Manitoba Government Opens More Rural Offices for Farmers
By Harry Siemens
As a rookie farm broadcast er back in the day, the Mani toba agricultural representa tives were accessible at every farm meeting and could com ment and help out on almost every farm issue. Some were specialists for agricultural is sues, but the local representa tive’s door was open to every farmer and every young farm journalist. Then governments started to close some doors moving them further away.
At the kick-off of Ag Days in Brandon on January 21, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn said the Manitoba government responded to requests from Manitoba’s agricultural sector and is opening two new Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) Service Centres in western Manitoba to better meet the needs of Manitoba farmers.
“Where the previous government ended services, we’re bringing them back,” said Kostyshyn. “We heard from producers loud and clear that they wanted the in-person service they used to enjoy. These new service centres will also help MASC staff further build relationships with producers, allowing them to anticipate better and respond to their individual needs.”
The minister noted that some agricultural organizations have been asking the province to open new MASC Service Centres after 21 Manitoba Agriculture and MASC offices were closed across the province.
Kostyshyn added that the additional service centres are anticipated to open by the end of summer. Precise opening
“Where the previous government ended services, we’re bringing them back,” said Kostyshyn Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn. “We heard from producers loud and clear that they wanted the in-person service they used to enjoy.”
dates and details will be communicated to clients in the coming months.
The minister noted that the addition of two new service centres will benefit approximately 1,600 MASC clients. Roughly 94 percent of MASC clients will be within a 60-minute drive of a MASC Service Centre, an increase from 83%.
The two new service centres will be located in Shoal Lake and Virden and will provide farmers with better access to Agrinsurance, hail insurance, wildlife damage compensation, agricultural loans, and pathfinding services for programs offered by Manitoba Agriculture and other programs administered by MASC. The minister said each new location will be staffed with four full-time employees and one casual employee.
“Manitoba farmers have been clear in their desire to access more in-person services through MASC,” said Jill Verwey, president of Keystone Agricultural Producers. “We are pleased that the government has listened to farmers
Photo by Harry Siemens
with this commitment to open two additional service centres in Shoal Lake and Virden.”
“Cattle producers certainly see value in the work done by MASC, and many like to have the option to sit down across the table from their staff to have in-depth discussions about programs and services that can help their farms and ranches,” said Matthew Atkinson, president, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP). “MBP has been advocating for more service centres so that our members can access MASC services closer to home, and we thank the provincial government for fulfilling its commitment to open two new offices.”
To determine where new service centres would have the most significant impact, MASC undertook a service delivery review that analyzed client satisfaction survey results, distance to access in-person services, existing service centre client volumes, and staff-toclient ratios.
At the same news conference, Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew responded to some questions
from media. Speaking in Brandon, Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew emphasized the importance of Canadian pride and supporting the local economy.
“I encourage consumers and producers, everyone in the supply chain, to support our economy here at home,” he stated, calling it a crucial time for unity and economic collaboration.
The Premier highlighted the critical role of the United States as Canada’s most important trading partner.
“Job one is to strengthen that relationship and make the case to Americans that access to Manitoban exports benefits both sides,” underscoring the jobs and economic growth generated in Manitoba. However, he warned of potential challenges, such as the threat of a “Trump tariff tax”, which could raise prices for U.S. consumers and harm the trading relationship.
To address these concerns, Kinew detailed efforts to preserve and enhance the trade partnership, including frequent trips to the U.S. and an upcoming meeting of Canadian premiers in Washington, D.C., on February 12. He noted the shared economic backbone of agriculture in regions like North and South Dakota, significantly influencing the new U.S. administration.
“Maintaining strong crossborder trade in energy, agriculture, and manufacturing is essential for jobs and cost of living on both sides,” Kinew stated. Manitoba aims to secure its economic future and reinforce vital trade relationships by focusing on collaboration and clear communication with American counterparts.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced details of the 2025 AgriInsurance program administered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) recently.
“Farmers in Manitoba are known for delivering top-quality products to Canadians and the world,” said MacAulay. “It’s vitally important that they have access to flexible risk management programs to help them protect their operations so they can keep meeting the demand for the products they produce.”
After a lower-than-average claim year in 2024, Manitoba farmers will benefit from lower premium rates for most insurable crops in 2025. For annual crops, the average premium for producers will be $32.52 per acre in 2025 compared to $38.57 per acre in 2024. MASC calculates premium rates using methodologies that are reviewed and approved by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).
Volatility in global commodity markets continues to impact AgriInsurance dollar values for the 2025 season. Some crops such as flax and field peas will have higher dollar values. For the majority of crops, however, dollar values are lower than in 2024 based on market forecasts. Total coverage for 2025 is expected to be $4.2 billion, noted MacAulay.
“As a farmer for many years, I understand the importance of knowing your coverage and costs as you plan for the next growing season,” said Kostyshyn. “We’re happy to offer coverage at affordable rates for Manitoba farmers through the AgriInsurance program so they can confidently plan for the upcoming crop year.”
MASC is further enhancing the AgriInsurance program by adding birdsfoot trefoil as an eligible crop for Forage Establishment Insurance and expanding the boundaries for grain corn area 1 and incorporating the grain corn insurance test area as grain corn area 5. The Wildlife Damage Compensation program is also being enhanced by increasing the maximum value used to calculate livestock predation claims to $7,000 from $3,000 per animal.
Manitoba has a high level of AgriInsurance participation with over 90 per cent of annual crop acres and more than 7,400 farms enrolled in the program.
Manitoba Wildlife Federation Applauds Decision to End Controversial Ecological Corridor Program
By Dan Guetre
After months of heated debate and community division, the Assiniboine West Watershed District (AWWD) has decided not to sign a $1 million federal grant agreement with Parks Canada for programming under the Ecological Corridor initiative. The move was welcomed by local agricultural producers and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF), who had raised significant concerns about the program’s design and its potential impact on rural landowners.
The conflict, which began last fall, reached its peak at a packed town hall meeting on January 15 in Erickson, where hundreds of landowners and concerned citizens gathered to hear presentations from the Manitoba Land Stewards Inc. (MLS) and the MWF. The debate left the rural community divided and emotional, as questions about trust, transparency, and federal overreach came to the forefront.
Rob Olson, Senior Science Advisor for the Manitoba Wildlife Federation, expressed relief at the AWWD’s decision in a public statement, calling the Ecological Corridor program “doomed from the start”. He
“Only a federal bureaucracy, sequestered in an office far away, could have thought it was a good idea to place this program under Parks Canada,” Olson stated. “The program is functionally a private-land agricultural conservation initiative—it just didn’t know it.”
Olson highlighted the program’s failure to engage meaningfully with agricultural producers, who own much of the land targeted for conservation. Program materials, he said, focused heavily on species at risk and included ambiguous references to “compatible activities” and “regulatory mechanisms,” which sowed fear and distrust among farmers.
“These documents were not written with farmers in mind,” Olson explained. “It’s no wonder there was pushback.”
The MWF also criticized the AWWD’s response to landowner concerns, accusing the organization of dismissing valid fears as “unfounded.” Olson emphasized that trust is the cornerstone of conservation efforts in rural communities, calling the situation “a textbook case of how not to engage with stakeholders.”
Despite the divisive nature of the debate, Olson urged all parties to focus on healing and moving forward. He praised the AWWD’s history of effective, communitybased conservation and encouraged the organization to
reflect on why it pursued the federal grant despite significant local opposition.
“We were all put in a bad position by a poorly designed program,” Olson said. “It’s time to let bygones be bygones and work together again.”
Olson also called for a broader shift in Canada’s conservation strategy, advocating for better engagement with farmers, Indigenous communities, and local stakeholders. He acknowledged the Corridor program’s emphasis on Indigenous leadership but noted the disconnect between this focus and the predominantly private ownership of the targeted lands.
“Indigenous communities know better than anyone what it’s like to be excluded from planning,” Olson said. “We look forward to starting a new dialogue with them— without government interference.”
With the Ecological Corridor program halted, Olson expressed hope for a “conservation re-start” in Canada. He urged federal leaders to learn from the mistakes made in western Manitoba and to prioritize collaboration over division in future initiatives.
“Regardless of who is running the country next, we have an opportunity to create a national conservation strategy that brings everyone together,” Olson concluded.
“We all need conservation— let’s do it right this time.”
The conflict, which began last fall, reached its peak at a packed town hall meeting on January 15 in Erickson, where hundreds of landowners and concerned citizens gathered
Farm Groups Call for Reversal of Capital Gains Inclusion Rate
By Harry Siemens
Many are voicing concern over the Capital Gains Inclusion Rate increase. The over 130,000 Canadian farmers and ranchers represented by the Canadian Canola Growers Association, Canadian Cattle Association and Grain Growers of Canada called on the Government of Canada to reverse its decision to administer the proposed capital gains inclusion rate legislation.
The Canadian Taxpayers Federation filed for a court review arguing that the increases to the capital gains inclusion rate can’t be applied by Canada Revenue Agency because it is not yet passed as law.
Some political party candidates vying for leadership have also stated that the rate increase should be discarded.
One of the Liberal Party of Canada’s leadership candidates Chrystia Freeland has reversed course that it would be scrapped even after she introduced the increase to the inclusion rate while finance minister.
Recently Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre committed to reversing the capital gains tax rate changes introduced in the 2024 federal budget if he is elected. While Poilievre had previously opposed and criticized the capital gains tax changes, this is the first time he has committed to repealing the policy if elected. Speaking to media outlets he explained that he delayed pledging until he had developed a costed plan to reduce the deficit while addressing the tax increase.
In a LinkedIn post, Poilievre referred to the changes as a “Liberal jobs tax” and called their timing “outright insanity,” particularly given President-elect Trump’s planned tariffs.
A Grain Growers of Canada media release said even though the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance tabled a Notice of Ways and Means Motion (NWMM) to introduce a bill entitled An Act to amend the Income Tax Act and the Income Tax Regulations, these changes are subject to parliamentary approval and, “should not be implemented without the express approval of Parliament.”
The average age of Canadian farmers has surpassed 55, signalling a significant transition as tens of billions of dollars in farm assets are expected to change hands over the next decade. As farms expand to support multiple households, many are incorporating for tax and estate planning purposes. At the same time, the rising cost of land and farm assets poses a substantial challenge, with prospective buyers facing unprecedented capital requirements to enter the industry.
The farm organizations expressed opposition to the accelerated pace of implementation, the lack of consultation in the lead-up to these proposals, and the changes that undermine the policy intent of Bill C208, particularly in terms of the continued uncertainty regarding the future treatment of capital gains that adds costs, complexity, and delays for farmers trying to navigate the intergenerational transfer of farm assets. While the proposed amendments to the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption include an increase to the limit on eligible capital gains for producers, this alone does not address the broader challenges these policy changes pose.
For these reasons, the three
farm groups called on the government not to implement the NWMM and revert to the previous capital gains and inclusion rate.
“We call on all political parties to support the reversal of the capital gains inclusion rate increase for farmers.”
The Canadian Canola Growers Association represents canola farmers on national and international issues, policies, and programs that impact farm profitability and has been an administrator of the Government of Canada’s Advance Payments Program since 1984.
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice of Canada’s 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. Founded by producers and led by a producer-elected board of directors, CCA addresses issues concerning Canada’s beef producers.
As the national voice for Canada’s grain farmers, Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) represents over 70,000 producers through 14 national, provincial and regional grower groups. The members steward 110 million acres of land to grow food for Canadians and 160 countries worldwide, creating $45 billion in export value annually. As the farmer-driven association for the grains sector, GGC
champions federal policies supporting grain growers’ competitiveness and profitability across Canada.
Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre has committed to reversing the capital gains tax rate changes introduced in the 2024 federal budget if he is elected.
“We call on all political parties to support the reversal of the capital gains inclusion rate increase for farmers.” says The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) .
The average age of Canadian farmers has surpassed 55, signalling a significant transition as tens of billions of dollars in farm assets are expected to change hands over the next decade. As farms expand to support multiple households, many are incorporating for tax and estate planning purposes. At the same time, the rising cost of land and farm assets poses a substantial challenge, with prospective buyers facing unprecedented capital requirements to enter the industry.
Submitted photos / X /
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Past issues in archive
There Comes a Time When Governments and Local Groups Must Do It the Right Way
As 2025 unfolds, I reflect on my 54th year as a farm journalist—a journey rooted in storytelling, community, and the enduring resilience of agriculture. At the same time, my 87-year-old brother Jack continues to farm our family’s home quarter, a piece of land that has been in our family for 125 years. This milestone reminds us of the deep roots farmers’ plant in their communities, nurturing the soil and the bonds that sustain us all.
Meanwhile, the Manitoba Wildlife Federation is diligently working alongside farmers to safeguard their right to farm—a right that many often overlook or take for granted. This right is essential for those who work the land and everyone who depends on the food produced. If farmers were to
lose this right, the resulting ripple effect on food supply and prices would be a harsh wake-up call for all.
In this ever-changing world, where things are not always as they seem, I find encouragement in the successes of grassroots efforts, such as a recent farmers’ meeting in Erickson, MB. Here, critical issues affecting farmers’ livelihoods came to light, and their collective voices set the stage for an important decision. That decision came to fruition on Tuesday, January 21, when farmers who stood united in their resolve encouraged the Assiniboine West Watershed District to decide not to sign a contribution agreement with Parks Canada for a $1 million grant to deliver programming within the federal government’s Ecological Corridor program framework. Their action is a testament to the power of solidarity and the determination to protect their future.
Rob Olson of the MWF said mercifully that the Assiniboine West Watershed District has decided not to sign
ends a months-long, divisive battle between a rapidly expanding group of local agricultural producers, known as the Manitoba Land Stewards Inc. (MLS), and the Assiniboine West Watershed District (AWWD).
Olson said in a release that the conflict has raged on since last Fall, with the intensity increasing to a fever pitch leading up to an eventful Town Hall Meeting in Erickson [as reported elsewhere in this issue] on January15. Hundreds of concerned citizens and landowners packed the town’s Legion Hall to hear presentations from the MLS and the Manitoba Wildlife Federation (MWF). This has divided the rural community, hurting feelings and causing damage to all involved.
Olson said the Ecological Corridor program had doom written all over it from the start. Only a federal bureaucracy, sequestered in an office in a city far away, could have thought it was a good idea to place the Ecological Corridor program under the Ban of Parks Canada. The Corridor
program is functionally a private-land agricultural conservation program; it just didn’t know it. The federal folks out east who designed the Corridor program didn’t think of it from a farming producer perspective, which was their first mistake.
Olson is much more concerned about the damage to conservation and how to fix that moving forward.
We all take a moment to stop, look, and listen. There’s a growing need to pay attention to what’s unfolding around us—especially in government, farm organizations, and other influential groups. Governments make decisions and policies that aren’t always in the best interests of farmers and food producers, the very backbone of our food system.
While these changes may not seem significant at first glance, their impact could ripple through the entire agricultural industry, affecting not just those who work the land but also those who depend on the fruits of their labour—essentially, all of us. It’s a call to stay vigilant, informed,
and ready to advocate for the people who make feeding the world possible.
I agree with Rob, who has become a friend through this event. Trust is everything when it comes to conservation in rural agricultural communities. It is hard to establish but easy to lose. So, it’s paramount now that everyone let bygones be bygones and remember that we were all put in a bad position here by a program that essentially guaranteed a bad outcome for all involved.
Olson said the vote has stopped The Corridor, and the sun rises on a new day. Federal winds of change are blowing. Regardless of who runs the country next, we all have an opportunity for a new national conservation strategy that brings us all together instead of dividing us. A conservation restart is needed to focus on good engagement for all involved. Let’s hope conservation groups and new government leaders learn from what went wrong in western Manitoba because we all need conservation.
Outlook for Canada Wheat, Pulse Crop Exports Promising
By Elmer Heinrichs
According to the WTC Group which specializes in containerized export of bulk and bagged Canadian grains and pulse crops, logistics and transloading services, “As we look ahead to 2025, the forecast for Canada’s wheat and pulse crop exports appears exceptionally bright.”
After grappling with last year’s challenging drought conditions, favourable moisture levels have set the stage for a significant turnaround. This data behind this renewed optimism suggests that Canada is poised to hold a strong position in the global agricultural market in the coming years.
The most notable change driving the optimistic outlook is the improved weather conditions across Canada.
Last year’s drought impacted wheat yields, but this year, favourable moisture levels are expected to boost production. This improvement will not only ensure higher crop
yields, but also enhance the quality of wheat.
For 2024-25, while the seeded area for wheat is expected to decline, overall production and supply are projected to increase. This means Canada will have more high-quality wheat to export, catering to the growing global demand.
Currently, the global wheat market is experiencing volatility due to adverse weather conditions in other major wheat-producing regions. The northern and western parts of Europe (including Italy, France, and Germany) have been hit by heavy rainfall and storms, posing further risks to crops. Russia, a significant competitor, is facing production challenges due to frost and low precipitation. With Russian wheat production forecasted to be lower, there is an opportunity for Canadian wheat to fill the gap in global supply, potentially commanding higher prices.
Canadian lentil production is set to increase by 4.4 per cent
to 3.829 million acres. This boost is driven by favourable returns and lower input costs.
Large green lentils are currently trading at high prices which bodes well for the new crop pricing. The increased production, coupled with strong market prices, positions Canadian lentils favourably for export.
The area planted with peas is expected to grow by 2.4 per cent to 3.122 million acres. Improved weather conditions and the resulting higher yields will likely lead to a surplus available for export.
Chickpea production is forecasted at 225,000 tonnes, with planted acreage around 350,000 acres. This represents one of the largest crops in recent decades. Canada’s main competitors, including Turkey and the US, are also significant players, but Canada’s competitive edge is bolstered by favourable growing conditions and strong market demand.
Canada’s reputation for
high-quality wheat and pulse crops gives it a competitive edge in the global market. The increased production capacity driven by excellent moisture levels ensures a steady supply of these high-demand crops. This reliability will continue to make Canada an attractive source for countries looking to secure stable grain and pulse supplies.
The outlook for Canada’s wheat and pulse crop exports in 2025 and beyond is highly promising. Promising moisture levels and a significant turnaround from last year’s drought conditions have set the stage for increased production and high-quality yields.
Global demand for wheat and pulses is expected to remain strong, driven by population growth and changing dietary preferences. The challenges faced by other major producers, such as Russia’s wheat and pea crop issues, further enhance the opportunities for Canadian exports.
Additionally, markets like India and Mexico, which have seen fluctuations in their own production, provide potential new avenues for Canadian pulses.
While the outlook is positive, potential risks include fluctuating global market prices and logistical challenges such as the possibility of transportation strikes. However, Canada’s robust agricultural infrastructure and strategic market positioning help mitigate these risks, ensuring that the country remains a reliable exporter. With global market dynamics favouring Canadian exports and a strong competitive edge in quality, Canada is poised to expand its footprint in the global agricultural market significantly. As the world navigates the complexities of food security and supply, Canada’s agricultural sector stands ready to meet the challenge, delivering high-quality wheat and pulses to markets worldwide.
Foreign Workers on Farms in Canada about to Decline
By Elmer Heinrichs
The number of foreign workers on Canadian farms may drop in accordance with new farm Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) saying it will accept a reduced cap of 1,010 applications, a marked decrease from 2,750 applications in 2024.
Earlier, a report from the Conference Board of Canada, said Canadian agriculture faces a serious roadblock to future expansion through a growing shortage of workers with the right skills.
Like any industry, agriculture re-
quires an adequate workforce to keep operations going. Farmers continue to identify chronic and critical labour shortages as one of the most pressing risks facing Canadian agriculture and a major constraint on both agricultural growth and global competitiveness.
Agriculture is a complex industry that faces unique workforce challenges due to population migration from rural areas to urban city centres and the production of highly perishable products, some seasonal in nature.
The first priority of Canadian farmers is to hire available Canadians to work on their farms. When Canadians cannot be found, farmers use the seasonal agricultural worker program (SAWP) or other temporary worker (TFW) streams to get the workers they need. Without sufficient labour, farms aren’t able to operate effectively for the proper care of live animals and plants.
As of November 2024, nearly 1,775 workers and their families were welcomed through the program last year alone.
Entrance Scholarships Support Agricultural and Food Sciences Students
Thanks to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences’ Centennial Entrance Scholarships, this year nine students from across Manitoba have been able to focus more on their studies and less on finances.
Created nearly 20 years ago in honour of the 100th anniversary of the Faculty, which was originally established in 1906 as the Manitoba Agricultural College, the Agricultural and Food Sciences Centennial Entrance Scholarships provide $2,000 per recipient to help with tuition costs. This endowed scholarship was created with the support of alumni, faculty, agricultural industry and friends of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences and the Province of Manitoba.
Eligible high school students must plan to enter either the Diploma in Agriculture or the Bachelor of Science degree program and write a short essay on how they plan to advance the agriculture and food industry.
Two recipients – Laura Delichte and Ava Dueck – followed different pathways to the Faculty but both have clear goals on how they will work in their chosen fields.
First-year Diploma in Agriculture student Laura Delichte is from a sixth-generation dairy and grain farm near St. Alphonse, MB. She sees a need to connect farms with their finances, and she is focused on learning about agricultural finance and lending.
Watching her parents as they navigated a major renovation to their dairy barn gave Laura an appreciation for strategic decision-making. She saw first-hand how important financial management is to a farm operation’s success and its succession plan.
“Farms are businesses no matter their history, structure, or output.
Guiding farmers to make the best decisions so that they can transfer their farm to the next generation is a way to create a stable industry. I want to help guide farmers so that they make the best decision for them, their family, and their farm,” she said.
Ava Dueck, a first-year Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Systems) degree student who hails from Winnipeg, MB, has her eyes on veterinary studies. Having been surrounded by animals most of her life, she said she has a strong passion for them including their care and welfare.
“When looking at the complex field of animal systems, I find there is infinite room for inquiry – from the intricate relationships within animal ecosystems to the nutritional and genetic areas,” she said.
After her degree at UM, Ava hopes to pursue large animal vet-
erinary medicine and then return home and find work in a rural community.
“I want to assist farmers in ensuring the safety and wellness of their animals and provide optimal healthcare to the livestock of Manitoba”.
The 2024 Ag Centennial Scholarship recipients were:
-Laura Delichte, St. Alphonse, MB
-Ava Dueck, Winnipeg, MB
-Maria Gundrum, Swan Lake, MB
-Alara Krahn, Mather, MB
-Emilyn Nestibo, Deloraine, MB
-Molly Sanders, Morris, MB
-Kadyn Smart, Treherne, MB
-Serena Valdez-Soc, Winnipeg, MB
-Skylar Winters, Gladstone, MB
Applications for the 2025 Centennial Scholarships are open and are due on April 4, 2025. For more information on the scholarships and how to apply, visit the UofM Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences website.
Portage MLA Joins Joint US/Canada Board to Advocate for Agriculture
Portage la Prairie MLA Jeff Bereza, PC Critic for Agriculture, was elected to the State Agriculture and Rural Leaders (SARL) board at its agricultural summit that took place on January 3 to 5 in Des Moines, Iowa.
“This is the only meeting in North America that brings together state and provincial legislators who are passionate about promoting agriculture and protecting the rural way of life,” said Bereza. “Everyone who attends shares an interest in working together to solve problems and create new partnerships on both sides of the border.”
SARL is represented by leaders from 50 U.S. states as well as eight Canadian provinces. Bereza, who learned about the organization at the Midwestern Legislative Conference last summer in Columbus, Ohio, recognized its value and knew he wanted to be involved.
“I realized very quickly that this was a group of like-minded people who were bringing forward issues that are non-partisan,” he said.
Various Canadian agriculture groups also participated in the summit, including the Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Canola Growers, BASF, Canadian Pork Council, Canadian Beef, and Keystone Agricultural Producers. Throughout the event, the common theme among participants was the importance of feeding the world.
“Everyone I spoke to, whether Canadian or American, agreed that we have much in common regardless of our borders,” Bereza said, adding that a special highlight of the event was the O Canada Luncheon hosted by Beth Richardson, Consul General of Canada in Minneapolis. “We had a really strong Canadian contingent at the summit, and we were very proud to sing ‘O Canada’ for our U.S. counterparts.”
Wayne Ewasko, Leader of the Official Opposition, said ensuring Manitoba has a strong voice at SARL is a key priority for the Progressive Conservative Caucus, especially as Bereza steps into the role previously held by former Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson.
“Manitoba farmers continue to have a passionate advocate addressing their challenges and opportunities on the North American stage,” said Ewasko. “Leaders like Ralph Eichler and Derek Johnson paved the way, and now Jeff Bereza’s election to the SARL board continues this proud tradition of diplomacy. His leadership reinforces our commitment to advancing policies that strengthen rural economies, support innovation in agriculture, and secures North America’s food supply.”
KAP AGM Set for Early February 2025
Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has announced that its 2025 Annual General Meeting (AGM) will take place on February 4, 2025, at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg. This year’s AGM will focus on addressing key agricultural issues and exploring collaborative solutions to challenges faced by producers across Manitoba.
KAP is kicking off the AGM with a welcome reception on the evening of February 3, 2025, from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. The reception provides a unique opportunity for attendees to network and engage with fellow producers and industry stakeholders in an iconic and inspiring setting.
The one-day AGM will feature:
- Discussions on key agricultural issues impacting Manitoba producers.
- Opportunities for collaboration and networking to drive innovative solutions.
- Updates from KAP on advocacy efforts and progress in representing the interests of Manitoba’s farmers.
KAP’s Annual General Meeting is a vital event for Manitoba’s agricultural community said KAP leadership. “It’s an opportunity to connect, share ideas, and work together to shape the future of farming in our province.”
Producers and stakeholders are encouraged to register now at kap.ca to secure their spot for the event.
Whether you’re an experienced producer or new to the agricultural sector, KAP’s AGM promises to provide valuable insights, connections, and inspiration for all attendees.
Mark your calendar for February 3-4, 2025, and join KAP in Winnipeg to help build a stronger agricultural community.
The 2024 Centennial Entrance Scholarship recipients: Top row, l to r: Laura Delichte, Ava Dueck, Maria Gundrum. Middle row, l to r: Alara Krahn, Emilyn Nestibo, Molly Sanders. Bottom row, l to r: Kadyn Smart, Serena Valdez-Soc, Skylar Winters.
Submitted photo
Exploring Affordable Solutions in Loose Housing
By Harry Siemens
Rick Bergmann, owner of Buckingham Ag Inc., past chair of the Canadian Pork Council, vice-chair of the Manitoba Pork Council, and president of Buckingham Ag in Steinbach, highlighted innovative solutions for producers transitioning to loose housing.
“Canadian producers have to find a way to go to loose housing,” Bergmann explained at the recent Prairie Livestock Expo.
While electronic sow feeding systems offer one option, Bergmann showcased the shoulder stall feeder, a unique and practical European solution.
“This system is simpler to use, easier to implement, and more affordable, allowing producers to renovate their farms and meet the 2029 requirements,” he said.
The shoulder stall feeder provides a cost-effective alternative for producers navigating the shift toward compliance with updated housing standards.
Bergmann shared insights on farmers transitioning to new housing systems.
“Yes, a few systems are already in place,” he said. “This show is fascinating
It’s about finding what fits their farm, and we’re happy to present solutions that might be the perfect fit for them today.”
When discussing the system for sows, Bergmann pointed out that electronic ear tags are not connected to the feeding system, making the installation and management process simpler for producers. When asked whether producers will have a relatively smooth experience transitioning to new systems, not just his product but in general, he acknowledged that while the transition can be manageable, it often involves significant costs for farms.
“And I would hate to see if producers actually cease farming because of this upcoming requirement in 2029,” said Bergmann. “So having options for producers, giving them the chance to review what’s best for their farm, gives them the tools to make the right decision. So this tool allows them to review and see if it fits.”
He said that, based on farmers’ comments about the display and the systems in place, it’s a good tool for producers to consider.
Rick Bergmann reflected on his time with the Canadi-
an Pork Council, noting that while he retired from the position about a year and a half ago, he doesn’t miss the more than 50 flights a year that the role required. However, he deeply misses the people he worked alongside during his tenure. Bergmann expressed confidence in the current leadership, emphasizing that the Canadian Pork Council remains well-positioned to continue guiding and assisting producers through their challenges while representing them globally.
Turning to Manitoba, Bergmann highlighted the Manitoba Pork Council’s strength, praising its employees’ exceptional quality.
“You can’t find that level of expertise everywhere,” he said, adding that the organization is fortunate to have such dedicated professionals advocating for pork producers. He also commended the management and the board of directors for their efforts. Bergmann shared a recent example of teamwork and celebration, mentioning a Christmas lunch held with staff. He described it as a moment to honour a year of hard work and collaboration, underscoring the importance of recognizing achievements and the shared commitment to supporting the industry.
Former Canadian Pork Council chair, Rick Bergmann owner of Buckingham Ag Inc. at Prairie Livestock Expo explained that a shoulder stall feeder is a great option for Canadian producers who are transitioning to loose housing.
Photo by Harry Siemens
Ritz Reflects on Canada’s Leadership Challenges
By Harry Siemens
Gerry Ritz, who now spends his winters in Arizona, recently reflected on his pivotal role in one of the most significant shifts in Canadian agriculture. His leadership was instrumental in ending the Canadian Wheat Board’s (CWB) marketing board headquartered in Winnipeg on August 1, 2012, through the passage of Bill C-18, the Marketing Freedom for Grain Farmers Act.
Ritz expressed concern over the current direction of federal leadership and its impact on Canada’s relationship with its largest trading partner, the United States.
“It’s a disgrace that our democracy has dropped to this level,” Ritz said. “President-elect Donald Trump’s warning to Canada to secure its borders or face a 25% tariff on goods has raised concerns. Instead of addressing the root issue, monitoring individuals entering Canada and crossing into the U.S.
- the government deflected attention by focusing the media on the tariff threat.”
Ritz emphasized the importance of the U.S.-Canada partnership, calling the United States, Canada’s largest ally and trading partner. He believes that ignoring the border concerns risks damaging this critical relationship.
“Mr. Trump is right in saying to clean that mess up. They haven’t begun to do that. So we will be facing tariffs, I’m sure of it,” said Ritz.
He also pointed out that some farm organizations are beginning to take a stand, acknowledging the need for stronger leadership.
“Finally, they’re growing a spine and starting to stand up,” Ritz said.
However, he expressed frustration that this realization has come too late.
“They went along to get along for too long, in my estimation. And here we
are. It’s going to get worse, guys,” he said.
With years of firsthand experience, Ritz reflected on the growing instability in Ottawa and its implications for Canada’s future.
Discussing private members’ bills like Bill C-280, Ritz criticized their potential to resurface despite prorogation.
“At the end of it, you can pass a motion that reinstates all of those bills at the stage they were at before prorogation,” Ritz explained, emphasizing that such a move could quickly happen under the current Liberal-NDP collaboration.
He speculated that with the support of NDP leader Jagmeet Singh, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau would likely push to reinstate these bills to maintain their political alliance.
“That puts all the pensions back in play, puts those types of bills back in play. That’ll probably be one of
Rain Garden Proposed to Reduce Spills
By Elmer Heinrichs
Spills into Winnipeg’s waterways could become less common thanks to new green infrastructure.
The city is in the midst of replacing its aging combined sewer network, which funnels storm water and household waste through the same pipes. During heavy rain and snow melt, the system sends water into the City’s rivers.
To help with that, the City plans to use soil cells and other green infrastructure to trap and filter water before it enters the system.
“So rain gardens, these sorts of retention ideas,” said Counsellor Brian Mayes, the former chair of the water and waste committee. “You’re not just building more pipes, you’re trying to do some projects that incorporate vegetation, or basically are more environmentally friendly.”
Work to reduce sewer overflows is expected to take decades and cost billions of dollars.
The City has committed to spending 10 per cent of combined sewer funds on green infrastructure, wrote water and waste department spokesperson Lisa Marquardson.
Rhineland Seeks Drainage and Monitoring Support
By Elmer Heinrichs
According to Rhineland RM’s reeve Don Wiebe, the municipality has stepped up its efforts to receive drainage support from the province.
“We picked up the pace on lobbying the province for support for drainage,” explained Don Wiebe. “Council and administration have invested time and energy into lobbying Manitoba transportation and infrastructure to make the maintenance of the South Buffalo and the Rosenheim drains a priority.
“Farmers along the drain have met with the area superintendent and provided documentation of crop damage after heavy summer rains, and then an extensive report has been completed, and it’s been forwarded to the Manitoba transportation infrastructure department,” said Wiebe.
He is hopeful this will result in more funding for drain maintenance going forward and/or drain redesign.
“Representatives from council have also met with the assistant deputy minister to discuss drain maintenance,” he added. “We also aired numerous issues such as illegal pumping and illegal drainage projects and hope for more enforcement and monitoring of those situations.”
The conversations also included reminders to the province that agriculture, in addition to other sectors, also needs access to potable water.
their first moves to keep the NDP online,” he said.
Ritz expressed scepticism about Singh’s declarations to take the government down, bluntly stating, “I’ll believe that when I see it. I think he’s a bald-faced, poor politician liar.”
He voiced frustration over the lack of genuine opposition and leadership, highlighting what he sees as a growing trend toward fiscal irresponsibility and progressive policies that harm Canada’s economic stability.
He expressed deep concern over the possibility of Mark Carney taking the reins.
“If Carney gets in with his globalist positions, he makes Trudeau look like a piker. He will spend more money and draw us deeper into this whole progressive crap that Trudeau started us down the road to,” continued Ritz.
For Ritz, the stakes couldn’t be higher, expressing deep concerns about the future of agriculture in Canada, and
acknowledging the sector’s growing challenges.
“The carbon tax has ripped the heart out of agriculture and continues to,” Ritz said, emphasizing the burden this policy has placed on Canadian farmers.
He said that the carbon price levy is set to rise on April 1 adding financial strain to struggling producers.
“Carney’s a big proponent of it going at a lot faster speed and a lot higher than what we have,” he noted.
According to Ritz, the ripple effect of these carbon price hikes will have longlasting consequences for Canadian agriculture.
“What that does is create a trade barrier right off the hop,” he explained. “Our guys all have to build in all those layers of carbon tax before it leaves their farm. And once it leaves the farm, much more carbon tax is added as it transfers to the end of the sale.”
The impact of these added costs makes it increasingly difficult for Canadian farmers to compete on the global stage.
“That puts our guys at a disadvantage when competing against other farmers worldwide that don’t have that anchor they’re dragging,” Ritz lamented.
Gerry Ritz, former Member of Parliament and Minister of the Canadian Wheat Board (CWB), recently shared his perspective on Canadian politics and its implications for the agricultural sector.
Photo by Harry Siemens
KAP Welcomes Colin Hornby as the New General Manager
By Harry Siemens
Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) has a new general manager announcing the appointment of Colin Hornby as their new general manager, marking an exciting new chapter for the organization.
“Following an extensive recruiting process, I am pleased to announce that our board of directors has selected Hornby as the new GM of KAP,” said Jill Verwey, KAP president. “Colin brings a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the agricultural sector, and we are confident he will lead KAP forward with strength and vision.”
Hornby joined KAP in June 2022 as manager of communications & stakeholder relations, where he played a pivotal role in strengthening the organization’s connections with key stakeholders and advancing its communication strategies.
Before joining KAP, Hornby built a dynamic career in government, working at both the provincial and federal levels. He provided strategic advice to senior staff and cabinet ministers and served as a trusted advisor to elected officials, gaining valuable insights into policy-making and agricultural advocacy.
In addition to his governmental experience, Hornby has a strong background in human resource management, equipping him with leadership skills and a deep understanding of organizational development. His diverse expertise and proven track record make him well-suited to guide KAP in addressing the challenges and opportunities facing Manitoba’s agricultural community.
Hornby’s appointment is pivotal for KAP as it continues to advocate for Manitoba’s farmers on issues such as sustainability, market access, and government policy.
“I am honoured to take on this new role and to continue supporting Manitoba’s agricultural producers,” Hornby said. “I look forward to working closely with our members, stakeholders, and government partners to ensure agriculture’s continued success and growth in Manitoba.”
Hornby’s leadership will help build on KAP’s longstanding commitment to advancing the interests of farmers, ensuring that Manitoba’s agricultural sector remains resilient and forward-looking in an ever-changing global landscape.
Right on the heels of appointing a new General Manager, Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) will host its Annual General Meeting on February 4, 2025, at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg.
Farmers Need to Brace for Leaner Times in 2025
By Harry Siemens
At the recent St. Jean Farm Days, Darren Bond, Farm Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, delivered a sobering message to farmers, “It’s time to sharpen their pencils and prepare for tighter margins in 2025.”
“Commodity prices have come down quite a bit, while input costs have only slightly decreased,” Bond explained, describing the cost-price squeeze impacting profitability.
According to Manitoba Agriculture’s cost-of-production analysis, many key crops in the province will lose between $30 and $50 per acre, factoring in all expenses, including land and equipment. The outlook suggests leaner times ahead, requiring careful financial management from farmers.
“There is still opportunity for profit, in my opinion,” Bond added, encouraging farmers to focus on controlling costs, improving efficiency, and adapting to the shifting economic landscape.
Bond said land and equipment costs will vary significantly among farmers. Those with higher equity or less debt, often older farmers, may still see some profit this year.
“In contrast, younger farmers or those who recently expanded using debt could face greater challenges. However, there is still potential for profit,” he said.
Grain pricing will be crucial this year, as always, but rallies are becoming fewer, shorter, and more unpredictable.
“Knowing your cost of production and profitability points allows you to make quick, informed decisions— something that could be essential to turning a profit this year,” said Bond.
Farmers need to take their cost management even more seriously this year. In the past, during years of strong profits ranging from $150 to $200 per acre, a $40-per-acre mistake was easier to absorb. However, in a break-even year like this, that same $40-per-acre mistake could turn breaking even into losing $40 per acre, significantly impacting working capital and future decision-making.
He noted that in tight-margin years like this, small moves can have a big impact. Staying on top of costs and management is critical as the industry pivots from recent good years to a more challenging environment.
“It’s essential to sharpen your management focus, rely on accurate data, and be ready to make informed decisions quickly,” said Bond.
Sharpening management practices is essential when looking ahead. While many producers are adapting and becoming more diligent, some still hope the good times will return. However, preparing for tighter margins requires proactive planning and realistic expectations.
“Our parents and grandparents dealt with similar issues. What sets this era apart, however, are the sheer costs involved,” said Bond.
Equipment prices are higher and while fertilizer costs have decreased slightly, they remain high relative to grain prices. These elevated costs increase the risk for farmers, as even a small loss per acre can quickly escalate due to the larger scale of operations today. Despite these changes, farming remains rooted in familiar challenges: managing too much or too little moisture and adapting to unpredictable conditions.
Farming demands planning and adaptability, especially in a year where the stakes are higher due to the larger dollar amounts involved. While Mother Nature hasn’t changed, the scale and complexity of modern farming require sharper pencils and savvy decision-making. The key is knowing where to cut costs without compromising yield.
“If you cut $20 in costs but lose $40 in yield, it’s not a great trade,” said Bond, emphasizing the importance of protecting production.
This year’s meeting will spotlight critical issues facing the agriculture industry and explore collaborative strategies to address these challenges. Attendees can participate in policy roundtable sessions focusing on trade and business risk management programming, providing a platform for constructive dialogue. KAP’s executive team and staff will also present updates on the organization’s achievements over the past year, ongoing initiatives, and their vision for the future, ensuring Manitoba’s agricultural sector remains resilient and innovative.
He said grain prices no longer show the vibrancy seen in past years, and some producers have been slower to adapt to this reality. However, our producers are among the best—smart, resourceful, and capable of adjusting. The key is to act sooner rather than later.
“Much like steering a ship toward shore, making course corrections early provides more options and better outcomes, while last-minute decisions leave far less room to manoeuvre,” said Bond.
He said the challenges of cost and pricing are not new though.
Fertilizer is a prime example. Managing fertilizer more efficiently—such as applying it in bands closer to when the crop needs it—could save $10 to $20 per acre. Minor adjustments across the operation can turn a projected $25per-acre loss into profit.
“These critical decisions should happen now, during the planning phase, because once the season begins, the focus shifts to execution, leaving little room for adjustments. Planning and focusing on cost efficiency can make all the difference in a tight-margin year,” Bond said.
Keystone Agricultural Producers’ new general manager Colin Hornby expressed his excitement on his recent appointment saying, “I am honoured to take on this new role and to continue supporting Manitoba’s agricultural producers.”
Submitted photo At the recent St. Jean Farm Days, Darren Bond, Farm Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, delivered a sobering message to farmers, “It’s time to sharpen their pencils and prepare for tighter margins in 2025.”
Photos by Harry Siemens
“Commodity prices have come down quite a bit, while input costs have only slightly decreased,” explained Darren Bond, Farm Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture t St. Jean Farm Days while describing the cost-price squeeze impacting profitability.
Alpaca Herd Crucial for Local Business
By Elmer Heinrichs
Thanks to a herd of alpacas, a business just outside Brandon is able to sell socks, yarn and insoles made from the animal’s hair.
Circle O Alpacas in Alexander takes the fibre sheared from its alpacas and uses it to produce clothing like thermal socks, mitts and touques — all of which are available for sale online.
According to the farm’s website, the journey started in 2001 when the owners visited the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon and
“We fell in love with alpacas,” wrote owners Laurie and Jeff Owens, “and one herd sire and six breeding females later, we started a life with these wonderful gentle animals.”
Now, the farm is focused on breeding to improve the density, crimp and fineness of alpaca fibre. They are also working on colourings of the fibre, for material from white to black.
O
its own animals.
is
sent to mills across the
Provinces and returns as rovings, yarn and other different materials for production.
Alpaca fibre is a strong material that’s warmer, stronger, lighter and more resilient than other wools. Additionally, it also makes for quality clothing material because it is unlikely to cause allergic reactions.
The Government of Canada has launched the application period for the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP), a federal initiative designed to help young Canadians gain valuable work experience in the agricultural sector. Applications opened on January 27, 2025, and employers have until February 24, 2025, to apply for funding.
Supported by an investment of approximately $13.5 million, YESP aims to support around 1,200 jobs across Canada, addressing critical labour shortages in agriculture while fostering the next generation of agricultural and agri-food workers.
The program provides funding to agriculture employers to help offset the cost of hiring young Canadians, with a particular focus on those facing employment barriers. For the 2025-2026 program year, Indigenous employers will be prioritized to promote inclusivity within the sector.
Eligible applicants include:
- Producers - Agri-businesses
- Industry associations
- Provincial and territorial governments
- Indigenous organizations
- Research facilities
Interested employers can access application forms and additional details at agriculture.canada.ca/en/programs/youth-employment-and-skills/step-4-how-apply. For further assistance, they can contact the program by emailing aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca or calling 1-866-452-5558.
Circle
Alpacas shears
The fibre
then
Prairie
Circle O Alpacas in Alexander takes the fibre sheared from its alpacas and uses it to produce clothing like thermal socks, mitts and touques — all of which are available for sale online.
“We fell in love with alpacas,” wrote owners Laurie and Jeff Owens, “and one herd sire and six breeding females later, we started a life with these wonderful gentle animals.” Submitted photos
Cattle Market Buoyant But Many Factors Still to Consider
By Elmer Heinrichs
“We had record prices in 2024,” says Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association executive administrator, Rick Wright. “For the cow/calf breeders in Manitoba, across Western Canada, it’s the best year we’ve ever had.”
“I’ve been in the business 45 years, and we’ve never seen cattle prices where they were this fall. And the good news is that looking ahead into 2025, it looks like these prices have the potential to carry on for next year and possibly the year after,” he says.
“So, I think as cow-calf operators who have been in the business for a long time, they’re finally being rewarded for their hard work and as we put it on our side of the business, they’re in the driver’s seat right now,” says Wright. “We’ve got a short supply and all the indicators and fundamentals in the formulas look like we’ve got strong prices ahead.”
“There’s more than just optimism out there. The fundamentals support a pretty good market moving forward,” he said. “Will it be better than 2023? Maybe not, but I think it will be every bit as good as what it was, barring a drought or a black swan event of some type that upsets the market.”
Noting how cattle prices and grain prices work together like a tip-scale, when one goes high the other goes low, Wright says over the past year, beef prices remained high, however grain prices were lower than what we’ve seen for years which was a favourable combination for cattle producers.
For what’s going to happen in the future he says there are five fundamentals that cattle producers are watching very closely.
“One is the supply of cattle that are out there,” he explains. “And the weather conditions, especially drought. There’s a lot of drought in the US right now and in some areas of Canada, although we’re not bad as we were. One of the big factors is going to be the value of the Canadian dollar. That’s certainly going to have a major impact on all the agriculture commodities moving forward.”
The Canadian dollar dipped below $0.70 US on Tuesday, December 17, 2024. It was the first time since the onset of COVID-19 in March 2020, according to Bloomberg data.
“On the beef side,” Wright continues, “we’re looking at consumer demand and resistance in our export markets, which are critical for us in Canada. And the last one we’re going to watch in the next year is going to be the government policies.”
With a new Trump-led U.S. administration coming and an election coming up in Canada with a possible change there, Wright says government policies, such as the proposed tariffs in the US at 25 per cent, would have a big impact on what’s going to be happening in the agricultural market, especially the cattle and grain side.
“Those are the things that I’m going to watch as a market analyst very closely for the next year when I make decisions and we’re giving out some consulting advice to our customers,” he adds. “So, we’re going to watch all this really close over the next 12 months and that will help us formulate plans for moving forward in the future.”
Finding the Right Fit: Navigating Group Sow Housing Choices
By Harry Siemens
The Canadian hog industry’s Code of Practice requires all farms to transition to group sow housing by 2029, with steady progress already being made toward this objective.
Mark Fynn, director of quality assurance and Animal Care at Manitoba Pork, shared insights during the recent Prairie Livestock Expo seminar section. Speaking on a topic he described as a personal passion, Fynn discussed a project that examined welfare indicators across two different groupstyle housing systems. He also highlighted producer experiences with group housing, focusing on observations and lessons learned directly from their farms.
In July, Manitoba Pork organized a workshop that brought together producers who shared their experiences with different group-style housing systems. During this session, insights were exchanged, valuable feedback was provided and firsthand experiences discussed. A key advantage of this workshop was the ample time dedicated to fostering producer-to-producer conversations and creating an open forum for collaboration and learning.
The workshop provided an opportunity for producers planning to convert to group-style housing to learn from those who had already transitioned. Participants discussed various feeding systems and explored potential group housing options, offering a well-rounded exchange of insights and experiences.
Fynn highlighted several
different feeding systems, ranging from the most competitive to the least competitive for animals. Starting with floor feeding, he noted that a few farms in Manitoba use this as their primary method. While feed efficiency is often lower due to potential feed loss, the system offers the advantage of low upfront capital costs. Producers using floor feeding believe the savings in initial investment offset the increased feed expenses.
Next, Fynn discussed the shoulder stall feeding system, highlighting its benefits and features. This system uses partitions, typically 1.5 to 2 feet wide that directly feed into the water to form gruel. This setup helps reduce barn dust levels and ensures consistent eating speeds among animals, preventing one animal from dominating the feed. Fynn recommended using a single feed drop per stall to minimize competition. A producer who shared their experience with this system appreciated its simplicity and limited reliance on electronics, which reduces maintenance and the need for advanced technological expertise.
Fynn discussed electronic sow feeders (ESFs), focusing on systems commonly used in Manitoba. Unlike free-access ESF systems like Gestalt or Maximus, these systems operate with a one-way flow, where animals enter and exit through separate routes. Producers emphasized the importance of reliable internet connectivity to ensure these systems remain connected to a central hub and function efficiently. Companies like
New Standard Ag offer such systems, which rely heavily on technology for effective operation.
Fynn highlighted the importance of careful planning during barn conversions or new builds for group sow housing. He emphasized considering all aspects of the system, particularly identifying opportunities for improvement during the process. Addressing these upgrades early helps avoid costly rework in the future. Fynn noted that producers often cite flooring as a critical factor to evaluate and improve during such transitions.
He strongly advised producers to plan upgrades during barn renovations or new builds, taking the opportunity to align improvements with their production goals.
“Renovations also present a chance to expand operations,” he said.
Producers must undergo a technical review process with their municipality for significant expansions or new builds. However, up to 15% of expansions are exempt from the technical review, though standard permitting requirements still apply.
He explained that producers approved for specific animal units could expand by up to 15% without requiring a technical review. For example, if initially approved for 1,000 animal units, they could grow to 1,150 units under this allowance. He also highlighted opportunities for producers to re-evaluate their operations during renovations or expansions, such as transitioning to finishing or exploring alterna-
tive production methods. These considerations open up various possibilities for optimizing and adjusting production goals.
He emphasized the importance of producers engaging with others with different systems experience by reaching out and learn from their peers to gain insights and make informed decisions about potential systems. This peer-to-peer interaction is a key takeaway for those considering transitions or upgrades.
Fynn highlighted the importance of choosing a group sow housing system that aligns best with a producer’s specific needs and their staff’s preferences. While some favour the precision and technology of electronic systems, others prioritize simplicity and ease of use. He refrained from recommending a specific system, emphasizing that the decision depends on individual circumstances, such as a new build or a conversion, as specific systems integrate more seamlessly into existing designs.
Reflecting on recent events, Fynn noted a shift in producer sentiment following the July workshop, where peer discussions offered valuable insights and reassurance.
“Most producers who have completed the transition are satisfied with their systems, with none expressing a desire to return to previous methods,” said Fynn. Hearing from other producers, he concluded, plays a critical role in helping make informed and confident decisions.
Mark Fynn Director of quality assurance and Animal Care at Manitoba Pork’s Key Takeaways: 1. Design a system that will meet your needs for the next 20 years. 2. Plan thoroughly and upgrade your barn during construction to avoid future rework. 3. Reflect on your production goals and explore expansion opportunities.
Presenting at the Prairie Livestock Expo, Mark Fynn, director of quality assurance and Animal Care at Manitoba Pork said, “Most producers who have completed the transition are satisfied with their systems, with none expressing a desire to return to previous methods.”
Photos by Harry Siemens
Janzen Leaving from Impactful Career with the Foodgrains Bank
By Elmer Heinrichs
After seven plus years of being the regional representative for Manitoba and northwestern Ontario for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB), Gordon Janzen is moving into retirement this spring.
“I started in November of 2017, so I’ve been working in this role for just over 7 years,” shares Janzen. “It’s been a very good seven years of connecting with supporters of the Canadian Foodgrains Bank, the individuals and the groups, the growing projects and community groups.
“I will be retiring from this work in March. I have really enjoyed this work which has built upon a bachelor’s degree in agriculture plus my experience in international development and church work,” said Janzen. “My previous experience involved a variety of church-related work including 16 years of directing peace building and church relations in Asia
through Mennonite Church Canada’s International Ministries, two pastoral roles in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, and four years with MCC in the Middle East.”
He said working with Canadian Foodgrains Bank has provided wonderful opportunities to connect with rural supporters, farmers, church people, and international programs. It has been meaningful work to raise awareness about the reality of global hunger, and opportunities that we have to respond to those needs.
Before becoming the regional rep for his region, Janzen says he wasn’t fully aware of the efforts and commitment that individuals and supporters of the Foodgrains Bank and their member agencies in his region.
“The community groups, whether they’re growing projects growing grain, or community groups that are raising support in other ways, like singing in the
grain concerts or otherwise, it’s really amazing the dedication of people,” said Janzen.
“What has been most energizing for me is to see the commitment of individuals, community groups, and churches to support this work which we call a “Christian response to hunger,” he added.
“With around 40 community groups in Manitoba, I am continually humbled by the steady support in the agricultural community, as well as non-farmer supporters, to respond to these global hunger needs,” said Janzen. “That kind of strong and constant support is what allows our 15 member agencies to have the resources to respond in meaningful ways.”
“I am looking forward to exploring my ‘next chapter’ after employment at the Foodgrains Bank. This summer I expect to focus on beekeeping and gardening, as well as a month-long
pilgrimage walk in Spain planned for this spring. But before that, in February and March, I look forward to overlapping with Dale Friesen who is taking on this regional representative position,” said Janzen.
Retirement for Janzen will begin in March. Janzen is a beekeeper and so his beehives that are located in their family’s back yard in Winnipeg will be among the activities he’ll be enjoying when there isn’t a fixed schedule in place.
“I have a list of things that I’ll be looking at that I haven’t been able to engage for a while and so I’m looking to exploring the next chapter,” he adds.
Highlights over the past year are much the same as over the past 7 years for Janzen, that being the fundraising events and community grow projects when the fields are ready for harvest.
“Those events are always wonderful community events that bring people together,”
he explains, “and they’re always good days because they have to be good weather days to harvest. It’s a time to celebrate the work that a community does together over a whole growing season, pulling in the harvest and then committing that to the Foodgrains Bank.”
“It’s just really humbling to see the way that groups come together with the same mission to remember people who experience hunger in the world, in ways that most of us in Canada don’t see, and we often don’t know about,” said Janzen.
This year there were 40 community projects in his Manitoba-NW Ontario region.
A significant event that impacted Janzen in early 2024 was the Learning Tour with the Foodgrains Bank to Nepal in mid-February, to meet members of the partner organizations and to tour the communities that were benefiting from this partnership with those national groups.
Janzen was in attendance with the CFB at Manitoba Ag Days and will be at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in March.
After seven plus years of being the regional representative for Manitoba and northwestern Ontario for the Canadian Foodgrains Bank (CFB), Gordon Janzen is moving into retirement this spring. Submitted photo
AAFC Sees More Grains and Less Oilseed
By Elmer Heinrichs
This report provides Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) AAFC’s preliminary look at the upcoming 2025-2026 crop year.
Uncertainty in Canadian and international grain markets remains elevated due to ongoing geopolitical risks and uncertainty around trade.
For 2024-25, the outlook incorporates the results of Statistics Canada’s (STC) November farm survey of crop production, first released in December.
Production of all principal field crops is estimated to have increased 2.7 per cent year-over-year, which would be 3.3 per cent above the previous five-year average.
Exports of all principal field crops are expected to rise 5 per cent from last year, while carry-out stocks (ending-year inventories) for all principal field crops are projected to decline by 3 per cent as lower carry-out stocks for grains and oilseeds more than offset a rise in pulse and special crops carry-out.
Prices for all principal field crops are forecast to be significantly lower year-over-year, with the exception of corn and sunflower seed.
For 2025-2026, rotation considerations, moisture conditions, expected prices, and input costs/availability are the main factors determining farmers’ seeding decisions in the spring.
Based on current market conditions and historical trends, the area seeded to field crops in Canada is forecast to decrease marginally in 2025-26.
The area seeded to wheat, including durum, is expected to increase by 2 per cent. Coarse grains area is forecast to rise by 6 per cent, due to an increase in areas seeded to barley, corn, oats, and rye. The area seeded to oilseeds is projected to decrease by 5 per cent on lower areas for canola and soybeans. Pulse and special crops area is expected to decrease by 2 per cent as lower areas for chickpeas, dry beans, mustard and canary seeds are partly offset by expectations for an increase in areas for dry peas, lentils, and sunflower seed.
Assuming normal growing conditions and trend yields, the production of all principal field crops is projected to decrease marginally year-over-year.
Exports are projected to decrease marginally, while carry-out stocks are forecast to increase slightly.
The first estimate of the area of principal field crops for 2025 will come on March 12.
Hands-On Farming Meets High-Tech: Success with Cattle, Hogs and Chickens
By Harry Siemens
Ian Smith, a dedicated cattle producer from Argyle, MB, shared his experiences with his Shorthorn cattle during a busy and eventful calving season.
On a recent early Saturday morning, Smith faced a challenge when one of his twin calves, born just two days earlier, suffered a broken back leg after being accidentally stepped on by its mother cow. Acting quickly, he called his large animal veterinarian, Neil Versavel, from Stonewall, who applied a cast to the injured leg.
“Thanks to this prompt care, the calf is thriving and on track to recover fully in 4 to 6 weeks,” said Smith, expressing his gratitude to his vet for the expert assistance. He noted that the calf’s recovery will still require his ongoing care and dedication.
Smith’s herd includes 18 registered Shorthorn cows and four Shorthorn x Limousin crosses. So far, two cows have given birth, resulting in three healthy calves, including the twins. Most of the remaining cows will calve during the first two weeks of February, setting the stage for a busy month ahead.
He relies heavily on modern technology to monitor his herd. He credits the cameras and audio system in his insulated barn with helping him closely monitor his cattle around the clock.
At 3 am on Thursday, he heard the twin calves’ birth splash through the audio system while watching the live feed on his TV, which he keeps on 24/7. Just after midnight on Saturday, he noticed another cow giving
Manitoba winters.
Although Smith describes himself as old school, he balances traditional methods with modern tools to ensure the health and well-being of his herd.
He reflected on his approach and said, “I have no problem sharing the good things that happen on the farm and the bad luck we face. People need to hear the story right from the farmer. In this case, we were lucky the calf will recover, but not without my help. Some say I’m too open, but I believe honesty is important.”
Smith’s commitment to transparency and his passion for raising Shorthorn cattle highlight the timeless values of care and stewardship in farming. At the same time, his openness offers a rare and valuable glimpse into life on the farm.
Smith began raising Shorthorn cattle in 2017 after purchasing his first heifers from Tom Walls. His family farm, established in 1953, transitioned from dairy cows to beef cattle, experimenting with various breeds. Ian chose Shorthorns for their docility, versatility, and historical significance as a dualpurpose breed, providing milk and beef.
He describes his daily routine of managing Shorthorn cattle housed in a traditional barn setup with two cows per stall. He chose the docile breed for their ease of handling and calving simplicity. Each morning, Smith lets the cows out for feed and water while cleaning the barn and transferring manure into a spreader. After 1.5 hours outside, the cows return to their stalls for a homemade feed mix of beet pulp, minerals, corn, oats, and barley, prepared with his 352 New Holland mix mill, ensuring their nutrition and comfort.
The cows rest on clean straw bedding, ensuring
comfort, and Smith repeats the process at 4 pm, feeding more hay and cleaning the gutters. The insulated barn maintained at 7.2°C to 12.7°C, keeps the cows warm, reducing their feed needs. Proper ventilation and 300 straw bales stored in the loft prevent humidity, ensuring a dry and healthy environment for the animals. He emphasizes the efficiency of this system, as it minimizes feed waste while keeping the cows comfortable.
About four years ago, Smith installed two cameras in his cow barn with the help of Reykdal Ag & Security. One camera monitors the birthing pen, while the other is ceiling-mounted, offering 360-degree rotation and built-in audio. The audio feature enables him to monitor barn activity via his TV or cell phone, which has helped him save newborn calves on several occasions. Complementing this setup, he also uses two Moocall devices, which attach to a cow’s tail and provide a two-hour warning before birth. While
one cow unexpectedly gave birth to twins early, Smith acknowledges the importance of consistently using the devices. Having relied on the Moocall for five years, he considers it and the cameras indispensable tools for effectively managing his cattle and ensuring successful calving outcomes.
Smith has shifted his focus in the meat business over the past two years, opting not to sell beef as calf prices have been firm. Instead, he has successfully sold breeding bulls and heifers. His pork business, which he started in 2003, continues to thrive, with increasing demand for sides of pork as high beef prices push more customers toward his products.
Smith manages a diverse operation with 22 cows, 200 hogs year-round, and 140 laying hens, selling eggs alongside his meat products. Operating entirely on his family farm, established in 1953, he works alone without off-farm income, proudly considering himself one of the last true mixed farmers.
While monitoring his barn remotely Ian Smith was able to act quickly to save a calf by calling his large animal veterinarian, Neil Versavel, from Stonewall, who applied a cast to the injured leg.
Operating entirely on his family farm, established in 1953, Ian Smith works alone without off-farm income, proudly considering himself one of the last true mixed farmers. Submitted photos
Using a hands-on approach alongside technology, Ian Smith, a cattle producer in Argyle, MB, said, “I have no problem sharing the good things on the farm and the bad luck we face. People need to hear the story right from the farmer. In this case, we were lucky the calf recovered, but not without my help. Some say I’m too open, but I believe honesty is important.”
Manitoba Pork Urges Action on Trade Access Challenges
By Harry Siemens
Manitoba Pork’s General Manager, Cam Dahl, called on federal and provincial governments to collaborate with the pork sector to develop a strategy addressing critical trade access issues as the industry looks ahead to 2025.
For Manitoba’s hog industry, 2024 marked a significant improvement over the preceding years. More substantial prices for hogs, notable gains in isowean prices, and reduced input costs—particularly for feed—contributed to improved margins for producers. The margins have significantly improved in 2024 compared to the previous years, Dahl said, reflecting on the year’s positive economic environment.
Another major highlight of 2024 was the success in preventing and controlling disease outbreaks, particularly Porcine Epidemic Diarrhoea (PED). Despite expectations of a PED resurgence, especially in the spring, the industry avoided significant outbreaks. This success underscores the importance of strict on-farm biosecurity measures and collaborative efforts across the entire production chain to eliminate PED.
“It’s a testament to the industry working together,” said Dahl.
Dahl said the key takeaway from 2024 is the critical role of biosecurity. Each farm needs a clear, actionable plan that staff understands and follow consistently.
Maintaining strict protocols was instrumental not only in controlling PED but also in preventing other viruses like Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome (PRRS).
“Biosecurity is the number one issue,” Dahl stated, pointing to its vital role in safeguarding barns.
Looking ahead, there is
room for optimism. Farmers’ diligent efforts in prevention and mitigation have proven effective, as seen in the containment of PED in 2024. By focusing on robust biosecurity measures and maintaining response plans for potential outbreaks, the industry is well-positioned to continue protecting its herds.
“Prevention is still the best solution, and the steps farmers are taking are working,” Dahl concluded.
“I think the economics in 2024 were really good, and if nothing were to change in 2025, I would expect to see that continue,” said Dahl. “But there’s a lot of uncertainty out there, and I expect when we talk next year, trade and protectionism will be, unfortunately, some of the key topics.”
Dahl pointed to growing challenges in the global trade landscape, including threats of tariffs from U.S. President Trump, the ongoing impact of country-of-origin labelling, and laws like California’s Proposition 12. Protectionism continues to grow as rising tensions with China, where disputes over electric vehicles could make agriculture a target.
With Manitoba’s hog industry heavily reliant on exports, 90% of the eight million pigs raised annually go for export.
Dahl emphasized the importance of keeping trade channels open.
“We’ll be paying close attention to trade and protectionism in the coming year, including reaching out to our American partners and working together to keep the border open,” he emphasized.
Addressing trade challenges requires collaboration at every level. Manitoba alone cannot shoulder the responsibility, nor can the pork industry act in isolation. The interconnectedness of global policies,
such as defence spending influencing agricultural tariffs, demonstrates the need for a comprehensive, multi-stakeholder approach.
Dahl noted that governments, industry organizations, and producers must work together to craft a proactive strategy. This plan should include measures to secure open trade channels, reduce vulnerabilities to protectionist policies, and ensure Manitoba’s pork industry
remains competitive.
“We need to move beyond reactionary tactics,” Dahl said, “and focus on building a robust framework that protects agriculture in a volatile global market.”
Producers are urged to play an active role by staying informed, voicing their concerns to policymakers, and supporting initiatives that enhance trade stability. By working collaboratively, Manitoba’s pork sector can navigate the challenges ahead and safeguard its position in
the international market.
Dahl stressed the importance of unity within agriculture across Canada to address growing trade challenges.
Provincial and federal governments and organizations like Manitoba Pork must take on shared responsibility to lead the way.
A critical component of this effort is strengthening relationships with counterparts in the U.S., as the integrated North American market benefits farmers and consumers on both sides of the border.
Dahl highlighted the need for strong advocacy in the U.S. and proactive planning to prepare for potential tariffs.
“We need to know how governments will respond if tariffs are implemented so we can be ready,” he said. A robust plan should include collaborative efforts across agriculture, international advocacy, and contingency measures to mitigate the impacts of trade disruptions. By working together, the industry can safeguard its future against uncertainty.
At the Prairie Livestock Expo, Manitoba Pork’s General Manager, Cam Dahl, called on federal and provincial governments to collaborate with the pork sector to develop a strategy addressing critical trade access issues as the industry looks ahead to 2025. Photo by Harry Siemens
Emilson Combines Two Careers!
By Joan Airey
Many readers will remember Karen Emilson as the author of “Where Children Run”, her first book, which tells the harrowing story of twins David and Dennis Pischke. The boys endured a decade of starvation and enslavement, suffering horrific abuse during their childhood.
In her book, Emilson vividly brought to life the beatings the twins endured and their nights spent by candlelight in a nearby church or makeshift huts in the surrounding bush. Despite neighbours witnessing their neglect and intervening, their efforts provided only temporary relief as social services repeatedly failed the boys.
Others may know Emilson from her role with the Manitoba Beef Producers, where she was hired in 1998 as the organization’s first Communications Coordinator. There, she created Cattle Country, a newspaper tailored to beef producers.
“The twins approached me to write their story in January 1995 when I was a reporter with the Interlake Spectator,” Emilson explained. “After their story came out in the paper, Peter Warren (CJOB) invited them onto his show. That sparked the idea to turn their story into a book. In the fall of 1996, I published ‘Where Children Run’, covering their childhood up until they left the farm.”
The book remains in print and continues to be a bestseller.
In 2001, Emilson published “When Memories Remain”, a sequel to “Where Children Run”, to address the many readers curious about what happened to the twins after they left the farm.
“In 2004–2006, I wrote ‘Just a Matter of Time’, a book about the Canadian cattle industry and BSE. I returned to the Beef Producers Association as Trade Show Coordinator and, in 2007, also took on Cattle Country. I did both roles until 2011, returning in 2012 solely as Trade Show Coordinator, which I continued until 2016,” Emilson said.
In 2016, Emilson published “Be Still the Water”, a novel inspired by true events. This coming-of-age story is filled with unforgettable characters and features a heartwrenching ending, leaving readers reflecting on Asta’s fateful decisions long after turning the final page.
“Over the years, I’ve stayed close to the Beef Producers Association, often doing contract work for them and writing the occasional story for the paper,” Emilson shared. “Last March, I manned the booth at the Royal Manitoba Winter Fair in Brandon, and I’m set to do it again this year. When people see me at events and say, ‘You’re back!’ I like to joke, ‘I never really left.’”
In late 2024, Emilson released “Also Known as Jaime Doran”. Like her protagonist Jaime Doran, Emilson grew up in southern Ontario and eventually settled in Manitoba’s Interlake region, known for its rugged landscape and resilient people. All of Emilson’s books are based in the Interlake region, drawing inspiration from the charm and challenges of small-town life.
While Emilson now lives in Winnipeg, she spends her summers in Steep Rock, where the pristine air and fresh water allow her fictional characters to come alive in her imagination.
I purchased my copy of Emilson’s latest release from Amazon, but her books are also available at local bookstores like Coles. If you search for Karen Emilson online, you’ll find more information about her works. I read her latest book over the Christmas holidays and couldn’t put
Canadian Government Approves Bunge-Viterra $34 Billion Merger
By Dan Guetre
The Canadian government has approved U.S.-based agribusiness giant Bunge Ltd.’s $34 billion merger with Viterra, subject to strict conditions designed to address concerns about market concentration and competition in the grain sector.
The deal, one of the largest in global agricultural history, will create a $34 billion agricultural commodities powerhouse, placing Bunge on par with fellow industry heavyweights Archer-DanielsMidland Co. and Cargill Inc. However, farmer advocacy groups, including the National Farmers’ Union (NFU), have voiced strong opposition, warning of significant consequences for Canada’s agricultural producers.
Transport and Internal Trade Minister Anita Anand announced several measures aimed at safeguarding Canadian competition and public interest:
- Divestiture of Grain Elevators: Bunge must sell six grain elevators in Western Canada.
- Investment Commitments: The company is required to invest at least $520 million in Canada over the next five years.
- Regulations on G3 Holdings: Binding controls will prevent Bunge from influencing pricing and investment
decisions at G3, in which it holds a minority stake.
- Price Protection Program: A program will be established to ensure fair pricing for certain canola oil purchasers in Central and Atlantic Canada.
“This decision underscores the importance of promoting economic growth in Canada, while maintaining robust oversight to protect competition and the public interest,” Anand stated.
The NFU has strongly criticized the approval, arguing it will harm Canadian farmers by consolidating market power. With the merger, Bunge, Viterra, and G3 will control nearly 40% of Western Canada’s grain elevator capacity, while the global “Big Four” agribusiness companies—Bunge, ADM, Cargill, and Louis-Dreyfus—will dominate 70% of the world’s grain trade.
“Canada’s approval of Bunge’s acquisition of Viterra effectively ends competition in Canada’s agriculture commodity sector by giving control of 40% of our grain market to what will become the world’s largest agricultural commodity trader,” the NFU stated in a statement following the decision.
The organization highlighted concerns that the merger would enable Bunge to extract hundreds of millions of
dollars in excess profits from Canadian farmers each year, exacerbating rural economic challenges and deepening inequalities.
The NFU argues that the conditions imposed by the federal government fall short of addressing the merger’s long-term implications. Selling a few grain elevators and making modest investments, they say, will do little to counter the significant market power concentration resulting from the deal.
“Selling off a few elevators, urging the new company to put some of the higher profits it will make into investments in Canada, and putting up a paper firewall between Bunge and the directors it will appoint to G3’s board, will hardly counter the increase in Bunge’s power to influence markets, prices, and production within Canada and internationally,” the NFU explained.
The NFU has called for a stronger, fully funded Canadian Grain Commission with enhanced authority to regulate the grain sector and protect farmers’ interests.
The Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA) also has concerns with the approval.
“We need to ensure that, at a minimum, the conditions set around this deal are being met,” said Keith Currie,
President of the CFA. “Our concerns from the beginning were that this deal would not be in the best interests of farmers and the fact that Bunge has maintained its minority ownership stake in G3 certainly furthers those concerns. Unfortunately, at the end of the day, it is the farmers who will pay.”
The CFA notes that building on the Competition Bureau’s initial assessment of the merger’s potential negative consequences on competition in regions across Canada, research conducted by the University of Saskatchewan found that this deal, without a divestment of G3 would result in hundreds of millions of dollars in lost revenue for farmers every year. With Bunge set to become the largest agricultural commodity trader, experts anticipate a surge in global demand for crops like soybean and canola oil due to biofuel production. However, the merger has reignited debates about the risks of industry consolidation, particularly for producers who are left with fewer buyers for their crops. The deal, which was initially flagged by Canada’s antitrust watchdog, faced criticism for likely reducing competition in Western Canada’s grain purchasing and Eastern Canada’s canola oil markets.
Tech Innovations Drive Future of Manitoba Farming
By Elmer Heinrichs
Expansion of technology in recent years has played a critical role in the success of the small local farm and the Ag industry as a whole.
Manitoba Agriculture Minister, Ron Kostyshyn, says our province’s economy relies on that progress and noted the opportunities for growth, innovation, and sustainability in the industry.
“I just want to say thank you to all the producers,” said Kostyshyn. “Regardless of what commodity you’re involved with, or whether you’re in the agriculture business directly or indirectly, we really appreciate your hard work and commitment. You’re making a difference every day.”
Kostyshyn pointed to local success stories as an example of how value-added processing is benefiting both producers and the economy. He cited Spenst Bros.Pizza in Winkler as a standout example.
“It was fantastic to see their major expansion. They started small, and now they’re growing. That’s the kind of thing we want to see more of—local businesses using Manitoba-grown products to create jobs and opportunities right here in the province.”
When asked how the government plans to support farmers moving forward, Kostyshyn stressed the importance of keeping value in the province.
“We’ve got all these great commodities growing here, so why not process them locally and sell them at retail? That way, we create more jobs and keep the economic benefits in Manitoba. It’s all about making our agriculture industry even stronger and more sustainable.”
He also took time to reflect on the rapid advancements in technology that are transforming the agricultural landscape.
“I’m always amazed at
how much has changed in just a few years. Technology is evolving fast, and it’s incredible to see how it’s being used in agriculture,” said Kostyshyn. “Drones, for example, have really revolutionized how we do things. They’re like the CT scans of the farming world. They can help detect crop diseases early, so producers don’t need to spray an entire field. This saves money and is much better for the environment.”
Kostyshyn pointed out that technology isn’t just saving money—it’s also changing the workforce.
“Years ago, a tractor driver was the key role. Today, it’s someone who can work with drones, GPS systems, or maintain advanced electronic equipment. This shift is creating new jobs in rural Manitoba, and it’s really exciting to think about the opportunities for the next generation.”
“We need to create job opportunities to keep our kids here, and technology is part of the reason why they’re sticking around. With things like drone technology and GPS, the next generation sees the future of farming as something they can be a part of.”
Kostyshyn reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting the agricultural sector.
“We have programs like the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, which provide funding and support for innovative ideas that can help grow the industry and create jobs,” he explained. “We need to keep working together—the provincial and federal governments, producers, and the whole community—to make sure Manitoba’s agricultural future is bright.”
The minister also highlighted the role of young people in farming, noting that more and more youth are staying in Manitoba rather than moving away.
“Also Known as Jaime Doran” is the latest book by Karen Emilson. Photo by Joan Airey
Resilience with a Plan
By Joan Airey
Alison Weaver, who farms with her husband and son north of Lloydminster, had attendees at Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference making a plan for resilience in their lives.
Rooted in agriculture all her life Weaver grew up on a mixed farm north of Craven Saskatchewan. Life on the farm is constantly in motion and Alison helps share how to live a sustainable lifestyle, while setting a pace that works best for you. She has learned over the years what resilience is, how to find it and how to create it in her own life. When she speaks, she encourages others on their journey of resilience in the world of Ag and rural lifestyle.
“In 2020 I started speaking to a rural women’s group. I love meeting new people and making connections with women in the agriculture industry,” said Weaver.
“Navigate is one of the good things that came out of COVID. I had always used a planner of some sort, but could never find one that worked for me on the farm. So, while in the garden in the summer of 2020 I thought I should have a garden journal,” said Weaver. “[Then] I thought I really didn’t want another journal so [instead]… a garden map in a day planner would work. I shared my ideas with my daughter; she helped me put all my ideas
on paper. It took about three months to design and then have the planner printed. We printed 225 planners the first year which sold out in twenty-four hours. We now print approximately twelve hundred planners a year.”
“Each year we do updates in the planner and see if the pages are meeting the needs of people using Navigate. We will be doing some updates for 2026. We are looking forward to another partner for a page in Navigate,” stated Weaver. “I describe Navigate as a tool for your tool belt. When we take care of our machinery and livestock we have the right tools, when we organize and take care of ourselves, we need the right tools.”
“Over the last three years, this planner has been my go-to tool for staying on track and becoming more present and in tune with my schedule,” said Doris Doelger, Chair of MFWC. “The weekly grocery list and daily breakdown have been a life saver transforming it from just a planner into a journal that I can reflect on in future year. The reflection page sure helped me focus my ambitions and track progress with purpose. My record-keeping has become more organized and there are no more scraps of paper everywhere! With so many thoughtfully designed features, it’s hard to pick a favourite because each one serves a unique pur-
pose in my life. Personally, this has been a vital asset for conference planning. It keeps all my deadlines and tasks in one place, ensuring nothing slips through the cracks. It’s been an incredible help in managing deadlines to action items.”
As you may remember the week of Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference was bad winter weather and Weaver showed her resilience in getting to Winnipeg. When she got to Saskatoon her flight was cancelled to Winnipeg. Determined to fill her speaking engagement she teamed up with a fellow attendee and drove to her destination.
Personally, I wondered how many planners I should take home with my daughter and daughter-in-law’s all involved in agriculture. I should have purchased two more. I should have listened more to positive comments local farm women made on their use of the Navigate Planner.
As Doris Doelger said “This planner is impressively durable, handling drink spills and even the occasional drop in the snow without skipping a beat. It’s clearly designed with farm and rural life in mind while maintaining a cozy yet professional feel.”
Some quick Tips for Life
Shared by Alison Weaver:
1. Use a planner of some kind.
2. Create your daily priories and monthly focuses.
3. Drink lots of water and sleep.
4. Keep your bookwork up to date.
5. File as you go paper, laundry and poop piles.
6. Create boundaries.
7. Surround Yourself with Positive People.
Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference is held every November in either Winnipeg or Brandon, an educational few days for women involved in agriculture. If you’d like to learn more about Alison Weaver, she has a website and can be found on Facebook.
Photo by Joan Airey
Alison Weaver speaking at Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference in Winnipeg.
As Doris Doelger said “The Navigate planner is impressively durable, handling drink spills and even the occasional drop in the snow without skipping a beat. It’s clearly designed with farm and rural life in mind while maintaining a cozy yet professional feel.”
Manitoba Sheep Association Symposium &
AGM Set for February 8
The Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA) invites members of the sheep farming community to its Symposium and Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, February 8, 2025, at 6 pm. The event will take place at the Heartland Multiplex in MacGregor, MB and promises to be an evening of industry updates, engaging discussions, and valuable connections.
The symposium and AGM will provide attendees with:
- Updates on industry developments that impact sheep farming in Manitoba.
- Opportunities for networking and knowledge sharing among producers.
- A chance to engage with MSA leadership and stay informed on association initiatives.
For those unable to attend in person, MSA has made arrangements to offer the meeting via Zoom. However, virtual attendance will be as an observer only, due to the limitations of the available technology.
Producers interested in attending are encouraged to register by emailing mb@mbsheep.ca.
Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow producers, stay informed about industry trends, and contribute to the growth and sustainability of Manitoba’s sheep farming community.
Lights, Camera, Action… Fourth Year of Hometown Roots Photo Contest
Lallemand Plant Care is excited to announce the details of the 2025 Hometown Roots Photo Contest. This year, participants can now enter by sharing a photo or a 30-second video, offering even more creative ways to support your community with a $5,000 donation from Lallemand.
“At Lallemand Plant Care, supporting our communities is at the heart of what we do,” says Anne Favre, Strategic Marketing Director – USA & Canada, Lallemand Plant Care. “We’re excited to bring this contest back and look forward to seeing how participants showcase the spirit of agriculture and rural life.”
To enter, take a photo or a 30-second video (maximum) that you feel best celebrates agriculture and your rural community. Upload it at lallemandhometownroots.com and include a brief description of how the photo or video represents what makes your community or farm special. You can submit one photo or video per week, for a maximum of 10 entries. No purchase is necessary to enter or win.
The contest will run until August 15, 2025. There are three prizes available, each consisting of a $5,000 cheque payable to a local community organization or charity of the winner’s choice. There will be one CAD $5,000 prize each for Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan.
Since its inception in 2021, the Hometown Roots Photo Contest has enabled Lallemand to award 20 participants with a connection to agriculture in Canada and the U.S. and donated $100,000 to their local communities.
Watch Dairy Heifers Grow on Well-Balanced Diets
I have balanced many dairy heifer replacement diets in the last few months. It’s a pretty easy exercise, once I put it down on a pdf spreadsheet and then email it to the dairy producer. I am confident that all heifer nutrient requirements are met, given how heifers consume it. Plus, I want to make up these diets as practical as possible, so the producer can make nutritious TMRs with ease. A little forethought, even before I press the first keystroke will go a long way, so well-balanced palatable heifer diets can be achieved to help them grow into profitable milk cows.
As a dairy nutritionist, I advocate three objectives that are the foundation of most well-balanced replacement heifer diets fed through the next 20 – 23 months. They are:
1. Estimate young and bred heifer nutrient requirements to achieve desired heifer growth.
2. Promote and then maintain good dry matter intake of feed.
3. Optimum health and body condition.
When mixing up a load of heifer TMR, I believe that we can meet most of their nutrient requirements for good growth, if we meet don’t exceed dietary targets of 66 – 69% TDN (total digestible nutrients), 14 – 16% protein and a compliment of essential minerals and vitamins. These post-wean diets should support desired growth rates of 1.8 – 2.2 lbs per day until young heifers of 4 – 12 months are bred. Then, these dietary specifications might be relaxed by 10 – 15% in order to achieve consistent growth and maintain desired BCS until they are just about to calve and enter the milk-line at 22 -24 months. Estimated dry matter intake of feed should be around 2.5 – 3.0% across all age groups. And we all do not want replacement heifers to get fat!
So, it is a good idea to keep walking the dairy heifer pens and assess their body condition at all stages of development. This means that all potential candidates for the future milk-line should not deviate too much from an optimum BCS of 3.0 – 3.5 (1 = emaciated and 5 = obese). This is because BCS mirrors how well that we match dietary energy to their post-weaning calf growth. This is particularly important when replacement heifers are ready for breeding (show strong estrus cycles) with target bodyweight of 775 – 800 lbs and shoulder height of at least 48” – 49”. Consequently, I put these few objectives into the reallife TMR diets of two particular dairies – a 300-cow dairy as note by #1 and a 100-cow dairy as noted by #2. Their illustrated heifer replacement diets are split into two; 1A and 2A for unbred heifers of 4 – 12 months and 1B and 2B for bred heifers of 12 – 23 months. At 23 months of age, both groups are put on a specific closeup feeding program for one month before calving and put on the milk-line.
A comparison between these bred heifer diets shows barley silage is the
foundation of each bred heifer diet with either alfalfa and/ or grass hay fed as their compliments. The larger dairy feeds more basic energy- and protein-enriched feed ingredients such as barley and distillers’ grains and a heifer premix in both heifer diets. Whereas, a heifer premix is also fed in the bred heifer diet of the smaller dairy, but no added grain. The biggest difference among the diets is that the unbred diet of the smaller dairy utilizes the TMR of its bred countermate and supplements it with an 18% heifer grain pellet. It is a good way of saving time on the smaller dairy. The producer of the larger dairy told me that because of the capacity of his TMR-mixer of 7,000 kg – it just makes sense to make up two separate TMRs because he has to feed nearly 200 heifers, everyday. Regardless of these producers making up these TMRs in their own way; all the nutrient requirements are met and they are ready to be put on the milk-line at two years of age.
Providing such good nutrition and practicality of making up these well-balanced TMRs should be transferable to almost any dairy farm. It’s a matter of choosing the best forages and feedstuffs that are available, formulate them into a well-balanced diet, and finally put them in front of the replacement dairy heifers to eat. And last to watch them grow!
Manitoba Beef Producers to Host
46th Annual General Meeting
By Dan Guetre
The Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) will hold its 46th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on February 2021, 2025, at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Winnipeg. The event will bring together Manitoba’s approximately 6,000 beef producers for discussions on industry challenges and opportunities, networking, and decision-making that impacts the province’s largest livestock commodity sector.
The two-day event will feature panel discussions, a trade show, and the debate and vote on key resolutions, including
a critical proposal to implement mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba.
The President’s Banquet will take place on the evening of February 20 and include award presentations, recognition of retiring board members, and entertainment.
This is an important opportunity for Manitoba’s beef producers to come together, engage in meaningful discussions, and help shape the future of the industry noted the MBP. They encourage everyone to participate, especially in the debate on mandatory livestock inspection, which has significant implications
for producers.
A key resolution up for debate is the implementation of mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba. MBP has created a FAQ document to help producers understand the implications of livestock inspection services.
For producers unable to attend the AGM, MBP is also conducting a general survey to collect feedback on this issue. However, the organization emphasized that the survey is for gathering input only and does not constitute a formal vote.
Attendance at the AGM is free, but tickets for the Pres-
ident’s Banquet are priced at $60 plus service fees. MBP encourages advance registration to assist with meal planning.
- Online: $65.23 (credit card, including service fees)
- At the Door: $63.39 (cash or cheque, including service fees)
- Mail: $63.39 (cheque, including service fees; mail to the MBP office) For more details and to access the draft agenda, producers can visit mbbeef.ca. Don’t miss your chance to help shape the future of Manitoba’s beef sector. Mark your calendars for February 20-21, 2025.
It is a good idea to keep walking the dairy heifer pens and assess their body condition at all stages of development. Submitted photo Peter Vitti
Dairy #1 & #2 heifer replacement diets are split into two; 1A and 2A for unbred heifers of 4 – 12 months and 1B and 2B for bred heifers of 12 – 23 months.
Manitoba Agriculture Shows Few Crops Have Good Returns Over Costs
By Elmer Heinrichs
It’s some three months until Canadian farmers will plant their next crop and at least eight months before the next harvest.
But as of now, potential profits from growing grains, oilseeds and pulses are looking grim in Western Canada.
“Costs have come down a little bit in 2025, but they’re still really high. And crop prices have gone down faster than our crop input (costs),” said Darren Bond, a farm management specialist with Manitoba Agriculture.
Manitoba Agriculture has
released its 2025 cost of production analysis for crops and the picture isn’t rosy.
All 16 crops in the Manitoba analysis show a return over operating costs, but only pinto beans show a return over total costs. That return is small and pinto beans are a minor acreage crop with only 111,000 acres in 2024.
Second place for 2025 profitability (smallest loss) goes to corn with oats in third place followed by canola, soybeans and hard red spring wheat. Average Manitoba yields are assumed with corn 140 bushels per acre, oats
120, canola at 45, soybeans at 40 and wheat at 65. Target prices have corn at $5.75 a bushel, oats at $4.10, canola at $13.25, soybeans at $12.00 and hard red spring wheat at $8.00.
Operating costs for 2025 are down marginally from last year, but crop prices have dropped even more.
The big variation from one farm to another comes in fixed costs for land and machinery. The Manitoba analysis makes an assumption about land and machinery owned versus financed.
The total equipment invest-
ment for conventional crops is assumed to be $650 per acre. The average land value is assumed to be $4,500 per acre.
Manitoba land costs come to nearly $104 an acre with machinery costs close to $87 an acre. For producers with minimal debt and who aren’t renting a lot of land, fixed costs will be much lower. This can make the difference between profit and loss.
It all seems to mean that farmers will need a sharp pencil as they decide on which crops to seed this year.
Easy Recipes Can Bring Variety to Menu
By Joan Airey
As I start writing this it isn’t cold out but high winds and snow have schools and roads closed in my areas. Hope everyone is staying safe. Cases of chicken breasts were on sale for a brand my granddaughter likes so I thought I’d take her advice and buy a case to make a little variety in menus. I halved the recipe and cooked it in a covered casserole and marked it as a recipe to make again.
Amazing Forgotten Chicken
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
1 can (10.5oz) cream of chicken soup
1 cup long grain rice, uncooked
1 package dry onion soup mix
1 1/2 cups water
Directions: Preheat the oven to 350F. In a large greased baking dish, spread the uncooked rice evenly across the bottom. Place the chicken breasts on top of the rice. In a bowl mix the cream of chicken soup and water until smooth. Pour the mixture over the chicken and rice. Sprinkle the dry onion soup mix evenly over the top. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 1 hour and 30 minutes. Do not remove the foil during baking. Serve hot, letting the chicken and rice absorb the flavours.
I tried this Gingerbread recipe shared by Joyce Stewart. Since there was leftover strawberries thicken in the fridge I served them over the whipped topping. If you have no marshmallow, whipped cream works fine.
Gingerbread
1/2 cup butter
1/2 cup sugar
1 egg
1/2 cup molasses
1 1/2 cups flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
3/4 teaspoon soda
1/2 teaspoon ginger
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/2 cup boiling water
Directions: Cream sugar and butter, add egg and molasses, mix well, add dry ingredients, alternating with water, beating after each addition. Bake at 350F for 35 to 40 minutes.
Sauce to serve on top:
Pint whipping cream
Add 1 cup marshmallow, miniature or cut up large ones. Soak 2 hours, whipping periodically with a whisk. Whip with whisk until its thick. Add a little vanilla.
The following recipe is approved by my youngest granddaughter; I like making it because I can use my slow cooker for it and serve it warm to guests with ice-cream.
Slow Cooker Hot Fudge Pudding Cake
First layer
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup flour
3 Tablespoons cocoa
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 cup milk
2 Tablespoons butter, melted
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
Second layer
1/4 cup cocoa
3/4 packed brown sugar
1 3/4 cup boiling water
Directions: Grease the inside of a 3.5 litre crock pot. For the first layer, mix brown sugar, flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl. Stir in milk, butter and vanilla. Place the batter (very thick) into a crock pot. For the second layer, mix the cocoa and brown sugar together and sprinkle over the batter in the crock pot. DO NOT STIR THIS MIXTURE. Pour the boiling water over the top. Do not stir cover and cook on high for two hours or until a wooden toothpick comes out clean. Serve immediately with ice cream or whipped cream.
Smokey Rice
The following recipe I use frequently and it can be halved if only serving two people.
1 cup uncooked white or brown rice
1/2 a green pepper chopped
1/2 a red pepper chopped
2 celery ribs, finely chopped
1 small onion, finely chopped
3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon celery salt (optional)
2 1/2 cups chicken broth
Directions: Place all the ingredients in a covered casserole and bake in the oven for one hour to an hour and fifteen minutes at 350F.
Beef Producers Enjoyed Good Prices Last
Year But Are Wary of ‘25
By Elmer Heinrichs
A calendar year that started with extremely low temperatures ended with record-high cattle prices. Feeder prices continued to rise throughout 2024 and reached all-time highs late in the year, fuelled by a shrinking North American cattle herd, a weaker Canadian dollar and declining feed costs.
During the week ending December 15 in 2023, the highest price for a feeder steer in Manitoba was $470 per hundredweight, and for a feeder heifer was $380. On December 13, 2024, the highs were $680 and $588/cwt., up 44.7 and 54.7 per cent, respectively.
Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MPB) president Matthew Atkinson said numerous factors came together to make 2024 one of the best years in recent memory for the cattle sector.
“We’ve got interest rates coming down … We had an incredible growing year that saw some record hay yields and we combined that with some record high prices through the fall and cheap feed grain prices,” said Atkinson.
Operating costs increased in 2024, Atkinson noted, but most were in the first half of the year amid frigid temperatures in January and a wet spring. Input costs were steady throughout the year compared to cattle prices, which ramped up in the second half.
“We were struggling away (in previous years). A lot of guys were operating in the red and subsidizing the price of their calves with off-farm jobs,” Atkinson recalled. “Now we’re sitting in a very positive price upswing and that’s really seeing folks being quite profitable on the calves.”
Statistics Canada reported the country’s cattle herd declined to about 11.1 million cattle and calves as of January 1, 2024, the lowest total since 1989. Declining numbers have made it more difficult for feedlots to purchase cattle.
“You have that fixed cost in the feedlot, so you have to justify the infrastructure and do your best to keep it full,” Atkinson said. “When we see that shortfall happening, we have quite a lot of bunk space in Western Canada and we’re struggling to have calves to fill up.”
He said predation will remain an issue for producers, especially with record cattle prices. United States president-elect Donald Trump’s comments on potential tariffs have also created more uncertainty.
One of MBP’s initiatives for 2025 is implementation of a livestock inspection service in Manitoba. The other three provinces in Western Canada already have one.
“We’ve had a lot of pressure on the heels of some major frauds and missing cattle and issues over cattle ownership over the past few years,” Atkinson said. “We’ve had a lot of consultation about this and we’ve had positive feedback on the need for such an oversight in the industry.”
As for expectations in 2025, Atkinson said these are unprecedented times.
“Barring any sort of major trade interruptions, I think there are great opportunities for major producers to take advantage of some profitable years,” he said.
Self-Saucing Chocolate Pudding (left) and Gingerbread pudding (right). Garnished with whip cream and strawberries from the freezer thickened with cornstarch.
Photo by Joan Airey
Have You Ordered Your Seeds?
By Joan Airey
My seed catalogues are sitting ready for me to order my seeds this week. My Vesey’s catalogue arrived this week and I have been studying my T & T Seeds catalogue since before Christmas. Some seed companies give a discount if you order early so keeping track of deadlines can help save money on your garden budget.
These recommendations for starting seeds came from Secord Crowe Greenhouse in Dauphin and they have worked for me for years. Seedlings will get too tall and weak if planted too early. Secord Crowe Greenhouse recommends starting Habanero peppers in January as they are really slow, but I have never tried growing them.
- February: onions, coleus, pansies, jalapeno peppers.
- March: Petunias, herbs, celery, sweet pepper, impatiens.
- April: Tomatoes, short marigolds, cabbages, salvia, rudbeckia.
- May: Melons, zinnias, tall marigolds.
In November I attended the launch of “The Prairie Garden” in Winnipeg”. It was the best learning experience I have had at the book launch. Speakers were ones who had written articles in the book and had a wealth of gardening knowledge to share with everyone plus some seeds one speaker had saved she shared with attendees. One writer says in the book to water the base of the plant, not the leaves. Soak the whole root ball which may be as wide as the plant and may go down more than a foot deep. I keep my book by the chesterfield and read it when I have a minute or two.
CaliKim of YouTube’s CaliKim Garden & Home Has Just has a new book released “The 10-minute Gardener” it’s on how to have a veggie garden and a life plus 85 time saving tactics to be more efficient and grow more food in less time. I’ve been reading it and dreaming of spring recently. It’s full of some great ideas. One tip from the book that I think is important: Train yourself to always be on the lookout for yellowing or spotted leaves, often the first sign of tomato disease. Early detection and removal of these leaves or branches can mean the difference between a tomato plant succumbing to disease mid-season or being productive throughout the season.
I plan to start an indoor garden before the end of the month and order my seeds.
My neighbour was telling me one municipality in Manitoba is selling electric composters for a reasonable price and she has asked ours to do the same. I’m hoping this venture takes place as I’d love to have compost quicker than I do now. Have any of my readers had experience with the electric composer?
Happy New Year to everyone. With the amount of
MPSG Encourages Pulse and Soybean Crop Experimentation
By Elmer Heinrichs
For Manitoba’s pulse and soybean growers, 2024 was a year of unexpected challenges and surprising success.
Daryl Domitruk, executive director of the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG), reflected on the year, noting that early conditions didn’t inspire much optimism.
“Our crops went into cold, dry ground that quickly turned wet and stormy. We
were bracing for a tough year,” Domitruk said.
However, as the season progressed, weather conditions improved, creating an environment particularly favourable for soybeans and dry beans. The result was strong yields that helped compensate for lower-thanusual market prices.
“Peas were a bit more variable because they don’t handle excess moisture well, but even there, we had decent
results,” Domitruk added.
“Looking back, 2024 was a solid year for our industry.”
As farmers across the Prairies turn their attention to 2025, optimism remains steady. Soybeans continue to attract interest due to their ability to reduce fertilizer and crop protection costs, while dry beans have cemented Manitoba’s status as Canada’s top producer of the crop.
Domitruk highlighted the growing interest in diversi-
fying into high-management, high-return crops like dry beans, especially in western Manitoba.
Other legumes, including peas and even niche crops like lupins, also present opportunities for Manitoba growers. MPSG is encouraging farmers to experiment with new crops and explore diversification options, which could further strengthen the industry in the coming years.
Canada’s Agri-Food Sector Dodges a Bullet as Parliament Hits Pause
By Sylvain Charlebois
For farmers and stakeholders across the agri-food supply chain, 2025 has started on a high note.
January 6 was a particularly good day for the sector. While Prime Minister Trudeau remains at the helm, Parliament has been prorogued, and with it, the future of some contentious legislative proposals is in serious doubt. When MPs return on March 24, the government will likely face a confidence vote, potentially leaving several flawed bills and proposals to die on the order paper.
Among the most notable casualties are Bills C-282 and C-293, as well as proposed changes to the taxable portion of capital gains. For those of us concerned about the economics of food and farming, this marks a rare victory for pragmatism over politics.
The proposed capital gains tax reform
One of the most controversial proposals that failed to survive was a plan to increase the taxable portion of capital gains from 50 to 66.7 per cent for individuals and companies earning over $250,000 in capital gains. This change would have represented a significant financial burden for farmers, who often rely on the sale of land, equipment, or quotas as part of succession planning.
While the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) may still be considering modifications to capital gains taxation, the rejection of this proposal underscores the importance of sound political leadership. Farmers and agri-food businesses need policies that
foster growth and sustainability – not measures that create additional economic barriers. The failed proposal highlights how chaotic and disconnected Ottawa’s approach to economic policy has been in recent years.
Bill C-282: A misguided trade policy
Bill C-282, championed by a Bloc Québécois MP, aimed to grant permanent immunity to supply-managed sectors – poultry, eggs, and dairy – during future trade negotiations. This would have barred Canada from making further concessions on these industries, such as granting tariff-free access to foreign cheese, butter, chicken, or eggs. While supply management plays a critical role in stabilizing certain agricultural markets, the approach proposed in this bill would have significantly narrowed Canada’s trade flexibility.
Currently, tariffs on supply-managed goods can exceed 300 per cent for imports, a level of protectionism that has drawn ire from trading partners, particularly the United States.
With Donald Trump set to return to the White House, his administration already threatens tariffs on nearly all goods, including the $42 billion in agri-food exports Canada sends south annually. Bill C-282 would have made supply management a lightning rod in bilateral trade discussions, exposing the sector to targeted retaliation.
Protecting less than two per cent of the Canadian economy at the expense of the other 98 per cent is simply bad trade policy. Supply management has functioned
effectively for decades without the need for such drastic legislative measures. This bill’s demise is a relief for those who value balanced trade agreements that benefit the broader economy.
Bill C-293: The overreach of “Canada’s Vegan Act”
Bill C-293, dubbed “Canada’s Vegan Act,” was another private member’s bill that sparked significant debate. Ostensibly designed to improve pandemic preparedness, it included provisions to “de-risk” animal protein production and promote alternative protein consumption. While innovation in food production is important, this bill crossed a line by appearing to push a particular dietary agenda – namely, vegetarianism and veganism – under the guise of public health.
Such proposals alienate farming communities and undermine consumer choice. Canada’s food system thrives on its diversity, and any attempt to dictate what Canadians should eat contradicts the principles of food democracy. Consumers must remain free to make their own decisions about their diets without undue interference from Ottawa.
The fact that Bills C-282 and C-293 advanced through the House of Commons reflects a deeper dysfunction in Parliament. Private member’s bills rarely make it this far, yet these proposals sailed through the lower chamber and left the Senate scrambling to decide their fate. Parliament’s prorogation provides a much-needed pause, allowing Canada’s lawmakers to reassess their priorities.
While both bills could technically be reintroduced, their chances of survival are slim. With Senate committees requiring reconstitution, the likelihood of either bill becoming law is infinitesimal – much to the relief of Canada’s farming communities and trade partners. The rejection of increased capital gains taxes and the demise of Bills C-282 and C-293 are wins for the agrifood sector and Canadian consumers alike. Farmers and food producers can now move forward more confidently, knowing that ill-conceived policies are less likely to hinder their operations. Supply management has proven its resilience without the need for overly restrictive legislation, and food democracy remains intact. Canada thrives on choice, innovation, and the freedom to compete on the global stage. Let this moment remind us that political leadership matters, especially in preserving the economic pillars that feed our nation and sustain our communities.
Dr. Sylvain Charlebois is a Canadian professor and researcher specializing in food distribution and policy. He is the senior director of the AgriFood Analytics Lab at Dalhousie University and co-host of The Food Professor Podcast. He is frequently cited in the media for his insights on food prices, agricultural trends, and the global food supply chain.
© Troy Media The views, opinions and positions expressed by all Troy Media columnists and contributors are the author’s alone. They do not inherently or expressly reflect the views, opinions and/or positions of Troy Media.
The Prairie Garden receives five stars in my books. The Ten Minute Gardener is a great book to help one get organized.
Photo by Joan Airey
Feed an All-Star Diet to Your Beef Cows after Calving
By Peter Vitti
A few years ago, I was driving north on highway #59 in southern Manitoba after suppertime. I don’t have much of a chance to see many stars in the city, so I stopped the car. While I was outside for a minute (it was -25C) near a pasture, some cows came up to the fence-line. My thoughts shifted from the skies to them, and I thought they were in pretty good body condition and would be ready, if they were to calve in a couple of months. Plus, they only need to retain this condition with the help of some well-balanced diets; once they are nursing a new calf and looking forward to be successfully re-bred.
That means that they should maintain a visible cows’ BCS of 5-6 by calving, which should be carried to the end of their breeding season. Such adequate BCS is research-proven to return a higher proportion of fertile beef cows compared to thin cows (BCS < 4.0); to a strong estrus 80 – 90 days post-partum, which ends in high conception rates. Their next-years’ calves, which are born earlier in a desired short-calving season, also results in higher autumn weaning weights (by as much as 23 – 25 kg).
Such BCS maintenance as well as the average cow produces about 10 litres of milk
for their newborn calf (re: 60 – 75% of all milk is produced in the first few months postcalving) - requires a good solid intake of essential nutrients. First-calf heifers also need more of the same nutrients in order to gain a couple hundred pounds of weight as they grow into maturity. Consequently, an average nursing beef cow requires about 25 – 50% more energy, 20 – 25% more protein and nearly double the minerals and vitamins compared to an early gestating beef cow. Her post-calving forage-based diet at this time should contain about 58 – 62% TDN, 11-12% protein, 0.70% calcium, 0.50% phosphorus, with a fortified compliment of other macro-, trace-minerals and vitamins. Such NRC requirements are also based upon the same cow consuming about 2 – 2.25% of her body weight (dm, basis) or about 10 – 13 kg of drybased feed.
It’s also going to be the more traditional cowherds that calve-out at the beginning of February to the middle of March, which will be further be challenged nutritionally - during the coldest weather of the season. As noted by university and extension research’s cold weather rule of thumb: for every 1 C drop in temperature below 0 C, the beef cows’ TDN energy maintenance requirements
are increased by about 2%.
A few years ago on the same subject, I asked a few beef producers how they successfully maintained their cows (BCS of 5-6), which calved-out during the coldest months of winter. This is how they responded to me: - 250 beef cows – The producer feeds a traditional overwinter diet of 35 - 40 lbs of good quality alfalfa -grass wrapped hay to his Simmental x black Angus herd. Once they calve; 3 – 4 lbs of barley are supplemented. 3 – 4 oz of a 1:1 Breeder cattle mineral w salt is fed on the side.
- 200 beef cows – This beef producer’s pure breed red Angus brood- and 1st calfcows are fed a TMR of 20 lbs of corn silage (with lots of grain) and 25 – 30 lbs 2nd cut alfalfa hay mixed with 4 oz of a 3:1 /vitamins premix with monensin. A few pounds of extra grain are only fed when the windchill temperature dips below -25 C.
- 220-beef herd of crossbred Herefords – This couple feeds an overwinter TMR of 25 lbs of barley silage and 20 lbs alfalfa/grass hay. They grain-feed 2 – 5 lbs of grain and usually feeds even another pound or so when the windchill temperature dips below -18 C. As the weather gets warmer and the cowherd is past 60 post-partum; grain feeding is eliminated,
average cow produces about 10 litres of milk for their newborn calf which requires a good solid intake of essential nutrients.
Submitted photo Peter Vitti
less barley silage is fed and replaced by lower-protein grass hay.
Most beef producers including these three testimonials often estimate the amount of feed that they will need for the winter; first-feeding their early-mid gestation cows the lower quality feeds such as straw-based diets or fair-quality grass-type hays, where cow requirements are modest.
Then as the calving season approaches implement more nutritious saved-feeds in their diets such as legume/ alfalfa hays and ensiled (higher energy) forages such as barley silage. Once the cows calve and their nutrient requirements are at their highest point; depending on forage quality, they bring out their All-Star diets, similar to those post-calving diets examined above.
Manitoba Seeks More Skilled Workers
By Elmer Heinrichs
Manitoba welcomed a record number of skilled newcomers to the province through a federal immigration program in 2024 - and now it wants permission to exceed that total by thousands of people this year.
The push to increase the number of newcomers accepted through the provincial nominee program comes as the federal government - which distributes nominee slots among the provinceshas soured on immigration.
In 2024, Manitoba accepted all of the 9,500 nominees it was allotted through the program, which brings skilled workers to the province to fill labour gaps.
Manitoba was granted 40 more nominee spots in December and filled those too, says Malaya Marcelino, the province’s labour and immigration minister.
In this year, Manitoba has
asked the federal government for as many as 12,000 nominations, the minister said - a 26 per cent jump from 2024’s allotment and nearly double the 6,325 nominees Manitoba had in 2022.
Marcelino says her NDP government, elected in October 2023, made sure it had the staff to welcome as many newcomers as possible. Ten more full-time equivalent positions were assigned to the provincial nominee program, for a total of 41.
The minister credited her department’s staff for reaching its provincial nominee quota, “and we did it within a year”.
Each nomination could represent an entire family, as chosen applicants can bring their spouse and any dependants.
Marcelino expects Ottawa will inform Manitoba of its decision by late February.
“We wouldn’t have asked
for that if we didn’t think we could do it,” she said. More immigrants are needed to help fill “deep and persisting labour shortages throughout our province,” said Marcelino. “We need as many folks as we can get.
The federal government said last year cuts, which included reducing immigration targets for the provincial nominee program by about half - from 110,000 in 2024 to a 55,000 annual target over the next three years - were necessary to stabilize population growth and relieve pressure on the housing market.”
But Marcelino said that won’t keep her from pushing for what the province needs.
“I’m going to keep asking and advocating and promoting Manitoba’s needs,” she said.
The fact Manitoba has widespread labour shortages speak to an economy with a low unemployment rate and
MCA Announces 2025 Annual General and Special Meeting
The Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) will hold its 2025 Annual General and Special Meeting (AGSM) on February 13, 2025, at 7:45 am.
Farmer members can choose to attend the meeting in-person at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre (Wellington Room A) in Winnipeg, where breakfast will be served at 7:15 am, or virtually via Zoom webinar.
For virtual attendance, visit mbcropalliance.ca events for instructions. No registration is required for in-person attendees.
This event provides an opportunity for members to engage with the MCA and participate in discussions shaping the future of Manitoba’s crop sector.
Growing Interest in Pulse Crops from Manitoba Farmers
By Elmer Heinrichs
While 2024-25 pulse crops only wrapped up harvesting two or three months ago, more farmers in Manitoba are already looking ahead to add pulses and soybeans to next year’s rotation.
Laura Schmidt, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers’ production specialist for the western half of the province, said more farmers are considering seeding for food-grade soybeans as well as more niche crops such as faba beans.
the means to expand, Strain said. “In order to grow, you need human capital, so particularly in … some of the rural areas, what’s holding them back is the lack of labour.”
The government is increasingly using the provincial nominee program to fill labour shortages in those rural and northern areas, Marcelino said. In the past two years, the province created five regional immigration initiatives through which communities can select the number of provincial nominees they need.
Programs in the cities of Morden and Winkler, and the surrounding rural municipality of Stanley, have been running since 2013, issuing 293 nominations between them, while programs in Brandon and the westcentral area, which includes Russell and Roblin, launched late last year.
“We haven’t seen a ton of production of [faba beans], but they are another pulse option to work in the rotation which we’ve seen interest pick up in,” Schmidt said. “Dry beans is the other one where we’re seeing that bigger spike in interest, that expansion in Western Canada, with peas that stay consistent year after year.”
One of the reasons farmers may be switching to pulses is the crop health benefits.
“There are a lot of advantages in terms of capturing that nitrogen fixation benefit that these crops offer,” she added.
Citing crop insurance data, Schmidt said Manitoba grew 1.3 million acres of soybeans in 2024-25, down 17 per cent from the previous year. Of those acres, 30,000 were conventional food-grade soybeans.
There were also 180,000 acres of peas, an eight per cent increase, as well as 183,000 dry bean acres, up 28 per cent from 2023. Pinto and black bean varieties increased the most in terms of acres.
“Navy bean production has been decreasing over the last four years and are trickling down, while pinto and black beans have been climbing,” Schmidt added.
“We’re expanding dry bean production into western Manitoba and more northern growing regions and the shorter-season black bean variety is really filling in that expansion.”
Despite a cool, wet start to the growing season and a hot, dry, windy summer, Schmidt said she was “pleasantly surprised” with crop yields.
Soybeans ranged from 35 to 65 bushels per acre at an average of 40 bu. /ac. Peas ranged from 30 to 85 bu./ac. with an average of 45, while dry beans yielded between 500 to 3,000 pounds per acre at an average of 1,800.
The
