E-Newsletter - January 2021 by ManitobaBeefProducers

January 29, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Statement: MBP is restating its call for the Manitoba government to support the federal government’s proposed changes to AgriStability Manitoba’s beef producers – like their Canadian counterparts – face considerable risks, including natural disasters such as droughts and excess moisture events, the potential for animal disease outbreaks, trade disruptions, and other unforeseen events. The beef industry has long been advocating for changes to business risk management (BRM) programs like AgriStability, including the removal of the Reference Margin Limit (RML), increases to the payment trigger and compensation rate, and adjustments to the payment cap. Changes such as these are needed to address BRM program shortcomings related to cattle production. MBP believes the proposed removal of the RML as advanced at the November federal-provincial-territorial (FPT) ministers of agriculture meetings would go a long way toward increasing the predictability and bankability of the program and ultimately make it more equitable, particularly for cow-calf producers, but also others in the sector. Similarly, an increase in the compensation rate from 70% to 80% would be beneficial for the industry. Having access to a more robust and responsive AgriStability program could help instill greater confidence

Thursday, February 11 at 12:45pm

in Manitoba’s cattle producers and encourage future investment and growth. MBP believes that possible program improvements like those being proposed following the FPT meetings are vital steps toward addressing some of the beef industry concerns related to the existing suite of BRM programs. The proposed changes would be helpful not only for the 2020 program year, but beyond. MBP again asks that the Manitoba government support the federal government’s proposal as it represents a major – and overdue – advance in addressing industry concerns related to programs like AgriStability. MBP also recognizes that governments are examining long-term adjustments to BRM programs to make them more responsive and effective. Analyzing all potential options to enhance BRM tools has significant merit, but until such time as initiatives like these may bear fruit MBP believes it is essential that the existing suite of tools works for cattle producers and that opportunity exists now. A stronger beef sector will benefit both the national and provincial economies and MBP asks the Manitoba government to support the proposal that is on the table.

Click here for agenda + free registration

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Manitoba farmers in a bind after province â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;modernizesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; use of Crown land Flood outlet not yet cleared for federal funding

Manitoba Hosts Forum on Sustainable Protein Innovation ***Note: Manitoba Beef Producers participated in this forum. (January 29, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government, along

with the Manitoba Protein Consortium, hosted an interactive virtual forum on Sustainable Protein Innovation, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced. “Manitoba’s vision is to be North America’s protein supplier of choice, leading our country in sustainable protein industry growth that will benefit the profitability and competitiveness of producers, processors and the provincial economy,” said Pedersen. “We are working collaboratively with our industry, academic and government stakeholders to position Manitoba as a leader in sustainable protein and develop a network of collaborators that can mobilize around sustainable protein initiatives.” The Sustainable Protein Innovation Forum was attended by approximately 85 organizations yesterday, where a new Sustainable Protein Action Framework was released. Manitoba began its sustainable protein work in 2019 with a goal to become a global leader. The province created a Protein Consortium to provide leadership on projects of strategic importance and encourage stakeholders to continue their actions to implement the Manitoba Protein Advantage strategy. With this in place, Manitoba launched a multistakeholder ‘challenge dialogue’ on the future of sustainable protein, and gained feedback and insights from more than 85 organizations across the protein industry. Over the past

eight months, the province has been working together with stakeholders across the food and agriculture industry to identify specific actions, gaps to fill and a network of collaborators on research to support the province’s vision to differentiate its protein as first-in-class sustainability. “The Challenge Dialogue discipline has been a transformational process for developing shared understanding, actions and next steps in our goal to achieve the full potential of the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy. Thank you to everyone who has participated,” said Dickson Gould, chair of the Manitoba Protein Consortium. Seventeen industry leaders from Canada, as well as the Netherlands and Bulgaria, created the Sustainable Protein Action Framework. Together, they formed a team to prioritize strategic activities and identify opportunities for scalable impact. This framework outlines the full suite of actions that are required to achieve the common goal of advancing sustainable protein. “I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of other industry representatives on a design team to create the Sustainable Protein Action Framework released yesterday,” said David Wiens, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba. “The framework covers the entire sustainable protein landscape and will serve as a reference to guide future actions and position Manitoba as a leader in sustainability.” To view the Sustainable Protein Action Framework, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/protein/sustaina bility/index.html.

Manitoba Rivers And Lakes Basin Conditions Update (January 28, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Future snow and spring rain will

determine Manitoba’s 2021 spring run-off and potential for high water situations across many of the province’s watersheds, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced. The Manitoba Hydrologic Forecast Centre’s mid-January basin conditions assessment indicates drier than normal conditions for much of the southern and central Manitoba basins. The Red, Souris, and Assiniboine river basins continue to receive below average precipitation since August 2020. However, northern Manitoba basins, including the Churchill and Saskatchewan river basins, continue to receive average to above-average precipitation since July 2020. “Our government continues to strengthen its’ efforts to protect Manitobans in response to high water events; to achieve that, we must always be prepared,” said Schuler. “We will monitor watershed conditions closely despite low levels of precipitation last fall and this winter. We continue to maintain our inventory of floodfighting equipment and we have several procurement measures in place for equipment and supplies so we are able to respond quickly and effectively in the event of high water activities.” The province maintains an inventory of flood-fighting equipment, which includes over two million sandbags, six sandbagmaking machines, 18,000 super sandbags and 43 kilometres of cage barriers into

which sand or other heavy material is placed. In addition, 65 kilometres of waterfilled barriers, and 59 mobile pumps and heavy-duty steamers to open clogged drains are in reserve. Through an open tendering process, the province has five standing agreements for the purchase of materials such as sand, gravel, riprap, sandbags and pumps. It also has eight standing agreements for rental of various types of equipment to supplement existing resources such as water pumps, generators, mobile lighting plants, heavy equipment and other support machinery. Last spring the province introduced new safe work procedures for sandbagging and water-filled barrier operations that municipalities can implement to ensure the safety of high water response workers during the COVID 19 pandemic. A high water response activity document was created, which provides a clear and concise process on sandbag production, the construction of two types of sandbag dikes, as well as the installation of water-filled barriers. “We will continue to monitor conditions and will release the first Spring Thaw Outlook in late February,” noted Schuler. To view the province’s safe sandbagging procedures, visit www.gov.mb.ca/emo/.

Manitoba Calls On Government of Canada to Sign Financial Agreement With Province for Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels (January 28, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government today urged

the federal government to signal its support for protecting Manitobans from future flood damage resulting from climate change by officially signing the joint Canada/Manitoba funding agreement for the long-delayed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Channels Project. Premier Brian Pallister announced. “Since 2016, our government has been fighting to get this needed outlet built, to protect Manitobans, and prevent future flooding disasters from happening,” said Pallister. “We’re ready to sign today and call upon the federal government to join with us and sign too.” The outlet channels project is the largest and most significant flood mitigation project undertaken in Manitoba since the expansion of the Red River Floodway, the premier noted. It is a critical component of Manitoba’s broader integrated flood mitigation network, which includes the Shellmouth Dam, the Portage Diversion and the Red River Floodway. Collectively, this system protects the safety of hundreds of thousands of Manitobans across much of the province, and reduces the catastrophic costs and damages associated with future flood events. The project is estimated to cost a total of $540 million, cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments. The premier said it is predicted to contribute an estimated $335 million to Manitoba’s gross domestic product (GDP), with an additional $165 million in GDP accruing to other parts of Canada, as some construction material is sourced out of province. Construction of the outlet channel will result in positive economic effects to both the

provincial and regional economy, as well as the local labour market, he noted. The project workforce is estimated to average 300 people per year over five years of construction, which is crucial for Manitoba’s economic recovery through the COVID pandemic, the premier added. “2021 marks a decade since the dramatic events surrounding the flood of 2011. The physical, social and financial impacts of that flood are still impacting Manitobans. Far too many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people lost their homes, their community and their way of life. It’s time to put all that right,” said Pallister. To date, the province has had 174 meetings with indigenous communities and impacted groups to consult about the project. It has signed fully funded consultation agreements with eight First Nations. It has undertaken nearly $5 million in environmental impact assessments. Every month and year of delay costs Manitobans more and raises the risk of not being prepared for another severe flooding event brought about by a changing climate, the premier said. “This is the single-most important infrastructure project in recent Manitoba history,” said Pallister. “We do not need another flood to show why this is the case. What we do need is for the federal government to show Manitobans it cares about climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and the livelihood of farmers and communities by signing the joint funding agreement with us that is sitting on a desk in Ottawa.”

please see page 2 for additional media coverage

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Province Unveils Vaccine Prioritization List (January 27, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The province has released a four-

stage immunization plan that builds on medical expertise and Manitoba’s current approach to the vaccine campaign, with the goal of protecting Manitobans at greatest risk of COVID-19 the soonest, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced today. “These priority groups are clear and based on the guidance of our medical experts,” said Stefanson. “We all want to get the vaccine to our most vulnerable people, and to every Manitoban who wants a vaccine, as quickly as possible. Now, we need the vaccine supply to put our plans into action. This is incredibly important work that is being led by the Vaccine Implementation Task Force, on behalf of all Manitobans.” The plan sets out how Manitoba will further expand its immunization campaign to reach more Manitobans in priority groups, and then to all Manitobans, based on age. Manitoba’s approach follows the guidance provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on priority populations for the COVID-19 vaccine, tailored to meet Manitoba’s situation. The NACI guidance for priority populations includes: • those at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19; • those most likely to transmit COVID-19 to those at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19; and • those whose living or working conditions put them at elevated risk of infection and where infection could have

disproportionate consequences including Indigenous communities. Manitoba’s plan identifies four main groups including: • health-care workers and congregate living staff; • residents of congregate living facilities; • residents of First Nations communities; and • Manitobans, based on age. These groups are then also broken down into smaller groups, so those at greater risk are eligible to be immunized sooner. The most vulnerable people within the first three groups have already started to be eligible for immunization. The priority plan helps to set out how Manitoba continues to expand its immunization criteria to more Manitobans on the basis of age, as vaccine supplies allow. Manitoba’s plan is based on recommendations from its vaccine medical advisory table, which includes 27 physicians from a broad range of specialties, a pharmacist and two nurses. “Our priority population sequencing reflects what we know about COVID-19, including who is at greatest risk of serious illness and who is most likely to be exposed to the virus,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical officer of health with Manitoba Health and Seniors Care and medical lead on the Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “The plan we’re releasing today builds on the work we’ve already done to immunize thousands of people. Now Manitobans will have a better continued on next page

