E-Newsletter: January 21, 2022

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP January 21, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Premier Stefanson Announces Changes to Provincial Cabinet Derek Johnson Appointed Minister of Agriculture

(January 18, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Premier Heather Stefanson welcomed three new members and a well-respected former member into the provincial cabinet and unveiled new and reframed portfolios to address the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, plan for economic growth and recovery, and better focus on the priorities of all Manitobans.

“Manitobans want and expect a government that acts with integrity and compassion, and that puts their needs first. I am confident this team will focus on the priorities of Manitobans as we continue to fight back against COVID-19 and work together to build a healthier, stronger and more prosperous province for all,” said Stefanson.

“We are committed to strengthening and realigning our health-care system to manage COVID-19 and to ensure Manitobans can access the care they need now and well into the future. We also recognize the need to enhance care for seniors and those experiencing mental health and additions challenges, and as such, I am proud that our government will have three dedicated and compassionate people providing health leadership where it is most needed."

Scott Johnston (MLA for Assiniboia) comes into cabinet and will lead the new Department of Seniors and Long term Care with a focused agenda to implement all recommendations of the Stevenson Review. Audrey Gordon (MLA for Southdale) will lead the reframed health portfolio as minister of health with a mandate to strengthen resources to help manage COVID-19 while working with the Surgical and Diagnostic Task Force to clear the backlogs and improve the quality of life for all Manitobans. Sarah Guillemard (MLA for Fort Richmond) takes on the new role as minister of mental health and community wellness and is tasked with working collaboratively with community organizations to better address and treat the addictions and mental health challenges that have been exacerbated by the pandemic.

The premier also welcomed Doyle Piwniuk (MLA for Turtle Mountain) as minister of transportation and infrastructure, and Andrew Smith (MLA for Lagimodiere) as minister of sport, culture and heritage, and minister responsible for Travel Manitoba and the Manitoba Centennial Centre Corporation (MCCC). Eileen Clarke (MLA for Agassiz) returns to cabinet as minister of municipal relations, a position she held previously and in which she was well respected among her colleagues across all levels of government, added Stefanson. continued on page 4 Agenda now available! Click here.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government The following information is compiled from provincial government news releases for the week of January 17.

Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated weekdays at 12:30 p.m. on these DataMB dashboards: •

Case data: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19/

•

COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/apps/mani toba-covid-19-vaccinations-dashboard1/

Key Updates •

Only symptomatic individuals or those advised by public health should visit a COVID-19 provincial testing site. Rapid antigen tests will continue to be used for the majority of people visiting a provincial testing site. Those who are at higher risk of severe illness as well as some groups who have tested positive on a rapid antigen test will still be eligible for PCR testing. Detailed information on updated COVID-19 testing eligibility can be found at: https://gov.mb.ca/covid19/testing/inde x.html.

Vaccine The RBC provincial vaccine clinic is re-opening its doors for walk-in appointments beginning Jan. 20. This is a good opportunity for the whole family to get first, second and third doses.

Manitobans who are eligible for a third dose or booster are urged to get one. The booster dose is readily available to everyone over age 18 in Manitoba. It is most important that those who

are 50 and over get immunized with a third dose right away, because this age group is experiencing - and will continue to experience more severe outcomes, including hospitalizations, ICU admissions and deaths.

Manitobans who live in First Nations communities, have diabetes, or are immunocompromised are urged to get a third dose. A complete listing of the medical conditions that would classify a person as immunocompromised can be found at https://protectmb.ca.

Delivering the second round of vaccines to children ages 5 to 11 gets underway this week.

It is recommended by Health Canada, the National Advisory Committee on Immunization and public health that the second dose be administered eight weeks following the first dose.

