MBP E-Newsletter: October 18/2024 by ManitobaBeefProducers

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October 18, 2024

Reminder

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 on October 30 in Portage La Prairie. Please see the full event program on page 16.

Manitoba Beef Producers’ Fall District Meetings are being held October 21st to November 5th in odd-numbered districts holding director elections.

Everyone is invited to discuss issues and opportunities affecting the beef industry. MBP would also like producer feedback on the potential for a Livestock Inspection Service in Manitoba, so your attendance is strongly encouraged. In-person meetings start at 4:30 pm – with a delicious beef on a bun meal provided. These meetings are free to attend, but pre-registration is strongly encouraged. And, an all districts virtual meeting will be held the evening of November 6th beginning at 7 pm.

MBP’s board of directors is also accepting in writing suggested resolutions for potential debate at its 46th Annual General Meeting set for February 20-21, 2025, at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre at 1808 Wellington Avenue, Winnipeg. The form is available here: PDF

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.

Canadian farmland values rise 5.5% in first half of 2024: FCC report

(October 8, 2024 FCC News Release) Canadian cultivated farmland values rose by an average of 5.5 per cent in the first half of 2024, according to the mid-year farmland values review by Farm Credit Canada (FCC). Over the 12 months from July 2023 to June 2024, there was a 9.6 per cent increase, representing a slowdown compared to the previous 12-month period (January to December 2023).

“Farmland values increased at a slower rate, yet 5.5 per cent growth in six months is still a very strong number,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist.

For the second consecutive year, Saskatchewan and Quebec have recorded the highest average six-month increases in the country, at 7.4 per cent and 5.4 per cent, respectively. The rates in New Brunswick, British Columbia, and Alberta all settled in the same range, 5.2 per cent, 5.0 per cent, and 4.6 per cent, respectively. Manitoba recorded a growth rate of 3.9 per cent, closely followed by Nova Scotia at 3.8 per cent. Ontario recorded a lower increase at 2.1 per cent, with Prince Edward Island concluding the list at 1.7 per cent.

Elevated borrowing costs, lower commodity prices and the increased price of land hasn’t deterred some buyers. Looking ahead, declining borrowing costs and a limited supply of available farmland should sustain the current high prices for farmland.

“The continued rise in farmland values highlights a positive and robust long-term outlook for the agriculture sector. As we move into the latter half of 2024, the trends in farm revenues and interest rates will be key indicators of where farmland values might head next,” said Gervais.

Gervais noted that farm cash receipts are projected to decline overall in 2024 by 3.3 per cent as commodity prices show few signs of a quick rebound, possibly limiting farmers' willingness and capacity to assign higher valuations to farmland.

“Understanding economic and financial trends is essential for making informed decisions. FCC is committed to providing the industry with data-driven insights that can help producers and investors navigate the current economic headwinds,” added Gervais. For more economic insights and analysis, visit FCC Economics at fcc.ca/Economics.

About FCC

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

Canada Carbon Rebate delivers boost for rural families

(October 15, 2024 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) Families across Canada will receive their Canada Carbon Rebate, a payment that is making life more affordable for Canadians. The Canada Carbon Rebate alongside measures like dental care, child care, and others contribute to the Government of Canada’s plan to help Canadian families get ahead while ensuring big polluters pay their fair share.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Canada’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change, visited community members at a local coffee shop in Gananoque, Ontario, to announce the latest quarterly Canada Carbon Rebate payments are being delivered to their bank accounts and mailboxes, with a one-time “double double” rural top-up.

In Budget 2024, the Government of Canada doubled the rural top-up from 10 percent to 20 percent of the Canada Carbon Rebate base amount, to better support Canadians who live in rural areas and small communities, since they often drive longer distances and have higher energy needs. Given the delayed passage of the Budget, today families are receiving an added one-time 20 percent to make up retroactively for the doubling of the rural top-up on the April 15 and July 15 payments, effectively adding a one-time 40 percent top-up to the base amount of this quarter’s Canada Carbon Rebate. For a family of four in Gananoque, Ontario, this means receiving a payment of $392 today, and a total of $1,344 from Canada Carbon Rebates this fiscal year.

