E-Newsletter: August 20, 2021

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP August 20, 2021

UPDATE

mbbeef.ca

Province Extends Application Deadline for BMP 503 re: Water Source Development (August 19, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government has extended the application deadline for Ag Action Manitoba- Assurance: Beneficial Management Practice (BMP 503) to Oct. 1 from Sept. 1, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced.

“As our dry weather continues, we are committed to ensuring that agricultural producers have options when it comes to dealing with this drought,” said Eichler. “By extending this application deadline, we will ensure that more producers will be able to apply and get assistance when they need it most.”

The Ag Action Manitoba Program Assurance under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, helps agricultural producers protect ground and surface water sources that are essential to ensuring the health of livestock and ground water sources. To date, the province has received almost 100 applications for a total of $630,000 in funding for the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas BMP. Items eligible for cost-shared funding include: •

water source development, constructing new or rehabilitating existing wells or dugouts;

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solar, wind or grid-powered alternative watering systems;

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permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts; and

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permanent pipeline development.

More details on the program are available at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadian-agriculturalpartnership/pubs/guidebook/ag-action-mb-program-guidefor-farmers.pdf#page=30 and answers to frequently asked questions are at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadianagricultural-partnership/pubs/faq/bmp-503-faq.pdf .

For information on how to apply, visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/environmentalfarm-plan/assurance-bmp.html .

For more information about managing dry conditions and other resources for producers, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html

FAQ AVAILABLE ON PAGES 3 & 4

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Ag leaders lean in to gender equity - Canadian Cattlemen Maritime farmers ship hay to drought-stricken Prairies as ranchers run out of feed - Winnipeg Free Press

Frequently Asked Questions BMP: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas (503) Q1. When is the deadline to apply?

A: Applications must be received no later than 11:59 pm Friday, October 1, 2021. Applications will be accepted continuously up to that date and will be reviewed on a weekly basis. They will be assessed by technical reviewers based on the environmental benefit assessment index, program priorities and project planning.

Q2. Do I have to complete my project this fall?

A: Yes. The project must be completed and claims submitted by November 5, 2021.

Q3. If I have already done a water source development project this spring, am I eligible?

A: Any projects for water source development occurring after April 1, 2021 are eligible. However, projects will need to be assessed prior to approval, and may require additional components (e.g. fencing of the dugout, alternative watering systems, etc.) in order to meet the BMP criteria.

Q4. What do I need to include with my application?

A: Please answer the questions provided in either the Farmers Application Form or ISP Application Form, and refer to the BMP Specific Questions listed in either the Farmers Guidebook or ISP Guidebook to assist you. Ensure that you explain the proposed project in detail, current practices on the farm, and the environmental benefit of the new practice. Include an aerial map of the pasture with the location of the existing and proposed water sources identified as well as any fencing (existing and proposed).

Q5. Do I need a valid Environmental Farm Plan Statement of Completion?

A: You can submit an application without a valid Statement of Completion, however, if your project is approved, you will be required to provide proof of a valid EFP by November 5, 2021 when you submit your project claim for reimbursement. Environmental Farm Plan workshop dates and locations will be listed at www.ManitobaEFP.ca .

Q6. Are confined livestock operations eligible?

A: No. This BMP is focused on livestock in pasture-based systems.

Q7. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size?

A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the dugout construction guideline.

Q8. Can I drill a new well in my yard?

A: Drilling a well in the yard is eligible if it is primarily intended for watering livestock on pasture and is the most cost efficient means of doing so. It can be used for supplying water to the yard as well, assuming the pastures are next to the yard. Only the well and pasture components are eligible for funding, not any components used for inyard water.

Q9. Do I need any permits?

A: Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This may include:  A Water Rights License is required for all livestock operations extracting more than 25,000 litres of water (25 m3 or 5,499 Imperial gallons) per day. If developing a new water source, a permit must be obtained in advance of starting work.  Approvals from the rural municipality or Crown.  Any other standards or approvals as required by law.

