Weather, Markets and Risk Management
Big Topics at MBP’s 44th AGM in Winnipeg
BY ANGELA LOVELLCanada achieves BSE negligible risk status
BY RON FRIESENAround 180 people attended the 44th Manitoba Beef Producers Annual General Meeting at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg on February 2nd and 3rd
It took 18 years, but Canada has finally been declared BSE-free.
were on something of a weather rollercoaster ride, said MBP General Manager Carson Callum during his address at the AGM.
That means good news for both traders who export beef and ranchers who produce it, industry officials say.
The event’s speakers discussed current beef-related research, business risk management programs that are available to beef producers, and progress on programs such as the Squeal on Pigs initiative, Cleanfarms and the Livestock Predation Prevention Project.
The World Organization for Animal Health (OIE) has recognized Canada as a country with negligible risk of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE), giving it the most preferred status under the OIE’s system for evaluating BSE risk.
Lowe.
After coming off a historic drought the previous year, and suffering through three back-to-back storm systems, producers had to endure a widespread spring blizzard that caused higher than average cattle losses, and more headaches for producers already maxed out physically and mentally from a tough winter of feed shortages.
“The difference will be the ability to access markets that we otherwise weren’t able to because we didn’t have that status,” said Tyler Fulton, Manitoba Beef Producers president.
Financial Assistance program being launched in May. MBP continues to give input on improvements to the program to make it accessible to more producers if such a situation should arise in the future.
The industry has asked Ottawa to encourage Canada’s trading partners to recognize the OIE’s ruling and accept Canadian beef without restrictions, he said.
In a May 27 statement, federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau said the government will do so.
was detected in an Alberta cow and international borders immediately slammed shut to Canadian beef exports.
On the bright side, the excess moisture did end the drought in many places and helped replenish some of the crop and grassland water resources.
Since 50 per cent of beef in Canada is exported, producers suddenly found themselves with collapsed market prices and animals they could not sell because the market could not absorb them.
The announcement in May removes the final trade barrier against Canadian beef exports.
National beef organizations providing updates included the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, Canadian Cattle Association’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement and the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency. Jamie Kerr of Canfax concluded the meeting with some insights into where the markets and beef demand are headed in the year ahead.
Negligible risk status means importing countries no longer have any grounds for restricting beef from Canada because of BSE.
Bob Lowe, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) president, said some Asian countries still limit Canadian beef imports to cattle under 30 months of age, citing BSE concerns. Now they no longer have reason to do so.
“These events showed our industry and our board the need for responsive business risk management (BRM) tools for producers to access,” Callum said.
“Canada will inform those trading partners of Canada’s BSE negligible risk status and will undertake immediate work to support expanded global market access for Canada’s high-quality cattle, beef and beef products,” Bibeau said.
Callum ran through some of the work MBP has done on behalf of producers over the past year in partnership with other industry partners. They include its collaboration with the Canadian Cattle Association and others to successfully lobby the federal government to exempt ground beef from Health Canada’s proposed mandatory front of package labelling regulations that would have required the product to carry a warning label indicating it was high in saturated fat.
2022: A weather rollercoaster ride
Looking back on 2022, Manitoba’s beef producers
“Assuming that the world is based on science-based trade, there’s no reason to have those restrictions anymore,” said
MBP played a large role in advocating for financial assistance to help compensate producers for animal losses and infrastructure damage resulting from the winter storms, which helped resulted in the Disaster
It has been a long and difficult journey for Canadian beef producers since that black day in May 2003 when a case of BSE
MBP also advocated for more provincially-funded veterinarian training seats, which resulted in a 33 per cent increase in seats available for Manitoba students at the University of Saskatchewan’s Western College of Veterinary Medicine, with a focus on training future large animals veterinarians. Page 15
The result was cataclysmic for the industry. CCA estimates direct economic losses between 2003 and 2006 alone ranged between $4.9 billion and $5.5 billion. Some 26,000 beef producers left the industry between 2006 and 2011. More than 2.2 million acres of pasture lands were converted to crops, creating a major negative environmental and ecological impact. Page 2
Reflecting on MBP’s 44th AGM and What May Lie Ahead for Beef Sector
With the 44th MBP Annual General Meeting now complete, and in reflecting back upon the past few years, we optimistically look ahead. It was great to be back in person and to get to see so many folks again. As so often happens at events like these it is the one-on-one side conversations where you gain so much information and get to know new friends. I think that the Manitoba Beef Producers staff and organizing committee did a great job putting it all together. After a few years of virtual AGMs it takes a lot more effort to restart that first function from the ground up.
With better feed supplies going into this winter, more agreeable weather for feeding cattle, and added efficiencies at the farm level born out of necessity in the past few years, there certainly seems to be some reduced stress levels. Add to that decent calf prices, and the prediction that they may be around for at least another year or two, and it is just the recipe that our industry needs. I sincerely hope this is the case and we can see favourable times ahead.
My time as a board member at Manitoba Beef Producers has been a busy one, with producers facing a lot of challenges. Reflecting back on this, from a very optimistic angle, we all proved just how resilient we are, but I think we are tired of being asked to prove that. I hope for all our sakes that we are returning to a time of more of whatever normal is, some profitability and, from a representative perspective as a director and now your President, to spend less time mitigating crises and being able to move forward proactively on some more issues and opportunities.
One of the great things to come out of tough times is that we learn to work well together and rely on each other’s support to overcome issues. I feel that this is especially true of the board and staff at MBP. It truly is a group that have become such great friends, but will not hesitate to challenge each other or disagree on issues. I thank them for having the faith in me to lead the organization going forward. To Past President Tyler Fulton especially, who did an excellent job as President and who leaves some very big shoes to fill, I thank him for his support and mentorship, both past and in the future. I am so fortunate to have such great individuals on our board that treat the roles that they are in with the respect they deserve.
MATTHEW ATKINSON President’s ColumnWe all as directors dedicate a great deal of time to the MBP board and all the other association seats that go along with it, time that could be put towards our own farms and ranches. While many of the benefits that it brings to producers are not always immediately apparent, I do believe that we all do this advocacy work for the betterment of the industry, and take pride in what we do.
As we move forward towards spring, and hopefully a lot better spring than last year, many of us will be calving and making forage seeding decisions. While we can lament about the rate of inflation eating away at calf
profits, we can look forward to opportunities that come from cattle production getting some of the recognition that we deserve. There are a great deal of programs now available to offset some of the seeding cost on forages, better insure much of our feed production, and insure our profitability. There is still much room for improvement on these fronts, but these tools have come a long way and we continue to seek improvements to make them even more responsive to beef producers’ needs.
