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E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP August 20, 2021

UPDATE

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Province Extends Application Deadline for BMP 503 re: Water Source Development (August 19, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government has extended the application deadline for Ag Action Manitoba- Assurance: Beneficial Management Practice (BMP 503) to Oct. 1 from Sept. 1, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced. “As our dry weather continues, we are committed to ensuring that agricultural producers have options when it comes to dealing with this drought,” said Eichler. “By extending this application deadline, we will ensure that more producers will be able to apply and get assistance when they need it most.” The Ag Action Manitoba Program Assurance under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, helps agricultural producers protect ground and surface water sources that are essential to ensuring the health of livestock and ground water sources. To date, the province has received almost 100 applications for a total of $630,000 in funding for the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas BMP. Items eligible for cost-shared funding include: •

water source development, constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts;

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solar, wind or grid-powered alternative watering systems;

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permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts; and

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permanent pipeline development.

More details on the program are available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadian-agriculturalpartnership/pubs/guidebook/ag-action-mb-program-guidefor-farmers.pdf#page=30 and answers to frequently asked questions are at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadianagricultural-partnership/pubs/faq/bmp-503-faq.pdf . For information on how to apply, visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/environmentalfarm-plan/assurance-bmp.html . For more information about managing dry conditions and other resources for producers, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html

FAQ AVAILABLE ON PAGES 3 & 4

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Ag leaders lean in to gender equity - Canadian Cattlemen Maritime farmers ship hay to drought-stricken Prairies as ranchers run out of feed - Winnipeg Free Press

Frequently Asked Questions BMP: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas (503) Q1. When is the deadline to apply?

A: Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm Friday, October 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted continuously up to that date and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. They will be assessed by technical reviewers based on the environmental benefit assessment index, program priorities and project planning.

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall? A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q3. If I have already done a water source development project this spring, am I eligible? A: Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1, 2021 are eligible. However, projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria.

Q4. What do I need to include with my application? A: Please answer the questions provided in either the Farmers Application Form or ISP Application Form, and refer to the BMP Specific Questions listed in either the Farmers Guidebook or ISP Guidebook to assist you. Ensure that you explain the proposed project in detail, current practices on the farm, and the environmental benefit of the new practice. Include an aerial map of the pasture with the location of the existing and proposed water sources identified as well as any fencing (existing and proposed).

Q5. Do I need a valid Environmental Farm Plan Statement of Completion? A: You can submit an application without a valid Statement of Completion, however, if your project is approved, you will be required to provide proof of a valid EFP by November 5, 2021 when you submit your project claim for reimbursement. Environmental Farm Plan workshop dates and locations will be listed at www.ManitobaEFP.ca .

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q8. Can I drill a new well in my yard? A: Drilling a well in the yard is eligible if it is primarily intended for watering livestock on pasture and is the most cost efficient means of doing so. It can be used for supplying water to the yard as well, assuming the pastures are next to the yard. Only the well and pasture components are eligible for funding, not any components used for inyard water.

Q9. Do I need any permits? A: Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This may include:  A Water Rights License is required for all livestock operations extracting more than 25,000 litres of water (25 m3 or 5,499 Imperial gallons) per day. If developing a new water source, a permit must be obtained in advance of starting work.  Approvals from the rural municipality or Crown.  Any other standards or approvals as required by law.

Q10. Can I pump / pipe / haul water from an existing water source into a dugout that has gone dry? A: Piping or hauling water from any water source (well, dugout or wetland) into a dugout that has run dry is not eligible.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout? A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q12. I just need a water trough or water storage tank. Is this eligible? A: No - watering system components such as watering bowls, troughs or storage tanks are only eligible as a part of a water source development project. However, if your project includes development or rehabilitation of a water source (ex: well or dugout) or management of a riparian area (ex: exclusion fencing), watering system components are eligible.

Q13. How deep does a pipeline need to be? A: Summer pasture pipelines permanently installed underground, and which can be properly winterized before freezing are eligible (ex: installed with a pasture pipeline plow). Above-ground pipelines are ineligible. Projects must be for permanent solutions only.

Q14. Can I apply for a project on a pasture that I rent? A: Yes. Either the landowner or renter can apply. If the renter applies, they must identify the landowner and provide contact information with their application. For pastures on Crown Land, you must get approval from your local Farm Production Extension Specialist – Crown Lands.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

Province Issues Overland Flood Warning For Areas In Southwest Manitoba And Parts Of Interlake Region Rivers and Creeks in the Brandon, Melita and Virden Areas

(August 20, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of

Manitoba Infrastructure has issued a precautionary overland flood warning for areas of southwest Manitoba and parts of central Manitoba. Rivers and creeks in Brandon, Melita, Virden and the Interlake region, including the Fisher and Icelandic rivers, could be affected by overland flooding. There is a potential for significant precipitation to occur in most parts of southern and central Manitoba starting today and ending sometime next Wednesday. Southwest Manitoba, including areas near Brandon, Melita and Virden and parts of central Manitoba as well as the Interlake region, could get in the range of 100 to 150 millimetres (mm) of rain in the next three to five days that could lead to overland flooding.

A high-intensity summer rainfall in excess of 130 mm (five inches) in short duration could create overland flooding and flash flooding, even if the soil moisture is drier than normal. Overland flooding typically occurs in low-lying farmland adjacent to rivers and streams. It can also lead to streets being flooded in urban areas if the local drainage system is not able to handle high-intensity rain events. This can lead to strong currents around street drains. There is also the potential for severe thunderstorms in these areas. Thunderstorms are likely to occur either Saturday or Monday and, at the peak, could bring in excess of 100 mm of rain in a very short time. It is unknown at this time where exactly the thunderstorms will occur. Impacts of the forecast precipitation heavily depend on the amount, location and intensity of the event. Flows on main stems of major rivers (including the Red and Assiniboine rivers) will increase. However, flows will remain within the banks along main rivers. Residents in these areas are advised to pay attention to sudden rising water levels in small creeks and urban drainage ditches.

Arriving in mailboxes and available online shortly!

Manitoba Beef Producers 2021 DroughtRelated Industry Survey reservoirs, restoring existing water sources, or hauling water. Producers are also asked to indicate their intentions with respect to herd sizes going forward, such as projected culling rates. This survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Your participation is sincerely appreciated.

In support of Manitoba Beef Producers’ drought-related advocacy efforts with the federal and provincial governments, MBP is conducting a confidential producer survey to gather further data on the impact the drought is having on the province’s beef sector. For example, producers are being asked to identify their estimated percentage of feed/forage production compared to last year. Producers are asked to indicate if they are incurring additional fencing costs in order to access alternate sources of feed for grazing. There are questions related to the drought’s impact on water resources. This includes investments producers are having to make in this area, such as digging new wells or

Note: All data and comments collected will be aggregated before being used for MBP’s advocacy activities. No operation-specific identifying information will be shared with governments. Thank you in advance for your consideration in completing the survey which can be found at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ YX52PFG MBP is continuing to engage with government officials about the severity of the drought, its effects on producers and the need for a timely, multi-pronged approach to help the beef industry deal with the immediate and longerterm implications of the drought.

Government of Canada increases total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to support farmers facing extreme weather Note: This announcement was made prior to the federal election being called. (August 15, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister of Agriculture and

Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced that the Government of Canada has increased total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to address extraordinary costs faced by producers due to drought and wildfires. This includes initial funding of $100 million announced on August 6, 2021. As noted in the news release, “The final federal funding amounts will be for eligible extraordinary costs and will be determined once the joint assessments and program developments are completed.” Given the extraordinary circumstances that farmers in Western Canada and parts of Ontario are facing, this increased funding ensures the federal government is ready to contribute to eligible provincial AgriRecovery costs on the 6040 cost-shared basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario continue to work with the utmost urgency to complete joint assessments of the disaster and launch support programs. This will include direct assistance to affected livestock and agricultural producers, and help them with added costs of obtaining livestock feed, transportation and water. Producers can also apply for interim payments under AgriStability to help them cope with immediate financial challenges. The Government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,

Manitoba and Ontario have agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75%, so producers can access a greater portion of their benefit early to meet their urgent needs. British Columbia and Manitoba have also opened up late participation in AgriStability to farmers who did not register in 2021 so they can benefit from this important income support. In addition to this support, the Government of Canada announced designations for Livestock Tax Deferral on July 22, 2021, and August 6, 2021, for prescribed drought regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. This will allow beef producers who are forced to sell a significant amount of their breeding herd due to drought conditions to offset the resulting revenues with the costs to replace the herd. The Government of Canada continues to stand with farm families during this difficult time and is taking concrete action to respond. Quick facts •

To date, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario have announced provincial commitments under the AgriRecovery Framework totaling up to $322 million. o

Alberta has announced a commitment of $136 million.

Saskatchewan has announced a commitment of $119 million.

Manitoba has announced a commitment of $62 million.

Ontario has announced a commitment of $5 million. continued on page 8

Government of Canada increases total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to support farmers facing extreme weather o

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An AgriRecovery assessment for British Columbia is underway, but details of its provincial funding commitment have not yet been announced.

Using the 60-40 cost-shared basis, as outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal share would be up to $482.5 million, not including British Columbia's planned program. The final federal funding amounts will be for eligible extraordinary costs and will be determined once the joint assessments and program developments are completed. As the situation continues to evolve, the Government of Canada stands ready to take additional action as necessary to ensure farmers have the support they need. Producers have access to a suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage.

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AgriRecovery is a federal-provincialterritorial disaster relief framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters. AgriRecovery helps with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from disaster events.

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AgriStability is one of the BRM programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and

market conditions. While the deadline to enroll for the 2021 program year has passed, provinces may request late participation to make the program available to other producers during a crisis situation. •

An interim payment under AgriStability is based on estimates of a participant's program year production margin and reference margin. To receive an interim payment, the participant's estimated production margin must decline by more than 30% of their estimated reference margin. Participants can apply for an interim payment to access program funds early.

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Minister Bibeau continues to urge provinces to accept the Government of Canada's offer to raise the AgriStability compensation rate from 70% to 80%. This would provide farmers across the country an additional $75 million per year, benefitting distressed farmers who need help now more than ever.

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During a crisis such as this, farmers facing the stress and uncertainty of providing for their families may suffer serious mental health impacts. Those needing help are encouraged to reach out for support, and can contact The Do More Ag Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada.

Associated links •

AgriStability Program

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Livestock Tax Deferral Provision

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Livestock Tax Deferral Provision - 2021 Prescribed Regions

Canada and Manitoba Invest in Drinking Water Infrastructure and Flood Prevention (August 13, 2021 Joint Federal/Provincial Government News Release – edited for length) The

governments of Canada and Manitoba continue to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities, enhance quality of life, and support economic recovery from COVID-19. The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services, announced more than $146.5 million in joint funding for 11 projects across Manitoba to support green infrastructure. The projects will rehabilitate key water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as raise, rehabilitate, and replace dikes and dams to community needs and make these Manitoba communities even more resilient. Dikes in St. Adolphe and St. Agathe will be raised to the 1:200 year flood protection level, ensuring the safety of the communities and surrounding areas for years to come. The project includes riverbank stabilization measures. The federal and provincial governments will contribute over $2.8 million in joint funding to these two projects. The Government of Canada is investing more than $78.6 million in these projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. Federal funding is conditional on fully satisfying environmental assessment requirements and consultations with Indigenous groups. The Government of Manitoba is investing more than $67.8 million, and contributions by recipients toward their respective projects are over $43.2 million.

Funding recipients are responsible for any additional project costs. Note: This announcement will help fund projects such as: •

RM of Cartier: Assiniboine River dike interim rehabilitation works – realign and reconstruction numerous sections of the flood protection dikes that have been compromised by ongoing riverbank erosion and subsequent riverbank failures. The federal and provincial governments have each contributed $1,025,000 for this project.

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Portage Diversion channel enhancements – raise the East and West Portage Diversion dikes to bring the capacity of the downstream section of the Portage Diversion to its original design capacity. The federal and provincial governments have each committed $1,825,000 toward this project.

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RM of Riding Mountain West: Shellmouth Dam rehabilitation – Rehabilitate concrete spillway, riparian conduit outlets, bulkhead gate, control gates and hydraulic cylinders, storage facilities and instrumentation to monitor performance of the dam. The federal and provincial governments have each contributed $750,000 for this project.

For a complete overview of the funded projects go to: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item =52129&posted=2021-08-13

Livestock Producers Reminded To Be Cautious When Buying Hay By: Cory Knutt Originally published on August 14, 2021 https://portageonline.com/ag/agriculturenews-mb/livestock-producers-reminded-to-becautious-when-buying-hay Livestock producers are being advised to be cautious when trying to source feed. RCMP say several producers in Saskatchewan have been the victim of fraud while attempting to purchase hay. According to the RCMP, ads placed on social media and other buy/sell platforms have been posted by fraudsters who are requesting immediate payment prior to the buyer seeing the hay or being in a position to take delivery. Several producers sent funds and then learned the seller was a scammer and did not have the hay. RCMP say this is a reminder to ensure everyone takes steps to ensure transactions on-line or

over buy/sell platforms are conducted in a safe manner. They say the best practice is not to send fund until you are in a position to confirm the product/items are legitimate and delivery has been established. Jason Pollock, CEO of Livestock Services Saskatchewan, suggests people take the time to do their due diligence. "Try to know who you're dealing with. Whether it's true past folks, look for references, try and call their references. Try not to be pressured into a position where you have to sight unseen now provide a sizable down payment or half upfront sort of thing." He says it's also important to keep your paperwork in order, and ideally get something in writing, whether it's on an email or text. "Anything in writing is better than a verbal conversation, especially if you have to go to civil litigation."

Fire Bulletin #23 – Changes Coming to Restrictions

(August 19, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) With the forecast for significant rainfall

to arrive over most parts of Manitoba in the coming days, the Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that current fire and travel restrictions can be lifted in most areas. Manitobans are reminded there are still some areas where the risk of wildfire may still exist even after the rain, therefore caution is required. These changes will take effect at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 20. Outdoor Burning Provincial Burning Permits will once again be available through local or regional Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for all areas with the exception of Area 4, east of Lake Winnipeg. The issue of any burning permit remains at the discretion of the issuing officer, and may require a site examination, further conditions or both prior to issue. A reminder that campfires are permitted only in approved pits. All provincial travel restrictions are lifted, with the exception of Area 4, which remains at level 2. Area 4 covers the large area north of the Wanipigow River, east of Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border, including Atikaki Provincial Park, and north to Poplar River. Level 2 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Area 4 • Provincial burning permits remain cancelled. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit. • Camping is restricted to developed

campgrounds. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Wayside parks remain open. • Landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only. • Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations and should contact their local Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information. The Province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map will be updated to reflect these updated restrictions. Confirm your area’s restrictions before heading outdoors at: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.html Many municipalities have implemented burning restrictions. Check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.ht ml. The province will not issue burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where municipal burning restrictions are already in place. For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

MASC Applies Quality Adjustment Factor to Grain Corn their grain corn crop to an alternate use this year. MASC is insuring approximately 340,000 acres of grain corn in 2021.

(August 17, 2021 MASC website posting) Manitoba

Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) is now applying a quality adjustment factor to droughtstricken grain corn crops that are insured under the AgriInsurance program. Yield appraisals conducted by MASC will be reduced by 40 per cent to reflect expectations of lower quality corn because of the stress that corn crops have endured due to the extreme low levels of moisture. The adjustment applies to grain corn crops that producers intend to put to alternate use, such as for silage or grazing. The full yield appraisal (prior to quality adjustment) will be used to calculate future coverage, which provides producers who repurpose their crops for livestock feed an added benefit. This reduction will apply retroactively to producers who have already put

Similar action was taken by MASC on July 22 when a quality adjustment was announced for small grain cereal crops (all varieties of wheat, oats, fall rye, barley, and triticale) that were repurposed (put to alternate use) for livestock feed. To help producers in determining corn yields, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development has prepared information on the Yield Component Method that can be used to estimate yields as early as the milk stage of kernel development. There is also information available on grazing cattle on corn and ensiling immature grain corn. For complete details on this and other information related to the drought, visit: Province of Manitoba | Agriculture - Dry Conditions and Drought (gov.mb.ca). Producers who want to put their grain corn crops to alternate use must contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre prior to taking action.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops Availability Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via Online Meetings until further notice. To register for an EFP workshop, click on the link “Register now!” in the link below for your preferred workshop date. Once registered, you will then receive an email with a link to access the meeting. Workbooks are mailed and you should receive yours approximately 1 week prior to the workshop. You can also visit this link to register: Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend. There is no preparation required for this workshop. EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire at (204)6971140.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environme nt/events-and-deadlines/index.html Note: Workshops are currently available through November 2021.

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP August 6, 2021

STATEMENT

mbbeef.ca

Manitoba Beef Producers update on advocacy work with governments in relation to the 2021 drought Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) continues its droughtrelated advocacy efforts with the federal and provincial governments, particularly as it relates to AgriRecovery and other initiatives to help address producers’ immediate and longer-term issues arising from this disaster. The federal government has committed $100 million through the AgriRecovery Framework to assist producers dealing with extraordinary costs due to drought and wildfire conditions. Federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has stated that the government is ready to seek further funding for provincial government requests that exceed this amount. While this announcement is an important first step, MBP strongly believes additional support will be required and asks for swift action on this. The timely development and delivery of support programs will be critical in helping to address some of the serious challenges arising from the drought. Discussions between the beef industry and governments will continue as to what those support programs will entail in each province. The following is an overview of some of the specific asks MBP has been making of governments with respect to AgriRecovery, as well as other programs or services needed to help Manitoba beef producers grappling with the effects of the drought. Key among these is the need to address producers’ cash flow challenges. A critical component of any AgriRecovery initiative will be helping producers deal with extraordinary costs which are not addressed within the existing business risk management programs. MBP is seeking a per head payment program that would allow individual producers to make management decisions in the weeks and months

ahead which are best suited to their particular operation’s situation and available resources. Unfortunately, some Manitoba producers have already been forced to extensively downsize their herds or to completely liquidate them due to uncertain feed and water resources. They will sustain a significant loss of equity by having to sell into a cull cow market instead of a bred cow market. Some of these producers will wish to re-enter in the future and an effective strategy is needed to help facilitate this. It is expected they will incur extraordinary costs to re-enter as there will be competition for breeding stock which will drive those prices higher than the prices the producers received when forced to sell off due to the drought conditions. The beef industry is analyzing the mechanics of a herd recovery plan to provide the financial assistance required to support producers, such as expanding the eligibility of the per head payment, or using existing mechanisms already established. MBP is seeking further discussions with governments around how such a potential re-entry tool could be fashioned. New infrastructure is an added cost some producers are bearing, such as providing fencing on Crown lands never grazed before, or on private lands where damaged crops may become available for grazing. MBP is asking that consideration be given in an AgriRecovery initiative to providing assistance for unanticipated infrastructure requirements such as fencing or watering needs. Some producers have had to haul water, because the ability to access water simply has not been available on their operations. MBP has asked that consideration be given under AgriRecovery to helping to share the costs of hauling water. continued on pages 3-4

For reliable information and resources please visit:

2021 Manitoba TESA winner: Triple V Ranch believes in being in tune with nature - CCA Action Blog Canada Beef Market Intelligence Update: Global survey pinpoints beef consumer priorities - Canadian Cattlemen

Manitoba Beef Producers update on advocacy work with governments in relation to the 2021 drought The drought has caused significant damage to pastures and forages. MBP has asked that consideration be given to implementing a forage restoration program. Such programs have been initiated in Manitoba in the past via AgriRecovery for flood events. MBP has requested the principle of retroactivity be taken into account when designing and delivering AgriRecovery initiatives. For example, some producers have already had to commence feeding months ahead of when they normally would. Similarly, some producers have had to send cattle to market or slaughter well ahead of their normal production and marketing plan, with negative financial implications. Additionally, MBP has cautioned that setting a hard date on the expiry of any AgriRecovery initiative may well prove to be problematic if drought conditions into the next production year. While the hope is that the drought conditions will begin to abate in the weeks and months ahead, this is by no means certain and serious discussions between the beef industry and governments will be required around how to help the sector manage the effects of protracted drought conditions. It has been announced that Manitoba is invoking the late participation provision of AgriStability (something MBP had requested), and that Manitoba has agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75%. MBP encourages producers to evaluate whether AgriStability could provide benefits for their farm or ranch and to consider participation in it. The beef industry has asked the federal government to extend eligibility under the

Livestock Tax Deferral Provision to include all classes of cattle, not just breeding stock. Producers are having to sell off a range of animals in order to manage herd sizes with available resources. The ability to defer span over more than one year has also been requested to allow for more flexibility in producers’ re-stocking decisions. Many producers in drought-affected areas have already deferred 2020 sales into 2021. Other Considerations Regarding agricultural Crown lands, ACL lease holders are among those facing significant losses in terms of grazing and haying productivity. MBP has requested a freeze on rental rate increases in 2021 and potentially beyond if the drought conditions continue. MBP notes that during the BSE crisis there was a period of rental rate freezes with respect to ACL in recognition of the extraordinary financial burden facing producers at this time. MBP believes this to be a reasonable ask given that the productivity of many of the parcels has been vastly diminished by both drought conditions and grasshoppers. Producers have also reported that they have incurred additional expense of hauling feed into the leased pastures as well as pumping water into the dugouts to water their cattle. Further, some ACL lease holders are seeking consideration for temporary broader use of their ACL parcels beyond the traditional allowable usage period should grazing conditions improve in the fall. This could include the ability to sublet or to utilize those parcels in ways not always permitted under the parcel’s current coding.

continued on next page

Manitoba Beef Producers update on advocacy work with governments in relation to the 2021 drought With respect to animal health and nutrition, MBP has requested increased departmental extension activities re: utilizing alternate feeds and other drought-specific production considerations. As well, financial assistance for feed testing and source water testing is being sought.

initiatives related to AgriInsurance: the early triggering of the Hay Disaster Benefit for 2021 for the eligible producers and the quality adjustment being applied to in-field appraisals. MBP is advocating for this quality adjustment to be extended to crops such as corn and soybeans and potentially others.

Regarding MASC lending programs, MBP has asked for interest only payments on MASC loans in light of the added financial burden being placed on producers due to droughtrelated expenses.

It is impossible to place a dollar value on the cost of stress to farm families and rural communities. However the results of chronic stress are manifested in ill health, suicides, farm accidents, family breakdowns, loss of farms, loss of rural businesses and reduced quality of life for our rural citizens. MBP has cautioned governments that stress levels among some affected beef producers are very high. Stressed producers require ready access to mental health resources. Having counsellors well versed in the unique needs of the agriculture sector is extremely important.

