January 31, 2025
Manitoba Beef Producers’ board of directors is bringing forward a resolution for debate at MBP’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) about the potential for mandatory livestock inspection services in Manitoba. See page 3 for information about the resolution, FAQ, and our survey or scan the QR code on this page to register for the AGM.
Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) board of directors is bringing forward a resolution for debate at MBP’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) about the potential for mandatory livestock inspection services in Manitoba See below.
This debate and vote will take place the afternoon February 20, 2025 at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre at 1808 Wellington Avenue in Winnipeg. There is no charge to attend the business and knowledge transfer portions of the AGM, but if you wish to attend Thursday evening’s banquet the tickets are $60 each plus service fees Preregistration is respectfully requested to assist MBP with meal counts. To register go to:
MBP Board Resolution 1: Whereas cases of theft or fraud related to Manitoba’s cattle industry have proven very costly and disruptive for the affected parties, and can undermine the confidence of lenders, investors and buyers when undertaking livestock-related transactions in Manitoba; and
https://mbbeef.ca/events/46th-annual-generalmeeting-presidents-banquet-and-tradeshow/
As well, if you are unable to attend the AGM to take part in the mandatory livestock inspection discussion, MBP still values your feedback on this. We have created a general survey to get producers’ views on it. Please note that this separate survey is not a formal vote on the proposed resolution, but rather it is designed to provide MBP with more producer feedback on this topic. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LS7LMFD .
For more information about livestock inspection services and what they entail, review our frequently asked questions document: 2024-MBPFall-District-MTG-Livestock-Inspection-FAQFINAL.pdf
Whereas livestock inspection ‒ a tool used to help demonstrate ownership using various cattle identification methods ‒ can be an important means of deterring theft and fraud, thereby helping to better secure livestock-related commerce; and
Whereas inspection could potentially provide other value-added elements for Manitoba producers, such as the provision of digital manifests and helping to facilitate movement reporting and traceability requirements; and
Whereas Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) has an established history of conducting livestock inspections on Manitoba cattle on an as-needed, fee-for service basis and could be in a position to expand this service; and
Whereas the existing livestock inspection levels in Manitoba currently only cover a limited volume of total cattle-related transactions in the province, and
Whereas the legislative and regulatory environment could be improved in Manitoba to facilitate matters such as livestock inspectors being able to detain cattle or to direct the dealer to hold the sales proceeds until ownership of inspected cattle is verified; and
Whereas Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) has been investigating the various steps needed to
potentially create a mandatory livestock inspection system in Manitoba, including factors such as: cost framework; required provincial legislative or regulatory changes; the service provider and logistics for expanding inspection; the value-added potential from inspection; engaging with other value chain members about their expectations and/or concerns; whether there are funding opportunities to help offset costs of implementing expanded inspection; the possible creation of a Livestock Investigations Unit tasked with investigating livestock-related crimes that could help support the work of livestock inspectors; and more; and,
Whereas MBP has been working to raise awareness of the merits of expanded livestock inspection, including at its fall 2024 district meetings where the majority of those producer attendees indicated a strong level of interest in and support for expanded inspection services as a means of helping to deter theft and fraud, as well as to potentially capture other value-added opportunities; and
Whereas if the Government of Manitoba is to make the legislative and/or regulatory changes, as well as other mechanisms necessary to support the implementation of mandatory livestock inspection it will want to be confident that the majority of the province’s cattle producers are in favour of such a move.
Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers now ask the Government of Manitoba to work with value chain members to take the necessary steps needed to implement mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba, including: making required legislative and/or regulatory changes; working with the prospective delivery agent on a service agreement; determining if funding can be secured to help offset the cost of an expanded inspection system; deciding whether an investment can be made to support the creation of a Livestock Investigations Unit; and, any other steps required to move this initiative forward in the most responsive, efficient and cost-effective manner.
As a reminder, voting on MBP resolutions is restricted to producers who are members in accordance with MBP’s bylaws. As per the Section 1(1) (b) of the bylaws, membership refers to “Every person who is determined by the Board of Directors to be actively engaged in the raising of cattle in Manitoba, and who pays all fees to the Association in the manner and in the amount imposed on sellers of cattle pursuant to regulations made by the Board of Directors from time to time.”
