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E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 14, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Agricultural Crown Land Lease Auctions Being Held Online January 31 to February 4

official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: http://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx#agLea sePermit.

(Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba

government’s agricultural Crown land lease and permit auctions will be held online beginning Monday, Jan. 31, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced January 12.

“The online auction format ensures we can offer all Manitoba producers the opportunity to lease agricultural lands while remaining in accordance with current public health orders,” said Eichler. “Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations.”

A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing or cropping. The

The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/.

These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers to provide an additional land base to conduct agricultural activities. The Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing 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.

For more information about the upcoming auctions, visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/land-management/crown-land or contact your local ARD and MASC Service Centre.

Due to the ongoing pandemic and associated public health restrictions, our AGM is now a virtual-only meeting.

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

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Click here for information

Apply to the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Mentorship Program today!

Take advantage of mentorship and career building opportunities in the Canadian beef industry through the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s (CCA) Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) Mentorship Program! Applications for the CYL Program have officially launched and are open until March 31, 2022 at 11:59 pm MT at www.cattlemensyoungleaders.com.

The CYL Program is open to young people ages 18-35 across Canada involved in all areas of the beef supply chain, including producers, students, veterinarians, financial advisors and much more! Through the CYL Program, 16 participants are selected annually to be paired with a hand-picked industry leader for a ninemonth mentorship to help advance their career in the beef industry and are awarded a $2,000 budget to put towards learning opportunities of their choice. In addition, participants are offered numerous skill-building training and networking opportunities catered uniquely to the beef industry. We strongly value diversity amongst applicants where all are welcome to

apply, as it plays a key role in young leaders gaining exposure to new ideas and creating peer learning experiences.

If you’re interested in taking the next step to fast-track your career and involvement in the Canadian beef industry, please visit our website for more information.

The opportunities for these young leaders would not be possible without the tremendous support received from our generous program sponsors. Funding for the CYL Program is made available through Foundation Partners Cargill, MNP, McDonald’s Canada and New Holland. The program also receives support from Gold Sponsors Farm Credit Canada, Alltech, RBC Future Launch and Elanco, along with program sponsorship from the Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association and Kim McConnell.

Please direct any questions about the program or application process to CCA Youth Leadership Coordinator, Jessica Radau, at radauj@cattle.ca.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Public Health Updates Contact Tracing, Case Management Guidance For Schools school operations, a seven-day period of remote learning for the class, cohort or school may be recommended by public health.

(January 13, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Public health officials are updating guidance for contact tracing and case management in Manitoba schools as the omicron variant continues to spread across the province, Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced today.

“As public health officials study the omicron variant and continue to learn more about it, they advise we need to change how we respond to COVID-19 both in the community and in schools,” said Cullen.

“The changes public health has recommended to case and contact management in schools will ensure continued monitoring of the risk in individual schools as we learn to live with the virus.”

Moving forward, schools will no longer provide close contact notification and notification letters on individual cases but will provide reports of absenteeism through their regular notification channels to their school community.

Schools will monitor staff and student absenteeism rates and self-reported COVID-19 cases. In addition, public health will continue to report confirmed cases through the online dashboard and monitor confirmed cases in schools for evidence of increased transmission above levels expected in the community. When there is increased COVID-19 activity based on absenteeism, case counts or operational concerns, public health will investigate and provide recommendations to school officials.

In situations where public health determines increased transmission may be occurring in a school, they may recommend the implementation of a period of rapid antigen testing or other preventive measures in school, such as reducing higher-risk activities. Where transmission continues to increase or where COVID-19 cases are affecting

“The omicron variant isn’t going to go away and we need to learn to live with the virus. This means adjusting our mindset from trying to contain the virus to trying to mitigate our risk,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer.

“Public health officials will also continue to monitor cases in schools and work with schools to track absenteeism rates for staff and students. This will help us target measures like rapid antigen testing programs and remote learning to specific schools as needed, rather than all having measures apply to all schools in a region.”

Students or staff who test positive on a PCR test or rapid antigen test, or suspect they have COVID-19, are required to follow public health isolation protocols and are strongly encouraged to notify the school. School staff and students should attend a test site if they have signs and symptoms of COVID19.

Students and staff who are exposed at school can continue to attend as long as they are asymptomatic. Household close contacts who are exempt from isolation but have a case in their household are encouraged to use rapid tests to monitor for asymptomatic transmission, as household contact remains the highest-risk setting for transmission.

“The benefits of in-person learning can’t be understated, from mental and physical health to socialization and supports for families,” said Cullen.

“Schools have done a tremendous amount of work and have measures in place to help reduce the spread of the virus and protect our children.

Schools will continue to work with public health to help mitigate the risk of the virus and keep children where they need to be – in the classroom.” continued on page 8

Public Health Updates Contact Tracing, Case Management Guidance For Schools The minister noted the announcement builds on a number of actions and investments to protect students and staff in schools including: • implementing a rapid testing program for asymptomatic teachers, staff and kindergarten to Grade 12 students at Manitoba schools experiencing high case numbers or high levels of absenteeism; • expanding rapid testing for symptomatic staff at schools to include vaccinated and unvaccinated staff; • moving schools to the Restricted (Orange) level on the Pandemic Response System to ensure enhanced cleaning measures are in place and schools are ensuring two metres of physical distancing to the greatest extent possible; • providing 500,000 rapid tests for students from kindergarten to Grade 6 to test for COVID-19 as they return to school; • providing $6 million for medical masks that meet Health Canada performance requirements as well as other personal protective equipment;

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offering COVID-19 vaccinations at schools including after-school clinics for students, teachers and community members; providing an additional $6.8 million in funding to support over 200 short-term operating improvements related to air purification, including filters, units and systems; investing in mental health supports for students and staff; and providing $45 million in the Safe Schools Fund to help address COVID-19 related expenditures in schools, of which $30 million has been allocated by school divisions to support learning impacts, mental health and well-being including hiring additional teachers, educational assistants and clinicians.

For more information on COVID-19 and measures in place to address the spread of the virus in schools, visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/schools/index.html.

Changes to Manitoba’s COVID-19 Testing Approach Manitoba's COVID-19 testing approach is based on current and evolving public health evidence.

To protect testing capacity, (as of January 5, 2022) Manitoba Public Health is recommending updates to eligibility for rapid antigen testing (RAT) and PCR testing at provincial testing sites.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 is eligible for testing. Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those

who are at higher risk of severe illness, as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test, will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility is at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/inde x.html.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 testing site locations and hours and to book an appointment online at certain sites, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/locations.ht ml.

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government The following information is compiled from provincial government news releases for the week of January 10.

Testing Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those who are at higher risk of severe illness, as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test, will still be eligible for PCR testing.

Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility can be found at https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/index.html.

Vaccinations The National Advisory Committee on Immunization recently examined the interval between first and second doses for children ages five to 11 to determine if a shorter interval

would provide more protection against the virus, particularly with rising Omicron cases.

