E-Newsletter- December 3, 2021

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP December 3, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Governments Announce New Herd Management Program Under AgriRecovery Framework (November 30, 2021 Federal-Provincial News Release) The

Canada and Manitoba governments continue to support producers impacted by drought by announcing a Herd Management Drought Assistance program under the AgriRecovery framework. The program will help livestock producers offset the costs associated with replacing breeding animals culled due to shortages of winter feed, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced.

“My heart goes out to Manitoba ranchers, some of whom I visited this past summer, who were forced to send their breeding herds to market, selling genetics developed over generations at a fraction of their worth,” said Bibeau “Farmers needed their governments to act fast and we did. Through this program and other initiatives, we are helping farmers bounce back from the drought and build the resiliency needed to be sustainable in the face of climate change.”

“These extraordinary times have brought extraordinary challenges to our province’s livestock producers and having programs to help producers address feed issues and manage their herd size is paramount,” said Eichler.

“We all know this has been a tough year, so we remain determined to take the strides necessary to support our producers in any way possible.”

Eligible animals under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program include breeding females of beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk. Producers must be supporting a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance.

“Unfortunately the drought forced many producers to reduce their breeding inventory due to feed and water challenges, so the herd management program under AgriRecovery will be an important component toward helping to rebuild Manitoba’s beef breeding herd,” said Tyler Fulton, president, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP).

“MBP thanks the provincial and federal governments for making this assistance available, as extraordinary costs such as purchasing replacement breeding stock are not directly addressed in existing business risk management programs and this program recognizes the challenge created for producers because of it.”

“Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) thanks the provincial and federal governments for today’s announcement of a Herd Management Drought Assistance program," said Bill Campbell, president, KAP. “The program will help livestock producers rebuild their herds as they continue to face extraordinary challenges this winter.” continued on page 4

For reliable information and resources please visit:

COVID-19 Vaccine Updates (Source: Government of Manitoba News Releases) As of December 3, 2021 no cases of the B.1.1.529 (omicron) variant have been detected in Manitoba at this time and the province can confirm that all positive travel-related specimens are being sequenced.

The province continues to monitor the situation and work with federal officials in the fight against COVID19 and its variants. Federal travel restrictions can be found at https://travel.gc.ca/travel-covid.

Anyone returning from a country identified by the Government of Canada as requiring quarantine must self-identify their past 14-day travel history when seeking care at any health-care facility or if calling 911. Visitors who have travelled to any of these countries in the past 14 days will not be permitted access to health-care facilities.

The province urges Manitobans to follow the public health orders, focus on the fundamentals and get vaccinated. Vaccination still provides one of the best defences against COVID-19. Manitobans can find a vaccine location at https://protectmb.ca/makingyour-appointment-is-easy/.

Eligibility for first and second doses of the COVID-19 vaccine includes anyone aged five or older. A third dose of the COVID-19 vaccine is now available to all adults a minimum of six months after their last dose,

with limited exceptions. More information is available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#third.

Many Manitoba vaccine sites are offering walk-in and appointment-based vaccinations for COVID and seasonal flu. Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC). For hours and days of operation, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.htm l.

More resources about: •

Vaccine campaign in Manitoba www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

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Possible exposure locations by region www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/updates/fli ghts.html#event

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Data related to COVID-19, variants of concern, outbreaks and some downloadable and historic data https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/.

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Up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Request for Your Participation in an On-Line Producer Survey on Disease Risks and Vaccinations in western Canadian beef herds The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has an extension initiative in beef cow-calf herds in western Canada. Your opinion is important to determine the deliverables in this project. These deliverables will include tools to help you and your veterinarian reduce disease risks in your herd. The link below is to a producer survey which will ask you a series of questions to gather your thoughts on beef cattle vaccinations based on your experience in your own herd. Participation in the survey is voluntary and your responses will be kept confidential. Individual producer feedback will be summarized in a report of

all cow/calf producer responses, and this summary report will be shared with you and the industry.

We are expecting the survey to take approximately 15-20 minutes of your time. For your participation in this survey, your name will be entered into a lottery to win $500 plus a MBP cap. We thank you in advance for your participation. This survey will remain open until December 31, 2021.

