MESSAGE FROM THE GENERAL MANAGER

MESSAGE FROM

THE GENERAL MANAGER

Looking back on 2019, I am encouraged by the resilience and optimism of the great producers in this industry. It had been a tough year. Whether it is pressures from weather, regulations, or market challenges, the industry continues to push forward as best it can. The Canadian beef industry is an excellent industry to be a part of, and I am honoured to be representing the Manitoba sector. It is hard to believe I have only been on the MBP team for less than a year, but I have gained so much knowledge and respect for many new areas of the industry that I did not have before.

At MBP, our mission is to represent Manitoba beef producers through communication, advocacy, research, education, and leadership within the industry, to governments and the public. This mission drives the organization. As I think about the past few months since I joined the team, there has been a number of areas that MBP has put major efforts towards, driven by our overall mission. Some of these files are covered in more detail further on in the annual report, as well as many other topics MBP has been focused on.

In 2019, one of the major challenges producers faced here, and frankly across Canada, were poor production conditions. In Manitoba, this started as an extreme drought throughout most of the growing season, followed by excess moisture during the harvest timeframe. These drought conditions, in back-to-back seasons, greatly diminished forage stands and winter feed reserves. Then the excess moisture in the fall also impacted producers’ ability to get off their annual feed crops, such as corn silage. MBP strongly advocated for multiple avenues of assistance for producers, such as AgriRecovery. It was unfortunate the provincial government did not pursue AgriRecovery, but MBP will continue to work on ways to help producers out in tough production conditions, such as improvements to the current Business Risk Management (BRM) tools.

Another key file in 2019 was the changes to the Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) leasing regulations. For more than a year, MBP had been providing feedback to the Manitoba government during its consultations around the modernization of the ACL program, but we are disappointed these new regulations did not incorporate various aspects of our April 2019 ACL position paper. This topic was a major concern for many of our members, and MBP will continue to advocate our position to the province, and to stress the importance of regulatory amendments to the recently-announced program.

Negative livestock-predator interactions are an ongoing concern. MBP continuously raises this issue with the provincial government, and has developed a pilot project that would engage producers in targeted areas where predation losses are most prevalent. Its major goal would be to test the effectiveness of prevention tools and predator removal mitigation actions. A submission has been made to the province for funding towards this pilot project, and MBP will continue to engage with stakeholders to drive this forward. MBP is encouraged by the changes to the new department of Agriculture and Rural Development that may allow for a positive development related to this pilot project as wildlife management now falls under its purview.

Another area I feel was of great importance in 2019, and will continue to be moving forward is public trust. I have been a part of

CARSON CALLUM, MBP GM

the agriculture industry my whole life. Throughout my career I have seen how much it can impact the industry as a whole. Whether we are talking about pesticide use, GMOs, or concern about livestock’s impact on the environment, public trust can be positive or negative to the agriculture industry. Negative opinions around beef production can impact consumers’ purchasing decisions, as well as government regulations being developed, which can affect the primary producer.

The beef industry has made multiple leaps forward in ways that will improve its public trust. The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB), in conjunction with Verified Beef Production Plus Program (VBP+), is a prime example of an industry-led initiative that can impact the value chain. Another top of mind example is a very important initiative started by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) to assist with public trust efforts – the Public and Stakeholder Engagement group (PSE). Funded from national check off dollars, PSE is tasked with tackling some of these negative opinions and misinformation around beef production. For example, they develop content to demonstrate how beef cattle are important for the environment, based off of excellent research being conducted by groups such as the Beef Cattle Research Council. Keep an eye out on our social media for a video produced by PSE entitled Guardians of the Grasslands.

From my perspective, MBP will need to continue to focus on the main areas moving forward that relate to our overall mission: advocacy, research/education, and public trust. In 2019, these areas were a key part of our efforts, and I see them continuing to be important in 2020. Whether it’s advocating to governments for beneficial regulations and programs like BRMs, or ensuring we continue to innovate in the industry through research, our hands will be full at MBP. The public trust effort will be a priority, but we have the tools to tackle it head on. I also encourage all producers to tell their story to the public, as farmers are one of the most trusted members of the food value chain for consumers, and your voice is the best advocate we can have.

Before I close, I want to mention that one of the best parts of joining the team this past year are the people with whom I get to work. The staff, which includes Maureen Cousins, David Hultin, Tanya Michalsky, and Deb Walger, are very professional folks who are working hard on our members’ behalf to advance the industry within Manitoba and at a national scale. Also, the board of directors are very caring, progressive producers who work tirelessly for their industry. I truly thank them for giving me this opportunity to represent beef producers across the province. I greatly look forward to the coming year, to work as a team for the betterment of Manitoba’s beef sector.

Finally, I just want to take a quick opportunity to thank my wife Britni, son Cohen, and greater family for their love and support over the past few months. It has been a very busy time to say the least, with moving back to Manitoba from Alberta to start my role with MBP. Their encouragement is not overlooked, especially after my wife had just given birth to our son. I am very happy to be back in the area of agriculture industry I enjoy, and look forward to continued work on behalf of producers in Manitoba.