NACI determined that eight weeks was still the recommended interval. Manitoba’s Pediatric Vaccine Advisory Committee also re-assessed this recommendation and re-affirmed its guidance of eight weeks between first and second doses. Public health has also maintained this recommendation.

Provincial clinics, doctor’s offices, pharmacies, community clinics and public health will continue to reiterate this recommendation.

However, in some circumstances it may be possible to shorten the duration between first and second doses for this age group to a minimum of 21 days.

Parents are encouraged to discuss their concerns with a health professional before arriving for their appointment. Clinic staff will discuss individual circumstances to determine continued on page 10

Vaccine updates - cont. next steps for those who request an early second dose.

There is currently a limited supply of the Pfizer vaccine. All adults ages 30 years or older will be offered the Moderna vaccine for their first, second or third dose. This will help ensure enough Pfizer remains available for people ages 12 to 29. People under 30 receiving an mRNA vaccine may face an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis as a rare side effect. While this is rare after Moderna, it is even more rare after Pfizer. These side effects are rare, temporary, mild and treatable. This means that if only Moderna is available to a young person, it is still safer for them to get the Moderna vaccine than to take the risk of a COVID infection. When both vaccines are available, Manitoba wants to ensure young people are offered the option that has the lowest risk of myocarditis. People over the age of 30 did not experience the same increased risk of these side effects, regardless of which vaccine they received.

When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca ), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a well-fitting mask and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While

COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria information can be found at: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html.

Eligible individuals can book appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options.

More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

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Possible exposure locations by region: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flight s.html#event.

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Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

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Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Loan Forgiveness Repayment Deadline for Canada Emergency Business Account Extended (January 12, 2022 Department of Finance News Release) The Canada Emergency Business

Account (CEBA) program has provided interestfree, partially forgivable loans to nearly 900,000 small businesses and not-for-profit organizations to help them navigate the pandemic and remain resilient. However, the Omicron variant has delayed the recovery for businesses in many parts of the country.

The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, and the Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of International Trade, Export Promotion, Small Business and Economic Development, announced that the repayment deadline for CEBA loans to qualify for partial loan forgiveness is being extended from December 31, 2022, to December 31, 2023, for all eligible borrowers in good standing.

This extension will support short-term economic recovery and offer greater repayment flexibility to small businesses and not-for-profit organizations, many of which are facing continued challenges due to the pandemic.

Repayment on or before the new deadline of December 31, 2023, will result in loan forgiveness of up to a third of the value of the loans (meaning up to $20,000).

Outstanding loans would subsequently convert to two-year term loans with interest of 5 per cent per annum commencing on January 1,

2024, with the loans fully due by December 31, 2025.

The government is also announcing that the repayment deadline to qualify for partial forgiveness for CEBA-equivalent lending through the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund is extended to December 31, 2023.

Quick facts •

The CEBA program was open for applications from April 9, 2020, to June 30, 2021. It has provided more than $49 billion in liquidity to over 898,000 Canadian businesses.

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CEBA provides interest-free loans of up to $60,000 to small businesses to help cover their operating costs during a time where their revenues have been reduced. These loans are partially forgivable. With the extension announced today, repaying the balance of the loan on or before December 31, 2023, will result in loan forgiveness of up to 33 per cent (up to $20,000).

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The $2 billion Regional Relief and Recovery Fund, operated through Regional Development Agencies, has been a key support for businesses unable to access other federal pandemic support programs.

NEWS RELEASE Canada Beef launches Canadian Beef Information Gateway Phased rollout begins with Canadian Beef branded edition for smaller retailers January 11, 2022 Calgary, Alberta - Canada Beef is pleased to announce the launch of the Canadian Beef Information Gateway (Gateway), our most ambitious initiative to date. The Gateway is dedicated to supporting the future growth of the Canadian cattle industry and an outstanding beef eating experience for our customers in Canada and around the world.

Canada Beef recognizes the importance of keeping information accessible at key time points relating to beef purchases and preparation. Consumers simply scan a Gateway QR or UPC code with a smart phone or tablet to access content that inspires them to try new beef cuts, recipes and preparation methods with confidence.

The launch of the first-phase of the Gateway showcases approximately 75 beef cuts organized into categories of Roasts, Steaks, Grounds and Other beef cuts. Each product has a digital profile that features essential information including recommended cooking methods, food safety and storage information, written recipes along with ‘hands-in-pans” instructional videos, nutritional information and shopping lists.

Canada Beef President Michael Young said the Gateway’s blend of convenience and technology will maximize the food basket for grocers, increase carcass utilization for producers and increase consumer satisfaction.

“Our goal is to enhance the customer experience and we intend to accomplish this through direct to consumer promotion and collaboration with retailers as well as other supply chain partners,” he said.

The first edition of the Gateway is designed for local retailers and those looking for quick-to-implement solutions.

Future phases of the Gateway will feature co-branded partnerships with national retail banners that incorporate customizable content. Canada Beef is actively engaged in talks with the grocery sector and continues to evolve the Gateway in response to the feedback received. A French version of the Gateway resources will be made available later in 2022.

The launch of the first-phase of the Gateway comes as consumers continue to seek out new ways to enjoy Canadian beef including information on preparation methods and recipe ideas. As food costs increase the mandate to deliver an outstanding eating experience continues to be of great importance to the sector. It also follows more than a year of innovation and collaborative effort at Canada Beef to develop a modern digital ecosystem that provides awareness of the versatility of Canadian beef with a goal to inspire a wider repertoire of beef choices more often.

Scan the code below using the camera on your smartphone to try the Gateway for yourself and watch for ads in regional and national industry and consumer publications from January to March including Canadian Living, Reader’s Digest, Chatelaine, Macleans magazine, Style at Home, House and Home, Western Living and Toronto Life.

To learn more about how the Gateway will serve the Canadian beef industry, please visit: https://canadabeef.ca/stakeholder-gateway/

For more information, please contact: Gina Teel, APR Manager, Stakeholder Communications Canada Beef e. gteel@canadabeef.ca c. 403.875.3616 www.canadabeef.ca

About Canada Beef As the marketing division of the Canadian Beef Cattle Research, Market Development and Promotion Agency, Canada Beef is the cattle producer-funded and run organization responsible for domestic and international beef and veal market development. It has staff in Canada, Japan, China, Taiwan and Mexico.

In addition to National Check-Off and import levy funding, Canada Beef leverages cattle producer dollars with private market partner investments and government industry development funding to maximize the benefits of producer check-off investment

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery The following information has been updated as of January 13, 2022.

those made between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022.

Manitoba beef producers affected by the drought conditions are reminded they may be able to receive assistance via two programs under the AgriRecovery framework aimed at helping with the extraordinary costs incurred for feed and transportation.

The application deadline for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance is April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm).

As well, there is a herd management program to assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed.

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program helps producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain their breeding herds including transporting purchased feed from distant locations.

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers assistance to help offset freight expenses associated with moving livestock to alternative feed supply areas.

