March 18/2022 MBP E-Newsletter

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP March 18, 2022

mbbeef.ca

Province Releases March Flood Outlook (March 17, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Manitoba’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has released its second 2022 spring flood outlook. The risk of major flooding on the Red River and tributaries remains high flood preparation activities are underway. Though significant high water activity is expected in southern Manitoba, flood water levels are expected to remain below community flood protection levels with water levels to be influenced by the rate of snowmelt and future snow and rain accumulation.

There is also a risk of moderate flooding on the Assiniboine and Souris rivers and tributaries.

The risk of flooding in the Interlake region and northern Manitoba is low, with the risk of lakes flooding due to spring run-off remaining low, except for the Whiteshell Lakes area, which has a potential for moderate flooding.

With normal weather, water levels similar to 2020 are expected on the Red River. With the use of the Red River Floodway and the Portage Diversion, water levels at James Avenue in Winnipeg could reach 19.5 feet with unfavourable weather.

The Portage Diversion may be operated to prevent ice jamming on the Assiniboine River east of Portage la Prairie to control river levels in the city of Winnipeg and areas along the Assiniboine River downstream of Portage la Prairie.

Updated flood information will be shared next week.

Executive Summary From the Outlook

The March Outlook Report prepared by the Hydrologic Forecast Centre (HFC) of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure reports the risk of moderate to major spring flooding in most southern Manitoba basins remains high. Water levels are expected to remain below dikes and community flood protection levels at all locations. The risk of flooding could change depending on weather conditions between now and the spring melt.

Due to above normal to extremely above normal winter precipitation to mid-March, the Red River and its tributaries, including the Roseau, Rat and Pembina Rivers are at a high risk of moderate to major flooding.

Due to below normal soil moisture at freeze-up and normal to well above normal winter precipitation, there is high risk of moderate flooding in the Assiniboine River and its tributaries including Souris River basin, and in the eastern region, including the Whiteshell Lakes area. The risk of spring flooding is low for Interlake and northern Manitoba regions.

Most of the major lakes are below normal levels for this time of the year and within or very close to their operating ranges heading into the spring runoff. The risk of flooding for most lakes is low. Most lakes are expected to be within their desirable ranges after the spring runoff.

The March Outlook Report in its entirety can be found at: www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/pdf/2022/march_2022 _flood_outlook_report.pdf.

More information about flooding and how to prepare for an emergency situation is available at www.gov.mb.ca/flooding.

Statement Canadian beef producers call for resolution prior to work stoppage at CP Rail to avoid feed shortage emergency March 18, 2022 Ottawa, ON – The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) remains hopeful that the progression of the collective bargaining negotiations between the Canadian Pacific Railway (CP Rail) and the Teamsters Canada Rail Conference will avoid a work stoppage and subsequent significant impacts to Canada’s beef sector.

On March 16, 2022, CP Rail gave notice of their intention to lock out employees as of March 20. The union also gave their notice of intention to strike on the same day.

“We have communicated with both negotiating parties and Government representatives the absolute need to have trains continue moving otherwise we will have an animal care emergency on our hands,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. “We remain hopeful that they will reach a resolution and are pleased to see them remain at the negotiating table.”

“Any stoppage of trains coming into Canada would be devastating to the Canadian cattle industry. We have been dealing with feed shortages over the last few months and are completely reliant on feed coming from the United States (U.S.),” states James Bekkering, NCFA Chair. “If a stoppage occurs, feed supplies will run out in one to two weeks causing a serious concern for the welfare of our animals.”

Western Canadian cattle producers are dependent on feed shipments from the U.S. because of the hardhitting drought producers faced last year from British Columbia through to Ontario. A disruption in shipments of feed grain from the U.S. will significantly impact the ability of beef producers to feed their cattle. Prior issues with rail and transportation have already reduced feed availability and feeders have been managing their needs on a train-by-train basis. There is no buffer in the system.

CCA and NCFA have been strongly encouraging both sides to reach a solution prior to strike or lock outs. In the event a solution cannot be reached, the parties should move directly to binding arbitration to avoid a work stoppage and the resulting necessity of implementing back-to-work legislation. It is imperative to prevent the serious consequences that would arise from a shortage of critical feed supplies on Canadian beef operations.

According to Statistics Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan corn imports in 2021 were up 400 per cent.

Key considerations: • • • •

Drought 2021 caused a small crop and what was available was of moderate to good quality.

Estimated current available feed supply is one to two weeks.

On February 1, 2022, there were 1.1. million head of cattle on feed in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

One rail car is estimated to feed approximately 8,000 head for one day, therefore we need nine to ten trains per week.