Q10. Can I pump / pipe / haul water from an existing water source into a dugout that has gone dry?

A: Piping or hauling water from any water source (well, dugout or wetland) into a dugout that has run dry is not eligible.

Q11. Do I have to fence my dugout?

A: Dugouts must be fenced to ensure livestock do not have direct access to the water within, which will prevent contamination and protect water quality.

Q12. I just need a water trough or water storage tank. Is this eligible?

A: No - watering system components such as watering bowls, troughs or storage tanks are only eligible as a part of a water source development project.

However, if your project includes development or rehabilitation of a water source (ex: well or dugout) or management of a riparian area (ex: exclusion fencing), watering system components are eligible.

Q13. How deep does a pipeline need to be?

A: Summer pasture pipelines permanently installed underground, and which can be properly winterized before freezing are eligible (ex: installed with a pasture pipeline plow). Above-ground pipelines are ineligible. Projects must be for permanent solutions only.

Q14. Can I apply for a project on a pasture that I rent?

A: Yes. Either the landowner or renter can apply. If the renter applies, they must identify the landowner and provide contact information with their application. For pastures on Crown Land, you must get approval from your local Farm Production Extension Specialist – Crown Lands.

Q15. If I have more questions, who can I contact?

A: Farmers can visit their local ARD/MASC Service Centre or call toll-free 1-844-769-6224.

Province Issues Overland Flood Warning For Areas In Southwest Manitoba And Parts Of Interlake Region Rivers and Creeks in the Brandon, Melita and Virden Areas

(August 20, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of

Manitoba Infrastructure has issued a precautionary overland flood warning for areas of southwest Manitoba and parts of central Manitoba. Rivers and creeks in Brandon, Melita, Virden and the Interlake region, including the Fisher and Icelandic rivers, could be affected by overland flooding.

There is a potential for significant precipitation to occur in most parts of southern and central Manitoba starting today and ending sometime next Wednesday. Southwest Manitoba, including areas near Brandon, Melita and Virden and parts of central Manitoba as well as the Interlake region, could get in the range of 100 to 150 millimetres (mm) of rain in the next three to five days that could lead to overland flooding.

A high-intensity summer rainfall in excess of 130 mm (five inches) in short duration could create overland flooding and flash flooding, even if the soil moisture is drier than normal.

Overland flooding typically occurs in low-lying farmland adjacent to rivers and streams. It can also lead to streets being flooded in urban areas if the local drainage system is not able to handle high-intensity rain events. This can lead to strong currents around street drains.

There is also the potential for severe thunderstorms in these areas. Thunderstorms are likely to occur either Saturday or Monday and, at the peak, could bring in excess of 100 mm of rain in a very short time.

It is unknown at this time where exactly the thunderstorms will occur.

Impacts of the forecast precipitation heavily depend on the amount, location and intensity of the event. Flows on main stems of major rivers (including the Red and Assiniboine rivers) will increase. However, flows will remain within the banks along main rivers.

Residents in these areas are advised to pay attention to sudden rising water levels in small creeks and urban drainage ditches.

Arriving in mailboxes and available online shortly!

Manitoba Beef Producers 2021 DroughtRelated Industry Survey reservoirs, restoring existing water sources, or hauling water. Producers are also asked to indicate their intentions with respect to herd sizes going forward, such as projected culling rates.

This survey should take about 5-10 minutes to complete. Your participation is sincerely appreciated.

In support of Manitoba Beef Producers’ drought-related advocacy efforts with the federal and provincial governments, MBP is conducting a confidential producer survey to gather further data on the impact the drought is having on the province’s beef sector.

For example, producers are being asked to identify their estimated percentage of feed/forage production compared to last year.

Producers are asked to indicate if they are incurring additional fencing costs in order to access alternate sources of feed for grazing.