Cheers to a new year. Carson

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Tom Teichroeb – President Dianne Riding – Vice President Tyler Fulton – 2nd Vice President Mike Duguid – Secretary Peter Penner - Treasurer

ANIMAL HEALTH

Gord Adams – Chair Robert Kerda – Vice-Chair Mike Duguid Steven Manns Mary Paziuk

AGM/NOMINATIONS/ RESOLUTIONS

Dianne Riding – Chair Larry Wegner – Vice-Chair Tyler Fulton Nancy Howatt Steven Manns

COMMUNICATIONS

Dianne Riding – Chair Nancy Howatt – Vice-Chair Peter Penner Robert Kerda Steven Manns

CROWN LANDS

Robert Metner – Chair Mike Duguid – Vice-Chair Mary Paziuk Steven Manns

ENVIRONMENT

Gord Adams – Chair Tyler Fulton – Vice-Chair Larry Wegner Mike Duguid Robert Metner Mary Paziuk

FINANCE

Peter Penner – Chair Mike Duguid – Vice-Chair Gord Adams Mary Paziuk

GOVERNANCE

Nancy Howatt – Chair Jade Delaurier – Vice-Chair Robert Metner Dianne Riding

PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT

Tyler Fulton – Chair Robert Kerda – Vice-Chair Larry Wegner Gord Adams Robert Metner Mary Paziuk

RESEARCH

Larry Wegner – Chair Tyler Fulton – Vice-Chair Peter Penner Nancy Howatt Jade Delaurier

2019

MBP YEAR IN REVIEW

Who is MBP?

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is the exclusive voice of the province’s cattle industry, representing approximately 6,300 producers in the cow-calf, backgrounding and finishing sectors. MBP is a nonprofit organization with a producer-elected board of 14 directors representing different geographic areas of the province. Its vision is a vibrant, prosperous, respected, sustainable beef industry in Manitoba.

MBP’s mission is to represent the province’s beef producers through communication, advocacy, research, education, and leadership within the industry, to governments and to the public. These efforts take place to strengthen the sector’s viability, improve prosperity and ensure a sustainable future for the beef industry in Manitoba for the benefit of our beef producers and all Manitobans.

How is MBP’s work funded?

MBP’s activities are funded through the collection of check-off dollars. Two check-offs with a combined total value of $5.50/head are levied at the point of sale on all cattle sold in Manitoba. Of this, a $3/head mandatory, refundable provincial check-off goes toward financing MBP’s activities on behalf of the local beef industry, as well as its membership in organizations such as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) and others. MBP’s levy is collected under the authority of the Cattle Fee Regulation under The Cattle Producers Association Act, a piece of provincial legislation.

As well, a mandatory non-refundable $2.50/ head Canadian Beef Cattle Check-off is collected on all cattle sold in Manitoba and the monies are transferred to the Canadian Beef Check-off Agency. Goals of the Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off are to increase sales of domestic and export beef and to find better and more efficient methods of producing beef and beef cattle. The Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off provides industry funding for the Beef Cattle Research Council which is responsible for the industry’s national research program, as well as to Canada Beef for market development and promotion. Funding is also provided for public and stakeholder engagement, administered by the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association in partnership with Canada Beef and under the oversight of the Canadian Beef Advisors.

For additional information about MBP’s 2018-19 budget, see page 10.

How are MBP’s activities organized and executed?

MBP’s activities are guided by the board of directors’ broad direction and executed by 4.5 staff members and MBP’s Executive and Committee members. Staff include general manager Carson Callum who joined the team in July, policy analyst Maureen Cousins, office assistant Tanya Michalsky, and, part-time finance person Deb Walger. Communications activities were led by Keith Borkowsky for the first part of the year and later by David Hultin. Kate Cummings was MBP’s beef specialist for the first half of the year. MBP employs contract staff from time to time to deliver initiatives such as the Verified Beef Production+ Program or special projects.

MBP also has two wholly owned subsidiary corporations – the Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Program Inc. (MLCA) and Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. (MBFI), each with their own independent staff and governance structure, but which do report information to MBP. Both the MLCA and MBFI boards have representation from MBP’s board of directors.

MBP directors each sit on internal committees where they provide input and help develop positions around specific types of issues or opportunities. Some committees serve an organizational function, such as helping to organize the district meetings and annual general meeting or planning MBP’s participation in events and communications activities aimed at promoting the industry.