What does this mean? It means that if you have requested a refund in the last 12 months you have not paid all fees to the association as set out by the regulations and are not considered a member in good standing.
Burger it Forward is back again this February –with more participating restaurants than ever!
THANK YOU to all the restaurants who signed up. Starting Feb 1 2025, find the burger map for your region on https://burgeritforward.ca/ and get out to enjoy a burger (or 2) at participating restaurants to help raise funds for food banksincluding right here in Manitoba.
Don't know what Burger It Forward is? Learn more through the website and join us by participating in February: https://burgeritforward.ca/
Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.
This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
The scholarship criteria are as follows:
Eligibility:
• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can also include active beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.
• Must be pursuing post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
• Post-secondary programs or trades training must be a minimum of one academic year in duration.
Items You Are Required to Submit:
• The completed application form;
• Either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay OR a 5-7 minute maximum video submission discussing the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also, you need to identify in the essay or video the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture*;
• A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school);
• Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study for 2025-26);
• A list of your community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and,
• The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2025 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
The completed application, supporting documents, references, required essay or video, etc. must be submitted to MBP by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 to the attention of:
Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street
Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4
E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca
Fax: (204) 774-3264
For more information, including steps on how to submit your video, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by September 12, 2025.
January 28, 2025
Calgary, AB – The Canadian Beef Advisors are pleased to release the 2025-30 National Beef Strategy. The strategy positions the Canadian Beef Industry for greater profitability, growth and being a high-quality beef product of choice in the world. “The NationalBeef Strategy is about the future. We want people to know that the beef industry is preparing the way for the next generation”, states Bob Lowe, Chair of Public and Stakeholder Engagement.
The Canadian Beef Advisors believe a united industry is a stronger industry which benefits all those working in it today and into the future. This collaboration is key as industry works together to navigate current trade challenges and pursue global opportunities. The National Beef Strategy facilitates collaboration and coordination between the national organizations to leverage available resources on behalf of producers and processors.
Substantial progress was made under the 2020-24 strategy, and the intention is to continue building on the momentum. Nathan Phinney, Chair of the Canadian Beef Advisors comments that “tracking goals has been a productive exercise. We are seeing wins, and the Beef Advisors are excited about where we can go next.”
There have been significant strides made toward recognizing the important role beef cattle play in environmental sustainability. However, it is also acknowledged that producers have faced a multi-year drought, along with higher interest rates and input costs that have shifted cost structures. Cross border engagement and maintaining a strong Canada-U.S. trade relationship is a key priority. Staying on top of advocacy issues continues to be a strong focus and there are also bottlenecks to work on.
The National Strategy has been developed to achieve the Beef Industry 2030 goals. These are aligned with our shared vision and mission of a dynamic, profitable Canadian cattle and beef industry that produces the most trusted and competitive high-quality beef in the world, recognized for our superior value, safety, innovation and sustainable production methods. Calvin Vaags, from the Canadian Meat Council notes that “a growing population and middle class means that the demand for protein is outpacing production, driving prices higher. The protein pie is getting bigger and Canada, as a relatively low emissions intensity producer,1 deserves a seat at the table.”
The Canadian Beef Advisors consist of elected leaders and staff representation from the seven national beef organizations responsible for policy, marketing, research and sustainability. This diverse group of experienced industry representatives is responsible for advancing the strategy with the industry stakeholders, providing recommendations on future direction and reporting results toward strategy goals and objectives.
Learn more about how stakeholders can achieve a dynamic and profitable Canadian cattle and beef industry at www.beefstrategy.com
The National Beef Strategy is a collaborative effort by Canadian national beef sector organizations including the Beef Cattle Research Council, Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Canada Beef, Canadian Cattle Association (and its provincial member associations), Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association.
-30-
Full Report Executive Summary
For further information, contact: Canadian Beef Advisors (403) 451-0931 info@beefstrategy.com or zakowskyt@cattle.ca
1 An assessment of the environmental sustainability of beef production in Canada
Manitoba Agriculture has announced new funding opportunities available under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP) in the following three program areas.
BMP Summary
Funding to support the adoption of practices that enhance the supply, efficient use, quality
For complete details and the application forms for all three, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/scap/climatechange/sus tainable-agr.html
and management of water. Eligible beneficial management practices under this focus area include:
Project activities must be completed, and all reports submitted on or before December 12, 2025.