Link to producer survey: https://survey.sogosurvey.com/r/YDBYyK

Herd management – cont. from page 1 This program will assist producers who must replace breeding females culled due to drought, helping to return the inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels. The replacement animals can be purchased or retained from the producer’s existing herds or flocks. Payments are determined by the increase in the inventory of breeding females, with payments capped once inventories are restored to pre-drought levels.

Application is a two-step process which starts with producers submitting their pre-drought and drought-affected inventories of breeding females. Forms for submitting these breeding animal numbers will be available in January 2022. Starting on Dec. 1, 2022, producers will be able to submit information on their breeding animal inventories post-drought. Payments will be issued after the post-drought inventory is submitted.

The announcement is part of the CanadaManitoba AgriRecovery Drought Assistance, announced in August 2021 to support livestock producers affected by this year’s drought conditions. Under this program, the Government of Canada is investing up to $93 million and the Manitoba government is investing $62 million to cover eligible extraordinary costs, for a total program of up to $155 million.

Herd Management Drought Assistance is the third program developed as part of this

investment. AgriRecovery is part of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership agreement, with funding shared on a 60-40 federalprovincial basis.

For more detailed program information, producers can contact their Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Service Centre, call the department toll-free at 1-84GROW-MB-AG (1-844-769-6224) or go to www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/livestock/agrir ecovery-herd-management-assistance.html.

Specific tools and resources for managing in dry conditions are available at www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/dry.html.

Note: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development has created a number of resources to help walk producers through the processes related to the Herd Management Drought Assistance program. See: •

Herd Management Drought Assistance - Frequently Asked Questions

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Video - Herd Management Drought Assistance - Determining Payments

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Video - Herd Management Drought Assistance - Two-Step Application Process

FAQ available on pages 5-8

Herd Management Drought Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Herd Management Drought Assistance program?

This program assists livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals, when culling is above normal because of winter feed shortages. If you are a producer, you may be eligible to apply for assistance to:  purchase replacement breeding females  retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock The replacement animals will help you return your inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Who can apply for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program?

You are eligible if you are a primary producer, who owned eligible animals that were located in Manitoba, and you were responsible for their feeding expenses as of Mar. 16, 2021. If you are an elk producer, you must have a Game Farm Production Licence, and only elk that were farmed under that licence are eligible. You must own a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

What animals are eligible?

The program provides assistance to replace breeding female beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats and elk that the applicant owned and had located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021. Breeding females are mature females (cows, ewes, does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs and bred does) that have previously calved, lambed or been exposed to breeding.

Is feed assistance provided for breeding animals that were culled?

Feed assistance is not available under this program for breeding animals that were culled. Assistance to purchase feed for breeding animals kept over the winter is available from the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program. You can receive both herd management and feed assistance for your herds or flocks. However, you cannot be paid twice (herd management and feed assistance) for the same animals.

Does it matter when breeding females were culled?

The program provides assistance to replace breeding females culled from Mar. 16, 2021 to Mar. 15, 2022. The decline in a producer’s inventory of breeding females over this period is one of the criteria being used to determine the program payments.

Which herd inventories need to be declared?

The program uses the following dates to assess the impact of drought and recovery on an applicant’s inventory of breeding females:  Mar. 16, 2021  Mar. 16, 2022  Jan. 31, 2023

The difference between the Mar. 16, 2022 (drought impacted) inventory and the Jan. 31, 2023 (recovery) inventory indicates the effect that purchasing and retaining replacement females has on drought recovery.

Jan. 31, 2023 inventory

March 16, 2022 inventory

Increase in inventory due to purchasing

(recovery inventory)

(drought impacted)

and retaining replacements

What are the payment rates for this program?

Payments per head for each animal type are listed in the table below. Payments are made for breeding females that are purchased or retained.

Animal Type(s) Payment ($) per head Beef Cattle, Bison and Elk $250 Sheep and Goats $50 Payments are based on the increase in the breeding female inventory between Mar. 16, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023.

The payments are calculated as follows: Per Head Payment Rate

Increase in inventory due to

Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250

purchasing and retaining

Sheep/Goats $50

replacements

Herd Management Program Payment

Jan. 31, 2023 Inventory Subtract March 16, 2022 Inventory

Is there a payment cap?