Strategic direction

MBP’s activities focus around three strategic

MBP is also represented at several national and provincial organizations and external committees. This affords MBP the opportunity to bring forward for discussion specific Manitoba perspectives on topics such as business risk management programs, traceability, animal care, research, trade, sustainability initiatives and many more. Examples include:

• Assiniboine River Basin Initiative: Gord Adams, Maureen Cousins • Association of Manitoba Community Pastures: Carson Callum • Beef Cattle Research Council: Larry Wegner • Bovine TB Taskforce Committee: Mary Paziuk, Carson Callum, Maureen Cousins • Beef Value Chain Roundtable: Carson Callum, Maureen Cousins • Canadian Cattlemen’s Association: Gord Adams, Tom Teichroeb, Ramona Blyth (until March), Mike

Duguid • Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency: Heinz Reimer (first half of year), then Mary Paziuk • Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef: Mike Duguid, Maureen Cousins • Canadian Cattle Identification Agency: Nancy Howatt • Feedlot Committee: Harry Dalke, Steven Manns, Robert Kerda • Invasive Species Council of Manitoba: Larry Wegner, Mike Duguid • Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Board: Ramona Blyth (until June), Larry Wegner, Tyler Fulton (beginning in June) • Lake Manitoba Flood Rehabilitation Committee: Tom Teichroeb • Manitoba Farm Safety Council: Peter Penner • Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association: Mike Duguid • Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance: Peter Penner, Jade Delaurier, Tyler Fulton, Nancy Howatt, Dianne Riding • Motor Carrier Consultative Committee: Maureen Cousins • National Cattle Feeders Association: Harry Dalke, Carson Callum • Verified Beef Production Plus Program: Dianne Riding

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MBP YEAR IN REVIEW

objectives: telling the industry’s story via advocacy and enhanced communications; building the industry with innovation, improved economic competitiveness and profitability; and, serving MBP’s members by developing the organization and its capacity. These strategic objectives dovetail with MBP’s mission to strengthen the viability of Manitoba’s beef sector and to ensure a sustainable future for our province’s beef industry.

The following is an overview of some of the key activities undertaken by MBP in 2019.

TELLING OUR STORY: ADVOCACY ACTIVITIES

Production challenges

In 2018 drought conditions were a problem in much of southern Manitoba, leading to forage production challenges. In early January 2019 Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) announced that the Hay Disaster Benefit had triggered for the first time since changes were made to forage insurance offerings in 2014. This was due to a severe provincial forage shortfall and benefits totalling $3.2 million were paid to 708 eligible forage producers across Manitoba.

A second consecutive year of drought conditions hit in 2019. MBP was in regular contact with Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler and departmental staff, as well as the federal government about the impact of the dry conditions and discussing what kinds of assistance might be available to help affected producers. This included asking both governments whether consideration would be given to an AgriRecovery initiative, such as the types of needs-based forage shortfall and transportation assistance programs used during previous disasters. MBP also asked the federal government to trigger the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision in a timely fashion. Challenges related to water supplies were raised as well.

On July 5 the Manitoba government announced producers could graze cattle and cut hay in some wildlife management areas (WMAs). Unfortunately not all producers have access to WMAs. Moreover, there have been challenges with the condition of WMAs limiting their overall grazing and haying capacity (such as brush encroachment), as well as infrastructure issues (fences and water supplies). MBP is seeking a system whereby WMAs are grazed on a more regular basis. Not only would this benefit beef producers, the provincial government would benefit from the improved wildlife habitat and the reduced risk of fires in those properties.

On July 22 the federal government identified 96 designated regions where Manitoba producers could access the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision, covering off virtually every municipal government in the southern and central part of the province. While this tool can be beneficial to some producers who had to sell off at least 15 per cent of their breeding herd due to feed and water supply concerns, producers have requested it be modified so that it is based on cattle inventories rather than breeding cattle. Industry is advancing this request with the federal government.

MBP had sought programming to help producers dig wells or reservoirs or to rehabilitate existing reservoirs, as had previously been offered through the Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance program. This was eventually announced on September 12, two days after the provincial election was held.

Also following the provincial election Minister Eichler indicated the province would not consider AgriRecovery. Instead producers were encouraged to avail themselves of business risk management (BRM) programs, such as pasture and forage insurance or AgriStability, or lending programs through MASC. Following a provincial cabinet shuffle, MBP met with the new Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development, the Hon. Blaine Pedersen and again requested that AgriRecovery be revisited. There was however no movement on this request.

MBP discussed with Minister Pedersen the need for more effective tools to help mitigate risk and to reduce exposure related to varying climatic conditions, market volatility or other unforeseen events. For example, MBP is asking for consideration to adjust the insurance coverage associated with basic hay, or to create an index to accurately capture losses associated with a given forage stand to ensure payouts reflect the true extent of the losses. MBP believes enhanced coverage opportunities would better position producers to weather the associated losses and to be able to source alternate feeds.

The effects of back-to-back droughts will be felt by producers and in the provincial economy. Statistics Canada’s latest livestock estimates showed the number of cattle on Manitoba beef operations fell by 38,200 head on July 1, 2019 compared to a year previous. Further reductions are likely looming because of the number of producers downsizing or exiting outright due to the 2019 drought.

Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program

Cattle producers make extensive use of provincial agricultural Crown lands (ACL) for both pasture and forage purposes. Since 2017 the Manitoba government has been working to modernize the Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) Leasing Program, rolling out legislative and regulatory changes to accomplish this. Ensuring these lands remain available for beef and forage production has been a priority area of advocacy for MBP.