Eligible animals under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program are breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Producers must be supporting a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance and the program covers feed and feed transportation expenses between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. Feed must have been delivered from a supplier at least 40 kilometres away and assistance is available for hauling feed for up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 km. Eligible feed purchases are

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers help for producers with extraordinary costs to transport breeding animals of beef cattle, sheep and goats to alternate locations to feed, up to 1,000 km. This program does not cover moving animals to market or sale.

The application deadline for Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance is July 30, 2022 (11:59 pm).

Applications are available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/a grirecovery-feed-purchase-transportassistance.html and must include receipts for feed purchases and transportation.

The Herd Management Drought Assistance program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: •

purchase replacement breeding females

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retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock

The replacement is to assist in returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Of note, the breeding females culled due to drought can be replaced by purchases or retaining replacement females from the continued on page 15

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery applicant's existing herd or flock. The replacement must contribute to an increase in the applicant's inventory of eligible breeding females on January 31, 2023. Any increase in the inventory above pre-drought levels is not eligible.

The following replacements are eligible: •

Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does.

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Purchases of females that will be bred

by Jan. 31, 2023

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Retaining females from the applicant's existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023.

The replacement animals must be maintained in the herd or flock until Jan. 31, 2023 or later.

Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs. Access the application package online at the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture), in-person at

ARD and MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail.

Applications for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program will be received from Jan. 10, 2022 up to the application deadline of April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm). Applicants who submit a complete application by this deadline are eligible to submit a claim. Claims will be received from Dec. 1, 2022 to the claim deadline of Feb. 17, 2023 (11:59 pm).

Note, for all three programs mailed applications and claims must have a postmark date no later than the application or claim deadline.

There are also a number of resources on the MB ARD site to provide more details on the three programs, such as frequently asked questions, program guides, certain application forms and, important deadline reminders.

For explanatory videos see: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7Oi KfhYvB8p4bxsvxcT_hxQpCL1Ykea Manitobans can also stay up to date on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services by following @MBGovAg on Twitter https://twitter.com/MBGovAg.

Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program?

The program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing low moisture levels.

The program will assist livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to purchase feed in order to maintain their breeding herds. Producers may be eligible to apply for two types of assistance: 1. Feed assistance - buy and test feed for eligible breeding animals 2. Feed transportation assistance - transport purchased feed from distant locations for eligible breeding animals Who is eligible for the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program?

Primary producers who owned or leased the eligible animals, located in Manitoba, as of June 1, 2021 and continued to own or lease them to March 15, 2022 or later are eligible.

Eligible animals include breeding head of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Breeding animals are mature females exposed to breeding (male or artificial insemination) and males used previously for breeding.

The producer must own or lease a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

How do I apply?

Applicants can download the Application Form, Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals, and associated program documents on the website at manitoba.ca/agriculture. Application packages can also be picked up at any of the ARD/MASC Service Centres, or mailed to you by calling us at 1-844-769-6224. The minimum value of receipts required to submit an application is $500.

Review the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance – Farmers Guidebook for detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs and other program requirements.

When is the deadline to apply to the program?

April 15, 2022 is the final day to apply.

Can multiple applications be submitted?

Yes, you can submit more than one application until program maximums are reached.

1. Feed Assistance What feed assistance can I apply for?

The eligible feeds that can be purchased for eligible animals from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022 to maintain them over the winter include:  grazed corn and greenfeed  mechanically harvested hay, silage, greenfeed, stover, straw, including those purchased as standing crops or grazed in a swath  grain and concentrates (pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator) When can eligible feeds be purchased? Are claims retro-active to a certain date?

Eligible feed purchases can occur from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022.

Is there assistance for feed testing the eligible feedstuffs?

Yes, the program will pay for feed testing to determine the nutritional value of eligible feeds.

Can feed be purchased for feeders or non-breeding animals?

No, feed for feeders, growing animals or non-breeding aged animals is not eligible under this program.

How will livestock feed assistance payments be calculated?

The administrator will make payments to the applicant for purchases and testing of Eligible Feed made between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, as follows:  On a per breeding head basis, a producer share will be applied $50 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $10 per head for sheep and goats.  Payments will be equal to 75 per cent of the purchased cost of feed and feed testing that exceeds the producer share to a maximum per head payment. The maximum payment is $250 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $50 per head for sheep and goats.

How are the breeding head determined in calculating payments?  Breeding head are based on the number declared on the Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals at the time of first application. The declaration is the number of head being maintained and fed over winter, and does not include animals that have or will be sold prior to March 15, 2022. If applicants reduce their breeding animals below the number declared with their first application, they should contact the Program Administrator and submit a new declaration.

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2. Feed Transportation Assistance What feeds qualify for feed transportation assistance?

Feed transportation assistance is provided for the movement of eligible feed types (hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, silage, grain and concentrates) to eligible breeding animals. The eligible concentrates are pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator.

What are the eligible dates and distances for feed transportation?

Transportation costs for eligible feed purchased and transported between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, for a minimum distance of 40 kilometres up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 kilometres.

What are the payments for the feed transportation assistance?

Payments will be calculated on the tonnes hauled on a per loaded kilometre basis up to 600 kilometres.

For hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, and silage the payment rates are:  $0.16 per tonne kilometre for the first 100 kilometres of a haul  $0.10 per tonne kilometre for the remainder of a haul for up to an additional 500 kilometres.

For grains and concentrate, the payment rate is $0.05 per tonne kilometre up to 600 kilometres.

Payments for each receipt or invoice provided by the applicant will be the payment rate multiplied by the distance transported multiplied by the number of tonnes transported, or the amount of the receipt, whichever is less. Feed can be hauled further than 600 kilometres; however, the extra distance is not eligible for payment.

Can feed be sourced from outside of Manitoba qualify for assistance?

Feed can be sourced from outside Manitoba and the shipping will still be eligible based on the program’s rates and distances.

Does the feed transportation assistance come out of the feed assistance funding?

Feed transportation assistance is in addition to funding available to a producer for feed purchases. It is not subtracted from the $250 per head cap for beef, bison and PMU horses or $50 cap for sheep and goats.

Is feed transportation assistance available for animals moved to an alternate feeding location?

Feed transportation assistance is not available for animals for which producers have received assistance to move eligible animals to an alternate feeding location under the Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program.

Alternate feeding locations should have adequate feed locally available for the animals moved.

What feed is not eligible for feed transportation assistance?  Feed for market animals or ineligible animals.  Feed produced on your own operation.  Feed for breeding animals that are sold/culled prior to March 15, 2022.  Feed that is sold or replaces similar feed that is sold.  Feed transported less than 40 kilometres.  Feed transported to an alternate feeding location used to house eligible animals for which the applicant received payments under Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance.

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Herd Management Drought Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Herd Management Drought Assistance program?

This program assists livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals, when culling is above normal because of winter feed shortages. If you are a producer, you may be eligible to apply for assistance to:  purchase replacement breeding females  retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock The replacement animals will help you return your inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Who can apply for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program?

You are eligible if you are a primary producer, who owned eligible animals that were located in Manitoba, and you were responsible for their feeding expenses as of Mar. 16, 2021. If you are an elk producer, you must have a Game Farm Production Licence, and only elk that were farmed under that licence are eligible. You must own a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

What animals are eligible?