Payments are capped once inventory is restored to pre-drought levels. No payment will be made for increases in inventory beyond the pre-drought level.

Why are payments made after breeding females are replaced?

The program is designed to assist producers in restoring their herds after the drought. The program does not pay producers to downsize their herd. Breeding animals that have been culled must be replaced to be eligible.

What animals are not included in the breeding female inventory declared for this program?

The following animals should not be included in the declared inventories of breeding females:  animals sold before being exposed to breeding for the first time  market livestock intended for slaughter or purposes other than breeding  animals sold after Mar. 15, 2022  animals leased by the applicant  animals not located in Manitoba as of Mar. 16, 2021 (pre-drought) or Jan. 31, 2023 (when recovery complete)

When is an adjustment required for the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of breeding females?

Breeding females that gave birth between Jan. 1, 2022 and Mar. 15, 2022 and were sold in the same time period must be included in the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory declaration for the number of head. These females most likely have not been culled because of drought and are not eligible for assistance.

Does the program provide assistance for culling immature replacement females?

If immature females intended to breed are culled, a payment will be triggered if it causes the Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of mature and bred females to decline. However, the decision to cull mature females can impact this payment.  For example, if heifers intended to breed in the summer of 2021 are culled, the March 2022 inventory of breeding females may decrease because the herd has fewer bred heifers than normal. However, if the number of cows normally culled is reduced, the lower number of bred heifers may be partially or totally offset.

How do I apply for the Herd Management Program?

The application package will be available as of Jan. 10, 2022  on the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture)  in-person at Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Service Centres  by calling 1-844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail If you are applying, you will need to fully complete and submit your application, as part of a two-step process.

This process includes filling out: 1) application form to declare: a. Mar. 16, 2021 inventory of eligible breeding females owned b. Mar. 16, 2022 inventory of eligible breeding females owned 2) claim form to declare : a. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory of eligible breeding females Do we need to send in receipts, invoices or other records with our applications or claims?

No, you do not have to submit invoices, receipts or proof of payment with your application or claim forms.

However, you are expected to keep these documents for all breeding animals you have sold or purchased. You may be asked to submit them as part of a review or audit of your application or claim. In a limited number of cases, an on-farm visit or pregnancy check may also be requested to verify declarations.

What is the earliest date the application and claim form can be submitted?

Applications can be submitted starting in Jan. 2022 when they are available, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Mar. 16, 2022. Similarly, you can submit claim forms starting in December 2022, if you know the number of breeding females you will own as of Jan. 31, 2023

What are the program timelines and deadlines? 

Jan. 10, 2022 - Applications will be available.

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April 15, 2022, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for applications declaring Mar. 16, 2021 and Mar. 16, 2022 inventories.

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December 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available.

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Feb. 17, 2023, 11:59 p.m. – This is the deadline for claim forms declaring the Jan. 31, 2023 inventory.

For more information, contact: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8 Toll-free: 1-844-769-6224 Email: ARD@gov.mb.ca

Province Signs Contribution Agreement with Xplornet Communications Inc. To Start Network Build (November 30, 2021) The Manitoba government

has signed a contribution agreement with Xplornet Communications Inc. to provide broadband services to nearly 30 First Nations and approximately 350 rural and northern communities, Central Services Minister Reg Helwer announced.

“Our government recognizes the economic and social benefits of keeping Manitobans connected,” said Helwer. “That is why our government has committed to ensuring that Manitobans have access to information and services no matter where they work or reside in the province.”

In May, a memorandum of understanding was established with Xplornet Communications Inc. to connect approximately 125,000 unserved or underserved Manitobans living in 350 communities through broadband services.

The Manitoba government and Xplornet Communications Inc. have now finalized the

contribution agreement and associated documents to begin the network-building process. As part of the construction of the network connections, Xplornet will be engaging with businesses, local governments and First Nation communities, the minister noted.

“Xplornet is delighted to have concluded the agreements for the Rural Broadband Expansion program providing us with access to the province’s backbone fibre infrastructure and enabling us to begin the work to deliver next generation high speed Internet services to approximately 125,000 homes and business throughout rural Manitoba over the next two years”, said Allison Lenehan, president and CEO, Xplornet Communication Inc. Collaboration with our partners and making use of existing resources to advance connectivity across the province will ensure that Manitobans have access to timely information and improved services in rural communities, noted Helwer.