Province Unveils Vaccine Prioritization List sense of where they and their loved ones fit in the vaccine campaign as it rolls out in the weeks and months ahead.” These priorities are in addition to pop-up vaccination clinics and Focused Immunization Teams (FITs) that can be used quickly immunize target priority populations. The minister noted Manitoba is ready to rapidly launch a significant, province-wide immunization campaign to help protect as many Manitobans from the virus as quickly as possible. Manitoba is now also actively planning to support the launch of new super sites across the province and expand capacity at existing locations. Once additional vaccine supply is received, the province will be able to deliver all vaccine the federal government is able to deliver. As part of its plan, the province will continue to for immunizing other essential workers when additional vaccines become available in the future. These decisions will also be guided by epidemiological information, medical advice and occupational workplace safety and health. Additional immunization planning for essential workers may happen as additional vaccines become available. Manitoba remains focused on providing full protection against COVID-19 to those most at risk. The province is currently third in the country for total population fully immunized, at 369 people per 100,000. The minister also noted that Manitobans will have an opportunity to join her, Reimer

and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, at a telephone town hall on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. To register and receive a phone call to join, visit https://engagemb.ca/restartmb-pandemicresponse-system. An overview of Manitoba’s prioritization strategy and more information about Manitoba’s COVID-19 immunization campaign are available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/index .html.

A PDF OF THE VACCINATION PRIORITIZATION LIST IS AVAILABLE ON THE NEXT PAGE

COVID-19 VACCINE MANITOBA COVID-19 VACCINATION PLAN – PRIORITY POPULATION SEQUENCING Stage 1

Stage 2

Healthcare Workers & Congregate Living Staff

Healthcare workers who provide direct patient care in: • Critical Care Units • Designated COVID 19 wards • Emergency Departments & Urgent Care Departments • Long-term Care Facilities • Correctional Facilities • Emergency Shelters • CLDS & CFS Group Homes • Paramedics (born before 1975) • Acute care facilities (born before 1975) • Home care (born before 1975) Laboratory workers who handle COVID-19 specimens Healthcare workers in designated COVID-19 testing clinics and COVID-19 immunization clinics

Healthcare workers who provide direct patient care of any age in: • Acute Care facilities • Paramedics • Home Care Healthcare workers over age 60 who provide direct patient care in: • Primary care clinics • Dental clinics • Specialty physician clinics • Diagnostic Imaging • Outpatient laboratories • Outpatient surgical programs • Elderly day programs All staff (including those without direct patient care) in: • Licensed Personal Care Homes All staff over 60 (including those without direct patient care) in: • Congregate living facilities

All staff (including those without direct patient care) in: • Acute care facilities • Primary care clinics • Dental clinics • Specialty physician clinics • Diagnostic Imaging • Outpatient labs • Outpatient surgical programs • Elderly day programs • Home care All staff in congregate living facilities

Congregate Living Facilities Residents

Residents of licensed Personal Care Homes Residents of high-risk congregate living facilities

Residents of high and moderate risk congregate living facilities

Residents of all congregate living facilities not reached in Phase 1/2

First Nations

General Population Essential workers

Stage 3

Stage 4 All healthcare workers who work in a health care facility

Additional information will be provided in partnership with First Nations.

Manitobans over age 80 • Starting with Manitobans over 95 • Expanding by 1 year increments until reaching age 80 Essential workers may be added as additional vaccine products are approved for use in Canada.

Manitobans over age 60 • Starting with over 75 • Expanding by 1 year increments

Manitobans over 18 • Starting with over 55 • Expanding by 1 year increments

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program The 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program assists Manitoba cattle producers affected by COVID-19 related closures of slaughter plants and capacity reductions. The program provides financial assistance to offset extraordinary feed costs incurred due to a delay in marketing cattle.

market and slaughter, but could not be sold due to reduced capacity at the major Alberta beef processors. This period, referred to as the Extraordinary Feeding Period, includes the time needed to address cattle supply backlog in Western Canada. For eligible applicants: •

The Extraordinary Feed Period began April 15, 2020, OR when the cattle reached the minimum weight for eligibility (1,400 lbs. for steers or 1,300 lbs. for heifers), whichever is later.

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The Extraordinary Feed Period ends December 31, 2020, OR on the actual slaughter date of the cattle, whichever is earlier.

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The Extraordinary Feed Period for these cattle must have been greater than 14 days.

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Applicants must have owned the cattle for a minimum of 60 days prior to slaughter and must have missed the intended marketing date due to COVID-19 related slaughter interruptions.

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The cattle slaughter date must be between April 29, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Who can apply? The following are eligible to apply: •

individuals

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partnerships

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corporations

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co-operatives

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First Nation communities

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any other association of persons owning and responsible for associated feed costs of eligible animals between April 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020

When are the application deadlines? Applications must be received by February 15, 2021. What do we fund? The program will pay daily support for the period during which cattle were ready for

continued on next page

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 How much does the program fund? Eligible applicants will receive $1.20 per eligible animal for each day in the Extraordinary Feeding Period, to a maximum of 63 days. The maximum payment is $75.60 per head.

Additional Information: •

Payments will not be issued for: •

animals with less than 14 Extraordinary Feed Days

•

applicants with fewer than five eligible animals

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payments of less than $200.00

How do I apply? •

•

Refer to the Terms and Conditions or Frequently Asked Questions guide for more detailed information on eligible and other requirements. Complete an Application Form and either email completed application form to agriculture@gov.mb.ca or mail to: •

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Box 970, Roblin MB R0L 1P0

Please note: Applications must be accompanied by documentation that supports the claim of costs incurred by feeding eligible animals (refer to Terms and Conditions) during the Extraordinary Feed Period. All Applications must include copies of sales invoices, including the date and average weight of cattle, provided by purchasing slaughter facility.

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Payments will be considered allowable income for AgriStability, in the program year only.

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Payments will not be considered allowable revenue under AgriInvest.

Have 15 Minutes? Make An Impact On The Future Of Beef Research As someone who follows the Beef Cattle Research Council Blog, you’re almost guaranteed to be what we call a ‘Canadian beef industry stakeholder’, meaning you: • own or manage beef cattle, • conduct research on beef, cattle or forages, • are a large animal veterinarian, • own or work for an abattoir/beef processor, • are a government employee in a beefrelated role, • work or volunteer for an organization that actively supports the beef industry, or • have another valuable role that supports and relies on Canadian beef production.

You hold a stake in the industry, so the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) relies on your input on research and extension issues. When you answer these 16 questions by March 5th, you will inform the next five-year Canadian Beef Research and Technology Transfer Strategy and impact the long-term competitiveness of the Canadian beef industry. CLICK ON THE BCRC GRAPHIC TO PARTICIPATE IN THE SURVEY.

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online in February The following information is from the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website:

The Manitoba government has announced a new approach to agricultural Crown land lease auctions beginning in February. A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing, or cropping. A complete listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found online at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPprop erties.aspx or a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office. Online bidding will take place February 8, 2021 through February 12, 2021 at Garton's Auction Service. Available units will be listed for viewing on the auction website starting on February 1, 2021. All bidders will be required to complete and ACL Registration Form (PDF 736 KB), in addition to registering to bid on the online auction platform. The ACL Registration Form (PDF 736 KB) can be completed ahead of the auction and submitted to agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca Please note that you may be ineligible to bid in an agricultural Crown lands lease auction if you have not made payment in full for your existing 2021 lease or permit by February 1, 2021.

For information about participating in a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Crown Lands Auction, please refer to the Fact Sheet (PDF 158 KB). Samples of the standard Forage Lease Agreement (PDF 894 KB) and Cropping Lease Agreement (PDF 883 KB) are available for review. Although the lease will apply to most parcels, there may be specific additional provisions that apply to specific parcels. Eligibility An individual must be at least 18 years of age, and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada). Corporations, forage cooperatives, partnerships, Hutterite colonies, and First Nation bands can also be eligible to acquire an agricultural Crown lands lease. Please refer to the Eligibility Policy for further guidance. Fees •

Allocation is done via auction process with an administrative reserve in place

•

Annual rent for cropping leases is determined by successful auction bid

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Annual rent for forage dispositions is determined by formula continued on next page

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online in February •

Forage Rent Formula = A x 3.5% x B

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A is the average price of beef, determined by the average sale price per hundred pound weight for the previous 36 months, ending September 30 for 500 to 600 pound heifers and steers in the province as published by Canfax (an operating division of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association)

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B is the forage capacity for the land, being the number of animal unit months that the land is capable of producing in an average year, as determined by Manitoba Agriculture 2021 rent = $7.23/AUM

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Annual payment in lieu of municipal taxes is calculated by Real Estate Services Division, Department of Finance

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For additional information on upfront costs and annual fees, please see the Allocation and Rent Policy

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A transfer fee of $200 is applicable to transfers and name changes on lease agreements. Please see the Transfer Policy

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Community pasture rent is determined by the Association of Manitoba Community Pastures

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Development (land improvements) is done at lessee cost and rental rates are not increased for an agreed-upon number of years, depending on the extent of the development

More information on the upcoming auctions can be found at https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPprop erties.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by email at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca or by calling 204867-6550 or 1-844-769-6624 (toll-free).