As we see so much discussion and policy-making revolve around sustainability matters, I believe that in ranching we have the most marketable product out there. Our cows are out doing what other forms of ruminants have done on our Canadian prairie landscapes for thousands of years. Yes, many of our management systems, mine included, could always be better in mimicking those grazing habits that are so beneficial to our grazing lands, but that work continues. Those grazing management plans are always limited by cost and time, but with greater government and public recognition of the valuable ecosystem services being provided by having cattle on the landscapes comes more opportunities for our sector. Organizations like MBP and many others are committed to advancing those opportunities with decision-makers.
DISTRIC T 1 ALFRED EPP
Boissevain-Morton, Brenda-Waskada, Grassland, Deloraine-Winchester, and Two Borders
DISTRIC T 2
NANCY HOWATT
Argyle, Cartwright-Roblin, KillarneyTurtle Mountain, Lorne, Louise, Pembina, and Prairie Lakes
DISTRIC T 3
ANDRE STEPPLER
Cartier, Du erin, Grey, MacDonald, Portage la Prairie, Rhineland, Roland, Stanley, Thompson, Montcalm, Morris, and Ritchot
DISTRIC T 4
VACANT De Salaberry, Emerson-Franklin, Hanover, La Broquerie, Piney and Stuartburn, Montcalm, Morris, Ritchot, Spring eld, Ste. Anne, Taché, R.M. of Piney and Reynolds
DISTRIC T 5 STEVEN MANNS
Cornwallis, Elton, Norfolk-Treherne, North Norfolk, Oakland-Wawanesa, Glenboro-South Cypress, and Victoria
DISTRIC T 6
VACANT
Pipestone, Riverdale, Sifton, Souris-Glenwood, Wallace-Woodworth, and Whitehead
DISTRIC T 7
T YLER FULTON PAST PRESIDEN
Ellice-Archie, Hamiota, Prairie-View, Riding Mountain West, Rossburn, Russell-Binscarth, and Yellowhead
DISTRIC T 8
MATTHEW ATKINSO
Clanwilliam-Erickson, Glenella-Lansdowne, Harrison-Park, Minto-Odanah, Oakview, North Cypress-Langford, Rosedale, and West Lake-Gladstone
MBP Busy With Consultations, Events
Greetings all, I hope your 2023 is off to a good start. Lots of exciting things are happening at MBP as we move forward in the year, so I strongly encourage all to keep up to date with Cattle Country, our E-Newsletter, and social media accounts. For those that don’t know, we have recently started up an Instagram account as another way to provide updates on initiatives MBP is working on. Give us a follow!
I want to say a huge thank you to those that participated in our 44th AGM in February, this time held in Winnipeg. From the sponsors, to the speakers and attendees, you all helped make it such a huge success in my mind. With it being the first in-person AGM since 2020, I was nervous about how it may turn out. However, I was blown away by the buzz in the room throughout the day and half program. I feel everyone really needed this type of event not only to get updates on important industry topics, but simply to see folks they hadn’t seen in a while. I think the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre did a great job keeping things flowing, and prepared an amazing meal at the President’s Banquet. That of course was helped by the generous donation of excellent beef from True North Foods.
Speaking of the banquet, what a wonderful evening I had. My abdomen still hurts from the laughs during the roast of non-returning District 6 director Melissa Atchison, and from the comedians to end the night. I also enjoyed many conversations with folks I have not seen in a while during the evening. I personally appre ciated STARS providing an overview of the great work they do in the province. It was also an honour to help present The Environmental Stewardship Award to the Lowry family (Glen and Pam) of the Darlingford area for all their important environmental efforts. I hope all the attendees enjoyed the evening as much as I did.
Now that we have another successful AGM behind us, there are many efforts MBP is focused on. The month of February was filled with consultations, such as ones related to the provincial water management strategy, federal and provincial budgets, and species at risk management plans, among others. I greatly thank my colleague Maureen Cousins for her valuable efforts here to get comments to our board to review and have submitted to governments. We also have many import ant meetings in the coming weeks related to the new Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership where will continue to advocate for equity for the beef sector in business risk management tools moving forward. There is always lots to do on the advocacy front.
CARSON CALLUM General Manager’s Column
From an extension and communications perspective, my colleagues Melissa Atchison and David Hultin have a long list of activities they are working on. With in-person opportunities being available again, MBP will be able to take part in many consumer-facing efforts, such as Discover Agriculture in the City taking place March 18 at The Forks in Winnipeg. We are looking forward to be returning to the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon over spring break (March 27-April 1). Also, with the success of the first two MBP-organized calving workshops
shops. These public-facing and producer-facing activities show real tangible value for our sector and I am excited to see all that we deliver in the future.
Finally, with a fall election on the way, political parties will be starting to campaign and outlining their policy platforms. MBP will be talking part in many discussions with officials on main priorities for our sector here in the province, such as advancing agricultural Crown Land program changes and seeing producers rewarded for the environmental goods and services they provide. Many other priorities will be brought to the table, and I encourage producers to engage with their local candidates to ensure they know what is important to your farm.
Here’s hoping for a productive spring with no weather-related challenges like that faced in spring 2022. MBP is well prepared to assist if we run in to
Market Outlook for Canadian Beef in 2023 Generally Good
BY ANGELA LOVELLIn looking ahead to what the markets hold for beef producers this year, Jamie Kerr, market and research analyst with Canfax told Manitoba Beef Producers 44th AGM attendees that it could be a bit of a mixed bag, and there will be a number of factors to watch.
“We currently have strong red meat demand both domestically and internationally, but we’re seeing the impact of food inflation on local consumers’ purchase power, with the potential of seeing some softening over this coming year,” he said. “Any movement in the dollar will impact the value of exports. We’ve seen some new slaughtering occurring very slowly which has delayed the shift in leverage from the packer to the producer. But as we look at lower replacement levels in the second half of last year; potentially smaller heifer placements as well as a reduction in net feeder import numbers, we’re going to see significantly tighter fed supplies this year.”
Global protein consumption remains strong – for now
Global protein consumption is driven by population growth and increasing disposable income. As incomes rise, protein consumption graduates from plants and poultry to red meat like beef. Since 2015, growth in protein consumption has been relatively flat due to factors such as outbreaks of African Swine Fever and avian influenza.