StockTalk Webinar Series The StockTalk webinar series starts on December 9.

Future dates include January 13, February 17, March 10 & April 14.

The sessions run from 1-2 pm and cover current forage and livestock topics.

Register:

The webinar on December 9 will cover nitrates and beef cattle nutrition, alternative feeds and the 2021 Agri-Recovery Drought Assistance programs.

https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/regi.../5178 910191774198797 Information: manitoba.ca/agriculture/onlineresources/stock-talk.html

Empty Grain Bags and Used Baler Twine Can Still be Recycled in Manitoba Environmental Handling Fee Implemented on December 1, 2021

(December 1, 2021 Cleanfarms News Release) – If

Manitoba farmers have empty grain bags or used baler twine around the farm, there is still time to tidy up and recycle them before the full onset of winter, Cleanfarms says.

“It doesn’t matter if the grain bags were purchased this year, or if they were left over from previous years,” says Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen. “As long as farmers take steps to make sure they are free of grain and debris and rolled, we’ll take them at our collection sites for recycling.”

Directions for preparing grain bags and twine for recycling are included on cleanfarms.ca Cleanfarms, a non-profit industry stewardship organization that has developed similar recycling programs for used ag plastics across Canada, has operated a multi-location pilot recycling collection program for used empty grain bags in Manitoba since 2013. It also developed and operates the successful small and large pesticide and fertilizer container recycling programs.

In 2020, Manitoba Conservation and Climate asked Cleanfarms to transition the grain bag and twine pilot to a province-wide permanent recycling program that will give Manitoba farmers broader access to recycling for these used ag plastics year-over-year. Under the regulation, responsibility for the permanent program now rests with the companies that supply grain bags and baler twine into the province.

Beginning on December 1, the regulated program includes a non-refundable

environmental handling fee (EHF) that helps cover the cost of recycling. It is applied to grain bag and baler twine sales at the time of purchase which usually begins in early summer.

For grain bags the EHF will be 25 cents per kilogram; for baler twine of all sizes it will be 33 cents per kilogram.

A similar program that includes an EHF has been in place for the past three years on the sale of grain bags under the provincially-regulated program in Saskatchewan. During this time, Saskatchewan farmers there have consistently surpassed year-over-year recycling rates. The Manitoba-regulated program will help to harmonize the recycling programs across the two Prairie provinces.

Cleanfarms has set up 35 recycling collection sites across Manitoba. Details about the location and hours of operation of each recycling collection site, along with instructions on how to prepare the materials for recycling can be found at cleanfarms.ca/what to recycle & where. Recycling collection centers are located in the following municipalities: •

RM of Armstrong – Chatfield Transfer Station

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RM of Armstrong – Inwood Transfer Station

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RM of Armstrong – Meleb Waste Disposal Grounds

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RM of Brenda-Waskada

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RM of Cartwright-Roblin Waste Transfer Station

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RM of Coldwell Eriksdale – Waste Disposal Grounds

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RM of Dauphin, Sammy’s Farm Supply continued on page 11

Empty Grain Bags and Used Baler Twine Can Still be Recycled in Manitoba Environmental Handling Fee Implemented on December 1, 2021 •

RM of Dauphin, Sifton Landfill

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RM of Two Borders, Pierson Landfill

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RM of Ethelbert – Mink Creek Waste Transfer Station

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RM of Victoria – Holland Waste Disposal Grounds

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Grandview Municipality Waste Transfer Station

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RM of Westinterlake – Ashern

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RM of Westinterlake – Oakview Waste Transfer Station

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RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Gladstone Location

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RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Langruth Location

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RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Plumas Location

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RM of Westlake-Gladstone – Westbourne Location

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RM of Grey – R-Way AG Ltd.

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RM of Grey Landfill

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RM of Lakeshore, Makinak Landfill

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RM of Lakeshore, Ochre River Landfill

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RM of Lakeshore, Rorketon Landfill

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Neepawa Area, Evergreen Technologies Regional Landfill

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RM of Norfolk-Treherne, Rathwell Transfer Station

Recycled grain bags are used to make new products such as plastic construction sheet products and industrial garbage bags. Recycled baler twine is made into car parts, composite decking, flowerpots, dimensional lumber and similar items.