There are questions related to the drought’s impact on water resources. This includes investments producers are having to make in this area, such as digging new wells or

Note: All data and comments collected will be aggregated before being used for MBP’s advocacy activities. No operation-specific identifying information will be shared with governments.

Thank you in advance for your consideration in completing the survey which can be found at the following link:

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/ YX52PFG MBP is continuing to engage with government officials about the severity of the drought, its effects on producers and the need for a timely, multi-pronged approach to help the beef industry deal with the immediate and longerterm implications of the drought.

Government of Canada increases total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to support farmers facing extreme weather Note: This announcement was made prior to the federal election being called.

(August 15, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister of Agriculture and

Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced that the Government of Canada has increased total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to address extraordinary costs faced by producers due to drought and wildfires. This includes initial funding of $100 million announced on August 6, 2021. As noted in the news release, “The final federal funding amounts will be for eligible extraordinary costs and will be determined once the joint assessments and program developments are completed.”

Given the extraordinary circumstances that farmers in Western Canada and parts of Ontario are facing, this increased funding ensures the federal government is ready to contribute to eligible provincial AgriRecovery costs on the 6040 cost-shared basis outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

The Government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario continue to work with the utmost urgency to complete joint assessments of the disaster and launch support programs. This will include direct assistance to affected livestock and agricultural producers, and help them with added costs of obtaining livestock feed, transportation and water.

Producers can also apply for interim payments under AgriStability to help them cope with immediate financial challenges. The Government of Canada and the governments of British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan,

Manitoba and Ontario have agreed to increase the 2021 AgriStability interim benefit payment percentage from 50% to 75%, so producers can access a greater portion of their benefit early to meet their urgent needs. British Columbia and Manitoba have also opened up late participation in AgriStability to farmers who did not register in 2021 so they can benefit from this important income support.

In addition to this support, the Government of Canada announced designations for Livestock Tax Deferral on July 22, 2021, and August 6, 2021, for prescribed drought regions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. This will allow beef producers who are forced to sell a significant amount of their breeding herd due to drought conditions to offset the resulting revenues with the costs to replace the herd.

The Government of Canada continues to stand with farm families during this difficult time and is taking concrete action to respond.

Quick facts •

To date, the governments of Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario have announced provincial commitments under the AgriRecovery Framework totaling up to $322 million. o

Alberta has announced a commitment of $136 million.

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Saskatchewan has announced a commitment of $119 million.

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Manitoba has announced a commitment of $62 million.

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Ontario has announced a commitment of $5 million. continued on page 8

Government of Canada increases total AgriRecovery funding to up to $500 million to support farmers facing extreme weather o

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An AgriRecovery assessment for British Columbia is underway, but details of its provincial funding commitment have not yet been announced.

Using the 60-40 cost-shared basis, as outlined under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the federal share would be up to $482.5 million, not including British Columbia's planned program. The final federal funding amounts will be for eligible extraordinary costs and will be determined once the joint assessments and program developments are completed. As the situation continues to evolve, the Government of Canada stands ready to take additional action as necessary to ensure farmers have the support they need.

Producers have access to a suite of Business Risk Management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage.

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AgriRecovery is a federal-provincialterritorial disaster relief framework intended to work together with the core BRM programs to help agricultural producers recover from natural disasters.

AgriRecovery helps with the extraordinary costs associated with recovering from disaster events.

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AgriStability is one of the BRM programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and

market conditions. While the deadline to enroll for the 2021 program year has passed, provinces may request late participation to make the program available to other producers during a crisis situation.

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An interim payment under AgriStability is based on estimates of a participant's program year production margin and reference margin. To receive an interim payment, the participant's estimated production margin must decline by more than 30% of their estimated reference margin. Participants can apply for an interim payment to access program funds early.