Although higher feed costs due to the 2021 drought meant margins have been slim for many beef producers, there has been continued growth in demand for all proteins, which has resulted in strong beef prices and strong exports.
That said, a big question for 2023 is how recessionary pressures and continued inflation will affect the purchasing power of consumers in protein importing countries.
“We are seeing signs that international demand is starting to wane with the recessionary pressures and inflation,” said Kerr. “Some markets have reduced the tariffs on meat and other ag products in an effort to reduce the price that consumers pay and make food more affordable for their consumers.”
Beef exports not affected – yet
Despite the fact that Canada has not had access to China’s market for over a year, Canadian beef exports in 2022 were strong, supported by favourable exchange rates to countries such as Japan, South Korea and Mexico.
Domestic retail meat demand also remains strong, following a shift in 2020 from food service to retail, a trend that is projected to continue in 2022.
“While inflation is real, we are seeing strong consumer resilience for beef on the centre of the plate,” he said. “There are many strategies consumers and retailers will be using to curb inflation this year, smaller packages, coupons and anything else they can think of.”
“Beef typically performs fairly well during a recession,” Kerr said. “The concern comes when beef gets out of line with other protein options at the meat counter.”
Beef supplies likely to tighten towards end of 2023 US beef production is expected to be down anywhere from four to seven per cent in 2023. Most of the decline will come in the second half of the year as feedlots received more cattle during the second half of 2022 which will boost marketings in the early part of this year.
“High beef costs have accelerated the US liquidation which has been declining since the peak in 2018,” Kerr said. “Beef cow [numbers] were down 3.3 per cent on July 1, and are now down six per cent from their peak. With the drought, we’ve seen large cow slaughter in the US, and this really means there is less production coming forward into 2023.”
Cattle markets in Canada are up four per cent from 2021, supported by strong prices which peaked last August. Total beef production was up two per cent in 2022.
Kerr said that it’s estimated that the average family will spend over $1,000 more in groceries in 2023. The question is, how much will beef consumption decline as
“For 2023, we’re looking for production to be down a modest one to two per cent as feedlots continue to import US feeders,” Kerr said. “Overall, it looks like total beef production has peaked in Canada and will be declining specifically following the US production levels as we’re heavily reliant on US feeders to support our overall production.”
Canadian cattle numbers tightening up
Cattle beef numbers this January are three per cent lower than this time last year but are still above the fiveyear average, but placements in the third quarter of last year were down 20 per cent from the year before. With higher calf prices, more producers are retaining heifers and all of these things will contribute to a tighter cattle supply going forward.
Since 2019, Canada has been a net importer of feeder cattle from the US, but was a net exporter briefly during the first half of 2022. That situation reversed itself last fall as Canada became a net importer again, taking in around 96,000 head.
“The big thing here is the feedlot capacity has expanded 19 per cent since 2015. These feedlots need US feeder cattle to fill these pen spaces. So, the real question is what are the trade-offs of empty pens versus having to pay to bring in US feeders and potentially US feed,” Kerr said.
Cattle prices generally up
Fed cow prices have increased 15 per cent from January to December 2022 and prices are projected to remain strong this year. The feeder market has also been strong, supported by a strong futures market.
Calf prices this January are $3/lb and are in line with 2015 levels, but Kerr cautioned that the fourth quarter of 2015 was not that rosy.
“It raises the question of what will make the second half of 2023 better or different from 2015,” he said. “It’s really a question about the US weather and feed supplies. If feed prices come down, it will support feeder calf prices this fall. We’ll also need to watch demand and if things soften there or not.”
The Canadian dollar has been a big support of the feeder and calf market this year. The Canadian dollar dropped from 80 cents in the second quarter to 74 cents by the fourth quarter of 2022. The weaker dollar supported calf prices and represented 60 per cent of the price jumps seen.
The dollar is forecast to strengthen throughout the year by about a cent per quarter back to 77 cents by the fall run.
“This will take some shine off of the fall calf price,” Kerr said. “And the price will be driven more by supply and demand fundamentals.”
Kerr emphasized that risk management is always key in volatile times.
“In an inflationary price environment, it’s hard to control costs, and it’s important to focus on the things that are within your control,” he said.
That said, a big question for 2023 is how recessionary pressures and continued inflation will affect the purchasing power of consumers in protein importing countries.
Outcome of Resolutions Debated at 44th MBP AGM
Six resolutions were debated at Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) 44th Annual General Meeting held February 2 at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg.
Five resolutions came forward from MBP’s fall 2022 district meetings. As well, a late resolution was brought forward from the January 11, 2023 MBP board of directors meeting. Late resolutions from MBP members were also accepted for consideration until January 27, but none came forward.
MBP thanks all delegates who participated in the debate, as well as parliamentarian Art Jonasson for chairing the session. The following is the list of the debated resolutions categorized by theme, their point of origin, and the outcome of each vote.
CATEGORY: PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT
1: Whereas wildlife such as deer and elk cause irreparable damage to stockpiled feed during the winter months.
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government to provide financial assistance for a fencing program to reduce the risk of wildlife eating stockpiled feed.
District 9 | Outcome: Carried
2: Whereas predation issues continue to be a major concern for producers in Manitoba.
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government to investigate reinstating resources specific to addressing predation related to problem predators, including a rapid response process.
District 11 | Outcome: Carried
3: Whereas labour challenges, including the availability of skilled labour, continue to be a major issue in the agriculture sector.
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial and federal governments to streamline and/or simplify programs to secure timely access to agricultural workers for Canada.
District 7 | Outcome: Carried
4: Whereas some beef producers have been experiencing issues getting timely access to Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) staff to answer program questions, to process claims, etc. due to MASC office consolidations in recent years.
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation and the Government of Manitoba to consider reopening some previously closed MASC service centres in order to improve customer service levels to agricultural producers.
District 7 | Outcome: Carried
CATEGORY: MISCELLANEOUS
5: Whereas during August 2022 Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) announced its intention to expand its membership base by applying a 1% levy on cattle producers’ initial $26,225.50 in sales, resulting in the deduction of a $262.50 KAP membership fee plus $13.12 GST ($275.62); and
Whereas Manitoba cattle producers already provide financial support for both national and provincial organizations; and
Whereas producers providing KAP with a written “Notice of Objection” as described under Section (26) of The Agricultural Producers Organization Funding Act will be exempted from having the KAP membership levy deducted from their sales for a two-year period (any KAP membership levy collected during the two-year exemption period must be refunded).