BMP Summary
Funding to support the adoption of practices that improve livestock performance and manure
Applications must be received by February 11, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.
management. Eligible beneficial management practices under this focus area include:
Project Timeline
Project activities must be completed, and all reports submitted on or before January 16, 2026.
BMP Summary
Applications must be received by February 11, 2025. Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.
Funding to support the adoption of cropland management practices that optimize operations and improve productivity. Eligible beneficial management practices under this focus area include:
Project Timeline
Project activities must be completed, and all reports submitted on or before December 12, 2025 Applications must be received by February 11,
Applications will not be accepted after this deadline.
(Source: EngageMB website) As a part of our public engagement efforts for Budget 2025, our government is connecting with Manitobans through telephone town halls, in-person meetings and survey questions. Let us know your priorities for our province’s next budget.
Responses and submissions will be accepted until February 21st, 2025.
The EngageMB Team
Telephone Town Hall Dates:
• Wednesday, February 5 at 4:55pm
In-Person Telephone Town Hall Dates:
Lac du Bonnet | Thursday, February 6 at 2:00pm at the Lac du Bonnet Legion, 45 McArthur Avenue
Brandon | Monday, February 3 at 6:00pm at the Keystone Centre, 1-1175 18th Street
Thompson | Friday, February 7 at 6:00pm at Ma-Mow-We-Tak Friendship Centre, 4 Nelson Road
Winnipeg | Monday, February 10 at 5:00pm at Centre culturel franco-manitobain, 340 Provencher Boulevard
To register for these events and to complete the online survey go to: https://engagemb.ca/budget-2025
The Manitoba government has a dedicated resource for businesses and workers to get support for any potential tariffs from the U.S. and will be live this coming weekend, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.
“Our government is continuing to make the case that trade with our American neighbours is good for jobs on both sides of the border,” said Kinew. “We recognize the uncertainty many businesses and workers are feeling right now, which is why we’re here to support them.”
Manitoba’s tariff hotline is one part of the government’s response to potential U.S. tariffs, which focuses on protecting Manitoba jobs and businesses, noted the premier. This includes standing up a Manitoba Trade Office in
Washington a diplomatic mission to North Dakota earlier this month and deployment of conservation officers to increase border security.
Today, the newly formed U.S. Trade Council met ahead of Feb. 1 and Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses sent a letter to Manitoba businesses.
Manitoba businesses or workers that have questions or would like to provide feedback can contact the Manitoba government at 1-877827-4330 (toll-free), 204-945-8011 or the general line at 204-945-3744 or visit: https://manitoba.ca/tariffresponse/. The hotline will be open this coming weekend.
CCA Executive Vice President Dennis Laycraft and Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs Jennifer Babcock went to Washington DC January 27–29 for meetings with stakeholders and officials to advocate on behalf of Canadian beef producers and discuss the importance of the CanadaUS trade relationship.
While tariffs are front of mind, they also discussed the Canada-U.S. trading relationship at large, in lead up to the USMCA/CUSMA review (renegotiation) in 2026. CCA representatives will also attend the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association conference next week where these conversations will continue. (Photo credit: CCA)
(January 29, 2025 Public Safety Canada News Release) In recent years, Canadians have witnessed the rising frequency and severity of extreme weather events, like floods and wildland fires, destroy homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure, which leave lasting impacts on communities right across the country. As such, it is crucial to take action to reduce the impacts of these disasters, support Canadian communities in adapting to climate change, and provide timely and effective assistance for those affected as they recover and rebuild.
The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, was at the Canadian Red Cross’ (CRC) Ready 2025 conference to announce additional details on the upcoming modernization of the Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA) program, which is anticipated to come into effect on April 1, 2025.
The modernized DFAA program ensures that when disasters impact Canadians and all levels of government, financial assistance to provinces and territories will be delivered quickly and efficiently in the aftermath of a disaster, and also provide:
• Increased investments in strategic disaster mitigation and building back better to minimize disaster impacts on communities and the risk of future disasters;
• Incentives for risk reduction, predisaster planning, and improved hazard awareness to reduce the risks and impacts of disasters; and
• Expanded support for people hardest hit by the impacts of significant disasters.