As alternate feeds begin to become available, there may be opportunities for innovation in terms of getting cattle to feed or feed to cattle, such as the creation of regional silage piles or feeding sites. MBP is seeking swift permitting processes if required. MBP had previously worked with government to secure the reopening of BMP 503: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas, which provides cost-shared support for water source development projects. Producers are reminded that applications are being accepted until 11:59 p.m. on September 1, 2021. Similarly, MBP recognizes MASC, the provincial and federal governments for announcing two

MBP has a number of drought-related resources on its website at https://mbbeef.ca/producers/ If you require additional information, please contact MBP General Manager Carson Callum at 204-772-4542 or via email at ccallum@mbbeef.ca .

Agristability Changes Support Manitoba Producers During Time Of Drought (August 6, 2021 Joint Canada/Manitoba News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba have agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50 per cent to 75 per cent for Manitoba producers, Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.

"My heart goes out to those farmers and ranchers feeling the impacts of the drought. We are working closely with provinces to get farm families the support they need as soon as possible. By unlocking more AgriStability funds through interim payments and invoking late participation, we can get more cash in hand for farmers who are making tough decisions in a difficult situation," said Bibeau. "We will continue to support farm families to get them through the challenges we face today, and position them for a sustainable future, since we know climate change will continue to pose challenges." "I have been working closely with Manitoba producer groups and we are looking for every way we can help in these challenging times,” said Eichler. “We have taken this additional step to provide our producers with support and this increase allows producers to access a larger portion of their final AgriStability benefit early.” The interim benefit provides the opportunity for producers who are enrolled in AgriStability to access a portion of their benefit early, to help support losses and cover costs. With this increase, Manitoba producers can apply for an interim benefit to receive 75 per cent of their estimated final 2021 benefit, before completing their program year. Manitoba is also invoking the late participation option for producers not currently participating in AgriStability. Payments to late

participants will be reduced by 20 per cent prior to applying any other deductions or penalties. The interim benefit is calculated based on the estimated margin decline or loss for the year compared to the farming operation's reference margin. The decline must be at least 30 per cent below the reference margin to access a payment. If a producer receives an interim benefit payment, they must still file all final program year forms and meet program requirements by the assigned deadlines. Manitoba will also be waiving AgriStability structural change for eligible 2022 program participants to ensure producers maintain their level of support and are not penalized for any significantly reduced productive capacity resulting from this year’s extreme weather events. AgriStability is an important tool that can help manage risks and financial losses because of poor yields, low commodity prices, or rising input costs. The program provides support when a producer experiences a large margin decline. Participants may be eligible for an interim payment as an advance on their final 2021 AgriStability benefit. The deadline to apply for an interim payment is March 31, 2022. Access AgriStability information with My AAFC Account, visit the AgriStability website www.agr.gc.ca/agristability or call tollfree at 1-866-367-8506 for more information. AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The Government of Manitoba, Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation, and the Government of Canada continue to stay in regular contact with producers, stakeholders, and provincial counterparts to confront the challenges of drought across Western Canada.

Government of Canada announces $100 million in AgriRecovery funding to further support farmers facing continued extreme weather (August 6, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Today, the Minister of Agriculture

and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced that the Government of Canada is making available $100 million through the AgriRecovery Framework to address the immediate extraordinary costs faced by producers due to the drought and wildfires. This funding is designed to match all provincial AgriRecovery submissions on the 60-40 cost-shared basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. By making funding available now, producers can be assured that they will receive assistance as soon as full assessments are completed. The Government of Canada is working around the clock to help the governments of Manitoba, Ontario, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia complete the assessments of the disaster and examine how AgriRecovery can help respond. Once these assessments are completed, the Government of Canada will expedite work to finalize an agreement with each province on support programs. The Government of Canada is open to submissions that include direct assistance to livestock producers for added costs of obtaining livestock feed, transportation and water. Minister Bibeau also announced that Manitoba is invoking the late participation provision of AgriStability. Provinces affected by drought are encouraged to invoke this provision to allow producers who did not enroll to access program support. Producers can also apply for interim payments under AgriStability, which can help cope with immediate financial challenges. To date, the Government of Canada and the governments of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba have agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75%, so producers can access a greater portion of their benefit when needed most. Minister Bibeau

repeated the Government of Canada's offer to provinces to raise the AgriStability compensation rate from 70% to 80%. This would provide farmers across the country an additional $75 million per year, benefitting distressed farmers who need help now more than ever. Minister Bibeau also announced the designation for Livestock Tax Deferral of additional prescribed drought regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario. This adds to the list of prescribed drought regions across Canada announced on July 22, 2021. The designation will allow beef producers who are forced to sell a significant amount of their breeding herd due to drought conditions to offset the resulting revenues with the costs to replace the herd. AgriInsurance helps producers manage production and quality losses caused by these adverse weather conditions, including drought. Minister Bibeau highlighted the federal support to all Prairie provinces for immediate bilateral adjustments to the cost-shared AgriInsurance program to make drought-damaged crops available for feed. These measures will increase the amount of crops available for livestock producers in this time of need. The Government of Canada stands with farm families during this difficult time, and is listening to their needs and taking action to respond. Quotes "There are a lot of farm families across the West and in parts of Ontario who are making tough decisions in a difficult situation. Our Government is working closely with our provincial partners to provide timely support to producers in need. Today we are announcing $100 million to add to provincial AgriRecovery initiatives, ready to be delivered as quickly as we can turn around provincial continued on next page

Government of Canada announces $100 million in AgriRecovery funding to further support farmers facing continued extreme weather submissions, and ready to seek further funding for requests exceeding this amount. We will continue to support farm families to get them through the challenges we face today, and position them for a sustainable future, since we know climate change will continue to pose challenges." - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "Severe drought conditions, sustained high temperatures, and wildfires continue to create stress and uncertainty for our producers. That is why the Government of Canada is taking action to secure funding under AgriRecovery, to ensure continuous support is provided to farmers as quickly as possible." - The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies and Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre Quick facts • AgriRecovery responses that exceed $60 million in total federal budget require additional program authorities. The Prime Minister has authorized access to the $100 million announced today, and this funding will complement the $25 million in COVID19 support estimated for 2021-2022, primarily targeted towards the livestock sector in Canada. • Producers have access to a suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage. • On July 22, Minister Bibeau visited Manitoba's Interlake Region, where she met with drought-impacted farmers to see first-hand how drought conditions are creating crop losses, affecting crop quality,

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and reducing forage and water supplies available to livestock. AgriRecovery is a federal-provincialterritorial disaster relief framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters. AgriRecovery helps with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from disaster events. AgriStability is one of the BRM programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions. While the deadline to enroll for the 2021 program year has passed, provinces may request late participation to make the program available to other producers during a crisis situation. An interim payment under AgriStability is based on estimates of a participant's program year production margin and reference margin. To receive an interim payment, the participant's estimated production margin must decline by more than 30% of their estimated reference margin. Participants can apply for an interim payment to access program funds early. Provincial governments can request that the interim payment percentage be increased from 50% to 75%. The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows livestock producers in these regions who reduced their breeding herds by at least 15% due to drought or flooding, to defer a portion of their 2021 income from sales until the 2022 tax year, when the income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, which may reduce their potential tax burden. Eligible continued on next page

Government of Canada announces $100 million in AgriRecovery funding to further support farmers facing continued extreme weather

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regions are identified based on weather, climate and production data, in consultation with industry and provinces. The criteria for identifying regions for Livestock Tax Deferral is forage shortfalls of 50% or more caused by drought or excess moisture. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials continue to monitor weather, climate and production data from across Canada and will add regions if they meet the eligibility criteria. When prescribed regions are identified, the list is announced publicly and posted to this Livestock Tax Deferral Provision web page. AgriInvest is a self-managed producergovernment savings account designed to

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help producers manage small income declines and make investments to manage risk and improve market income. Canadian agricultural producers can access the funds in their AgriInvest accounts at any time. During a crisis such as this, farmers facing the stress and uncertainty of providing for their families may suffer serious mental health impacts. Those needing help are encouraged to reach out for support, and can contact The Do More Ag Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada.

Related products • AgriStability changes support Manitoba producers during time of drought

Province Continues To Support Producers During Difficult Times

(August 5, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Agriculture and Resource

Development (ARD) is reminding agricultural producers affected by dry conditions of the programs and services available to them. The province continues to work with producers and producer organizations to determine how best to support the sector. In addition to previously announced supports, the province encourages producers to reach out for mental health supports and assistance dealing with the stress these current conditions may put on producers and their families. The recently announced Hay Disaster Benefit of $44 per tonne may be available for producers who purchased forage insurance through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) by the March 31 deadline. Producers with this insurance can register a forage insurance claim now or by the Sept. 30 deadline to potentially receive a top-up payment if they experience a tonnage shortfall. The Manitoba Hay Listing Service provides an inventory of hay, straw and alternative feed for sale and pasture for rent. If you have hay, straw, straw to bale, standing hay, alternative feed, or pastureland for sale or rent contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre or visit https://web31.gov.mb.ca/HayListClntExtrnl to view the existing listings.

In addition, MASC will not be deducting premiums owing from any forage claim indemnities paid to clients from now until Sept. 30. Normally, premiums would be deducted prior to claim payments being made. Other changes include: • making advance payments on forage claims, with plans to finalize forage claims as quickly as possible, and • allowing livestock grazing on low yield forage fields or after a first cut of forage without counting that grazed production against their forage claim. Producers may also explore options to put their crops to alternate use. Alternate use means a change to the use of a crop from what was originally intended when planting in the spring. Currently, oats, barley, triticale, fall rye, and all wheat types can be put to alternate use and used for greenfeed, silage, or grazing, however producers must contact MASC before doing so. MASC is applying a quality adjustment factor to appraisals on crops that are being put to alternate use under the AgriInsurance program. Adjustors will use normal appraisal procedures, however appraisals will be reduced by 40 per cent to account for the expected lower quality of grain based on a five-year average. For more information visit: https://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/alternateUs eFAQs.pdf or https://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/masc_news .html. Producers can visit the Managing Dry Conditions section of the ARD website for information on managing dugouts and water quality at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html. They will also find timely information about grazing practices and alternative strategies for continued on next page

Province Continues To Support Producers During Difficult Times sourcing feed during dry conditions. More information on water availability, drought conditions and drought impacts is available at www.manitoba.ca/drought. Producers can contact an ARD and MASC service centre (https://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/contact.ht ml) call the department toll-free at 1-84-GROWMB-AG (1-844-769-6224), or go to www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture (Quick Links) for more information on any of these programs and services. Drought extending over a broad area can have significant effects on a wide range of water sensitive sectors. Those whose livelihood is directly tied to the water supply, including agriculture, irrigation, power generation, fisheries, forestry, drinking water supplies, manufacturing and recreation may be at greater

risk of experiencing adverse mental health effects during a drought. Managing stress, worry and depression is important and there are resources available to help, including: Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services https://supportline.ca 1-866-367-3276 (toll-free) Klinic Crisis Line https://klinic.mb.ca 204-786-8686 or 1-888-322-3019 (toll-free) Manitoba Addictions Helpline 1-855-662-6605 (toll-free) Manitobans can stay up to date on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services by following @MBGovAg on Twitter (https://twitter.com/MBGovAg).

News Release Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) requesting immediate further Government of Canada AgriRecovery funding for beef producers facing drought and wildfire conditions August 6, 2021 Calgary, AB – Today the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced that the Government of Canada will be making $100 million available under the AgriRecovery framework to address the immediate extraordinary costs faced by producers due to drought conditions and wildfires. While today’s federal announcement is a critical step in signalling to producers that help is on the way, it is the CCA’s position that significantly more funding will be required to address the magnitude of challenges beef producers are facing due to these extreme weather conditions. CCA recognizes that Minister Bibeau has stated the Government of Canada is ready to seek further funding for provincial requests exceeding this amount. Alberta has requested that the Government of Canada contribute an additional $203 million in federal funding through AgriRecovery. “We are experiencing the worst drought our country has seen in decades, leaving our cattle herd at great risk right from British Columbia across to Ontario. With beef producers making critical feed and herd management decisions for their operations right now, time is of the essence. We are urgently requesting that the Government of Canada secure additional funding under AgriRecovery to ensure drought and wildfire relief measures are sufficiently funded and designed to address the needs of beef producers,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. Today’s announcement states that the Government of Canada is working with Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia to complete AgriRecovery assessments. Once completed, agreements will be finalized with each province on drought and wildfire relief program measures. The Government of Canada said it is open to working with provinces in providing direct assistance to cattle producers for added costs of obtaining livestock feed, transportation and water. The Government of Alberta has committed to providing an immediate $136 million for Alberta’s livestock producers and has requested that the Government of Canada contribute an additional $203 million in federal funding. Announcements from other provinces are expected in the coming days. CCA is calling for the Government of Canada’s commitment to secure additional funding under AgriRecovery to ensure these provincial requests can be met. In partnership with the Government of Canada, the governments of Saskatchewan, Alberta and Manitoba have also agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50 per cent to 75 per cent. Additionally, Manitoba is invoking the late participation option for producers not currently

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

participating in AgriStability. Payments to late participants will be reduced by 20 per cent prior to applying any other deductions or penalties. Minister Bibeau also announced additional prescribed drought regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Ontario that are designated for the Livestock Tax Deferral. This adds to the list of prescribed drought regions across Canada announced on July 22, 2021. CCA will continue to work closely with Minister Bibeau and the provincial governments through our provincial members to ensure AgriRecovery relief measures are adequately funded and designed to quickly address the needs of beef producers. For further information, contact: Tammy Melesko Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| meleskot@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

Working with Your Neighbour to Alleviate Natural Disaster Losses Published August 4, 2021

Establishing a Stubble/Crop Grazing Agreement As farmers and ranchers in parts of Ontario, the prairie provinces, and British Columbia face severe drought and fire conditions, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) highly encourages beef producers and grain farming neighbours to work together to find creative solutions. Stubble grazing or grazing crops unsuitable for harvest can serve as a much-needed extra feed source for cattle producers, while creating additional cash flow for grain farmers willing to rent their acres for grazing purposes.

Considerations for a Successful Partnership o Communication is key for success. −

Throughout the process, make sure to maintain clear, consistent, and transparent communication between parties to avoid confusion or disagreements.

o Collect and record all relevant contact information for both parties. −

This is useful for communicating about terms of the agreement and in case of an urgent incident (ex. cattle getting out).

o Crop producers, contact your provincial crop insurance representative beforehand. − −

Some contracts may make switching to alternative use a challenge. Work with your contract broker/insurance agent to understand your options. Depending on your region, certain steps are necessary for designating a crop for alternative use to make a crop insurance claim (ex. a crop adjuster may need to assess the crop before grazing).

o Discuss spray dates, determine when the crop is safe to graze, and record withdrawal dates. − −

Delay the start of grazing until sufficient time has passed since spraying and avoid shipping animals under withdrawal. Consult this VBP+ fact sheet to learn more about safe to graze and withdrawal dates.

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Ensure that nutritional requirements of cattle are met when grazing new feedstuffs. Develop an appropriate plan to supplement deficient nutrients.

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Discuss how start and end dates will be communicated. For example, will the landowner call the cattle producer when the crop is off and stubble ready for grazing? How flexible will the end date of the grazing period be?

o Cattle producers, contact your veterinarian or nutritionist for advice on supplementation. o Determine the duration of the grazing period.

o Agree upon a stocking density. − −

This value can be as simple as the number of pairs that will be on the land for the entire agreed upon grazing period. Consider making this value flexible to allow for greater plant stress due to dry conditions.

o If supplements such as pellets need to be offered, consider existing infrastructure. −

Discuss methods of feeding such as bringing in troughs or feeding on the ground, and who covers the cost of introducing feeding equipment.

o Discuss water sources currently available on the land. −

If no water is available, consider how you will provide water to cattle and how the cost of doing so

Last updated August 4, 2021. Follow the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association for the latest news and updates.

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will impact your negotiated price for grazing. Agree upon who pays for and thus owns any watering system upgrades or addition. Consider implications to water licensing if additional volume needs to be drawn from water bodies.

o Assess the current fencing infrastructure. − −

Decide who is responsible for putting in fencing if it is needed (usually the cattle producer). Consider the type of fencing (electric fencing lowers cost and can be easily removed at the end of the grazing period).

o Negotiate a price for grazing. − − − −

Use this calculator to help determine an appropriate price for rental. Consider the cost of additional inputs that are the burden of one party. For example, the price could be discounted to account for the cattle producer’s fencing labour and cost of materials. This will also vary by region. Discuss allowances for increased rental rates if grazing costs surge in the area, including a potential cap.

o Check regularly for updates on government support programs such as AgriRecovery. −

Stay tuned to CCA social media accounts, Action News, provincial association sites, and government sites to stay up to date on opportunities for financial support for drought relief.

Resources o Your veterinarian and nutritionist −

Working with these experts can help you determine when it is safe for cattle to graze, withdrawal times, how to supplement cattle appropriately, and if a grazing opportunity is appropriate for your herd.

o Beef Cattle Research Council − − − − − −

Watch this webinar to get answers to your drought-related feed and water questions. Click here to read about the benefits of grazing cattle on neighbouring farmland. For drought management resources, click here. Find information on alternative feeds here. Click here for a calculator to evaluate feed test results from alternative feeds. Note that this feed calculator does not include information on sulfate and nitrate contents, which often become elevated during drought – make sure to consult your veterinarian and nutritionist on this. Check out this article to find more information about testing stock water.

o Your regional crop insurance provider − − − − − −

Your crop insurance provider will help you navigate making a claim when switching your crop to alternative use. BC: Government of BC Alberta: AFSC Saskatchewan: SCIC Manitoba: MASC Ontario: Agricorp

o Association websites −

CCA, BCCA, ABP, SCA, MBP, and BFO have information regarding government support programs, provincial resources, and more.

Last updated August 4, 2021. Follow the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association for the latest news and updates.

Public Health Order Changes To Come Into Effect August 7

(August 3, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The province will implement new public

health orders and guidance on Aug. 7, one month earlier than forecast, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced. “Thanks to the remarkable efforts of Manitobans, we are now in a position to reopen more, sooner, as we have achieved our highest vaccination rates yet,” said Pallister. “This means Manitobans will enjoy the least restrictive public health orders since the start of the pandemic last year.” The new public health orders follow the 4-3-2 One Great Summer Path to Reopen. Manitoba is expected to reach the third vaccination milestone ahead of schedule; as of today 80 per cent of Manitobans age 12 and over have received their first dose and 75 per cent are expected to receive their second dose over the next week. With continued improvement in the overall COVID-19 situation, the premier noted the interim orders only restrict the most high-risk transmission environments. Public health recommendations and guidance, rather than restrictions, will play an increasingly significant role as the province prepares for a shift from pandemic to endemic COVID-19. Specifically, the new public health orders will allow the following sectors to open without restrictions: • indoor and outdoor gatherings at private

residences; • gyms and fitness centres; • libraries; • personal services such as hair and nail salons; • day camps; and • retail businesses, markets, garden centres and malls. Other sectors will open with limited restrictions including: • expanded capacity limits will remain in place for weddings, funerals and other public gatherings both indoors and outdoors including larger capacity limits for worship and cultural events like pow wows; • restaurants and bars will no longer need to restrict the size or space between tables and dining will not be restricted to households or vaccinated individuals; however, patrons will still be expected to avoid congregating or socializing between tables; • museums, galleries and movie theatres will remain limited to 50 per cent capacity but will no longer be restricted to vaccinated individuals; • casinos and bingo halls, professional sporting events, horse and auto racing, and concert halls will continue to be limited to vaccinated individuals; however, all these facilities may now open to 100 per cent capacity; • indoor and outdoor sports and recreation will fully reopen with limits only on spectator capacity; • overnight camps will be permitted with limits on camper cohorts; • workplaces must continue to report cases to government for follow-up and public healthconfirmed transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace may result in workplaces being ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days; and • remote working will no longer be required or recommended by public health and workplaces

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Public Health Order Changes To Come Into Effect August 7 will be encouraged to transition from COVID-19 safety plans to a general communicable disease prevention plan that focuses on basic riskreduction principles to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses. Due to the ongoing presence of COVID-19 in Manitoba and elsewhere, and the extra risk posed by the more contagious delta variant, provincial public health officials strongly recommend the following: • wearing masks in indoor public spaces for everyone who is not fully immunized including children under 12; and • maintaining physical distancing of two metres (six feet) in indoor settings. “Unless you are fully immunized, you are still at risk for more severe effects of COVID-19, such as requiring hospital care or even death,” said Roussin. “We are slowly but surely approaching a post-pandemic Manitoba, but this does not mean COVID-19 will disappear. We need to

remain cautious and vigilant in our efforts to stop the spread of this virus.” The new public health orders will go into effect at 12:01 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 7. The orders will expire at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 7, and will be reassessed at that time in the context of vaccination rates and the province’s overall COVID-19 situation. “We are very close to hitting that final milestone in our reopening path and reopening fully and completely,” said Pallister. “We need everyone on ‘Team Manitoba’ to for this final stretch. Get vaccinated – not once, but twice – and follow the public health orders and guidance designed to bend our COVID curve down, and keep it down.” For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/. Background information available on next four pages.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development has extended the closing date for the Ideas Board on EngageMB. If you have not done so already, please consider sharing your ideas and insights regarding the agri-food system. Closing date is August 12, 2021. Click on the graphic to participate.

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CHANGES TO PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS

The following changes come into effect on Saturday, Aug. 7 at 12:01 a.m.: Sectors Open Without Restrictions • indoor and outdoor gatherings at private residences • gyms and fitness centres • libraries • personal services, such as hair and nail salons • day camps • retail, markets, garden centres and malls Mask Use, Quarantine, Travel and Vaccine Status SelfUnvaccinated case contacts are required to complete a 14-day isolation self-isolation. (quarantine) Fully vaccinated and asymptomatic people exempt from quarantine. Domestic Unvaccinated domestic travellers entering Manitoba must selftravel isolate for 14 days. Domestic travellers are exempt from self-isolation if they are fully vaccinated and asymptomatic. Masks and Masks are strongly recommended in indoor public settings for Physical everyone who is not fully immunized including children under 12. Distancing At all times, a physical distance of two metres is recommended in indoor public places. Sector Indoor gatherings and organized events, such as weddings, funerals, banquets, receptions and selfhelp groups Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings

New Restrictions as of Aug. 7 Capacity limited to 50 people or 50 per cent of capacity, whichever is greater. Dance floors will remain closed and activities that encourage close gathering and mingling are not recommended.

150 participants or 50 per cent capacity, whichever is greater.