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers utilize its publication Cattle Country to publish a copy of Section (26) of The Agricultural Producers Organization Funding Act, accompanied by a brief explanation reminding producers that by providing Keystone Agricultural Producers with a written notice of objection they will become exempt from have the KAP membership levy deducted from their sales for a period of two years.
Be it further resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers shall make available to its membership a standard fill-in-the-blanks form that could be used by producers wishing to notify KAP of their objection to having KAP membership fees deducted from their sale.
District 5 | Outcome: Defeated
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21st Annual Bull Sale
Tuesday, March 21, 2023 – 1:30 pm
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50 CHAROLAIS Two-Year-Old & Yearling Bulls
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Catalogue & Videos online at www.bylivestock.com
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21st Annual Bull Sale • 2:00 PM Saturday, March 18, 2023
Video Sale at the farm, Oak Lake, MB
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LATE RESOLUTION
L1 Whereas Veterinary Service Districts (VSDs) were developed to provide rural areas of Manitoba with access to consistent and affordable veterinary care, including supporting animal hospitals which provide services essential to many livestock producers; and
Whereas the cost of operating these animal hospitals (such as property taxes, insurance, utilities, repairs to and upgrading of the hospitals and equipment, etc.) continues to rise, yet provincial government funding for VSDs to help operate and maintain these clinics has remained static for several years; and
Whereas there has been difficulty in securing veterinary staff to operate these essential rural animal hospitals, which leads to challenges for producers needing to access services locally.
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government to revisit the funding needs of the Veterinary Service Districts to ensure that the government’s annual contribution to them is more reflective of the actual cost of delivering the needed rural veterinary services that are so important to the livestock sector and others.
MBP Board of Directors | Outcome: Carried
@ManitobaBeef
Manitoba Beef Producers
ManitobaBeef
StockTalk Q&A Feature Brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture
severely nutrient deficient and didn’t produce enough high quality colostrum or if the calf is unable to nurse. Failure of passive transfer can cause significant economic losses through calf death and increased calf illness.
cindy.jack@gov.mb.ca
Question: Colostrum is like liquid gold, the number one asset at calving. Why is it so important for my newborn calves?
If a calf has not nursed within the first couple hours, it might be wise to intervene and provide colostrum. It is always best to try and supplement colostrum by bottle first. When a calf suckles, the esophageal groove closes so the milk goes directly into the abomasum. This will allow the nutrients to be absorbed into the small intestine faster. If you are unable to get a calf to suck a bottle, you can tube it; however, the milk will go into the rumen first and then overflow into the abomasum, making the process a bit longer for the antibodies to be absorbed into the small intestine.
Good-quality colostrum contains at least 50g/L of immunoglobulin G (IgG), the most important immunoglobulin in cow colostrum, and is yellow in color with a thick and creamy consistency. A calf requires at least 200g IgG to have passive transfer of immunity. It is always a good idea to store some on hand, whether that is colostrum from other healthy cows in your herd or powdered colostrum replacer. Typically, mature cows have higher quality colostrum compared to heifers and if using colostrum from your own herd, you can freeze it for up to one year. When thawing the colostrum, be sure to thaw it in a warm water bath as boiling water or microwaving can kill the antibodies in the colostrum.
Ensuring newborn calves receive an adequate amount of good-quality colostrum in a timely manner will increase your profitability at weaning, decrease illness and number of treatments, as well as improve the lifetime performance in your herd.
What other management practices should I consider when calving?
Since mud and manure provide an ideal environment for disease causing bacteria and viruses, the area where the cow is calving should be as clean and dry as possible. This will avoid spreading any diseases and will help decrease the risk of calves getting navel infections.
Answer: The most important factor in newborn calf health and survival is ensuring the calf receives enough high-quality colostrum early in its life. At birth, a calf has a poorly-developed immune system as the placenta does not allow transfer of antibodies from the mother to the fetal circulatory system. Colostrum is the first milk the cow produces, which is rich in nutrients such as protein, essential vitamins and fat to help build a healthy immune system for the calf.
Even more importantly, colostrum contains antibodies that provides the calf with protection from different diseases until their own immune system becomes functional; antibodies also known as immunoglobulins are proteins that can identify and destroy pathogens in the calf. When the calf consumes colostrum in the first 24 hours of life, it receives passive immunity though the transfer of maternal antibodies in the colostrum. Remember the rule of two – a calf should consume at least two litres of colostrum within two hours of birth and another two litres when it is eight to 12 hours old. Passive immunity will protect the calf until their immune system is active and mature enough to produce antibodies on its own to fight infections or in response to vaccinations.
Timing is one of the most important aspects; when a calf is first born, their digestive tract allows antibodies to pass directly into the blood. After 24 hours, the calf’s intestines cannot absorb the antibodies intact. Therefore, it’s important to ensure that the calf has received adequate amounts of colostrum within the first few hours of life.
Failure of passive transfer can occur when a newborn calf doesn’t receive enough colostrum; this can happen if cows are
Keystone livestock
Lois McRae & Joyce Gordon RR 1 Box 57 Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5Y1
h: 204-728-3058
c: 204-573-5192
f: 204-727-7744 marmacfarms1@gmail.com
Processing calves early in their life will maximize growth and minimize stress and diseases. This includes vaccinating, castrating and dehorning. The earlier you can castrate and dehorn calves the better; younger calves typically don’t feel as much pain, and complications with castration can increase severely as calves get older and heavier. Dehorning should be done preferably before two months of age when the horn bud attaches to the skull. It is always best to consult your local veterinarian about pain management strategies, especially if late castration is unavoidable.
When preparing for your upcoming calving season, reflect back on previous calving seasons and any major issues you have dealt with. Coccidiosis is a major threat to calves. If you have dealt with coccidiosis on your farm in the past, consider using toltrazuril as a preventative measure. For every symptomatic coccidiosis calf, you will generally have 10 asymptomatic, unthrifty calves. If you have dealt with any selenium or vitamin deficiencies in the past, consider supplementing with an injection at birth. Another thing to take into consideration is your vaccination protocol for your herd – depending on when you vaccinate and previous issues you have faced, you might want to consider vaccinating calves at birth with an intranasal respiratory vaccine. As always, it is best to talk to your local veterinarian to develop management strategies or about any concerns you may have. Being well prepared for the upcoming season is your best chance at success!
Share your Voice
In the next issue of Cattle Country, a Manitoba Agriculture forage or livestock specialist will answer a selected question. Send your questions to Elizabeth. Nernberg@gov.mb.ca.