The program provides assistance to replace breeding female beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk that the applicant owned and had located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021. Breeding females are mature females (cows, ewes, does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs and bred does) that have previously calved, lambed or been exposed to breeding.

Is feed assistance provided for breeding animals that were culled?

Feed assistance is not available under this program for breeding animals that were culled. Assistance to purchase feed for breeding animals kept over the winter is available from the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program. You can receive both herd management and feed assistance for your herds or flocks. However, you cannot be paid twice (herd management and feed assistance) for the same animals.

Does it matter when breeding females were culled?

The program provides assistance to replace breeding females culled from Mar. 16, 2021 to Mar. 15, 2022. The decline in a producer’s inventory of breeding females over this period is one of the criteria being used to determine the program payments.

Which herd inventories need to be declared?

The program uses the following dates to assess the impact of drought and recovery on an applicant’s inventory of breeding females:  Mar. 16, 2021  Mar. 16, 2022  Jan. 31, 2023

The difference between the Mar. 16, 2022 (drought impacted) inventory and the Jan. 31, 2023 (recovery) inventory indicates the effect that purchasing and retaining replacement females has on drought recovery.

Jan. 31, 2023 inventory

March 16, 2022 inventory

Increase in inventory due to purchasing

(recovery inventory)

(drought impacted)

and retaining replacements

What are the payment rates for this program?

Payments per head for each animal type are listed in the table below. Payments are made for breeding females that are purchased or retained.

Animal Type(s) Payment ($) per head Beef Cattle, Bison and Elk $250 Sheep and Goats $50 Payments are based on the increase in the breeding female inventory between Mar. 16, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023.

The payments are calculated as follows: Per Head Payment Rate

Increase in inventory due to

Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250

purchasing and retaining

Sheep/Goats $50

replacements

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

Is there a payment cap?

Payments are capped once inventory is restored to pre-drought levels. No payment will be made for increases in inventory beyond the pre-drought level.

Why are payments made after breeding females are replaced?

The program is designed to assist producers in restoring their herds after the drought. The program does not pay producers to downsize their herd. Breeding animals that have been culled must be replaced to be eligible.

What animals are not included in the breeding female inventory declared for this program?

The following animals should not be included in the declared inventories of breeding females:  animals sold before being exposed to breeding for the first time  market livestock intended for slaughter or purposes other than breeding  animals sold after Mar. 15, 2022  animals leased by the applicant  animals not located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021 (pre-drought) or Jan. 31, 2023 (when recovery complete)

When is an adjustment required for the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of breeding females?

Breeding females that gave birth between Jan. 1, 2022 and Mar. 15, 2022 and were sold in the same time period must be included in the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory declaration for the number of head. These females most likely have not been culled because of drought and are not eligible for assistance.

Does the program provide assistance for culling immature replacement females?

If immature females intended to breed are culled, a payment will be triggered if it causes the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of mature and bred females to decline. However, the decision to cull mature females can impact this payment.  For example, if heifers intended to breed in the summer of 2021 are culled, the March 2022 inventory of breeding females may decrease because the herd has fewer bred heifers than normal. However, if the number of cows normally culled is reduced, the lower number of bred heifers may be partially or totally offset.

How do I apply for the Herd Management Program?

The application package will be available as of Jan. 10, 2022  on the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture)  in-person at Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Service Centres  by calling 1-844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail If you are applying, you will need to fully complete and submit your application, as part of a two-step process.

This process includes filling out: 1) application form to declare: a. Mar. 16, 2021 inventory of eligible breeding females owned b. Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of eligible breeding females owned 2) claim form to declare : a. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory of eligible breeding females Do we need to send in receipts, invoices or other records with our applications or claims?

No, you do not have to submit invoices, receipts or proof of payment with your application or claim forms.

However, you are expected to keep these documents for all breeding animals you have sold or purchased. You may be asked to submit them as part of a review or audit of your application or claim. In a limited number of cases, an on-farm visit or pregnancy check may also be requested to verify declarations.

What is the earliest date the application and claim form can be submitted?

Applications can be submitted starting in Jan. 2022 when they are available, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Mar. 16, 2022. Similarly, you can submit claim forms starting in December 2022, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Jan. 31, 2023

What are the program timelines and deadlines? 

Jan. 10, 2022 - Applications will be available.



April 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for applications declaring Mar. 16, 2021 and Mar. 16, 2022 inventories.



December 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available.



Feb. 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for claim forms declaring the Jan. 31, 2023 inventory.

For more information, contact: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Toll-free: 1-844-769-6224 Email: ARD@gov.mb.ca

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 7, 2022

mbbeef.ca

NOTE: THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HAS BEEN UPDATED

Applications for Herd Management Drought Assistance Program Available January 10th

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery

producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain their breeding herds including transporting purchased feed from distant locations.

Manitoba beef producers affected by the drought conditions are reminded they may be able to receive assistance via two programs under the AgriRecovery framework aimed at helping with the extraordinary costs incurred for feed and transportation.

As well, there is a herd management program to assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed.

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program helps

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers assistance to help offset freight expenses associated with moving livestock to alternative feed supply areas.

Eligible animals under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program are breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Producers must be supporting a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance and the program covers feed and feed transportation expenses between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. Feed must have been delivered from a supplier at least 40 kilometres away and assistance is available for hauling feed for up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 km. Eligible feed purchases are those made between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022.

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers help for producers with extraordinary costs to transport breeding animals of beef cattle, sheep and goats to alternate locations to feed, up to 1,000 km. This program does not cover moving animals to market or sale. continued on page 11

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Manitoba Extending Prevention Orders To Protect Against Covid-19 Nothing Off The Table, Will Act Swiftly If Further Action Required: Gordon

(January 7, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) All current COVID-19 prevention orders

The current public health orders were set to expire on Tuesday, Jan. 11 and will be extended until 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 1. ICU numbers remain relatively stable and the province will continue to monitor omicron cases, their impact on the health system and outcomes here and in other jurisdictions.

will be extended for three weeks while the province continues to gather data and monitor the impacts of the omicron variant, Health and Seniors Care Minister Audrey Gordon announced today.

Manitoba continues to have some of the strictest public health orders in place in the country to help respond to and mitigate the spread of COVID-19, the minister noted.

“Ongoing restrictions are a challenge for many Manitobans, but remain necessary to help slow the spread of the virus and protect our healthcare system,” said Gordon. “While these orders remain in place, we continue to take steps to improve supply and access to testing and other important initiatives that support our pandemic response and protect our health system.

Nothing is off the table and we will act swiftly in the weeks ahead if further action is required to protect Manitobans.”

Manitoba remains at the Restricted (Orange) level on the Pandemic Response System.

For more information about COVID-19 and the pandemic response in Manitoba, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION Public Health Orders Extension Also available on pages 5-9

Changes to Manitoba’s COVID-19 Testing Approach Manitoba's COVID-19 testing approach is based on current and evolving public health evidence.