A PDF ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN A MANITOBA AGRICULTURE AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CROWN LANDS AUCTION IS AVAILABLE ON THE NEXT PAGE.

Preparing for an Online Agricultural Crown Lands Lease Auction Parcels for Lease Agricultural Crown Lands available for lease or renewable permit at auction can be reviewed at: resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx#agLeasePermit The lots will be available for viewing on the website of the 3rd party hosting the auction one week prior to the start of the auction.

Prior to the Auction • Potential bidders are encouraged to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Any arrears on agricultural Crown lands lease or permit accounts must be paid in full prior to the auction in order to be eligible to bid. Eligibility may also be impacted by previous compliance history with the Agricultural Crown Lands program. • Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching and visiting the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations. Potential bidders must ensure they can legally access the parcels. º Aerial photo map viewer agrimaps.gov.mb.ca/agrimaps/ º Information on the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program, including the standard Forage Lease Agreement and Cropping Lease Agreement can be found on the Agricultural Crown Lands website: manitoba.ca/agriculture/ land-management/crown-land/index.html

º Farm Production Extension Specialists Crown Lands can provide assistance prior to the auction dates. • Please note that The Crown Lands Act prohibits some provincial employees from holding Crown land without further vetting. For additional information, please contact staff. • If translation or accommodation services are required for the auction, please contact staff at least five (5) days in advance of the auction.

Online Auction Bidding

Following the Online Auction

• The registration and auction process is administered by an independent 3rd party to be identified on the ACL website and/or auction notice. For technical assistance with participation in the auction process, please contact the auctioneer. • The auction website will display available parcels for one week prior to the scheduled auction. • Potential bidders will complete the online registration process, including a declaration of eligibility. • The auction website will list the auction rules, and examples will be provided. º FORAGE LEASE: The lease is for a 15 year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land. Rent is determined separately via formula. º RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT or RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The permit is for 15 one-year terms. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to hold a permit on the land. Rent is determined separately via formula.

• The successful bids will be listed on the auction website at the end of the auction. Official auction results will be posted on the provincial website soon thereafter. • The payment process, and lease document signing is administered by provincial staff. Successful bidders will be required to sign lease documents and make payment in full within 30 days of invoicing following the auction. º FORAGE LEASE, RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT, RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s rent and amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable. º CROPPING LEASE: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable.

º CROPPING LEASE: The lease is for a five (5) year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 plus the minimum rental amount, and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land and set the annual rental amount via the auction bid.

Contact us • Email us at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg

PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS LEASE AUCTION

Province Announces Proposed Changes to Public Health Orders re: Interprovincial Travel (January 26, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is amending

public health orders to put formal restrictions on interprovincial travel to protect Manitobans from COVID-19 and to help prevent importation of possible variants from other jurisdictions, Premier Brian Pallister announced. “Manitobans have worked incredibly hard over the last two months to flatten our COVID-19 curve, which has allowed us to take a cautious, measured approach to reopening some services in our province,” said Pallister. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are implementing more formal travel restrictions to protect Manitobans from the risks of COVID-19 being introduced to us further by travel including any new COVID-19 strains from other jurisdictions.” The public health orders will be amended on Jan. 29 to specify that anyone entering Manitoba from anywhere in Canada will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. This includes those entering from northern and Western Canada, and from west of Terrace Bay in Ontario, which under previous health orders did not require self-isolation. Current exemptions to self-isolation measures are still in effect including those traveling for essential interprovincial work and people travelling for medical purposes. There will also continue to be exemptions for people who regularly travel to and from communities near the borders for essential purposes. “Let me be clear – Manitobans should not be traveling, either internationally, interprovincially or within our province except for essential reasons. This will help reduce the spread of COVID-19, including cases of new variants, which have been found in other provinces,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. “This

revised order formalizes that measure and lays out clear requirements for Manitobans. We must all work together to observe these selfisolation requirements as well as other public health fundamentals, including physical distancing, frequent handwashing and mask wearing, to continue to keep our COVID-19 numbers at bay.” Manitobans currently out-of-province will have until 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 to return to the province without being required to selfisolate. If they arrive after that time, they must self-isolate as appropriate on their return. Failure to self-isolate in accordance with public health advice is a violation of the order and is enforceable under the Public Health Act. Individuals could be subject to fines for noncompliance. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/orders/ index.html for full information on travel and self-isolation requirements. The restrictions complement the other limited changes to the public health orders that took effect Jan. 23 and will last for three weeks. These changes balance the need to protect the health-care system while gradually restoring services and activities for Manitobans, Pallister said. The province will keep monitoring COVID-19 developments carefully and will make further adjustments to ease restrictions or re-impose restrictions depending on Manitobans’ collective success in keeping COVID-19 at bay, Pallister reiterated. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19. To view the public health order in its entirety, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/ 2020_2021/orders-soe-selfisolation-01282021.pdf

Click here to visit KAP's website to learn more & register for a session that suits your schedule: https://manitobafarmsafety.ca/upcoming-events

Manitoba Government Announces Virtual Engagement for Budget 2021 (January 22, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The provincial government is

telephone town halls at https://engagemb.ca/budget-2021.

inviting Manitobans to participate in virtual and telephone engagement sessions and an online survey to help shape Budget 2021, Finance Minister Scott Fielding announced today.

Manitobans can also email comments and ideas to budget2021@gov.mb.ca or mail written submissions to:

“As we prepare our upcoming budget, our government’s priority is to protect and support all Manitobans through the unprecedented fiscal and economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Fielding. “Our annual budget process relies on Manitobans to provide valuable input on important issues. With the pandemic restricting the ways we gather, this year we’re inviting all Manitobans to share suggestions in a safe way as we launch our first-ever virtual engagement process.”

“Budget 2021 will focus on protecting health care, jobs, incomes, education and child care for Manitobans, as we look for ways to protect our province’s future,” said Fielding. “We invite Manitobans to help prioritize our investments in areas such as health care and our COVID-19 response, jobs and the economy, mental health and addictions, and investments in our schools.”

Due to COVID-19 public health orders that restrict gathering sizes, Fielding will host four telephone town halls and four virtual engagement sessions in late January and early February, and invites Manitobans to submit online and written feedback.

Minister of Finance c/o Budget Consultations 103-450 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8

The province’s mid-year financial report and economic outlook released in December 2020 projected a revised deficit of $2.048 billion for the current 2020-21 fiscal year, which would be the highest deficit in Manitoba history.

Telephone town halls: • Monday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. for Winnipegarea residents; and • Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. for rural Manitobans.

To date, Manitoba has committed $3.2 billion in response to the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic, which is the third-highest level of estimated per capita and as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) support in the country.

The Manitoba government has also launched an online budget survey through EngageMB and invites Manitobans to complete the survey and register for the virtual public engagement meetings and

Fielding noted the province remains focused on its pandemic response and has yet to set a date to release Budget 2021 as it awaits information from the federal government in regards to its budget date and final transfer amounts to provinces.

Canadian beef partners launch campaign highlighting University chefs and Canadian beef farmers “Across the country, college and university chefs feed thousands and thousands of students every day. For chefs and students, it is all about nutrition, affordability and taste—students say the reputation of an institution's foodservice influences their decision to apply for admission. This has resulted in institutions hiring some of the most skilled chefs around,” according to an article in the Toronto Star. The 2020 school year looked very different from past years and school chefs had to pivot within their role. Recognizing an opportunity, the team at Star Metroland (a group of digital and print publications across Canada) presented an interesting proposition to highlight some of Canada’s college and university chefs along with Canadian beef farmers and ranchers. Canada Beef teamed up with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement team and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef on this digital and social media project. The Cooking by Degrees campaign, published in the Star Metroland family of newspapers, featured recipes submitted by university and college chefs, highlighting their favourite Canadian beef cut. In the articles, chefs talk about how they develop their menu items and how they include Canadian beef on their menus. The sixteen recipes are an interesting mix of different cuts of beef. To add a unique perspective to these articles, well-known agriculture reporter and Guelph University Professor Owen Roberts, interviewed Canadian beef producers across Canada to round out each article and provide readers with a fresh perspective on the farmers who raise and grow their food. These beef producer articles focused on the sustainability aspect of beef farming, educating readers about how

beef farmers care for their animals and the environment. "This was a unique opportunity to showcase the on-the-ground story of Canadian beef, a global leader in sustainable beef production, with Canadian consumers. We were able to highlight the important connection between the farmers and ranchers dedicated to raising local Canadian food responsibly with the [verified] sustainable practices increasingly demanded by Canadian consumers," says Andrea White, Community Engagement and Marketing Manager, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Amie Peck, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association notes that "alongside these farmer profiles are the chefs who elevate that food into delicious, innovative experiences that we can re-create from the comfort of our homes. It was exciting to see the passion for raising Canadian beef cattle through the eyes of farmers and ranchers, which is so important for building public trust, align with the passion of these chefs in delivering delicious eating experiences."