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-2Outdoor gatherings and organized events, such as weddings, funerals and receptions

Organized outdoor gatherings in public setting capacity limited to 1,500 people or 50 per cent of capacity, whichever is lesser. Dance floors will remain closed and activities that encourage close gathering and mingling are not recommended. Outdoor community, 1,500 people or 50 per cent of the capacity of a place, cultural and religious whichever is lesser. gatherings Drive-in services remain unrestricted. Restaurants, There will be no group limits for indoor and outdoor licensed premises dining, no capacity limits or separation requirements and food courts between tables and immunization cards will not be required to access services. However, guests must remain seated as much as possible and patrons should maintain two-metre distance whenever they are away from their table. Staff must ensure patrons do not congregate inside/ outside restaurants or licensed premises and there is to be no socializing between tables. Operating hours will no longer be restricted. Dance floors remain closed and sound levels must remain limited below 80-decibel levels. Casinos and bingo 100 per cent capacity for fully immunized people only. halls Unvaccinated children under 12 may attend (where appropriate) if accompanied by fully vaccinated household members. Museums, galleries 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue, regardless of and movie theatres vaccination status. Professional sports 100 per cent for fully immunized people, with a plan or outdoor approved by public health. performing arts Unvaccinated children under 12 may attend if events accompanied by fully vaccinated household members. Large outdoor Larger events with more than 1,500 people who are fully events immunized may be permitted with a plan approved by public health. Unvaccinated children under 12 may attend if accompanied by fully vaccinated household members. …3/

-3Horse and auto racing

Outdoor fairs/festivals/ spectator events Concert halls

Indoor sports and recreation (including dance, theatre and music schools)

Outdoor sports and recreation

Overnight camps

100 per cent for fully immunized people, with a plan approved by public health. Unvaccinated children under 12 may attend if accompanied by fully vaccinated household members. 1,500 people or 50 per cent of the capacity of the venue. Larger-capacity events permitted with a plan approved by public health. 100 per cent capacity for fully immunized individuals only. Unvaccinated children under 12 may attend if accompanied by fully vaccinated household members All indoor group activities permitted with no capacity limits on participants. This includes games, practices, competitions/ tournaments, day camps, rehearsals and recitals. Spectator capacity limits still apply – 50 per cent capacity. This includes other teams who are not active on the field of play (e.g.: at a tournament). Spectators should maintain a two-metre distance whenever reasonably possible. No capacity limits for participants. Includes games, practices, competitions/ tournaments, day camps, rehearsals and recitals. Spectator capacity limited to 50 per cent of the capacity of a place. This includes other teams who are not active on the field of play (ex: at a tournament) and spectators should maintain a two-metre distance whenever reasonably possible. Larger capacity events may be permitted up to 100 per cent with a plan approved by public health. Permitted with camper cohorts limited to 15 participants, no activities or co-mingling between cohorts and a plan approved by public health.

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-4Workplaces

Workplaces must continue to report cases to government for followup. Workplaces with public health confirmed transmission of COVID-19 in the workplace may be ordered to close for a minimum of 10 days. Closure may be restricted to certain teams or areas in larger workplaces and exceptions will be provided for critical workplaces (e.g.: courthouses, police stations, fire halls, health-care facilities, schools, shelters, public transportation and distribution hubs for necessary goods – food, medicines, etc.) Remote work is no longer required/recommended by public health and workplaces are encouraged to transition from COVID-19 safety plans to a general Communicable Disease Prevention Plan, focusing on basic risk reduction principles to reduce the risk of workplace transmission of COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses.

Manitoba Releases Safe Return To Schools Plan pandemic Manitoba and a closer return to normal life.”

(August 5, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government has released

its safe return plan for Kindergarten to Grade 12 students to classrooms on Sept. 7, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced. “We are pleased to have all students and staff returning to full-time in class learning, while continuing to follow recommended public health fundamentals,” said Cullen. “We know that students learn best in the classroom and the return to school plan will help to ensure schools stay open and adjust with additional measures, as needed, to address changes in local community or school situations.” Students and school staff will be expected to continue to follow the ”COVID-safe” basics, such as self-screening, hand hygiene and staying home when sick. Masks are recommended for all students, staff and visitors. Masks and personal protective equipment will be provided to schools. Public health officials will continue to monitor data and local conditions closely. All guidance will be reviewed before the start of the school year and on an ongoing basis. “After 18 months of facing the global impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic together, Manitoba is on the road to reopening, including schools with near normal operations,” said Cullen. “Children returning to full-time in-person learning is another example of a transition to a post-

While it is expected that COVID-19 infections will continue to occur in the community as well as in schools, COVID-19 cases and severe illness have declined significantly due to most people 12 years and older being vaccinated for COVID19, particularly parents and caregivers of school-aged children. When most people 12 years and older are immunized, exposures in schools are less likely to lead to further transmission. As a result, schools will be able to return to close to normal activities in September, with some health and safety measures still in place. Notification of cases in schools will continue and the public dashboard will resume in September. “I support this reopening school plan,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. “Studies show that children are less likely to transmit COVID-19 while at home, in school or in community settings, and they are at lower risk of severe illness from COVID-19. There are significant benefits to their learning and overall well-being from the in-person interaction and extracurricular activities they get at school. The strong determination of Manitobans has helped limit the spread of the virus. This has resulted in a reduction in overall case numbers, community transmission and test positivity rates. The strain on our health care system continues to decline as vaccination rates continue to increase.” The 2021-22 school year will focus on addressing the mental health and well-being of students and the education workforce, ensuring supports for students with special needs, as well as addressing the learning impacts from the pandemic.

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Manitoba Releases Safe Return To Schools Plan As part of the province’s plan to ensure the health and wellness of students, a renewed focus on immunizations for school-aged youth will also launch this fall. Currently, about twothirds of those aged 12 to 17 have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine and about 52 per cent have received both doses. Immunization teams will attend all schools with students aged 12 to 17 to provide first and second doses, beginning in areas with lower vaccine uptake, to help reduce potential barriers to immunization. Planning is also underway for a school-based campaign for children aged five to 11, once the COVID-19 vaccines are approved for use. School-based clinics will be one of many options available to students and their parents to get a COVID-19 vaccination. Vaccine appointments, community based pop-ups, medical clinics and pharmacies will continue to be options into the school year. Public health and education officials are also putting plans in place to ensure young people can catch up on important immunizations that may have been delayed due to the pandemic, such as HPV, hepatitis B, meningococcal disease and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis. Additional details will be shared with parents, students and school communities as soon as possible. Public health officials are also recommending changes to cohort sizes for child care facilities. Cohort sizes will increase from 30 to 48 children, plus staff. In addition, physical distancing within a cohort is no longer required, however it is strongly recommended that the same staff work exclusively with the same cohort. Sharing staff across cohorts should be avoided to the greatest extent possible. A revised Coronavirus (COVID-19) Early Learning and Child Care Practice Guidance document

with technical information will be distributed within the next few weeks to reflect the new public health directives. Schools will use student assessments to further understand and address the impacts of COVID19 on learning and plans to hold stakeholder engagements to develop supports to improve the mental health and well-being of students and staff. This will build on $2.5 million in student mental health investments made last year, over and above the allocations to school divisions. Another $58 million is dedicated to supporting Safe Schools, including a $5 million fund that has been provided to school divisions over the summer and at the start of the year to assess and address learning impacts because of the pandemic. Funds dedicated to helping and protecting students include: • $40 million for additional staffing, learning and technology, and health and safety; • $6 million for masks and personal protective equipment; • $5 million for the Kindergarten to Grade 8 Remote Learning Support Centre for students who are immunocompromised; and • $2 million in contingency funding. Manitoba’s reopening plan set key milestones so that by Labour Day, all services, facilities, and businesses will reopen with limited restrictions in some cases. Further information on vaccination rates will be made available through public health officials. The provincial plan for reopening schools and ensuring a safe and healthy environment for all students and staff is available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/schools/.

Fire Bulletin #21

(August 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises

that although there have been some recent improvements in weather conditions in parts of Manitoba, the fire danger levels remain high and some increased restrictions are required. These changes to fire and travel restrictions are being implemented, effective immediately. Outdoor Burning All provincial burning permits remain cancelled provincewide and new permits will not be issued until conditions improve. Area 4 remains at level 4 fire and travel restrictions, which essentially means the area is closed and a full travel ban is in effect. Area 4 covers the large area north of the Wanipigow River, east of Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border, including Atikaki Provincial Park, and north to Poplar River. Level 4 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Remain in Area 4 • No access permitted. Travel ban in effect. • No access to cottages. • Permanent residents must be ready to leave on an hour’s notice. • Campfires are not permitted. Level 2 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Remain in Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11. Areas 12, 13 and 14 are increased to level 2 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited

unless under the authority of a travel permit. • Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Wayside parks remain open. • Landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only. • Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations and should contact their local Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information. Level 1 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Remain in Areas 15 and 16 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless otherwise approved by a travel permit. Fireworks and Sky Lanterns • Prohibited in provincial parks at all times. • A Provincial Fireworks Authorization is required to use fireworks or sky lanterns within fire and travel restriction areas. • Any existing authorizations are cancelled and no authorizations will be issued under the current restrictions. The Province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map will be updated to reflect these updated restrictions. Please confirm your area’s restrictions before heading outdoors at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.h tml. Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions. Check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at continued on next page

Fire Bulletin #21 www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.ht ml. The province does not issue burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where municipal burning restrictions are already in place. Wildfires across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwest Ontario will continue to bring smoke into all parts of the province until conditions improve. This will be dependent on wind direction. Air quality reports are available on the Government of Canada website at

https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/mbaq001_e.html. For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

Auditor General Releases Limited Scope Examination Stemming From Citizen Concerns re: Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program (August 6, 2021 Auditor General Manitoba News Release) – Manitoba Auditor General Tyson

Shtykalo released a volume of 3 limited scope examinations which stem from stakeholder concerns received through his office’s citizen concerns line. Note: One of these dealt with the Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program and the following information is specific to that piece of the report.

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The Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program examination looked at the administration of the Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program. The program is intended to provide financial relief to landowners who have experienced artificial floodrelated damages caused by the operation of the Shellmouth Dam on the Assiniboine River.

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The examination determined that compensation was not provided to landowners in a timely fashion. “Some waited over 3,000 days from the time of flooding to receive compensation,” Shtykalo said. “This is not acceptable.”

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The report also notes officials did not always inspect flood damage, claims files were missing information, and there was a lack of communication with those affected by the flooding. The report includes five recommendations to improve the compensation processes.

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Note: The 5 recommendations were as follows: • We recommend the Department of Infrastructure review existing policies and practices to determine what skills and experience level is required to perform inspections and claim evaluations. The

results of the review should be documented. We recommend the Department place time limits on all key parts of the process including: artificial flood report to be completed and released; applicants to receive a decision letter on their Intent to Claim Form; inspections to be completed to satisfy the prompt inspection requirement; and for cheques to be issued if warranted. We recommend Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) produce program guidelines which clearly state what inspectors should be required to document. If physical inspections are required, the files should contain the date inspections took place, if the complainant was present and the nature of the damage. We recommend EMO produce guidelines which clearly state what must be included in their files. This may include plans, surveys, schematics, photographs, videos, original invoices, descriptions/log books, etc. We recommend that EMO produce and follow a communication strategy to ensure key stakeholders are aware of the Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program and how it operates. This should include what eligibility criteria is and what must be submitted to EMO. The communication strategy may include a website, a frequently asked question section, strategic use of media, directly contacting potential claimants, etc.

To see the report in its entirety go to: http://www.oag.mb.ca/audit-reports/

Province to Implement Recommendations of Office of the Auditor General re: the Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program (August 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government has accepted all, and implemented many, of the recommendations of the Office of the Auditor General (OAG) report on the 2011, 2012 and 2014 Shellmouth Dam Compensation Programs, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced. “Under The Water Resources Administration Act, the provincial government provided compensation to landowners for damages caused by artificial flooding resulting from the operation of the Shellmouth Dam,” said Schuler. “We recognize the importance of proper and timely administration of the programs that we deliver to Manitobans.” The minister noted the province is committed to reviewing The Water Resources Administration Act and associated regulations to determine if amendments are required for prompt inspection, administration and payments of claims. The province will address findings of the OAG report, including: • Program delays in issuing the Artificial Flood Report, in hiring adjusting companies with required expertise, in prompt inspections and the appeal process. The province will review this process in 2021/22, and will consider the damages and impacts caused by artificial flooding, including the type of expertise required, such as agricultural, to assess impacts. Regulatory changes will be undertaken if required.

• The province will also develop timelines to ensure the compensation program is accelerated, monitored and tracked for performance. New program guidelines will state what inspectors should be required to document. The OAG also recommended improved communications regarding program information to potential claimants and appeal information for landowners. “Manitoba Infrastructure is committed to improving the delivery of the Shellmouth Dam Compensation Program and communicating with our stakeholders to ensure that they are aware of the program scope, the compensation that may be provided, and the documentation that will best support claims,” added Schuler. “Many of the recommendations in this report have already been implemented by the Emergency Measures Organization for other flooding events, like 2019 Fall Red River Floodway Compensation Program.” The Shellmouth Dam is located at the southern point of the Lake of the Prairies reservoir and is approximately 325 kilometres north-west of Brandon. The compensation program was established for landowners and renters affected by artificial flooding from the operation of the dam and reservoir in the Assiniboine River Valley downstream of the dam. Compensation is made available when artificial flooding causes property damage and economic losses.

Applications Being Accepted for Water Source Development for Farms and Ranches (June 8, 2021 Joint News Release) The

governments of Canada and Manitoba are advising that livestock producers who have been affected by dry conditions on pasture in Manitoba can apply for funding to support water source development under Ag Action Manitoba. Funding is provided through the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas beneficial management practice (BMP) under Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance. Eligible items include: • water source development – constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts; • solar, wind or grid-powered alternative watering systems; • permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts; and • permanent pipeline development. Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance: Beneficial Management Practices provides targeted incentive programs to agricultural producers and select industry service providers to advance the adoption of BMPs. These practices reduce identified environmental risks, improve agroecosystem resilience, build public trust and improve environmental sustainability of farm operations in Manitoba. Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1 are eligible. Projects will

need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until Sept. 1. Applications can include retroactive expenses incurred as of April 1. Upon project completion, applicants must submit proof of a valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) with their claim (see www.ManitobaEFP.ca for more info). The Ag Action Manitoba Program is funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership— a five-year (2018-2023), $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-food and agri-products sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. Producers can contact their local Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office, call the department toll-free at 1-84-GROWMB-AG (1-844-769-6224) for more information on any of these programs and services, or go to www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture under Quick Links.

FAQ continued on next two pages

Frequently Asked Questions BMP: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas (503) Q1. When is the deadline to apply? A: Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm Wednesday, September 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted continuously up to that date and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. They will be assessed by technical reviewers based on the environmental benefit assessment index, program priorities and project planning.

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall? A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout? A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environme nt/events-and-deadlines/index.html Note: Workshops are currently available through November 2021.

Cleanfarms Releases Findings of Benchmark Research Detailing On-Farm Generation of Agricultural Plastics that complement both established and high performing recycling programs and the ongoing commitment in the farming community to do even more.” The research was funded in part by Environment and Climate Change Canada.

Plastic bale wrap is used to store livestock feed such as silage until it is needed. In the Cleanfarms pilot program this used ag plastic now can be collected for recycling. – Cleanfarms photo

ETOBICOKE, ON (August 3, 2021) – In an 18-month research project to identify the types and amount of plastic packaging and products used in the agricultural sector across Canada, Cleanfarms has released a first-ever national benchmark report that documents how much of these plastic materials are generated by sector and by region across the country.

The report, Agricultural Plastic Characterization and Management on Canadian Farms, has been posted to cleanfarms.ca This research provides in depth figures that will help guide the ag sector as it explores how agricultural plastics packaging and products can contribute to Canada’s emerging circular economy. “This data is available at an important time. There is considerable activity at the global level aimed at changing the ways that plastics are managed,” said Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen. “Closer to home, we can now measure our progress just as new initiatives are put in place

As Canada’s only agricultural industry stewardship organization, Cleanfarms actively contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future for Canadian agriculture by developing and operating programs across Canada specifically for farmers to help them manage plastic materials when they are no longer useful. Cleanfarms currently operates a Canada-wide program that recovers empty 23L and smaller pesticide and fertilizer containers. The program has been in operation for 30 years. In 2020, 76% of the empty containers were recovered for recycling. One of Cleanfarms’ newer programs that helps Saskatchewan farmers recycle grain bags has seen collection volumes increase substantially since this program was first offered. In 2018 Cleanfarms recovered 1,257 tonnes or grain bags. In 2020, Saskatchewan farmers doubled this, returning 2,536 tonnes of grain bags for recycling. “Ag plastics like grain bags, bale and silage plastics and containers are central to modern agriculture. They allow for efficient storage and delivery of product on farm,” Friesen noted. “Our high recovery rate for container recycling, combined with substantial increases in grain bag volumes over a short timeframe demonstrate that farmers want to recycle. It is up to organizations like Cleanfarms to ensure that convenient, customized programs that respond to their needs are made available.” continued on next page

Cleanfarms Releases Findings of Benchmark Research Detailing On-Farm Generation of Agricultural Plastics The research estimates that Canadian farmers use nearly 62,000 tonnes of ag plastic products and packaging annually. More than half of that, about 53%, is generated in the Prairie provinces; Ontario and Quebec combined generate another 37%; BC accounts for about 7%, and the Maritimes produce the remainder at 3%.

Different commodities and farming practices impact the types and amounts of ag plastics in use. Field crop production, which includes grain and oilseeds and growing hay and fodder for livestock account for 59% of the total amount generated annually in the form of grain bags, silage wrap, bale wrap, baler wrap and bunker covers. Vegetable production, whether in field or in greenhouses accounts for another 10% of the annual total and include items such as propagation trays and greenhouse films. Plastic usage in other sectors and by province is detailed in the report. “Cleanfarms currently collects about 6,000 tonnes of ag plastics annually through its existing programming. This figure is up from about 2,000 tonnes in 2015,” Friesen noted. “With support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program, Cleanfarms is launching six pilot projects that are designed to help recover a greater portion of essential, high volume ag plastics. We anticipate we’ll see the recovery numbers climb year over year,” Friesen said.

Research Study Recommendations In the report, Cleanfarms noted that a national, multi-phased strategy is needed to enable industry to divert more plastics that can be recirculated in the Canadian economy, including: 

Increased outreach to inform farmers of the opportunities to use existing programs designed for them

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Develop best management practices through pilot projects to establish appropriate preparation procedures to ensure the plastics collected are recyclable, and to transition pilot projects to permanent programs

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Develop technologies that improve the quality of collected materials before they are delivered to end markets

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Develop and allow processes that incorporate used ag plastics in the manufacture of new products

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Provide support, as appropriate, to the development of extended producer responsibility policies to ensure a stable funding source to cover recycling programs and costs long term

“The fact that long-standing plastics management programs have been set up and operated voluntarily by the ag industry in Canada is a testament to how far this sector is ahead of the curve,” Friesen said, “Our efforts will continue to focus on expanding recycling in the ag sector to help farmers achieve their sustainability goals.” Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, fertilizer, seed, animal health medication, bale wrap and grain bag industries. It has staff located in Lethbridge, Alberta; Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

E-Newsletter 2021 drought-stressed crop dsfsfa grazing can be toxic … Nitrates! An update from MBP July 30, 2021

mbbeef.ca

By: Ray Bittner, Livestock Predation Lead

With the extreme dryness experienced by many Manitoba farmers in 2021 there is a temptation to cut costs and utilize drought-damaged crops by grazing. While grazing is the cheapest form of harvest, caution should be taken before releasing the cows. Annual crops and certain weeds which have wilted or started drying off above ground can have devastating levels of nitrates in the stem which will be ingested by grazing cows.

lethal because the stomach bacteria don’t grow accustomed to the higher levels of nitrates. Generally less than 0.5% N03 nitrate is considered safe or usable, but with drought damaged crop levels of 3.0 and greater have been detected this year. Harvesting as dry hay or silage and strategically feeding in winter time as a small part of the animal’s ration might be the only way to save this valuable feed, and using it in a prudent safe way.

Nitrates in crops cause blood to carry less oxygen and can vary from droopy and weak cows to dead cows. It all depends on the level of nitrates consumed and the total amount of nitrates consumed.

Most years nitrates due to dryness is not a problem but 2021 dryness is indeed causing some of these high levels so you should test your nitrate levels prior to grazing or harvest.

Where the greatest problem arises is with beef cows which are hungry and are allowed access to a crop field. The crop field may be stunted and the plants small, but it is an absolute all-you-can-eat buffet for the first hours and days. That influx of feed and accordingly nitrates can be

For more information you can find a factsheet at the following location: https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/livestock/beef/nitratepoisoning.html

See pages 3-9

DROUGHT INFORMATION

RESOURCES &

For reliable information and resources please visit:

McDonald's Meets Customers in a Suddenly Digital World - QSR Magazine Tightening up the digital safety network on the farm - Manitoba Co-operator

Information for Producers Affected by the Drought Conditions Last updated July 30, 2021 Manitoba Beef Producers has compiled the following information which may be useful to producers facing extreme dryness and drought conditions on their farms and ranches. MBP continues to engage in discussions with the provincial and federal governments about measures needed to assist producers in dealing with these serious challenges.

Resources for Sourcing Feed or Pastures Farmers and producers have several options when it comes to listing available hay and straw, and for buying hay, straw and alternative feeds. By no means is this list exhaustive and we encourage you to share other avenues for listing and buying with Manitoba Beef Producers, so that we can share them with our members. Manitoba Government Hay Listing Service The Manitoba Hay Listing Service provides an inventory of hay and alternative feed for sale and pasture for rent. If you have hay, alternative feed, or pasture land for sale or rent contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre to have your listing added. Social Media/Buy and Sell Sites There are a number of social media and buy/sell sites that provide hay, straw and alternative feed sourcing options: Kijiji Manitoba eBrandon Classifieds Manitoba Hay & Feed for Buy/Sell Hay / Feed For Sale in Saskatchewan, Alberta & Manitoba Internet Hay Exchange Other social media avenues including Twitter also feature hay for sale across the province, however that exchange needs to occur on a user to user basis. MFGA Hay Relief Website Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association has a hay relief page. See https://www.mfga.net/hay-relief

Manitoba Agriculture Resources for Producers Affected by Dry Conditions Manitoba Agriculture’s Livestock page also has several tools and resources for dry conditions. It covers topics such as: early weaning of calves during periods of drought; the economics of creep feeding beef calves on pasture; stretching feed when supplies are tight; alternative feeds for beef cattle; straw as an alternative roughage source for wintering beef cows; and feed testing, among others.