Today’s announcement marks the on-time completion of a key target of Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy, completing by 2025 the modernization of the DFAA program to reduce the risk of climate-related disasters and improve disaster recovery outcomes. The Strategy lays out a framework to reduce the risk of climaterelated disasters, improve health outcomes, protect nature and biodiversity, build and maintain resilient infrastructure and support a strong economy and workers.
The DFAA was reviewed and modernized in close collaboration with provinces and territories, and was guided by significant inputs from Canadian and international experts, including by the findings presented in the DFAA advisory panel’s final report Building Forward Together: Toward a more resilient Canada.
The Government of Canada will continue to work closely with provincial and territorial governments as they transition to the updated program, and is committed to supporting Canadians whose lives are impacted when disasters strike, helping communities recover, and, ultimately, increasing our resiliency.
"With the DFAA program, the federal government has been there to help communities recover from disasters. But as climate change leads to more frequent and severe weather events, we need to do more to keep people safe, reduce risks, and costs to Canadians. That’s why today’s changes to the DFAA are so important. These changes will ensure increased, timely, and flexible federal funding is available to support provincial and territorial partners to build back
better in the aftermath of disasters and plan ahead for future disasters– together we can rebuild stronger and safer communities."
- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, President of the King’s Privy Council for Canada and Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada
Quick facts
• When a large-scale natural hazard disaster happens, the Government of Canada provides financial assistance to provinces and territories through the DFAA program. Through this support the Government of Canada covers eligible disaster response and recovery expenses from provinces or territories and that exceed what they could reasonably be expected to bear on their own.
• The DFAA does not provide funding directly to Canadians impacted by disasters; this assistance is delivered by provinces and territories. The federal program helps provinces and territories cover the costs associated with disaster recovery.
• The DFAA Guidelines for the modernized program are now posted, along with the DFAA Guidelines for eligible disasters occurring before April 1, 2025 (the former program). Since it can take a number of years after a disaster for final payments under the DFAA to be processed, the former program Guidelines will remain active until those events are fully closed and finalized. The DFAA Guidelines for the modernized program will be finalized when they come into effect on April 1, 2025.
• This new approach provides a net increase in federal funding available to provinces and territories (PTs), and substantially increase investments in building back better, risk reduction, and strategic mitigation while
maintaining and expanding support to vulnerable populations. It provides greater flexibility for PTs to deliver regionally and culturally appropriate response and recovery support to their communities.
• Under the modernized DFAA, for eligible disasters occurring on or after April 1, 2025, the DFAA cost shares provincial or territorial expenses related to:
o Disaster response;
o Uninsurable losses for homes and small businesses;
o Repairs and restoration of damaged infrastructure to more resilient levels;
o Supports for people experiencing significant disaster impacts; and
o Strategic mitigation designed to reduce risk to disaster-affected communities.
• The updated program also includes a Disaster Risk Reduction Incentive, which aims to recognize the importance of predisaster investments that reduce disaster response and recovery costs and lessen the impacts of disasters on people, businesses, and communities. Provinces and territories that undertake high-impact activities to reduce disaster risk in advance of a disaster may be eligible for a financial incentive through the modernized DFAA.
• Since the inception of the program in 1970, the DFAA has been a reliable source of support for provinces and territories. As of January 2025, the Government of Canada has contributed over $9 billion in post disaster assistance to help provinces and territories with the costs of response and returning infrastructure and property to pre-disaster condition.
links: DFAA beginning April 1, 2025 Modernizing the DFAA
(January 28, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Farmers care deeply about the land and have been leaders when it comes to taking action to protect the environment and strengthen the competitiveness of our agricultural businesses and economy. Today, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced the expansion of the On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), which will provide an additional $300 million to 13 organizations in continuation of their efforts to help farmers become more climate resilient over the next 3 years.
The 13 organizations are: B.C. Investment Agriculture Foundation, Canadian Forage and Grassland Association, ECOCERT Canada, Manitoba Association of Watersheds, Manitoba Métis Federation, Newfoundland and Labrador Federation of Agriculture, New Brunswick Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, Perennia Food and Agriculture Inc., Prince Edward Island Federation of Agriculture, Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds and L'Union des producteurs agricoles (UPA). For additional project details, please visit the OFCAF page.