The Canada Carbon Rebate and the rural supplement are part of a broader government

effort to ease financial pressures on Canadians while simultaneously supporting the Government of Canada’s plan to combat climate change.

Quick

facts

• The rural top-up will apply to residents of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Nova Scotia whose primary residence is outside a Census Metropolitan Area, as designated by Statistics Canada. All rebate recipients of Prince Edward Island are eligible for the rural supplement, and it is already included in their base amount.

• In addition to this support for rural communities, the Government of Canada announced the payment rates for the Canada Carbon Rebate for Small Businesses and example payment amounts to help small businesses see how much they may receive when payments are made in December.

Canadian Grain Commission to use surplus to avoid new fee increases

(October 16, 2024 Canadian Grain Commission News Release) Since the Canadian Grain Commission reduced its official inspection and weighing fees in 2021, the organization has inspected and weighed lower-than-expected grain volumes, leading to a gap between revenue and costs. Instead of changing its fee formula to increase fees, the Canadian Grain Commission will use its accumulated surplus to cover anticipated shortfalls this year and for the next two fiscal years.

After completing its 2024 fee review, the Canadian Grain Commission found that current fee levels will not cover operating costs going forward. Fees are automatically adjusted on April 1 each year by the 12-month percentage change to the Consumer Price Index. Over the past few years, these adjustments have not kept pace with lower-than-expected grain volumes and increased operating costs.

The Canadian Grain Commission has used accumulated surplus funds to manage the growing gap between lower-than-projected revenue and increasing costs since 2021. The organization will continue to use surplus to cover expected operating shortfalls until its next planned fee review in 2027. Together, these successive years of surplus draw are projected to reduce the available balance to approximately $57 million by March 31, 2027. This includes $40 million previously set aside as an operating contingency.

The Canadian Grain Commission will consult with grain sector stakeholders before implementing any changes to fees in the future.

Quotes

“The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to being part of the success and sustainability of Canadian agriculture. Drawing on the accumulated surplus will avoid new fee increases for the next 3 years, while ensuring our programs and services continue to deliver results for the grain sector."

David Hunt, Chief Commissioner Canadian Grain Commission

Quick facts

• The Canadian Grain Commission has been drawing on the accumulated surplus to cover budgetary shortfalls since 2021, drawing down the balance from $156 million to $112 million.

• Using the surplus to cover budget shortfalls due to lower-than-anticipated grain volumes for the 2025-26 and 2026-2027 fiscal years is expected to draw a further $50 to $60 million.

• The Canadian Grain Commission will consult with stakeholders before making any future fee updates.

• The Canadian Grain Commission is committed to making targeted investments in its services in accordance with its strategic plan and surplus investment framework to ensure that the organization continues to meet the needs of producers and industry.

Canada strengthens protection of freshwater with launch of standalone Canada Water Agency

(October 16, 2024 Canada Water Agency News Release) Fresh water is our most precious natural resource, needed for drinking, cleaning and sanitation, recreation, industry, agriculture, and ecosystem health. Water is also sacred to many Indigenous peoples and honoured as a giver of life. Yet, fresh water in Canada is under increasing pressure from climate change, pollution, and other threats. Canadians recognize the importance of fresh water and have called for action.

The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, officially announced the establishment of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone federal entity headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Previously within Environment and Climate Change Canada for an interim period, the new independent Agency will strengthen freshwater management in Canada by providing leadership and improved coordination and collaboration federally and with provinces, territories, and Indigenous peoples. As a standalone entity, the Canada Water Agency will work closely with partners to deliver major elements of the Freshwater Action Plan, build a strong approach to freshwater protection, and help address transboundary freshwater challenges and opportunities.

The Agency also will provide freshwater policy expertise and lead the development of a national freshwater data strategy, which will make it easier for Canadians to make informed decisions impacting their environment, economy, health, and safety. It will also work closely with Environment and Climate Change Canada and other federal departments and agencies to support and leverage freshwater science.

The Canada Water Agency will administer freshwater funding programs in eight waterbodies of national significance: the Great Lakes, Lake Winnipeg, Lake of the Woods, Lake Simcoe, the St. Lawrence River, the Mackenzie River, the Fraser River, and the Wolastoq/Saint John River. Over the coming years, the Canada Water Agency will provide grants and contributions to hundreds of projects supporting the restoration and protection of fresh water in Canada funded by the historic $650 million investment outlined in Budget 2023.