See: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/index.html Dry Conditions and Livestock • Harvesting Annual Crops for Greenfeed or Silage • Forages - Considerations & Planning for Dry Conditions on Pasture (Beef & Forage bulletin) • Annual Forages for Greenfeed, Silage & Fall Grazing (Croptalk May 5, 2021) • Annual Crops an Excellent Way to Increase Feeding Flexibility • Managing Nitrate Contaminated Feeds • Rotational Grazing • Improving Forage Establishment • Managing Spring Grazing • Dugout Management and Water Quality • Pasture Watering Systems • Providing Water on Pasture • Spring Grazing • Planned Grazing - Video • Planned Grazing - (Stocktalk, March 18, 2021) • Managing your Pastures and Rangeland during Dry Conditions • Drought Management Strategies (BCRC) • Summer Seeding For Forages (OMAFRA) • Beware of toxic plants in pastures (Canadian Cattlemen. The Beef Magazine Dec 5, 2018) Putting Crops to Alternate Use (MASC) • The current hot and dry conditions are a major challenge for grain and cattle producers in Manitoba. One option is to convert annual crops to livestock feed. The AgriInsurance program provides flexibility for producers to put their crop to alternate use during the growing season. Alternate use means a change to the use of a crop from what was originally intended when planting in the spring. For example, if a producer indicated on their Seeded Acreage Report that they were growing oats for grain but choose to cut it for greenfeed instead, this would be considered alternate use. If producers are considering putting a crop to alternate use (i.e. silage, greenfeed, grazing) for their own use or someone else's, contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre for more information. • Alternative Crop Use Notice (Frequently Asked Questions) Farm Management • Farm management resources are available to help in determining the value of straw or a crop harvested as silage or greenfeed. Decision making tools can also assist livestock producers in weighing their options in managing a forage shortfall. • Cost of Production guides are available for different grain and silage crops. • The Straw Cost Calculator can help determine the NPK dollar value of the straw as a crop fertilizer. • The Forage Purchase Calculator provides a method of comparing the pricing for baled forages and piled silage. This calculator takes into account different moistures and adding in the cost of freight to see what feed purchase is more economical after freight is factored in. • The Managing Low Forage Supplies Calculator estimates the forage needed for the herd based on animal category and weight, and identifies the shortfall. It identifies 8 different potential rations to fill the shortfall on a least cost basis that help decide the economics of buying greenfeed compared to hay, straw, and other alternatives.

Contracts and Leases The resources below provide a starting point for farmers as they develop agreements for use in their businesses. The samples are intended for general information purposes only. Please seek legal advice when entering into agreements. Sample agreements • Cash Lease Agreement PDF (184 KB) or MS Word (127 KB) • Crop Share Lease Agreement PDF (251 KB) or MS Word (132 KB) • Cow-Calf Share Lease Agreement PDF (223 KB) or MS Word (119 KB) • Custom Cattle Feeding Agreement PDF (208 KB) or MS Word (122 KB) • Custom Pasture Agreement PDF (200 KB) or MS Word (114 KB) • Flexible Cash Lease Agreement PDF (193 KB) or MS Word (135 KB) • Pasture Cash Lease Agreement PDF (179 KB) or MS Word (130 KB)

Water-Related Resources BMP 503 and Water Source Development Cost-shared funding is provided through the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas beneficial management practice (BMP 503) under the Ag Action Manitoba Program with respect to water source development. Eligible items include: • water source development – constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts; • solar, wind or grid-powered alternative watering systems; • permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts; and • permanent pipeline development. Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1 are eligible. Projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria. Applications will be accepted until 11:59 p.m. CST on September 1, 2021. Applications can include retroactive expenses incurred as of April 1. Upon project completion, applicants must submit proof of a valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) with their claim (see www.ManitobaEFP.ca for more info). For more information on how to apply for cost-shared funding related to BMP 503 go to: https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/environment/environmental-farm-plan/assurance-bmp.html Groundwater Groundwater Conditions for a Potential Well: Livestock producers can contact the Water Branch for information and advice on their current well and what the expectations might be if constructing a new well to supply their pasture. Email your contact information and the legal land location of the planned well to Expected Groundwater Conditions. Feedback provided may include aquifer depths, potential pumping rate range, and if available the water quality in the area. A listing of Licensed Well Drilling Contractors is also available. Private Water System Bacteriological Subsidy Program The Province of Manitoba offers private water system owners a once-a year subsidy for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) analysis of their drinking water through Horizon Lab. If the first sample result indicates the presence of bacteria, homeowners will receive a coupon from the lab for one resample free of charge.

Effective April 1st, 2021, the total price to homeowners for the once-a year subsidized sample is $22.31 (tax included). For information regarding sample bottle pick up, sample submission requirements, and payment options, please contact Horizon Lab directly. Horizon Lab LTD 4055 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3K 2E8 Phone: 204-488-2035 Fax: 204-488-4772 www.horizonlab.ca Provincial water well fact sheets and educational videos on well testing, well disinfection, and how to reduce well water contamination are available at https://www.manitoba.ca/sd/water/drinking-water/ . If you have any further questions, please contact the Office of Drinking Water: 204-945-5762.

Beef Cattle Research Council Resources Related to Drought Management The Beef Cattle Research Council has two sites with information related to drought conditions. See: http://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/drought2021/ http://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/resources-for-drought-management/ Recurring drought is a natural part of the climate in many areas of Canada and creates a challenge when managing grazing and forage resources. Although droughts are often unpredictable, they are inevitable, meaning they are often at the back of every producer’s mind. Long-term farm and ranch management must include planning for and consideration of how drought will affect the entire system – including plants, livestock and water sources. Eight tips for drought management ▪ When managing through a drought, consider combining groups of animals to encourage grazing of less desirable plants and grazing pastures with species that are more tolerant of increased grazing pressure. It is important to monitor for toxic or poisonous plants, which are more likely to be grazed during dry years. ▪ Sources of water for grazing animals can quickly become limited or unavailable during drought periods. It is recommended that any pastures that could possibly run out of water be grazed first. In some cases, it may become necessary to use a portable stock water supply in order to continue grazing a forage source where water has become limited. ▪ Producers should consider pumping water from the source to a trough to help extend water supplies, maintain water quality and prevent cattle from getting stuck in watering sites that are drying up. ▪ Stock water quality can deteriorate rapidly. Even if water quantity appears adequate, poor water quality can quickly cause health and production problems and even death. Test stock water sources frequently when animals are grazing. ▪ Extended rest periods and increased recovery times are necessary to protect plants during dry periods.

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Consider planting annual crops, supplementing pastures with alternate feeds, or creep feeding, to help extend grazing resources. Feed testing is an important consideration during dry conditions. Drought management strategies should be a permanent part of every grazing plan. The benefits of rotational grazing and managing pastures to retain litter (plant residue) are especially evident during drought. Drought plans should identify the order of groups or classes of livestock to be de-stocked, if necessary, and at what point each group will be moved if the drought persists.

The following are some current drought management resources available for beef producers. ▪ Drought Management Strategies (Beef Cattle Research Council web page) ▪ Drought Management Strategies (Beef Cattle Research Council blog post) ▪ Dealing with Drought: Key Facts for Beef Producers (Beef Cattle Research Council factsheet) ▪ Heat Stress in Beef Cattle (Alberta Farm Animal Care) ▪ Canadian Drought Monitor (Government of Canada web page) ▪ Conserving Pasture Production During Dry Conditions (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs web page) ▪ Fall Pasture Fertility Management After A Dry Summer (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs article) ▪ What’s In Your Water? Water Quality and the Economics of Pump Systems (Beef Cattle Research Council webinar recording) ▪ Alternative Feeds (Beef Cattle Research Council web page) ▪ Managing Forage in a Dry Year (Canadian Cattlemen Magazine article) ▪ Feed Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle (Beef Cattle Research Council web page) ▪ How to Manage for Drought with Grazing (Foothills Forage and Grazing Association video) ▪ Stretching Feed Supplies (Beef Cattle Research Council blog post) ▪ Is Creep Feeding an Answer to Your Pasture Woes? (Beef Cattle Research Council blog post)

Livestock Tax Deferral Provision (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Information) The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows farmers who sell part of their breeding herd due to drought or flooding in prescribed drought or flood regions to defer a portion of sale proceeds to the following year. The initial list of prescribed regions in relation to the 2021 drought has been announced, including 102 of these in Manitoba. See the complete list at: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agriculture-and-environment/drought-watch-and-agroclimate/livestock-taxdeferral-provision/2021-list-prescribed-regions How the provision works To defer income, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15%. • Where the breeding herd has been reduced by at least 15%, but less than 30%, 30% of income from net sales can be deferred. • Where the breeding herd has been reduced by 30% or more, 90% of income from net sales can be deferred. In a year in which a region has been prescribed, income from livestock sales are deferred to the next tax year when the income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, thus reducing the

potential tax burden. In the case of consecutive years of drought or excess moisture and flood conditions, producers may defer sales income to the first year in which the region is no longer prescribed. For questions related to calculating and/or reporting income deferral for Prescribed Drought/Flood Regions for income tax purposes, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or consult the CRA publication T4002 Self-employed Business, Professional, Commission, Farming, and Fishing Income, Chapter 2 Income. The Livestock Tax Deferral information is detailed in Line 9470 – Livestock and animal products revenue.

Miscellaneous Resources Manitoba Agriculture Crop Reports The Crop Report provides information on progress of seeding and crop establishment, crop development, any pest activity including weeds, insects and disease, harvest progress, crop yields and grades, fall field work progress, and status of winter cereal crop seeding and establishment. In addition, it provides information on haying progress and estimated yields, as well as pasture conditions. Go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/crop-report-archive/index.html Manitoba Drought Monitor The Manitoba Drought Monitor highlights the various drought management efforts currently underway in Manitoba. This includes monthly Water Availability and Drought Conditions Reports that use drought indicators to classify the level of dryness and to summarize any drought impacts that are occurring. Canadian Drought Monitor The Canadian Drought Monitor (CDM) is Canada's official source for the monitoring and reporting of drought in Canada. From this page you can access a variety of products and information about current drought conditions across the country. See: https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agriculture-and-the-environment/droughtwatch/canadian-drought-monitor/?id=1463575104513 Agroclimate Impact Reporter Program The Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) helps to connect Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with people in Canada's agricultural community. AAFC relies on its network of AIR volunteers to provide information regarding agroclimate impacts across the country, such as the effects of dry conditions/droughts on production. Manitoba Beef Producers notes that cattle producer input to this network is important. The AIR network provides valuable and reliable data that are mapped and used in the assessment and development of policies and programs including AgriRecovery and the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision, which can provide assistance to the industry during extreme weather and climate conditions and events. The AIR survey is open during the last week of the month over the growing season (April to October) and is intended to collect weather and climate impacts on farm operations across Canada over the previous month. Survey results are made into maps and published on the Drought Watch website the first week of every month during the growing season. To participate, visit: https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agriculture-and-the-environment/drought-watch/agroclimateimpact-reporter/?id=1463575416544

Mental Health Resources For information about the Manitoba Farm and Rural Support Services line go to: https://supportline.ca/ or call 1-866-367-3276 (line operates 24/7). Klinic Community Health has resources available. See: https://klinic.mb.ca/ FCC also provides resources at the following site: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/community/wellness.html

Manitoba’s Wildfire Service Manitoba Conservation and Climate Wildfire Service is responsible for the prevention, detection and suppression of wildfires. To report a Wildfire call 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free). The Wildfire Service’s website includes valuable information such as: • Fire & Travel Restrictions • Daily Situation Report • Current Fire Update Report • Interactive Map of Current Wildfires • Fire Danger Map For more information go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/index.html

PC: Povince of Manitoba

Fire Bulletin #19

(July 29, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that with some improvements in weather conditions in northern Manitoba, there will be a gradual lifting of some fire and travel restrictions. However, the south and central regions of the province still face high to extreme fire danger levels, therefore current restrictions will continue to apply. These changes to fire and travel restrictions are being implemented, effective Friday, July 30 at 8 a.m. Outdoor Burning All provincial burning permits remain cancelled provincewide and new permits will not be issued until conditions improve. Area 4 remains at level 4 fire and travel restrictions, which essentially means the area is closed, and a full travel ban is in effect. Area 4 covers the large area north of the Wanipigow River, east of Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border, including Atikaki Provincial Park, and north to Poplar River. Level 4 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Remain in Area 4 • No access permitted. Travel ban in effect. • No access to cottages. • Permanent residents must be ready to leave on an hour’s notice. • Campfires are not permitted. Level 2 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Remain in Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11

• Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit. • Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Wayside parks remain open. • Landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only. • Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations and should contact their local Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information. Level 1 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Remain for Area 15, while Areas 12, 13, 14 and 16 are reduced to level 1 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless otherwise approved by a travel permit. Additional Restrictions in Provincial Parks No campfires are permitted and all trails are closed in Grand Beach Provincial Park. The Canoe Landing Campground in Spruce Woods Provincial Park remains closed. In all other provincial parks, outside the restriction areas, campfires will be permitted between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. only. The Mantario Trail remains closed but Kwasitchewan Trail has been reopened. Restriction information for provincial parks is available at www.manitobaparks.com. Fireworks and Sky Lanterns Prohibited in provincial parks at all times. A Provincial Fireworks Authorization is required to use fireworks or sky lanterns within fire and continued on next page

Fire Bulletin #19 travel restriction areas. Any existing authorizations are cancelled and no authorizations will be issued under the current restrictions. The Province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map will be updated to reflect these updated restrictions. Confirm your area’s restrictions before heading outdoors at: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.html Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions. Check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.ht ml. The province does not issue burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality

where municipal burning restrictions are already in place. Wildfires across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwest Ontario will continue to bring smoke into all parts of the province until conditions improve. This will be dependent on wind direction. Air-quality reports are available on the Government of Canada website at https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/mbaq001_e.html. For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

This week Hamiota Feedlot, working in conjunction with the National Cattle Feeders Association (NCFA), hosted a tour with elected officials from the federal and provincial governments to discuss issues of importance to the cattle feeding sector. Larry Schweitzer and Audrey Kuik-Schweitzer touched upon a range of topics, including but not limited to: rural infrastructure needs; challenges in securing labour; ensuring that Canadian producers are competitive in the global marketplace context; and, the importance of fully leveraging potential trade opportunities for Canadian beef. Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) policy analyst Maureen Cousins also participated in the tour as MBP is a member of the NCFA. Kuik-Schweitzer is Manitoba’s representative to the NCFA on behalf of MBP. MBP extends its thanks to Hamiota Feedlot and the NCFA for arranging the tour and the discussions, as well as to the elected representatives for attending. L-r: Larry Maguire, Member of Parliament for Brandon-Souris; Len Isleifson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Brandon East; and, Dan Mazier, Member of Parliament for Dauphin-Swan River- Neepawa. Photo provided by Hamiota Feedlot.

BU researchers to survey ticks and mosquitoes for invasive pathogens

www.awpnow.com

Nile encephalitis. However, this study will look for other infectious pathogens transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks that have yet to be reported here.

(July 21, 2021 Brandon University News Release)

What’s in that bite? Researchers at Brandon University are sinking their teeth into research on mosquitoes and ticks thanks to nearly a quarter-million dollars in federal funding over a three-year period. Drs. Bernadette Ardelli and Bryan Cassone have begun conducting a survey of mosquitoes and ticks across the Canadian Prairies, with an eye towards spotting pathogens in these disease vectors — possibly for the first time. “We just don’t know everything that might be out there,” said Dr. Ardelli, who is Dean of Science at BU. “It is critical that we open our eyes to existing or future risk — some of what we are screening for can be pretty scary. We believe many of these pathogens are already present in Manitoba, and that human cases may have gone unreported or are misdiagnosed.” The province already screens for pathogens that are known to cause disease in Manitoba — for example those that cause Lyme disease or West

“In Manitoba there is no active surveillance for several human pathogens capable of being transmitted by our local mosquitoes and ticks. Many of these are serious public health concerns and found in bordering states and provinces,” said Dr. Cassone. Those include Rocky Mountain spotted fever, tularemia and the California serogroup and Cache Valley viruses. “Climate change is already increasing the range of infectious diseases, and we must begin preparing for diseases that we haven’t traditionally experienced here,” he added.

“Prevention is our first line of defense, but it requires timely detection. This research will begin to show us where we should focus our efforts.” The $240,450 in funding comes from the Public Health Agency of Canada’s Infectious Disease and Climate Change Fund. While the research will benefit everyone, it will be especially helpful for those who are immunocompromised (chemotherapy patients, for example) or those who live in areas where the pathogens are detected. As the research gets underway, informational events are also planned, to help share knowledge about the risk of infectious diseases as well as recommended disease prevention strategies.

Canada invests $25 million to protect wetlands and grasslands in the Prairies restore carbon stocks by conserving, restoring, and enhancing management of Prairie grasslands and wetlands; and

PC: Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

•

(July 23, 2021 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) As the world faces the

twin threats of climate change and rapid biodiversity loss, protecting more nature across Canada supports iconic biodiversity and helps fight climate change by storing carbon and making our communities more resilient to its impacts. The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, on behalf of the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced more than $25 million in funding to conserve, restore, and enhance critical wetlands and grasslands in the Prairie provinces: •

•

Ducks Unlimited Canada will receive up to $19.28 million over three years for projects to conserve and restore wetland and grassland habitats in the Prairies, including the restoration of croplands to grasslands. These lands will capture and store carbon, while providing a range of other ecological benefits. Nature Conservancy of Canada will receive up to $4.05 million over three years for projects to retain and

Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation will receive up to $2.4 million over three years for projects to conserve, restore, and enhance management of threatened grasslands and wetlands in order to store carbon while providing a range of other benefits for local communities in the agricultural zone of southwestern

Manitoba, including improving water quality and supporting wildlife habitat. These initiatives are among fourteen projects to receive funding from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund in 2021–2022. Collectively, they are projected to conserve up to 30,000 hectares; restore up to 6,000 hectares; and contribute to the enhanced management of up to 18,000 hectares of wetlands, grasslands, and riparian areas. The announcement supports Canada’s goal to protect 25 percent of lands and 25 percent of oceans by 2025. Embracing the power of nature to support healthier families and more resilient communities is one of the five pillars of Canada’s strengthened climate plan. Quotes “Western Canadians know that climate change is here. They also know that in order to fight climate change and adapt to its impacts, we must embrace the power of nature. Protecting more wetlands and grasslands across the Prairies will make our communities more resilient, capture and store carbon, and support our iconic biodiversity.”

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Canada invests $25 million to protect wetlands and grasslands in the Prairies – The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Environment and Climate Change “The current extreme weather conditions and fires throughout Canada are one of the impacts of the changing climate. As our wetlands and grasslands are important components of the farming ecosystem, the work done through these Nature Smart Climate Solutions investments, as well as our Agricultural Climate Solutions projects, will sequester carbon and help ensure a healthier and more sustainable future for our land and waterways, as well as for the farmers who rely on them to feed Canadians.” – The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “Ducks Unlimited Canada is pleased to partner with Environment and Climate Change Canada to deliver Nature Smart Climate Solutions here on the Prairies and right across the country. For over eighty years, our science-based habitat work has engaged agricultural producers, private landowners, and governments to deliver conservation solutions that help mitigate climate change impacts and deliver a host of other ecological benefits that provide significant economic returns to all Canadians. We look forward to scaling up the benefits of the available programs to more producers and to other landowners, resulting in greater biodiversity on a landscape that will be better able to offset and withstand the impacts of a changing climate.”

landowners, and its landscapes. It will have lasting benefits for wildlife and people alike. The investment comes at an important transition time for our organization, as we recently became a registered charity. These new funds will allow us to perfectly meld our traditional wildlife conservation mandate with climate change mitigation through nature-smart solutions.” – Stephen Carlyle, Chief Operating Officer of Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corp. “The Nature Conservancy of Canada is very grateful for the opportunity presented by the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund. These funds will support the protection and restoration of habitat in natural ecosystems across the Prairies. We are pleased to do more to buffer communities from the impacts of climate change and protect Canada’s natural areas for future generations.” – Kevin Teneycke, Manitoba Region VicePresident, Nature Conservancy of Canada Quick facts •

Nature-based solutions are defined by the World Conservation Union as “actions to protect, sustainably manage, and restore natural or modified ecosystems that address societal challenges.”

•

Over the next ten years (2021–2031), the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund will support projects to restore, enhance, and conserve inland and coastal wetlands, peatlands, grasslands, and forests to capture and store carbon.

•

These ecosystems are also critically important habitat for Canada’s wildlife,

– Karla Guyn, Chief Executive Officer, Ducks Unlimited Canada “Our team at the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation is very excited about the new opportunities these funds provide. This is a significant investment in Manitoba, its

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Canada invests $25 million to protect wetlands and grasslands in the Prairies including migratory birds and species at risk. •

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The Government of Canada is investing $4 billion over the next ten years (2021–2031) in the Natural Climate Solutions Fund, which supports activities to build a more resilient economy and a healthier, greener future. Activities include: o

2 Billion Trees Commitment, led by Natural Resources Canada ($3.19 billion);

Nature Smart Climate Solutions, led by Environment and Climate Change Canada ($631 million); and

Agricultural Climate Solutions, led by Agriculture and AgriFood Canada ($185 million).

The Agricultural Climate Solutions program aims to establish a strong, Canada-wide network of regional collaborations led by farmers and including scientists and other sectoral stakeholders. Together, they will develop and share management practices, and deploy solutions that are tailored to their region, store carbon, and mitigate climate change. This work will also help protect biodiversity, improve water and soil quality, and strengthen farmers’ bottom lines.

Associated links •

Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund

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Natural Climate Solutions Fund

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2 Billion Trees Commitment

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Canada’s strengthened climate plan

PC: City of Winnipeg

Canada and Manitoba invest $76.6 million in 17 projects to improve municipal transportation infrastructure

(July 26, 2021 Infrastructure Canada News Release)

Investments in local infrastructure by the governments of Canada and Manitoba during this unprecedented time will help stimulate the economy and address the needs of all communities, including rural and remote communities, as they recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. Investments to improve roads, bridges, and other transportation infrastructure will create jobs, improve road safety, and ensure long-term sustainable infrastructure while building strong and well-connected communities. The Honourable Daniel Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs on behalf of the Honourable Maryam Monsef, Minister for Rural Economic Development, and the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services, announced more than $76.6 million in joint federal-provincial funding for 17 projects to improve municipal transportation infrastructure in Manitoba. The funding will go toward various projects such as road renewals and upgrades, bridge replacements, airport runway rehabilitation, and flood prevention infrastructure. In Thompson, $20 million in federal funding and

$13.3 million in provincial funding will help renew approximately 20 km of deteriorating road infrastructure. Several other projects will see roads upgraded and resurfaced across the province, including in Portage la Prairie, Nelson House, Koostatak, and Rhineland. A bridge in Virden and the bridge between EmersonFranklin and Stuartburn will also be replaced. The Erickson and Russell-Binscarth airports will receive funding to replace or resurface their runways and aprons. Flood prevention infrastructure projects in Springfield and Gilbert Plains will ensure that the communities remain safe and healthy during major flooding events, and will help them adapt to the effects of climate change. Providing communities with reliable and sustainable infrastructure is a shared priority for both governments. The Government of Canada is investing over $48.9 million in these 17 projects under the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. For projects requiring consultations with Indigenous groups, federal funding is conditional on consultation requirements being met. The Government of Manitoba is also contributing more than $27.7 million to these projects. List of projects in which investments are being made: •

Backgrounder: Canada and Manitoba invest over $76.6 million in 17 projects to improve municipal transportation infrastructure

COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin #110 (July 28, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Newcomers to Manitoba, immigrants, disenfranchised or homeless individuals are reminded they can get immunized despite not having a Manitoba health card. A vaccination can be administered at a super site, at one of the numerous community-led clinics or at a mobile van, which are all currently operating. The pre-vaccination process will involve a verbal conversation with clinical staff on site, followed by immunization.