By lowering implementation costs for adopting on-farm practices, facilitating the availability of information and agronomic services, and enabling knowledge transfer to producers and agronomists through outreach and training, OFCAF helps remove obstacles to the broader adoption of beneficial management practices. Direct support to farmers falls under these target areas:
• Cover Cropping: activities such as fallor spring-planted cover crops (intercropping), and full-season annual or perennial cover crops in a rotation. Planting cover crops, like clover and
alfalfa, cover the soil rather than being harvested, in turn adding nutrients that build organic matter, increase water access and, reduce soil erosion.
• Nitrogen Management: activities like optimizing nitrogen use by increasing legumes in rotations, and using manure and other fertilizer substitutes can provide lasting benefits to soil, air and water quality.
• Rotational Grazing: practices include new fencing and watering systems, and activities to implement low methane pastures. Rotational grazing is the practice of containing and moving livestock through pasture to allow forage plants to recover, deepen their root systems and improve soil health.
Organizations will redistribute funding through individual application intakes. Farmers across Canada are encouraged to use the On-Farm Climate Action Fund Web Tool for Farmers to determine which organization best serves their geographic area and needs.
• First announced in Budget 2021, the now $704.1-million On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is an initiative to help farmers tackle climate change. It is part of the Government of Canada's Agricultural Climate Solutions initiative, which falls under the more than $5-billion Natural Climate Solutions Fund, a 10-year (20212031) initiative managed by Natural Resources Canada, Environment and Climate Change Canada, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.
• OFCAF supports the Government of Canada's commitment to reduce its
greenhouse emissions by 45 to 50% below 2005 levels by 2035.
• The first phase of OFCAF included 13 projects; 12 were announced on February 22, 2022, and the 13th project, led by the Manitoba Métis Federation, was announced on July 4, 2023
• The program was extended from 2024-2025 to strengthen progress made through in its initial phase, with $322.9 million allocated to date.
• Projects and final funding are subject to negotiation of a contribution agreement.
• Since 2022, OFCAF has provided support to over 7,500 farmers on more than 2,400,000 hectares of land, and has trained approximately 3,000 agrologists and 27,000 producers who have attended knowledge exchange and peer-to-peer learning activities.
Associated links
• Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund
(January 31, 2025 Department of Finance Canada News Release) Today, the Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs, announced that the federal government is deferring from June 25, 2024 to January 1, 2026 the date on which the capital gains inclusion rate would increase from one-half to two-thirds on capital gains realized annually above $250,000 by individuals and on all capital gains realized by corporations and most types of trusts. The capital gains inclusion rate represents the portion of capital gains that is taxable.
To ensure most middle-class Canadians do not pay more tax once the capital gains inclusion rate is increased, the government will maintain or enhance existing capital gains exemptions while creating a new investment incentive.
The capital gains exemptions being maintained and created would include:
• Maintaining the Principal Residence Exemption, to ensure Canadians do not pay capital gains taxes when selling their home. Any amount they make when they sell their home will remain tax-free.
• A new $250,000 Annual Threshold for Canadians, effective January 1, 2026, to ensure individuals earning modest capital gains continue to benefit from the current one-half inclusion rate. Capital gains, including on the sale of a secondary property, such as a cottage, will be eligible for the $250,000 annual threshold, meaning a couple selling a cottage with a $500,000 capital gain would not pay more tax.
• Increasing the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption to $1.25 million, effective June 25, 2024, from the current amount of $1,016,836 on the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property. With this increase, Canadians with eligible capital gains below $2.25 million would pay less tax and be better off, even after the inclusion rate increases on January 1, 2026.
• A new Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive, to encourage entrepreneurship by reducing the inclusion rate to one-third on a lifetime maximum of $2 million in eligible capital gains. This incentive would take effect starting in the 2025 tax year and the maximum would increase by $400,000 each year, reaching $2 million in 2029. Combined with the new $1.25 million lifetime capital gains exemption, when this incentive is fully rolled out, entrepreneurs would pay less tax and be better off on capital gains of up to $6.25 million.
The proposed implementation date for the increase in the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption and the introduction of the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive would not change.
The government will introduce legislation effecting the increase in the capital gains inclusion rate, the increase in the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption and the introduction of the Canadian Entrepreneurs’ Incentive in due course.