The Agency will be based in Winnipeg, a historical gathering place for Indigenous peoples and home to Lake Winnipeg one of the world’s largest freshwater lakes and a priority Canada Water Agency waterbody. The Agency will also have five regional offices across Canada to ensure responsiveness to local freshwater issues. It is clear that the creation of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone marks an important step for Canada in protecting and restoring freshwater resources. Through its efforts, the Agency will help safeguard freshwater for generations of Canadians, which in turn improves upon the environment, economy, health, and safety of Canada.

Quotes

“Canadians value fresh water and understand its importance for health, prosperity, and cultural practices. Given pollution, land-use, and other stressors, we must take action now to safeguard fresh water. The creation of the Canada Water Agency is a key step in strengthening freshwater management, protection, and stewardship in Canada.”

Canada strengthens protection of freshwater with launch of standalone Canada Water Agency

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change

“Tackling today’s freshwater challenges will require strong collaboration among governments, Indigenous partners, nongovernment organizations, academia, industry, and others. The Canada Water Agency will provide the leadership to foster the partnerships that we need to protect fresh water. I think that it is fitting that Winnipeg, at the confluence of the Red and Assiniboine Rivers which flow into Lake Winnipeg, is home to this important federal agency.”

– Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water

“Manitoba is so proud to be the home of the new Canada Water Agency. With over 100,000 lakes, Manitobans value our fresh water and care deeply about the health of our waterways. Our government is proud to have recently established Manitoba’s first-ever formal Nutrient Targets Regulation for Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries to reduce nutrient loading and restore the health of this important lake. We look forward to the increased opportunities for collaboration that will come from having the Canada Water Agency here in Manitoba, and our government is pleased to work together with the federal government, Indigenous communities, other freshwater experts, and all stakeholders to ensure the health of our waterways for generations to come.”

– The Honourable Tracy Schmidt, Manitoba Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Quick facts

• In Budget 2023, the Government of Canada provided $650 million over ten years for the Freshwater Ecosystem Initiatives, as well as $85.1 million over five years (and $21 million ongoing thereafter), for the creation of the Canada Water Agency. It also committed to introducing legislation to fully establish the Agency as a standalone entity.

• Working with Indigenous peoples to seek their perspectives and support their participation is a central part of the mandate of the Canada Water Agency.

• The Canada Water Agency was first established as a branch of Environment and Climate Change Canada in June 2023.

• On June 20, 2024, Bill C-59 (which included the Canada Water Agency Act), received Royal Assent, paving the way for the creation of the standalone Canada Water Agency.

Healthy Meals for Kids in Manitoba Announcement

(October 18, 2024 Department of Finance Canada News Release) When children have access to healthy food, they do better in school and are set up to succeed.

The federal government’s generational investments like the Canada Child Benefit, which provides families with up to nearly $8,000 per child, per year, help cover the costs of essentials children need. We’re building on this support by providing healthy meals at school, so children have what they need to learn, grow, and succeed regardless of their family’s circumstances.

Today, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, alongside the Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development and the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, announced that the governments of Canada and Manitoba have reached an agreement to expand school food programs in Manitoba. This agreement, made possible by the federal government’s $1 billion National School Food Program, will enhance and expand Manitoba’s existing school food programs to provide meals to about 19,080 more kids every year, starting this school year.

Manitoba is the second province, after Newfoundland and Labrador, to sign an agreement with the federal government for the new National School Food Program. Today’s agreement includes an initial federal investment of approximately $17.2 million over the next three years to ensure more kids get the nutritious food they need to thrive.

The federal government invites all provinces and territories to help more kids get access to school food by reaching these agreements. It is one of the best investments we can make to lower

costs, support families, and care for the next generation.

With an investment of $1 billion over five years, the National School Food Program will feed up to 400,000 more kids across Canada every year. This is a generational investment, especially in the most vulnerable children, who are most impacted by a lack of access to food. Through today’s agreement, the federal government is helping children across Manitoba reach their full potential.