To protect testing capacity, (as of January 5, 2022) Manitoba Public Health is recommending updates to eligibility for rapid antigen testing (RAT) and PCR testing at provincial testing sites.

Anyone with symptoms of COVID-19 is eligible for testing. Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those

who are at higher risk of severe illness, as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test, will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility is at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/inde x.html.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 testing site locations and hours and to book an appointment online at certain sites, visit: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/locations.ht ml.

Vaccine Update from the Provincial Government

(January 5, 2022 Province of Manitoba Information)

There is currently a limited supply of the Pfizer vaccine. All adults aged 30 years or older will be offered the Moderna vaccine for their first, second or third dose. This will help ensure enough Pfizer remains available for people aged 12 to 29. People under 30 receiving an mRNA vaccine may face an increased risk of myocarditis and pericarditis as a rare side effect. While this was rare after Moderna, it is even more rare after Pfizer. These side effects are rare, temporary, mild and treatable. This means that if only Moderna is available to a young person, it is still safer for them to get the Moderna vaccine than to take the risk of a COVID infection. When both vaccines are available, Manitoba wants to make sure that young people are offered the option that has the lowest risk of myocarditis. People over the age of 30 did not experience the same increased risk of these side effects, regardless of which vaccine they received.

When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca ), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a well-fitting mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be

available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria information can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html.

Many Manitoba vaccine sites as well as pharmacies and clinics are offering walk-in and appointment-based vaccination for COVID and seasonal flu. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options.

More Resources •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

•

Possible exposure locations by region: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/flight s.html#event.

•

Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

•

Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

EXTENSION OF COVID-19 GENERAL PREVENTION ORDERS Manitoba’s current COVID-19 general prevention orders have been extended, effective 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 11, and will be in place for three weeks until Feb. 1.

Sector

Restrictions

Indoor gatherings in public spaces

Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) are limited to 25 people or 25 per cent of the usual capacity of the space, whichever is lower.

Outdoor gatherings in public spaces

Indoor gatherings on private property

Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated people (if they are 12 years of age or older) in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces are limited to 50 people.

Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Private indoor gatherings are limited to five additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Outdoor gatherings on private property

Outdoor gatherings at a private residence are limited to 20 additional people plus the household if all are fully vaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Private indoor gatherings are limited to 10 additional people plus the household if any of the individuals are eligible but unvaccinated (youth under the age of 12 are exempt).

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts

Proof of vaccination is required for those 12 years of age and older. Individuals are required to wear masks but are not required to provide proof of vaccination to enter for the sole purpose of picking up takeout or delivery orders.

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts are limited to 50 per cent capacity and are limited to seated service only with a maximum of 10 people per table.

Restaurants, licensed premises and food courts are limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 persons, whichever is lesser.

Gyms and fitness centres

Liquor sales must end at 10 p.m. daily.

Capacity limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Casinos, bingo halls and VLTs

Proof of vaccination is required.

Museums and galleries

Capacity is limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less.

Museums operate under the requirement to show proof of vaccination (indoors only) when open to the public as a museum.

Libraries Professional sports or performing arts events Movie theatres and concert halls

Weddings and funerals

Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings

Capacity limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Limited to 50 per cent capacity.

Limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Limited to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less, with proof of immunization required everywhere.

Permitting indoor public gathering group sizes to 25 people or 25 per cent capacity, whichever is lower, for gatherings that include unvaccinated people who are eligible to be vaccinated.

Gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 people, whichever is less.

Indoor community, cultural and religious gatherings are limited to 25 per cent capacity or a total of 25 people, whichever is lower, when proof of vaccination is not required. Cohorts may be implemented where groups can be physically divided up to a maximum of 10 cohorts or 250 people.

Cohorts must not mingle, masks must be worn and physical distancing rules apply.

Services restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 who are not eligible for the vaccine are limited to 50 per

Outdoor community, cultural and religious gatherings

cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less.

Gatherings that include one or more unvaccinated person (if they are 12 years of age or older) are restricted to 50 people in uncontrolled outdoor public spaces.

Outdoor gatherings restricted to fully immunized people and those under 12 years of age are limited to 50 per cent of the usual capacity of the space or 250 persons, whichever is less.

Personal services Indoor sports and recreation, including dance, theatre and music schools.

Drive-in services continue unrestricted.

Open without capacity restrictions and physical distancing is required.

Spectators for indoor and outdoor sporting and recreation capacity is reduced to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is less.

While games and practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted. No group activities outside of practice time or games, come ready to play and limit group time indoors (e.g. in dressing rooms).

Province-wide, proof of at least one dose of vaccination or a recent (within 48 hours) negative test result will be required for 12-17 year olds for indoor and recreational sports.

Negative tests need to come from a participating pharmacy as provincial testing sites should only be accessed by symptomatic individuals or those who are required to take a PCR test by public health.

Outdoor sports and recreation

While practices can continue, no tournaments will be permitted.

No group activities outside of practice time or games, come ready to play and limit group time indoors (e.g. in dressing rooms).

Children’s camps

Capacity for spectators is limited to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is less.

Day camps are limited to no more than 25 campers and camper groups must be cohorted.

Overnight camps are prohibited under these orders.

Retail, markets, garden centres and malls

Workplaces Indoor self-help gatherings

Permitting retail capacity at 50 per cent in the Southern Health – Santé Sud health region.

Permitting retail capacity at 100 per cent in the Interlake-Eastern, Northern, Prairie Mountain Health and Winnipeg capital region, including the municipalities of Cartier, Headingly, Macdonald, Ritchot (Niverville/Ritchot), Saint François Xavier and Taché.

Physical distancing measures are required.

Masks required indoors.

Open without restrictions.

Indoor gathering limits and mask use orders apply.

QOM set to deliver ACM l<eynote address After a 20-year career in the oil and gas industry, a Saskatchewan boy came back home to Tuffnell in the fall of 2019 and accidentally created a social media persona named Quick Dick McDick.

Quick Dick McDick (Dickson Delorme) is part of a 4000 acre/350 cattle mixed farming operation near Tuffnell, SK. Now when he is not busy on the farm, Dickson spends his time trying to show people the many things that happen here in Canada that keep us fed, watered and sheltered - all while trying to keep his audience snickering.

Drought assistance – continued from page 1 Applications are available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/a grirecovery-feed-purchase-transportassistance.html and must include receipts for feed purchases and transportation.

The Herd Management Drought Assistance program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: •

purchase replacement breeding females

•

retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock

The replacement is to assist in returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Of note, the breeding females culled due to drought can be replaced by purchases or retaining replacement females from the applicant's existing herd or flock. The replacement must contribute to an increase in the applicant's inventory of eligible breeding females on January 31, 2023. Any increase in the inventory above pre-drought levels is not eligible.

The following replacements are eligible: •

Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does.

•

Purchases of females that will be bred

by Jan. 31, 2023

•

Retaining females from the applicant's existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023.

The replacement animals must be maintained in the herd or flock until Jan. 31, 2023 or later.

Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs launched on Aug. 31, 2021. The application package will be available on Jan. 10, 2022: access it online at the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture), in-person at ARD and MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail.

There are also a number of resources on this site to provide more details on the three programs, such as frequently asked questions, program guides, certain application forms and, important deadline reminders.

For explanatory videos see: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7Oi KfhYvB8p4bxsvxcT_hxQpCL1Ykea Manitobans can also stay up to date on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services by following @MBGovAg on Twitter https://twitter.com/MBGovAg.

Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program?

The program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing low moisture levels.

The program will assist livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to purchase feed in order to maintain their breeding herds. Producers may be eligible to apply for two types of assistance: 1. Feed assistance - buy and test feed for eligible breeding animals 2. Feed transportation assistance - transport purchased feed from distant locations for eligible breeding animals Who is eligible for the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program?

Primary producers who owned or leased the eligible animals, located in Manitoba, as of June 1, 2021 and continued to own or lease them to March 15, 2022 or later are eligible.

Eligible animals include breeding head of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Breeding animals are mature females exposed to breeding (male or artificial insemination) and males used previously for breeding.

The producer must own or lease a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

How do I apply?

Applicants can download the Application Form, Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals, and associated program documents on the website at manitoba.ca/agriculture. Application packages can also be picked up at any of the ARD/MASC Service Centres, or mailed to you by calling us at 1-844-769-6224. The minimum value of receipts required to submit an application is $500.

Review the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance – Farmers Guidebook for detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs and other program requirements.

When is the deadline to apply to the program?

April 15, 2022 is the final day to apply.

Can multiple applications be submitted?

Yes, you can submit more than one application until program maximums are reached.

1. Feed Assistance What feed assistance can I apply for?

The eligible feeds that can be purchased for eligible animals from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022 to maintain them over the winter include:  grazed corn and greenfeed  mechanically harvested hay, silage, greenfeed, stover, straw, including those purchased as standing crops or grazed in a swath  grain and concentrates (pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator) When can eligible feeds be purchased? Are claims retro-active to a certain date?

Eligible feed purchases can occur from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022.

Is there assistance for feed testing the eligible feedstuffs?

Yes, the program will pay for feed testing to determine the nutritional value of eligible feeds.

Can feed be purchased for feeders or non-breeding animals?

No, feed for feeders, growing animals or non-breeding aged animals is not eligible under this program.

How will livestock feed assistance payments be calculated?

The administrator will make payments to the applicant for purchases and testing of Eligible Feed made between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, as follows:  On a per breeding head basis, a producer share will be applied $50 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $10 per head for sheep and goats.  Payments will be equal to 75 per cent of the purchased cost of feed and feed testing that exceeds the producer share to a maximum per head payment. The maximum payment is $250 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $50 per head for sheep and goats.

How are the breeding head determined in calculating payments?  Breeding head are based on the number declared on the Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals at the time of first application. The declaration is the number of head being maintained and fed over winter, and does not include animals that have or will be sold prior to March 15, 2022. If applicants reduce their breeding animals below the number declared with their first application, they should contact the Program Administrator and submit a new declaration.

Version 4

2. Feed Transportation Assistance What feeds qualify for feed transportation assistance?

Feed transportation assistance is provided for the movement of eligible feed types (hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, silage, grain and concentrates) to eligible breeding animals. The eligible concentrates are pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator.

What are the eligible dates and distances for feed transportation?

Transportation costs for eligible feed purchased and transported between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, for a minimum distance of 40 kilometres up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 kilometres.

What are the payments for the feed transportation assistance?

Payments will be calculated on the tonnes hauled on a per loaded kilometre basis up to 600 kilometres.

For hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, and silage the payment rates are:  $0.16 per tonne kilometre for the first 100 kilometres of a haul  $0.10 per tonne kilometre for the remainder of a haul for up to an additional 500 kilometres.

For grains and concentrate, the payment rate is $0.05 per tonne kilometre up to 600 kilometres.

Payments for each receipt or invoice provided by the applicant will be the payment rate multiplied by the distance transported multiplied by the number of tonnes transported, or the amount of the receipt, whichever is less. Feed can be hauled further than 600 kilometres; however, the extra distance is not eligible for payment.

Can feed be sourced from outside of Manitoba qualify for assistance?

Feed can be sourced from outside Manitoba and the shipping will still be eligible based on the program’s rates and distances.

Does the feed transportation assistance come out of the feed assistance funding?

Feed transportation assistance is in addition to funding available to a producer for feed purchases. It is not subtracted from the $250 per head cap for beef, bison and PMU horses or $50 cap for sheep and goats.

Is feed transportation assistance available for animals moved to an alternate feeding location?

Feed transportation assistance is not available for animals for which producers have received assistance to move eligible animals to an alternate feeding location under the Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program.

Alternate feeding locations should have adequate feed locally available for the animals moved.

What feed is not eligible for feed transportation assistance?  Feed for market animals or ineligible animals.  Feed produced on your own operation.  Feed for breeding animals that are sold/culled prior to March 15, 2022.  Feed that is sold or replaces similar feed that is sold.  Feed transported less than 40 kilometres.  Feed transported to an alternate feeding location used to house eligible animals for which the applicant received payments under Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance.

Version 4

Herd Management Drought Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Herd Management Drought Assistance program?

This program assists livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals, when culling is above normal because of winter feed shortages. If you are a producer, you may be eligible to apply for assistance to:  purchase replacement breeding females  retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock The replacement animals will help you return your inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Who can apply for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program?

You are eligible if you are a primary producer, who owned eligible animals that were located in Manitoba, and you were responsible for their feeding expenses as of Mar. 16, 2021. If you are an elk producer, you must have a Game Farm Production Licence, and only elk that were farmed under that licence are eligible. You must own a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

What animals are eligible?

The program provides assistance to replace breeding female beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk that the applicant owned and had located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021. Breeding females are mature females (cows, ewes, does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs and bred does) that have previously calved, lambed or been exposed to breeding.

Is feed assistance provided for breeding animals that were culled?

Feed assistance is not available under this program for breeding animals that were culled. Assistance to purchase feed for breeding animals kept over the winter is available from the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program. You can receive both herd management and feed assistance for your herds or flocks. However, you cannot be paid twice (herd management and feed assistance) for the same animals.

Does it matter when breeding females were culled?

The program provides assistance to replace breeding females culled from Mar. 16, 2021 to Mar. 15, 2022. The decline in a producer’s inventory of breeding females over this period is one of the criteria being used to determine the program payments.

Which herd inventories need to be declared?

The program uses the following dates to assess the impact of drought and recovery on an applicant’s inventory of breeding females:  Mar. 16, 2021  Mar. 16, 2022  Jan. 31, 2023

The difference between the Mar. 16, 2022 (drought impacted) inventory and the Jan. 31, 2023 (recovery) inventory indicates the effect that purchasing and retaining replacement females has on drought recovery.