Quotes
“The deferral of the increase to the capital gains inclusion rate will provide certainty to Canadians, whether they be individuals or business owners, as we quickly approach tax season. Given the current context, our government felt that it was the responsible
thing to do. I look forward to further conversations with Canadians on how we can ensure Canada’s fiscal policy encourages robust and sustained economic activity in every region of our country.”
- The Honourable Dominic LeBlanc, Minister of Finance and Intergovernmental Affairs
Farm Management Canada is excited to be partnering with Northumbria University and the University of Guelph in their effort to better understand how people in rural, urban and farming communities connect with their friends, family and others in their neighbourhoods.
This study also examines the support farmers feel they receive from the public compared to the support the public believes they give. By better understanding these connections, we aim to find ways to strengthen the protective factors
that improve well-being for farmers and those close to them.
The study is seeking participants from across Canada (and the UK), including members of the farming community and the general public.
To take part, please click on the link below. For further info, contact Sarah Nyczaj Kyle at sarah.l.kyle@northumbria.ac.uk
Thank you for your participation!
TAKE THE SURVEY
(January 30, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The Manitoba government has opened applications for the 2025-26 Student Advisory Council and is inviting students in grades 9 to 12 to apply and share their ideas on how to improve schools across the province, Education and Early Childhood Learning Minister Tracy Schmidt announced.
“Our government continues to put students at the forefront of our decisionmaking – and what better way to ensure their voices are heard than from them directly,” said Schmidt. “Consulting with our young people helps us make better decisions that support student success and address what matters most to the next generation.”
The Student Advisory Council is made up of 30 students from different backgrounds across the province that meet regularly with Manitoba government education leadership and other stakeholders. Council members contribute student-centered perspectives and input on current and emerging issues affecting students, creating positive change at the provincial level, said the minister. The council helps youth develop leadership and advocacy skills, build networks and work as part of a team. Previous student advisors have helped influence initiatives in
remote learning, anti-racism, technology in the classroom and mental health among others, noted the minister.
“Joining the Manitoba Student Advisory Council has been a transformative experience, allowing me to grow as a leader, listener and advocate for youth voices in education,” said Harisharn Bahra, a twoyear Student Advisory Council member. “It opened my eyes to the progress we’ve made and the work still needed, inspiring a deeper appreciation for collaboration. I encourage any student to join, as it’s an opportunity to make a meaningful impact and build lasting connections.”
204-745-3068
The 2025-26 Student Advisory Council will begin meeting in August for a one-year term. Those who have participated in the council in past years who continue to meet the criteria can apply again.
Applications are open until midnight on March 21.
For more information on the Student Advisory Council and how students can apply, visit: https://edu.gov.mb.ca/k12/studentadvisorycouncil/ index.html.
The Livestock Predation Prevention Program supports adoption of non-lethal, on-farm measures that reduce the risk of livestock predation by wolves, coyotes, bears and other predators. Reducing livestock predation promotes the co-existence of wildlife and livestock in agricultural regions of Manitoba.
Livestock producers who have both:
• A paid livestock predation claim under the Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program in 2021 or later.
• A Manitoba Premises Identification Number.
Eligible expenses include constructing predator resistant fencing to deter attacks on livestock by coyotes, wolves, and other predators. The objective of a project must be to deter predation of livestock located on Manitoba farms. More details of eligible expenses can be found in the program guide.
Project Type
Predator Resistant Fence
Deadstock Compost Pen
Predator Resistant Fence Construction
Eligible producers can apply for funding to support construction of fencing that deters predators from entering calving and lambing areas, pastures, extended grazing areas, and deadstock compost sites. Producers will receive a funding decision letter indicating the approved budget for eligible projects.
February 27, 2025: Deadline for fence construction applications.
October 31, 2025: Complete fence construction.
November 28, 2025: Complete fence inspection.
December 19, 2025: Deadline for submitting claims for completed fence projects.
Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $10,000.
Maximums also apply based on the size, type and purpose of the fence constructed.
Type Project Cap (base + additional cost
Wire-net fence (e.g. page, welded, fixedknot, or hinge-joint fencing)
· 152 cm (60”) high
· 178 cm (70”) high
Electrified, high tensile, no apron
· 7-wire
· 9-wire
· 11-wire
If an apron is added to prevent burrowing under a fence.