During these consultations MBP’s comments focused on areas such as: the importance of the continuation of family and unit transfers; the right of eligible producers to be able to renew leases; the move to a system of allocating ACL leases by way of a public auction; leasing eligibility requirements; lease lengths; compliance monitoring and enforcement; how to value lease hold improvements; whether there should be an increase to the number of Animal Unit Months; recognition of the ecological goods and services provided by producers in managing ACL; and the need for informed access, among others.

On September 27, 2019 Agriculture Minister Eichler announced changes to the ACL Leasing Program. Considerable concerns followed from beef producers in areas such as affordability (increase in the rental formula), predictability (changes to lease lengths and transfers, and no first right of renewal), the new system for valuing improvements, and more.

MBP has firm positions on various aspects of the ACL Leasing Program and is continuing to pursue their inclusion in the government’s policies. This includes allowing existing lease holders to have the first right of renewal upon expiry of their lease if they can demonstrate that they meet the program terms and conditions. MBP also strongly believes that this first right of renewal should be allowable for new lease agreements as well, as the 15-year term length does not allow for sufficient time to make investments on the land, nor do short-term leases provide financial institutions with the security they seek to make capital available to lessees. Following pressure from MBP and other stakeholders, Minister Eichler announced on October 11 that producers will be given the first right of renewal for existing leases on Crown lands. Another public consultation process on the regulation will be initiated around this change. MBP will participate in this process and strongly encourages all lease holders to provide their input as well.

MBP’s position on renewals was also advanced with the Hon. Blaine Pedersen after he became agriculture minister in late October. Other ACL matters on which MBP has advocated with him include having a rental rate formula that is fair, easily understood, that recognizes market conditions and does not place an undue financial burden on the producers during the transition to the new rate. The rental rate increase that will be implemented in full by 2021 is a huge financial concern for lease holders. With two years of challenging production conditions, MBP strongly believes that the transition to the new rental rate needs to be phased in over a longer period. MBP recommended there be a minimum period of five years to transition to the new rate to allow producers time to adjust.

Regarding transfers, MBP asked for the continuation of both family/legacy and unit transfers. MBP believes both types of transfers align with the ACL program’s stated mandate of supporting “the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and provides mitigation and adaptation to climate change.” MBP is pleased that family/legacy transfers will continue under the new system.

MBP also strongly supports the continuation of full unit transfers. MBP notes that producers who have maintained ACL lands over generations should receive some form of recognition/compensation for their landscape stewardship work, so the continuation of unit transfers is important. MBP suggested to Minister Pedersen that the government consider analyzing whether a higher unit transfer fee should be paid to ensure some form of public compensation for producers’ use of these lands, and that it consult with producers in this regard.

MBP has long sought informed access by members of the public wishing to access ACL and is very disappointed this request was not addressed. MBP believes that public access must be limited to those circumstances where the public has prior authorization from the lessee or permit holder to access the ACL. MBP believes this is needed to protect livestock, producers, the public and the environment. In the absence of a move toward informed access, MBP asks that consideration be given to setting aside a portion of lease revenue into a dedicated fund that lease holders could access to pay for damage caused by public access.

2019

MBP YEAR IN REVIEW

Producers are also concerned about the new approach to valuing privatelyowned improvements to ACL. The Crown has removed itself from all involvement in this process. Rather, the negotiations will fall between the two parties involved in the transfer, and go to an arbitration process if an agreement cannot be made. Lease holders are concerned the process will be cumbersome, lengthy and costly. MBP had suggested having an independent, third-party assessment done when the parcel comes up for auction so the producer knows what they will be paid for their improvements. MBP believes this needs to be revisited.

MBP believes that if the beef cattle sector is to grow it is essential that ACL be allocated, priced and managed in the most predictable and transparent manner possible. This will help ensure their use is both effective and efficient for producers, and also help meet the stated objectives of the ACL program which include supporting the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in Manitoba, contributing to ecological goods and services, and providing mitigation and adaptation to climate change. Discussions will continue with the provincial government in 2020 regarding the ACL leasing program.

Manitoba Protein Advantage

In early January the Manitoba government announced consultations on its sustainable plant and animal protein strategy aimed at making the province “North America’s protein supplier of choice.” Key areas of focus in the strategy include: research, innovation and commercialization; sustainability; investment attraction and growth; industry and market development; and profitability and competitiveness. One of the stated priorities is increasing the beef-breeding herd.

MBP’s comments on the strategy focused on policies and strategies important to Manitoba’s beef sector such as: the need for effective business risk management programs; the importance of maintaining agricultural Crown lands for beef production; finding ways to reduce the risk of livestock predation; the value of investments in research; the impact of labour shortages; and, the need to reduce regulatory burden, among others.

The Manitoba Protein Advantage was announced in September. Stated goals include: a 35 per cent increase in both animal protein processing and animal protein production; a 15 per cent reduction in carbon intensity per kilogram of animal protein; and, a 15 per cent increase in productivity of agricultural Crown lands and privately-owned grassland and forages.

