ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
PRESIDENT’S BANQUET AND TRADESHOW
FEBRUARY 20-21, 2025
• Welcome
• Agenda
• Proposed Resolutions for Debate
• Speaker Bios
• Sponsors and Tradeshow Booths
46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING WELCOME
Welcome to Winnipeg and the 46th Annual General Meeting of Manitoba Beef Producers
The new year has only just begun but it promises to be an interesting one owing to numerous factors occurring in Canada, the United States and abroad From a new administration with a new approach south of the border to the strong possibility of a federal election in Canada, and being vigilant for foreign animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease (FMD), we look forward to hearing your thoughts as we discuss and reflect on the state of the beef industry
Thursday morning kicks off with our industry knowledge session and a focus on feedlots with Dr Eric Behlke of TELUS Agriculture We’re also pleased to have a research update from the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment at the University of Manitoba
After lunch we will share some visual storytelling via MBP-funded videos about the interconnectedness of beef production as a conservation tool for birds and other species, the sacrifices cattle producers make to ensure their cattle are well cared for during Manitoba winters, and the heart-warming story of a local cattle producer with an incredible 73 years in the business
The business portion of the meeting brings reports from General Manager Carson Callum and President Matthew Atkinson, a review of MBP’s 2023-24 audited financial statements, and ratification of the incoming MBP board of directors The resolutions debate follows with an important discussion on potentially moving to implement mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba
Please be sure to join MBP for the President’s Banquet The Environmental Stewardship Award will be presented, while two outgoing directors will be recognized for their service to the board We’ll also welcome local comedian Big Daddy Tazz to the stage for some entertainment
Friday begins with keynote speaker Tyler McCann of the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute, with a look ahead for the agriculture sector in 2025
The morning will also see updates from several national beef organizations, including the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), Beef Cattle Research Council, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, National Cattle Feeders Association, CCA’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement group and a market update from Canfax Immediately following the AGM, producers can participate in a free workshop on farm transition planning
We have many tradeshow partners who are looking forward to meeting you Please be sure to stop by and say hello MBP thanks them and the many generous sponsors who have partnered with us to make this meeting possible
We know beef producers and all participants have much to contribute during this meeting And please keep in contact with us throughout the year on the topics that interest and concern you Email MBP at info@mbbeef ca or call us toll-free 1-800-772-0458 You can also follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram
Thank you for being here and engaging with MBP
46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA
Thursday, February 20, 2025
Note: times listed are a general guideline and may vary by a few minutes.
9:00AM Registration Begins and Trade Show Opens
10:00AM – 12:00PM Industry Knowledge Session
10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Dr . Eric Behlke, TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, focus on feedlot management
11:30 a.m. to noon University of Manitoba research update
12:00PM – 12:45PM Lunch for registered AGM delegates
12:45PM – 1:00PM Screening of MBP-funded videos highlighting beef production in Manitoba
• Great Tastes of Manitoba Season 35
• Fields to Forks
1:00PM – 1:10PM MBP General Manager Carson Callum calls meeting to order 1:10PM – 1:30PM Greetings from Elected Officials
• Hon Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food (greetings)
• Hon Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture
• Wayne Ewasko, Interim Progressive Conservative Leader
1:30PM – 2:15PM Business Portion of the Annual General Meeting
• Approval of Agenda
• Report from the President
• Report from the General Manager
• Report from the Finance Chair
• Review of MBP’s audited 2023-24 financial statement
• Appointment of MBP auditor for the upcoming fiscal year
• Introduction and ratification of MBP directors
2:15PM – 3:10PM Presentation on Livestock Inspection
• Carson Callum, MBP General Manager
• Rick Wright, Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association
• Jason Pollock, Livestock Services of Saskatchewan
3:15PM – 3:40PM Coffee Break and Opportunity to Visit Trade Show
3:45PM – 4:30PM Final Discussion of Livestock Inspection, Then Resolutions Debate
4:30PM – 5:15PM Update on Advance Payments Program, with producer testimonials
(Note: If time permits )
46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AGENDA
5:30PM Cocktail Hour
6:30PM MBP President’s Dinner
• Opening Remarks from the MBP President
• Dinner and dessert
• Greetings from Hon Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture
• Presentation of Manitoba’s Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA)
• Recognition of retiring directors Alfred Epp, District 1 and Mary Paziuk, District 13
8:15PM Entertainment – Comedian Big Daddy Tazz Sponsored by Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association
Friday, February 21, 2025
8:00AM – 8:40AM Coffee service and trade show opens
8:45AM – 9:25AM Keynote speaker: Headwinds in agriculture in 2025 and beyond
• Tyler McCann, Managing Director, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute Sponsored by Canada Beef