When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca ), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a well-fitting mask and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

Manitobans are encouraged to get their second and third doses as quickly as possible. While COVID-19 vaccine appointments continue to be available at regional or provincial vaccine clinics, for many people the fastest way to be immunized is at a nearby medical clinic, pharmacy or urban Indigenous clinic. Check the online vaccine finder or a medical clinic or pharmacy near you that provides the COVID-19 vaccine to find the next available opportunity to be immunized. The timeline between second and third doses and eligibility criteria continued on page 4

COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Updates from the Provincial Government information can be found at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html.

Eligible individuals can book their appointments online, by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC) or by contacting their local pharmacy or medical clinic directly. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html for some of the available options.

More Resources •

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

•

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

•

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

New provincial cabinet – cont. from page 1 The premier noted the most pressing issues facing Manitoba and Manitobans will be viewed through a whole-of-government approach including the COVID-19 response and recovery, climate change and mitigation, and reconciliation. Ministers will engage Manitobans in conversation and consultation to ensure their perspectives, concerns and ideas are heard and acted on.

Other changes to the Manitoba Executive Council include: • Cliff Cullen (MLA for Spruce Woods) as deputy premier and minister of economic development, investment and trade; • Kelvin Goertzen (MLA for Steinbach) as minister of justice and attorney general, and minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) and government house leader; • Cameron Friesen (MLA for MordenWinkler) as minister of finance and minister responsible for Manitoba Hydro; • Scott Fielding (MLA for Kirkfield Park) as minister of natural resources and northern development, and minister responsible for the Manitoba Liquor and Lotteries Corporation (MBLL); • Jeff Wharton (MLA for Red River North) as minister of environment, climate and parks, and minister responsible for Efficiency Manitoba;

• Reg Helwer (MLA for Brandon West) as minister of labour, consumer protection and government services, minister responsible for the Public Utilities Board (PUB) and minister responsible for the civil service; • Wayne Ewasko (MLA for Lac du Bonnet) as minister of education and early childhood learning; • Derek Johnson (MLA for Interlake-Gimli) as minister of agriculture; and • Jon Reyes (MLA for Waverley) as minister of advanced education, skills and immigration.

The premier noted Rochelle Squires (MLA for Riel) will assume the roles of minister responsible for the status of women and minister responsible for accessibility while continuing as minister of families and minister responsible for francophone affairs.

Alan Lagimodiere (MLA for Selkirk) remains minister of Indigenous reconciliation and northern relations with a renewed focus to work collaboratively with Indigenous leadership and the federal government to pursue social and economic opportunities for Indigenous youth and families.

The premier thanked former ministers Ralph Eichler and Cathy Cox for their outstanding service and dedication to the people of Manitoba in their various cabinet positions since 2016 and their continued work for their constituents and all Manitobans as government MLAs.

Province Advises Outflow From Shellmouth Reservoir Will Increase (January 21, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre advises it will increase flows from the Shellmouth Reservoir as part of the normal operation to drawdown the level of the reservoir in preparation for spring run-off from the upper Assiniboine River.

Outflow from Shellmouth Dam will be increased to 500 cubic feet per second (cfs) from the current 250 cfs on Friday, Jan. 21 and to 800 cfs from 500 cfs on Saturday, Jan. 22.

The final release of 800 cfs will raise Assiniboine River water levels by three to four feet between the Shellmouth Dam and Brandon. The rise in levels will decrease in the east reaches of the river and will be near one foot in Winnipeg.

The province will continue to monitor conditions in the upper Assiniboine River as well as downstream river levels.

Industry Update South Korea lifts import suspension on Canadian beef January 19, 2022 Ottawa, ON As of January 19, 2022, South Korea has lifted its import suspension on Canadian beef.

The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) has worked closely in collaboration with the Government of Canada to regain market access, following South Korea’s temporary suspension of imports of Canadian beef on December 21, 2021. The suspension came following the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) notification to the World Organisation for Animal Health about a confirmed case of atypical Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in Canada. Atypical BSE is a distinct form from classical that arises rarely and spontaneously in all cattle populations around the world. The case was detected as part of routine surveillance initiatives and did not enter the food system.