Thomas Hagan is a Manitoba rancher raising 300 cattle with his family on a 3,200-acre ranch near Virden. Hagan is committed to continued on next page

Canadian beef partners launch campaign highlighting University chefs and Canadian beef farmers sustainability through an approach called regenerative agriculture. It’s based on helping the soil reach new heights of healthiness, rich in beneficial bacteria and microorganisms and putting carbon in the soil. The cattle have a role in pasture improvement, aerating the soil with their cloven hooves and working their manure into the soil with each step they take. Hagan herds them shoulder to shoulder, mimicking the action of tightly packed wildebeest herds on the savannah. The cattle change pastures up to five times a day, with help from automatic fence-lifting devices that open up greener pastures to them. Hagan is this year’s recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award from Manitoba Beef Producers. “Grass is our number one asset, and the better we are at growing it, the more productive we are,” he says. The Cooking by Degrees online campaign launched December 2, 2020, runs for 16 weeks and will live permanently on the Cooking by Degrees page on thestar.com website, which has a large readership in urban centres across Canada. This opportunity to share information about Canadian beef and the producers who provide it was a perfect fit for this audience. Each partner created digital ads to enhance the articles through strong call-to-action topics to drive readers to click for further information. Canada Beef also wrote survey questions to further engage readers with the website content. Preliminary results show that the campaign has already received over 10,000 page views. Readers are also spending a higher than average time on the site, (around 3 minutes compared to the average of 2 minutes) which indicates they are reading the articles.

The digital ads are also performing about 2.5 times better than other sponsored content ads with a click-thru-rate of 6.4%. "This campaign is successful on a number of levels," says Michele McAdoo, Executive Director, Communications, Canada Beef. "The articles provide interesting information about beef cuts and recipes as well as sharing beef producer stories and highlighting their sustainability efforts. The digital ads drive readers to learn more about the industry and about preparing beef--given the outstanding results, the campaign has really resonated with readers."

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management. Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you. StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (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. EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire: (204) 697-1140. Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via GoTo Meeting until further notice. To register for an EFP workshop, contact Tami Watson (204) 239 3352 or tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca. Once registered, arrangements will be made to provide you with the EFP workbooks and support material needed for the workshop.

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

February 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

CONTACT:

Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca

Resolutions Suggestion Form for 42nd Manitoba Beef Producers AGM Manitoba Beef Producersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested late resolutions for potential debate at its virtual 42nd Annual General Meeting set for February 11, 2021. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the resolutions session. In consultation with the resolutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions. Please note: if the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking. See sample resolutions and submission instructions on page 2, and provide your proposed resolution on the form below. Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (include MBP District number if known) ___________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________

Sample Resolutions Arising from Past Manitoba Beef Producers District Meetings Example 1 Whereas blackbirds cause significant losses to producers’ crops. Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Minister of Sustainable Development to include blackbird damage as eligible for claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage. Example 2 Whereas Manitoba Agriculture recognizes that bale grazing of beef cattle can save producers time, effort and money and help distribute valuable nutrients to the soil to enhance future productivity; and Whereas even though this practice is well utilized by Manitoba’s beef producers, they currently receive no compensation for wildlife damage to bales left in fields or pastures for feeding purposes. Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government for changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage to ensure that baled hay that remains on fields for use as part of an extended feeding regime becomes eligible for compensation related to wildlife damage.

Submission Instructions for Proposed Resolutions Please send the proposed resolution (along with your contact information) to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Alternatively, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4. For resolutions to be reviewed by MBP’s board of directors and posted on MBP’s website prior to the 42nd AGM for others to see, they need to be received by MBP no later than 8:30 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2021. Thanks for your assistance in this regard and we look forward to an engaging virtual resolutions debate!

January 22, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Province Makes Modest Changes to Provincial Public Health Orders Protecting Manitobans Effective Jan. 23 (January 21, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Limited changes

to the public health orders will take effect on Jan. 23 and last for three weeks, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced, adding these modest changed balance the need to protect the health-care system while gradually restoring services and activities for Manitobans.

“We recognize the significant sacrifices all Manitobans have made throughout this pandemic and especially in the last two months, to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community,” said Pallister. “Thanks to their willingness, compassion and dedication to follow the strict public health orders, we are now in a position to cautiously and gradually reduce some restrictions, while ensuring we continue to protect and safeguard Manitoba lives. Manitobans have earned this day and Manitobans now have the opportunity to earn such days in the future.” Previous restrictions in the orders will remain, with the following changes in effect beginning Jan. 23 for the Winnipeg (except for Churchill), Southern Health–Santé Sud, Interlake–Eastern and Prairie Mountain Health regions: • household limits: orders will be expanded to allow increased personal connections to support the well-being of Manitobans by allowing:

- two designated people (family or friends) to visit a household under a new ‘rule of two’; - outdoor visits of up to five people only plus members of a household on an outdoor private property; and - funerals to have up to 10 people in addition to the officiant under clear COVID-19 protection protocols. • retail operations: orders will be expanded to eliminate the essential items list, allowing all stores to open for the sale of products provided they maintain physical distancing and occupancy limits of 25 per cent only or a maximum of 250 people, whichever is lower. • health and personal services: orders will be expanded to allow for the operation of basic services that promote physical and mental health for Manitobans: - non-regulated health services, such as pedorthists and reflexologists, to reopen with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes; and - barber shops and hair stylists to reopen at 25 per cent capacity with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes. Given the high case counts in northern Manitoba communities, the changes outlined above will not apply to that region or

continued on page 3

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

Young farmer finds unique education New 10-week bootcamp preps aspiring farmers to break into the industry What millennials want

Public Health Orders (continued from page 1) or Churchill. Household restrictions, retail operations limited to essential items only, and health and service operations will remain limited to regulated health professions. “Our collective progress in bending the COVID curve means we can undertake these careful, measured openings,” said Roussin. “But we must stick to the fundamentals of physical distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask in our daily lives to keep this success going.” Roussin explained that current high COVID case numbers and test positivity rates in northern Manitoba where the virus continues to affect remote and isolated communities, including First Nation communities, means Manitoba is not yet in a position to ease restrictions in this region. As steps are taken toward a safe, gradual reopening to protect Manitobans, the province will continue to engage Manitobans to provide their feedback via EngageMB, Pallister noted.

Manitobans were invited to provide feedback on the proposed reopening plans and from Tuesday, Jan. 19 to Thursday, Jan. 21, 35,052 responses were provided, and included: • 62.1 per cent of respondents agreed that household limits should be increased to allow for two people with whom you regularly interact to visit your residence and up to five people outdoors on private property and that funerals should be permitted to have up to 10 people, in addition to officiants; • 73.1 per cent of respondents agreed reopening non-regulated health professions, hair stylists and barbershops is an appropriate next step in a gradual reopening; and • 76.4 per cent of respondents agreed eliminating the essential items list and limiting retail capacity to 25 per cent or 250 patrons, or whichever is lower, is an appropriate next step in gradual reopening. Pallister reiterated the province will monitor COVID-19 developments carefully and will make further adjustments to ease restrictions or re-impose restrictions depending on Manitobans’ collective success in keeping COVID-19 at bay. For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Free virtual mental health literacy training throughout the months of January, February, and March 2021. Please visit KAP's website to learn more and register for a session that suits your schedule: https://manitobafarmsafety.ca/upcoming-events

Email Address: _____________________________________

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Feb. 8 to 12, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/. Allocating agricultural Crown land leases by way of a public auction is part of the modernization of the Agricultural Crown Lands Program, the minister noted. These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers, to provide an additional land base on which to conduct agricultural activities. The Agricultural Crown Lands Program supports the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

(January 11, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government announced

a new, modern online approach to agricultural Crown land lease auctions beginning in February, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen said. “By modernizing our approach to service delivery we are better able to meet the needs and expectations of our clients,” said Pedersen. “The new, online auction format will ensure we can offer all Manitobans the opportunity to rent additional lands that will support their farming operations.” A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing, or cropping. The official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperti es.aspx.

More information on the upcoming auctions can be found at https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperti es.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by email at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca or by calling 204867-6550 or 1-844-769-6624 (toll-free).

Consultation Summary

Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Summary of Feedback from the public consultations on the 2020 draft amendment to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation.

Summary of Feedback In total, 63 unique comments were received, 57 from private individuals, three from farm industry organizations, one from a municipality, one from a political party, and one from a group of individuals. Comments were received on the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal, as well as via email and fax to Agricultural Crown Lands office. Of note, approximately 2.4 per cent of current agricultural Crown lands lease and permit holders provided feedback on the draft regulation. The comments were categorized in terms of the following main themes based on the changes proposed: Theme 1. Legacy lease renewals

Comments

In general, there is strong support for the concept of legacy lease renewals to ensure stability of existing leases that have been built into livestock operations. 2. Renewals for non- A few comments were submitted requesting legacy forage consideration of renewals for all leases leaseholders, including new or non-legacy leases. 3. Renewal fees On comment suggested the renewal fee to be introduced in 2035 is too high. 4. Family Transfers In general, there is strong support for the concept of family transfers, and ensuring renewability for legacy leases following family transfers as well. 5. Unit Transfers In general, there is opposition to the removal of the ability to consider application of one final unit transfer. Comments were also mixed with the request to reinstate the full breadth of unit transfers as opposed to the transitionary measure. 6. Cropping permits No comments were made.

Any Change to Regulation as Presented Legacy lease renewals will be allowed as presented, no change. Renewals for non-legacy forage leases are not in line with modernization, no change. Fee is necessary to recover administrative costs, no change. Importance of Manitoba family farms is recognized, family transfers will be allowed as presented, no change. Unit transfers are not in line with modernization efforts, unit transfers will not be allowed and transitionary measure removed, no change. No change.