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Minister Bibeau continues to urge provinces to accept the Government of Canada's offer to raise the AgriStability compensation rate from 70% to 80%. This would provide farmers across the country an additional $75 million per year, benefitting distressed farmers who need help now more than ever.

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During a crisis such as this, farmers facing the stress and uncertainty of providing for their families may suffer serious mental health impacts. Those needing help are encouraged to reach out for support, and can contact The Do More Ag Foundation, a not-for-profit organization focusing on mental health in agriculture across Canada.

Associated links •

AgriStability Program

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Livestock Tax Deferral Provision

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Livestock Tax Deferral Provision - 2021 Prescribed Regions

Canada and Manitoba Invest in Drinking Water Infrastructure and Flood Prevention (August 13, 2021 Joint Federal/Provincial Government News Release – edited for length) The

governments of Canada and Manitoba continue to invest in local infrastructure during this unprecedented time to meet the needs of communities, enhance quality of life, and support economic recovery from COVID-19.

The Honourable Jim Carr, Minister and Special Representative for the Prairies, on behalf of the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and the Honourable Reg Helwer, Minister of Central Services, announced more than $146.5 million in joint funding for 11 projects across Manitoba to support green infrastructure. The projects will rehabilitate key water and wastewater infrastructure, as well as raise, rehabilitate, and replace dikes and dams to community needs and make these Manitoba communities even more resilient.

Dikes in St. Adolphe and St. Agathe will be raised to the 1:200 year flood protection level, ensuring the safety of the communities and surrounding areas for years to come. The project includes riverbank stabilization measures. The federal and provincial governments will contribute over $2.8 million in joint funding to these two projects.

The Government of Canada is investing more than $78.6 million in these projects through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Plan. Federal funding is conditional on fully satisfying environmental assessment requirements and consultations with Indigenous groups. The Government of Manitoba is investing more than $67.8 million, and contributions by recipients toward their respective projects are over $43.2 million.

Funding recipients are responsible for any additional project costs.

Note: This announcement will help fund projects such as: •

RM of Cartier: Assiniboine River dike interim rehabilitation works – realign and reconstruction numerous sections of the flood protection dikes that have been compromised by ongoing riverbank erosion and subsequent riverbank failures. The federal and provincial governments have each contributed $1,025,000 for this project.

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Portage Diversion channel enhancements – raise the East and West Portage Diversion dikes to bring the capacity of the downstream section of the Portage Diversion to its original design capacity. The federal and provincial governments have each committed $1,825,000 toward this project.

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RM of Riding Mountain West: Shellmouth Dam rehabilitation – Rehabilitate concrete spillway, riparian conduit outlets, bulkhead gate, control gates and hydraulic cylinders, storage facilities and instrumentation to monitor performance of the dam. The federal and provincial governments have each contributed $750,000 for this project.

For a complete overview of the funded projects go to: https://news.gov.mb.ca/news/index.html?item =52129&posted=2021-08-13

Livestock Producers Reminded To Be Cautious When Buying Hay By: Cory Knutt Originally published on August 14, 2021 https://portageonline.com/ag/agriculturenews-mb/livestock-producers-reminded-to-becautious-when-buying-hay Livestock producers are being advised to be cautious when trying to source feed.

RCMP say several producers in Saskatchewan have been the victim of fraud while attempting to purchase hay.

According to the RCMP, ads placed on social media and other buy/sell platforms have been posted by fraudsters who are requesting immediate payment prior to the buyer seeing the hay or being in a position to take delivery.

Several producers sent funds and then learned the seller was a scammer and did not have the hay.

RCMP say this is a reminder to ensure everyone takes steps to ensure transactions on-line or

over buy/sell platforms are conducted in a safe manner.

They say the best practice is not to send fund until you are in a position to confirm the product/items are legitimate and delivery has been established.

Jason Pollock, CEO of Livestock Services Saskatchewan, suggests people take the time to do their due diligence.