StockTalk for Cattle Country is brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture. We encourage you to email your questions to our department’s forage and livestock team. We are here to help make your cattle operation successful. Contact us today.
Andrea Bertholet Killarney 204-851-6087 Andrea.Bertholet@gov.mb.ca
Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale Beausejour 431-337-1688 Kristen.BouchardTeasdale@gov.mb.ca
Shawn Cabak Portage 204-239-3353 Shawn.Cabak@gov.mb.ca
Pam Iwanchysko Dauphin 204-648-3965 Pamela.Iwanchysko@gov.mb.ca
Cindy Jack Arborg 204-768-0534 Cindy.Jack@gov.mb.ca
Juanita Kopp Beausejour 204-825-4302 Juanita.Kopp@gov.mb.ca
Elizabeth Nernberg Roblin 204-247-0087 Elizabeth.Nernberg@gov.mb.ca
President: Donovan Hickson 204-570-1862
Secretary: Laurelly Beswitherick 204-637-2046 b2@inetlink.ca
Mar. 2nd JP Cattle Co. Annual Simmental & Angus Bull Sale, McAuley, MB
Mar. 5th Maple Lake Stock Farms Kick off to Spring Bull Sale, Hartney, MB
Mar. 5th Premium Beef Simmental Bull Sale, Kenton, MB
Mar. 6th Canadian Central Bull & Female Simmental Sale, Neepawa, MB
Mar. 7th Bonchuk Farms Annual Bull Sale, Virden, MB
Mar. 8th Mar Mac Farms & Guests Simmental, Red & Black Angus Bull Sale, Brandon, MB
Mar. 10th Rainbow River Simmentals 8th Annual Bull & Female Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca
Mar. 11th 83 South Simmental Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca
Mar. 11th Rancher’s Select 4th Annual Simmental Bull Sale, Neepawa, MB
Mar. 13th McIntosh Ranch Online Simmental Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca
Mar. 13th Oakview/Perkin/Triple R Simmental Bull Sale, Darlingford, MB
Mar. 14th AJB Online Simmental Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca
Mar. 14th Prairie Partners Bull & Female Sale, Killarney, MB
Mar. 15th Van De Velde Cattle & Delight Simmentals Online Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca
Mar. 16th Transcon’s Premium Beef Simmental Bull Sale, Neepawa, MB
Mar. 17th High Bluff Stock Farms Charolais & Simmental Bull Sale, Inglis, MB
Mar. 24th Sunville Simmentals/Overby Stock Farm Annual Bull Sale Ashern, MB
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MCVET Annual Forage Trials
The Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team (MCVET) annual forage trials were run at five sites in 2022 across the province, including Melita, Roblin, Arborg, Carberry and Carman. The objective of the program is to test different varieties of annual crops for forage yield and quality across Manitoba. Six different annual crops were compared including a cereal/pea mixture.
The 2022 MCVET annual forage trial results, including yield and feed quality information can be found in the Seed Manitoba 2023 Variety Selection and Growers Source Guide and now Cattle Country. Overall across all five sites on average, sorghum was the highest yielding, followed by oats, triticale, barley, the pea/cereal mix and then millet. Barley had the highest overall relative feed value and energy, and was second for protein. The pea/cereal mix had the highest protein and was second for both relative feed value and energy.
ANNUAL FORAGES (continued)
Yield Comparisons
The 2022 annual forage trial combined all crops and varieties in one trial with three replicates per site. Quality is highly dependent on plant maturity at harvest. Barley was harvested in mid dough stage; oats & triticale at milk- early dough stage; peas at early pod wrinkle; millet and sorghum at heading.
The 2022 trials are sponsored by the Manitoba Crop Variety Evaluation Team (MCVET), Manitoba Seed Growers Association, Manitoba Beef Producers and Manitoba Agriculture. We would like to thank the staff at each of the four Diversification Centers and the University of Manitoba Carman for conducting the trials.
For more information, contact your nearest Manitoba Agriculture office or shawn.cabak@gov.mb.ca or 204-239-3353.
Distributor Contacts for Listed Varieties in Seed Manitoba 2023
Look up variety within the correct CROP KIND to find the company, then look for company phone number in the box at bottom of section.
FORAGE
DISTRIBUTOR - FORAGE SEED
Alliance Seed
Brett Young
Brett
DL Seeds
Dyck Seeds
Dyck
FP Genetics
Imperial Seed
Interlake Forage Seeds
Interlake Ltd.
DSV Northstar Ltd.
DLF Canada
Proven Seed
DISTRIBUTOR - CORN SILAGE
PHONE NUMBER
NUMBER
See Cereal and Pulse distributor contacts and growers list for forage varieties of oat, barley, and pea.
...................................................................................1-800-665-7333 - CORN
SeCan ...................................................................................1-800-665-7333
Bayer Inc
Bayer CropScience Canada Inc (DEKALB)
Brett Young
DLF Picksesed Canada Inc (DLF Canada)
Fraser Seeds Ltd (Greenfield Genetics)
Horizon Seeds Canada Inc (Horizon Seeds)
Maizex Seeds Inc (Maizex Seeds)
DSV Northstar Ltd. (NorthStar Genetics)
Brett Picksesed Fraser Genetics) Ltd.
Nutrien Ag Solutions (Proven Seed)
PRIDE Seeds
Syngenta (NK)
Thunder Seed Canada Inc (Thunder Seed)
WinField United Canada (CROPLAN)
Seed Canada United Canada
MBFI’s Lands Support Diversity of Bird Species
BY: DR. MARY-JANE ORR, MBFI GENERAL MANAGER
Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives (MBFI) is excited to share a recent report on a bird survey carried out across the First Street Pasture, Brookdale Farm, and Johnson Farm stations. In June of 2022, the Wildlife Branch (Natural Resources and Northern Development, Government of Manitoba) conducted an avian survey at each area to assess general bird diversity and abundance. The survey and report were undertaken by Lynnea Parker (Project Coordinator, Critical Wildlife Habitat Program) and Timothy Poole (Species at Risk Biologist, Wildlife Branch). The full report details the bird survey findings with a focus on grassland birds, highlights occurrences of species at risk, and additional bird species of conservation interest.
The surveys were carried out according to Birds Canada’s point count monitoring protocol. To capture peak bird activity, surveys started 30 minutes before sunrise and were completed by 10 AM. For a survey to be carried out the wind conditions needed to be less than 25 km/hr and no precipitation during observation. Each quarter section was designated with a grid of four observation locations to conduct counts. Where each grid point was 200 meters (m) from the property boundary and 400 m from other observation points. When species at risk were identified, the exact distance and direction was recorded. The 2022 wet field conditions limited access to the northwest quarter of Brookdale Farm and the north half of First Street Pasture.
The survey findings indicate landscapes under MBFI management support a diversity of grassland, wetland, forest, and generalist bird species. The survey identified the Red-headed Woodpecker and Bobolink, two federally listed species at risk. The Bobolink was observed at all three MBFI survey areas, and a single Red-headed Woodpecker was sighted at the First Street Pasture.
The report makes note of the Grasshopper Sparrow as a species of interest due to being ranked as a rare breeder in Manitoba by the provincial Conservation Data Centre. The report references The Atlas of Breeding Birds of Manitoba noting that the Grasshopper Sparrow is an obligate grassland bird and primarily found in the southwest corner of Manitoba. The Grasshopper Sparrow’s higher abundance at First Street Pasture may have been due to the wetter spring conditions supporting lusher grass stands.
Located on the north perimeter of Brandon, the First Street Pasture and Johnson Farm are side by side and dominated by perennial tame forage on a marginal sandy loam soil. At First Street Pasture a total of 26 species (106 birds) were recorded, with the most abundant birds accounting for 52% of abundance including: Western Meadowlark, Clay-colored Sparrow, Grasshopper Sparrow, Savannah Sparrow, and Upland Sandpiper. At Johnson Farm at total of 30 species (161
birds) were recorded, with the most abundant birds accounting for 60% of abundance including: Clay-colored Sparrow, Western Meadowlark, Savannah Sparrow, Vesper Sparrow, and Bobolink. The First Street Pasture was ranked as being more diverse despite having fewer individual birds and species counted compared to Johnson Farm, due to having a more even distribution of species.
Located a further 20 km north of Brandon in the Prairie Pothole Region, the Brookdale Farm is characterized by high agricultural capability clay loam soil with shallow depression wetlands, grasslands (hayfields and pastures), wooded areas, and cropped fields. At Brookdale Farm at total of 38 species (268 birds) were recorded, with the most abundant birds including: Red-winged Blackbird, Clay-colored Sparrow, Common Yellowthroat, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Marsh Wren. Despite having more varied habitats, Brookdale Farm bird survey was ranked to have the lowest diversity score, due to five of the 38 species accounting for 60% of
the total bird abundance. The habitat composition and structure are conducive to supporting waterfowl, with the survey identifying six duck and one goose species. The report indicated the grassland patches surrounding the open wetlands provided suitable habitat for the Bobolink. In contrast, these grassland patches of dense forage stands were not suitable habitat for obligate grassland bird species.
The exceptional precipitation conditions of the 2022 spring led to high water levels and tall, dense forage stands at all three farm sites. The report suggests that in a year under drier conditions an increase in abundance and diversity of grassland songbirds that prefer shorter and less dense grass habitat may be observed. In contrast the lush pasture stands favored habitat for the Bobolink and Grasshopper Sparrow, and at the Brookdale Farm habitat was deemed beneficial for supporting nesting waterfowl.
For more information or to start a conversation please email MBFI at information@mbfi.ca or call at 204-761-3300.
Calving Tips From the Trenches
BY: DR. TANYA ANDERSON, DVMLast calving season I began tracking specifically what questions clients had while calving cows. While there is very good information available online about when to intervene during the birthing process and management of calves after calving (reviving and colostrum feeding), there is not much guidance for helping producers literally up to their armpits in a cow at 2 am. The following is a selection of tips that I have.
Don’t be afraid to call the vet for advice - at any hour of the day. The only stupid question is the one not asked and, honestly, many of the questions that are asked are similar - you are not the only one that doesn’t know what you are feeling when in a cow. Experience matters and your vet has seen just about anything and everything though I can still say that I do learn something new each calving season and I have been around for many years! For those of you that lack a local vet, I deeply empathize with you but remember that you are only a phone call away from a vet who may be able to walk you through a difficult calving.
Know your cows.
Any cow that is acting differently than she usually does at calving time likely has a problem. Often, during Stage 1 labour (when the cervix and soft tissues dilate), cows sniff the ground, show interest in other newborn calves, look at their sides or backend and seem restless. Vaginal mucous may be noted and the cow is more noticeably bagged up. But failure to do that does not always mean all is well - follow your gut instinct - better to check now than deal with a dead rotten calving in a few days.
Know how to find the cervix.
This is the doorway out of the uterus and it must dilate (or open) during Stage 1 labour. Once the cervix is dilated, Stage 2 begins and the calf is born. This should take no longer than 1 1/2 hours for cows and 2 hours for
heifers with birth usually occurring in under an hour. Progress should be noted every 15-20 minutes. What confuses people is that, when a cow is fully dilated, you cannot feel the cervix as it “blends” into the vagina such that, when you reach in, you just feel the calf and sometimes the buttons of the uterus (called caruncles - where the placenta attaches to nourish the calf during the pregnancy). If you reach in and things are tight, chances are the cervix is not dilated. But tight and dry does not always mean a cow is not calving - you must find and identify the cervix.
How do you identify the cervix? First, wash the vulva to avoid introducing manure into the birth canal. Be sure to use lubricant - easier for you and best for the cow. If you reach in and don’t feel a calf first, orient yourself. Reach in further and sweep your hand around and forward to see if you can find a donut like knobby mass. That is the cervix and, if it is not fully dilated you will only be able to put one or two fingers into that “donut.” The cow needs more time. When you remove your hand, you may notice a thick plug of mucous which is known as the “cervical plug.”This is released as the cervix starts to relax in preparation for labour. Expect the cow to calve within the next 24 hours.
If you can get your hand through to feel the calf but the cervix ring is still small or tight, wait an hour and recheck. If no progress is noted or the cervix feels irregularly shaped or you need to reach downward or twist your arm and hand around to get through, call the vet. This is often a sign of cervical scarring or a uterine torsion and that means a cesarean is needed. One final comment - if you can reach in up to your armpit, the cow is likely to be calving regardless of whether you can find the calf or not. Seek veterinary advice because something is wrong.
When should you hurry?
If you see the placenta coming first, there is meconium (yellow discharge) or the head or tongue are swollen, the calf is running out of time. Similarly, intervene right
away if you see feet with soles up - this is a backwards calf or a frontwards calf coming upside down - both need some help.
Know your anatomy.