9:25AM – 9:50AM Coffee Break and Opportunity to Visit Trade Show
9:50AM – 11:15AM Roundtable Updates and Q&A With National Beef Organizations
• Canadian Cattle Association on the ins and outs of advocacy: Jennifer Babcock, Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs
• National Cattle Feeders’ Association: Melissa Downing, Director, Regulatory and Sustainability
• Beef Cattle Research Council: Dr Reynold Bergen, Science Director
• Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef: Andrea White, Director, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations
• Canadian Cattle Association Public and Stakeholder Engagement: Jenna Sarich, Technical Consultant
11:15AM – 11:50PM Market Update – Canfax – Brenna Grant, Executive Director
11:50PM
MBP President’s Closing Remarks
12:45PM – 2:30PM Producer Workshop
• Unconventional succession with producer Duane Thompson
(Note: This workshop is free for producers, but lunch is not included )
46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS FOR DEBATE
GENERAL RULES OF DEBATE FOR THE RESOLUTIONS SESSION
1 Only the ‘Resolved’ portion of resolution will be read
2 MBP members in good standing are entitled to move, second, debate and vote on resolutions
3 The administration bylaw dealing with “members in good standing” is as follows: 1(b) 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.
a 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
4 All delegates moving and/or speaking to resolutions will identify themselves to the Chair, i e their name and their district number
5 . In presenting a resolution, the mover will have the privilege to speak first to the resolution
6 Amendments or substitute motions must be moved and seconded before being spoken to
7. Speakers on resolutions will be limited to two speeches of two minutes each The second speech will be recognized only after everyone wishing to speak has spoken once
8 The mover of a resolution may speak again to close the debate
9 The Chair will read the resolution before voting occurs if it has been amended
10 All remarks will be directed to the Chair Remarks include debate, amendments, requests for information, parliamentary inquiries and points of order Remarks
should be germane to the pending question
11 Voting tools will be used for the votes, e g a card, ballot or clicker system
12 All tie votes are lost votes
MBP thanks all delegates in advance for their respectful debate of the resolutions and topics at hand and also thanks the Parliamentarian for facilitating the debate process.
THE RESOLUTIONS
MBP’s resolutions policy is that if a proposed resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions MBP is being asked to consider taking In consultation with a resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions Resolutions passed at the Annual General Meeting are not legally binding on Manitoba Beef Producers but help to inform sector priorities for action
In addition to being printed here, resolutions for consideration at the 46th AGM were also posted MBP’s website prior to the AGM
There were no resolutions arising from the fall 2024 MBP district meetings held in odd-numbered districts where director elections were required MBP’s board of directors also accepted in writing late resolutions for potential debate at the AGM until 9 a m Friday, January 10, 2025 For this 46th AGM, MBP’s board of directors is bringing forward two resolutions for debate A late resolution was received from District 9 prior to the submission deadline, reviewed by MBP’s Resolutions Committee and deemed to be in order These three resolutions will be debated in the order listed on pages 7-8
CATEGORY: PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
Livestock Price Insurance Resolution
46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS FOR DEBATE
MBP Board Resolution 1: Whereas Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) is a forward-looking, market-based, insurance-style program that allows producers to manage price, currency and basis risk protection for all classes of cattle, making it an important business risk management (BRM) tool for Manitoba cattle producers’ long-term sustainability; and
Whereas cattle producers face significant BRM program inequities compared to other agricultural commodities, such as AgriInsurance offerings which provide for costshared premiums for crop insurance on a basis of 40% producer/34% federal and 26% provincial government contribution; and
Whereas guaranteed returns through crop insurance may incentivize some producers to convert valuable pasture land into cropland, thereby directly impacting grassland ecosystems and the vital environmental services they provide, such as biodiversity, carbon sequestration and water management; and
Whereas in the United States, uptake in a program similar to LPI the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program saw its producer participation rate rise substantially when premium subsidies were introduced in 2020; and
Whereas cost-shared premiums for LPI would help put Canadian livestock producers on a more even playing field with crop producers as well as with American cattle farmers and ranchers, both of whom receive premium subsidies through crop insurance and LRP programs; and
Whereas providing equitable support to Canadian beef producers via cost-shared LPI premiums to help offset their enrolment costs would help increase overall program participation rates and help reduce risk in the sector
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) continue to advocate for the
federal and provincial governments to introduce cost-shared premiums for the Livestock Price Insurance program, an approach that would be equal to that provided by the two governments for the crop insurance program under AgriInsurance, which is cost shared on a basis of 40% producer/34% federal and 26% provincial government.