MBP will continue to engage with the province about the protein strategy, including increasing the productivity of ACL. The provincial government and society both reap environmental benefits from maintaining cattle on ACL. MBP has cited the benefits in having continuity of landscape stewardship over ACL for extended periods of time. If ACL lease holders are assured they will have the first right to renew their leases there will be increased confidence in making long-term investments in stewarding the lands that will help increase their overall productivity and provide valuable ecosystem services. This will in turn help the province meet stated objectives of its Manitoba Protein Advantage, as well as its Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan such as “the potential for agriculture to contribute to the provincial goals of reducing greenhouse gas emissions, sequestering carbon in soils, and enhancing our agro-ecosystems.”

Additionally, MBP has suggested that some of the monies generated through the ACL auction process, leases and permits be put into a designated ACL sustainability fund. Producers could access the fund to implement cost-shared beneficial management practices that would enhance the carrying capacity of the land or provide environmental benefits, such as fencing, off-site watering systems or other initiatives.

Wildlife management MBP continues to strongly advocate for strategies to help reduce the risk of losses associated with predation. MBP co-chairs the Livestock Predation Protection Working Group (LPPWG). It includes reps from Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (MARD), MASC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Manitoba Trappers Association and Manitoba Sheep Association. MBP received funding through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) toward holding a facilitated workshop in early January involving LPPWG members led by Dr. Alistair Bath of Memorial University. Bath has expertise related to wildlife management. The workshop’s purpose was to understand and address the key issues involved in the design and development of a pilot project to reduce wildlife/livestock conflicts in Manitoba. agency to deliver it. There are three main aspects to the proposed program: On Farm Predation Risk Assessments; testing the effectiveness of Risk Management Practices (on-farm predation prevention practices and predator removal mitigation practices); and, communication of livestock-wildlife risks and management practices. The pilot would be delivered in targeted rural municipalities where losses due to predation are most severe based on MASC statistics of claim “hot spots.” The proposal was submitted to Manitoba Agriculture (now MARD) in June 2019 for funding consideration and a decision is pending. MBP wants this pilot project to move forward as soon as possible.

Business risk management tools

Each year MBP provides input to the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) about its programs as effective business risk management (BRM) programs and lending tools are very important to the beef sector. Finding ways to make cattle farming more economically predictable is seen as the single biggest hurdle to future growth. It has been MBP’s longstanding position that the BRM tools available to the cattle sector have not necessarily kept pace with changes in production practices over the past few decades. Further, there have been concerns that BRM tools are more responsive to the needs of the crop sector than the livestock sector.

At MBP’s 40th Annual General Meeting in February a number of resolutions were carried related to BRM programs. For example, producers want blackbird damage to become eligible for claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage. A challenge in achieving this is that damage must be caused by a protected species, which blackbirds are not in Manitoba. Another resolution called for changes to this same program to ensure that any feed that remains on fields for use as part of an extended feeding regime becomes eligible for compensation related to wildlife damage and/or pig damage. Discussions will continue with MASC about the challenges that various wildlife like these can create for beef producers and how to have effective tools to address them.

Another resolution dealt with a request for MASC to have their prices for the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program (livestock predation component) based on the value of a five weight animal in October, not on the value of a five weight animal based on prices in July and August. MASC is considering the implications of this proposal and continues to engage with MBP about it. Other topics of discussion with MASC have included alternative silage corn coverage methodologies and how to provide coverage for innovative cropping systems such as polycrops.

MBP also provides feedback to provincial and federal officials on BRM programs such as AgriStability and the shortcomings that have arisen with them. For example, the Canadian cattle industry has called for the elimination of the Reference Margin Limit under AgriStability as it has led to inequitable treatment of the cow-calf sector under the program.

Water management

Effective water management continued to be a key area of focus for MBP in 2019. Although much of the concern was focused on the drought, the prospect of future flooding is an ongoing concern, particularly for producers affected by devastating floods around Lake Manitoba. In 2018 the federal and provincial governments committed to the construction of outlet channels at Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin. These channels will help draw down water levels on Lake Manitoba and allow for better management during future flood events. MBP has long lobbied for the timely completion of this much-needed project. Unfortunately there was very limited work on it in 2019 as the two governments were engaged in discussions around the environmental approvals process and consultative processes required to move the project forward. MBP continues to advocate for the outstanding matters to be resolved so this project can be completed.

MBP provided comments to Manitoba Sustainable Development as it consulted on a new regulation under The Water Rights Act which focuses on surface water management. MBP is supportive of the expected outcomes, including the streamlining of drainage applications and approvals, the provision of consistent regulatory regimes for drainage and water control works and improved surface water management and coordination. Drainage projects will either undergo a registration or a licensing process depending on their complexity. The ability to have an eligible project registered within 14 calendar days could be beneficial to the agricultural community.

As well, the recent amendments to The Water Rights Act include a provision for offsetting the loss or alteration of prescribed wetlands with a goal of no net loss of wetlands. Altering or draining these wetlands would come with certain requirements on the part of the applicant, such as mitigation initiatives, or the

2019

MBP YEAR IN REVIEW

possibility of having to pay compensation for the loss of wetland benefits. MBP’s reiterated its longstanding position that Manitoba needs a wetland policy that also includes an incentive strategy to restore and protect wetlands. Many cattle producers are protecting the environment and providing storage capacity on their lands by retaining wetlands. This provides considerable societal benefit, but there is no direct monetary benefit to the producers such as payment for the provision of these valuable ecosystem services.