Individuals can use the online vaccine finder at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.ht ml to find a location with available doses. A complete listing and searchable map of all vaccine sites, including urban Indigenous clinics and pop-up clinics, is available online at https://protectmb.ca/. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844MAN-VACC).

Workforce

Additional Information

As the vaccine campaign evolves, the demand on super sites and clinics is changing. Focus will now progressively shift from volume to access and increased community outreach. Part of that shift will involve adjusting the days and hours of operation in super sites across the province, effective Aug. 1. For up-to-date information on locations and hours, visit https://protectmb.ca/.

Until the end of the month, the RBC Convention Centre super site will offer walk-in immunizations every day from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Pfizer and Moderna vaccine will both be available.

Eligibility All people aged 12 and up are now eligible for their first or second dose.  The date of the second appointment must be at least 28 days after the first vaccination. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#second-dose. Appointments and Walk-ins   Thousands of Moderna and Pfizer appointments are open and available to book as early as today.

Eligible Manitobans must have their first immunization on or before Aug. 2 to be eligible to win scholarships or cash prizes in Manitoba’s first ever ‘Vax to Win Lottery’. Currently, more than 78 per cent of Manitobans are eligible for the first draw. To be considered fully immunized, individuals require two doses of vaccine. These can be the same or different brands of vaccine. Individuals who need to update any missing or inaccurate information on their immunization records or apply for an immunization card can use the eform at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/covidimmunization-record-request/ or call 1-844MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222) and follow the prompts.

The province is working with regional health authorities and Indigenous partners to ensure vaccines are available to individuals who have been evacuated due to wildfires and wish to get the vaccine.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca/.

Fifteen medical clinics and pharmacies are regional hubs for AstraZeneca vaccinations.

All data in this bulletin is current as of July 27 unless noted otherwise.

Applications Being Accepted for Water Source Development for Farms and Ranches (June 8, 2021 Joint News Release) The

FAQ continued on next page

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall? A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout? A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environme nt/events-and-deadlines/index.html Note: Workshops are currently available through November 2021.

Time to Complete the July Session of the Agroclimate Impact Reporter Help Inform Government of Weather Conditions Affecting Your Farm/Ranch

Have you ever considered how charting the weather conditions on your farm or ranch might have an impact on actions by governments? Data is a key tool used by governments to examine the effects of factors such as droughts and floods on agriculture, and also to decide whether assistance such as compensation will be offered. Producers can help provide information about such impacts to the federal government via the Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR). Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) relies on its network of AIR producer volunteers to provide information regarding agroclimate impacts across the country. The AIR network provides valuable and reliable data that are mapped and used in the assessment and development of policies and programs including AgriRecovery and the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision, which can provide assistance to the industry during extreme weather and climate conditions and events.

The AIR survey is open during the last week of the month over the growing season (April to October) and is intended to collect weather and climate impacts on farm operations across Canada over the previous month. Survey results are made into maps and published on the Drought Watch website the first week of every month during the growing season. Impact maps are also available and cover topics such as: moisture and erosion, crop, hay and pasture quality and staging, feed production and availability, water supply and quality and much more. See: https://www.agr.gc.ca/DWGS/mapselectorselecteurdecartes.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=tru e For reporting related to July conditions, AAFC will be accepting reports until the end of the day on August 2. When the survey is not open, a report is available for reporting on late-breaking, onetime or interim impacts. For more information about AIR and how to enrol to complete the surveys go to www.agr.gc.ca/air . All information collected through the surveys is confidential. The surveys can be found here: English French Subscribe to the survey reminders on the AAFC site at: https://agriculture.canada.ca/en/agricultureand-environment/drought-watch-andagroclimate/agroclimate-impact-reporter

Verified Beef Production Plus Learn online and win! VBP+ enables beef cattle producers to publicly demonstrate their commitment to responsible stewardship of both cattle and the environment. Getting VBP+ certified verifies the responsible practices on your beef cattle operation to your customers - consumers, retailers, and buyers. There are currently over 1.6 million beef cattle under the management of certified VBP+ operations in Canada. • VBP+ training is web-based and can take place at your leisure around daily chores. • Manitoba producers who complete the online training by July 31, 2021 will be entered in a draw for a cattle vaccine cooler valued at $219.

No pre-registration required. For more information please call Melissa Atchison at (204) 264-0294 or email: verifiedbeefmanitoba@gmail.com • No pre-registration is required. Contact Melissa

Atchison

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP July 23, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Manitoba Beef Producers Update re: the Drought Situation, Recent Announcements and Next Steps them for doing so. The Hay Disaster Benefit (HDB) is being triggered early in recognition of the extensive damage already sustained to forages. The HDB will provide an additional $44/tonne (for every tonne below coverage) to insured forage producers to help offset the additional cost of replacement feed and transportation due to the severe shortage of forage throughout Manitoba. MBP believes this should be helpful for the eligible policy holders.

Pictured: Minister of Agriculture & Agri-Food The Honourable MarieClaude Bibeau along with MBP President and District 7 Director Tyler Fulton and District 10 Director Mike Duguid.

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) wishes to provide an update to its members on the drought situation, recent government announcements and next steps. Among the most urgent priorities facing the sector is sourcing feed for the weeks and months ahead. MBP has been working with the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), provincial and federal officials and commodity group representatives about how to make damaged crops available as alternative feed and roughage sources for livestock. This included seeking a mechanism under AgriInsurance to encourage crops to be converted to alternate use. MBP had also sought the early triggering of the Hay Disaster Benefit for eligible AgriInsurance policy holders. On July 22 Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister MarieClaude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler made an announcement on both these matters and MBP thanks

Additionally, the Ministers announced that MASC will be applying a quality adjustment factor to appraisals on crops that are being put to alternate use under AgriInsurance. Specifically, a 60 per cent adjustment factor to in-field appraisals will be applied on small grain cereal crops (all varieties of wheat, oats, fall rye, barley, and triticale). This is in recognition of the reduction in crop quality due to the drought conditions. MBP believes this change will help encourage more crop producers to consider putting damaged crops to alternate use. MBP continues to encourage beef producers to reach out to crop producers now to explore potential options for alternative feed sources, and vice versa. The federal government has also identified the initial list of prescribed regions whereby producers will be able to utilize the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision if they are being forced to sell down their breeding stock due to drought. MBP believes this is an important development. In the case of Manitoba, 102 prescribed regions (rural municipalities, etc.) have been identified which cover off southern and central Manitoba. The Canadian cattle industry, including MBP continues to advocate for the livestock tax deferral to cover all classes of cattle, and for it to be made available on a multi-year basis. On July 22 MBP was able to meet with Agriculture and AgriFood Minister Bibeau and to show her firsthand the impact of the drought on a multi-generation Manitoba cattle operation.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

New grazing stewardship program for 6,000 Prairie acres - Alberta Farmer

Express

Extreme weather-induced drought forcing farmers to turn food crops into cattle feed - Financial Post

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Manitoba Beef Producers Update re: the Drought Situation, Recent Announcements and Next Steps This was extremely important as it was an opportunity to speak with her about the effects of the drought on pasture and forage production and on water supplies. As well, there were discussions about the implications of producers being forced to sell part or all of their herds because of the severity of the situation. This included the financial effects on farms and ranches, the implications on productivity in multi-year droughts (damages to pastures and forages) and equally important, the stress facing farm families. We thank Minister Bibeau for visiting this operation, as well as James Bezan, Member of Parliament for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman and Derek Johnson, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Interlake-Gimli, as well as departmental officials from both levels of government for visiting the operation and discussing the concerns.

are needed to help them deal with the challenges arising. The exchange of ideas was very helpful and MBP appreciates hearing ideas from producers about what may be beneficial for their operations and the sector as a whole.

The federal and provincial governments are working on the assessment processes in relation to AgriRecovery. MBP is providing feedback as part of this. MBP is identifying areas where additional assistance is going to be required from governments to help producers deal with this very serious situation. MBP is raising various factors with government officials, such as rising production costs, including pasture and forage lease rates, the cost of sourcing other feeds and water, the need for feed and water testing and other variables. Ensuring business risk management tools are more effective for the beef industry is another important area of discussion.

MBP remains committed to advocacy on the behalf of producers and the sector on the drought and other issues affecting Manitoba’s beef industry.

MBP would also like to thank the producers who participated in the virtual meeting with the organization on July 20 to talk about the drought situation and to discuss what types of immediate and long-term tools and resources

MBP recognizes the drought situation is very stressful and encourages producers to continue to provide support to one another. If you or someone you know needs help navigating the situation, there are resources out there that may be beneficial. For information about the Manitoba Farm and Rural Support Services line go to: https://supportline.ca/ or call 1-866-3673276 (line operates 24/7). Klinic Community Health also has resources available. See: https://klinic.mb.ca/ MBP has a number of drought-related resources on its website at www.mbbeef.ca

Scenes from the MBP tour with Minister MarieClaude Bibeau on July 22. Thank you to District 10 Director Mike Duguid and family for hosting the event.

Relief Coming to Manitoba Producers Affected by Severe Drought (July 22, 2021 Joint Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada/Province of Manitoba News Release)

Producers in Manitoba facing severe drought conditions can expect relief with several initiatives announced by federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler. “Our government is working around the clock with the provinces to help farm families coping with extreme weather conditions exacerbated by climate change,” said Bibeau. “The support through the Hay Disaster Benefit is one way we are helping Manitoba producers, who are under tremendous stress, to get through this crisis and toward a sustainable future.” The first of the initiatives, available through Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) Hay Disaster Benefit, will provide an additional $44/tonne (for every tonne below coverage) to insured forage producers to help offset the additional cost of replacement feed and transportation due to the severe shortage of forage throughout the province. The benefit was last triggered in 2019 when over $5 million was paid on close to 1,200 claims. Typically, the determination of payments for this benefit would not be made until January, once the majority of claim and harvested production report data is processed. “We recognize that this has been an extremely difficult year for many producers with the lack of precipitation and extreme heat,” said Eichler. “With pastures drying up and minimal sources of feed for livestock, it’s important to give producers the resources they need to secure feed to maintain their herds. All livestock producers play a critical role in our food supply and provincial economy, we’re proud to support them with early release of this benefit.”

MASC is also applying a quality adjustment factor to appraisals on crops that are being put to alternate use under the AgriInsurance program. A 60 per cent adjustment factor to infield appraisals will be applied on small grain cereal crops (all varieties of wheat, oats, fall rye, barley, and triticale). Reducing the appraisal of claims by 40 per cent reflects the expected reduction in quality resulting from the drought conditions. The full yield appraisal will be used to calculate future coverage, which provides producers who repurpose their crops for livestock feed an added benefit. This reduction will apply retroactively to producers who have already put their cereal crop to an alternate use this year. Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriInsurance premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada and 24 per cent by the Manitoba government. Administrative expenses are paid 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by Manitoba. Discussions are also underway to expedite the completion of the AgriRecovery Assessment process and the implementation of a Livestock Tax Deferral to assist impacted livestock producers. Quick facts

•

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriInsurance premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada and 24 per cent by the Manitoba government. Administrative expenses are paid 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by Manitoba.

Associated links

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Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada)

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Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation

July 22, 2021 The Forks, Winnipeg Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau at the podium announcing short term changes to support producers. MBP will continue to advocate for additional support.

Photo credit: Brady Stadnicki

2021 Livestock Tax Deferral – Initial Prescribed Regions Announced for Manitoba (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Information)

The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows farmers who sell part of their breeding herd due to drought or flooding in prescribed drought or flood regions to defer a portion of sale proceeds to the following year. The initial list of prescribed regions in relation to the 2021 drought has been announced, including 102 of these in Manitoba. See the complete list below. How the provision works To defer income, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15%. •

Where the breeding herd has been reduced by at least 15%, but less than 30%, 30% of income from net sales can be deferred.

•

Where the breeding herd has been reduced by 30% or more, 90% of income from net sales can be deferred.

Manitoba – 2021 Livestock Tax Deferral 1. Alexander 2. Alonsa 3. Argyle 4. Armstrong 5. Bifrost-Riverton 6. Boissevain-Morton 7. Brenda-Waskada 8. Brokenhead 9. Cartier 10. Cartwright-Roblin

In a year in which a region has been prescribed, income from livestock sales are deferred to the next tax year when the income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, thus reducing the potential tax burden. In the case of consecutive years of drought or excess moisture and flood conditions, producers may defer sales income to the first year in which the region is no longer prescribed. For questions related to calculating and/or reporting income deferral for Prescribed Drought/Flood Regions for income tax purposes, please contact the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) or consult the CRA publication T4002 Self-employed Business, Professional, Commission, Farming, and Fishing Income, Chapter 2 Income. The Livestock Tax Deferral information is detailed in Line 9470 – Livestock and animal products revenue.

11. Clanwilliam-Erickson 12. Coldwell 13. Dauphin 14. De Salaberry 15. Deloraine-Winchester 16. Division No. 1, Unorganized 17. Division No. 17, Unorganized 18. Division No. 18, Unorganized, East Part

19. Division No. 18, Unorganized, West Part 20. Division No. 19, Unorganized 21. Division No. 20, Unorganized, South Part 22. Dufferin 23. Ellice-Archie 24. Elton 25. Emerson-Franklin 26. Ethelbert 27. Fisher

continued on page 8

2021 Livestock Tax Deferral – Initial Prescribed Regions Announced for Manitoba 28. Gilbert Plains

54. Mountain (North)

81. St. Andrews

29. Gimli

55. Mountain (South)

82. St. Clements

30. Glenboro-South Cypress

56. Norfolk-Treherne

83. St. François Xavier 84. St. Laurent

31. Glenella-Lansdowne

57. North CypressLangford

32. Grahamdale

58. North Norfolk

86. Ste. Anne

33. Grandview

59. Oakland-Wawanesa

87. Ste. Rose

34. Grassland

60. Oakview

88. Stuartburn

35. Grey

61. Pembina

89. Swan Valley West

36. Hamiota

62. Piney

90. Taché

37. Hanover

63. Pipestone

91. Thompson

38. Harrison Park

64. Portage la Prairie

92. Two Borders

39. Headingley

65. Prairie Lakes

93. Victoria

40. Hillsburg-Roblin-Shell River

66. Prairie View

94. Wallace-Woodworth

67. Reynolds

95. West Interlake

68. Rhineland

96. West St. Paul

69. Riding Mountain West

97. WestLake-Gladstone

70. Ritchot

98. Whitehead

71. Riverdale

99. Whitemouth

72. Rockwood

100.Winnipeg

41. Killarney - Turtle Mountain 42. La Broquerie 43. Lac du Bonnet 44. Lakeshore 45. Lorne 46. Louise 47. Macdonald 48. McCreary 49. Minitonas-Bowsman 50. Minto-Odanah 51. Montcalm 52. Morris 53. Mossey River

73. Roland 74. Rosedale 75. Rossburn 76. Rosser 77. Russell-Binscarth 78. Sifton 79. Souris-Glenwood 80. Springfield

85. Stanley

101.Woodlands 102.Yellowhead

https://agriculture.canada.ca /en/agriculture-andenvironment/drought-watchand-agroclimate/livestocktax-deferral-provision

News Release CCA is encouraged by Minister Bibeau’s announcement today to help beef farmers and ranchers impacted by severe drought conditions July 22, 2021 Winnipeg, MB - Today the Hon. Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood announced much needed and timely support for farmers and ranchers impacted by the severe drought conditions seen across Canada in British Columbia, the prairie provinces, and parts of Ontario. Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) appreciates the swiftness of the early designation for the livestock tax deferral, which will allow beef producers who are forced to sell a significant amount of their breeding herd due to drought conditions to offset the resulting revenues with the costs to replace the herd. After an initial review, there are missing areas across the provinces and CCA emphasizes that those additional regions need to be added as eligible as soon as possible. As the deferral is not currently multiyear and is not eligible for all classes of cattle, CCA will continue to advocate for subsequent changes for the deferral and work with Minister Bibeau and government officials on this request. “Canadian farmers and ranchers are facing one of the most severe, widespread droughts and one of the largest feed supply shortages that they have experienced in decades. We appreciate Minister Bibeau and the federal government taking the time to visit one of the hardest hit areas of the drought and subsequently taking swift action to support farm families. We will continue to work with the Minister, the provinces and impacted stakeholders to seek further necessary supports for beef farmers and ranchers,” said Reg Schellenberg, Vice-President, CCA. CCA welcomes the additional federal support for AgriInsurance to make drought-damaged crops available for feed to help beef producers immediately. CCA is supportive of crop insurance changes announced jointly by the Federal and Provincial governments. These changes align with our recommendations for incentives to salvage crops into livestock feed and added support for producers to purchase additional feed. Changes include Hay Disaster Benefit (HDB) triggered for 2021 and quality adjustment applied to infield appraisals. Today’s announcement is welcomed by CCA, and we are encouraged that Minister Bibeau will continue working on other programs to support farmers and ranchers with drought conditions. CCA will continue to work closely with Minister Bibeau and the provincial governments through our provincial members on our other recommendations, including AgriRecovery and AgriStability, both federal-provincial initiatives. For further information, contact: Tammy Melesko Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| meleskot@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

Farm group coalition urging producers to know their options with drought-damaged crops alternative feed and roughage sources is critical,” said MBP president Tyler Fulton. “Producers with damaged crops should consider salvaging as much feed as possible.”

(July 22, 2021 Joint Organizational Release)

Ongoing drought conditions across Manitoba have a coalition of farm groups urging producers to know their options when making decisions about their crops. Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association (MFGA), along with Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), Manitoba Bison Association (MBA) and Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA), are warning that ongoing drought conditions pose a significant challenge to livestock, grain and forage producers. “With drought conditions reported across Manitoba, we recognize the detrimental impacts across the crop and livestock sectors,” said MCA chair Fred Greig. “Producers need to know their options so they can make the best business decision for their operation.” Before making decisions about droughtdamaged crops, the coalition is asking producers to contact Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) about putting crops to alternative use. “Successive droughts in some regions of the province have taxed livestock producers’ ability to secure feed, so being able to source

There are resources to help producers determine the value of a crop harvested as silage or greenfeed. Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) provides information regarding the cost of production for grain and silage crops, forage supply management, pricing for baled forages and piled silage and the value of straw as a crop fertilizer. As the challenging growing season continues, the coalition is reminding producers to consider their mental health and the mental health of others. “From a stress perspective during these challenging times, producers should be mindful of their ability to look out for themselves, their neighbours and their community,” said MFGA chair Larry Wegner. “Talking to someone like a neighbour or friend is a great pressure release and opens the door for more conversations that may be necessary, including using mental health resources designed to support producers.” The Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services (MFRNSS) provides free, confidential telephone and online counselling to producers. MFRNSS is available 24/7 by calling 1-866-3673276 or visiting www.supportline.ca. The coalition is working with ARD and MASC to identify programs to support producers through this challenging time.

Determining the value of greenfeed or silage The following information has been provided by Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development. Since greenfeed or silage does not have a futures market like cattle or grains and is not bought and sold by commercial traders, determining a fair market value can be difficult. There are a few different ways of determining the value of a crop harvested as silage or greenfeed. If the crop was originally grown for grain the value can be based off the expected grain yield multiplied by current grain prices. Adjustments can be made for harvesting cost (deducted) and the value of the straw (added). Another method that can be used is the cost of production for growing that crop. The Cost of Production section of the Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) website provides cost of production information for different grain and silage crops. A Straw Calculator can also be found here to help determine the NPK dollar value of the straw as a crop fertilizer. A third way to determine a greenfeed or silage value is to sell it based off of the forage tonnage produced at a pre-determined price. The price can be based off of what similar forages, either greenfeed, silage or hay are selling for.

This method pays the seller for what they produce and the buyer pays for what they receive. The Forage Purchase Calculator on the ARD website provides a method of comparing the pricing for baled forages and piled silage. This calculator takes into account different moistures and adding in the cost of freight to see what feed purchase is more economical after freight is factored in. Livestock producers need to evaluate their forage shortfall and options in deciding how much they should pay. ARD’s Managing Low Forage Supplies calculator estimates the forage needed for the herd based on animal category and weight, and identifies the shortfall. It identifies 8 different potential rations to fill the shortfall on a least cost basis that help decide the economics of buying greenfeed compared to hay, straw, and other alternatives. Since the forage value determined will be different depending on the method used, being flexible and fair will help to ensure the outcome can be a win/win situation for both parties.

Missed the recent CCA Town Hall? A recording is available to watch at your convenience - click the graphic below:

Manitoba Hay & Feed for Buy/Sell Hay / Feed For Sale in Saskatchewan, Alberta & Manitoba Internet Hay Exchange Other social media avenues including Twitter also feature hay for sale across the province, however that exchange needs to occur on a user to user basis.

Social Media/Buy and Sell Sites There are a number of social media and buy/sell sites that provide hay, straw and alternative feed sourcing options: Kijiji Manitoba eBrandon Classifieds

MFGA Hay Relief Website Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association has a hay relief page. See https://www.mfga.net/hay-relief

Since 1996, The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) has been awarded annually at the provincial and national level to recognize cattle producers’ leadership in conservation. Nominees and applicants are selected based on their stewardship practices, accomplishments and goals. The deadline to receive nominations at the MBP office is December 3, 2021.

FCC supports Western Canadian producers impacted by hot, dry weather pressures on those impacted by unfavourable weather.