LATE RESOLUTION
Deferring Income From Sale of Cattle to Future Years Resolution
L1 (District 9): Whereas grain producers are able to defer income on grain sales to future years, which provides them with opportunities for better tax and business planning, along with the flexibility to take advantage of markets when most suitable for them, but a similar income deferral option does not exist for cattle producers
Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers investigate matters related to potentially seeking an amendment the federal tax code to allow livestock producers to defer the income from the sale of all classes of livestock to future years, similar to deferral options available to other agricultural commodities.
Mandatory Livestock Inspection Resolution
MBP Board of Directors Resolution 2: 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
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
46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING PROPOSED RESOLUTIONS FOR DEBATE
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.
JENNIFER BABCOCK
SPEAKER BIOS
BIG DADDY TAZZ
Comedian
Big Daddy Tazz turns mundane events into side-splitting stories He is the act that has no act with his quick wit, improv style, crowd interaction, clean show and amazing stage presence bringing audiences to their knees in laughter and to their feet with adulation, with no two shows being the same
His comedy appearances include the Just For Laughs festival in Montreal, the Moncton Comedy Festival, CBC’s The Debaters and the CBC Winnipeg Comedy Festival, which can be seen frequently on CBC television and the Comedy Network Tazz once set a record for the longest stand-up come-dy show at 8 ½ hours as a fundraiser for one of the many charities he supports. In 2023, Tazz received the John Candy Award (the first comedian to do so!) for his work in the fields of comedy and mental health.
Senior Director, Government and Public Affairs, Canadian Cattle Association
Based in Ottawa, Jennifer leads CCA’s government and public affairs team, shaping strategies to communicate policy positions to the federal government and stakeholders With experience in public affairs, advocacy, and Parliament Hill, she actively engages in Canada’s government relations community Jennifer also serves on the board of the Canadian Cattle Foundation, fostering donor partnerships and advancing sustainability and education initiatives
SPEAKER BIOS
REYNOLD BERGEN, PH.D
Science Director, Beef Cattle Research Council
Dr Reynold Bergen provides scientific and industry expertise to the BCRC and Beef Science Cluster, working with industry to identify research priorities, review research proposals and scientific reports, and engaging with industry and research experts on an ongoing basis Reynold also works to gather and provide relevant research-based information for industry, public and government communications on specific issues
Reynold received a B S A and M Sc in Animal Science from the University of Saskatchewan, and Ph D from the University of Guelph Reynold has worked as a technician, research associate and post‐doctoral fellow at the universities of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Guelph, and AAFC Lethbridge in areas ranging from live‐animal carcass evaluation of beef cattle, cold‐weather physiology of ruminants, genetics, and feeding behavior, in addition to work in technology transfer and extension with both government and private industry
MELISSA DOWNING
Director, Regulatory and Sustainability National Cattle Feeders’ Association
Melissa has a background in beef production, value chains and verification programs and leverages her experience to advocate for the collective success of the feedlot sector and the entire beef industry She grew up in the Interlake region of Manitoba and now lives with her husband in east central Alberta, where their children are the fifth generation to be involved on their ranch In her spare time, she is an active 4-H leader and community volunteer, a chauffeur for countless extracurricular activities, and is currently pursuing her Master of Business Administration degree through the University of Guelph
TYLER MCCANN
SPEAKER BIOS
BRENNA GRANT
Executive Director, Canfax
Brenna Grant is the Executive Director of Canfax, having been with the organization since 2007 Brenna grew up in SW Saskatchewan on a cow/calf, yearling grasser operation where her family still operates
Managing Director, Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute
Tyler McCann spent almost a decade working in government advising Ministers, serving the Agriculture and Agri-Food minister for most of that time He has also worked as a consultant for farm groups, industry associations, and small and large agri-food businesses, advising on government relations, policy, and association management Tyler operates a beef and goat farm with his wife and kids in western Quebec
JASON POLLOCK
CEO, Livestock Services of Saskatchewan
Jason Pollock, a fourth-generation rancher from the Cypress Hills of Saskatchewan, brings a wealth of experience in business leadership and livestock management With an MBA from the University of Saskatchewan, he has held senior roles at SaskPower and Canadian Western Agribition As CEO of LSS, Jason has led the organization’s governance and operations, combining his ranching background with strategic business expertise A dedicated advocate for the livestock industry, he works closely with producers and industry partners to enhance inspection services and regulatory oversight Jason is also a proud husband, father, and newly-minted grandfather
