of 0.4 percentage points to inflation.
Since the introduction of the gas tax holiday, Manitoba has had the lowest average retail price on gasoline in Canada and inflation has dropped to within the Bank of Canada’s target inflation range of one to three per cent.
Annual closure of St. Andrews Lock and Dam
(September 25, 2024 Public Services and Procurement Canada News Release) Public Services and Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise users of the annual closure of the St. Andrews Lock and Dam for the season.
As of Monday, October 14, at midnight, the St. Andrews Lock and Dam will be closed to marine vessels until spring or summer 2025.
Following the closure, the drawdown of the river section between Lockport and Winnipeg will commence. As a result, the Red and Assiniboine rivers, in the Winnipeg area and north to Lockport, will experience fluctuation in their water levels. If winter conditions begin before the closure of the lock or the dam winter setting, the curtains will be completely lifted with little notice and the water level will drop.
Owners of vessels, barges and all property on the Red and Assiniboine rivers, and their tributaries, are advised to protect their property.
The gated areas below the dam may be closed because of high, turbulent waters and dangerous currents, severe weather or operational requirements. Once closed, these areas will remain closed until the spring.
PSPC thanks users for their patience.
MBP will be featured on Great Tastes of Manitoba this weekend with Chef Anna Borys sharing recipes for Flaky Pizza Roll with Sweet & Spicy Italian Beef Sausage, Ginger Beef Egg Rolls, and Grilled Beef Roulade.
In celebration of the 35th anniversary, the show partnered with Manitoba Ag Days to create a series of documentaries about the community of passionate people who work in Manitoba’s agricultural and agri-food sector. MBP’s We Produce Habitat shares important messages about the interconnectedness of beef production as a conservation tool grassland habitat for birds and other species. Watch for Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives & the Nykolation family.
The show airs at 6:30pm on CTV Winnipeg. Full episodes can also be streamed on demand at greattastesmb.ca or on the @GreatTastesTV YouTube channel.
Photo credit: FRANK Digital
The Canadian Benchmark Survey for Feedlot and Backgrounding Operations
Did you know that Canada currently lacks a national benchmark of practices used by backgrounding and finishing operations? Benchmarking of practices for Canadian operators is an important tool to guide decision making on farm for producers to help improve profitability.
To address this issue, the Canadian Benchmark Survey was developed to assess the sustainability of the cattle feeding industry and to help producers enhance their operations. This national benchmark serves as a valuable tool for feedlots and backgrounders, allowing them to compare their practices with those of other operations across Canada. These comparisons can help to identify practices that can enhance the efficiency and sustainability of their operations.
The Canadian Benchmark Survey includes questions concerning management practices, feeding strategies, feed additives, diet composition and types of cattle in each operation. By gathering detailed information from these questions, an accurate and effective benchmark can be established that will benefit the cattle feeding industry and support the growth of the Canadian beef sector
Click here to learn more about the survey
Please consider participating in this survey by clicking this link
Glengarry Farm Finance Corporation, in partnership with Farm Credit Canada, announces enhanced investment capabilities in alternative lending market
(September 24, 2024 News Release) Glengarry Farm Finance Corporation (Glengarry) is announcing an investment from Farm Credit Canada (FCC) that will allow it to provide farmers with a more accessible source of financing.
Founded by a group of farm credit specialists, farmers and finance industry professionals, Glengarry is a wholly Canadian alternative lender in the agricultural market focused on providing flexible financing solutions for primary producers in Western Canada and Ontario.
Glengarry primarily works with farmers who, due to temporary credit issues, cannot secure loans through primary institutions. The company acts as a “transitional lender,” providing farmers with the financial backing they need to eventually become bankable.
FCC has committed up to $60 million, which significantly increases Glengarry’s capacity to support this underserved transitional lending market.
“FCC is committed to supporting Canada’s agriculture and food industry and that includes responsibly expanding capital solutions in underserved areas, said Darren Baccus, executive vice-president, investment, FCC Capital. “Glengarry serves a segment of the market that complements our current capital solutions. With the right support, qualified primary producers have the potential to continue to contribute to the resiliency, diversity and innovation of Canadian agriculture despite temporary financial disruptions in their operations.”
“We have an unshakeable belief in the farming community. That’s why we want to modernize farm financing and make it more accessible. We understand agriculture is an unpredictable business, and many determinants of success are well beyond a farmer’s control,” says Glengarry CEO Greg Kalil. “This new partnership with FCC puts us in the unique position of being able to offer a more comprehensive set of financing solutions to give farmers the support they need to work their way back to bankability.”
About Glengarry Farm Finance
Glengarry Farm Finance is an alternative institutional lender in the agricultural market in Canada providing flexible financing solutions to the farming community. Glengarry has extensive experience helping Canadian farmers navigate their way back into traditional banking. This has driven significant growth in its loan portfolio, which is expected to continue in the years to come. To learn more, please visit glengarry.ca.