Jan. 31, 2023 inventory

March 16, 2022 inventory

Increase in inventory due to purchasing

(recovery inventory)

(drought impacted)

and retaining replacements

What are the payment rates for this program?

Payments per head for each animal type are listed in the table below. Payments are made for breeding females that are purchased or retained.

Animal Type(s) Payment ($) per head Beef Cattle, Bison and Elk $250 Sheep and Goats $50 Payments are based on the increase in the breeding female inventory between Mar. 16, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023.

The payments are calculated as follows: Per Head Payment Rate

Increase in inventory due to

Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250

purchasing and retaining

Sheep/Goats $50

replacements

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

Is there a payment cap?

Payments are capped once inventory is restored to pre-drought levels. No payment will be made for increases in inventory beyond the pre-drought level.

Why are payments made after breeding females are replaced?

The program is designed to assist producers in restoring their herds after the drought. The program does not pay producers to downsize their herd. Breeding animals that have been culled must be replaced to be eligible.

What animals are not included in the breeding female inventory declared for this program?

The following animals should not be included in the declared inventories of breeding females:  animals sold before being exposed to breeding for the first time  market livestock intended for slaughter or purposes other than breeding  animals sold after Mar. 15, 2022  animals leased by the applicant  animals not located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021 (pre-drought) or Jan. 31, 2023 (when recovery complete)

When is an adjustment required for the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of breeding females?

Breeding females that gave birth between Jan. 1, 2022 and Mar. 15, 2022 and were sold in the same time period must be included in the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory declaration for the number of head. These females most likely have not been culled because of drought and are not eligible for assistance.

Does the program provide assistance for culling immature replacement females?

If immature females intended to breed are culled, a payment will be triggered if it causes the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of mature and bred females to decline. However, the decision to cull mature females can impact this payment.  For example, if heifers intended to breed in the summer of 2021 are culled, the March 2022 inventory of breeding females may decrease because the herd has fewer bred heifers than normal. However, if the number of cows normally culled is reduced, the lower number of bred heifers may be partially or totally offset.

How do I apply for the Herd Management Program?

The application package will be available as of Jan. 10, 2022  on the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture)  in-person at Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Service Centres  by calling 1-844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail If you are applying, you will need to fully complete and submit your application, as part of a two-step process.

This process includes filling out: 1) application form to declare: a. Mar. 16, 2021 inventory of eligible breeding females owned b. Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of eligible breeding females owned 2) claim form to declare : a. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory of eligible breeding females Do we need to send in receipts, invoices or other records with our applications or claims?

No, you do not have to submit invoices, receipts or proof of payment with your application or claim forms.

However, you are expected to keep these documents for all breeding animals you have sold or purchased. You may be asked to submit them as part of a review or audit of your application or claim. In a limited number of cases, an on-farm visit or pregnancy check may also be requested to verify declarations.

What is the earliest date the application and claim form can be submitted?

Applications can be submitted starting in Jan. 2022 when they are available, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Mar. 16, 2022. Similarly, you can submit claim forms starting in December 2022, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Jan. 31, 2023

What are the program timelines and deadlines? 

Jan. 10, 2022 - Applications will be available.

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April 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for applications declaring Mar. 16, 2021 and Mar. 16, 2022 inventories.

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December 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available.

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Feb. 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for claim forms declaring the Jan. 31, 2023 inventory.

For more information, contact: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Toll-free: 1-844-769-6224 Email: ARD@gov.mb.ca

Beef & Forage Days in Austin, Eriksdale and Grandview have been cancelled due to the current COVID-19 situation.

A StockTalk virtual webinar will take place on January 13 at 1:00 pm featuring several of the keynote speakers from Beef & Forage Days covering Cattle Marketing, Stress Management and Alternative Watering Systems.

Register here for the StockTalk webinar: https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/ regi.../5178910191774198797

Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Auction Set for January 31 to February 4 includes results from previous allocation auctions.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development announces the latest Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Auction to take place January 31, 2022 through February 4, 2022 online at Garton's Auction Service.

For a complete list of lands available at auction please visit the Real Estate Services Branch online.

See: http://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPpropertie s.aspx#agLeasePermit for listings. This page also

These units are available for lease to farmers who meet eligibility requirements. They are not available to lease as recreational parcels.

Information on how to prepare for an Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Auction can be obtained by viewing our Fact Sheet (and is also included in this issue of the enewsletter).

Samples of the standard Forage Lease Agreement and Cropping Lease Agreement are available for review. Although the lease will apply to most parcels, there may be specific additional provisions that apply to specific parcels.

Please refer to the Preparing for an Online Agricultural Crown Lands Lease Auction on the next two pages.

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

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Pandemic Policy Now In Effect ─ Many Transactions Can Be Completed By Phone: Manitoba Public Insurance The following transactions can be conducted by phone: •

New registration and policy application (including rental vehicle insurance and temporary registration)

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Renewal of a driver’s licence

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Reapplication of a lapsed driver's licence

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Reassessment of an active or lapsed driver's licence

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Driver's licence replacement

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Basic ID card replacement (no information changes)

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Vehicle insurance coverage renewal, reassessment, reactivation, reapplication

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Cancellation

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Mid-term change

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Plate and/or registration certificate replacement

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Transfer of policy

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Payments

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Mailing or permanent address changes within Manitoba

(January 5, 2022 MPI News Release) Manitoba

Public Insurance’s new pandemic policy focusing on protecting customers, employees and our community, is now in effect. Customers must provide either proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test result to receive services where physical distancing or barriers are not possible, including all in-car road tests, including Class 1-5, and driver assessments. Full details on proof of vaccination or accepted negative COVID-19 tests can be found here.

The policy also aligns with requirements for all MPI employees – who must share proof of full vaccination or consent to complete regular COVID-19 testing every 48 hours prior to attending an MPI work location.

“MPI, like other businesses in Manitoba, is diligently supporting our customers and employees as we continue to navigate impacts of COVID-19. Despite the operational challenges our corporation is facing, our focus remains to best serve our customers. These are very difficult times and we ask for patience from our customers,” said Satvir Jatana, Chief Customer Officer, MPI. Transactions by phone To offer Manitobans additional options for their driver services and insurance needs during the Omicron wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, MPI is reminding its customers that they are able to conduct many transactions by phone with Autopac agents.

Customers who need to complete any of these transactions are encouraged to call their Autopac agent directly.

Payments Customers in a reassessment year are typically not required to visit an Autopac agent or Service Centre unless they need to make continued on page 23

Pandemic Policy Now In Effect ─ Many Transactions Can Be Completed By Phone: Manitoba Public Insurance changes to their policy. As such, Manitobans are able to pay for their services online at mpi.mb.ca and MPI encourages them to do so at this time.

A customer with a Renewal Notice saying they are required to visit in person and/or need to have a photo taken for their driver’s licence), should call an Autopac agent to discuss their options.

Changes to in-person payments for salvage purchases Effective Tuesday, January 4, 2022, MPI’s Salvage Department will no longer accept inperson payments or transactions for auction sales due to the ongoing public health concerns with COVID-19. Customers will not be permitted to enter the Salvage Auction Hall – Building B at 1981 Plessis Road, as it will remain closed to the public.