In early July the Manitoba government announced that a new $52 million endowment fund will be created for the Growing Outcomes in Watersheds (GROW) Program. This province-wide program will be based on the Alternate Land Use Services model with the aim of supporting the enhancement of ecological goods and services (EG&S) on private lands. This could include monies from the GROW fund being used to help producers with “small water-retention projects, natural habitat restoration and enhancement including wetlands, riparian area management, soil health improvements, and shelterbelt and eco-buffer establishment.” MBP provided comments to the provincial government in 2017 when it was consulting about a prospective GROW program, and had indicated at that time as well that there should be financial recognition of EG&S being provided by the beef industry. These include protecting habitat, providing biodiversity, preserving wetlands, and sequestering greenhouse gases, among others.

Environmental Matters

In February MBP, along with Manitoba Sustainable Development were the co-hosts for the 12th Prairie Conservation and Endangered Species Conference held in Winnipeg. The conference, held once every three years had the theme Working Landscapes. It brought together landowners, cattle producers, scientists, consultants, educators and nature enthusiasts to talk about ways the environment, wildlife and working farms are linked in the preservation of biodiversity across the prairie grasslands. More than 330 people from across Canada and the United States attended the event. It included five talks on grassland bird population trends, diversity indicators, abundance indices and habitat consideration. All of these talks related to cattle or bison grazing. Other topics covered included regenerative agriculture.

MBP received $750,000 in funding over three years (2017 to 2019) from Environment and Climate Change Canada for a Species at Risk Partnerships on Agricultural Lands (SARPAL) project. The aim of the “Manitoba Mixed-grass Prairie Species at Risk Enhancement Project” was to help protect important habitats for at-risk plant and animal species. Some of the targeted grassland Species at Risk include: Sprague’s Pipit, Ferruginous Hawk, Chestnut-collared Longspur, Loggerhead Shrike, Burrowing Owl and Baird’s Sparrow.

MBP was pleased to work with the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) on the delivery of the project based in southwestern Manitoba. The intent was to encourage the stewardship of grassland habitat by promoting proper grazing techniques and funding livestock and range management practices that are compatible with the needs of grassland birds and the needs of the rancher. This successful project effected the enhancement of 6,498 hectares of grassland habitat, almost double the original objective of 3,300 hectares. This was achieved through the completion of 21 agreements with participating landowners. The enhancement of grasslands - and the associated species at risk habitat - was achieved primarily through the implementation of enhanced livestock grazing systems. These systems were designed by the ranchers, in consultation with MHHC staff. Landowners invested significant in-kind time and resources into the implementation of these 21 projects, with funding from ECCC supporting the purchase of grazing infrastructure, such as fencing, and the installation of watering systems.

This project demonstrated that species at risk conservation and agricultural production can coexist. With the majority of native grasslands in Manitoba being managed by private landowners, this project provided these land stewards with tangible evidence that the public is willing to support, and invest in the public good that results from their land management. MBP is engaging with Environment and Climate Change Canada about what a second phase of a SARPAL initiative could entail.

Animal health

There was a major development on the bovine tuberculosis file in the fall of 2019. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) informed MBP and other stakeholders in early November that the Riding Mountain Eradication Area (RMEA) is no longer required for the management of bovine TB in domestic livestock in the vicinity of Riding Mountain National Park. The CFIA explained that the decision to end the RMEA is based “on the testing of approximately 240,000 animals in 2,600 domestic livestock herds from 2003 to 2016, including more than a decade of negative surveillance since the last infected herd was detected in 2008.” Further, the CFIA noted that “post-mortem testing of approximately 18,000 wild cervids from 1995 to 2018 showed that the prevalence of the disease has declined since 2006 to levels that are undetectable today, with the last infected cervid detected in 2014.” Other major milestones in recent years included the end of mandatory on-farm testing of domestic livestock in 2016, and the 2018 decision by the United States Department of Agriculture recognizing the RMEA as officially free of bovine TB.

The elimination of the RMEA was made possible through the efforts of key partner organizations including MBP, Parks Canada, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, CFIA and provincial government departments (Agriculture and Sustainable Development), First Nations and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation. The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association also provided assistance with advocacy efforts at the federal level. MBP also notes that critical to this was the ongoing participation of producers in the RMEA in surveillance and prevention activities. It is a testament to the diligence of the producers in the RMEA, as well as the efforts of the other stakeholders that Manitoba has achieved this long sought-after result.

MBP will continue to impress upon both the federal and provincial governments the importance of ongoing disease surveillance, including slaughter inspection, as well as mandatory sample submissions by hunters for analysis in the designated game hunting areas. MBP notes there is value as well in biosecurity activities which reduce the possibility of interactions between livestock and cervids, such as the use of barrier fences.