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RM of Norfolk-Treherne, Treherne Transfer Station

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RM of Pipestone – Reston Landfill & Recycling Depot

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RM of Portage la Prairie, The Portage la Prairie Landfill

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RM of Riding Mountain West – Inglis Waste Disposal

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RM of Rosedale – Kelwood Landfill

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RM of Russell/Binscarth

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RM of Stanley SWAMP Landfill

Cleanfarms is a non-profit, agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future for present and future farm families by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, fertilizer, seed, animal health medication and grain bag industries. It has staff located in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan; Lethbridge, Alberta; Etobicoke, Ontario; and St-Bruno, Quebec.

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City of Steinbach, City of Steinbach Landfill Facility

View Manitoba’s Stewardship Program Plan for Designated Ag Plastics here.

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RM of Stuartburn

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RM of Thompson

Information about this program, go to recyclegrainbagsandtwine.ca

RCMP reminder for snowmobile safety •

Ride sober. Don't drink or consume drugs before or while snowmobiling.

Additionally, when operating a snowmobile or off-road vehicle on public land (ditches, Crown Land, roads, groomed snowmobile trails, etc.) please remember that the following laws apply:

(November 26, 2021 RCMP News Release) Every

winter, RCMP officers are called to scenes where snowmobilers have been badly injured or have lost their lives. This past month alone, two lives have already been lost on snowmobiles in Manitoba. In 2020, eight Manitobans died in snowmobile collisions.

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It must be registered;

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

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12-13 year olds must only operate 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 with more passengers than it is designed to carry;

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Everyone riding must wear an approved helmet, unless:

The RCMP wants everyone to ride safe while enjoying the outdoors so they make it home safely to their families: •

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Know your abilities and ride within your limits. This will allow you to always be in control of your snowmobile.

Always check the weather conditions before you leave.

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Always ride in groups and let people know where you're going, the route you will be taking, and when you expect to return.

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Always wear protective clothing, including a helmet, gloves, and eye protection. Wear layers of clothing to keep warm and dry.

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When possible, avoid crossing bodies of water. If you are crossing bodies of water, be cautious of ice thickness, never ride in single file, and wear a life jacket over your outer clothing.

1. The ORV is equipped with occupant roll-over protection and seat belts, and the seat belts are being used, or 2. 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 Off-Road Vehicle Act for exceptions for agricultural purposes)

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May only cross a roadway or shoulder at an intersection or continued on page 13

RCMP reminder for snowmobile safety designated crossing such as a snowmobile trail crossing, and must hold a valid driver's licence (see Section 35 of the Off-Road Vehicle Act); •

Must not carry open liquor or cannabis;

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Must operate 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.

"In the past five years, Manitoba RCMP have responded to 23 fatal snowmobile collisions where 65% involved alcohol and/or drugs," said Staff Sergeant Kyle McFadyen of Selkirk RCMP. "In 15 of the 23 fatal collisions, the operator was found to be driving too fast and either lost control or struck an object. Of those killed in collisions, eight were not wearing a helmet. All of these deaths could have been prevented."

REMINDER

Intake for Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance: Beneficial Management Practice Activities is Now Open

Producers are advised that the intake period for Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance: Beneficial Management Practice activities begins on Monday, November 8th and closes on December 10, 2021 for projects that will occur in 2022/23. More details on available on the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development site: https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/environ ment/environmental-farm-plan/assurancebmp.html

• Permanent fencing to restrict livestock access to surface water and dugouts — construction materials — associated components and installation costs

• Permanent pipeline development — pipe, plumbing materials, trenching, earthworks, etc.

— professional and contractor fees

This intake period includes applications for BMP 503 ‒ Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas. For this BMP there is a cost share ratio of 50:50 and a funding cap of $10,000 per application. Applicants may submit more than one application.

Under BMP 503 the following costs are eligible: • Water source development – Wells — drilling new or deepening existing wells, test hole drilling, screening, casing, well caps etc.

— water pumps and required plumbing components — professional and contractor fees

• Water source development – Dugouts — constructing new or rehabilitating existing dugouts, test hole drilling, etc.