(July 20, 2021 FCC News Release) Farm Credit

Canada (FCC) is offering a customer support program to farmers and ranchers across western Canada who are facing production challenges due to adverse growing conditions. Many parts of Western Canada haven’t received any significant rainfall through the spring and summer months. Extreme heat and dry weather have already reduced the potential yield of many crops. The unfavourable weather has also stifled pastures and hay production in many areas. “We are watching the weather situation very closely and are talking to customers daily,” said Michael Hoffort, FCC President and CEO. “We already know that several ranchers are feeling the impact, while grain and oilseed producers are watching their crops deteriorate in the fields,” he said. “If these conditions persist, many operations could face cash flow challenges, so we want our customers to know we’re ready to support them and find solutions.” “Our customers work hard to grow high-quality food for consumers at home and abroad, so they deserve our support when facing circumstances beyond their control,” Hoffort added. FCC will work with customers to come up with solutions for their operations and will consider additional short term credit options, deferral of principal payments and/or other loan payment schedule amendments to reduce financial

“Producers across Western Canada are doing their best during difficult circumstances. Our government is working very closely with FCC, provincial partners and stakeholders to respond as quickly as possible to the drought in Western Canada,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. “During these challenging times, Farm Credit Canada is rolling out their customer support program to help farmers with solutions that address their unique financial challenges.” Customers in Western Canada are encouraged to contact their FCC relationship manager sooner rather than later to allow for the most flexibility in discussing options available to them. Customers can do this by contacting their local office or the FCC Customer Service Centre at 1-888-332-3301. In addition to working with customers to support any financial concerns, FCC also reminds those who may be struggling to seek support for their mental well-being. For a list of mental health resources, visit FCC Wellness. FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan portfolio of more than $41 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. We provide flexible, competitively priced financing, management software, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and food industry. As a selfsustaining Crown corporation, we provide an appropriate return to our shareholder, and reinvest our profits back into the industry and communities we serve. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

Low Precipitation and Water Levels Advisory (July 22, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Manitoba Infrastructure is advising people of record-low precipitation levels in most Manitoba watersheds has led to well-below normal to record dry soil moisture in some locations. Flows and water levels are below normal to well-below normal in most southern and central Manitoba rivers and lakes with dry conditions forecast to continue until fall of 2021. Provincial water control structures are being operated to mitigate low water level conditions. The Fairford Water Control Structure is being operated to balance the low water level effects at Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin, while trying to maintain the minimum desirable flow at the Fairford River.

The Shellmouth Dam is being operated to supplement water for the lower Assiniboine River irrigators and water supply users, while trying to maintain the desirable summer level for the upstream stakeholders for recreational use. In addition, the Portage reservoir is being kept at the desirable level to give sufficient head for water intakes from the reservoir and providing allocated flow to license holders on the diversion.

Fire Bulletin #18 (July 22, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that thanks to recent rainfall in some areas of the province, there will be a gradual lifting of some fire and travel restrictions. However, some areas of the province still face high to extreme fire danger levels. Outdoor Burning All provincial burning permits remain cancelled provincewide and new permits will not be issued until conditions improve. Area 4 remains at level 4 fire and travel restrictions, which essentially means the area is closed, and a full travel ban is in effect. Area 4 covers the large area north of the Wanipigow River, east of Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border, including Atikaki Provincial Park, and north to Poplar River. Level 4 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Imposed in Area 4 • No access permitted. Travel ban in effect. • No access to cottages. • Permanent residents must be ready to leave on an hour’s notice. • Campfires are not permitted. Level 2 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Imposed in Areas 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 and 16 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit. • Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Wayside parks remain open. • Landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only. • Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations and should contact their local

Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information. Level 1 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Remain for Area 15 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless otherwise approved by a travel permit. The Province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map will be updated to reflect these updated restrictions. Please confirm your area’s restrictions before heading outdoors. www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/ index.html. Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions. Check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.ht ml. The province does not issue burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where municipal burning restrictions are already in place. Wildfires across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwest Ontario will continue to bring smoke into all parts of the province until conditions improve. This will be dependent on wind direction. Air quality reports are available on the Government of Canada website at: https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/mbaq001_e.html. For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews. To report a wildfire, call 911 or T.I.P line at 1-800-782-0076.

Government of Canada invests $2.6 million to improve alfalfa growth and develop a grassland carbon offset system (July 19, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada New Release) The Minister of Agriculture and

Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of over $2.6 million to Canadian Forage and Grassland Association (CFGA) to support three projects that will assess and improve alfalfa growth using artificial intelligence and will develop a Canadian grassland carbon offset system. Alfalfa is a key forage crop producers rely on to capture and fix carbon, return nutrients to the soil and improve soil health. Minister Bibeau made the announcement at the farm Bergerie Malvibois in Sawyerville, Quebec, one of the key data collection sites for the project. Funding will be allocated as follows: •

Up to $998,185 to develop a tool to improve yield and forage nutritive value from alfalfa fields using artificial intelligence. The tool will identify potential agronomic, climatic and soilrelated factors affecting alfalfa yield. It will also predict potential yield and nutritive value loss through soil nutrient analysis and health diagnostics.

•

Up to $996,190 to develop a tool to assess and improve alfalfa’s winter survival rates with artificial intelligence and persistency by combining data and remote imagery with artificial intelligence.

•

Up to $621,572 to develop an assurance system for farmers to produce and sell carbon offsets, contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions

and retention of Canada’s grasslands. Canadian Forage and Grassland Association expects that more than 5,000 hectares of Canadian grasslands will be protected by land conservation agreements, and 10,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (tCO2e) will be saved through third-party verified carbon offset credits. These projects will help farmers better understand alfalfa growth, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The Government of Canada is committed to providing new and innovative means for farmers to improve the yields of their cover crops and building a sustainable agriculture sector. Quotes “Today’s announcement is about projects that will help to develop tools farmers can use to produce and export more, higher-quality alfalfa through artificial intelligence, and to sell carbon offsets.” - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association is very excited about this funding from AAFC’s Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program. Alfalfa is an important ingredient that feeds many other agriculture sectors in Canada, and this funding will help provide forage producers with valuable decision-support tools to help alfalfa crops thrive.” - Cedric MacLeod, Executive Director, Canadian Forage & Grassland Association continued on page 17

Government of Canada invests $2.6 million to improve alfalfa growth and develop a grassland carbon offset system Quick facts •

•

Funding for the first two projects comes from the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program (CASPP). The CASPP supports the Canadian agricultural sector’s participation in the Government of Canada’s growth and policy objectives, by investing in the sector’s design, development and implementation of tools and strategies to respond to and seize opportunities created by these objectives. These projects include a network of 40 agronomists and 225 farms for collecting the data. Funding for the third project comes from the AgriAssurance Program, which funds projects, at the national level, to help industry develop and adopt systems, standards and tools to support health and safety claims about Canadian agricultural and agri-food products.

•

Formed in 2010, the CFGA is the national voice for all sectors of the forage and grassland industry. Their main role is to uphold the robust forage industry and realize the potential of the domestic and export forage market.

Associated links •

Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program

•

AgriAssurance Program: National Industry Association Component

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Canadian Forage and Grassland Association

Missed the recent MBP Information Session? A recording is available to watch at your convenience - click the graphic below:

COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin For young people aged 12 to 17 to be fully immunized for their return to school in the fall, they should receive their first vaccine by Tuesday, July 27. This allows for the minimum 28 days between doses and two weeks after the second dose for the best immune response. There are more than 29,000 Pfizer appointments available from now to the end of July. Eligibility All people aged 12 and up are now eligible for their first or second dose.  The date of the second appointment must be at least 28 days after the first vaccination. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#second-dose. Appointments and Walk-Ins There are thousands of Moderna and Pfizer appointments open and available to book as early as today. From July 24 to 29, pop-up clinics will be located at the following campgrounds and provincial parks located in the Prairie Mountain Health region: • July 24 – Sandy Lake and Oak Lake beach; • July 25 – Clear Lake; • July 27 – Rivers Campground; • July 28 – Onanole, Clear Lake and Adam Lake; • July 29 – Lake Metigoshe; and • July 30 – Ninette. Fifteen medical clinics and pharmacies are regional hubs for AstraZeneca vaccinations. Individuals can use the online vaccine finder at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.ht ml to find a location with available doses.    A complete listing and searchable map of all vaccine sites, including urban Indigenous clinics

and pop-up clinics, is available online at https://protectmb.ca. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844MAN-VACC).    Additional Information Eligible Manitobans must have their first immunization on or before Aug. 2 to be eligible to win scholarships or cash prizes in Manitoba’s first ever ‘Vax to Win Lottery’. Currently, nearly 78 per cent of Manitobans are eligible for the first draw. To be considered fully immunized, individuals require two doses of vaccine. These can be the same or different brands of vaccine.  Individuals who are fully vaccinated can now request a digital or physical immunization card. For more information, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/immuniza tion-record.html#immunization-cards. Individuals who need to update any missing or inaccurate information on their immunization records or apply for an immunization card can use the e-form at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/covid-immunizationrecord-request/ or call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1844-626-8222) and follow the prompts. Manitobans are reminded to fill out a second consent form for their second dose appointment. To fill out and print the consent forms before your appointment, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/resources .html#forms. More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca/. All data in this bulletin is current as of July 21 unless otherwise noted.

Applications Being Accepted for Water Source Development for Farms and Ranches (June 8, 2021 Joint News Release) The

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall? A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout? A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops Update (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend. There is no preparation required for this workshop.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire at (204) 697-1140. Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via Online Meetings until further notice. To register for an EFP workshop, click on the link Register now! for the date of your choice below. Once registered, you will then receive an email with a link to access the meeting. Workbooks are mailed and you should receive yours approximately 1 week prior to the workshop. You can also visit this link to register:

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/ events-and-deadlines/index.html Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops

REGISTRATION DATE

TIME LINK

DEADLINE TO REGISTER

STATUS

Aug. 11, 2021

1:30 3:30 PM

July 28, 2021

FULL

Aug. 25, 2021

1:30 3:30 PM

Aug.11, 2021

OPEN

1:30 Sept. 3:30 8, 2021 PM

Aug.25, 2021

OPEN

No pre-registration required. For more information please call Melissa Atchison at (204) 264-0294 or email: verifiedbeefmanitoba@gmail.com • No pre-registration is required. Contact Melissa

Atchison

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP July 16, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Manitoba Beef Producers engaging with government, commodity groups about the drought situation Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) continues to work with the provincial government and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), as well as other commodity groups regarding the very serious drought situation and possible measures to help affected livestock producers.

alternative feed sources, and vice versa. MBP also asks that producers who have hay, straw or alternative feed sources available to post them on sites such as the Manitoba Hay Listing Service (gov.mb.ca), local buy and sell sites and social media channels as this would be very valuable.

“Successive droughts have seriously taxed Manitoba’s beef sector. Swift and effective strategies are needed to address the immediate challenges and also to help ensure the industry’s long-term stability,” said MBP president Tyler Fulton. “The provincial government has recognized the importance of preserving the cow herd for the future. Strong collaborative efforts will be key to helping the sector deal with the significant challenges created by this agricultural disaster.”

MBP continues to speak with government officials at all levels about the types of programs and tools needed to help producers deal with the drought-related challenges. Possible initiatives under AgriRecovery must be taken into consideration in a timely fashion. A quick declaration of the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision for producers who have to make the difficult decision to sell off some of their breeding stock in order to match herd size to feed availability is also required.

Stable access to feed and water are the key components of beef production, and MBP’s efforts have first focused on these key areas. MBP had requested the reopening of BMP 503: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas, which provides cost-shared support for water source development projects. This program is now open for producers seeking this type of assistance. Another MBP ask was to provide producers with access to Crown lands for grazing purposes and this too has been provided by the provincial government.

MBP is raising various factors affecting producers with government officials, such as rising production costs, including pasture and forage lease rates and the cost of sourcing other feeds. Ensuring business risk management tools are more effective for the beef industry is another important area of discussion.

As conditions continue to deteriorate, sourcing feed is producers’ top priority. MBP has worked with MASC, provincial officials and commodity group representatives about how to make damaged crops available as alternative feed and roughage sources for livestock. MASC has given producers enrolled in AgriInsurance information about how to put their crops to alternate use during the growing season. MBP is encouraging beef producers to reach out to crop producers now to explore potential options for

“These are challenging and stressful times as producers work diligently to secure the resources needed for their cattle. MBP values the input from its members about the situation and the types of assistance they require. MBP also values the ability to work with government and other agricultural sectors on possible initiatives,” added Fulton. “The farm community has a long history of helping each other out in times of need, such as natural disasters. And, the support we have received from the public during this time is certainly appreciated.” For information on resources related to managing in a drought, visit www.mbbeef.ca.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Study finds significant beef payoff - The Western Producer Labelling law rears its head again, but officials don’t expect its return - Manitoba Co-operator

MASC Alternate Crop Use Information Note: The following information has been provided by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation.

•

The appraisal determined by the adjustor will be used to finalize the insurance claim and will be included when calculating your future coverage. For example, if the appraisal is 20 bushels per acre and you elect to cut it for feed, MASC will count these 20 bushels per acre as if it were harvested for grain. The proceeds from alternate use production (i.e. greenfeed or silage sales) are not part of your crop claim calculation. The assessment can also be helpful in determining the value of the crop if it will be used for an alternate use for your operation or to sell.

•

It is up to the producer to decide whether they want to harvest the crop or put it to alternate use. An appraisal must be completed prior to cutting or adequate strips left for appraisal at a later date to ensure a representative yield can be used for a claim calculation.

The current dry conditions are of great concern to many grain and cattle producers in Manitoba. As the extreme heat and dry conditions persist, crops will continue to deteriorate. The AgriInsurance program provides flexibility for producers to put their crop to alternate use during the growing season. Alternate use means a change to the use of a crop from what was originally intended when planting in the spring. For example, if you indicated on your Seeded Acreage Report that you were growing oats for grain but choose to cut it for greenfeed instead, this would be considered alternate use. If you are considering putting your crop to an alternate use (silage, greenfeed, grazing) for your own use or someone else’s, here’s what you need to know from an insurance perspective. •

Contact MASC immediately by phone or email. Please have the legal land descriptions and number of acres you plan to put to an alternate use available. It is ideal to have an adjustor appraise your crop prior to putting it to alternate use. However, if timing doesn’t allow for an adjustor to assess your crop prior to putting it to alternate use, producers must leave strips (one 10-foot-wide strip, the full length of the field for every 40 acres) so that the adjustor can accurately assess the crop at a later date.

If you have greenfeed, hay, straw, or pastureland available or are looking to purchase greenfeed, hay, straw, or pastureland, use the Agriculture and Resource Development’s (ARD) online resource to buy or sell - Manitoba Hay Listing Service (gov.mb.ca). For more information on Managing Dry Conditions for Crops and Livestock, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html. Click here for contact information for the ARD and MASC Service Centres.

Media Statement The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and Provincial Cattle Associations support FPT Ministers’ meeting on drought and wildfire conditions and call for prompt action on relief measures July 15, 2021

Calgary, AB – Beef producers in parts of Ontario, the prairie provinces and British Columbia are facing severe drought conditions. Extreme temperatures and below average rainfall are already creating feed and water supply shortages and have some beef producers struggling to maintain their herd sizes. Active wildfires in B.C. are also significantly impacting the land that cattle producers depend on for grazing and raising their herd. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association and Provincial Cattle Associations appreciate that Federal-Provincial-Territorial (FPT) Agriculture Ministers will be meeting this afternoon to discuss the critical nature of this severe drought and fire situation. Cattle producers are requesting urgent government action on drought and wildfire relief measures. Immediate measures that should be taken include: •

Expedite approvals for insured crops to be designated for livestock feed or grazing purposes. Provide preferential treatment or incentives to allow crops to be grazed or converted to feed without penalty.

•

Dedicate additional resources to support quality water access and infrastructure.

•

Initiate drought relief programming under AgriRecovery to assist with extraordinary costs related to feed and water shortages and impacts of wildfires to maintain the national cattle herd.

•

Immediately implement the Livestock Tax Deferral provision for Ontario, the entire prairie provinces and B.C. Extend eligibility to include all classes of cattle.

•

Declare B.C. wildfires eligible for the Disaster Financial Assistance program

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

“Without timely and targeted assistance from federal and provincial governments, beef producers will be forced to make difficult management decisions including culling of their herds. It is of critical importance that Canada’s beef cow herd be maintained throughout this disaster event.” Bob Lowe, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association President. "BC has been hit very hard this year with minimal moisture throughout the spring and 10 days of extreme temperatures in the mid to high 40s, which has created a perfect environment for fires and drought. We are faced with a very bleak outlook for the industry and the province. While we have not yet been declared a State of Emergency, we are in the middle of one of the largest disasters we have ever faced. The need to have financial assistance for this disaster is crucial for us to rebuild and survive this event" Kevin Boon, BC Cattlemen’s Association General Manager. "We appreciate the Minister's acknowledgment of the urgency of the drought situation. Our top priority is attempting to maintain the mother cow herd by converting failed crops to suitable feed while that opportunity still exists." Dr. Melanie Wowk, Alberta Beef Producers Chair. “The drought situation in Saskatchewan is anywhere from critical to extremely dire. We have been working with CCA and all levels of government to address this challenging weather situation. With the expected heat dome coming showing temperatures in the high 30s and no rain in sight, we know the situation will only worsen over the coming weeks. The Saskatchewan government recently announced measures through SCIC and FRWIP, which are a good first step. Additional measures are still needed to get our cattle producers through not only this year, but the next.” Arnold Balicki, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association Chair. “Manitoba’s beef sector has been taxed by successive years of dry conditions and droughts which have depleted feed and water resources. The conditions are continuing to deteriorate each day, forcing producers to evaluate their options, such as downsizing or exiting,” said Manitoba Beef Producers president Tyler Fulton. “MBP is also working with the CCA and government officials to identify both near and longer-term strategies to help address this situation. The more swiftly initiatives can be implemented, the better.” “We are very concerned about the short-term and potential long-term implications of the 2021 drought for the Ontario cow herd and the broader Canadian cattle sector. Pastures in several regions of Ontario have been decimated by the persistent heat and lack of timely rains. The increased cost of feed as well as the costs associated with re‐ establishing hayfields and pasture next year will add to the hardship for those in affected regions. The scope and severity of the drought in parts of Ontario and across western Canada will have significant consequences for our sector in the absence of government assistance.” Rob Lipsett, Beef Farmers of Ontario President. The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

This statement is written collaboratively by Beef Farmers of Ontario, Manitoba Beef Producers, Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association, Alberta Beef Producers, British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association. For further information, contact: Jennifer Babcock Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 613-716-3244 | babcockj@cattle.ca Holly Jackson BC Cattlemen’s Association (250) 573-3611 | holly@cattlemen.bc.ca Katelyn Laverdure Alberta Beef Producers 403-451-1176 | katelynl@albertabeef.org Ryder Lee Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association 306-585-2333 | communications@saskbeef.com David Hultin Manitoba Beef Producers 204-772-4542 | dhultin@mbbeef.ca LeaAnne Wurmli Beef Farmers of Ontario 519.824.0334 Ext. 230 |leaanne@ontariobeef.com

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots. Visit www.cattle.ca

On July 9, Kevin Lamoureux, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg North and Cindy Lamoureux, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Tyndall Park toured the operation of Manitoba Beef Producers District 10 director Mike Duguid and his son Scott. It was a valuable opportunity to provide the elected officials about various aspects of beef production in Manitoba, including its important environmental role, such as preserving grasslands, providing habitat for different species of animals and plants, and storing carbon. The damaging effects of the drought on the beef sector were also discussed with them. L-r, Mike Duguid, Kevin Lamoureux, Cindy Lamoureux. MBP thanks the Lamoureuxs for coming out to learn more about Manitoba’s beef industry.

Monday, July 19, 2021 1:00 p.m. Please join CCA and Provincial Cattle Associations, including MBP, for a virtual town hall event to discuss the drought and wildfire relief being sought for producers in regions currently experiencing extreme conditions. Following live updates, there will be the opportunity for the audience to ask questions.

Register Now: https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/ register/9016263755017/WN_acU6FtIfRHCZ5Ji5jHa-Q After registering, you will receive your link to join online or dial-in numbers to phone in. A recording of the Town Hall will be available following the event for those unable to attend.

Statement by the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau following Federal-Provincial Territorial Ministers Meeting (July 15, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Statement) “Today, I met my provincial and territorial colleagues virtually to discuss many pressing issues facing the agriculture sector, in the lead-up to our Annual Conference in Guelph, Ontario on September 8th -10th. I am working very closely with my provincial partners to monitor and respond to the evolving drought situation in the western parts of Ontario, the Prairies and British Columbia. My heart goes out to those farmers and ranchers feeling the impacts of the extreme heat wave and drought conditions. Our Government is ready to assist and we will do what we can to make sure our programs are adequately responding to the crisis, including business risk management programs. I have committed to working closely with provinces to assess the need for activating flexibilities in our programs to respond to these extreme weather events. In particular, we discussed that provinces affected by the drought could invoke the late participation provision of AgriStability to allow more producers to access the support the program provides. I also urged Prairie governments to match the federal offer to raise AgriStability compensation rate to 80%, which would benefit distressed farmers now more than ever. This change would mean an added $75 million nationally into the pockets of farmers who need it the most every year. Our Government is prepared to receive any formal submissions for AgriRecovery from provincial governments, which are needed to trigger the process. AgriRecovery is a 60-40 cost-shared program that provides emergency support in cases of natural disasters. We need all levels of Government working together to contribute their support for farmers in distress. Ministers directed

officials to organize a meeting with droughtaffected provinces soon to discuss AgriRecovery in more detail. We discussed ongoing consultations for the next Agricultural Policy Framework, set to begin in April of 2023. We are all committed to developing a roadmap to achieving a strong and sustainable agriculture sector, and finding improvements to the business risk management programs. I was pleased to share, alongside Minister Lamontagne, the work of our Working Group on Retail Fees. The set of findings shared today give all Ministers a solid basis of understanding of why an industry-led proposal to improve transparency, predictability, and respect for the principles of fair dealing would be beneficial for the agri-food sector and all supply chain partners. We are urging industry to continue their constructive dialogue to develop a concrete proposal designed for the Canadian context that will improve fair dealing in retailer relationships with their suppliers. We expect an update before the end of the year. Protecting Canadian pork producers from the threat of African swine fever remains a major priority for our Government. We recommitted with Ministers to make African swine fever preparedness and response planning a priority, identifying gaps and determining next steps. I greatly appreciate the strong working relationship I have with my provincial and territorial colleagues, and I look forward to meeting them again in person in Guelph in September.”