SPEAKER BIOS
JENNA SARICH
Technical Consultant and Analyst, Public and Stakeholder Engagement, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Jenna is the Stakeholder Engagement Technical Consultant and supports accelerating the delivery of the Public & Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) management strategy and business plans A major part of her role is to seek, track, and analyze research relevant to the beef industry and disseminate the information into key messages for stakeholders She also provides scientific support and assis-tance in PSE projects - to connect positively with consumers and the public Jenna obtained her Master of Science in Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan and has a wide background in animal research, public outreach, and technical support
Jenna shares her position, providing technical consultation and analysis for the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
DUANE THOMPSON
Tee Two Land & Cattle
Duane & Paula Thompson along with two of their adult children own and operate Tee Two Land & Cattle in the Parkland Region near Kelliher, SK Our family has been in this area for 125 years and always had a mixture of cattle and grain We focus on the people and the land and everything else falls in line after that Soil health and regenerative agriculture are the focus, and we believe that managing the multi-enterprise business holistically will enable us to be self insured and provide long term profitability, resiliency and a desirable standard of life for those involved
RICK WRIGHT
SPEAKER BIOS 46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
ANDREA WHITE, M.SC., P.AG
Director, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef
Andrea White is the Director of Marketing and Stakeholder Relations with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) She leads the marketing and communications strategies for the CRSB and its Certified Sustainable Beef Framework She is a key liaison with the CRSB’s multistakeholder membership and supports marketing initiatives of those using the CRSB Certified program
She Co-Chairs the Communications Council of the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB) and sits on Communications working groups for the National Index on Agri-Food Performance and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops
Andrea grew up in Winnipeg, MB receiving her Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry and Masters of Science in Food Science from the University of Manitoba Prior to the CRSB, she worked in various roles with the BC Cattlemen’s Association, BC Association of Abattoirs, and Canada Safeway
Administrator, Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association
Rick is the current Administrator of the Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association Rick is also the current CEO of the Livestock Markets Association of Canada . He has been a professional livestock marketer for 45 years His company Rick Wright Cattle Consulting purchases cattle for feedlots across Canada
OUR SPONSORS
BANQUET SPONSORS
COFFEE SPONSORS
• Elanco Animal Health
• Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association
• TD Agriculture Services
DELEGATE BAG SPONSORS
• onPoint
• Save-On-Foods
• Stride Credit Union
ENTERTAINMENT SPONSOR
Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association
FRIDAY KEYNOTE SPONSOR
Canada Beef
LUNCH SPONSOR
Manitoba Habitat Conservancy
MEDIA PARTNERS
• 730 CKDM
• Golden West
PHOTOGRAPHY SPONSOR
Sunrise Credit Union
PRINT SPONSOR
New Rosedale Feedmill
OUR SPONSORS 46 TH ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
DIAMOND SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSORS
• Bullseye Feeds
• Enns Brothers
• FCC
SILVER SPONSORS
• Association of Manitoba Community Pastures
• Boehringer-Ingelheim
• CCIA
• Cleanfarms
• Covers and Co
• Gladstone Auction Mart
• Kane Veterinary Supplies
• Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
BRONZE SPONSORS
• Alert Agri-Distributors/J . Quintaine & Son
• Manitoba Angus Association
• NDEco
• Syngenta
• Trouw Nutrition
• Merck Animal Health
• Renovo Seeds / Millborn Seeds Canada
• Shafer Commodities
• Squeal on Pigs Manitoba
• Top Country Entreprise Ltd
• WeCover Structures
• Zoetis
• Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association
TRADESHOW VENDORS
• Association of Manitoba Community Pastures
• Boehringer-Ingelheim
• Bullseye Feeds
• Canadian Cattle Identification Agency
• Cleanfarms
• Covers and Co
• Ducks Unlimited
• Elanco Animal Health
• FCC
• Manitoba Habitat Conservancy
• Masterfeeds
• Grand Valley Fortifiers
• Kane Veterinary Supplies
• Manitoba Agriculture
• Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance
• Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
• Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc
• Merck
• NDEco
• New Rosedale Feedmill
• Renovo Seeds / Millborn Seeds Canada
• Shafer Commodities
• Squeal on Pigs Manitoba
• Syngenta
• Top Country Enterprise Ltd
• Trouw Nutrition
• WeCover Structures
• Zoetis