7. Outside-of-Scope

Several comments were received on various other topics but out of scope for the proposed regulation : o Modernization: comments on other elements of modernization already completed through regulatory changes, and suggestions related to program administration changes made regarding forage lease term length, lease allocation auctions, forage rental rates, and improvements value transfer between private parties. o Public access: some commenters supported measures that would allow leaseholders to limit or restrict access on agriculturally leased land. o Conservation: some comments and suggestions for introducing Best Management Practice incentives to aid in conservation of lands. o Enforcement: some comments related to a desire for more expansive compliance monitoring and enforcement by government. o Sales: some comments expressed desire for an expanded sales program for agricultural Crown lands under lease. o Alternate programming: suggestions regarding development of a homesteading program.

Contact us Manitoba Agriculture 36 Armitage Ave, P.O. Box 1286 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Phone: 204-867-6550 Toll Free: 1-844-769-6224 Fax: 204-867-6578 Email: agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca Web: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture Twitter: @MBGovAg

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Sell and market the Kubota Agriculture, Turf and Construction Equipment Deliver and conduct equipment demonstrations in the field

Livestock Dealers Licencing Program Overview Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development How can the Livestock Dealers Licensing Program help Cattle Producers? Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) administers the livestock dealers licensing program under Manitoba Livestock Dealers and Agents Licensing Regulation. The purpose of the Program is to protect sellers of livestock from payment defaults by the licensed buyers. Licensed dealers are required to carry bond or line of credit coverage as stipulated in the regulation. The level of coverage is determined by the volume of livestock purchased on an annual basis. A typical security bond for an active licensed buyer is $40,000 of protection. If a default occurs, sellers can make a claim against the dealers bond to recover full or partial value of the livestock depending on the value of the bond. In order to ensure the intended protection, sellers and the buyers must adhere to the following requirements before making any deal. Sellers of Livestock must: • Ask for a livestock dealer’s / agent’s license before continuing with the sale. • Verify the status of the livestock dealer’s / agent’s license. Sellers can access on the Dealers and Agents Licence webpage; a directory of the licensed livestock dealers and agents in Manitoba. • Notify ARD immediately in case of the payment omission within one day unless otherwise agreed upon. • Present the cheque to their financial institution for payment within 8 business days of the day of the price determination. In the case where the seller is a livestock dealer, the cheque must be presented in 5 business days. • Notify ARD within 7 business days of a returned check due to non-sufficient funds • “SELLER BEWARE IS THE BEST POLICY” Licensed Dealers must: • Hold and display a valid livestock dealers/agents licence. • Include the licensee’s name and number in all advertisements related to livestock sale/purchase. • Provide sellers with a written statement about the details of the purchase including: name and address of the seller, name and address of the dealer, number and kind of livestock bought, unit and gross purchase price, and weight of the livestock if bought on weight basis. • Ensure only licensed agents act on behalf of the licensed livestock dealer. • Make payment of any livestock purchases within one day of the price determination unless otherwise agreed upon. • Notify ARD within 24 hours if he/she sells livestock to another licensed livestock dealer who defaults in the payment. • Make all the records of livestock sale/purchase readily available to the designated person by ARD. Suspension, Cancellation and Audit of Livestock Dealers Licenses: • ARD staff investigate complaints and conduct audits of the records of sale/purchase of livestock dealers as necessary. After a careful investigation, the license of a livestock dealer will be suspended or cancelled if a breach of the Act is found. All licensed livestock dealers and livestock commodity associations are emailed within 24 hours notifying them if a licensed dealer is found to be in default. The Following activities will initiate a prompt investigation: • Any findings of non-payment during an audit. • A substantive complaint regarding payment omission. • A substantive report about a buyer going into receivership.

Livestock Dealers Licencing Program Overview •

A complaint of non-compliance of Manitoba Livestock Dealers and Agents Licensing Regulation under The Livestock and Livestock Products Act.

Investigation Process: • Sellers will be requested to provide evidence of sale within three days of the request (sooner is better). • Buyers must furnish the records as requested. • An investigation will be completed promptly, normally within five business days. ARD can take following actions as a result of the investigation: o Dismiss the complaint if there is no reason to believe that the breach of the regulation has occurred. o Suspend the licence for further investigation. o Cancel the licence if it is determined that a breach of the regulation has occurred. • If a case of default is verified: o The information will be publicized using the ARD website, newspapers, etc. o For cancellation of a license due to non-payment or bankruptcy, a notice for any claimants will be publicized. o Claimants will have 90 days to submit their claims against the surety bond of the dealer. Once the bond is realized, the payments will be made on prorated basis as necessary. For Complaints, Questions and Concerns regarding livestock dealers licensing program: • Phone: Tod Wallace @ 204-851-5438 • Email: tod.wallace@gov.mb.ca • Website: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

M A N I TOB A

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

Homegrown conservation since 1986.

Rangeland Extension Specialist The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation is seeking a self-motived individual to develop and deliver a rangeland extension program. As a Rangeland Extension Specialist, the incumbent will work with Manitoba ranchers and land managers to support effective management of rangelands for the benefit of grassland birds and livestock. The candidate will require a P. Ag. and have extensive knowledge of native and tame grassland management and the livestock industry. Full position description is available at: www.mhhc.mb.ca/news/careers Essential Qualifications: • • • • • •

Professional Agrologist designation Extensive knowledge of rangeland management Knowledge of grassland species at risk Excellent communication skills Proficiency with MS Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint Able to travel throughout southern Manitoba

Asset Qualifications: • • •

Familiar with Manitoba’s geography and cattle industry Functional with ArcGIS (Desktop or Pro) Comfortable with public speaking

Closing Date: February 5, 2021 Position Location: Brandon, MB (other suitable locations may be considered)

1-833-323-4636

www.mhhc.mb.ca

@MBHabitat

Joint Statement from the 2021 FederalProvincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministerial Co-Chairs on Proposed Changes to the AgriStability Program (January 19, 2021 Statement, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada) “As co-chairs of the Federal-

Provincial-Territorial (FPT) agriculture ministerial meetings, we urge all provincial and territorial Ministers to support the proposed changes to the AgriStability program. The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged farmers in unprecedented ways. From labour, to housing, to processing issues every aspect of farming has been impacted by the pandemic. Through it all, our farmers have pressed on and continued to work tirelessly to ensure that their workers are kept safe from the outbreak and that our grocery stores remain stocked with safe, nutritious, Canadian food. However, farmers across the country continue to face challenges, which is why the swift endorsement and delivery of this enhanced AgriStability program is critical. The offer to improve AgriStability includes the removal of the reference margin limit as well as an increase of the AgriStability compensation rate from 70% to 80%. Taken together this would result in a 50% increase, around $170 million per year in direct support to farmers who need it the most. In order for these changes to be put in place, we need the support of a large majority of provinces and territories soon. Accepting the proposed changes soon is key to ensuring the enhanced supports can be applied retroactively to 2020, something we know farmers across the country have been asking for.

Since the federal government has confirmed its 60% contribution, it rests with the undeclared provinces and territories to come forward with their 40% share. We thank those provinces who have already confirmed their participation and hope to hear from those others soon. Furthermore, for many years we have been consulting on improving the suite of business risk management programs and we agree that fixing AgriStability is the priority. It needs to be simpler, fairer, more predictable and more generous. While the proposed changes to AgriStability may not be the perfect solution for all farmers or governments, they reflect a good start to achieving a national consensus and allow Canada’s Agriculture Ministers to continue discussing enhancements to the program while still improving supports for farmers today. We are all committed on more long-term changes to the suite of Business Risk Management programs as we begin consultations for the start of the next 5-year policy framework, which begins in 2023. Improving the BRM programs is a top priority for our Governments. Farmers have shown their resiliency during COVID-19, however many could still use the added help that these shortterm changes could provide. We have an opportunity to act now, to offer them increased support. It’s time to get it done.” - The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

February 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

CONTACT:

Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca

January 15, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online (January 11, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Allocating agricultural Crown land leases by way of a public auction is part of the modernization of the Agricultural Crown Lands Program, the minister noted. These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers, to provide an additional land base on which to conduct agricultural activities. The “By modernizing our approach to service delivery we are Agricultural Crown Lands Program supports the better able to meet the needs and expectations of our sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in clients,” said Pedersen. “The new, online auction format will ensure we can offer all Manitobans the opportunity to Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to rent additional lands that will support their farming climate change. operations.” The Manitoba government announced a new, modern online approach to agricultural Crown land lease auctions beginning in February, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen said.

A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing, or cropping. The official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/ LPproperties.aspx. The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Feb. 8 to 12, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/.

More information on the upcoming auctions can be found at https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/ LPproperties.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by email at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca or by calling 204-867-6550 or 1-844-769-6624 (toll-free).

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

Editorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Take: The winter of our discontent Cdn. rancher lets schools adopt calves Meat industry triumphs over COVID-19

Province Seeks Input from Manitobans on Safely Reopening Services and Activities Feedback Requested on a Safe, Responsible Reopening Plan to Protect Manitobans while Restarting Gatherings and Services: Pallister (January 15, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is seeking feedback from Manitobans on its plan to move forward to safely restore services and activities, while balancing the needs of the health care system, Premier Brian Pallister and Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer announced today. “The current public health orders – which have been in place for over two months were put in place to halt the spread of this deadly virus and save lives,” said Pallister. “These orders are working, thanks to the willingness of Manitobans to follow them. At the advice of Dr. Roussin and our health care leaders, we are now in a position to consider reducing some restrictions and safely restoring our services and activities that so many Manitobans have sacrificed throughout this pandemic in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community.” The province has launched a survey on EngageMB.ca and invites Manitobans to share feedback on their priorities for potential easing of the current COVID-19 restrictions. The survey asks questions about people’s perspectives on the risk of the virus, COVID-19 vaccines and their comfort levels with different activities.