About Farm Credit Canada
FCC is proud to be 100% invested in Canadian agriculture and food. The organization’s employees are committed to the long-standing success of those who produce and process Canadian food. FCC provides flexible financing and capital solutions, while creating value through data, knowledge, relationships and expertise. FCC offers a complement of financial and non-financial products and services designed to support the complex and evolving needs of the industry. As a commercial Crown corporation, FCC is a stable partner that reinvests profits back into the industry and communities it serves. For more information, visit fcc.ca
Manitoba Beef & Forage Conference
Working on the Farm with Hands-On Science!
Wednesday, October 30, 2024
William Glesby Centre
11 2nd St NE Portage la Prairie, Manitoba
Registration
EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION COST
Register by October 1, 2024
1. Early bird registration - $75
2. Farm registration (2 people from the same farm) - $125
3. Students - $60
REGISTRATION
Register on or after October 2, 2024
$100 per person
No farm registrations accepted after October 1.
REGISTRATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE BUT TRANSFERABLE
Registration includes access to all sessions and lunch catered by Merv’s Pitchfork Fondue.
To register please visit manitoba.ca/agriculture/ livestock/beef-conference.html
Questions about registration? Call: 204-761-3300
Accommodations
Super 8
2668 Saskatchewan Ave, W
204-857-8883
Canad Inns
2401 Saskatchewan Ave, W 204-857-9745
Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham
5100 Crescent Road West 204-400-5083
Wednesday, October 30
8:00 REGISTRATION, COFFEE and BOOTH DISPLAYS
9:00 THEATRE – Dr. Frank Mitloehner, University of California Davis
Climate-Smart Livestock: Separating Science from Scare Tactics
Livestock, in particular cattle, are often branded as major methane (CH4) emitters. This thought-provoking presentation will explore the true impact of CH4 emissions from the beef and dairy sectors on temperature, clarify misunderstandings regarding greenhouse gases related to animal production and uncover the potential role of animal agriculture in fighting climate change.
10:00 THEATRE – Patti Durand, Brightrack Consulting Strategies for Low Stress Handling of Family Succession Planning Conversations
Farm succession is a top source of uncertainty for farm families. How can you lead, guide, and participate in planning discussions, while protecting the family and the business? Join us to find out!
11:00 REFRESHMENT BREAK/VISIT DISPLAYS
11:30 BREAKOUT SESSION
(Choose one of three offered sessions)
B-1 VISUAL ARTS ROOM - Cheryl Waldner, University of Saskatchewan
Investigating Effective Strategies for the Control of Johne’s Disease in Western Canadian Cow-Calf Herds – A Potential Economic Loss for your Herd
Johne’s disease poses significant challenges to the beef cattle industry because of its negative effects on animal health and farm income. Although the diagnostic tools currently available for detecting Johne’s aren’t perfect, testing and culling infected animals is the most effective way to control the disease. Learn more about what you can do to protect your herd and to determine if testing makes financial sense on your operation.
Featuring Dr. Nadine Wohlgemuth, Virden Animal Hospital
B-2 ART GALLERY – Ben Hamm, Manitoba Agriculture
Safeguarding your Profit – Incorporating Business Risk Management Tools as Part of your Everyday Chores
This presentation will cover calculating production risk and understanding the steps you can take to maximize profitability and alleviate risk in volatile times. Ben will focus on the pros and cons of AgriInsurance for forages, Livestock Price Insurance and talk about how AgriStability can fill the gaps.
Featuring Tyler Fulton, Cattle Producer, Birtle, Manitoba and CCA Vice President
B-3 THEATRE – Dr. Stephanie Hansen, Iowa State University
Smart Mineral and Vitamin Nutrition for Stronger Beef Herds
Wondering how trace minerals help keep your cattle productive and healthy? Learn about Stephanie’s research, as it relates to the critical ways micronutrients support growth, health and reproductive success in cattle.
Featuring Dr. Mary-Jane Orr, Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives
12:30 LUNCH AND BOOTH DISPLAYS
1:30 THEATRE – John Hart, Wildlife Biologist, Custom Wildlife Capture and Consulting, LLC
Keeping the Wolf from the Door - Effective Tools and Techniques for Producers to Reduce Wolf Damage
John will share his experience in wolf damage management by addressing wolf biology and behaviour, dispelling misconceptions about wolf predation and explaining various techniques for protecting livestock from wolves.
2:30 REPEAT OF BREAKOUT SESSION
(Choose one of three offered sessions)
3:30 REFRESHMENT
4:00 THEATRE – Dr. John Basarab, University of Alberta Genomic Strategies for Improving Beef Cattle Efficiencies in a Changing Environment
Join Dr. Basarab to learn about genomic tools for commercial beef production. This presentation will highlight current research as well as the benefits and considerations for using genomic tools to boost profitability, reduce the industry’s carbon footprint and help cattle adapt to changing environments.
5:00 CLOSING REMARKS AND ADJOURNMENT
Hear from local producers and industry experts about applying research on the farm. Our breakout sessions feature local producers and their on-farm experience.
Organizing Committee:
Pam Iwanchysko, Elizabeth Nernberg, Cindy Jack, Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale, Shawn Cabak, Andrea Bertholet, Juanita Kopp, Mary-Jane Orr (MBFI) and Melissa Atchison (MBP)
Organized by Manitoba Agriculture in partnership with Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives and Manitoba Beef Producers.