From January to November 2021, Canadian beef exports to South Korea were 12,178 tonnes valued at $108.7 million. This is up 130 per cent in volume and 207 per cent in value from the same period in 2020, representing 2.6 per cent of total beef exports and surpassing the 5,290 tonnes exported for the calendar year 2020.

The detection of an atypical case does not impact Canada’s BSE negligible risk status, nor should it further interrupt trade flows. CCA continues to work with the Government of Canada to regain market access to both China and the Philippines.

CCA will continue to focus on removing remaining BSE-era market access restrictions and updating the Canada-Korea export certificate.

For further information, contact:

Michelle McMullen Communications Manager mcmullenm@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots.

Visit www.cattle.ca

Industry Update Transport update January 19, 2022 Calgary, AB As of January 15, 2022, a new vaccine mandate is now in effect for cross-border truckers coming into Canada.

Canadian truckers who are not fully vaccinated will have to show proof of a negative PCR test collected within 72 hours of arriving at the border and will need to quarantine after arrival, while unvaccinated American drivers will be denied entry. The United States (U.S.) Government is also expected to put forward a vaccination mandate for truckers going into the U.S. on January 22.

The Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA), the Canadian Chamber of Commerce (CCC), and the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) have asked the federal government to delay the truck driver measures. The CTA projects 10 to 15 per cent of cross-border truckers will be affected, which would involve 12,000-22,000 of Canadian truck drivers, as well as 40 per cent, or some 16,000, of U.S. truck drivers travelling into Canada.

CCA recognizes the current and compounding challenges our supply chain is facing with transportation, resulting in immense pressure on the beef sector. In addition to the new truck driver measures, other challenges include limited railway capacity to transport grain feed and the trucking industry’s acute shortage of truck drivers.

On January 14, CCA met with the Ministers of Transport and Agriculture to advocate for safety measures that support both COVID-19 reduction efforts and our supply chain. CCA, together with other agriculture stakeholders, continues to meet with Agriculture and Agri-food Canada (AAFC) to raise these current challenges and ensure the Government of Canada is aware of the direct and indirect impacts to our supply chains.

CCA will continue to work in partnership with the Government of Canada and other stakeholders to support our supply chain’s transport and efficiency.

For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager communications@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots.

Visit www.cattle.ca

Volunteer for Canadian Agricultural Literacy Month (CALM) 2022!

All teachers will be provided with a handson agriculture activity and an agriculture themed book in addition to a personalized virtual visit from you – our volunteers!

The following information is from Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba.

French and English speaking volunteers are needed!

CALM is a hands-on program that brings agriculture into classrooms and encourages students to learn about and celebrate Canadian agriculture. Many students don’t fully understand agriculture. By telling students why you love Canadian agriculture and giving them a glimpse of what you do, you will open their eyes to new knowledge, help them build a stronger appreciation for the food they eat, and for the role agriculture plays in their lives.

Every year, we need a team of over 150 volunteers to meet the demand for CALM. We anticipate that with a fully virtual offering, this demand from teachers will grow even more - so we are calling on you!

If you feel comfortable with giving a virtual presentation, we will take as many as you are willing to offer.

Who: Grade 1 to 6 students Date: March 2022 Time: 30-60 min How: Pick a virtual platform (Zoom, Teams, Skype, FaceTime…) and date/time with the teacher Registration: Open until Feb. 4, 2022

Agricultural Crown Land Lease Auctions Being Held Online January 31 to February 4 cropping. The official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: http://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPpropertie s.aspx#agLeasePermit.

(Province of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government’s agricultural Crown land lease and permit auctions will be held online beginning Monday, Jan. 31, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler announced January 12.

“The online auction format ensures we can offer all Manitoba producers the opportunity to lease agricultural lands while remaining in accordance with current public health orders,” said Eichler. “Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations.”

A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing or

The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Jan. 31 to Feb. 4, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/.