The survey also asks about priorities to safely restore services, including possible changes to gradually expand retail shopping, re-open barbershops and salons, gyms and fitness centres, non-regulated health professions, restaurants, faith-based and ceremonial gatherings and organized recreation and sport and possible increases to indoor, outdoor and household gathering sizes. For more details on each option and to provide your feedback, visit EngageMB.ca/restartmb-pandemicresponse-system. This survey builds on prior steps taken to connect with Manitobans throughout the pandemic on public health orders, pandemic planning and more. “While our test positivity rates, case numbers and hospitalizations are starting to come down and Manitobans are starting to get vaccinated, it is crucial that Manitobans continue to follow the fundamentals so we do not lose sight of the gains we have made these past few months,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “While we consider ways to carefully re-open Manitoba, we must always consider the needs of our health care system and limit the activities which we know cause the greatest risk.” continued on next page

Province Seeks Input from Manitobans on Safely Reopening Services and Activities Feedback Requested on a Safe, Responsible Reopening Plan to Protect Manitobans while Restarting Gatherings and Services: Pallister Since April 2020, more than 304,000 participants have engaged with the Manitoba government on COVID-19 issues

through telephone town halls, online surveys, public opinion research and other engagement opportunities on EngageMB. “From the very beginning of this pandemic, our government has endeavoured to reach out directly to Manitobans and ask for their input, ideas and feedback on a variety of measures designed to keep Manitobans safe, while balancing the needs of our health care system and economy,” Pallister added. “Our goal right now is to move forward, not backward. We want to create a sustainable path forward where our businesses and communities can reopen safely, and stay open. I look forward to hearing from Manitobans as we work together to build a heathier, safer, more prosperous future.” For more information on Manitoba’s current pandemic response, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID-19.

Email Address: _____________________________________

Province Increases Protection for Small Businesses Through Manitoba Bridge Grant (January 12, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is

extending the Manitoba Bridge Grant application deadline until Jan. 31 and expanding eligibility to offer financial support and protection for more small businesses through the current public health orders, Premier Brian Pallister announced. “Small businesses, charities and not-forprofit organizations continue to do their part to protect the health and safety of Manitobans and follow the restrictions under the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System,” said Pallister. “As expanded public health restrictions are necessary to protect Manitobans and reduce COVID-19 cases, we are extending the Manitoba Bridge Grant to help more businesses make it through this critical time and eases some of their financial pressures.” To reflect the extension of the public health orders announced Jan. 8 and to ensure small and medium-sized businesses, notfor-profits and charities get the support they need, the province is inviting businesses to apply for the Manitoba Bridge Grant until Jan. 31, 2021. Pallister also confirmed eligibility has been expanded for hotels, resorts, lodges and outfitters, travel agencies, janitorial services companies and owner/operators of licensed passenger transportation businesses that have seen demand for their services impacted by the public health orders. The province first announced the Manitoba Bridge Grant Nov. 10, 2020, to provide

$5,000 up-front to businesses, not-forprofits and charities directly impacted by the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System and temporarily ordered to close their storefronts to the public. The province announced a program expansion Dec. 8, 2020 to support home-based businesses indirectly impacted by Manitoba COVID-19 public health orders, with up to $5,000 based on 10 per cent of their most recent calendar year revenues. The province had committed to providing an equal second payment if public health orders remained in place past Jan. 1, 2021. Those payments were made between Jan. 8 and 10 and recipients notified of the deposit via email. To date, the Manitoba Bridge Grant program has paid approximately $104 million to 10,740 eligible applicants, which includes the first payment Nov. 16 to Dec. 31 and second deposits this past week. The total includes approximately $94 million to over 9,400 store-front businesses that received two $5,000 up-front payments. It also includes approximately $10 million to more than 1,300 home-based businesses in two equal payments of up to $5,000. The average payment to home-based businesses is $3,605, or a total of $7,210 on average to each business. Beginning Jan. 12, new applicants to the Manitoba Bridge Grant that were ordered to close their premises will be entitled to a one-time payment of $10,000, whereas eligible home-based business applicants will receive a maximum payment of $10,000. continued on next page

Province Increases Protection for Small Businesses Through Manitoba Bridge Grant “Our government remains committed to delivering the right programs at the right times in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to help individual Manitobans and businesses through these challenges,” said Pallister. “Manitoba is providing one of the most broad-based, accessible and generous business support programs in Canada.” Pallister noted the province has committed approximately $420 million in COVID-19 supports to Manitoba businesses this fiscal year through programs such as the Manitoba Bridge Grant, Manitoba Gap Protection Plan, Back to Work in Manitoba Wage Subsidy and measures such as the elimination of the provincial sales tax (PST) on property insurance and Manitoba Public Insurance rebates. This also includes initial supporting funds of up to $50 million for business groups such as the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Winnipeg to provide a detailed plan to government on long-term recovery funding this month. More information about the Manitoba Bridge Grant is available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/programs/ bridge-grant.html. Businesses that require assistance in completing the online form can contact Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or 1-866-MANITOBA (1866-626-4862). Manitobans can learn more about COVID-19 supports for businesses at https://manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness.

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

M A N I TOB A

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

Homegrown conservation since 1986.

Asset Qualifications: • • •

Familiar with Manitoba’s geography and cattle industry Functional with ArcGIS (Desktop or Pro) Comfortable with public speaking

Closing Date: February 5, 2021 Position Location: Brandon, MB (other suitable locations may be considered)

1-833-323-4636

www.mhhc.mb.ca

@MBHabitat

Reminder re: Canada Emergency Business Account CEBA requirements and deadlines have changed: •

As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.

•

Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.

•

All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

*NEW* All applicants can now check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://statusstatut.ceba-cuec.ca/. Please wait 5 to 7 business days after finalizing your application before checking your loan status on this loan status website or with the call centre. If you try before the 5 to 7 business days you will not receive an update. The loan status website will be able to address the following types of questions: •

What is the status of my application?

•

Why was my application declined? How can I fix those errors (if applicable)?

All applicants are encouraged to check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://statusstatut.ceba-cuec.ca/, but if you continue to have questions you may call the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 8AM to 9PM Eastern Standard Time, excluding statutory holidays.

Birds Canada and our partners have been talking with Manitoba’s cattle producers, and we have heard many farmers and ranchers that would like to participate in programs and incentives that help fund their stewardship activities, but they often find it time-consuming and difficult to find what is available. In response, we have produced the Grasslands Conservation Incentives Guide. This guide contains information about over fifteen programs and funding sources available in Manitoba that help producers preserve, improve, or restore prairie habitats. By compiling the incentives and programs available into one easy-to-use guide, we aim to make it easier for producers to access incentives and evaluate which programs are right for your operations’ production and environmental goals. There are also resources with best management practices to promote biodiversity and pasture health, as well as information on the prairie birds that you will be helping when you participate in the programs found in the guide! As Manitoba cattle producers, you know that prairie plants and animals evolved along with grazing, and that well-managed grazing is vital to the health of the prairie ecosystem. Grazing produces a variety of vegetation heights, a diversity of plants, and provides homes for a vast array of birds, insects, and plants that fill the many different niches on responsibly grazed pastures. Twelve species of birds are found in the Great Plains and nowhere else, and this group of birds is disappearing faster than any other on our continent. We’ve lost nearly 60% of our Canadian grassland birds since 1970, largely due to habitat loss. Birds Canada recognizes that Manitoba cattle producers are the guardians of one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems, and are integral to the survival of our grassland birds. We are committed to working with beef producers so you can continue to make a living on the land, while providing habitat for the huge diversity of birds that rely on this working landscape. Please check out the Grasslands Conservation Incentives Guide at: https://www.birdscanada.org/birdscience/grassland-birds-at-risk/ to find stewardship incentives and programs that will fit your goals. Please reach out with any questions you might have about the guide, Birds Canada’s work on the prairies, or birds in working landscapes. Ian Cook, P. Ag Grasslands Conservation Manager Birds Canada icook@birdscanada.org 204-720-9161

National Headquarters/Administration Centrale

P.O. Box/C.P. 160, 115 Front Road, Port Rowan, ON Canada N0E 1M0 1-888-448-2473 | BIRDSCANADA.ORG Charitable Registration No./No. d’enregistrement de bienfaisance 11902 4313 RR0001

Upcoming Stock Talk Webinars February 25, 2021

Marketing Mania

1:00 pm

2021 Cattle Market update, Shrink and the Price Slide

March 18, 2021

Forage Frenzy

1:00 pm

Extended and Rotational Grazing

April 15, 2021

Forages for Cows

Forage Rejuvenation & Annual Crops

1:00 pm

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

January 20, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

CONTACT: Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca

23rd Western Canadian Feedlot Management School Virtually Everything You Want to Know About Cattle Feeding! Webinar Series – February 9, 16 and 23rd, 2021

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9th, 2021

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16th, 2021

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23rd, 2021

1:00pm Welcome and housekeeping

1:05pm A word from our sponsors

Virtual Tour

1:10pm Calhoun Cattle Co. – Swalwell, AB

1:10pm Birkland Farms – Winkler, MB

1:40pm A word from our sponsors

1:10pm Star City Colony - Star City, SK . 1:40 – 1:45pm A word from our sponsors

1:45pm Transport Reg Changes in Canada – What you Need to Know Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein – AAFC