Learn how to identify a front leg from a back leg by feel alone. The first and second joints bend the same direction for front legs and in the opposite direction for back legs. If you are stumped, take a step back and look at the cow’s anatomy and think your way through. And remember that front legs need to have a head before you start to pull. Think you’ve got twins? If you have a bunch of legs, sort out which are front legs and which are back legs and then trace them to a head or tail. Once you have paired the legs, select the calf “on top” - they are generally the easiest to get out first.
Know how to use a calf puller.
I know that “all it takes is two men to pull a calf” but most people work alone and no one needs back strain or pain. Calf pullers work well if you follow some rulesalways reach in and ensure that you can put your hand over the top of the calf as it comes into the pelvis. Watch the legs as you are pulling - they should straighten out as the shoulders move into the pelvis. If they start to cross over, the calf is too big. When you reach in, you will feel the muscles of the forelegs bulging in or, if back feet, the top of the hips will not be in the pelvis. If in doubt, gently push down on the puller while feeling inside to determine if there is room. Hard pulls damage calves and cows and take extra time if a hiplock develops, you break a calf’s leg or the cow develops paralysis and goes down.
Talk to your vet when getting assistance.
I commonly give tips to my clients after the calf is out, demonstrating how to correct a breech, deal with a head turned back or sort out twins using the calves as demos. And don’t be afraid to share the tips that have worked for you - we are all in this together.
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Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) is an insurance program that provides price risk management to beef producers when market prices are volatile. The time is now to purchase your LPI policy and secure marketing pricing for your cattle.
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• Coverage options are available to choose from every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 p.m. - 12 a.m. (CT).
• The last day to purchase LPI – Calf policies is June 8, 2023. Visit LPI.ca or contact your MASC Service Centre for program details.
Manitoba’s Agricultural Crown Grazing LandsAssessing Potential for Growing the Beef Industry
BY PETER FROHLICH, NATIONAL CENTRE FOR LIVESTOCK AND THE ENVIRONMENT (NCLE), UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA
Researchers with the Department of Animal Science at the University of Manitoba have taken a closer look at the current productivity of agricultural Crown lands (ACL) in Manitoba for grazing. The new research has determined that unclaimed productivity within these areas can be economically valuable to producers, thereby supporting the strategies and goals outlined in the Manitoba Protein Advantage strategy. A stated goal of the strategy is to achieve a 15 per cent increase in the productivity of ACL and privately-owned grassland and forages.
Manitoba is the third largest producer of beef in Canada with approximately 430,000 head of cattle, roughly 12% of the total Canadian herd. Cow-calf operations dominate Canadian beef enterprises and in Manitoba raising calves for future sale is the leading form of beef production. During summer and shoulder seasons, these animals rely primarily on forage grazed from pasture lands. Agricultural Crown lands provide an important forage resource for producers in Manitoba.
Current Agricultural Crown Land Leasing System
Agricultural Crown lands in Manitoba are leased from the province through a provincial program. In
2019, 1,750 leaseholders used 1,450,000 acres of ACL in Manitoba, which are used by nearly 90,000 animals during the grazing season.
To allocate the number of animals per area, the provincial government uses a measurement called animal unit months (AUM) to measure carrying capacity, which considers grassland productivity and animal requirements. Carrying capacity is critical to establish and regulate sustainable stocking rates and to prevent overgrazing, which can lead to grassland degradation.
Currently, blocks of agricultural Crown land are assessed for carrying capacity when they are released for the lease auction. Based on today’s practices, 95% of leased grasslands are assessed for carrying capacity every 15 years, potentially leaving room for error when estimating carrying capacities in the middle of the lease period, possibly leading to over or under grazing on pastures with outdated assessments. What is needed is a system that will allow for annual, continual measurements of carrying capacity to ensure that agricultural Crown lands provide the most optimized productivity capacity for producers.
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Remote Sensing Techniques: What are they and how do they work?
Animal Science researchers at the University of Manitoba led by Bryan Encabo and Marcos Cordeiro have recently completed a unique project that for the first time in Manitoba utilized digital datasets derived from satellite images. These datasets were used to estimate forage yields and more effectively calculate carrying capacity and stocking rates of agricultural Crown lands in Manitoba. Other analyses enabled by these datasets and planned for future research include assessments of carbon stocks and biodiversity in grasslands, which highlight the role on the beef industry in promoting these ecosystems services across these landscapes in Manitoba.
Forage yield can quickly be estimated over large land areas using these datasets. The University of Manitoba team used the Manitoba Grassland Inventory (MGI) funded by Manitoba Agriculture to estimate forage yield. The MGI is a land cover dataset recently produced from satellite images to gain information on vegetation types and other land cover classes. The MGI data was collected for each Crown land parcel in Manitoba and summarized using geographic information system software that allowed the researchers to map grassland distribution from these digital images.
In addition, field survey data from ARD’s Forage Benchmarking project using a twice over grazing system was used, as well as data from different Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada surveys, such as the Living Labs project, which examined productivity of a rotational and grazing system. The grassland maps and productivity data were then combined to estimate carrying capacity.
To ensure the study examined the whole picture, the research team included an analysis of soil types and long-term weather conditions for each parcel using data from Environment and Climate Change Canada.
The Bottom Line: Project Findings and Benefits to the Industry
Using this wealth of information, UM researchers found that total potential stocking rates for all agricultural Crown graze lands in Manitoba were 1.8 times more then the existing stocking rates allowed for by the current provincial leasing program. One of the reasons for this is because higher than average carrying capacities were reported in ecoregions with larger proportions of semi-arid grasslands, which are better utilized by cattle than forage found in in shrub and forested regions.
This research suggests there is potential to increase the stocking rates of agricultural Crown lands, leading to higher liveweight gains produced per hectare while improving efficiency, productivity and sustainability of agricultural Crown grazing lands. Additionally, producing more protein using a smaller or similar sized geographical area and lowering the carbon footprint are important targets put forward by the Manitoba Protein Advantage strategy.
Interpretating the Findings
The study acknowledges that further refinements and validation of the results are needed through updated forage yield sampling data with a wider provincial coverage to reflect the rapidly changing climate. Updates on the sampling data should follow a standardized ground-truthing protocol with a refined vegetation classification system. Changes in carrying capacity should also take into consideration extreme weather events such as droughts and floods, challenging conditions experienced by producers in 2020 and 2021. These extreme conditions are not reflected in the analysis due to the use of baseline forage data without taking account extreme climate scenarios.