These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers to provide an additional land base to conduct agricultural activities. The Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program supports the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

For more information about the upcoming auctions, visit www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land or contact your local ARD and MASC Service Centre.

Preparing for an Online Agricultural Crown Lands Lease Auction Parcels for Lease Agricultural Crown Lands available for lease or renewable permit at auction can be reviewed at: resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx#agLeasePermit The lots will be available for viewing on the website of the 3rd party hosting the auction one week prior to the start of the auction.

Prior to the Auction • Potential bidders are encouraged to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Any arrears on agricultural Crown lands lease or permit accounts must be paid in full prior to the auction in order to be eligible to bid. Eligibility may also be impacted by previous compliance history with the Agricultural Crown Lands program.

• Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching and visiting the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations. Potential bidders must ensure they can legally access the parcels. º Aerial photo map viewer agrimaps.gov.mb.ca/agrimaps/ º Information on the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program, including the standard Forage Lease Agreement and Cropping Lease Agreement can be found on the Agricultural Crown Lands website: manitoba.ca/agriculture/ land-management/crown-land/index.html

º Farm Production Extension Specialists Crown Lands can provide assistance prior to the auction dates.

• Please note that The Crown Lands Act prohibits some provincial employees from holding Crown land without further vetting. For additional information, please contact staff.

• If translation or accommodation services are required for the auction, please contact staff at least five (5) days in advance of the auction.

Online Auction Bidding

Following the Online Auction

• The registration and auction process is administered by an independent 3rd party to be identified on the ACL website and/or auction notice. For technical assistance with participation in the auction process, please contact the auctioneer.

• The auction website will display available parcels for one week prior to the scheduled auction.

• Potential bidders will complete the online registration process, including a declaration of eligibility.

• The auction website will list the auction rules, and examples will be provided. º FORAGE LEASE: The lease is for a 15 year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land. Rent is determined separately via formula. º RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT or RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The permit is for 15 one-year terms. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to hold a permit on the land. Rent is determined separately via formula.

• The successful bids will be listed on the auction website at the end of the auction.

Official auction results will be posted on the provincial website soon thereafter.

• The payment process, and lease document signing is administered by provincial staff.

Successful bidders will be required to sign lease documents and make payment in full within 30 days of invoicing following the auction. º FORAGE LEASE, RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT, RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s rent and amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable. º CROPPING LEASE: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable.

º CROPPING LEASE: The lease is for a five (5) year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 plus the minimum rental amount, and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land and set the annual rental amount via the auction bid.

Contact us • Email us at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg

PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS LEASE AUCTION

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Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery Manitoba beef producers affected by the drought conditions are reminded they may be able to receive assistance via two programs under the AgriRecovery framework aimed at helping with the extraordinary costs incurred for feed and transportation.

As well, there is a herd management program to assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed.

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program helps producers purchase and test feed for livestock to maintain their breeding herds including transporting purchased feed from distant locations.

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers assistance to help offset freight expenses associated with moving livestock to alternative feed supply areas.

Eligible animals under the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program are breeding animals of beef and dairy cattle, horses raised for pregnant mare urine (PMU), sheep, goats and bison. Producers must be supporting a minimum of 10 animals to qualify for assistance and the program covers feed and feed transportation expenses between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022. Feed must have been delivered from a supplier at least 40 kilometres away and assistance is available for hauling feed for up to a maximum one-way distance of 600 km. Eligible feed purchases are those made between June 1, 2021, and March 15, 2022.

Only purchased feed and feed testing is eligible for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance. The feed must be consumed within the overwintering period.

The eligible feeds that can be purchased for eligible animals 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, screenings, dried distillers grain, and other feeds as approved by the Program Administrator).

Note: Feed additives and premixes, including molasses based products, vitamins, minerals, and oils and fats, are now eligible. The change is retroactive to June 1, 2021.

The application deadline for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance is April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm).

The Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program offers help for producers with extraordinary costs to transport breeding animals of beef cattle, sheep and goats to alternate locations to feed, up to 1,000 km. This program does not cover moving animals to market or sale.

The application deadline for Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance is July 30, 2022 (11:59 pm). continued on page 13

Producers Can Apply For Drought Assistance Via Three Programs Through AgriRecovery Applications are available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/a grirecovery-feed-purchase-transportassistance.html and must include receipts for feed purchases and transportation.

The Herd Management Drought Assistance program will assist livestock producers in offsetting the cost of replacing breeding animals when culling is above normal due to shortages of winter feed. Producers may be eligible to apply for assistance to: •

purchase replacement breeding females

•

retain replacement females from their existing herd or flock

The replacement is to assist in returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Of note, the breeding females culled due to drought can be replaced by purchases or retaining replacement females from the applicant's existing herd or flock. The replacement must contribute to an increase in the applicant's inventory of eligible breeding females on January 31, 2023. Any increase in the inventory above pre-drought levels is not eligible.

The following replacements are eligible: •

Purchases of mature cows, mature ewes, mature does, bred heifers, bred ewe lambs, and bred does.

•

Purchases of females that will be bred

by Jan. 31, 2023

•

Retaining females from the applicant's existing herd to be bred for the first time by Jan. 31, 2023.

The replacement animals must be maintained in the herd or flock until Jan. 31, 2023 or later.

Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs. Access the application package online at the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website (www.manitoba.ca/agriculture), in-person at ARD and MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail.

Applications for the Herd Management Drought Assistance program will be received from Jan. 10, 2022 up to the application deadline of April 15, 2022 (11:59 pm). Applicants who submit a complete application by this deadline are eligible to submit a claim. Claims will be received from Dec. 1, 2022 to the claim deadline of Feb. 17, 2023 (11:59 pm).

Note, for all three programs mailed applications and claims must have a postmark date no later than the application or claim deadline.

There are also a number of resources on the MB ARD site to provide more details on the three programs, such as frequently asked questions, program guides, certain application forms and, important deadline reminders.

For explanatory videos see: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLD7Oi KfhYvB8p4bxsvxcT_hxQpCL1Ykea Manitobans can also stay up to date on Manitoba’s agricultural programs and services by following @MBGovAg on Twitter https://twitter.com/MBGovAg.

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.

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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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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.



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



December 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available.



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

Emergency Phases A disease-related sector-wide emergency will generally move through the following phases – some of which are more complicated than others. Depending on the disease and particular incident, some phases may occur quickly and go unnoticed, while others may last an extended period of time due to heightened risk of contracting a disease or difficulty managing an outbreak.

Alert

Following an unusual animal health event, industry may be asked to remain vigilant and to take precautions to minimize serious animal disease risk.

This document is part of a suite of tools that have been developed in partnership with producers and industry associations across Canada.

Preparing for Animal Disease Emergencies

For more in-depth information and specific serious animal disease resources in your province please visit:

Serious animal disease outbreaks are recognized as the industry’s greatest vulnerability because they have the potential to:

animalhealth.ca Suspicion

Confirmation

Response

Recovery

Prevention

WEAKEN our livestock sector as a whole

A formal notice of suspicion may be issued by the CFIA or the provincial government and industry may be asked to adopt voluntary movement controls.

A formal notice of confirmation from the Chief Veterinary Officer (Canada), Chief Provincial Veterinarian, or either federal or provincial Ministers will verify the presence of a serious animal disease. Mandatory containment strategies may follow.

RESTRICT Canada’s trade relationships and export capacity

Phone: (403) 870-8784 Email: design@declercq.ca

UNDERMINE public trust

Project endorsed by:

The disease landscape is ever changing. Whether known or evolving diseases, producers must stay informed and aware of the signs and symptoms of serious animal diseases.