— professional and contractor fees

• Alternative watering system equipment — solar, wind or grid powered systems — associated components and installation costs

• Watering system components* — watering bowls, troughs or storage tanks * Eligible as a part of a water source development project; items are not eligible as a stand-alone.

• personal labour ($25 per hour) and personal equipment use (at set program rates outlined in the Farm Machinery Custom and Rental Rate Guide) Ineligible costs include: maintenance and operation expenses; perimeter fencing for upland grazing management; expenses related to removing or replacing existing fences or water infrastructure, such as storage tanks or water troughs; portable livestock corral panels; portable gas/diesel powered water pumps, generators, water meters; materials and construction costs for pump houses; aeration systems for dugouts, etc.; above ground pipelines; hauling or pumping of water to fill empty dugouts; and, temporary set up of watering systems. continued on page

Intake for Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance: Beneficial Management Practice Activities is Now Open Examples of other BMPs eligible for cost-shared funding to farmers include: Resource Management Planning, Establishment of a Cover Crop, Increasing Frequency of Perennials in Annual Rotations, Perennial Cover for Sensitive Lands, Improved Pasture and Forage Quality, Intercropping, Farmyard Runoff Control, Relocation of Confined Livestock Areas, and others.

An Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Statement of Competition is not required at time of application, however it is required at time of claim, if approved.

EFP Workshops are ongoing through the fall and winter. Dates and locations are posted at www.ManitobaEFP.ca.

Government support cannot exceed 25 or 50 per cent of eligible expenses, depending on project type, with varying funding caps from $10,000 to $100,000. The total maximum amount payable to one farm operation is $60,000 (not including BMP: Barn Odour Reduction and BMP: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas) over the term of the Ag Action Manitoba program. Farmers may apply and receive funding for more than one BMP over the term of Ag Action Manitoba. Only one application per BMP on the same parcel of land and/or for a single project where there may be common components across multiple applications, will be eligible for funding.

Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program

Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program?

The program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing low moisture levels.

The program will assist livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to purchase feed in order to maintain their breeding herds. Producers may be eligible to apply for two types of assistance: 1. Feed assistance - buy and test feed for eligible breeding animals 2. Feed transportation assistance - transport purchased feed from distant locations for eligible breeding animals Who is eligible for the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Program?

Primary producers who owned or leased the eligible animals, located in Manitoba, as of June 1, 2021 and continued to own or lease them to March 15, 2022 or later are eligible.

Eligible animals include breeding head of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for Pregnant Mare Urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Breeding animals are mature females exposed to breeding (male or artificial insemination) and males used previously for breeding.

The producer must own or lease a minimum of 10 animals (by animal type) to apply for the program.

How do I apply?

Applicants can download the Application Form, Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals, and associated program documents on the website at manitoba.ca/agriculture. Application packages can also be picked up at any of the ARD/MASC Service Centres, or mailed to you by calling us at 1-844-769-6224. The minimum value of receipts required to submit an application is $500.

Review the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance – Farmers Guidebook for detailed information on eligible and ineligible costs and other program requirements.

When is the deadline to apply to the program?

April 15, 2022 is the final day to apply.

Can multiple applications be submitted?

Yes, you can submit more than one application until program maximums are reached.

1. Feed Assistance What feed assistance can I apply for?

The eligible feeds that can be purchased for eligible animals from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022 to maintain them over the winter include:  grazed corn and greenfeed  mechanically harvested hay, silage, greenfeed, stover, straw, including those purchased as standing crops or grazed in a swath  grain and concentrates (pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator) When can eligible feeds be purchased? Are claims retro-active to a certain date?

Eligible feed purchases can occur from June 1, 2021 to March 15, 2022.

Is there assistance for feed testing the eligible feedstuffs?

Yes, the program will pay for feed testing to determine the nutritional value of eligible feeds.

Can feed be purchased for feeders or non-breeding animals?

No, feed for feeders, growing animals or non-breeding aged animals is not eligible under this program.

How will livestock feed assistance payments be calculated?