Through this study, the University of Manitoba research team is providing tools to ensure Manitoba is continuing to grow the livestock sector and continue to improve economic and environmental outcomes on farms and across the Manitoba beef industry.
For more information on this project please contact: Marcos Cordeiro (Marcos.Cordeiro@umanitoba.ca)
Grassland Pasture Health Measured by Birds
BY WAYNE HILDEBRAND
The bird population in Canada and the U.S is down by 3 billion birds since 1970. Birds are very sensitive to ecosystem change. This makes them useful as early indicators to warn of ecosystems that are out of balance.
The leading cause of bird population decline is habitat loss. The intensification of farming and conversion of grassland pastures to cultivated cropland is changing the rural landscape and driving biodiversity loss.
Nearly 60% of Canada’s grassland birds have disappeared since 1970. The Baird’s Sparrow and Chestnut Collared Longspur are listed as “endangered” species at risk in Manitoba. The Western Meadowlark population has decreased about 53%. The Barn Swallow population has declined 69%. Burrowing Owls have nearly
the
vanished from Manitoba’s prairie grasslands.
In 2021-22 the Conservation Trust funded Birds Canada to engage Manitoba cattle producers to assess the health of their grassland pastures using a ‘bird friendliness index’ (BFI). “Essentially we are using the density of grassland birds as a measure of the ecological health of a grazed pasture,” said Ian Cook, Grassland Conservation Manager at Birds Canada. “More grassland birds reflects good pasture management and improved biodiversity.”
To date, Birds Canada has surveyed 59 sites using the ‘bird friendly index’ covering 112,000 grassland acres in Manitoba.
Initial results of the bird surveys in western Manitoba reveal the largest population of threatened grassland bird species are found on large tract grazed
grasslands that are well managed. “Our bird surveys found healthy grazed pastures support a wide variety of wildlife and birds,” Ian relayed. “The best solution to grassland bird depopulation is to support cattle producers with voluntary incentive programs to keep cattle grazing on the landscape.”
Cameron and Lisa Hodgins operate a third generation cow-calf beef farm near Lenore, Manitoba. “We participated with the Birds Canada study to determine our farm’s ‘bird friendliness index’,” said Cameron. “Four specialized bird recorders were set up on each quarter section to record bird songs and then provide a computer report on what birds were there.
“To our surprise, the automated recorders heard 85 different bird species, nine of which were species at risk,” Cameron said. “Another surprise was the bird recorders picked up the song of a Common Poorwill, a small insect eating bird that had only 3 previous unconfirmed Manitoba sightings.”
“Our rotational grazing system requires intensive management,” Cameron relayed. “With planned grazing our pastures are improving, we have more grass, our animals are healthy, and we see more wildlife and birds. Managed grazing provides multiple benefits, including ecosystem services which benefits both the farm and the environment.” (see website hodginsfarm.com)
“Our goal is to improve the health of our farm,” said Cameron. “Over time we see incremental changes in our grasslands, like more native grass species coming in, but it is hard to find a specific measure of a healthy farm. The ‘bird friendliness index’ helped provide that measure. Through bird density surveys, the index measures the ecological health of grazed pasture lands. It helped us to confirm our grassland management is working to achieve our goal.”
“The Conservation Trust funding was essential to the Birds Canada project and testing the ‘bird friendliness index’,” said Ian. “Many agricultural and conservation partner organizations in Manitoba also supported and helped us with this initiative.”
The Conservation Trust and GROW Trust is a $204 million endowment fund that generates about $9 million annually for conservation and climate change initiatives. The fund revenues are managed by Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.
Every Manitoban can help with bird recovery. Birds Canada has a guide to ‘take action’ for birds. Check out their website at birdscanada.org.
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The Future is Bright and Tasty
BY: ANNA BORYSAlthough I deem myself a “city girl”, a large part of my grade school life was spent in Dugald, Manitoba. Of course with events and extracurricular activities, my path would cross with the kids from Anola, St. Anne, Lorette and other surrounding areas. Although I was never a 4-H Manitoba member myself, I vaguely remember hearing about the club through friends in other rural communities.
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I had the most wonderful privilege of facilitating a virtual cooking class for a group of 4-H Manitoba members in late January and when I say it was a pure delight, I mean if they asked me back again tomorrow, I’d be jumping at the opportunity. Although I couldn’t see their faces, it was a true joy to see all the names pop up on my screen as they all joined in on this cooking venture. I showed this group of about 30 or so members (ages 8-18!) how to make one of my favourite dishes as a kid. My mom’s Beef Nacho Casserole is the epitome of comfort food and can be on the table in less than an hour. It was fun to show these kids a few tips and tricks that I hope they can use as they make this recipe again in the future.
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As the kids learned, this recipe can be tailored to your own liking and is handy for using up scraps of ingredients in the vegetable crisper. Do you have a half of a pepper, or a chunk of onion that needs to be used up? Dice it and throw it in with the meat cooking step. Do you love jalapeno peppers and black olives on your nachos? Add them as toppings along with a squeeze of lime. These were all suggestions by our bright and eager young 4-H cooks!
As we waited for our casseroles to finish baking in the oven, it was fun to kill some time by asking the members my favourite ice breaker question: “If you were on a desert island, what would be the meal you’d want to eat as your last meal?” The answers were anywhere from classic burgers and fries, to fried chicken, pizza and of course, perogies and kielbasa. What is yours?
The biggest take away from this session was just how pleasant, polite, and enthusiastic these kids were. A true joy to teach. Enjoy!
Beef Taco Casserole
Serves 4-6
• 1 lb Ground Beef
• 12 oz Chunky Salsa
• 1 Cup Corn Kernels, canned or frozen then thawed
• ¾ Cup Miracle Whip
• 2 Tbsp Taco Seasoning
• 2 Cups, Tortilla Chips, lightly crushed
METHOD:
1. Heat oven to 350°F.
2. Brown meat and drain.
• 2 Cups, Cheddar Cheese, shredded Garnish (optional)
• 2 Cups, Iceberg Lettuce, shredded
• 1 Cup Tomatoes, diced
• ½ Cup Sour Cream
• ½ Cup Cilantro, chopped
3. Stir in salsa, corn, miracle whip and taco seasoning.
4. Layer ½ of each meat, chips, and cheese in 2 qt casserole dish. Repeat layers.
5. Bake for 20-30 minutes or until heated through.
6. Allow to rest for 10 minutes before serving.
7. When serving, top with optional garnishes as listed above.