1:45pm Managing Disease in the Feedlot Dr Steve Hendrick –Coaldale Veterinary Clinic

1:45pm Intensive vs Extensive Backgrounding Travis Peardon – SK Ministry of Agriculture

2:30pm Implant Protocols for Backgrounding and Finishing Dr Sandi Parr – GK Jim Group of Companies

2:30pm What’s Going on in Cattle Markets?! Anne Wasko – Gateway Livestock

2:30pm Cover Crop Practices for Cattle Feeders Ben Stuart – Birch Island Land & Cattle

1:40pm A word from our sponsors

Registration is now open! Register online by visiting the event page of our website www.saskcattle.com or contact the office at (306) 969-2666 office@saskcattle.com

WCFMS is presented by:

January 8, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Provincial Public Health Orders Extended For Two Weeks With Minor Adjustments

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

Cattle seen as agricultureâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long-term solution Satellite ear tags for livestock coming to Canada FCC Economist Predicting A Slow Recovery

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions (Online) to Commence in February The following information about upcoming online agricultural Crown land auctions has been posted to Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Developmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Agricultural Crown Land website: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/land-management/crown-land/

New! Announcing online auctions for Agricultural Crown Lands A complete listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found online at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx or a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office. Online bidding will take place February 8, 2021 through February 12, 2021 at Garton's Auction Service. Available units will be listed for viewing on the auction website starting on February 1, 2021. Please note that you may be ineligible to bid in an agricultural Crown lands lease auction if you have not made payment in full for your existing 2021 lease or permit. Samples of the standard Forage Lease Agreement (PDF 309 KB) and Cropping Lease Agreement (PDF 319 KB) are available for review. Although the lease will apply to most parcels, there may be specific additional provisions that apply to specific parcels.

42nd Annual General Meeting

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

VIRTUAL MEETING

AGENDA: Thursday, February 11, 2021 MBP’s Annual General Meeting Convenes 12:45 – 1:00

Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project update – Ray Bittner, project lead

1:00 – 1:10

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program – Laura Plett, program participant

1:10 – 1:20

MBP General Manager Carson Callum calls meeting to order and explains procedures for the virtual business meeting

1:20 – 1:30

Greetings from Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen

1:30 – 2:30

Business Portion of the Annual General Meeting • Approval of Agenda • Approval of Minutes from 2020 41st MBP AGM • Report from the President • Report from the General Manager • Report from the Finance Chair  Review of MBP’s audited financial statement  Appointment of MBP auditor for the upcoming fiscal year • Review and approval of proposed amendments to MCP By-law No. 1/89 (Administration By-Law) • Introduction and ratification of MBP Directors

2:30 – 2:40

Health Break

2:40 – 3:45

Resolutions debate • Adoption of Standing Rules for Resolutions Session

3:45 – 5:00

Guest Speaker – Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis

5:00

Closing remarks by incoming president

5:10

Adjournment

Resolutions Suggestion Form for 42nd Manitoba Beef Producers AGM Manitoba Beef Producersâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested late resolutions for potential debate at its virtual 42nd Annual General Meeting set for February 11, 2021. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBPâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the resolutions session. In consultation with the resolutionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions. Please note: if the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking. See sample resolutions and submission instructions on the next page and provide your proposed resolution on the form below. Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________

Province To Provide New Service Delivery Options For Rural Clients (January 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is launching a new rural service delivery model to modernize services provided to clients whose needs and expectations have changed, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.

“Meeting the needs of our clients with professional knowledge, current research and data, connections to appropriate links, and timely, unbiased information has always been a priority for our department,” said Pedersen. “The array of services that will be provided online, by telephone or in-person at agricultural service centres throughout the province will offer producers a convenient and client-focused means to access the programs and services that are available to them.” Effective April 1, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development will leverage existing synergies with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) to offer a single window for Manitoba farmers and businesses seeking services provided by either organization. Through the modernization of the department and MASC’s physical footprint, 17 rural and northern offices will continue to deliver a multitude of services including: • 10 agricultural service centres will provide insurance, lending, farmland school tax rebate and wildlife damage compensation services; handling of licensing and permits applications; and provide agriculture and resource development program information; • five centres focusing on resource management, and; • two centres focusing on mineral or petroleum services. To support the multichannel service delivery model, an interactive online chat program, which will allow clients to access real-time assistance from a smartphone, tablet, computer or through a

toll-free number, will be developed in the future, the minister noted. In addition, each office will have a client-accessible kiosk to access online services and connect virtually with other government service providers. “By investing in resources and new ideas, we are meeting clients’ needs to access services using a modern, robust approach,” said Pedersen. “We’re building capacity for future technological advances and elevating the client experience.” Rural Service Delivery Model Overview Ten agricultural service centres will be located in: Arborg, Brandon, Dauphin, Headingley, Killarney, Morden, Neepawa, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, and Swan River. The centres will continue to provide Manitoba producers with products and services offered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), an access point for permits and licenses issued by the department, and department and general government services program information and referrals. Five service locations focused on integrated resource management will be in: Brandon, Gimli, Lac du Bonnet, The Pas, and Thompson. A service location focused on minerals will be located in Flin Flon and another service location focused on petroleum will be located in Virden. Rural offices will continue to be provide workspace for Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development employees, but will no longer be open to the public in: Beausejour, Carberry, Carman, Melita, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Portage la Prairie, Roblin, and Virden. Rural Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development and MASC offices will be closing in the following locations: Altona; Ashern; Birtle; Deloraine; Fisher Branch; Gladstone; Glenboro; Grandview; Hamiota; Lundar; Morris; Pilot Mound; Russell; Shoal Lake; Somerset; Souris; St–Pierre–Jolys; Ste. Rose du Lac; Teulon; Vita; and Waskada.

New Cabinet Ministers Unveiled in Manitoba (January 5, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is creating

two new departments to protect vulnerable Manitobans and spearhead new job opportunities for young Manitobans, Premier Brian Pallister announced as nine ministers were sworn in to new portfolios including three new ministers entering cabinet for the first time. “As we begin a new year and enter a new phase of addressing the significant challenges posed by COVID-19, it is time to present a renewed ‘Team Manitoba’ to lead our efforts to protect Manitobans and create opportunities,” said Pallister. “Our strong team has a clear focus on helping working families, seniors and vulnerable Manitobans, protecting our health and education systems, and setting the groundwork for a sustained economic recovery by creating job opportunities.” There are six female ministers, the largest number since this government was elected in 2016, the premier noted. The new cabinet will comprise 18 members, fewer than under the previous government. Wayne Ewasko, MLA for Lac du Bonnet, enters cabinet as minister for advanced education, skills and immigration. “Our pandemic recovery plan is focused on getting people back to work and ensuring new job opportunities for young Manitobans and new immigrants we welcome into our province,” said Pallister. “This new department will focus on aligning advanced education institutions with the needs of the labour markets of today and tomorrow by giving young Manitobans the skills they need to succeed and new immigrants the job opportunities our province can offer. Minister Ewasko’s 17 years of experience as a teacher and guidance counsellor makes him particularly well-suited to carry out this important task.”

Derek Johnson, MLA for Interlake–Gimli, enters cabinet as minister for municipal relations. “Our cities, towns and communities are the building blocks of jobs and growth, and strong communities’ said Pallister. “Creating new economic opportunities where people live right across this province is the focus of this department. Minister Johnson served as an RM councillor and was active on the West Interlake Planning District before becoming an MLA. He knows the needs of Manitoba’s municipalities.” Audrey Gordon, MLA for Southdale, enters cabinet as the first-ever minister for mental health, wellness and recovery. She is the first Black person to be appointed to cabinet in provincial history. “Mental health is every bit as important as physical health and will be an unfortunate legacy of this pandemic,” said Pallister. “This new department will develop a provincial mental health and addictions strategy across government to help Manitobans and families get the care and support they need. Minister Gordon’s experience as a health professional and her personal empathy and compassion make her the ideal person to lead this challenge.” Kelvin Goertzen, MLA for Steinbach, becomes deputy premier and minister of legislative and public affairs and retains his role as government house leader. “Minister Goertzen has served exceptionally in two major government portfolios for over four years and asked that he be given the chance to concentrate on a personal passion of his – the legislative assembly and connecting citizens with their government and legislature,” said Pallister. “His commitment to democracy is second to none and I am delighted with this new role and opportunity for Minister Goertzen.” continued on next page

New Cabinet Ministers Unveiled in Manitoba Heather Stefanson, MLA for Tuxedo, becomes minister of health and seniors care. “Protecting our health-care system is job one in this pandemic,” said Pallister. “Seniors are among the most vulnerable in our society and I want to ensure our health-care system is focused on their needs today and tomorrow. Minister Stefanson is a proven minister who gets results for people and is perfect to lead this department in the next phase of dealing with COVID.” Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside, becomes minister of economic development and jobs. “Protecting jobs and creating new economic growth through investment and trade is the resolute focus of this new department,” said Pallister. “As we navigate through the pandemic, we must also keep preparing for a sustained economic recovery that gets people back to work and keeps businesses open and competitive. Minister Eichler has been managing this well over the past year and a half, and is the right person to keep doing so.” Cliff Cullen, MLA for Spruce Woods, becomes minister of education. “Protecting education and keeping our schools safe is the top priority of our education minister and department,” said Pallister. “Educators, parents and students themselves have been doing their part under difficult circumstances. Minister Cullen is an experienced, accomplished minister who, with his own children in the public education system, understands the need to create the best education system Manitoba can have.” Cameron Friesen, MLA for Morden-Winkler, becomes minister of justice and attorney general. “Protecting families and keeping communities safe is the focus of our justice department,”

said Pallister. “Minister Friesen has been a tireless and committed minister in fixing our finances and repairing our health services in his previous roles. He will bring that same dedication to justice.” Rochelle Squires, MLA for Riel, becomes minister of families as well as minister responsible for francophone affairs. “Protecting vulnerable families and helping those in need is crucial during this pandemic, and well after this pandemic,” said Pallister. “Our priority is to provide more child-care opportunities for working families and that will be a key focus of this department’s work in the months ahead. Minister Squires’ personal story is both inspiring and a testament to her being the right choice at this time to lead this important department for Manitobans.” Ministers whose portfolio responsibilities have not changed are: • Ron Schuler – minister of infrastructure; • Blaine Pedersen – minister of agriculture and resource development; • Eileen Clarke – minister of Indigenous and northern relations; • Cathy Cox – minister of sports, culture and heritage; • Scott Fielding – minister of finance; • Jeff Wharton – minister of Crown services; • Reg Helwer – minister of central services; and • Sarah Guillemard – minister of conservation and climate.