The administrator will make payments to the applicant for purchases and testing of Eligible Feed made between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, as follows:  On a per breeding head basis, a producer share will be applied $50 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $10 per head for sheep and goats.  Payments will be equal to 75 per cent of the purchased cost of feed and feed testing that exceeds the producer share to a maximum per head payment. The maximum payment is $250 per head for beef and dairy cattle, bison and horses (PMU only) and $50 per head for sheep and goats.

How are the breeding head determined in calculating payments?  Breeding head are based on the number declared on the Declaration of Eligible Breeding Animals at the time of first application. The declaration is the number of head being maintained and fed over winter, and does not include animals that have or will be sold prior to March 15, 2022. If applicants reduce their breeding animals below the number declared with their first application, they should contact the Program Administrator and submit a new declaration.

Version 4

2. Feed Transportation Assistance What feeds qualify for feed transportation assistance?

Feed transportation assistance is provided for the movement of eligible feed types (hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, silage, grain and concentrates) to eligible breeding animals. The eligible concentrates are pulses, oilseeds, canola meal, soybean meal, screenings, dried distillers grain and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator.

What are the eligible dates and distances for feed transportation?

Transportation costs for eligible feed purchased and transported between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022, for a minimum distance of 40 kilometres up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 kilometres.

What are the payments for the feed transportation assistance?

Payments will be calculated on the tonnes hauled on a per loaded kilometre basis up to 600 kilometres.

For hay, straw, greenfeed, stover, and silage the payment rates are:  $0.16 per tonne kilometre for the first 100 kilometres of a haul  $0.10 per tonne kilometre for the remainder of a haul for up to an additional 500 kilometres.

For grains and concentrate, the payment rate is $0.05 per tonne kilometre up to 600 kilometres.

Payments for each receipt or invoice provided by the applicant will be the payment rate multiplied by the distance transported multiplied by the number of tonnes transported, or the amount of the receipt, whichever is less. Feed can be hauled further than 600 kilometres; however, the extra distance is not eligible for payment.

Can feed be sourced from outside of Manitoba qualify for assistance?

Feed can be sourced from outside Manitoba and the shipping will still be eligible based on the program’s rates and distances.

Does the feed transportation assistance come out of the feed assistance funding?

Feed transportation assistance is in addition to funding available to a producer for feed purchases. It is not subtracted from the $250 per head cap for beef, bison and PMU horses or $50 cap for sheep and goats.

Is feed transportation assistance available for animals moved to an alternate feeding location?

Feed transportation assistance is not available for animals for which producers have received assistance to move eligible animals to an alternate feeding location under the Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program.

Alternate feeding locations should have adequate feed locally available for the animals moved.

What feed is not eligible for feed transportation assistance?  Feed for market animals or ineligible animals.  Feed produced on your own operation.  Feed for breeding animals that are sold/culled prior to March 15, 2022.  Feed that is sold or replaces similar feed that is sold.  Feed transported less than 40 kilometres.  Feed transported to an alternate feeding location used to house eligible animals for which the applicant received payments under Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance.

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REMINDER

Reminder: Applications being accepted for Agricultural Crown Lands Forage Productivity Pilot Program The intake for the Agricultural Crown Lands Forage Productivity Pilot Program is open.

Funded by the federal and provincial governments it will provide targeted financial assistance to Agricultural Crown Land forage leaseholders to adopt best management practices to sustainably increase the productivity on their Agricultural Crown Land forage leases.

Eligible recipients must have an active Agricultural Crown Land lease that is in good standing and must complete an Environmental Farm Plan. Eligible items under the Agricultural Crown Lands Forage Productivity Pilot Program include grazing management plans, water

source development and watering systems, cross-fencing for pasture management, and forage rejuvenation such as forage establishment and brush management.

Improvements must be completed within the one-year pilot project. Farmers could begin submitting applications on November 8, 2021.

For more information on the Agricultural Crown Lands Forage Productivity Pilot Program, and other Ag Action Manitoba- Assurance Beneficial Management Practices programming in Manitoba, please visit: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadianagricultural-partnership/ag-action-manitobaprogram/for-farmers.html.

See pages 20-22

Frequently Asked Questions Agricultural Crown Lands Forage Productivity Pilot Program

Q1. What is the Agricultural Crown Lands Forage Productivity Pilot Program?