· $1,000 + $6/linear foot
· $1,000 + $7/linear foot
· $1,000 + $3 per linear foot
· $1,000 + $4 per linear foot
· $1,000 + $5 per linear foot
· $1/linear foot is added
For each of the above fence types, the base funding is $2,000 (instead of $1,000). The per linear foot rates are the same as for Predator Resistance Fence.
Note: Based on 75% government cost share, the $10,000 total funding cap is reached with eligible expenses of $13,333.33 or more. Depending on fence size and type, the approved funding may be less than the $10,000 fence category cap.
· Incremental Personal Labour at $30/hour and Incremental Personal Equipment Use at fixed, program rates. For these two incremental expenses combined, applicants can claim up to a total of $3.00/linear foot for deadstock compost areas, $1.00/linear foot for predator resistant fences or $1.50/linear foot if the predator resistant fence has an apron.
· Subcontracted Services related to custom labour and custom equipment use Equipment Rental for completion of the project
· Materials and Supplies such as gates, lumber, wire, and energizer (0.7 joules or more.)
· Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
Further conditions for a fence project:
Fences are inspected to verify work completed and that they will deter predators.
· Specific ineligible items include barbed wire fences, hard-wired power sourcing, temporary or mobile fences, infrastructure and land preparation inside the fence, and fences around feedlots, feed storage areas, and non-grazed crops.
· Eligible expenses must have occurred on or after April 1, 2025, and be supported by an invoice and proof of payment. All invoices for eligible expenses must be issued in the applicant’s name, and payment must be made by the approved applicant.
Fences constructed to contain cattle, sheep and other livestock are often ineffective barriers to predators. To be effective, fences must be constructed to deter predators from climbing over, passing through, or burrowing under them. All fence projects are inspected to verify that the work has been completed and the fence will deter predators. See the Program Guide and the Sustainable CAP website for fence standards as well as guidelines and examples for fence construction.
An inspection of the finished fence can be arranged by calling the Program Information Line at 1-800-811-4411 or emailing agriculture@gov.mb.ca
The applicant will then be contacted by an inspector from their local MASC Service Centre. The completed inspection report will be submitted by MASC on the applicant’s behalf.
The documents needed to apply can be found on the Manitoba Agriculture website:
· Applicant Information Form.
Application Worksheet for fence construction
Go to manitoba.ca/scap/resiliency/livestock/fencing.html to find these forms as well as the Program Guide.
Claim statements will be forwarded to applicants with approved fence projects. Once all fence construction is completed, submit all invoices and proof of payment, along with the Claim Worksheet for processing.
An applicant can submit one Fence Claim Worksheet over the 2025 program year. The documents can be emailed to: agriculture@gov.mb.ca
PRESENTED BY DR. SARA PLACE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF FEEDLOT SYSTEMS, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
219 Animal Science Building, 12 Dafoe Road, University of Manitoba
Register for livestream link - https://forms.office.com/r/ZPWq0DGFW1
This annual lecture recognizes and honours Dr. Tsang Kay (Stan) Cheung’s enduring support for the Department of Animal Science and agricultural research at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cheung obtained his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Animal Science from UM. His graduate training was in Animal Breeding/Genetics under the supervision of the late Dr. Bob Parker. He was also awarded a Doctor of Laws from UM in 1991. Dr. Cheung returned to his family business in Hong Kong in 1975 and is currently the Executive Chairman/Director of Herald Holdings Ltd. Dr. Cheung’s many contributions include support of the TK Cheung Center for Animal Science Research, the National Center for Livestock and the Environment, the TK Cheung Reading Room and recent contributions to education and research in Animal Science. In recognition of his generosity and commitment to education and research, the Department established this annual seminar in his honour. Register
Dr. Sara Place is an associate professor and expert in livestock systems sustainability with over a decade of experience in academia, industry associations, and private industry. She joined Colorado State University’s AgNext, a research collaborative focused on sustainable animal agriculture, in August 2022. Sara’s research focuses on enteric methane emissions measurement and mitigation from cattle. Prior to CSU AgNext, she was the chief sustainability officer for Elanco Animal Health, senior director for sustainable beef production research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and an assistant professor in sustainable beef cattle systems at Oklahoma State University. She received her PhD in Animal Biology from the University of California, Davis, and a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University. Sara is a native of upstate NY where she grew up on a dairy farm. Visit her Google Scholar profile