In May MBP took part in the CFIA consultations regarding proposed changes to registration requirements for mycotoxin detoxifying agents (MDAs). MBP believes the proposed changes should positively influence the beef industry. It will allow producers and feed companies to administer detoxifying agents with confidence that the products are as marketed, therefore maximizing productivity. From a local perspective, ergot is mycotoxin that is a major issue for beef producers in the prairies. The persistence of ergot provides a unique set of challenges. Ergot alkaloids are diverse and as a result, have variable toxicity, hence the importance of MDAs should be emphasized. Not only is it important for product promoters to stand behind their claims but it is equally as important to have MDAs readily available to producers. Without MDAs there is no reducing the effects the toxicity can have on cattle. The repercussions of the prolonged ingestion of mycotoxins are detrimental to both livestock health and to a producer’s bottom line.

Livestock transportation

MBP conducted its annual fly-in to Ottawa in late April. Among the topics discussed with Members of Parliament and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada officials is the effect of the federal changes with respect to feed, water and rest (FWR) requirements during transport that are to take effect in February 2020. These changes will have an impact on Manitoba’s cattle industry as significant numbers of feeder cattle are shipped east into Ontario and Quebec and having an additional FWR station in Ontario (besides Thunder Bay) will become necessary. MBP expressed concerns that by reducing the hours in transit it means that cattle will have to be unloaded more frequently for rest, feed and water, potentially increasing the risk of injury and illness during the loading/unloading process. MBP also stated more research is required before regulatory changes are contemplated.

The Canadian cattle industry wants to see best outcomes for livestock and a regulatory environment which is evidence-based. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s own research has found that 99.5% of cattle on long hauls more than four hours and 99.98% of cattle on short hauls of less than four hours arrive at their destination in good condition. Outcome-based guidelines are required that are founded in science and which take into account Canada’s climate, geography and transportation system. MBP welcomed news in late 2019 that there will be a two-year transition period for the cattle and dairy sectors to adapt to the new transportation regulations before hard enforcement will begin. This will allow for the completion of additional research into livestock transportation in Canada. Work by MBP, other provincial associations and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association will continue on this file.

Building sectoral capacity: research

Among MBP’s strategic objectives are building Manitoba’s cattle industry through innovation, improved economic competitiveness and profitability. Investments in research, innovation and knowledge transfer are integral to the industry’s future success. MBP strongly supports research. Twenty three cents of every Canadian Beef Cattle Check-Off (national check-off) dollar collected in Manitoba goes towards conducting and promoting research

2019

MBP YEAR IN REVIEW

activities re: beef cattle, beef and beef products. See the Beef Cattle Research Council at http://www.beefresearch.ca/ for additional details.

A further 6.5 cents of every national check-off dollar collected in Manitoba is retained for Manitoba projects that reflect MBP’s research priorities and which align to national priorities. For example, MBP investments have gone towards research projects such as: strategic supplementation to improve beef cattle performance in grazing systems, evaluation of forage varieties, perennial forage grains for fall grazing of beef cattle, assessing the impact of grazing annual forage cover crops in an integrated crop-livestock system, an economic impact analysis of Manitoba’s beef industry, and, a project related to producer mental health and how it affects farm business management.

MBP remains a key partner in Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. (MBFI), the collaborative beef and forage research and demonstration farm at three sites in the Brandon area. The other partners are Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association and Ducks Unlimited Canada. MBP strongly believes that the type of applied research and knowledge transfer activities being undertaken through MBFI can play a critical role in advancing Manitoba’s beef and forage industries, ensuring they are well positioned for future generations of producers.

Core funding for MBFI is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. As well, MBP continues to provide financial, administrative and governance support to MBFI. Organizationally the direction and activities of MBFI are overseen by an elected board of directors. Management of the MBFI is led by a board of directors bringing producer perspectives and strategic leadership. MBP thanks the core partners and all the other generous partners (including corporations, companies and academic institutions) for the significant roles they are playing in envisioning this important initiative, doing the legwork to take it from conception to inception and for their ongoing commitment to its success. For a more detailed overview of MBFI’s activities over the past year see page 11 or visit www.mbfi.ca to learn more.

TELLING OUR STORY: COMMUNICATIONS, OUTREACH AND SPONSORSHIP

MBP participates in a variety of activities throughout the year aimed at communicating with its members, and well as engaging with the general public to help inform them about beef production practices, and also to address any misconceptions they may have about the sector.

To this end MBP contracted Tripwire Media, a local production company to produce two videos related to animal care and the environment. One video involved cow-calf producer Melissa Atchison speaking about the animal care practices used on her family’s beef operation. Another featured bird expert Dr. Christian Artuso visiting one of the beef operations that participated in the Manitoba SARPAL project. He talked about the importance of maintaining beef production as the preservation of grasslands provides critical habitat for species at risk such as a number of threatened birds. These videos are being used at various events to help increase the public’s understanding of how cattle are raised in Manitoba. They were also rolled out to producers attending MBP’s fall district meetings. The development of these videos is part of an overarching strategy to modernize MBP’s presence at public events such as fairs and trade shows and to make the public’s experience more interactive. This includes the use of virtual reality headsets featuring beef production content which is quite popular with headset users.

MBP was also pleased to participate in the well-received Manitoba premiere of the Guardians of the Grasslands documentary in November at The Pavilion at Assiniboine Park in Winnipeg. Created in collaboration with Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Nature Conservancy of Canada as well as the Waldron Grazing Co-op and local ranchers in Alberta, the film explores the vital role cattle play in preserving and maintaining one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems – the native prairie grasslands. MBP General Manager Carson Callum, Kristine Tapley, Regional Agrologist with Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Tim Sopuck, Chief Executive Officer of Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation led a question and answer session to add more context and perspective to the film. For more information about Guardians of the Grasslands, please visit the website https:// guardiansofthegrasslands.ca/.

MBP’s longstanding involvement in the Great Tastes of Manitoba (GTOM) cooking show on CTV Winnipeg continued in 2019 with the addition of a third beef-focused episode on a one-time basis. In celebration of the 30th anniversary season of GTOM, a special series of webisodes was created showcasing Manitoba farmers. This included a visit with beef producers Andre and Katie Steppler of Steppler Farms of the Miami area. The theme of this webisode was nurturing nature and it showcased the priority that the Stepplers place on environmental stewardship at their operation. Public reaction to the webisode was extremely positive. Access Great Tastes of Manitoba episodes, recipes and the webisodes at www.greattastes.mb.ca. GTOM is Manitoba’s highest-rated food show, of any food or cooking show broadcast into Manitoba. The addition of the web content has helped to expand the show’s reach to new and different audiences.

Other familiar promotional activities were undertaken by MBP in 2019. For the 2019-20 hockey season, MBP partnered with the Brandon Wheat Kings for jumbotron advertising space during its Western Hockey League game intermissions. MBP’s relationship with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers continued, which involved sponsoring the Family of the Game. MBP took part in the pre-game tailgate festivities during the Calgary Stampeders game in early August.

MBP again had a presence at Ag in the City and the 10-day Red River Exhibition, both in Winnipeg, as well as at Ag Days, the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair, MooMania and Manitoba AG EX, all of which take place in Brandon. MBP was also involved in a number of successful activities held at the University of Manitoba’s facilities south of Winnipeg. This included the new Farm and Food Awareness Week event targeted at senior years students, and a very well-attended Open Farm Day.

Collaboration is very important when it comes to MBP’s ability to engage with diverse audiences. For example, MBP has a longstanding relationship with Agriculture in the Classroom Manitoba (AITC-M) and was a patron level supporter of the organization in 2019. Its work focuses on providing accurate, balanced and current information for use as education resources in school curriculum and on enhancing awareness of agriculture in schools. Examples of AITC-M activities in which MBP directors and staff participated in 2019 included the Amazing Ag Adventure and Canadian Agriculture Literacy Month. MBP is also a supporter of the Manitoba 4-H Council as 4-H activities are important to the children of many Manitoba cattle producers.

MBP was able to provide resources to the Manitoba Home Economics Teachers Association’s professional development conference in October in Winnipeg. The event attracted more than 200 Human Ecology educators and it was a valuable opportunity to share beef-related nutritional resources and recipes with the teachers.

MBP participates in a number of producer-focused activities each year. This includes making a presentation at each of the Beef and Forage Week stops. In midsummer MBP helped sponsor the two-day Manitoba Agriculture Livestock Tour 2019 along with Manitoba Agriculture and the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association. MBP sponsored a Safe and Low Stress Cattle Handling Workshop organized by the Manitoba Farm Safety Program in October at the MBFI Brookdale site. MBP provided support to promote a series of fall workshops organized by Manitoba Agriculture related to stretching feed supplies as a result of feed supply issues arising from this year’s drought. And MBP was a sponsor of the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association’s 2nd Annual Regenerative Agriculture Forum in Brandon.

As part of the communications outreach in 2018, MBP representatives were featured in several dozen interviews/stories with media outlets from Manitoba and beyond, and MBP issued several news releases and statements as well. Topics covered through these activities ranged from the drought, to agricultural Crown lands, livestock transportation, trade, beef’s place in an increasingly competitive protein market, the environment, public trust and many more.

Our member communications efforts remained a priority too. Our primary outreach vehicle continues to be our newspaper Cattle Country which is distributed to members, value chain members, government officials and others eight times annually. Subscribers to our biweekly e-newsletter continue to grow. If interested in receiving the e-newsletter contact MBP Communications Coordinator David Hultin at dhultin@mbbeef.ca. Follow MBP through social media channels such as Facebook and Twitter via @ManitobaBeef.

Serving our members: looking ahead

In closing, MBP will continue to advocate on behalf our members as we work to advance Manitoba’s beef industry. Many familiar issues will be revisited in 2020, from agricultural Crown lands, to livestock predation, water management, business risk management tools, public trust and more. New issues and opportunities may also emerge and MBP’s board of directors and staff will be there to tackle them. As always, our organization is stronger when we hear from our members, so please do not hesitate to reach out to us at 1-800-772-0458 or via info@mbbeef.ca.