Industry professionals, government and producers may all have a role to play in various key response components including: containment, investigation/tracing, vaccination, depopulation/disposal, valuation/compensation, cleaning/disinfection, and lifting of restrictions.

With the emergency situation now resolved, producers and industry may focus on demonstrating absence of disease and regaining market access.

Industry is unaffected by serious animal diseases but must remain aware and continue to take steps to minimize risk.

Foot-and-Mouth Disease • Rift Valley Fever • Bovine Tuberculosis

Disease Emergencies

The producer HANDBOOK helps those on the ground understand, prepare and respond to serious animal disease events.

PRODUCER SUMMARY Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy • Rinderpest • Brucellosis

UNDERSTAND

PREPARE

RESPOND

A serious animal disease outbreak will put our industry’s livelihood at risk. As a producer, you know your operation inside out. When an animal is unwell, there will be signs and it is your responsibility to take appropriate action.

By being proactive, your operation will be in a better position to respond and convey key details to emergency personnel as an emergency situation unfolds.

Whether directly affected or not, operators may have distinct roles and responsibilities during a serious animal disease emergency.

Know Your Objectives

Containment

During an emergency, government priorities will be human health safety and public infrastructure. Producers will need to focus on minimizing the risk to people directly involved and maintaining the health and safety of animals.

Be it voluntarily ceasing movement of animals, personnel, products and equipment in and around the potentially affected area, complying with mandatory movement controls, holding animals longer or implementing heightened biosecurity protocols, there are ways to protect your farm and the industry at large.

Share Concerns Producers have a duty of care as well as a legal requirement to report all suspected cases of certain diseases*. Notifying the appropriate authorities as early as possible not only helps reduce animal and human health impacts, it is integral to protecting our industry.

Have a Clearly Defined Plan A diagram setting out the unique features of the property and location of key items will help first responders be more efficient and effective.

Regular onsite activities, the flow of people and the frequency of deliveries and shipments are important considerations during an emergency.

Part of containing a disease is determining how it was introduced and how far it has spread. Effective traceability is essential for disease tracking and control. Traceability requires animal identification, premises identification and movement recording. Producers facilitate an effective response by keeping up-to-date records, registering their premises and implementing traceability options.

Assign Key Decision Makers

Vaccination

Primary and secondary contacts should be authorized and able to make quick decisions on behalf of the operation.

Mass vaccination may be ordered during a disease event to establish a buffer area around an infected place, to protect animals at risk and to safeguard the industry. The CFIA or provincial government will provide producers with a detailed protocol to follow. Compliance is a legislated requirement under the Health of Animals Act (Canada) or provincial legislation.

Work Together If a serious animal disease is suspected, an Emergency Operations Centre may be established by first response organizations. Producer organizations will be a part of broader emergency management discussions and should be the first point of contact for updates and information.

Protect Others Following Canadian Beef Cattle On-Farm Biosecurity Standard can help safeguard your operation and the industry at large. Producer commitment to good animal husbandry, hygiene practices, vehicle management and staff training is paramount.

Once a disease is confirmed, control zones may also be established to keep unaffected areas free from disease. These movement restrictions are essential to managing risk, maintaining trade relationships and ensuring continued industry viability. * For more information visit animalhealth.ca

Investigation and Tracing

Document Your Work Cycle

Keep Up-to-Date Inventory and Contacts Lists First responders and other emergency management will benefit from knowing how many livestock are onsite as well as what equipment, personnel, resources, and professional services are available.

Depopulation and Disposal Regulatory authorities may order mass depopulation and disposal of carcasses in response to a major outbreak. These are emotionally and financially challenging activities that may be necessary to stop disease spread and to protect the industry. Compliance with such orders is also a legislated requirement.

Seek credible and current information on potential risks and any actions required, from your veterinarian, industry association and from government.

Financial Considerations While depopulation orders are never welcome, producers may be compensated for some of their losses. There may also be support available through other sources such as insurance and government aid.

Compensation is paid in accordance with the Health of Animals Act or provincial legislation. This amount includes fair market value of animals ordered destroyed less any salvage value, disposal costs, and other things that require destruction such as feed or animal products.

Fair and accurate valuation of the animals is a necessary step in determining compensation. A process agreed to by industry will be overseen by CFIA. Accurate and up-to-date animal records will help producers to streamline the process and substantiate the value of their animals.

The current limit for non-registered beef cattle is up to $4,500 and up to $10,000 per head for registered animals.

Cleaning and Disinfection An operation will continue to be designated as an infected place until this step has been completed to the satisfaction of the province or CFIA. Producers will need to develop a standard operating procedure for barns, pens, equipment, service rooms, etc. on the premises. CFIA will provide advice and complete inspections throughout the process, and prior to any restocking.

Lifting of Restrictions Once the situation has stabilized and the risk has diminished, the appropriate regulatory authority will begin lifting disease response conditions. The focus will then shift to the recovery process. Producers should continue to look to their respective associations for updates and information.

RECOVERY CFIA, the federal government and industry leaders will be working diligently to gain formal recognition of Canada’s ‘disease-free’ status by our trading partners around the world and to re-establish market share. This is an involved process that can take months or even years.

DETECTING FOOT-AND-MOUTH DISEASE IN CATTLE Many serious animal diseases are absent1 in Canadian cattle herds, however, these diseases are present in many other countries and thus constitute a continued threat to beef and dairy production in Canada.

Of the diseases which are absent from the Canadian herd, foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) is of particular importance because it is an infectious disease that is transmitted rapidly from one animal to another and is easily spread between premises i.e., it is a highly contagious disease.

An outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease would cause serious damage to the welfare of animals, industry vitality and our global trade presence.

Early detection is paramount as it can prevent spread and limit the size of an outbreak and thereby avoid devastating economic consequences for the entire cattle sector.

1 or 2 or 3 + 4

= DANGER

CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IF 1, 2 OR 3 ARE OBSERVED TOGETHER WITH 4 IN several cattle in a pen and multiple pens of animals

1

2

Excessive salivation

2

Animals with vesicles (blisters) which progress to erosions

3

• Mouth (tongue, dental pad, gums) • Muzzle, nostrils • Teats 3

4

Painful lameness and reluctance to move

Depression, fever, anorexia

Feet:

Decreased performance e.g. milk production, feed consumption

• Blanching of the coronary band • Vesicles in the interdigital space

Swift Action Prevents Spread Report immediately If, after the clinical assessment, the veterinarian suspects the presence of foot-and-mouth disease, immediately notify: • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and the provincial agriculture authority NOTE: reporting is a legal obligation • Your provincial industry association for assistance

Quickly secure the farm As soon as there is a suspicion of foot-and-mouth disease, the following biosecurity measures must be implemented until the CFIA veterinarian arrives at the farm: • Block any access routes to the site (e.g., with a gate, chain, vehicle) • Contact product and service providers to cancel any scheduled visits • Do not let any live or dead animal, waste, vehicle, or farm equipment leave the farm • Ask everyone on the premises to remain on site until instructions are received from the CFIA

What to expect in the event of a Foreign Animal Disease If foot-and-mouth disease is confirmed, the CFIA will order the destruction of affected animals and things under the Health of Animals Act. Such measures are needed to prevent the spread of the disease and protect export markets.

In such a case, the producer may be compensated for: • The animals ordered destroyed • Things ordered destroyed, such as contaminated feed and animal products • The costs incurred for the disposal of animals ordered destroyed Resource developed through the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) project (www.animalhealth.ca) January 2022 1. Serious animal diseases which are absent from Canada are often referred to as foreign animal diseases.

2. Image credit: Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine 3. Image credit: Rajeev Ranjan, Project Directorate on FMD, Indian Council of Agricultural Research and the Center for Food Security and Public Health at Iowa State University, College of Veterinary Medicine