MANITOBA AGRICULTURE AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT

Beef and Forage Technical Bulletin Forages – Considerations and planning for dry conditions on pasture. As a producer, during dry conditions, you’ll often need to make some tough management decisions related to your short and longterm business success. Pre-planning is very important to be able to make decisions quickly, rather than get to the point where you feel there are no alternatives. When you make a decision about a part of your forage system, consider how this will affect the other parts (e.g. animals, plants, land, people and finances). Never lose sight of the whole picture or the whole operation. Dry conditions are cumulative, so they do not happen overnight. This is why it’s a good idea to plan continuously for your operation. It’s important to have a drought plan and be willing to act on it when necessary. There is no recipe for everything, but here are some points to consider as you assess your pastures and winter feed supplies: • Do an inventory on paper of your pasture and hay land conditions early in the season and project your yields. Balance this with animal numbers and your desired length of the grazing season. • Estimate the length of your past grazing seasons and the percentage of shortfall. Be conservative and reasonable. • 150 animals grazing for 130 days (from May 25 to October 1) is 19,500 Animal Days of Grazing. • If this coming year, your grazing will be 40 per cent less, you have estimated 11,700 days of grazing this year. • Balance the new number shortfall by, perhaps, renting extra pasture, selling cull animals, having a later spring turnout, grazing hay fields in the fall or buying extra feed for an earlier start to the winter feeding period. • It is not profitable to summer feed out of dry conditions. But if you do, take extra precautions in the spring and early summer to allow your forage to grow and produce greater yields, and give pastures a longer rest between grazing’s. • One day in the spring turned out later will give you three days extra in the fall. If there is no grass left, use that as the sacrifice pasture or have a plan B in place to move the cattle elsewhere. Do not let your animals start losing body condition before the winter feeding period. • You cannot overgraze perennial pastures in a drought without damaging the long-term forage stand productivity. Overgrazing is a function of time. And if you allow the animals to come back to those same plants, without allowing adequate rest and recovery, the sugar or carbohydrate root reserves will be lost from the re-grazing. You will not enable those plants to survive the winter. • Well managed and time controlled grazing in dry conditions allows for the longer time a plant needs to recover from grazing, when growth is slowed or stopped because of plant water shortages. If you allow the plant to rest and recover, it will regrow faster when a moisture event does occur. • Remember, spring and early summer are crucial times for perennial plants to grow. Those plants have survived by using their carbohydrate root reserves, so they need time to go through photosynthesis to accumulate those reserves again and use them for elongation. Animals also need to be kept off pasture longer than normal, and two to three weeks is recommended. • Do not turn your animals out when the grass turns green. Monitor the grass for plant stage development. The general rule of thumb is that it’s safe to graze when the majority of grass plants in a stand reach the three or fourleaf stage. • Fertilizing a vigorous stand of pastures will give you a one to two week earlier start to plant grazing readiness. • REST is the best kind of rejuvenation for overgrazed pastures. If plants are overgrazed, it is essential for them to have longer rest periods to recover from grazing. Subdividing pastures in paddocks is one way to help. • Seed annuals for forage shortfalls and consider all of your options. Graze or harvest forage cereals or second cut hay fields. • Cut your alfalfa at 10 per cent bloom for higher quality. This way, you can blend it off with poorer quality feeds like straw to supplement your winter feeding rations. This is the best balance of quality and quantity.

Flexible Stocking Rates- matching forage resources and livestock requirements When dry conditions reduce your pasture forage production, you need to adjust your stocking rates. This needs to happen so that your forage grown equals your livestock requirements, without causing overgrazing. You can do this by either reducing your livestock numbers or increasing your forages that are available for grazing. There are several ways to increase your forage supply, including: • • • •

finding more pasture acres for grazing (renting) improving your forage production through rotational grazing using fertilizer to increase your yields growing annuals for grazing

Annual cereals can be grazed four to six weeks after seeding. A spring cereal (e.g. oats or barley) seeded with a winter cereal (e.g. wheat, fall rye or triticale) can be cut for greenfeed, and the winter cereal will regrow for fall grazing. Annuals can be swath grazed in late summer to fall or corn can be grazed in late fall to early winter. Cover crops or Italian rye grass can also be seeded with cereals for summer and fall grazing. Annuals are more moisture efficient than perennial forages and are a good strategy for managing dry conditions. If your forage supply can’t be increased, then your stocking rate has to be lowered. The classes of cattle that you can sell will depend on your operation. During the middle of the grazing season, yearling cattle (grassers) are the easiest to reduce or sell, followed by the replacement heifers. In a cow and calf operation, earlier weaning and culling cows sooner is an option. Culling animals is a difficult decision and isn’t taken lightly. The sooner you make adjustments so your livestock requirements match your forage resources, the more flexibility you’ll have to manage your farm through challenging conditions.

Water on Pasture Water on pasture can be one of the most pressing issues for livestock producers during periods of dry weather. Water requirements of cattle, ways to get the water to the livestock and potential water quality issues are all considerations for producers. Water Requirements of Cattle on Pasture Livestock require water in sufficient quantities and of sufficient quality for optimum health and growth. The total water needs of livestock are met through a combination of the water contained in feed and drinking water obtained separately from feed. Intake of water depends on several physiological and environmental factors, including: • • • •

size and type of animal physiological state activity level diet

• weather • water quality • ease of access

Typical daily water requirement for range livestock

The adjacent table lists typical consumption requirements for cattle on pasture. All other factors being equal, the primary variable affecting water consumption is temperature. As temperatures increase, so does consumption. Pasture Watering System Considerations • Consider the use of a portable water supply. For smaller operations, a stock tank on a portable vehicle may be an excellent way to improve livestock distribution across a pasture. • Fence off your low water supply areas. Pumping water from a remote site will improve water quality and reduce water loss. • Consider purchasing portable electric fencing and poly pipe for remote watering systems • Regularly monitor your watering equipment to make sure it’s working. • For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/ livestock/beef/pubs/pasture-watering-systems.pdf.

Type of Livestock Milking Cows Cow-Calf Pairs Dry Cows Calves Growing Cattle (400-800 lbs; 180-360 kg) Finishing (600-1200 lbs; 270-540 kg) Bulls

Winter Imperial Litres per gallons day per day 77 17 50 11 36 8 23 5 23-36 5-8

Summer Imperial Litres per gallons day per day 95 21 68 15 55 12 36 8 36-55 8-12

Source: The Stockman’s Guide to Range Livestock Watering From Surface Water Sources

Potential Water Quality Issues Livestock, when given high quality water, will drink more, eat more and ultimately gain weight more quickly. Although livestock can tolerate poor water quality better than humans, elevated levels of some salts, blue-green algae and bacteria can result in severe illness and even death. As summer progresses and temperatures increase, livestock will increase their consumption. As well, water evaporates and without rain to replenish the water source, contaminants can become concentrated. Some of the most common contaminants that decrease intake include: • • • • •

blue-green algae (cyanobacteria) bacteria viruses and parasites sulphates total dissolved solids

• • • • •

nitrates alkalinity taste odour water temperature

For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/dairy/water-quality-and-quantity-is-critical.html. For those who are considering digging new dugouts or cleaning out old ones, Aberta Agrciulture and Forestry has an excellent decision making tool available here: Agriculture and Forestry : Decision Making Tools (gov.ab.ca). It will provide you with the necessary information about what to consider for the measurements and capacity of the dugout. Dugout / Lagoon Volume Calculator Measure length and width at the top of the dugout. Length must be equal to or greater than the width. Water depth must be equal to or less than depth of dugout. Slope is the number of feet in the horizontal (run) direction for each foot in the vertical (rise) direction (eg. run/rise = 4 ft./1 ft.). By entering the above information, this calculator will give you the capacity of the dugout and its contents in cubic feet, cubic yards, cubic meters, litres, Imperial and U.S. gallons. This is useful in determining the size of dugout necessary, estimating construction costs, and volumes remaining in the dugout. Top of Form Units : Length of dugout: Width of dugout: Depth of dugout: Water depth (optional) : End Slope (run/rise) : Side Slope (run/rise) : Bottom of Form

Length

dt Wi

Depth of Dugout

rise

Water Depth run

The dugout calculator uses the following formula for a prismoid to calculate the volume. V = (d/6) x (At + Ab + 4 Am) where At = L x W Ab = (L - 2 x ES x d) (W - 2 x SS x d) Am = (L - ES x d)( W - SS x d) definitions V = Volume d = depth of the dugout At = Area of the top of the dugout Ab = Area of the bottom of the dugout Am = Area of the midsection of the dugout SS = slope of the sides of the dugout ES = slope of the ends of the dugout L = Length of the top of the dugout W = Width of the top of the dugout Agriculture and Forestry : Decision Making Tools (www.agric.gov.ab.ca/app19/calc/volume/dugout.jsp) You may want to get your pasture water source tested, as the cost of the test far outweighs the potential risks. Information on how to test and water testing kits are available at one of the ARD and MASC Service Centres listed below.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Livestock Staff List Name Shawn Cabak Tim Clarke Glenn Friesen Pam Iwanchysko Juanita Kopp Elizabeth Nernberg Marnie McCracken

Location Portage la Prairie Arborg Winnipeg Dauphin Beausejour Roblin The Pas

Phone # 204-239-3353 204-768-0534 204-770-7266 204-648-3965 204-825-4302 204-247-0087 204-620-1545

Email Shawn.Cabak@gov.mb.ca Tim.Clarke@gov.mb.ca Glenn.Friesen@gov.mb.ca Pamela.Iwanchysko@gov.mb.ca Juanita.Kopp@gov.mb.ca Elizabeth.Nernberg@gov.mb.ca Marnie.McCracken@gov.mb.ca

ARD and MASC Service Centre Contact Information Arborg 317 River Road Arborg, MB R0C 0A0 Ph: 1-833-206-0451 Fax: 1-833-478-1304 Email: arborg@masc.mb.ca Headingley 1-5290 Monterey Road Headingley, MB R4H 1J9 Ph: 1-833-206-0465 Fax: 1-833-478-1307 Email: headingley@masc.mb.ca Neepawa 41 Main Street E Neepawa, MB R0J 1H0 Ph: 1-833-206-0469 Fax: 1-833-478-1310 Email: neepawa@masc.mb.ca Steinbach Unit C – 284 Reimer Avenue Steinbach, MB R5G 0R5 Ph: 1-833-206-0480 Fax: 1-833-467-1059 Email: steinbach@masc.mb.ca

Brandon Unit 100 – 1525 1st Street S Brandon, MB R7A 7A1 Ph: 1-833-206-0455 Fax: 1-833-478-1305 Email: brandon@masc.mb.ca Killarney 203 South Railway Street Killarney, MB R0K 1G0 Ph: 1-833-206-0466 Fax: 1-833-478-1309 Email: killarney@masc.mb.ca Portage la Prairie Unit 200, 50 - 24th Street NW Portage la Prairie, MB R1N 3V7 Ph : 1-833-206-0470 Fax : 1-833-478-1312 Email : portage@masc.mb.ca

Swan River 120 – 6th Avenue N Swan River, MB R0L 1Z0 Ph: 1-833-206-0476 Fax: 1-833-478-1315 Email: swanriver@masc.mb.ca Dauphin Room 209, 27-2nd Ave SW Dauphin, MB R7N 3E5 Ph: 1-833-206-0459 Fax: 1-833-478-1306 Email: dauphin@masc.mb.ca Morden 536 Stephen Street Morden, MB R6M 1T7 Ph: 1-833-206-0479 Fax: 1-833-467-1056 Email: morden@masc.mb.ca

Farm Business Management – The Economics of Creep Feeding Creep feeding beef calves on pasture is an option you may want to consider. In the past, the costs of creep feeding, including labour, management and purchasing creep feed, made the process questionable. This scenario has changed. With fall calf prices at the levels they are today, and feed price volatility, the economics of creep feeding are constantly changing, so be sure to figure out what kind of benefit creep feeding would give you before going ahead with it. The benefits of creep feeding will be the greatest for heifers or poor milk producers. If you consider the mathematics of creep feeding, the situation should pay back the cost of feed and the extra work required. Before you embark on creep feeding, consider all your costs, such as the initial cost and depreciation of the feeder, the cost of keeping the feeder full of grain or pellets, and the time required to monitor the feeder during the typically busy months of August through October. Pure grain or pellets? Either product can work. Pellets designed for creep feeders are very effective and offer a good balance of energy, protein and fibre. As an added benefit, monensin can be included in the pellet for acidosis and coccidiosis prevention. Oats are the primary pure grain suggestion, as they have higher fibre levels, so they are less likely to cause acidosis or bloat. Pure oats can be mixed with a mineral medicated with monensin, and should produce similar results to medicated pellets. Usually, a creep feeding setting is thought of as a steel feeder with steel creep panels, but other methods can be equally effective. A small pen, with fence posts 16 to 18 inches apart, can allow calves into an area with grain in troughs. The same small pen can also be used to feed high quality dry hay, such as vegetative alfalfa or grass hay, which will add additional economic growth to the calves. A good nutritional foundation: Creep fed calves are more prepared for the health risks involved in weaning because of the additional fat cover. They are also more familiar with dry feeds and go on to new rations much quicker, causing fewer days with no growth or weight loss. Creep fed calves sold directly at weaning will have a less stressed appearance at auction yards. They will also likely withstand the rigors of transport and co-mingling better than cohorts that are not creep fed. One further benefit of creep feeding calves is to give the mother cows a break and possibly extend the grazing season slightly. Calves on creep will allow the cows to hold their condition better during times of minimal forage resource. The cows will end the summer growing season with more condition and will require less winter feed for maintenance through a Manitoba winter. There are a lot of reasons to consider creep feeding calves. You should do the calculation before you start creep feeding to make sure the economics make sense with the variables on calf pricing and feed input costs. The Manitoba Farm Management Team has a creep feed calculator that can help you make your decision. The calculator can be found at: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/farm-management/production-economics/pubs/calculator-calfcreepfeed.xlsx

Livestock - Creep feeding to support your calves, cows and pastures Creep feeding calves will help meet their nutritional needs and conserve forage in late summer when forage quality declines, and when your pastures are drier than normal and not as productive. A beef cow’s milk yield peaks about two months after calving. By the third or fourth month, milk alone does not usually meet the calf’s requirements to support its full growth potential. Creep feeding can provide for the hungry calf gap, the shortfall of protein and energy no longer provided soley by milk from the cow. With dry pasture conditions, creep feeding your calves may be a good way to conserve pasture for your cows and help put weight on the calves for weaning. The optimum energy and protein content of the creep ration will depend on the following factors: • • • •

Type of feeding system – free-choice or limit-fed, by daily hand feeding or by using a limiting agent such as coarse salt Calf weight – lighter calves require a higher protein Frame size – smaller framed calves will tend to over condition on high energy rations Quality and quantity of other available feedstuffs –milk, pasture, supplemental feed for cows

You may decide to purchase a commercial creep ration from a feed company or mix your own using home grown grains and purchased supplements (see the table below). In general, the creep should contain 13 to 16 per cent crude protein (%CP) on a dry matter (DM) basis and 65 to 75 per cent total digestible nutrients (%TDN, DM basis). The higher %CP and %TDN creep rations would be used for light weight calves (less than 400 pounds) and the lower range CP and TDN rations would be used for heavier calves (over 400 pounds). Helpful Hints: Starting calves on creep can sometimes be difficult. Feeding their dams small amounts of feed on the ground a few days before creep feeding can help get them started. Calves quickly learn to eat new feed with their mothers. • • • •

Provide fresh feed to appetite. When first starting to creep feed, clean up the leftover feed each day. To encourage the calves to eat, add some molasses and/or bran. To prevent grain dust or fines, roll or coarsely grind the grain. The feeder should be in a sheltered or shady spot where the herd gathers. If the pasture is large, pick more than one creep site. • Allow four to five inches of bunk space per calf when free-choice feeding and eight to 12 inches bunk space when limitfeeding. In cases when your pasture is limited because of drought or overstocking, an energy-based creep is recommended. This type of creep is grain-based, and contains 13 to 16 per cent CP, with cracked oats and barley supplemented with pelleted 32 per cent beef supplement or canola meal. This would be most economical when intake is limited to less than 3.5 lb/d and could be limitfed with about 10 to 15 per cent coarse white salt (Alberta Agriculture and Food 2008. Agdex 420/10). The feed conversion of this type of creep would commonly be 8:1 to 10:1 lb creep to lb of calf gain. In this scenario, the creep feed must provide both the energy and protein needs of the calf not fulfilled by the cow and pasture.

Example creep rations for beef calves Ingredient Oats

Ration 1

Ration 2

Barley 32% Protein Supplement

Ration 3

Ration 4

53.2

Canola meal

Ration 5

Ration 6

Ration 7

61.6

24.0

9.1

2:1 Mineral (2 parts Ca: 1 part P)

0.6

Limestone

1.3

1.2

Trace mineral salt

0.4

Vitamin ADE premix

0.1

Total %TDN, %CP in 1 lb of creep ration*

100

75, 13

75, 14

78, 15

78, 18

78, 17

80, 14

80, 15

Adapted from Alberta Agriculture and Food 2008. Agdex 420/10.The Beef Cow-Calf Manual, Section 04: Calf Management from Birth to Weaning, pp 91-93., and from Ontario Ministry of Ag, Food and Rural Affairs, Creep Feeding Beef Calves *TDN and CP estimated in 1 lb of creep feed using COWBYTES 5 v5.32 Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development 2011.

With dry pasture conditions, creep feeding your calves may be a good way to conserve pasture for your cows and help put weight on your calves for weaning. The profitability of creep feeding depends on the ration cost, the price received for the calves, and the conversion of creep to additional gain.

If you would like to be added to our information-sharing list, please email or text Juanita Kopp Juanita.Kopp@gov.mb.ca, 204-825-4302). Your input or topic ideas are always welcome.

Filming for Season 32 of Great Tastes of Manitoba wrapped up earlier this week. Pictured on set is host Dez Daniels (left) along with MBP's Tamara Sarkisian, RD. Make sure to watch CTV Winnipeg at 6:30pm on October 23 and December 4 to see what Tamara has cooking! Photo credit: Donalee Jones

Premier Shuffles Cabinet, Names Ralph Eichler as New Agriculture Minister sectors of the province’s economy and community life. An immediate priority will be to develop drought relief support for hard-hit farmers and ranchers. The premier thanked former ministers Eileen Clarke and Blaine Pedersen for their service to Manitobans as members of cabinet since 2016. Ministers whose portfolio responsibilities have not changed are: • Kelvin Goertzen – deputy premier, minister of legislative and public affairs;

(Abbreviated version of July 15, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Premier Brian Pallister

welcomed two new ministers to Manitoba’s executive. Dr. Alan Lagimodiere, MLA for Selkirk, enters cabinet as the first minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations. Lagimodiere, who is Métis and was born and raised in northern Manitoba, has been given a mandate to build on the substantial progress made by developing an agenda for reconciliation in consultation and engagement with First Nation, Métis and Inuit leadership. Jon Reyes, MLA for Waverley, enters cabinet as minister of economic development and jobs. Reyes, a former small business owner, veteran of the Canadian Armed Forces, and the founder and first president of the Manitoba Filipino Business Council, will help lead efforts to enhance Manitoba’s post-pandemic economic recovery. In addition to the two new members of executive council, Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside, was sworn in as minister of agriculture and resource development with a mandate to further strengthen growth in these critical

• Heather Stefanson – minister of health and seniors care; • Cameron Friesen – minister of justice and attorney general; • Ron Schuler – minister of infrastructure; • Cliff Cullen – minister of education; • Scott Fielding – minister of finance; • Cathy Cox – minister of sport, culture and heritage, minister responsible for status of women; • Rochelle Squires – minister of families, minister responsible for francophone affairs; • Jeff Wharton – minister of Crown services; • Reg Helwer – minister of central services; • Sarah Guillemard – minister of conservation and climate; • Derek Johnson – minister of municipal relations; • Audrey Gordon – minister of mental health, wellness and recovery; • Wayne Ewasko – minister of advanced education, skills and immigration.

COVID-19 Vaccination Process Update (July 16, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

All July pop-up clinics are now listed online in the map finder at https://protectmb.ca/. For people who prefer to book an appointment, there are thousands of Moderna appointments open and available to book as early as today. Thousands of Pfizer appointments are also available to book for later in July. Vaccine Lottery Eligible Manitobans must have their first immunization on or before Aug. 2 if they wish to be eligible to win scholarships or cash prizes in Manitoba’s first ever ‘Vax to Win Lottery’. Currently, 77.2 per cent of Manitobans are eligible for the first draw. More information about the lottery is available at https://protectmb.ca/. Eligibility   All people aged 12 and up are now eligible to make their first or second dose appointment.  The date of the second appointment must be at least 28 days after the first vaccination. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#second-dose. Individuals can book online at https://protectmb.ca/ or by calling (toll-free) 1844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222).   Appointments and Walk-ins   Parents, caregivers or other adults who have a booked Pfizer appointment can continue to transfer their appointment to a 12- to 17-yearold youth, through the provincial call centre.  Fifteen medical clinics and pharmacies are regional hubs for AstraZeneca vaccinations. Individuals can use the online vaccine finder at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.ht ml to find a location with available doses.

A complete listing and searchable map of all vaccine sites, including urban Indigenous clinics and pop-up clinics, is available online at https://protectmb.ca/. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844MAN-VACC).    Additional Information To be considered fully immunized, individuals require two doses of vaccine. These can be the same or different brands of vaccine.  Individuals who are fully vaccinated can now request a digital or physical immunization card. For more information, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/immuniza tion-record.html#immunization-cards.   Individuals who need to update any missing or inaccurate information on their immunization records or apply for an immunization card can use the e-form at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/covid-immunizationrecord-request/ or call 1-844-MAN-VACC (1844-626-8222) and follow the prompts. Manitobans are reminded to fill out a second consent form for their second dose appointment. To fill out and print the consent forms before your appointment, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/resources .html#forms. More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca/. All data in this bulletin is current as of July 15 unless noted otherwise.

Second Phase of Provincial Reopening Path Related to COVID-19 (July 14, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The province will implement the second phase of the ‘4-3-2-One Great Summer’ Reopening Path two weeks early, on July 17, as vaccination rates continue to climb across the province, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced today.

• indoor gatherings at private residences are permitted to a maximum of five people, plus the household members; • indoor gatherings in public spaces are permitted to a maximum of 25 people; • outdoor gatherings on private property increase to a maximum of 25 people;

“Vaccines are the safest and quickest way out of this pandemic. The sooner all eligible Manitobans get fully vaccinated, the sooner we can all get our lives back,” said Pallister. “Thanks to the incredible efforts of Manitoba’s vaccine team and Manitobans’ willingness to roll up their sleeves – not once, but twice – we are able to move forward earlier than anticipated with fewer restrictions on our economy and our communities.”

• public outdoor gatherings increase to a maximum of 150 people;

The second vaccination milestone of at least 75 per cent first dose and 50 per cent second dose for those age 12 and older was reached nearly a month ahead of schedule on July 6. With continued improvement in the overall COVID-19 situation, Manitobans will be able to enjoy more freedoms with expanded indoor and outdoor activities, the premier noted.