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According to Statistics Canada, Alberta and Saskatchewan corn imports in 2021 were up 400 per cent.

It is estimated that over 1,000 super-B trucks would be needed weekly to replace the volume of feed grain currently be transported by Canadian Pacific Railway trains and trucking capacity is not available leaving no alternative solutions.

For further information, contact: Michelle McMullen Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca Megan Madden Communications Manager National Cattle Feeders’ Association 780-686-8807 | mmadden@cattlefeeders.ca

For reliable information and resources please visit:

COVID-19 Updates Final Public Health Orders in Manitoba Lifted March 15, 2022 – information re: Isolation, Travel to Northern Manitoba (March 14, 2022 Province of Manitoba News Release) More than two years after the start of

the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic, the province will be lifting its remaining public health orders and restrictions effective March 15, Health Minister Audrey Gordon announced.

“Thanks to the commitment, compassion and hard work of all Manitobans, particularly our health-care heroes, we are finally in a position to lift restrictions,” said Gordon. “This path forward will be different for all of us, whether we choose to wear masks or not, or how and when we connect with family and friends. Let’s be patient, thoughtful and kind to each other as we navigate this new normal together.”

Manitoba Health reminds Manitobans that public health orders requiring mask wearing in public places end at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, March 15. However, masks will continue to be required for all individuals attending a healthcare facility, including visitors. Throughout the province, individuals may continue to choose to wear masks in various settings based on their preference, personal risk or other reasons.

Schools and child-care facilities continue to follow public health guidance on mask use, meaning they will no longer be required for staff or students. Physical distancing requirements and cohorts are also no longer required in these settings.

but now Manitobans are empowered to make their own decisions about what is right for themselves and their families,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer.

“We know these restrictions have taken a toll on many people’s health and well-being, but we also know that this shift may cause different stress and anxiety for some. This is a process for everyone to take at their own pace and we need to remember to support each other as it happens.”

Manitoba, including schools, will move to Limited Risk (Green) under the Pandemic Response System.

Additionally on March 15: •

public health orders restricting travel to northern Manitoba will end;

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individual case investigations related to COVID-19 will no longer occur and Manitoba will no longer generate key codes for the federal COVID Alert app; and

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public health will no longer require people who test positive for COVID-19 to isolate.

Public health continues to recommend people isolate in the following situations: •

people with symptoms should stay home and isolate for five days after symptoms start until they have no fever and other symptoms have improved over the past 24 hours;

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individuals who have tested positive but do not develop symptoms should

Though orders have been lifted, public health will continue to monitor positive cases and severe outcomes related to COVID-19 and will provide updated information to Manitobans.

“We will continue to provide public health recommendations and guidance on COVID-19,

continued on pages 6-7

COVID-19 Updates isolate for five days from the date of the test;

decisions about using masks, physical distancing and other actions based on those risks.

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individuals should wear a well-fitting, well-made mask if they must have contact with other people while ill or when their isolation is finished for 10 days after the onset of symptoms or test date if asymptomatic; and

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people who have symptoms or test positive should avoid non-essential visits with higher-risk people or at higher-risk settings for 10 days after the onset of their symptoms or test date if asymptomatic.

Manitobans are encouraged to learn if they are eligible for COVID-19 treatment. Treatment can help protect against severe illness or hospitalization but must be given within days of having symptoms, so it is important to get tested quickly to access this care. Vaccinated and unvaccinated people, including those with chronic health conditions, who are pregnant or have other risk factors, may be eligible for treatment. More information about COVID-19 treatment is available at www.manitoba.ca/covid19/treatment/.

To help prevent the spread of COVID-19, it is recommended Manitobans get vaccinated, stay home when sick, assess their risk and make

For more information about COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19/.

Updates re: COVID-19 Testing and Vaccinations in Manitoba The following is a compilation of information from provincial government websites and news releases from the week of March 14.

Information about COVID-19 in Manitoba is updated on Thursdays at 12:30 p.m. at: •

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

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COVID-19 vaccination coverage: https://geoportal.gov.mb.ca/ apps/manitoba-covid-19-vaccinationsdashboard-1/

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Outbreaks: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/pr s/index.html

Key Updates re: Vaccine Sites, Testing Sites Starting March 24, information about COVID-19 will be updated in weekly epidemiology reports found at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/surveill ance/covid-19/index.html. Vaccine dashboards will continue to be updated.

Provincial vaccine sites in Brandon and Morden are now closed to the public. The Selkirk location will close on March 26, followed by the Steinbach site in mid-April. The vaccine site at RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg will remain open to offer vaccines. Vaccines also continue to be available at medical clinics and pharmacies throughout the province. For additional updates on vaccine locations and hours or to use the vaccine finder, visit www.manitoba.ca/vaccine.

COVID-19 Updates On Sunday, March 20, 18 provincial COVID-19 testing sites will close and services will be consolidated at other locations. These sites remain open: •

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Prairie Mountain Health: Dauphin Testing Centre (301 Main St. N) and Brandon Drive-Thru Testing Site (Van Horne Ave. E.); Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority: Selkirk Testing Site (100 Easton Dr.); Southern Health-Santé Sud: Winkler Testing Centre (Southland Mall, R10777 Norquay Dr.); Steinbach Community Testing Site (365 Reimer Ave.); and Portage la Prairie Testing Site (159-Fifth St. SE); Winnipeg Regional Health Authority: Ma Mawi Wi Chi Itata Centre Testing Site (445 King St.); Walk in Clinic Garrick Centre (330 Garry St.); Testing Centre (604 St. Mary’s Rd.); Dakota Medical Centre (17-845 Dakota St.); and Minor Illness and Injury Clinic Drive-Thru Testing Site (2055 Notre Dame Ave.) Northern Regional Health Authority: Flin Flon General Hospital (Main Entrance); The Pas Testing Centre (328 Fischer Ave.); and Thompson Clinic Testing Centre (Plaza Mall).

PCR tests will continue to be available at these sites to eligible people, which includes preoperative patients and those at high risk for severe outcomes from COVID-19 who may be eligible for treatment. For up-to-date information about hours and locations, as well as information on rapid antigen tests, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/testing.

Do I need to make an appointment for a COVID19 test?

Starting March 14, 2022, COVID-19 testing sites will be available on a walk-in basis only, with the exception of pre-operative patients. This includes all sites that are currently appointment-only. Pre-operative patients can continue to make appointments by calling 1855-268-4318.

Walk-ins are available at the following testing centres and drive-up sites: •

301 Main Street North, Dauphin;

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Swan Valley Primary Care Centre Parking Lot, 1000 Main Street, Swan River;

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Keystone Centre (1175-18th Street), Brandon;

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Southland Mall, R10-777 Norquay Drive, Winkler;

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365 Reimer Ave, Steinbach;

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Portage Ave. and 5th St. SE, Portage la Prairie;

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Flin Flon General Hospital (Main Entrance), Flin Flon

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100 Easton Drive, Selkirk;

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328 Fischer Avenue, The Pas; and

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Plaza Mall, 50 Selkirk Ave., Thompson.

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820 Taylor Ave., Winnipeg;

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604 St. Mary’s Rd., Winnipeg;

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1 Research Road. (U of M), Winnipeg

More Resources • •

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COVID-19 in Manitoba: www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Vaccine campaign: www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://prot ectmb.ca.

Testing information: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/index. html.

Enforcement statistics: https://manitoba.ca/openmb/infomb/depart ments/index.html#cdr.

Government of Canada will remove preentry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on April 1 (March 17, 2022 Public Health Agency of Canada News Release) The Government of Canada

announced that effective April 1, 2022 at 12:01 AM EDT, fully vaccinated travellers will no longer need to provide a pre-entry COVID-19 test result to enter Canada by air, land or water.

Fully vaccinated travellers seeking to arrive in Canada before April 1, 2022, must still have a valid pre-entry test.

As a reminder, travellers arriving to Canada from any country, who qualify as fully vaccinated, may need to take a COVID-19 molecular test on arrival if selected for mandatory random testing. Travellers selected for mandatory random testing are not required to quarantine while awaiting their test result.

For partially or unvaccinated travelers who are currently allowed to travel to Canada, pre-entry testing requirements are not changing. Unless otherwise exempt, all travellers 5 years of age or older who do not qualify as fully vaccinated must continue to provide proof of an accepted type of pre-entry COVID-19 test result: •

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a valid, negative antigen test, administered or observed by an accredited lab or testing provider, taken outside of Canada no more than one day before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or a valid negative molecular test taken no more than 72 hours before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry; or

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a previous positive molecular test taken at least 10 calendar days and no more than 180 calendar days before their initially scheduled flight departure time or their arrival at the land border or marine port of entry. It is important to note that positive antigen test results will not be accepted.

All travellers continue to be required to submit their mandatory information in ArriveCAN (free mobile app or website) before their arrival in Canada. Travellers who arrive without completing their ArriveCAN submission may have to test on arrival and quarantine for 14 days, regardless of their vaccination status.

Travellers taking a cruise or a plane must submit their information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before boarding.

Quick Facts •

Canadians can continue do their part to reduce the spread of COVID-19 by getting vaccinated and boosted, using masks where appropriate, self-isolating if they have symptoms and self-testing if they can.

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Travellers should check if they are eligible to enter Canada and meet all entry requirements before heading to the border. In addition, some provinces and territories may have their own entry restrictions in place. Check and follow both the federal and any provincial or territorial restrictions and requirements before travelling to Canada.

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All travellers entering Canada, including returning residents, continue to be continued on page 10

Government of Canada will remove preentry test requirement for fully vaccinated travellers on April 1 required to input their mandatory information in ArriveCAN within 72 hours before their arrival in Canada.

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Unless otherwise exempt, all travellers eligible to enter Canada who do not qualify as fully vaccinated will continue to be tested with COVID-19 molecular tests on arrival and on Day 8, while they quarantine for 14 days.

Travellers may experience delays at ports of entry due to the public health measures. Travellers should have their ArriveCAN receipt ready to present to the border services officer.

Before heading to the land border, travellers should check Canada Border Service Agency's website for estimated border wait times at select land ports of entry.

Associated Links •

COVID-19: Travel, testing and borders

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COVID-19: Vaccinated travellers entering Canada

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ArriveCAN

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COVID-19: Boarding flights and trains in Canada

Latest FCC Farmland Values Report Released for 2021 followed a 3.6% increase in 2020 and a 4% increase in 2019.

FCC has issued the 2021 Farmland Values Report for Canada. It is FCC’s annual review of regional land value trends across Canada in price per acre. Among the highlights: •

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Despite all the economic upheaval, supply-chain problems, extreme weather conditions, the real estate market – and particularly the agriculture land market – is doing well.

Sustained demand, historically low interest rates, favourable commodity prices and tight supply of farmland available for sale have all been key factors that resulted in a national average farmland increase of 8.3% in 2021, compared to 5.4% in 2020, and similar moderate increases for the previous five years.

Manitoba saw an average increases of 9.9%, with growth being widely dispersed around the province. This

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Growing conditions throughout the province were variable, with overall excessive heat and severe drought conditions. This led to some very poor crops, both in terms of quality and yield. However, good commodity prices and crop insurance coverage helped mitigate some of the impact of belowaverage yields.

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Stable to increasing demand and limited supply are factors that positively influenced farmland values in many areas of the province. Insect infestation was an issue, as many fields required spraying more than once and all crops were affected.

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Demand came mainly from farmers looking to expand their operation, such as large intensive, supply-managed farm operations, cash crop producers and some part-time farmers.

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The largest overall increase was 17.6% in the Parkland region, which was well above the provincial average. The strongest increases were seen in the central and west side areas of the region. Yields in some areas of the region were average to above average.

Land capable of growing cereals and oilseeds was in high demand due to strong commodity prices.

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Westman region farmland values increased by 12.2% in 2021, following a below average increase of 2.9% in 2020.

Producers continue to expand their land and well-established farms account for many of the cultivated land sales in the continued on page 12

Latest FCC Farmland Values Report Released for 2021 area. The change in land values varied considerably in the area, with the largest increases observed in the southern part of the region.

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Overall, values increased by 9.4% in the Interlake region, with the northwest corner of this area experiencing well above average increases, somewhat catching up to the northeast area.

Eastman and Central Plains-Pembina Valley saw similar increases in value compared to last year, of 5.4% and 4.2% respectively. Marketability of farmland in both areas is similar and both have various buyers.

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The value of irrigated land, mostly located in the Central Plains-Pembina Valley region and to some extent in the Westman region, increased by 7% in 2021. Demand for this type of land remains strong, accentuated by challenges created by the drought.

To see the full report go to: https://www.fccfac.ca/fcc/resources/2021-farmland-valuesreport-e.pdf For historic FCC farmland values from 1985 to 1991 go to: https://www.fccfac.ca/fcc/resources/2021-historic-farmlandvalues-report-e.pdf

Pending short-term closure of bridge at St. Andrews Lock and Dam

March 14, 2022 Public Services and Procurement Canada Media Advisory) Public Services and

Procurement Canada (PSPC) wishes to advise motorists that the bridge at the St. Andrews Lock and Dam will be closed to vehicular traffic for deck replacement work during the following period: from Monday, March 21, at 10 pm to Tuesday, March 22, at 6 am.

During this period, all lanes will be closed to vehicular traffic in both directions. The bridge will remain open to pedestrians and cyclists, who will cross the bridge using a walkway constructed along the south side of the bridge.

Cyclists are asked to dismount their bikes when using the walkway.

PSPC encourages users to exercise caution when travelling on the bridge and thanks them for their patience.

Emergency Management Workshops and Other Planning Resources for Livestock Producers A serious animal disease outbreak is recognized as an industry's greatest vulnerability because of the potential impact it could have on the affected industries and livestock sectors. Knowing what to do when a serious animal disease is suspected on your farm is key to limiting the spread and impact of a disease outbreak.

"The First 48 Hours for Producers" is a NEW quick reference tool developed by the Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) project that lists the key Communication, Enhanced Biosecurity, and On-farm Investigation actions to take to protect yourself, your animals, and business after being notified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) that there is a suspicion of a federally regulated disease on your farm. See: (https://bit.ly/3h11VT7).

This resource can be used alongside other AHEM producer tools and handbooks found at www.animalhealth.ca/resources to proactively plan, prepare and respond to an animal disease emergency event.

AHEM is offering a new three-part series of engaging virtual webinars geared for livestock producers. In each 60-minute interactive webinar we share vital information, tips, and tools for understanding how to prepare and respond during a serious animal disease emergency.

Webinar 1: Navigating the Unexpected – Emergency Management 101 A general overview of emergency management along with producer roles and responsibilities.

The information is designed to boost preparedness with proactive steps and to

provide insight into the knowledge and skills required during a serious animal disease outbreak.

Click here to register. All workshops are one hour starting at 10:00 am (Mountain) / 12:00 pm noon (Eastern). Dates include: •

March 22, 2022 (French)

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April 5, 2022

Webinar 2: Resourced and Ready – Exploring Proactive Disease Management Tactics and Tools Explore the concepts and support tools found in the AHEM resources and ask questions about animal health emergency management.

Click here to register. All workshops are one hour starting at 10:00 am (Mountain) / 12:00 pm noon (Eastern). Dates include: •

April 14, 2022

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April 28, 2022 (French)

Webinar 3: Testing, Testing, 1-2-3 – Scenarios for producer Handbook application While we cannot anticipate every circumstance that may take place during an emergency event, we can create scenarios to test our ability to respond. Understanding how to work together using the AHEM producer Handbook will improve emergency readiness by allowing participants to identify and address existing gaps.

In the final part of this three-part series participants will be introduced to AHEM’s producer-oriented simulation workshops, which give a practical understanding of how AHEM

Emergency Management Workshops and Other Planning Resources for Livestock Producers resources are used as guidance before, during and/or after a serious animal disease outbreak.

Participants will benefit from an opportunity to actively work through and fine tune their response as they explore numerous scenariobased exercises.

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May 12, 2022

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June 21, 2022

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July 12, 2022

Visit www.animalhealth.ca/workshops for more information including webinar dates and registration.

Important Reminders/Updates re: AgriRecovery Programs Related to the 2021 Drought Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance

been sent an email or letter in the mail informing them how they can apply for these expenses.

Program Description AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters affecting several producers occur.

Extraordinary Expenses incurred between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022 including hauling water, renting extra pasture and cropland, harvesting extra acres for livestock feed, temporary fencing for supplemental grazing, and transporting feed from distant locations. A one time declaration of extraordinary expenses can be submitted over the life of the program.

The Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program was developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba producers experiencing drought conditions. The program helps livestock producers affected by low moisture conditions in 2021 to maintain their breeding herds.

Application Deadline Applications will be received on an ongoing basis until May 13, 2022 (11:59 p.m. CST).

WHAT IS NEW? (March 2022) Extension of Invoice Dates - Invoices dated on or before April 15, 2022 are eligible if the purchase or transportation was to continue maintaining the eligible breeding animals owned on March 15, 2022. This extension will assist producers facing issues with taking delivery of feed ordered before the original March 15th deadline.

Extension of Application Deadline - The application deadline has been extended to May 13, 2022 due to the extension of the eligible dates for invoices.

This extension will allow time to obtain proof of payment for the purchases made by April 15, 2022.

Expansion of Eligible Feeds - The list of eligible feeds now includes feed additives and premixes, molasses based products, vitamins, minerals, and oils and fats. The change is retroactive to June 1, 2021. Previous applicants of the program have

View: What are Extraordinary Expenses?

View: How do Extraordinary Expenses Increase Payments?

AgriRecovery: Herd Management Drought Assistance Program Description The Herd Management Drought Assistance program is the third program developed in consultation with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba livestock producers experiencing drought conditions. The other two programs include the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program and Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program This 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 predrought levels.

Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for

Important Reminders/Updates re: AgriRecovery Programs Related to the 2021 Drought assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs launched on Aug. 31, 2021.

Who Qualifies Primary producers who owned eligible animals located in Manitoba, and were responsible for their feeding expenses as of March 16, 2021 are eligible.

Elk producers must have a Game Farm Production Licence and only elk farmed under that licence are eligible.

An applicant must: • be an individual who is 18 years of age or older at the time of application; a partnership, a corporation, a cooperative, a commune or a First Nation.

• be liable to pay income tax in Manitoba under the Income Tax Act (Canada), or is specifically exempted from filing income tax but is a permanent resident of Canada; and must file farm and expense tax forms.

Eligible animals • Breeding females of beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and elk owned by the applicant.

• 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.

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

Available Assistance Assistance is provided to replace breeding females culled due to drought and support returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to predrought levels.

For complete program details and forms go to: https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/livestock/agr irecovery-herd-management-assistance.html Key Program Timelines • April 15, 2022 11:59 PM - Deadline for application declaring March 16, 2021 and March 16, 2022 inventory. Only producers who have submitted an application by this deadline will be able to submit a claim.

• Dec. 1, 2022 - Claim forms will be available.

• Feb. 17, 2023 11:59 PM - Deadline for claim forms declaring January 31, 2023 inventory.

Further Resources • Herd Management Drought Assistance - Frequently Asked Questions • Video - Herd Management Drought Assistance - Determining Payments • Video - Herd Management Drought Assistance - Two-Step Application Process • Factsheet - Herd Management Drought Assistance Note: You can also pick up an application package at any of the ARD/MASC Service Centres, or by calling 1-844-769-6224 to have an application package mailed to you.

AgriRecovery: Herd Management Drought Assistance WHO QUALIFIES PROGRAM DESCRIPTION AgriRecovery is a disaster relief framework under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that provides a coordinated process for federal, provincial and territorial governments to respond rapidly when disasters affecting several producers occur.

The Herd Management Drought Assistance program is the third program developed with industry to help meet the needs of Manitoba livestock producers experiencing drought conditions. The other two programs include the Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program and Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance program.

This 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

Primary producers who owned eligible animals located in Manitoba, and were responsible for their feeding expenses as of March 16, 2021, are eligible. Elk producers must have a Game Farm Production Licence and only elk farmed under that licence are eligible.

An applicant must: • be an individual who is 18 years of age or older at the time of application; a partnership, a corporation, a cooperative, a commune or a First Nation • be liable to pay income tax in Manitoba under the Income Tax Act (Canada), or is specifically exempted from filing income tax but is a permanent resident of Canada; and must file farm and expense tax forms

Eligible animals • Breeding females of beef cattle, bison, sheep, goats, and elk owned by the applicant • 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.

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

• 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.

Animals culled under the Herd Management Drought Assistance program are not eligible for assistance under the other two AgriRecovery programs launched on Aug. 31, 2021.

Available Assistance Assistance is provided to replace breeding females culled due to drought and support returning the applicant’s inventory of breeding females to pre-drought levels.

Eligible Sales of Breeding Females Culled Due to Drought The breeding females must be sold during the March 16, 2021 to March 15, 2022 time period and contribute to a decline in the applicant’s inventory of eligible breeding females on March 16, 2022.

March 16, 2021 inventory (pre-drought)

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March 16, 2022 inventory (drought impacted)

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Decrease in inventory due to drought culling

Eligible Replacement 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 Jan. 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.

Breeding Herd Inventory The following dates will be used for assessing the impact of drought and subsequent recovery on the applicant’s inventory of breeding females: • March 16, 2021 • March 16, 2022 • Jan. 31, 2023 The difference between the recovery and drought impacted inventory indicates the effect of purchasing and retaining replacement females on recovering from the drought.

Jan. 31, 2023 inventory (recovery inventory)

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March 16, 2022 inventory (drought impacted)

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Increase in inventory due to purchasing and retaining replacements

HOW TO DETERMINE HERD MANAGEMENT PAYMENT Payment Rates Payments per head for each animal type are listed in the table below for the replacement of eligible breeding animals culled due to drought. The payments are made for breeding females purchased or retained.

Animal Type(s)

Payment ($) per head

Beef Cattle, Bison, Elk

$250

Sheep and Goats

$50

Producers are paid the rates shown in the table above, based on the increase in the breeding female inventory between March 16, 2022 and Jan. 31, 2023.

The payments are calculated as follows,

Per Head Payment Rate Beef Cattle/Bison/Elk - $250 Sheep/Goats $50

Increase in inventory due to purchasing and retaining replacements

X

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Herd Management Program Payment

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

Note: Payments are capped once inventory is restored to pre-drought levels. No payments are made for increases in inventory beyond the pre-drought level.

Other Criteria for Declaration of Inventory of Breeding Females: The following animals should not be included in the declared inventories of breeding females: • animals sold prior to being exposed to breeding for the first time • market livestock intended for slaughter or purposes other than breeding • animals sold after March 15, 2022

• animals leased by the applicant • animals not located in Manitoba as of March 16, 2021 (pre-drought) or Jan. 31, 2023 (when recovery complete) For the March 16, 2022 inventory declaration, breeding females that both gave birth and were sold in the Jan. 1, 2022 to March 15, 2022 time period should be included in the number of head declared.

Producers should maintain records of breeding animals sold or purchased in case they are requested by the program administrator.

HOW TO APPLY

Program Timelines

The application package will be available on Jan. 10, 2022: online at www.manitoba.ca/ agriculture, in-person at AG-MASC Service Centre,, or by calling 1-844-769-6224 to receive a copy in the mail.

• April 15, 2022 11:59 PM – Deadline for application declaring March 16, 2021 and March 16, 2022 inventory. Only producers who have submitted an application by this deadline will be able to submit a claim.

Application is a two-step process requiring applicants to fully complete and submit: 1) Application form, declaring their: a. March 16, 2021 inventory of eligible breeding females owned b. March 16, 2022 inventory of eligible breeding females owned 2) Claim form, declaring their a. Jan. 31, 2023 inventory of eligible breeding females

Contact Us • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Email us at agriculture@gov.mb.ca • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg • Visit your nearest AG-MASC Service Centre

Available in alternate formats upon request.

• Dec. 1, 2022 – Claim forms will be available • Feb. 17, 2023 11:59 PM – Deadline for claim forms declaring Jan. 31, 2023 inventory

Further Resources • Herd Management Drought Assistance – Frequently Asked Questions • Video – Herd Management Drought Assistance – Determining Payments • Video – Herd Management Drought Assistance – Two-Step Application Process

What Qualifies AgriRecovery Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance Helps livestock producers offset freight expenses associated with moving their eligible breeding herd to alternate feeding locations due to shortages of feed.

Primary Producers

Breeding Animals

• Owned or leased the eligible breeding animals between June 1, 2021 and March 15, 2022 or later

• Mature females exposed to breeding (natural service or artificial insemination)

• Have a minimum of 10 eligible breeding animals (per type of livestock)

• Males used previously for breeding

Eligible Breeding Animals • Beef cattle • Sheep • Goats

• Immature replacement females are not eligible

Eligible Alternate Feeding Locations • Farms, custom feeders and other livestock operations where breeding animals must be relocated to address a shortfall in winter feed capacity

• Movement to a normal wintering site is not eligible

• Locations are not owned, leased or rented by the eligible producers

• Animals cannot be sold or marketed prior to returning to the location of origin when temporary feeding is complete

• Must be capable of housing and providing adequate feed, water and care

• Animals must remain in the new location for at least 30 days

Eligible Distance • Minimum distance of 40 kilometres to a maximum one-way distance of 1,000 kilometres

Contact • 1-844-769-6224

• manitoba.ca/agriculture

Date of Eligible Expenses • Incurred from August 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022

• ARD@gov.mb.ca

How to Apply for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance Six Steps for Application

STEP 1

Application deadlines:

May 13, 2022 for Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance July 30, 2022 for Livestock Transportation Drought Assistance

Application form and program guide Complete the form as instructed, declare that you meet all the program terms and conditions, and that the information you provide is complete and accurate. The terms and conditions are outlined in the AgriRecovery Drought Assistance for Farmers Program Guidebook. You can access the application form and the program guide by: downloading them at manitoba.ca/agriculture

In-person at your nearest Service Centre (see reverse for locations)

STEP 2

Declaration of eligible breeding animals

STEP 3

Self-haul declaration

STEP 4

calling 1-844-769-6224 to have a copy mailed to you

Extraordinary Expense Declaration

• Complete a Declaration with your first application • Declare the number of eligible breeding animals that will be maintained and overwintered

• Contact the program administrator (email: agaction@gov.mb.ca) if the number of eligible animals changes over time.

If you self-haul feed or livestock, complete the self-haul declaration form and provide invoices for feed purchases or accessing feed as outlined in the guidebook.

If you have extraordinary expenses for renting pasture or cropland, temporary fencing, hauling or pumping water, harvesting feed, or transporting self-produced feed, complete the one-time declaration as outlined in the guidebook.

Note: If your application is successful, you will receive a notification letter and cheque in the mail from the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC).

STEP 5

Prepare your application After completing the necessary documents, check the boxes for all declarations on the forms. Ensure that you have included everything needed in your submission:

STEP 6

 application form  invoices for each feed and/or transportation purchase  proof of payment for each invoice (e.g., cleared cheques, bank statement, credit or debit card receipt)

 eligible breeding animal declaration (first application only)  self-haul declaration (only if you self-hauled feed or livestock)  declaration of extraordinary expenses (only one submission allowed)

Submit your application Email documents in step 5 to: agaction@gov.mb.ca

or mail to: Manitoba Agriculture AgriRecovery Drought Assistance 903-401 York Avenue, Winnipeg, MB R3C 0P8

Service Centre Contact Information Arborg Box 2000, 317 River Road Arborg MB R0C 0A0 1-833-206-0451 1-833-478-1304 arborg@masc.mb.ca

Headingley 1-5290 Monterey Road Headingley MB R4H 1J9 1-833-206-0465 1-833-478-1307 headingley@masc.mb.ca

Portage la Prairie Unit 400, 50-24th Street NW Portage la Prairie MB R1N 3V7 1-833-206-0470 1-833-478-1312 portagelaprairie@masc.mb.ca

Brandon Unit 100 - 1525 1st Street S Brandon MB R7A 7A1 1-833-206-0455 1-833-478-1305 brandon@masc.mb.ca

Killarney Box 190, 203 South Railway Street Killarney MB R0K 1G0 1-833-206-0466 1-833-478-1309 killarney@masc.mb.ca

Steinbach Unit C – 284 Reimer Avenue Steinbach MB R5G 0R5 1-833-206-0480 1-833-467-1059 steinbach@masc.mb.ca

Dauphin Room 209, 27-2nd Avenue SW Dauphin MB R7N 3E5 1-833-206-0459 1-833-478-1306 dauphin@masc.mb.ca

Morden 536 Stephen Street Morden MB R6M 1T7 1-833-206-0479 1-833-467-1056 morden@masc.mb.ca

Swan River Box 1108, 120-6th Avenue N Swan River MB R0L 1Z0 1-833-206-0476 1-833-478-1315 swanriver@masc.mb.ca

Neepawa Box 1179, 41 Main Street E Neepawa MB R0J 1H0 1-833-206-0469 1-833-478-1310 neepawa@masc.mb.ca

Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network seeks solutions to meat processing challenges - Canadian Cattlemen MORE

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Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network seeks solutions to meat processing challenges

By CAAIN Reading Time: 2 minutes

Published: March 17, 2022 News

Photo: Lisovskaya/iStock/Getty Images

The Canadian Agri-Food Automation and Intelligence Network (CAAIN) has launched its Beef and Pork Primary Processing Automation and Robotics Program, a $5M initiative designed to foster the development and adoption of innovative technology-based solutions to challenges facing red meat processors.

“Our team is pleased to unveil this opportunity to support the country’s red meat processing sector,” said CAAIN CEO Kerry Wright. “The pandemic has exacerbated ongoing difficulties associated with labour shortages, worker safety and productivity, and supply chain disruptions. Plant closures further impact producers whose hogs and cattle must be processed in a timely manner. We have diligently engaged beef and pork industry stakeholders in broad-based consultations and one-on-one discussions to better determine key priorities. The results were

unequivocal. We must act now to help advance processors who want to implement emerging technology that will enhance their competitiveness and pro tability.”

CAAIN’s mandate from Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada is to focus its funding on three types of technological advancements of importance to the agri-food sector. One of these pillars is the burgeoning eld of automation and robotics. Through the program announced today, CAAIN is providing further support to innovators in this eld. But CAAIN cannot take all the credit.

“We wish to acknowledge and thank the industry professionals who helped our program managers develop this competition, providing perspective and de ning priorities. Their collaboration is particularly important because, of the $49.5M the government of Canada has invested in this network, $9.5M is earmarked to fund livestock innovation,” explained Ms. Wright. “While we already have several projects on the go in this sub-sector, we have been encouraged to seek ways to alleviate labour challenges experienced recently by Canadian meat processors.

The issues in question gained public prominence when COVID outbreaks shut down facilities, temporarily disrupting the supply chain, and resulting in major shortages and price increases. Encouraging modernization is a big piece of the puzzle and, while there is likely no silver bullet solution, we can certainly move the goalposts by supporting innovative approaches to automation across the sector.”

When added to the total of approximately $17M CAAIN expects to provide to the 16 successful applicants of its rst two competitions, the $5M that will be used to support this beef and pork processing initiative pushes CAAIN’S funding commitments to nearly $22M. Details are available online at caain.ca.