"Try to know who you're dealing with. Whether it's true past folks, look for references, try and call their references. Try not to be pressured into a position where you have to sight unseen now provide a sizable down payment or half upfront sort of thing."

He says it's also important to keep your paperwork in order, and ideally get something in writing, whether it's on an email or text.

"Anything in writing is better than a verbal conversation, especially if you have to go to civil litigation."

Fire Bulletin #23 – Changes Coming to Restrictions

(August 19, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) With the forecast for significant rainfall

to arrive over most parts of Manitoba in the coming days, the Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that current fire and travel restrictions can be lifted in most areas. Manitobans are reminded there are still some areas where the risk of wildfire may still exist even after the rain, therefore caution is required. These changes will take effect at 8 a.m. Friday, Aug. 20.

Outdoor Burning Provincial Burning Permits will once again be available through local or regional Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for all areas with the exception of Area 4, east of Lake Winnipeg. The issue of any burning permit remains at the discretion of the issuing officer, and may require a site examination, further conditions or both prior to issue. A reminder that campfires are permitted only in approved pits.

All provincial travel restrictions are lifted, with the exception of Area 4, which remains at level 2. Area 4 covers the large area north of the Wanipigow River, east of Lake Winnipeg to the Ontario border, including Atikaki Provincial Park, and north to Poplar River.

Level 2 Fire and Travel Restrictions: Area 4 • Provincial burning permits remain cancelled.

• Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit.

• Camping is restricted to developed

campgrounds.

• Campfires are permitted only between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.

• Wayside parks remain open.

• Landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only.

• Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations and should contact their local Manitoba Conservation and Climate office for more information.

The Province’s Fire and Travel Restrictions map will be updated to reflect these updated restrictions. Confirm your area’s restrictions before heading outdoors at: www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/index.html Many municipalities have implemented burning restrictions. Check with local municipal offices for more information or view the interactive Current Municipal Burning Restrictions at www.manitoba.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.ht ml. The province will not issue burning permits within or areas bordering any municipality where municipal burning restrictions are already in place.

For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews.

To report a wildfire, call 911 or the T.I.P. line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

MASC Applies Quality Adjustment Factor to Grain Corn their grain corn crop to an alternate use this year. MASC is insuring approximately 340,000 acres of grain corn in 2021.

(August 17, 2021 MASC website posting) Manitoba

Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) is now applying a quality adjustment factor to droughtstricken grain corn crops that are insured under the AgriInsurance program.

Yield appraisals conducted by MASC will be reduced by 40 per cent to reflect expectations of lower quality corn because of the stress that corn crops have endured due to the extreme low levels of moisture. The adjustment applies to grain corn crops that producers intend to put to alternate use, such as for silage or grazing.

The full yield appraisal (prior to quality adjustment) will be used to calculate future coverage, which provides producers who repurpose their crops for livestock feed an added benefit. This reduction will apply retroactively to producers who have already put

Similar action was taken by MASC on July 22 when a quality adjustment was announced for small grain cereal crops (all varieties of wheat, oats, fall rye, barley, and triticale) that were repurposed (put to alternate use) for livestock feed.

To help producers in determining corn yields, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development has prepared information on the Yield Component Method that can be used to estimate yields as early as the milk stage of kernel development. There is also information available on grazing cattle on corn and ensiling immature grain corn. For complete details on this and other information related to the drought, visit: Province of Manitoba | Agriculture - Dry Conditions and Drought (gov.mb.ca).

Producers who want to put their grain corn crops to alternate use must contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre prior to taking action.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops Availability Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via Online Meetings until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, click on the link “Register now!” in the link below for your preferred workshop date. Once registered, you will then receive an email with a link to access the meeting. Workbooks are mailed and you should receive yours approximately 1 week prior to the workshop. You can also visit this link to register: Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend. There is no preparation required for this workshop.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire at (204)6971140.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environme nt/events-and-deadlines/index.html Note: Workshops are currently available through November 2021.