Province Announces Online Engagement for Feedback on Manitoba’s Agri-Food Industry (January 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is launching an online

public engagement to help identify opportunities within the agri-food system, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced. “Our government is committed to working collaboratively with producers and agricultural organizations to bring awareness to Manitoban’s of the agri-food system we have in our province,” said Pedersen. “Feedback from this engagement will be used to develop initiatives and activities to connect people to the agriculture industry in a meaningful way.” A number of initiatives are undertaken annually to support education of Manitoba’s agri-food sector, including Agriculture Awareness Day, and Farm and Food Awareness Week. These events provide the public with the opportunity to connect with agriculture and food production to learn more about the industry. The pandemic has also brought an increased awareness to food related issues, creating dialogue about food security, food safety and the supply chain. The outcome of this engagement will inform the province’s public trust initiatives for the agri-food system. To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca. The online public engagement closes Feb. 5.

Reminder re: Canada Emergency Business Account CEBA requirements and deadlines have changed: •

As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.

•

Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.

•

All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

*NEW* All applicants can now check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://status-statut.cebacuec.ca/. Please wait 5 to 7 business days after finalizing your application before checking your loan status on this loan status website or with the call centre. If you try before the 5 to 7 business days you will not receive an update. The loan status website will be able to address the following types of questions: •

What is the status of my application?

•

Why was my application declined? How can I fix those errors (if applicable)?

All applicants are encouraged to check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://status-statut.cebacuec.ca/, but if you continue to have questions you may call the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 8AM to 9PM Eastern Standard Time, excluding statutory holidays.

Feedback Sought on Manitoba Plan to Transition to Permanent Ag Plastic Waste Recycling (December 16, 2020 Cleanfarms News Release) - A

pilot project in Manitoba that collects and recycles plastic agricultural waste such as grain bags and baler twine is set to transition to a permanent, province-wide, industry-funded ag recycling program in 2021. The organization that operates the provincially-funded pilot, Cleanfarms, has been asked by Manitoba Conservation and Climate (MCC) to develop and consult on a stewardship transition plan. Cleanfarms has developed a first draft of the plan, Manitoba Ag Plastic Plan, and is inviting farmers, companies that supply ag plastics to farmers and other stakeholders to comment on it. Written comments on this version can be submitted until January 12, 2021. They should be sent to Cleanfarms' Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Kim Timmer at timmerk@cleanfarms.ca Comments are encouraged from producer groups, industry and municipal associations, as well as Manitoba farmers. Cleanfarms developed the plan based on data collected in the Manitoba pilots and on best practices honed over years of running similar ag waste recycling programs across the Prairies. Part of the goal is to harmonize ag waste recycling programs in the Prairie provinces. Once comments are received and processed, a second version of the plan will be submitted to MCC on January 30, 2021. Cleanfarms hopes to receive final plan approval from the provincial government by the end of March so that it can begin transition to the industry-funded model in early spring. Funding for the permanent program will be managed through an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) collected by companies that supply

farmers with grain bags and twine at the time these items are purchased. "Grain bags and twine are valuable tools that farmers use to grow food and to operate their farms more efficiently. However, these materials can be difficult to manage effectively at end of life. The Cleanfarms stewardship program would see them recycled into new products, such as plastic bags," noted Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen. Estimates suggest that approximately 1,400 tonnes of non-organic ag plastic waste are generated by Manitoba farms annually. In 2019, Manitoba farmers returned 51 tonnes of ag plastic waste in the pilot program, up from 34 metric tonnes the year before. "Studies have shown us that Manitoba farmers want recycling programs. We're anticipating that should a permanent program move ahead, we'll see the number of recovered tonnes start to climb steadily. And that's good for Manitoba's sustainable agriculture sector and the environment," Friesen said. A list of pilot collection sites is available on the Cleanfarms/Manitoba page on the Cleanfarms website. About Cleanfarms 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, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication and grain bag industries.

Province Announces Consultation on Nutrient Targets for Lake Winnipeg (Province of Manitoba News Release) Consultations began Jan. 1, on a proposed nutrient targets regulation

under the Water Protection Act, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced December 31. “Lake Winnipeg is one of Manitoba’s greatest treasures, and the Manitoba government remains committed to improving water quality and reducing the frequency and severity of algal blooms,” said Pedersen. “The proposed nutrient targets will provide important guidance for nutrient reduction activities and establish benchmarks for measuring progress.” The Sustainable Watershed Act, which received royal assent in 2018, enabled the development of nutrient targets for Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries. The Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan called for the development and implementation of targets for nutrient reduction including for the Lake Winnipeg watershed. The Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan also committed to innovative approaches such as water quality trading that would depend on the establishment of nutrient targets. The minister noted that establishing and implementing nutrient objectives and targets is expected to help Manitoba’s collective nutrient reduction efforts by helping guide future nutrient reduction activities, implementing best practices, identifying priorities and tracking progress over time. The development of nutrient targets is a proactive approach to water management and will also improve the co-ordination of watershed activities, enhance watershed plan development and implementation and make it easier for partners to allocate financial resources where they will provide the most benefit to the watershed, he added. To learn more about the proposed nutrient targets regulation and to provide comments, visit the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at https://reg.gov.mb.ca. Comments are invited through Feb. 26, 2021.

Stock talk Webinar Series Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development is offering a series of interesting livestock and forage presentations packed with information and innovative leading experts aimed to help Manitoba beef producers best manage their cattle operations.

Date: Time: Place:

January 14, 2021 1:00-2:00 pm. your computer, smartphone or tablet

Submit your questions prior to or during the talk.

Agenda 1:00 pm

Managing Molds, Ergot & Mycotoxins in Cattle Feed - Dr Barry Blakely Univ. of Saskatchewan

1:40 pm

Beef Cattle Ration Basics- Juanita Kopp, Mb Ag Livestock Spec.

Future dates and topics: February 25, Marketing Mania 2021 Cattle Market Update & What are Buyers Looking for when Purchasing Cattle Minimize Shrink and Understand the Price Slide March 18, Forage Frenzy Extended Grazing and Rotational Grazing Western Livestock Price Insurance and Forage Insurance Programs April 15, Forage Frenzy II Perennial Forage Rejuvenation Annual Forage Cocktails & Mixtures for Cover Crops For more information call Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development 1-844-769-6224 Or visit

our website www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/online-resources/stock-talk.html

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS P. (204) 772-4542 220-530 Century Street (800) 772-0458 Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 F. (204) 774-3264 www.mbbeef.ca _________________________________________________________________________

Manitoba Beef Producers is seeking a Food Expert to join the culinary cast of Great Tastes of Manitoba Do you have a passion for food and a love of cooking with the goal of showcasing beef as a healthy, delicious, and sustainable food choice? We are looking for a Food Expert to work as a representative of Manitoba’s beef industry promoting beef, its nutritional value and sustainable production practices, through recipe development, demonstrating the preparation and serving of beef, and attending public events as requested. Job requirements: - Develop, triple-test and present recipes aimed at the home cook - using simple ingredients that feature Manitoba beef or Canada Beef recipes for the television show Great Tastes of Manitoba. -

Prepare beef fast facts, key messages and talking points, written materials, and attend production meetings of the television show.

Represent MBP as the on-camera Food Expert and in conjunction with the show’s host demonstrate how to cook the recipes.

Write compelling copy and take drool-worthy photographs of your recipes for the MBP publication Cattle Country.

Collaborate on new and interesting content for the MBP social media channels, all featuring Manitoba beef or Canada Beef recipes.

Represent MBP at public-facing events to encourage consumption of Manitoba beef/Canada Beef. This could include acting as a cooking demonstrator or speaker at local events promoting the beef industry. [*subject to limits on public gatherings or other associated restrictions .]

Our ideal candidate - A passion for locally grown foods and cooking – dreaming up a delicious new creation or trying your hand at a cherished family favourite to share with others. -

On-camera experience and comfortable taking direction from a professional production team.

You have (or are in the process of acquiring) an educational background that might include but is not limited to Human Nutritional Sciences, Food Science, Culinary Arts, or similar. A professional designation including Registered Dietician, Professional Home Economist, or similar , is an asset.

A way with words and an eye for a perfectly placed photo.

Does this sound like you (or someone you know)? If so, please submit a CV and portfolio of work to the attention of: David Hultin, APR Communications Coordinator and Editor, Cattle Country 220-530 Century St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 dhultin@mbbeef.ca