Quotes

“Giving our children the best start in life is an essential part of fairness for every generation. Today’s agreement with Manitoba will ensure that over 19,000 more children get the food they need at school, starting this year, while saving a family with two kids up to $800 on groceries annually. Our National School Food Program will cut costs for families and help build a Canada where every child is set up to succeed.”

– The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance

“Kids can’t learn on an empty stomach. We made a commitment to Manitoba families that we’d make sure kids across our province had access to food when they go to school, and we’ve delivered on that promise. Kids across Manitoba can now get a meal or a snack when they need one, so they can concentrate, learn and reach their full potential.”

– The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba

“It’s wonderful to see another province partner with us to deliver our National School Food Program. This agreement with the Government of Manitoba means that more of the top-quality, local food that our hardworking farmers

Healthy Meals for Kids in Manitoba Announcement

produce will reach kids who need it and help set them up for success in the classroom and beyond.”

– The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

“Today, we’re delivering a promise to the kids and parents of Manitoba a promise that every child will have access to the healthy meals they need to succeed. It’s simple: when kids eat well, they learn better, play harder, and feel good. And for parents, it gives them peace of mind, knowing that their kids are getting the fuel they need to focus on just being kids. We will keep working to make sure that every family across Canada benefits from this program.”

– The Honourable Jenna Sudds, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development

“Every child deserves the best start in life. And that begins with ensuring that no one goes to school on an empty stomach. I’m incredibly proud that Manitoba is the second province to sign onto our National School Food Program, so we can fill the gap and make sure every child has the chance to thrive.”

– The Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs

Quick facts

• In Budget 2024, the federal government launched a new National School Food Program, providing $1 billion over five years, to provide meals for up to 400,000 more kids each year, ensuring all children have the food they need to have the best start in life, regardless of their family circumstances.

o The Program is expected to save the average participating family

with two children $800 per year in grocery costs, with lower-income families benefitting the most.

o Budget 2024’s investment of $1 billion over five years includes distinctions-based funding for First Nations on-reserve, as well as Inuit, Métis, and Modern Treaty and SelfGovernment agreement holders. The federal government is working directly with Indigenous partners to rollout that funding, with more information to come.

• On June 20, 2024, the federal government released the National School Food Policy, as the foundation for collaborative and complementary action by all orders of government to improve access to food at school.

• In addition to the National School Food Program, the federal government launched the new School Food Infrastructure Fund in September, which will deliver $20.2 million to help not-for-profit organizations invest in infrastructure and equipment to support school food programming across Canada.

• In addition to today’s $17.2 million federal investment, the Government of Manitoba is investing $30 million to create a Universally Accessible School Nutrition Program for 2024-2025, which will deliver funding through three streams:

o $15 million directly to Manitoba’s 37 school divisions;

o $6 million to 50 schools in communities with high socioeconomic need; and,

o $9 million in grants to community partners.

Nominations are open for Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmer 2025!

Manitoba farmers are doing some amazing things, and we want to recognize them!

Young farmers are incredible innovators who may not always recognize the true value of all they do, so let’s call them what they truly are – outstanding. If you know a hard-working farmer between the ages of 18 and 39 that derives a minimum of 2/3 of their income from farming, you can nominate them to be Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmer in 2025. Each year, one farming couple is selected from each region to represent at the National recognition event. It is the experience of a lifetime for each nominee as they get to meet incredible alumni, receive VIP treatment, go on tours, and make lifelong friends.

“The opportunity to network and learn from this talented group was a privilege to say the least. We really enjoyed getting to know everyone and learning about their business. We are very humbled to be a part of such an amazing group.”

Mark and Cori Pawluk – MB 2015

If you qualify or know someone who does, you can find more information on the Manitoba Outstanding Young Farmer Program, including nomination forms, at www.oyfmanitoba.ca or email Kristy-Layne Carr at klr.carr@gmail.com. Deadline for nominations is October 31, 2024. The regional awards banquet will be held at Elkhorn Resort, Riding Mountain National Park on March 15, 2025. Check out our program and nominate someone today!

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

1. Early bird registration - $75

2. Farm registration (2 people from the same farm) - $125

3. Students - $60

REGISTRATION

$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.