- patrons may only sit together indoors if they are from the same household or if all patrons 12 years of age or older are fully immunized (unvaccinated children under 12 may dine with fully vaccinated members of their household in this case);

Under the second phase of the ‘4-3-2 One Great Summer’ Reopening Path, most facilities may now open to 50 per cent capacity, allowing more people to gather indoors and outdoors, shop, dine out, visit cultural and recreational facilities, and more. Fully immunized Manitobans who have received two vaccination doses at least two weeks ago, may enjoy even more benefits under new public health orders. Specifically, the new public health orders will now allow the following:

• retail businesses increase to 50 per cent capacity or 500 people, whichever is lower; • restaurants, licensed premises and food court capacities expand to 50 per cent capacity: - outdoor maximum table size remains at eight people;

- opening hours extend to midnight; - the requirement to purchase food when ordering alcohol no longer applies; - VLTs may be operate with all other restaurant/bar rules applying (two-metre distance, only households or fully vaccinated people seated together); • personal services (haircuts and styling, nail salons, estheticians and massage) continue at 50 per cent capacity; however, appointments are no longer required; • dance, theatre, and music school capacities increase to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 25 perople per group;

Second Phase of Provincial Reopening Path Related to COVID-19 • indoor sporting facilities may host groups up to a maximum of 25 people, interaction between groups and tournaments are not permitted; • day camp capacity increases to groups of 25, joint activities between groups and overnight camps are prohibited; • outdoor recreation including games and practices may take place to maximum group size of 50 people; spectators are permitted and do not count towards this capacity limit; tournaments are not permitted; • gym and fitness centre capacities expand to 50 per cent capacity; masks and increased physical distancing (three metres) are still required; • outdoor weddings and funerals may include up to 150 participants in addition to photographers and officiants; indoor weddings or funerals increase to 25 people in addition to photographers and officiants; • libraries may open to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 150 people, whichever is lower; • faith-based and cultural gatherings (pow wows, sun dances) may expand to 50 per cent capacity or 150 people indoors, whichever is lower; masks and physical distancing between households is still required; - if the facility design allows, the capacity limits may be applied to different physical spaces within the venue; - outdoor faith-based and cultural gatherings permitted up to 150 people and drive-in services continue to be permitted without restriction; • the following may now reopen for fully immunized people only, to a maximum capacity

of 50 per cent: movie theatres; bingo halls, VLT lounges and casinos, and museums and galleries; - museums operate under the fully vaccinated requirement when open to the public as a museum, both indoors and out, and if the museum is used as a private venue for another purpose (e.g. wedding), then the appropriate orders apply; - unvaccinated children under 12 may attend/visit these facilities/events (as appropriate) if accompanied by fully vaccinated members of their household; • large-scale, outdoor professional sports or performing arts events may operate with capacities up to 100 per cent after developing an approved event plan in consultation with public health. In all cases, following the COVID-19 fundamentals, including indoor mask use and physical distancing, is still required to protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans. The new public health orders will go into effect at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, July 17. The orders are scheduled to expire at 12:01 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 7 and will be reassessed at that time in the context of vaccination rates and the province’s overall COVID-19 situation. “We are close to achieving all of our vaccination milestones ahead of schedule. Now we just need that extra effort by every Manitoban not yet vaccinated to roll up your sleeve and push us across the finish line so we can fully reopen, safely and quickly,” said Pallister. For more information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/. See also the backgrounder.

CHANGES TO PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS The following changes come into effect on Saturday, July 17 at 12:01 a.m.

Sector Indoor Gatherings at Private Residences Outdoor Gatherings at Private Residences

Indoor Gatherings in Public Spaces Outdoor Gatherings in Public Spaces Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts

Existing Restrictions as of June 26 Not Permitted

Up to 10 visitors, in addition to those who reside there, are permitted outdoors on private property. Visitors may briefly enter the home for essential reasons. Up to five people permitted. Up to 25 people permitted outdoors in public spaces. Open at 25 per cent capacity for indoors and 50 per cent for outdoor dining; for indoor dining patrons seated together must be from the same household, unless all patrons at the table are fully immunized; for outdoor dining table sizes are limited to eight people.

New Restrictions as of July 17 Up to five visitors, in addition to those who reside there. Up to 25 people are permitted outdoors on private property.

Up to 25 people permitted. Up to 150 people permitted outdoors in public spaces. Open at 50 per cent capacity for indoor and 50 per cent for outdoor dining; for indoor dining patrons seated together must be from the same household unless all patrons at the table are fully immunized; for outdoor dining table sizes are limited to eight people; opening hours are expanded to midnight and the requirement to purchase food when consuming alcohol no longer applies.

Gyms and Fitness Centres

Casinos, Bingo Halls and VLTs

Museums and Galleries

Open at 25 per cent capacity with three metres distance maintained between patrons for both individual and group fitness. Mask use is required. Closed

Closed

VLTs in licensed establishments may be operated with two metres of physical distancing and all other restaurant/bar rules applying; VLTs in unlicensed establishments will follow the casino rules allowing only vaccinated people. Open at 50 per cent capacity with three metres distance maintained between patrons for both individual and group fitness. Mask use is required. Casinos, bingo halls and VLT lounges open to 50 per cent capacity to fully immunized people only. VLTs in licensed establishments may be operated with two metres of physical distancing and all other restaurant/bar rules applying; VLTs in unlicensed establishments will follow the Casino rules for fully immunized people only. Open to 50 per cent capacity to fully immunized people only. Unvaccinated children under 12 may attend if accompanied by fully vaccinated members of their household. Museums operate under the fully vaccinated requirement when open to the public as

a museum, both indoors and out. If the museum is used as a private venue for another purpose (e.g. wedding), then the appropriate orders apply. Libraries

Closed

Professional sports or performing arts events

Open to 50 per cent for fully vaccinated people only, with a plan approved by public health.

Horse and Auto Racing Movies Theatres and Concert Halls

Closed

Weddings and Funerals

Open to 25 participants for outdoor ceremonies, in addition to photographer and officiants. Indoor weddings and funerals remain limited to 10 people.

Indoor Community, Cultural and Religious Gatherings

Open to 25 per cent capacity to a limit of 25 people, with masks worn at all times. Open to 50 people. Drivein services continue to be permitted. Open at 50 per cent capacity on an appointment basis only.

Outdoor Community, Cultural and Religious Gatherings Personal Services

Libraries may open to 50 per cent capacity to a maximum of 150 people. Open up to 100 per cent for fully vaccinated people, with a plan approved by public health. Approved at the discretion of the medical officer of health. Open to 50 per cent capacity to fully immunized people only. Unvaccinated children under 12 may attend if accompanied by fully vaccinated members of their household. Open to 150 participants for outdoor ceremonies, in addition to photographer and officiants. Indoor weddings and funerals expand to 25 people, in addition to photographer and officiants. Open to 50 per cent capacity to a limit of 150 people, with masks worn at all times. Open to 150 people. Drive-in services continue to be permitted. Open at 50 per cent capacity, appointments are no longer required.

Indoor Sports and Recreation

Outdoor Sports and Recreation

Dance, Theatre and Music Schools

Day Camps

Open at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of five people; no tournaments allowed. Open to 25 people; no tournaments allowed.

Open at 25 per cent capacity to a limit of five people indoors, or 25 people outdoors. Open to a maximum of 20 participants in groups.

Retail, Markets, Garden Centres and Malls

Open with increased capacity at 25 per cent to a limit of 250 people, no additional restrictions.

Workplaces

Employers are required to allow staff to work from home where possible. Open 25 per cent capacity to a limit of 25 people with masks worn at all times

Indoor Self-Help Gatherings

Open with 25 people per group; groups may not interact and no tournaments are allowed. Open to 50 people; no tournaments allowed. Spectators are permitted without counting towards this capacity limit. Open at 50 per cent capacity to a limit of 25 people indoors. Open to a maximum of 25 participants in groups, joint activities between groups and overnight camps are prohibited. Open with increased capacity at 50 per cent to a limit of 500 people, no additional restrictions. Mall capacity limited to the aggregate capacity of its stores. No longer required.

Indoor gathering limits apply, permitted up to 25 people.

Fire Bulletin #16 (July 13, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that due to the continued high to extreme fire danger levels across the province, additional fire and travel restrictions are being implemented provincewide, effective Wednesday, July 14, at 8 a.m. Outdoor Burning • All provincial burning permits are cancelled provincewide and new permits will not be issued until conditions improve.

Level 3 Fire and Travel Restrictions – Imposed in areas 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 13, 14 and 16 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • All back-country travel is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit. • Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds. • Campfires are not permitted. • Access to cottages allowed on designated roads; however, travel permits will be required for remote cottages. • Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations, and should contact their local Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information.

Level 2 Fire and Travel Restrictions – Imposed in Areas 9, 10, 11 and 12 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit. • Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds.

• Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Wayside parks remain open. • Landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only. • Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations, and should contact their local Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information.

Level 1 Fire and Travel Restrictions – Imposed in Area 15 • Provincial burning permits are cancelled. • Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m. • Motorized back-country travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. unless otherwise approved by a travel permit. Additional Campfire Restriction • No campfires allowed in all provincial parks located outside of Fire and Travel Restriction Areas. Fireworks and Sky Lanterns • Prohibited in provincial parks at all times. • A Provincial Fireworks Authorization is required to use fireworks or sky lanterns within Fire and Travel Restriction Areas. Any existing authorizations are cancelled and no authorizations will be issued under the current restrictions.

The Province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map will be updated to reflect these updated restrictions. Confirm area restrictions before

Fire Bulletin #16 heading outdoors at www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.html Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions. Check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.ht ml . The province does not issue burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where municipal burning restrictions are already in place. Wildfires across Manitoba, Saskatchewan and northwest Ontario will continue to bring smoke into all parts of the province until conditions

improve. This will be dependent on wind direction. Air quality reports are available on the Government of Canada website at: https://weather.gc.ca/airquality/pages/mbaq001_e.html.

For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links, go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

Province Launches Public Engagement on Manitoba Water Strategy (July 13, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government has launched an online public engagement seeking feedback on the development of a provincial water management strategy, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today. “Water is a key resource for Manitobans, the environment and the economy, and our government is committed to the careful management of this precious resource,” said Pedersen. “We encourage Manitobans to share their thoughts with us and recognize we must work together to sustainably manage water, while considering the impacts of a changing climate and growing economic and social needs.” The last provincial water management strategy for Manitoba was completed in 2003. Much has changed over the last 20 years and a new water strategy will ensure effective and sustainable management of our water resources, the minister said, adding the province looks forward to working with all Manitobans in the development of a made-in-Manitoba water strategy. The province is seeking Manitobans thoughts on the proposed water strategy framework. This

framework highlights the vision statement, guiding principles and key focus areas that will be the foundation for the water strategy. Engagement will complement the $1 million in funding announced earlier this year to support development and implementation of the water strategy. The fund will be administered by the Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI) and the established fund oversight committee will review and approve projects and activities under the fund. “Manitoba has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a water management strategy to drive economic and environmental prosperity in our province,” said Ray Bouchard, chair of the oversight committee for the fund. “Over the next year, this fund will support building a roadmap for a long-term water management strategy with identified projects from key economic sectors. Insights from a diversity of stakeholders in Manitoba is an integral part of this process and will be sought through the EngageMB survey as well as engagement sessions planned for the fall.” To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca/. The deadline for feedback is Aug. 13.

Applications Being Accepted for Water Source Development for Farms and Ranches (June 8, 2021 Joint News Release) The

require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria. Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until Sept. 1. Applications can include retroactive expenses incurred as of April 1. Upon project completion, applicants must submit proof of a valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) with their claim (see www.ManitobaEFP.ca for more info). The Ag Action Manitoba Program is funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership— a five-year (2018-2023), $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-food and agri-products sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. Producers can contact their local Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office, call the department toll-free at 1-84-GROWMB-AG (1-844-769-6224) for more information on any of these programs and services, or go to www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture under Quick Links. FAQ for BMP 503 begins on next page.

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall? A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout? A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

Feed Regulatory Modernization Consultation The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched a 90-day public consultation from June 12 to September 10, 2021, to gather feedback on the proposed changes to the Feeds Regulations, 1983. We are seeking feedback from the public, academia, other government departments, and organizations or individuals with an interest in livestock feeds in Canada. You can participate in this consultation in different ways: •

Read the proposed regulations in Canada Gazette Part I and submit your comments using the online regulatory consultation system

•

Read the proposed documents incorporated by reference

•

Read the fact sheets and guidance documents to better understand the proposed regulations

•

pathogens and disease agents, heightened consumer awareness of food safety, climate change, and increased globalization of trade. Amendments to the Feeds Regulations are required to establish a feed framework that includes hazard analysis, preventive controls, traceability, increased record-keeping requirements, and licensing. These changes will better align with international regulatory frameworks and best practices. This will enable the CFIA and regulated sectors to better understand and manage risks that livestock feeds pose to animal health, human health and the environment, and will support proactive practices for managing those risks. The ultimate objective is to develop a modernized risk- and outcome-based regulatory framework for feeds that: •

protects public, animal and plant health, and the environment

•

reduces unnecessary regulatory burden, overlap and redundancy for stakeholders

•

addresses gaps, weaknesses, and inconsistencies

•

better aligns regulatory frameworks with the strategic objectives of the CFIA and the government's priorities related to economic prosperity and border security

•

supports fair and competitive trade in the market

•

allows for innovation and flexibility through outcome-based regulations

Join a webinar

Background Information from the CFIA The proposed amendments to the federal Feeds Regulations, 1983, would be a major update and aim to improve livestock feed and food safety in Canada, reflect international standards and keep up with industry innovation, science and technology. Feed and livestock production sectors in Canada and abroad have evolved considerably since 1983, operating in an environment influenced by several changing factors such as: nutritional advancements, feed manufacturing and distribution changes, innovation in feed manufacturing technologies, emergence of new

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/ events-and-deadlines/index.html Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops

REGISTRATION DATE

TIME LINK

DEADLINE TO REGISTER

STATUS

Aug. 11, 2021

1:30 3:30 PM

July 28, 2021

FULL

Aug. 25, 2021

1:30 3:30 PM

Aug.11, 2021

OPEN

1:30 Sept. 3:30 8, 2021 PM

Aug.25, 2021

OPEN

Private Water System Bacteriological Subsidy Program The Province of Manitoba offers private water system owners a once-ayear subsidy for bacteria (total coliform and E. coli) analysis of their drinking water through Horizon Lab. If the first sample result indicates the presence of bacteria, homeowners will receive a coupon from the lab for one resample free of charge. Effective April 1st, 2021, the total price to homeowners for the once-ayear subsidized sample is $22.31 (tax included). For information regarding sample bottle pick up, sample submission requirements, and payment options, please contact Horizon Lab directly. Horizon Lab LTD 4055 Portage Avenue Winnipeg, Manitoba R3K 2E8 Phone: 204-488-2035 Fax: 204-488-4772 www.horizonlab.ca Provincial water well fact sheets and educational videos on well testing, well disinfection, and how to reduce well water contamination are available at manitoba.ca/drinkingwater. If you have any further questions, please contact the Office of Drinking Water: •

Inquiries: 204-945-5762

Thank to those of you who participated in the CRSB’s workshop on June 16thfor the Consultation on the Certified Sustainable Beef Framework. We appreciate your contributions to our conversations on new trends and ways to improve the Framework. As part of the engagement process in our Framework review, we also launched a survey to gather detailed feedback on the Framework. The survey will take approximately 25 minutes of your time and is available in both official languages. The questions you receive in this survey will be determined by your level of familiarity with the relevant components of the Framework. Through the survey, we seek to gain your insights on which aspects of the Framework work well and what aspects could be improved. We want to hear your thoughts on any potential gaps in the Framework that could be addressed in the update. Survey deadline: July 31st, 2021. English version: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/RJYF7ZH Version française: https://fr.surveymonkey.com/r/ZNN3HNL Thank you in advance and we appreciate your feedback. Please contact info@crsb.ca if you have any questions.

No pre-registration required. For more information please call Melissa Atchison at (204) 264-0294 or email: verifiedbeefmanitoba@gmail.com • No pre-registration is required. Contact Melissa

Atchison

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP July 2, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba the First Recipient Alexander Cherban Agriculture Industry Development Program (June 30, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government and the Manitoba 4-H Council have selected Agriculture in the Classroom as the first recipient of the Alexander Cherban Agriculture Industry Development Program, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced. “We are pleased to honour the fine work of Agriculture in the Classroom as it helps shape young minds and inspire future leaders in the field,” said Pedersen. “This important work helps shape our youth and help develop a better understanding of the important role agriculture plays in all our lives.” The Manitoba government launched the Alexander Cherban Agriculture Industry Development Program in 2020, which supports activities to strengthen industry development and leadership in the agriculture and food industry. The program is administered by the Manitoba 4H Council Inc. Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba’s (AITC-M) project entitled The Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture Educator Primer will provide education and awareness to enhance public trust in agriculture. In print, and online, the project will introduce the foundations of Manitoba primary agriculture production. “We are beyond thrilled to be the recipients of this incredible grant,” said Sue Clayton, executive director,

July 2021 Click here for the digital version!

AITC-M. “This new foundational resource will allow us to make major strides in educating teachers about agriculture in Manitoba, and in turn, expand our reach to more students in the coming years. It’s wonderful to reach students with our programs and resources, but when we can educate teachers, the expanse of our reach multiplies to hundreds or even thousands.” The Alexander Cherban Agriculture Industry Development Program provides up to $50,000 per year for projects from Manitoba non-profit organizations, governments or academic institutions for innovative provincewide initiatives that increase public awareness about the importance of agriculture to the economy, build public trust for agriculture and processing, or support agriculture skills development and promotion of agriculture and food related career opportunities. The deadline for the next intake of the Alexander Cherban Agriculture Industry Development Program is July 31. For more information on Alexander Cherban, the program or how to apply, visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/industryleadership/acaidf.html or the Manitoba 4-H Council Inc. website at https://4h.mb.ca/alexander-cherban-acaidp/.

Manitoba Beef Producers congratulates AITC-M for being the recipient of this program funding. MBP is a proud supporter of AITC-M activities.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

FCC Economist Says Farm Debt Under Control, Watch For Higher Interest Rates - PortageOnline.com Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef aims to be part of environmental solution - Canadian Cattlemen

PC: Donalee Jones

MBP is excited to share the story of Brett and Chantel McRae as part of our Season 32 Great Tastes of Manitoba / Before the Plate episodes airing this fall. Our thanks to the family for hosting the television production crew last weekend!

COVID-19 Vaccine: Update on Appointment Booking, Eligibility https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html to find a location with available doses.

All people aged 12 and up are now eligible to make their first or second-dose appointment. The date of the second appointment must be at least 28 days after the first vaccination. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#second-dose. Individuals can book online at http://protectmb.ca or by calling (tollfree) 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222). Appointments and Walk-Ins From June 29 to Sunday, July 4, the Leila super site in Winnipeg will be offering walk-in Pfizer doses for youth aged 12 to 17. Approximately 330 doses will be available daily. In anticipation of significant demand, individuals in line will be given a colourcoded ticket, which will identify a time-slot later in the same day when they will be able to get their vaccine. Parents, caregivers or other adults who have a booked Pfizer appointment can continue to transfer their appointment to a 12- to 17-year-old youth, through the provincial call centre. All super sites, except RBC Convention Centre, are now offering walk-in appointments. The number of walk-ins may vary by day and by site, but are approximately 10 per cent of all doses available. It is important to note that a limited number of walk-ins are available on a daily basis. Sites will continue to prioritize first-dose immunizations for walk-ins when possible. Fifteen medical clinics and pharmacies are regional hubs for AstraZeneca vaccinations. Individuals can use the online vaccine finder at

A complete listing and searchable map of all vaccine sites, including urban Indigenous clinics and pop-up clinics, is available online at http://protectmb.ca. Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MANVACC). Additional Information To be considered fully immunized, individuals require two doses of vaccine. These can be the same or different brands of vaccine. Individuals who are fully vaccinated can now request a digital or physical immunization card. For more information, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/immunizati on-record.html#immunization-cards. People who received a COVID-19 vaccine outside of Manitoba should complete the e-form at https://forms.gov.mb.ca/covid-immunizationrecord-request/ to update their immunization information. This e-form can also be used to request other updates or corrections to a COVID19 immunization. Individuals may also contact their local public health office for assistance, if needed. Manitobans are reminded to fill out a second consent form for their second-dose appointment. To fill out and print the consent forms before your appointment, visit: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/resources.h tml#forms. More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and http://protectmb.ca. All data in this bulletin is current as of June 29 unless noted otherwise.

Update on Fire Danger in the Province greatest threat at this time of year, the possibility of human-caused fires is also a concern. The public is asked to be extra careful with any fireworks displays, campfires or any other activity that could start a wildfire.

(June 30, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that due to continued dry conditions and hot weather, the fire danger across south and central regions of Manitoba are approaching high to extreme, while danger levels in the north are moderate and continue to increase as well. The public is reminded to use extreme caution around fire, especially in wilderness areas over Canada Day and into the weekend. Fireworks and sky lanterns are prohibited in provincial parks and a permit is required to use them anywhere in the Burn Permit Area. Permits can be obtained at any Manitoba Conservation and Climate office. Campfires are only allowed within an approved pit. The province detected 13 new fires since June 27 and additional lightning starts are anticipated. The majority of the new fire starts were east of Lake Winnipeg. Two new fires are being actioned in the Western Fire Region, northeast of Cedar Lake. In addition, there are multiple wildfires in northwest Ontario with smoke visible from the Whiteshell, Nopiming and Atikaki provincial parks. These fires are not a threat to Manitoba, but continue to be monitored. Work continues on a large wildfire (EA 044) north of the RM of Grahamdale. Provincial fire crews remain assigned to the area and smoke from this fire may be visible at times from PTH 6. Although lightning-caused fires are the

Many municipalities have already proactively implemented burning restrictions this spring, so be sure to check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.ht ml. The province will not issue any burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where the burning restrictions are already in place. For areas where ATV/UTV use is allowed, riders are reminded they can play a role in protecting Manitoba’s forests. Anyone using an ATV is asked to stay on developed trails, do not ride or idle in tall grass and avoid dry areas. Ensure the ATV has a working spark arrestor, check areas around the engine and exhaust frequently, and carefully remove and extinguish any debris from these areas. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel and regularly check behind you as you ride to ensure nothing has ignited. For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

Applications Being Accepted for Water Source Development for Farms and Ranches improve environmental sustainability of farm operations in Manitoba. Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1 are eligible. Projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria. (June 8, 2021 Joint News Release) The

Applications are now being accepted and will be reviewed on an ongoing basis until Sept. 1. Applications can include retroactive expenses incurred as of April 1. Upon project completion, applicants must submit proof of a valid Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) with their claim (see www.ManitobaEFP.ca for more info). The Ag Action Manitoba Program is funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership— a five-year (2018-2023), $3-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen and grow Canada’s agriculture and agri-food and agri-products sector. This includes a $2-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories. Producers can contact their local Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office, call the department toll-free at 1-84-GROWMB-AG (1-844-769-6224) for more information on any of these programs and services, or go to www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture under Quick Links.

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall? A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout? A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

Read the proposed regulations in Canada Gazette Part I and submit your comments using the online regulatory consultation system

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Read the proposed documents incorporated by reference

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Read the fact sheets and guidance documents to better understand the proposed regulations

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protects public, animal and plant health, and the environment

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reduces unnecessary regulatory burden, overlap and redundancy for stakeholders

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addresses gaps, weaknesses, and inconsistencies

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better aligns regulatory frameworks with the strategic objectives of the CFIA and the government's priorities related to economic prosperity and border security

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supports fair and competitive trade in the market

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allows for innovation and flexibility through outcome-based regulations

Join a webinar

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/ events-and-deadlines/index.html Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops

REGISTRATION DATE

TIME LINK

DEADLINE TO REGISTER

STATUS

1:30 July 14, 3:30 2021 PM

June 30, 2021