Customers are encouraged to complete payment for their purchases through available online options, including INTERAC Online or electronic fund transfers.

As a temporary payment option, customers from Manitoba purchasing items will be able to complete credit card payments (VISA or MasterCard) by phone at 204-985-7844. The credit card must be in the buyer’s name (company or individual). Please note: Significant wait times for this option are anticipated.

More information is available on our dedicated COVID-19 information page under Salvage.

Services cancelled MPI has recently cancelled some services due to these operational issues, including road tests, at certain locations. Customers with cancelled appointments have been contacted and will have the opportunity to reschedule when services are available.

Also impacted is estimating of non-drivable collision claims. Affected customers are advised not to attend the Physical Damage Centre, but contact their adjuster regarding the status of their vehicle. Due to towing capacity issues, there may also be towing delays for drivable vehicles being towed from a residence to MPI’s compound.

Province To Implement Phased-In Approach For Return To School In January Most Students to Learn Remotely Until January 17th

(January 4, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) As a proactive measure, the Manitoba government is shifting to a one-week remote learning period for most Manitoba students after the holiday break to ensure schools can implement enhanced measures for in-person learning, Premier Heather Stefanson and Education Minister Cliff Cullen announced.

“Our government’s number one priority is to protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans, especially our children, youth and most vulnerable citizens,” said Stefanson. “Today we are announcing a slight adjustment for the return to classes to give schools additional time to implement enhanced protocols to ensure inperson learning for all students can continue under our pandemic plans and to give public health more time to learn about the omicron variant’s effects in Manitoba. We know our children learn best in a classroom setting and it is our goal to ensure they can return to the classroom as quickly as possible.”

Effective Jan. 10, 2022, a phased-in approach will be applied to allow students of critical service workers in kindergarten to Grade 6 and all highrisk students and students with special learning needs in kindergarten to Grade 12 to attend school if no alternate care is available. Current plans are to have all other students return to inperson learning on Jan. 17.

Manitoba Education has heard from stakeholders this phased-in approach will give school divisions more time to address expected staffing shortages

and develop plans for the implementation of enhanced measures to reduce the spread of COVID-19. This will also allow schools time to prepare to move to the Restricted (Orange) level on Manitoba’s Pandemic Response System.

Child-care facilities that offer twelve months of service, including centres in schools, will remain open and are strongly encouraged to prioritize children of critical service workers. School-age child-care facilities that operate based on the school calendar and do not provide service during school breaks will offer services to children of critical service workers requiring before- and after-school care.

Effective Monday, Jan. 10, licensed centres and child-care homes will be able to apply for additional funding support to offset the loss of parent fees. This will include situations where a facility must reduce capacity due to staffing shortages or if a facility is required to close by public health officials due to COVID-19. Details on how to apply will be provided directly to facilities.

“We know in-person learning is best for students but we are still learning about how the omicron variant will affect our health-care system and Manitobans in the longer term,” said Dr. Jazz Atwal, deputy chief provincial public health officer. “This change will allow us more time to study the data we have and provide any needed additional advice to the education sector and families as we go forward.”

Atwal reminded Manitobans they should reduce the number of close contacts in their household at this time. That includes staying home as much as possible, not gathering with people from outside their household and following the public health orders. In addition, he urged people to get

continued on page 25

Province To Implement Phased-In Approach For Return To School In January Most Students to Learn Remotely Until January 17th vaccinated and get their booster shots as soon as they are eligible to reduce their risk of contracting COVID-19.

The minister noted several enhanced measures have been put in place to slow the spread of COVID-19 in schools and will be expanded in the coming days including: •

distributing 500,000 rapid tests to all schools for students from kindergarten to Grade 6 and planning to expand access to rapid tests for all Manitobans as the rapid testing kit supply increases in Manitoba, particularly for schools with high case counts of COVID-19; and

•

requiring medical masks for all staff during this high transmission period and allowing students to wear a well-fitting mask with at least three layers and schools to provide masks for students if needed. Manitoba will be distributing at least five million more child and adult medical masks over the next eight weeks to increase supply in schools and support increased demand.

The minister noted schools across the province continue to implement enhanced ventilation projects in accordance with provincial ventilation guidelines for schools.

Vaccination also continues to be a priority with 168 school clinics and 104 after-school clinics held in the month of December, which provided 10,812 vaccine doses. Manitobans over age 18 eligible for booster shots can attend any immunization site, including physicians’ offices and pharmacies, community clinics and after-hours clinics at schools.

Cullen noted the Manitoba government is also investing up to $80 million in new funding for Manitoba schools during the 2021-22 school year to help address wage agreements for teachers and other cost pressures. The announcement increases the total operating funding for education to close to $200 million for this school year alone.

“We know school divisions are facing financial pressures at this time and this investment will enable schools to continue providing high-quality learning for all Manitoba students,” said Cullen.

“This investment today builds on other funding increases to ensure our system is supported, particularly during COVID-19 and as we move forward to implement the recommendations from Manitoba’s Commission on K to 12 Education.”

An additional $63 million was allocated earlier in this school year to support the return to school including: •

$45 million distributed directly to school divisions and schools for providing additional staffing, addressing learning impacts and enhancing health and safety;

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$6.8 million for enhanced ventilation projects;

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$6 million for masks and personal protective equipment;

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$5 million for the Kindergarten to Grade 8 Remote Learning Support Centre for students who are immunocompromised; and

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$1 million in additional funding for staff and student mental health supports to address increased needs related to the pandemic.

CALLING ALL BEEF PRODUCERS! Contribute to the update of the National Beef Sustainability Assessment The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef is in the process of updating the National Beef Sustainability Assessment (NBSA), expected for release in 2023. The NBSA provides farm to fork national sustainability performance metrics for the Canadian beef sector, from environmental, social and economic perspectives.

The metrics from our first Assessment, released in 2016, are widely used to demonstrate Canada’s global sustainability leadership, and have been critically important to the beef industry’s communication efforts with respect to sustainable beef production over the past five years. The accompanying Sustainability Strategy highlighted key areas for continuous improvement, which has also helped inform the industry’s 2030 goals.

The CRSB is looking for a minimum of 500 beef producers to participate in an online survey. This survey provides critical inputs to inform many of the NBSA performance metrics.

• •

The first 200 producers that complete the survey will receive a $20 gift card.

ALL completed surveys will be entered for a grand prize (Tag reader, valued at $1100), as well as seven regional prize packs (e.g., gift sets, experiences, gift cards, swag, etc.), which will be awarded through a random draw following the close of the survey period in January 2022.

We would like to thank the following CRSB members who have generously contributed these grand prizes.

Please complete a 30-45 minute survey by January 7th 2022.

ENGLISH: http://survey.groupeageco.ca/s3/NBSA-ENG FRENCH: http://survey.groupeageco.ca/s3/NBSA-FR We appreciate all who participate in this process and contribute to the success of the NBSA update!

If you have any questions, please contact us at projects@crsb.ca/.