A: The ACLFP is a pilot program that provides Agricultural Crown Land (ACL) lessees with 75% cost-shared programming of up to $30,000 per farm operation to develop a grazing management plan, add infrastructure (cross-fencing, wells, dugouts) and rejuvenate forage lands (perennial forage seed, seeding and brush management) in order to improve pasture productivity. Project must occur between April and December of 2022.

Program details can be accessed here: http://webpublishing.mbgov.ca/en/agriculture/canadian-agriculturalpartnership/Documents/guidebook/ag-action-mb-program-guide-for-aclfp.pdf

Q2. Who is eligible to apply?

A: ACL lease holders in good standing can apply. A farm business or operation with multiple shareholders or partners, operation names or units, will count as one eligible applicant. Each farm operation can submit one application that includes all applicable activities (planning, infrastructure and/or rejuvenation).

However, Municipal lands under ACL lease are not eligible for this program.

Q3. When is the deadline to apply?

A: Applications must be received no later than December 31, 2021. They will be assessed by technical reviewers based on the environmental benefit assessment index, program priorities and project planning.

Q4. Do I need support from ACL to submit an application for a project?

A: Yes. You will need a Letter of Support for the proposed project from your local Farm Production Extension Specialist (FPES) – Crown Lands (see contact info in Q14, below) and the Letter of Support must be submitted along with your application.

While your FPES-Crown Lands must ensure that your proposed project is suitable for your ACL lease, they are not responsible for ACLFP funding approval.

Q5. What do I need to include with my application?

A: Be sure to answer all questions in the application form itself: explain the proposed project in detail, current practices, and the benefit of the new practice; answer all BMP Specific Questions (as listed in the guidebook), and complete the budget table in full.

Along with your application, you will need to include: - a written Letter of Support from your local FPES – Crown Lands for your proposed project (see Q3 above).

- an aerial map of the forage land with the location of the existing and proposed water sources identified as well as any fencing (existing and new), and land to be rejuvenated.

- an official quote for contracted items (if applicable).

Q6. When can I start my project?

A: Projects must occur between April 1, 2022 and December 30, 2022 in order to be eligible for ACLFP funding.

Project deadlines will be specified in the approval letter, should your application be approved.

If work is started on a project before formal written approval of program funding is received, the applicant does so at their own risk.

Q7. When do I need to complete my project?

A: The project must be completed and claims submitted by the date indicated in your decision letter (all claims must be submitted no later than December 30, 2022).

Q8. Do I need any permits?

A: Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This may include: • approvals from the Crown: ACL Work Permit – see Q9 below.

• a Water Rights License is required for all livestock operations extracting more than 25,000 litres (25 m3 or 5,499 Imperial gallons) per day. If developing a new water source, a permit must be obtained in advance of work beginning.

• any other standards or approvals as required by law.

Q9. How do I get a Work Permit from ACL to implement a project on my ACL lease?

A: An ACL Work Permit is required prior to conducting work on ACL leases.

- If your ACLFP project application is approved, an ACL Work Permit will be issued to you from your FPESCrown Land along with the approval letter.

- If you plan to initiate your project in advance of receiving ACLFP approval, you will need to secure an ACL Work Permit from an FPES – Crown Lands prior to beginning work.

Q10. 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 when you submit your project claim for reimbursement.

Environmental Farm Plan workshop dates and locations will be listed online.

Q11. Does my dugout or well need to have a specific capacity?

A: The ACLFP pilot program does not have guidelines for dugout capacity, but you should discuss your plans with your FPES – Crown Lands.

Q12. 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.

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

A: If the question is about project implementation on an ACL lease, please contact: FPES – Crown Lands Greg Logan Luanne Berjian Neil Overby Tyson Gillis

Location Beausejour Minnedosa Dauphin Dauphin

Districts 20, 50, 52 30, 31 42,51 43, 44

E-mail Greg.Logan@gov.mb.ca Luanne.Berjian@gov.mb.ca Neil.Overby@gov.mb.ca Tyson.Gillis@gov.mb.ca

A: If the question is about specific eligibility criteria or the application process, please contact: • Andrea Bertholet (Andrea.Bertholet@gov.mb.ca) or • Colleen Wilson (Colleen.Wilson2@gov.mb.ca).

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.