Information re: FCC’s Sustainability Incentive Program and Eligible Beef Producers
E-Newsletter dsfsfa
(Source: FCC) Innovative producers are key to growing a more sustainable future for agriculture. These changes require research, time and capital. By working with industry partners, we’ve created an incentive program open to eligible customers who meet our partners’ program requirements in sustainability. Together, we’re laying the groundwork for future generations to thrive in our industry.
Incentive payments are calculated as a portion of your lending with FCC. You could receive one payment per year at a maximum of $2,000. You can reapply annually throughout the life of the program.
By working with the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) and its certification bodies (Verified Beef Production Plus, Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program and Where Food Comes From Inc.), we’ve created an incentive program open to eligible customers who are certified through CRSB.
What's your incentive?
Incentive payments are calculated as a portion of your lending with FCC, to a maximum payment of $2,000 in one year. You can reapply annually throughout the life of the program. Participation is easy.
To participate, we’ll need the following information to verify your eligibility and calculate your incentive payment:
• Contact information
• FCC customer number
• Which CRSB-approved certification body you’re certified with
• Copy of your registration certificate or certificate of approval showing your CRSB certification
Who can apply?
To be eligible, you must fulfil the following criteria:
• FCC customer in good standing with a balance owing on eligible, existing FCC lending
• CRSB Certified through one of the following verification bodies:
Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+)
Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance Program
Where Food Comes From
Apply now at the following site: https://www.fccfac.ca/en/financing/agriculture/sustainability-incentiveprogram.html
Fire Bulletin #3
(May 25, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises that wildfire danger in central and eastern Manitoba is high to extreme, and low to moderate across northern Manitoba. Favourable weather conditions and precipitation are expected in northern Manitoba over the next 48 hours.
There are nine active wildfires currently burning in Manitoba. The Manitoba Wildfire Service is working with ground crews and aircraft to suppress a fire approximately two to three kilometres south of Cross Lake/Pimicikamak Cree Nation. Due to unfavourable wind conditions and extreme fire behaviour, there was an increase in the size of the fire which included movement toward the community. Overnight there was a change in those conditions, including precipitation and a shift in the wind direction. Favourable conditions are expected over the next 48 hours. Some evacuations of high-risk community members have been co-ordinated through the Canadian Red Cross, but decisions about community evacuation are made at the local level, with information from the wildfire service.
Manitobans are reminded to avoid wildfire areas and watch for road closure or detour signs. When using an all-terrain vehicle (ATV) in areas where backcountry travel is permitted, ATV operators are asked to stay on developed trails, stop frequently to check areas around the engine and exhaust for debris and carefully dispose of any debris found. Operators are also reminded to be prepared by carrying a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel.
Provincial burning permits are required for outdoor fires set within the Burn Permit Area from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually. Provincial burn permits issued under the Wildfires Act may be cancelled or restricted at short notice if fire
danger conditions require. The province will not issue burning permits for areas where municipalities have already implemented burning restrictions.
The public is reminded to contact a local municipality or the local Manitoba Natural Resources and Northern Development office for more information. Burn permit holders are reminded to check weather conditions, have adequate suppression equipment and ensure proper fuel breaks are in place before burning. Never leave an outdoor fire unattended and always extinguish it before leaving, exercise caution when in or near forested areas.
FireSmart Tip: Install only approved woodburning fireplaces, stoves, and inserts. Be sure installations are completed according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and local regulations. When disposing stove or fireplace ashes, place ashes in a fire-safe container, then dispose of cold ashes in a cleared area free of all flammable material.
Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners, including the Manitoba Wildfire Service to provide guidance and support for emergency response activities. Manitoba EMO continues to work closely with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and the Canadian Red Cross in supporting ISC-led response measures with First Nation communities.
For further information on Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or follow the Twitter account at https://twitter.com/mbgovnews
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line (tollfree) at 1-800-782-0076.
Manitobans Encouraged to Reduce Risk of Lyme Disease through Prevention, Treatment
(May 25, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Health is encouraging Manitobans to take steps to help protect against tick bites and Lyme disease.
May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month, and Lyme disease is becoming more common in southern Manitoba.
Lyme disease can be prevented if antibiotics are given quickly after a high-risk tick bite. Manitoba Health recommends people visit a health-care provider within 72 hours to receive antibiotics if:
• the bite was from a reliably-identified blacklegged tick;
• the tick was attached for 36 hours or more, or the tick was engorged; and
• the bite occurred in southern Manitoba (south of the 53rd parallel) or another known risk area for Lyme disease outside the province.
All Manitobans can help protect against tick bites and exposure to Lyme disease by:
• applying an appropriate tick repellent on exposed skin and clothing, following label directions;
• wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts;
• staying to the centre of walking trails;
• inspecting themselves, children and pets after spending time outdoors;
• removing ticks as soon as possible from people and pets; and
• keeping grass and shrubs around homes cut short to create drier environments
that are less suitable for blacklegged tick survival.
It is also important for people to be aware of the signs and symptoms of tick-borne diseases including anaplasmosis, babesiosis or Lyme disease. A list of symptoms for these tick-borne diseases can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/tickbo rne/index.html. People should contact a healthcare provider if they think they may have a tickborne disease. For more information, individuals can also contact Health Links-Info Santé at 204-788-8200 or (toll-free) 1-888 3159257.
Blacklegged ticks, which can carry Lyme disease, anaplasmosis and babesiosis, are most commonly found in and along the edge of forests and in areas with thick, woody shrubs or other vegetation. However, they can also be found in urban areas including household yards. These ticks are typically found from snowmelt to snowfall, with peaks in activity in spring and fall.
Manitoba Health’s partnership with the eTick program, which is developed and operated by Bishop’s University, helps monitor and assess the continued expansion of blacklegged tick populations. Manitobans who find ticks on animals, humans or in various habitats can submit a picture to have it identified by experts, which will confirm if the tick belongs to a species capable of transmitting diseases. For more information or to submit a picture of a tick, visit www.etick.ca.
To learn more about blacklegged ticks, tickborne diseases and prevention, visit www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/ti ckborne/.
Keeping Our Waters Clean Now and Into the Future Water Agency Announcement Made in Winnipeg
(May 24, 2023 Prime Minister of Canada News Release) Water is Canada’s most precious natural resource. With 20 per cent of the world’s freshwater reserves, it is essential to our wellbeing and our economy. And as climate change and pollution increasingly threaten our waters, we must work together to keep it clean and healthy, now and into the future.
From banning harmful single-use plastics, to protecting vast amounts of Canada’s nature, we have already made historic progress. Today, the Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, highlighted another step forward with the Budget 2023 investment to protect Canada’s freshwater supply by establishing a new Canada Water Agency.
Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, the Canada Water Agency will work with provinces, territories, Indigenous Peoples, local authorities, scientists, and other partners to find the best ways to keep our water safe, clean, and wellmanaged for everyone. As the Prime Minister announced, one of the first priorities of the Agency will be to begin the work of modernizing the Canada Water Act to reflect the changing reality of fresh water in Canada, including the impacts of climate change and the importance of Indigenous rights. As stewards of these lands and waters for millennia, consultation and cooperation with Indigenous Peoples is critical.
Budget 2023 also renews and expands the Freshwater Action Plan, which will support regionally specific measures to further protect Canada’s freshwater reserves across the country – from Lake Winnipeg, to the St. Lawrence River and the Great Lakes, to the Mackenzie River. The Plan will continue to improve water quality and respond to the impacts of climate change, including through monitoring, assessment, and restoration work. The Canada Water Agency will
lead the delivery of major elements of the Freshwater Action Plan.
Together, we can help ensure Canadians have clean water for generations to come.
Quotes
“From supplying our drinking water to being the places we love to spend time in nature, Canadians rely on safe, clean fresh water every day. By establishing the Canada Water Agency, we will work together across levels of government and with Indigenous Peoples, while bringing new, good jobs to Winnipeg. Together, we can keep our water clean now and into the future.”
“Whether you farm, fish, paddle, swim or just enjoy a tall glass of cold water, Canada’s freshwater resources help define this country. Leadership on this life-giving natural resource requires inclusion and collaboration, regional responsiveness, and actions on climate change impacts. The Government of Canada listened, and our historic investment is a response to the calls for a strengthened Freshwater Action Plan and the creation of the Canada Water Agency. The benefits of protecting and restoring fresh water in Canada will be felt in the health and well-being of millions of Canadians, our ecosystems, and the economy.”
“Canadians are concerned about the impacts of a changing climate on freshwater quality and quantity. In a country as vast as Canada,
continued on page 6
The Rt. Hon. Justin Trudeau, Prime Minister of Canada The Hon. Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeKeeping Our Waters Clean Now and Into the Future Water Agency Announcement Made in Winnipeg
freshwater management is complex and challenges vary by region. Creating the Canada Water Agency presents a unique opportunity for Canada to work closely with regions, Indigenous Peoples, scientists and communities, among others, to find the best ways to ensure our freshwater is well managed and protected for future generations.”
Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Environment and Climate ChangeQuick Facts
• Since 2017, the Freshwater Action Plan has served as a framework to advance the Government of Canada’s commitment to protect and restore freshwater quality in Canada’s freshwater basins. The renewed and strengthened plan will support the clean up of areas of concern in the Great Lakes, for example.
• The investment of over $750 million highlighted today was proposed in Budget 2023 and includes:
• $85.1 million over five years and $21 million ongoing thereafter to support the creation of a Canada Water Agency.
• Through the Canada Water Agency public engagement process, more than 2,700 Canadians shared their views on Canada’s most pressing freshwater challenges and the role the Canada Water Agency can play to help sustainably manage fresh water across the country.
• Recognizing the significance of fresh water to Indigenous Peoples and the Government of Canada’s commitment to reconciliation, we have been engaging directly with First Nations, Inuit, and Métis on freshwater challenges and the creation of the Canada Water Agency since 2020.
• More details about the mandate and priorities of the Canada Water Agency will be communicated soon, and legislation will be introduced by the end of 2023 to establish a stand-alone agency under the Minister of Environment and Climate Change.
Associated Links
• Canada Water Act
• Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy
Some Recent Beef Industry-Related Data from Statistics Canada
The following information is from the May 25, 2023 edition of The Daily, a publication of Statistics Canada.
Farm cash receipts, January to March 2023
Farm cash receipts for Canadian farmers totalled $27.2 billion in the first quarter, up $3.7 billion (+15.9%) from the same quarter in 2022. Crop (+$4.5 billion) and livestock (+$796.2 million) receipts increased in the first quarter of 2023, while program payments fell by $1.5 billion compared with the same quarter a year earlier.
All of the provinces had increases in farm cash receipts, led by Saskatchewan (+$2.2 billion), Alberta (+$489.1 million) and Manitoba (+$430.4 million). More favourable weather conditions in 2022, following the drought of 2021, led to increased production and higher marketings in the first quarter of 2023.
Higher marketings in some key crops pushed crop receipts up
In the first quarter, total crop receipts increased by $4.5 billion to $16.4 billion compared with the same quarter a year earlier. Although prices were mixed in the first quarter of 2023, higher marketings translated into higher receipts for some key crops such as canola, wheat (except durum wheat) and durum wheat.
Canola receipts were up 45.2% to $4.6 billion on the strength of higher marketings (+58.1%), as prices lagged by 8.2% in the first quarter.
Although prices were flat, wheat (except durum wheat) marketings increased by almost 50%, which pushed receipts from $2.0 billion in the first quarter of 2022 to $2.9 billion in the first quarter of 2023. Durum wheat marketings almost quadrupled from the same quarter a
year earlier, and receipts increased from $329.6 million to $862.6 million.
In the first quarter of 2023, both barley and lentil receipts more than doubled to account for an increase of $580.0 million or just over 13% of the increase in crop receipts. For barley, this was a return to normal marketings compared with the same quarter a year earlier. For lentils, there continued to be a strong international demand led by Turkey.
Cattle and supply-managed receipts more than offset a decline in hog receipts
Total livestock receipts rose 9.9% to $8.8 billion in the first quarter, as cattle (+$552.2 million) and supply-managed sectors (+$365.2 million) more than offset a decrease in hog receipts ($165.7 million).
Despite the drop in the number of cattle being slaughtered and exported, a price increase of 21.9% led to an increase of $3.1 billion in total cattle receipts.
Program payments fall after record payments of crop insurance in 2022
Program payments fell 44.1% to $1.9 billion in the first quarter compared with the same quarter in 2022. Most of the decrease in the first quarter of 2023 was due to a drop in crop insurance payments. This followed a record year in crop insurance payments due to drought conditions in 2021.
The decrease in crop insurance payments ($1.4 billion) was mostly concentrated in the Prairie provinces, led by Alberta ($768.4 million), Saskatchewan (-$468.7 million) and Manitoba (-$163.6 million).
continued on pages 8 & 9
Some Recent Beef Industry-Related Data from Statistics Canada
Farm Income, 2022
The following information is some highlights of the 2022 Canadian farm income as released by Statistics Canada on May 25, 2023.
Realized net income for Canadian farmers fell 9.5% to $12.5 billion in 2022, as growth in expenses outpaced the rise in farm cash receipts. The decrease in 2022 followed a 50.8% gain in 2021 and a 79.1% increase in 2020. Excluding cannabis, realized net income in 2022 was down 8.3% to $12.7 billion.
Realized net income is the difference between a farmer's cash receipts and operating expenses, minus depreciation, plus income in kind.
In 2022, total farm cash receipts increased by 14.8% compared with 2021. Higher prices resulted in Canadian farmers receiving higher revenue for both crops (+$7.2 billion) and livestock (+$3.6 billion) in 2022. However, a 21.2% increase in total expenses ultimately pushed realized net income lower. Farmers faced higher costs for key agricultural inputs, including fertilizer, feed and fuel.
Saskatchewan ($4.5 billion) had the highest realized net income in 2022, followed by Alberta ($3.3 billion) and Ontario ($2.3 billion).
Higher prices result in increased farm cash receipts
Farm cash receipts, which include crop and livestock revenues as well as program payments, rose 14.8% to $95.0 billion in 2022, the second straight year of strong year-over-year growth (+14.7% in 2021). Broad gains in commodity prices helped push receipts higher. In 2022, most crop prices continued their upward trend seen since the beginning of the COVID19 pandemic, while livestock prices built on the gains made in 2021. The 2021 drought in
Western Canada also led to increased crop insurance payments in 2022.
Farm cash receipts were up in all provinces. Alberta (+$3.6 billion) posted the largest increase, followed by Ontario (+$2.9 billion).
Higher wheat and canola prices drive the rise in crop receipts
In 2022, crop revenues rose 15.4% to $54.1 billion on the second straight year of higher average prices for all major grain and oilseed commodities. The increase in crop receipts in 2022 followed a 10.9% gain in 2021 and a 15.2% rise in 2020.
Domestic crop prices rose in 2022 in response to low opening inventories for the year following the drought in Western Canada in 2021 and two years of strong export demand. Crop prices were also supported by increased demand for livestock feed, as the drought caused pastures in Western Canada to suffer.
Farm cash receipts for wheat (excluding durum) increased by 28.8% in 2022 to $9.3 billion. Prices rose 41.7%, while marketings fell 9.1%. After the 2021 drought, opening stocks for wheat (excluding durum) in 2022 were at their lowest level since 2008, hence the drop in marketings. Canada's quantity of wheat (excluding durum) exports to the rest of the world fell 10.1% in 2022 relative to the previous year. However, the value of these exports rose 25.6%.
Strength in cattle markets drives the rise in livestock receipts
In 2022, livestock receipts climbed 12.1% to $33.6 billion on gains across the cattle, dairy, poultry and hog sectors. This increase in livestock receipts followed a 13.3% gain
Some Recent Beef Industry-Related Data from Statistics Canada
in 2021 and a 0.5% drop in 2020, when the pandemic disrupted the meat processing supply chain.
Cattle receipts increased by 16.5% to $10.8 billion, primarily because of a rise in slaughter cattle receipts (+15.7%). The number of cattle slaughtered in Canada reached its highest level since 2008. The cost of feed grains rose in 2022 because of the previous year's drought, which put pressure on feed costs for livestock farmers. Slaughter numbers increased, as farmers facing high input costs were forced to reduce the size of their herds.
Drought-related payments continue in 2022
In 2022, total direct payments to Canadian producers increased by 23.6%, reaching a total of $7.3 billion. This gain followed a 71.8% increase in 2021 and a 10.8% rise in 2020.
In 2022, more than four-fifths of the increase in total direct program payments was attributed to higher crop insurance payments in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, where losses related to the 2021 drought continued to trigger payments.
Prices continue to rise for fertilizer, feed and fuel
In 2022, total farm operating expenses (after rebates) increased by 21.2% to $72.5 billion. This was the largest gain since 1974 (+22.0%) and outpaced the previous year's increase (+9.6%).
Fertilizer expenses for Canadian farmers increased by 61.5% to $11.9 billion in 2022. Fertilizer prices began to escalate in early 2021 and have continued to rise since then. Russia's invasion of Ukraine added more pressure to fertilizer markets already stressed by natural disasters and high natural gas prices. In
response to the invasion, Canada applied sanctions that included a 35% tariff on most goods coming from Russia, including fertilizers.
Commercial feed expenses for livestock producers increased by 20.6% to $11.5 billion in 2022.
The 2021 drought in Western Canada caused pastures to suffer and limited the amount of hay and grain feed that could be stored on farms or purchased from other producers. Alberta, home to many of Canada's largest feedlots, imported record amounts of corn in 2022.
Machinery fuel expenses increased by 58.6% to $4.4 billion in 2022. Fuel prices began to rise in 2021, as economies around the world opened after taking measures to curb the spread of COVID-19. In 2022, fuel prices were supported by supply chain disruptions influenced by sanctions imposed on Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.
In 2022, total farm expenses (after rebates), which include operating expenses and depreciation charges, increased by 19.7% to $82.6 billion, as depreciation charges rose 9.5%. Total farm expenses were up in every province.
Higher inventories boost total net income
Total net income increased by $15.2 billion to $21.3 billion in 2022. The three Prairie provinces saw large total net income increases, while all other provinces declined. A combination of high commodity prices and the recovery of inventory levels following the 2021 drought led to the increases in the Prairies.
Total net income is realized net income adjusted for changes in farmer-owned inventories of crops and livestock. It represents the return to owner's equity, unpaid farm labour, management and risk.
Increased beef access into Taiwan welcome news for Canadian cattle producers
May 26, 2023
Ottawa, ON - The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) welcomes the announcement that Taiwan is restoring full market access for Canadian beef in the coming weeks. The news comes on the heels of Minister of International Trade, Mary Ng’s attendance at the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) meeting.
“Cattle producers are pleased to learn that Taiwan will be lifting the remaining restrictions on Canadian beef,” commented Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “This sends a strong signal in the Indo-Pacific region and our industry is proud to support global food security by producing a sustainable and high-quality product destined for dinner tables around the world.”
This decision marks the removal of the last set of restrictions put into place by Taiwan after the discovery of a case of bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) in 2003. Those restrictions had included Over Thirty Month and remaining offal CCA is grateful for Taiwan’s decision to adhere to science-based trade with the removal of BSE-era restrictions following Canada’s attainment of BSE-negligible risk status by the World Organization for Animal Health (WOAH) in 2021.
Trade Facts
• In 2022, Canada exported $13.9 million (CDN) of beef to Taiwan.
• The Indo-Pacific region holds the greatest potential for beef export diversification.
For further information, contact:
Michelle McMullen Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca
News Release
www.cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots