In this edition...
February 14, 2025
Reminder
If you are unable to attend the AGM to take part in the mandatory livestock inspection discussion and debate, MBP still values your feedback and we have created a general survey to solicit producers’ views on it. Please note that this separate survey is not a formal vote on the proposed resolution, but rather it is designed to provide MBP with more producer feedback on this topic.
Mandatory Livestock Inspection Resolution to be Debated at MBP’s
46th Annual General Meeting
Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) board of directors is bringing forward a resolution for debate at MBP’s 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) about the potential for mandatory livestock inspection services in Manitoba. See below.
This debate and vote will take place the afternoon February 20, 2025 at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre at 1808 Wellington Avenue in Winnipeg. There is no charge to attend the business and knowledge transfer portions of the AGM, but if you wish to attend Thursday evening’s banquet the tickets are $60 each plus service fees. Preregistration is respectfully requested to assist MBP with meal counts. To register go to:
FAQ-FINAL.pdf
Mandatory Livestock Inspection Resolution For Debate and Vote
MBP Board Resolution 1: Whereas cases of theft or fraud related to Manitoba’s cattle industry have proven very costly and disruptive for the affected parties, and can undermine the confidence of lenders, investors and buyers when undertaking livestockrelated transactions in Manitoba; and
https://mbbeef.ca/events/46th-annual-generalmeeting-presidents-banquet-and-tradeshow/
As well, if you are unable to attend the AGM to take part in the mandatory livestock inspection discussion, MBP still values your feedback on this. We have created a general survey to get producers’ views on it. Please note that this separate survey is not a formal vote on the proposed resolution, but rather it is designed to provide MBP with more producer feedback on this topic. Survey link: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/LS7LMFD
For more information about livestock inspection services and what they entail, review our frequently asked questions document: 2024MBP-Fall-District-MTG-Livestock-Inspection-
Whereas livestock inspection ‒ a tool used to help demonstrate ownership using various cattle identification methods ‒ can be an important means of deterring theft and fraud, thereby helping to better secure livestock-related commerce; and
Whereas inspection could potentially provide other value-added elements for Manitoba producers, such as the provision of digital manifests and helping to facilitate movement reporting and traceability requirements; and
Whereas Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) has an established history of conducting livestock inspections on Manitoba cattle on an as-needed, fee-for service basis and could be in a position to expand this service; and
Whereas the existing livestock inspection levels in Manitoba currently only cover a limited volume of total cattle-related transactions in the province, and
Mandatory Livestock Inspection Resolution to be Debated at
MBP’s 46th Annual General Meeting
Whereas the legislative and regulatory environment could be improved in Manitoba to facilitate matters such as livestock inspectors being able to detain cattle or to direct the dealer to hold the sales proceeds until ownership of inspected cattle is verified; and
Whereas Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) has been investigating the various steps needed to potentially create a mandatory livestock inspection system in Manitoba, including factors such as: cost framework; required provincial legislative or regulatory changes; the service provider and logistics for expanding inspection; the value-added potential from inspection; engaging with other value chain members about their expectations and/or concerns; whether there are funding opportunities to help offset costs of implementing expanded inspection; the possible creation of a Livestock Investigations Unit tasked with investigating livestock-related crimes that could help support the work of livestock inspectors; and more; and,
Whereas MBP has been working to raise awareness of the merits of expanded livestock inspection, including at its fall 2024 district meetings where the majority of those producer attendees indicated a strong level of interest in and support for expanded inspection services as a means of helping to deter theft and fraud, as well as to potentially capture other value-added opportunities; and
Whereas if the Government of Manitoba is to make the legislative and/or regulatory changes, as well as other mechanisms necessary to support the implementation of mandatory livestock inspection it will want to be confident that the majority of the province’s cattle producers are in favour of such a move.
Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers now ask the Government of Manitoba to work with value chain members to take the necessary steps needed to implement mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba, including: making required legislative and/or regulatory changes; working with the prospective delivery agent on a service agreement; determining if funding can be secured to help offset the cost of an expanded inspection system; deciding whether an investment can be made to support the creation of a Livestock Investigations Unit; and, any other steps required to move this initiative forward in the most responsive, efficient and cost-effective manner.
Two Other Resolutions Up for Debate at 46th Manitoba Beef Producers Annual General Meeting
In addition to the resolution on livestock inspection, the following two resolutions will be debated:
Livestock Price Insurance Resolution
MBP Board Resolution 1: Whereas Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) is a forward-looking, market-based, insurance-style program that allows producers to manage price, currency and basis risk protection for all classes of cattle, making it an important business risk management (BRM) tool for Manitoba cattle producers’ long-term sustainability; and
Whereas cattle producers face significant BRM program inequities compared to other agricultural commodities, such as AgriInsurance offerings which provide for cost-shared premiums for crop insurance on a basis of 40% producer/34% federal and 26% provincial government contribution; and
Mandatory Livestock Inspection Resolution to be Debated at
MBP’s 46th Annual General Meeting
Whereas guaranteed returns through crop insurance may incentivize some producers to convert valuable pasture land into cropland, thereby directly impacting grassland ecosystems and the vital environmental services they provide, such as biodiversity, carbon sequestration and water management; and
Whereas in the United States, uptake in a program similar to LPI ‒ the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program saw its producer participation rate rise substantially when premium subsidies were introduced in 2020; and
Whereas cost-shared premiums for LPI would help put Canadian livestock producers on a more even playing field with crop producers as well as with American cattle farmers and ranchers, both of whom receive premium subsidies through crop insurance and LRP programs; and
Whereas providing equitable support to Canadian beef producers via cost-shared LPI premiums to help offset their enrolment costs would help increase overall program participation rates and help reduce risk in the sector.
Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) continue to advocate for the federal and provincial governments to introduce cost-shared premiums for the Livestock Price Insurance program, an approach that would be equal to that provided by the two governments for the crop insurance program under AgriInsurance, which is cost shared on a basis of 40% producer/34% federal and 26% provincial government.
LATE RESOLUTION
Deferring
Income From Sale of Cattle to Future Years Resolution
L1 (District 9): Whereas grain producers are able to defer income on grain sales to future years, which provides them with opportunities for better tax and business planning, along with the flexibility to take advantage of markets when most suitable for them, but a similar income deferral option does not exist for cattle producers.
Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers investigate matters related to potentially seeking an amendment the federal tax code to allow livestock producers to defer the income from the sale of all classes of livestock to future years, similar to deferral options available to other agricultural commodities.
Eligibility to Vote on Resolutions at MBP’s 46th AGM
As a reminder, voting on MBP resolutions is restricted to producers who are members in accordance with MBP’s bylaws. As per the Section 1(1) (b) of the bylaws, membership refers to “Every person who is determined by the Board of Directors to be actively engaged in the raising of cattle in Manitoba, and who pays all fees to the Association in the manner and in the amount imposed on sellers of cattle pursuant to regulations made by the Board of Directors from time to time.”
What does this mean? It means that if you have requested a refund in the last 12 months you have not paid all fees to the association as set out by the regulations and are not considered a member in good standing.
MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS
2025-26 SCHOLARSHIP INTAKE
Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.
This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
The scholarship criteria are as follows:
Eligibility:
• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can also include active beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.
• Must be pursuing post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
• Post-secondary programs or trades training must be a minimum of one academic year in duration.
Items You Are Required to Submit:
• The completed application form;
• Either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay OR a 5-7 minute maximum video submission discussing the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also, you need to identify in the essay or video the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture*;
• A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school);
• Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study for 2025-26);
• A list of your community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and,
• The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2025 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
The completed application, supporting documents, references, required essay or video, etc. must be submitted to MBP by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025 to the attention of:
Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street
Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4
E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca
Fax: (204) 774-3264
For more information, including steps on how to submit your video, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by September 12, 2025.
Canada’s Premiers Advocate for Stronger Ties During Visit to Washington, D.C.
(February 12, 2025 Council of the Federation News Release) – All 13 of Canada’s Premiers travelled to Washington, D.C. this week as part of a joint mission to strengthen Canada-U.S. relations. Doug Ford, Chair of the Council of the Federation, led the group of Premiers, who are united in their view that tariffs on Canadian goods, if implemented, would hurt workers and businesses on both sides of the border.
Canada’s Premiers met with bipartisan members of Congress, and American and Canadian business leaders. Canada’s Premiers were also invited to the White House to meet with senior advisers to President Trump. During this discussion, Canada’s Premiers stressed the need to work together to avoid tariffs which would hurt workers on both sides of the border. They also listened and learned about opportunities to work with the Trump administration to align on and achieve shared priorities, including creating jobs, growing economies and protecting communities from the impact of fentanyl and other illegal drugs.
The Council of the Federation comprises all 13 provincial and territorial Premiers. It enables Premiers to work collaboratively, form closer ties, foster constructive relationships among governments, and show leadership on important issues that matter to Canadians.
Canada-European Union Leaders’ Meeting
(PMO Readout, February 12, 2025, Brussels, Belgium) The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, the President of the European Council, António Costa, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, met in Brussels, Belgium, on February 12, 2025. They highlighted the close relationship between Canada and the European Union (EU), which is underpinned by a Strategic Partnership Agreement and a Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). The leaders discussed the importance of working together to promote global economic security and stability. They highlighted the strong trade and investment relationship between Canada and the EU, and agreed on the importance of renewing efforts to advance and diversify trade.
They emphasized the importance of Canada-EU cooperation – including in the context of Canada’s G7 Presidency – to address current opportunities and challenges in a complex, competitive, and unpredictable world.
Together, Canada and the EU will continue supporting an inclusive, rules-based multilateral system anchored in the principles of the United Nations Charter, and uphold the sovereignty, territorial integrity, and inviolability of borders as fundamental tenets of international law.
The leaders discussed global trade, including expected tariffs by the United States. They also discussed other shared priorities and agreed to remain in close touch.
Federal, Provincial and Territorial Ministers of Agriculture meet to discuss Canada-United States trading relationship
(February 8, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Yesterday (February 7th), the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, convened provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture to discuss several key areas of interest for Canada’s agriculture sector in the current context of the Canada-United States trading relationship.
Ministers spoke of the well-established and valuable integration of international supply chains to both Canadian and American producers and businesses, and renewed their commitment to take ongoing collaborative action across orders of government in response to potential market disruptions.
Roundtable discussions focused on regionspecific concerns, planned engagement activities, and ongoing trade negotiations with key partners. Ministers underscored the importance of international market expansion and diversification to support Canada’s agriculture and agri-food sector and its contribution to our long-term prosperity.
Building on efforts already underway, Ministers spoke about ways to boost internal trade options and the importance of utilizing the suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to meet the current and future needs of producers.
Ministers expressed their support for coordinated approaches to help Canada adapt to changing and unpredictable international trading relationships, while increasing supply chain capacity to improve Canada’s resilience and food security. Regional efforts to support grassroots ‘choose Canadian’ initiatives were also a topic of discussion.
The Government of Canada remains committed to ongoing engagement to help ensure the best possible outcomes for the sector and all Canadians.
Quotes
“As Ministers responsible for agriculture and agri-food, it’s our job to stand up for Canadian producers. This important discussion, and our continued partnership, will help to keep our supply chains running smoothly, the sector strong, and build lasting resilience.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Quick facts
• Canada and the United States enjoy one of the largest bilateral agricultural trading relationships in the world, creating jobs and economic opportunities in both countries.
• Canada and the United States are important trade partners for agri-food and seafood, with bilateral trade in these areas reaching $101.3 billion (CAD) in 2024.
• Canadian agri-food and seafood exports reached $99.1 billion in 2023, compared to $92.9 billion in 2022.
• In 2023, the whole agriculture and agri-food system employed 2.3 million people and represented 1 in 9 jobs in Canada.
• The agriculture and agri-food system generated $150.0 billion (around 7%) of Canada’s gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023.
• The food and beverage processing sector is the largest manufacturing sector in Canada in terms of both GDP and employment, representing 15.5% of manufacturing GDP and 17.8% of manufacturing jobs.
CATTLE’S ROLE IN SUSTAINABLE FOOD SYSTEMS
PRESENTED BY DR. SARA PLACE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR OF FEEDLOT SYSTEMS, COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 25, 2025
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
219 Animal Science Building, 12 Dafoe Road, University of Manitoba
Register for livestream link - https://forms.office.com/r/ZPWq0DGFW1
This annual lecture recognizes and honours Dr. Tsang Kay (Stan) Cheung’s enduring support for the Department of Animal Science and agricultural research at the University of Manitoba. Dr. Cheung obtained his BSc, MSc, and PhD in Animal Science from UM. His graduate training was in Animal Breeding/Genetics under the supervision of the late Dr. Bob Parker. He was also awarded a Doctor of Laws from UM in 1991. Dr. Cheung returned to his family business in Hong Kong in 1975 and is currently the Executive Chairman/Director of Herald Holdings Ltd. Dr. Cheung’s many contributions include support of the TK Cheung Center for Animal Science Research, the National Center for Livestock and the Environment, the TK Cheung Reading Room and recent contributions to education and research in Animal Science. In recognition of his generosity and commitment to education and research, the Department established this annual seminar in his honour. Register
Dr. Sara Place is an associate professor and expert in livestock systems sustainability with over a decade of experience in academia, industry associations, and private industry. She joined Colorado State University’s AgNext, a research collaborative focused on sustainable animal agriculture, in August 2022. Sara’s research focuses on enteric methane emissions measurement and mitigation from cattle. Prior to CSU AgNext, she was the chief sustainability officer for Elanco Animal Health, senior director for sustainable beef production research at the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association and an assistant professor in sustainable beef cattle systems at Oklahoma State University. She received her PhD in Animal Biology from the University of California, Davis, and a BS in Animal Science from Cornell University. Sara is a native of upstate NY where she grew up on a dairy farm. Visit her Google Scholar profile
Upcoming Agriwebinars on AgriStability and AgriInvest including Program Changes under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP)
2 Live Sessions!
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) invites you to join us for two free webinars focused on the AgriStability and AgriInvest programs!
Whether you can make one or both, these sessions will provide valuable insights on the AgriStability and AgriInvest programs, important changes coming for the 2025 program year, and how you may benefit from participating.
Note: Information presented during the webinars is applicable in provinces where the programs are delivered by AAFC. This includes Manitoba.
Session 1: Overview of AgriStability and Program Changes
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 12 at 11 a.m.
Central
Topics to be covered include:
• AgriStability overview
• program deadlines
• tax-aligned reference margins
• coverage notices
• My AAFC Account online service
Session 2: Overview of AgriInvest and Program Changes
Date and Time: Wednesday, March 19 at 11 a.m.
Central
Topics to be covered include:
• AgriInvest overview
• Agri-environmental Risk Assessment (AERA)
• My AAFC Account online service
You will have the opportunity to submit questions to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) officials in advance and during the live webinar.
To register go to: https://fmc-gac.com/aafcscap-agriwebinar/
Hosted by:
Heather Watson Executive Director Farm Management Canada
Heather leads the team as Executive Director of Farm Management Canada and is the Canadian representative to the International Farm Management Association. In 2022, Heather was recognized as one of Canada’s Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture.
Presented by: Colleen Jolicoeur Acting Manager Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Colleen grew up in a rural Manitoba town which fostered her interest in agriculture. This interest lead her to an education in agriculture and career working in business risk management programs with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for the last 25 years.
On February 4th, Manitoba Beef Producers President Matthew Atkinson, General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins had the opportunity to meet with the Hon. Ian Bushie, Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures and the Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture.
A variety of topics were discussed with the ministers and their staff, including matters such as: challenges related to predation; the value of regular wildlife population surveys in agro-Manitoba, especially in light of concerns about wildlife damage to feed resources, crops and infrastructure; the importance of monitoring for diseases such as bovine tuberculosis in wildlife; a request for amendments to the Hunter-Killed or Injured Livestock Regulation under Manitoba’s Wildlife Act re: the lack of compensation outside of the open big game hunting season; trade matters and more. MBP appreciated the engagement with the ministers and their respective staff members and looks forward to future discussions with them on matters such as these and others affecting beef producers.
CRSB Certified Qualifying Cattle Requirements
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) advances, measures and communicates sustainability in the Canadian beef value chain in collaboration with its multi-stakeholder membership. It drives continuous improvement through science-based sustainability performance measurement and goals, a voluntary 3rd party sustainability certification program (CRSB Certified), and projects and initiatives aligned with strategic goals.
The CRSB Certified program is a voluntary outcome-based certification program focused on the five principles of beef sustainability: Natural Resources, People and Community, Animal Health and Welfare, Food, and Efficiency and Innovation.
Beef producers can have their operations certified to the Sustainable Beef Production Standard by the CRSB-approved Certification Body of their choice. Verified Beef Production Plus, Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance (for feedlots in Ontario) and Where Food Comes From are all options for producer certifications.
One of the core objectives and benefits of the CRSB Certified program is to provide credible
assurances for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada.
The CRSB program’s Chain of Custody Requirements outline the rules for tracking live cattle and beef through the supply chain, which enable claims about beef products labelled as CRSB Certified. The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) provides the program’s live cattle chain of custody tracking (outside of Quebec).
As a CRSB Certified producer, make the most of your certification by giving your cattle a chance to qualify through a CRSB Certified supply chain through four essential steps.
CRSB Certified operations can also search the CRSB Certification status of cattle via tag / indicator number as they move through the supply chain. Learn more here: https://support.canadaid.ca/clts/search/crsbcertification-status/
Visit crsbcertified.ca to learn about certification and contact info@crsbcertified.ca if you have any questions.
Government of Canada launches Pre-budget consultations to hear from Canadians
The Government of Canada is inviting Canadians to participate in pre-budget consultations to help shape Budget 2025.
Starting today until March 10, 2025, Canadians can share their ideas for further government action in defence of Canada’s interests, as well as their priorities on how to strengthen our economy, at Canada.ca/your-budget.
CRSB Certified Qualifying Cattle
Requirements
To qualify for a CRSB Claim:
Cattle must move through CRSB Certified Operations (that are in scope for a certification audit) from birth up to and including the primary processor.
Beef must be from animals with documented records, which must include:
• animal identification (RFID tag);
• birth date (age verification) evidence from a CRSB approved live-cattle chain of custody verifier, and
• cattle movements showing that they moved through only applicable CRSB Certified Operations.
As of October 2023, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is the only approved live-cattle chain of custody verifier for beef cattle in Canada, excluding Quebec.
Make the most of your certification by giving your cattle a chance to qualify through a CRSB Certified supply chain by completing these essential steps.
1
Get and maintain CRSB Certification
2
Agree to share information
Consent to sharing information with CCIA for CRSB Certified Chain of Custody purposes. Written consent is part of the Certification Body’s audit process.
Upon consent, the Certification Body will share the following with CCIA:
• Name
• Mailing address
• CLTS account ID
•Certificate number
•Certification date
•Certification status change / de-certification date
•Audit type
If you have consented, your contact info will appear under the “CRSB Client Information” section of your CCIA Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) account.
You can give consent at any time by contacting your Certification Body.
3
Submit birth dates
Input birth dates into the CLTS for the cattle born and tagged on your operation since becoming CRSB Certified.
Animals born-on your operation within six months of your CRSB certification date are eligible.
4
Submitmove-inevents
Move-in events must be submitted to the CLTS each time eligible cattle move to a new operation.
Qualifying animals moved-in from another CRSB Certified Operation within six months of your CRSB certification date are eligible.
Livestock Predation Prevention Program
Program Description
The Livestock Predation Prevention Program supports adoption of non-lethal, on-farm measures that reduce the risk of livestock predation by wolves, coyotes, bears and other predators. Reducing livestock predation promotes the co-existence of wildlife and livestock in agricultural regions of Manitoba.
Who Qualifies
Livestock producers who have both:
• A paid livestock predation claim under the Manitoba Wildlife Damage Compensation Program in 2021 or later.
• A Manitoba Premises Identification Number.
What Qualifies
Eligible expenses include constructing predator resistant fencing to deter attacks on livestock by coyotes, wolves, and other predators. The objective of a project must be to deter predation of livestock located on Manitoba farms. More details of eligible expenses can be found in the program guide.
Caps Applied to Funding For Fence Projects
Project Type
Predator Resistant Fence
Deadstock Compost Pen
FUNDING AVAILABLE
Predator Resistant Fence Construction
Eligible producers can apply for funding to support construction of fencing that deters predators from entering calving and lambing areas, pastures, extended grazing areas, and deadstock compost sites. Producers will receive a funding decision letter indicating the approved budget for eligible projects.
Important Dates
February 27, 2025: Deadline for fence construction applications.
October 31, 2025: Complete fence construction.
November 28, 2025: Complete fence inspection.
December 19, 2025: Deadline for submitting claims for completed fence projects.
Cost-Share and Funding Cap
Eligible applicants can be reimbursed for up to 75 per cent of total approved eligible expenses, to a maximum of $10,000.
Maximums also apply based on the size, type and purpose of the fence constructed.
Type Project Cap (base + additional cost
Wire-net fence (e.g. page, welded, fixedknot, or hinge-joint fencing)
· 152 cm (60”) high
· 178 cm (70”) high
Electrified, high tensile, no apron
· 7-wire
· 9-wire
· 11-wire
If an apron is added to prevent burrowing under a fence.
· $1,000 + $6/linear foot
· $1,000 + $7/linear foot
· $1,000 + $3 per linear foot
· $1,000 + $4 per linear foot
· $1,000 + $5 per linear foot
· $1/linear foot is added
For each of the above fence types, the base funding is $2,000 (instead of $1,000). The per linear foot rates are the same as for Predator Resistance Fence.
Note: Based on 75% government cost share, the $10,000 total funding cap is reached with eligible expenses of $13,333.33 or more. Depending on fence size and type, the approved funding may be less than the $10,000 fence category cap.
Eligible Expenses
· Incremental Personal Labour at $30/hour and Incremental Personal Equipment Use at fixed, program rates. For these two incremental expenses combined, applicants can claim up to a total of $3.00/linear foot for deadstock compost areas, $1.00/linear foot for predator resistant fences or $1.50/linear foot if the predator resistant fence has an apron.
· Subcontracted Services related to custom labour and custom equipment use Equipment Rental for completion of the project
· Materials and Supplies such as gates, lumber, wire, and energizer (0.7 joules or more.)
· Provincial Sales Tax (PST).
Further conditions for a fence project:
Fences are inspected to verify work completed and that they will deter predators.
· Specific ineligible items include barbed wire fences, hard-wired power sourcing, temporary or mobile fences, infrastructure and land preparation inside the fence, and fences around feedlots, feed storage areas, and non-grazed crops.
· Eligible expenses must have occurred on or after April 1, 2025, and be supported by an invoice and proof of payment. All invoices for eligible expenses must be issued in the applicant’s name, and payment must be made by the approved applicant.
Fence Inspection
Fences constructed to contain cattle, sheep and other livestock are often ineffective barriers to predators. To be effective, fences must be constructed to deter predators from climbing over, passing through, or burrowing under them. All fence projects are inspected to verify that the work has been completed and the fence will deter predators. See the Program Guide and the Sustainable CAP website for fence standards as well as guidelines and examples for fence construction.
HOW TO APPLY FOR FUNDING
An inspection of the finished fence can be arranged by calling the Program Information Line at 1-800-811-4411 or emailing agriculture@gov.mb.ca
The applicant will then be contacted by an inspector from their local MASC Service Centre. The completed inspection report will be submitted by MASC on the applicant’s behalf.
The documents needed to apply can be found on the Manitoba Agriculture website:
· Applicant Information Form.
Application Worksheet for fence construction
Go to manitoba.ca/scap/resiliency/livestock/fencing.html to find these forms as well as the Program Guide.
Claim statements will be forwarded to applicants with approved fence projects. Once all fence construction is completed, submit all invoices and proof of payment, along with the Claim Worksheet for processing.
An applicant can submit one Fence Claim Worksheet over the 2025 program year. The documents can be emailed to: agriculture@gov.mb.ca
Governments support crop health projects through research and innovation
(February 13, 2025 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are providing $4.7 million in grant funding under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) to support 36 projects, including several that benefit the future of crop health in Manitoba, under the Research and Innovation Program over the next three years, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced at CropConnect.
The Research and Innovation Program supports the development of science-based solutions and tools that address known challenges, prepare for potential disruptions and climate threats, and capture emerging opportunities in the agriculture and agri-food sector. The program provides funding to eligible applicants for research and capacity building projects aimed at promoting the agriculture sector's growth and sustainability, helping to put Manitoba at the forefront of sustainable agriculture research. Funding will support 36 projects across Manitoba, including:
• Manitoba Crop Alliance: research how crop residues influence soil, water, and carbon and weed populations.
• University of Manitoba: creation of genomic selection models to improve the efficiency of winter wheat breeding.
• Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers: identify resistance sources for soybeans root rot and assess the impact of inoculation strategies.
• Agriculture and Agri-food Canada: development of molecular markers to breed improved oat varieties.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a 5-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5billion commitment that is cost-shared 60% federally and 40% provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
Quotes
"When we invest in innovation, we're investing in a stronger, more sustainable future for Canadian agriculture. With support from the Sustainable CAP, farmers in Manitoba will be able to tap into digital tech cutting costs, improving efficiency, and helping them stay on the cutting edge."
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
"Research and innovation are key drivers for Manitoba's economic growth and enhancing profitability for our farmers. Our government is committed to fostering growth and sustainability through innovation. This includes developing new technologies and practices, creating new products, and advancing knowledge to ensure Manitoba remains resilient, competitive, and efficient."
- Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture
"This investment into University of Manitoba research aimed at sustainable agricultural systems and tools will translate into real benefits for producers and consumers, and will create exciting training opportunities for our students, who will drive the next generation of agricultural innovation."
- Dr. Martin Scanlon, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba
