MBP E-Newsletter - December 18, 2020

December 18, 2020

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

The next issue of the MBP E-Newsletter will be delivered on January 8, 2021 1

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

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

Please, I Beg You, Do Not Rinse Your Ground Beef New report from The School of Public Policy: Canada’s food system vulnerable Big beef has bounced back after first devastating outbreaks, but threat of second wave still looms

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Resolutions Suggestion Form for 42nd Manitoba Beef Producers AGM Manitoba Beef Producers’ board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested late resolutions for potential debate at its virtual 42nd Annual General Meeting set for February 11, 2021. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBP’s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the resolutions session. In consultation with the resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions.

Please note: if the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking.

See sample resolutions and submission instructions on page 2, and provide your proposed resolution on the form below.

Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

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

Email Address: _____________________________________

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Sample Resolutions Arising from Past Manitoba Beef Producers District Meetings Example 1 Whereas blackbirds cause significant losses to producers’ crops.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Minister of Sustainable Development to include blackbird damage as eligible for claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage.

Example 2 Whereas Manitoba Agriculture recognizes that bale grazing of beef cattle can save producers time, effort and money and help distribute valuable nutrients to the soil to enhance future productivity; and Whereas even though this practice is well utilized by Manitoba’s beef producers, they currently receive no compensation for wildlife damage to bales left in fields or pastures for feeding purposes.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government for changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage to ensure that baled hay that remains on fields for use as part of an extended feeding regime becomes eligible for compensation related to wildlife damage.

Submission Instructions for Proposed Resolutions Please send the proposed resolution (along with your contact information) to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Alternatively, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4.

For resolutions to be reviewed by MBP’s board of directors and posted on MBP’s website prior to the 42nd AGM for others to see, they need to be received by MBP no later than 8:30 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2021.

Thanks for your assistance in this regard and we look forward to an engaging virtual resolutions debate!

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Cash Reference Margin Pilot Program Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) is undertaking an AgriStability pilot program for the 2020 and 2021 program years and it is open to Manitoba producers. This pilot program allows a producer’s reference margin to be calculated using cash income and expenses.

The pilot makes it easier for new and returning participants to apply for benefits by reducing the amount of historical information they need to provide and to gauge existing producers’ interest in having their reference margins based on the cash versus accrual basis going forward.

Under the Cash Reference Margin Pilot, AAFC will calculate your reference margin using the cash income and expenses you reported for income tax purposes with no accrual adjustments applied. To participate in the pilot for the 2020 program year, you must: •

farm in Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, or New Brunswick

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file your taxes on the cash basis

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be enrolled in AgriStability for the 2020 program year

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participate in the pilot for the 2020 program year and the 2021 program year if you enroll in AgriStability for 2021

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complete and return this consent form by March 31, 2021

pilot. For partnerships, each partner can decide if they want to participate.

If you are a new or rejoining participant, AAFC will contact you to request the additional information AAFC will need to build your reference margin.

For a more detailed explanation of the pilot go to: https://www.agr.gc.ca/eng/agriculturalprograms-andservices/agristability/agristability-cashreference-margin-pilot/?id=1601675728780 If you have any questions about the program, please call 1-866-367-8506. If you are interested in applying for the pilot, please click here The deadline to join the pilot is March 31, 2021 for the 2020 program year and March 31, 2022 for the 2021 program year.

For combined operations, each member of the whole farm must participate in the

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NEWS RELEASE Loblaw becomes first Canadian retailer to purchase beef from CRSB Certified Sustainable farms and ranches December 18, 2020 – Today, Loblaw Companies Limited (TSX: L, “Loblaw”) announced its purchase of one million pounds of beef from CRSB Certified farms and ranches. As the first Canadian retailer to do so, Loblaw is reaffirming its commitment to sustainable sourcing and the Canadian beef industry.

Loblaw was a founding member of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) and has been a key contributor in developing standards to measure, set strategic goals and recognize sustainable practices that also rewards Canadian beef producers for their on-going sustainability efforts at the farm level. The beef purchased was raised on Certified Sustainable farms and ranches that meet the sustainability standards set by the CRSB, and sourced using a mass balance system, whereby the beef sourced as CRSB Certified will be incorporated into Loblaw’s overall beef purchases.

“This is one of the many investments we have and will continue to make as we advance our commitments to a local and sustainable food future,” says Tonya Lagrasta, Senior Director, Corporate Social Responsibility at Loblaw. “Supporting solutions in Canada that contribute to the protection and preservation of nature and our shared biodiversity are critical and we are committed to engaging at all levels of the supply chain to drive greater transparency, traceability and sustainability.”

Already a global leader in sustainable beef production, lands used for Canadian beef production represent 44 million acres of grassland which store approximately 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon in Canada. The beef industry provides the largest proportion of wildlife habitat capacity within the agricultural landscape - 68% on only 1/3 of Canada’s agricultural land.1 “CRSB is excited to see a large grocery retailer like Loblaw, committed to working collaboratively with the beef industry, show their support for the sustainable practices in beef production, and sharing that story with Canadian consumers,” says Anne Wasko, Chair of the CRSB and rancher from Eastend SK. “Now more than ever, people are keen to know more about how their food is raised, and as a rancher myself, we appreciate the dedication of our partners in sharing the positive impact of Canadian beef as part of a sustainable food system.”

Learn more about CRSB sustainability certification, and meet some of their certified ranchers at crsbcertified.ca. For more information about Loblaw’s sustainability efforts visit loblaw.ca/responsibility.

- 30 ABOUT THE CRSB Established in 2014, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative focused on advancing environmental, social and economic sustainability in the Canadian beef industry. The CRSB drives recognition and continuous

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Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB). (2016). National Beef Sustainability Assessment and Strategy summary report. Calgary, AB: CRSB.

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progress in beef sustainability through benchmarking, setting strategic goals, and communicating on-the-ground continuous improvement. Launched in 2017, CRSB’s Certified Sustainable Beef Framework was developed as a tool to recognize sustainable practices through 3rd party certification, support sustainable commitments for the retail and foodservice industry, and build consumer trust through credible, science-based claims about sustainable beef production in Canada. Learn more at crsb.ca.

ABOUT LOBLAW COMPANIES LIMITED Loblaw Companies Limited is the nation's largest retailer, providing Canadians with grocery, pharmacy, health and beauty, apparel, general merchandise, financial services, and wireless mobile products and services. Loblaw's purpose – Live Life Well® – promotes the needs and wellbeing of Canadians, who make one billion transactions annually in the company's stores. With more than 2,400 corporate, franchised and associate-owned locations, Loblaw, its franchisees, and associate-owners employ almost 200,000 full- and part-time employees, making it one of Canada's largest private sector employers.

For more information, contact: Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) info@crsb.ca Loblaw Public Relations pr@loblaw.ca

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

Date: Time: Place:

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

Register for Stock talk webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502

Submit your questions prior to or during the talk.

Agenda 1:00 pm

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

1:40 pm

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

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

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

Farmers and Other Stakeholders Invited to Comment on Manitoba Plan to Transition to Permanent Ag Plastic Waste Recycling (December 16, 2020 Cleanfarms News Release) - A pilot

project in Manitoba that collects and recycles plastic agricultural waste such as grain bags and baler twine is set to transition to a permanent, province-wide, industry-funded ag recycling program in 2021. The organization that operates the provincially-funded pilot, Cleanfarms, has been asked by Manitoba Conservation and Climate (MCC) to develop and consult on a stewardship transition plan.

Cleanfarms has developed a first draft of the plan, Manitoba Ag Plastic Plan, and is inviting farmers, companies that supply ag plastics to farmers and other stakeholders to comment on it. Written comments on this version can be submitted until January 12, 2021. They should be sent to Cleanfarms' Manager of Stakeholder Relations, KimTimmer: timmerk@cleanfarms.ca Comments are encouraged from producer groups, industry and municipal associations, as well as Manitoba farmers.

Cleanfarms developed the plan based on data collected in the Manitoba pilots and on best practices honed over years of running similar ag waste recycling programs across the Prairies.

Part of the goal is to harmonize ag waste recycling programs in the Prairie provinces.

Once comments are received and processed, a second version of the plan will be submitted to MCC on January 30, 2021. Cleanfarms hopes to receive final plan approval from the provincial government by the end of March so that it can begin transition to the industry-funded model in early spring.

Funding for the permanent program will be managed through an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) collected by companies that supply farmers with grain bags and twine at the time these items are purchased.

"Grain bags and twine are valuable tools that farmers use to grow food and to operate their farms more efficiently. However, these materials can be difficult to manage effectively at end of life. The Cleanfarms stewardship program would see them recycled into new products, such as plastic bags," noted Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen.

Estimates suggest that approximately 1,400 tonnes of non-organic ag plastic waste are generated by Manitoba farms annually.

In 2019, Manitoba farmers returned 51 tonnes of ag plastic waste in the pilot program, up from 34 metric tonnes the year before.

"Studies have shown us that Manitoba farmers want recycling programs. We're anticipating that should a permanent program move ahead, we'll see the number of recovered tonnes start to climb steadily. And that's good for Manitoba's sustainable agriculture sector and the environment," Friesen said.

About Cleanfarms Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication and grain bag industries.

A list of pilot collection sites is available on the Cleanfarms/Manitoba page on the Cleanfarms website.

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Government of Canada supporting Manitoba farmers to develop and implement solutions to combat climate change (December 16, 2020, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Canadian farmers are

leaders in climate-smart agriculture, finding new approaches to sustainably feed Canada and the world. The Government of Canada is continuing to support their efforts by bringing together farmers, scientists, and other partners to ensure they have the tools they need to protect the environment and grow their businesses.

The Honourable Jim Carr, Member of Parliament for Winnipeg South Centre, on behalf of the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the Government of Canada is providing up to $5.9 million for on-farm research activities. Under the project farmers and scientists will work in collaboration to develop and implement new technologies and best practices for environmental management.

The Living Lab-Eastern Prairies project has been launched throughout the last year on farms within the Upper Oak Lake, Swan Lake, North Shannon Creek and Main Drain watersheds.

The technologies and best management practices developed under this initiative are helping to give Manitoban farmers the tools to adjust to climate change and better address water quality, soil conservation and improve biodiversity on agricultural landscapes.

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evaluate new approaches to prevent nutrient, water and habitat losses in the Eastern Prairies; and,

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evaluate the use of regenerative grazing management to capture and sequester carbon in grassland soil.

Currently, farmers within these watersheds are taking part in AAFC research projects that include the construction of perennial grassed runways and buffer strips, cover cropping, intercropping, and poly cropping, and the construction of small wetland retention ponds.

The Living Lab-Eastern Prairies initiative is a collaboration of more than a dozen partners, including Environmental and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), and builds upon the work organizations like the Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) are doing to monitor and mitigate the agro-environmental issues taking place within Eastern Prairie watersheds, such as the over-use of artificial fertilizers. For more information, farmers are invited to visit Manitoba Association of Watersheds.

Quick facts •

The Living Laboratories Initiative is part of a nation-wide network funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

Other sites launched to date include Living Lab Atlantic in Prince Edward Island and Living Lab Quebec.

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The Living Laboratories Initiative is a collaborative approach that involves farmers and experts from many disciplines in the development and testing of innovative agricultural practices and technologies. The

Some of the key research includes work to: •

enhance habitats for beneficial insects;

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develop better tile draining practices;

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Government of Canada supporting Manitoba farmers to develop and implement solutions to combat climate change ultimate goal is to accelerate the development and adoption of best management practices and technologies by farmers.

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This initiative is part of a $70-million investment outlined in Budget 2017 to further support agricultural discovery science and innovation, with a focus on climate change and soil and water conservation.

The Manitoba Association of Watersheds is a not-for-profit organization that supports the 14 watershed districts in Manitoba. The organization works to advocate and promote best watershed management practices in Manitoba.

A Canadian-led Agroecosystem Living Labs approach – a novel approach to accelerating the development of sustainable agricultural practices and technologies around the world – was endorsed by the G20 Ministers of Agriculture in 2018 and 2019.

The investments of up to $5.9 million announced for the Living Laboratories Initiative in Manitoba include: o

o

$2.4 million for the Manitoba Association of Watersheds to implement various activities; and,

Environment and Climate Change Canada.

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The Living Lab-Eastern Prairies collaborative partners include producers and: o

Manitoba Association of Watersheds

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Assiniboine West Watershed District

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Pembina Valley Watershed District

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Swan Lake First Nation

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Redboine Watershed District

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Seine Rat Roseau Watershed District

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Environment and Climate Change Canada

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International Institute for Sustainable Development

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Keystone Agricultural Producers

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Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development

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Manitoba Forage & Grasslands Association

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Nature Conservancy of Canada

$3.5 million will be used to fund the work of federal scientists who support the project, including those at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and

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Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) COVID-19 Employer Survey The Canadian Agricultural HR Council (CAHRC) would like to learn about how the COVID-19 pandemic has affected your business, the supports your business needs, and your expectations for the future. We need this information to understand the impact of the pandemic on the agriculture workforce and to help ensure the agriculture industry is able to recover quickly in the coming years.

Please answer the questions as best you can, based on your experiences as an employer in the agricultural sector (i.e. farm business owner/operator).

will not be used to identify you or your business/operation directly or indirectly.

If you have any questions about this survey, please contact: Robert Meyer-Robinson 613-526-3090 ext. 417 Meyer-Robinson@conferenceboard.ca For more information about the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council, see: https://www.cahrc-ccrha.ca/

The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) provides national leadership to address current and emerging issues in the agricultural workforce. On behalf of the Council, The Conference Board of Canada is conducting this survey to learn more about the effects of COVID-19 on the agriculture workforce.

The survey should take up to 15 minutes to complete. For best results, please complete the survey using Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, or the latest version of Internet Explorer.

The deadline to complete the survey is Tuesday, January 5, 2021.

Link to the survey: http://survey.conferenceboard.ca/SE/82/C OVID19_Employer_Survey/ Your participation is completely confidential and voluntary. The information submitted

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Province Issues 2020 Fall Conditions Report: Hydrologic Conditions of Manitoba Basins at Time of Freeze-up (December 15, 2020 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Infrastructure’s

Hydrologic Forecast Centre has released the 2020 Fall Conditions Report that indicates soil moisture levels before freeze-up are normal to below normal in most Manitoba basins, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced.

“The 2020 Fall Conditions Report describes the hydrologic conditions of Manitoba basins at the time of freeze-up,” said Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler.

“Hydrologic and weather conditions in the winter and spring are the main factors that affect the risk and extent of high water events.”

Soil moisture at freeze-up is one of the major factors that affects spring run-off and potential flood risks. Due to minimal summer and fall precipitation, the soil moisture at freeze-up is normal to below normal for most of southern, central and western Manitoba basins, with the exception of the Little Saskatchewan River basin and in areas close to Brandon where the soil moisture is normal to above normal.

Northern Manitoba basins, including the Saskatchewan and Churchill river basins, have normal to above normal soil moisture.

surface run-off; it is water from the ground, flowing into the river channel over a period of time. Base flows on most rivers are normal to below normal for this time of the year, with the exception of northern Manitoba rivers, where base flows are well above normal to record high.

Environment and Climate Change Canada’s December long-term precipitation forecast indicates precipitation will be normal to above normal from December to February for most of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The National Weather Service (NWS) Climate Prediction Center’s outlook indicates above normal precipitation within the U.S. portion of the Red and Souris river basins from December to March.

“We will continue to monitor watershed conditions closely and will release spring flood outlooks through the winter as required,” noted Schuler.

To view the 2020 Fall Conditions Report visit: https:/www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/pdf/2 020/2020_fall_conditions_report.pdf.

The minister noted another factor affecting potential spring high water events is the base flow in rivers and the water levels on lakes prior to freeze-up. Base flow is a portion of the stream flow that is not from

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RCMP Remind Operators of Off-Road Vehicle Laws and Safety (RCMP News Release) Every year, RCMP respond to numerous calls about snowmobiles, all-terrain vehicles, dirt bikes and other off-road vehicles. Here are the laws that apply to anyone operating an off-road vehicle.

When operating an off-road vehicle on public land (ditches, Crown Land, roads, groomed snowmobile trails, etc.) the following laws apply: •

The ORV must be registered;

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Must be at least 14 years of age to operate an ORV without supervision;

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12-13 year olds must only operate an ORV under the direct supervision (within direct sight) of a parent;

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Must be at least 16 years of age and possess a valid driver’s licence in order to operate across a roadway or shoulder;

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Must not operate an ORV with more passengers than the ORV is designed to carry;

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Everyone riding an ORV must wear an approved helmet, unless: o

o

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The ORV is equipped with occupant roll-over protection and seat belts, and the seat belts are being used, or The ORV is being used for farming, commercial fishing, hunting or trapping operations;

Must not operate on roadway or shoulder (see Section 34 of the OffRoad Vehicle Act for exceptions for agricultural purposes)

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May only cross a roadway or shoulder at an intersection or designated ORV crossing such as a snowmobile trail crossing, and must hold a valid driver’s licence (see Section 35 of the Off-Road Vehicle Act);

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Must not carry open liquor or cannabis;

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Must operate the ORV in a safe and prudent manner;

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Must have headlights and tail lights on from 30 minutes prior to sunset until 30 minutes after sunrise.

When operating on private land (yards, farm land, pasture land, etc.): •

Ensure you have permission of the land owner;

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While some provincial laws such as the Off-Road Vehicle Act do not apply to private property, the Criminal Code of Canada does. Therefore, operating an ORV while impaired or with a blood alcohol concentration or blood drug concentration over the legal limit is a criminal offence, as is operating an ORV in a dangerous manner.

“This past year, 50% of fatal ORV collisions involved alcohol and/or drugs,“ said Sergeant Mark Hume, Officer in Charge of Westman Traffic Services. “In 60% of the collisions reported to police, the operator was found to be driving too fast and either lost control or struck an object. Of those killed in collisions, 1 in 3 were not wearing a helmet. All of these deaths could have been prevented.”

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