MBP E-Newsletter: August 18/2023

An update from MBP August 18, 2023 mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter dsfsfa

Dr. Kim Ominski Receives 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation

(August 16, 2023 Beef Cattle Research Council media release)

A leader in furthering the environmental and economic sustainability of forage-based beef cattle production systems has been awarded the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation. Dr. Kim Ominski was honoured tonight at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference, held in Calgary, Alberta.

“Dr. Ominski is sincerely committed to advancing Canada’s beef industry,” said Manitoba Beef Producers General Manager Carson Callum. “Her work is critically important to maintaining the provincial and national research capacity needed to advance our industry and to ensure its long-term sustainability.”

Dr. Ominski is a researcher, professor and acting department head at the University of Manitoba in the Department of Animal Science, where she received her PhD in Nutritional Biochemistry in 1994. Ruminant nutrition is the core of her research program, but she has expanded this base to examine implications for the environment, human health and the broader sustainability of the Canadian beef industry.

“There are few areas of beef production research in which Dr. Ominski has not made an impact: nutrition, greenhouse gas emissions, manure management, feed efficiency, microbiology, farm husbandry practices and transport,” said Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein, senior research scientist in beef cattle welfare at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge.

“A clear strength she possesses is the ability to communicate about timely topics in animal agriculture such as greenhouse gas emissions and alternative feed sources related to beef or ruminant production in Canada.”

One of Dr. Ominski’s research contributions includes co-leading an environmental footprint assessment of the Canadian beef industry. It demonstrated significant reductions in the industry's carbon footprint over the past three decades, as well as improved water use efficiency and reduced ammonia emissions per kilogram of beef produced. This work provided sciencebased evidence of ongoing improvements in the environmental footprint of Canadian beef production which has been used by industry and government in program and policy development. The research results are changing the way beef production in Canada is spoken about. For example, the results were shared in advertisements by McDonald’s Canada.

“Her commitment to connecting research questions with primary producer needs, and overall passion for the cattle industry has been an inspiration,” said Mary-Jane Orr, general manager of Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. “Dr. Ominski’s intuitive ability to recognize research gaps and bring in respective collaborators across disciplines is rare to find and has created the opportunities for research to be carried out addressing industry needs in feed efficiency, environmental stewardship, forage and grassland production, and technology transfer.”

Knowledge dissemination and technology transfer are essential components of Dr. Ominski’s research and training programs.

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Manitoba Beef and Forage Production Conference

You’re invited to Working On the Farm with Hands-On Science!

December 12 & 13, 2023

Victoria Inn, Brandon Manitoba

Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives and Manitoba Beef Producers invite you to attend this inaugural event.

Conference presentations include:

Smart Farm Technology – Dr. Susan Markus, Livestock Research Scientist, Lakeland College

Key Findings from the Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network – Dr. John Campbell, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan

Setting Up a Grazing Plan - Anneliese Walker, a Grazing Success mentor for MaiaGrazing, a market-leading grazing management software solution.

Breakout topics include:

Pasture Rejuvenation; Using Implants in Beef Production; Calving Troubleshooting; Intercropping for Forage Production; Farm Transition; Beef Nutrition and more…

Each breakout technical presentation will be paired with a producer presentation to show how the science can be applied on farm.

And an evening Banquet featuring Lewellyn Melnyk – Author, farmer and mental health advocate, a journalist by trade and a farmer by choice.

For conference details and to register click the link below.

Manitoba Beef and Forage Production Conference – Program and Registration

For more information contact: 1-844-769-6224, agriculture@gov.mb.ca

Outstanding Research and Innovation Award –

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Every research project she leads includes a knowledge transfer plan because the practical relevance of the research to producers is a priority for her.

“Realizing the importance of outreach, Kim has been quick and committed to accessing numerous avenues including newsletters, newspaper articles, presentations, demonstration projects, tours, field days and hands-on workshops to extend research outcomes to industry,” said Karen Wittenberg, dean emeritus of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. “Dr. Kim Ominski’s enthusiasm for communicating a modern agriculture that embraces sound environmental stewardship while at the same time remaining economically viable, extends beyond research and industry circles to students and our general public.”

Along with her many research accomplishments, Dr. Ominski has mentored 35 MSc and PhD students, six research associates and post doctorals, and numerous undergraduate students, who are now helping advance the beef cattle industry in their

Cattle Young Leaders program, actively contributes to the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Advisory Committee and has served on multiple other committees in the past.

As a teacher, researcher and mentor, Dr Ominski has published 82 peer-reviewed publications, 10 book chapters and more than 100 conference publications that have been cited in nearly 1,400 documents. Dr. Ominski’s commitment to beef producers and sustainable beef production is evident in her efforts to provide information and advance best practices in the beef industry.

The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation is presented annually by the BCRC on behalf of Canada’s beef industry stakeholders. The award recognizes scientists and academics that are actively involved in strong research programs aligned with industry priorities, continually engage with industry stakeholders, and demonstrate their passion and long-term commitment through leadership, teamwork, and mentorship. Nominations are accepted by the BCRC from industry stakeholders and must be accompanied by letters of support from industry stakeholders and scientific colleagues. The recipient is selected by a committee comprised of beef producers, industry experts and retired beef-related researchers located across the country.

The award was established in 2015. See past recipients at http://www.beefresearch.ca/about/ award.cfm Nominations for the 2024 award must be submitted to the BCRC by May 1, 2024. Eligible nominations from previous years will be considered for the 2024 award, which will be presented at the 2024 Canadian Beef Industry Conference.

For further information, contact:

Tracy Herbert Extension and Communications Director Beef Cattle Research Council

306-850-5026 | herbertt@beefresearch.ca

Additional photos from the Canadian Beef Industry Conference are available on the MBP social media channels. (Photo credt: David Hultin/MBP)

Advocacy efforts for much needed weather-related supports

August 15, 2023

Calgary, AB - This summer, producers across the country, particularly in British Columbia through to Manitoba have faced severe weather, once again impacting their operations The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has been working with the provinces and advocating for support from government to assist producers. It has been a busy summer advocating for support, and with changes in the federal leadership, has caused additional time delays. While we are told provincial and federal governments are working on Agri-Recovery assessments currently, we also want to update producers on CCA’s recent advocacy on this file. CCA will continue to advocate to ensure supports are delivered to producers as soon as possible.

During the Federal Provincial Territorial (FPT) stakeholder roundtable meeting on July 19, 2023, CCA President Nathan Phinney spoke of the severe weather impacts across the country, from droughts to flooding to fires and the need to move forward with AgriRecovery. Both federal and provincial ministers were at the roundtable and took note of our request.

As with many business risk management tools, Agri-Recovery is a joint provincial-federal program and there are usually delays on both federal and provincial sides. CCA is working closely with provincial cattle associations to ensure clear communication to both levels of government to move forward as efficiently as possible, gathering data, etc.

The following week, on July 26, during a larger-than-expected cabinet shuffle, the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay was sworn in and returned as Agriculture Minister. After a shuffle, there is always additional resources put towards briefing the new Minister on high-priority files while the regular policy priorities are put on hold. CCA flagged to both the Minister’s office as well as officials, the need to prioritize AgriRecovery as well as an early designation request for the Livestock Tax Deferral (LTD)

On August 2, CCA Vice President Tyler Fulton participated in a beef-industry roundtable with Minister MacAulay and emphasized AgriRecovery and current impacts being felt across the country

Throughout the summer, CCA staff have continued to advocate to Ministerial staff and officials, on the needs to provide support as soon as possible. We have also emphasized the need for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to prioritize livestock given urgent needs for animal feed, transport, etc Our requests are being heard and AgriRecovery is at the top of the Minister’s briefing documents.

On August 11, following individual provincial requests, CCA submitted a formal letter requesting AgriRecovery assistance to Minister MacAulay. Since then, we’ve received communication from the Minister’s office, and we understand that both provincial and federal governments are sharing the necessary data in order to move forward. CCA is advocating for urgent action and for provincial and federal governments to work in partnership, in yet another weather-impacted season for producers.

Industry Update

The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots

www.cattle.ca

CCA will be meeting with Minister MacAulay during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and weather-related supports will be our priority to discuss

In addition to this year’s urgent needs, CCA has included LTD (to include all classes of cattle and self-election for producers) in our federal pre-budget submission and will continue to advocate for these longer-term changes. Yet again, the impacts from the current growing season continue to be a leading example for why we need the tax changes.

For further information, contact:

Michelle McMullen Communications Manager

Canadian Cattle Association

403-451-0931| mcmullenm@cattle.ca

Industry Update

The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots www.cattle.ca

For more information:

Elizabeth (Libby) Laycraft

Youth Programs & Foundation Manager

Canadian Hereford Association

Mobile 403-850-9564

Web www.hereford.ca Office 403-275-2662

5160 Skyline Way NE, Calgary, AB, T2E 6V1

At Bonanza 2023, the Canadian Hereford Association recognized their junior member recipients with CJHA Honour Roll awards. Among the recipients was Bobbi-Jo Foster of Manitoba who was recognized for her contributions to and activities within their local, provincial and national Hereford communities.

Bobbi-Jo grew up in Alberta and Manitoba with her family raising purebred and commercial cattle. She is a recent graduate of Lakeland College, with a Bachelor of Agriculture Technology Degree – minoring in Livestock Technology. She is currently working as a Sales Agronomist with Twin Valley Co-op Agro and continues to develop her purebred herd. She is the Communications Officer for the CJHA, a position she has held for the last two years. Bobbi has been an active member in CJHA and 4-H for many years, serving on both provincial and national Junior Hereford boards, showing cattle across Canada, and helping younger members along the way.

Watch for the MBP commercial featuring the Hamilton-Seward family of Darlingford beginning next week!

The cattle industry is in good hands after watching the participants at Roundup go through their educational and cattle show weekend. On August 4, 5 and 6th 71 enthusiastic Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Ontario Junior Cattle Producers attended the 16th Annual Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup in Neepawa, Manitoba. Excitement in the cattle industry brought out a quality group of interested cattle producers and 77 head of cattle. This year 31 new members attended Roundup for the first time.

Where else can you attend an event with 71 Junior members of all breeds working together as teams and in individual competitions, to learn the skills needed in the Livestock Industry. This is not just any cattle show, it is an all-around event to promote and educate youth to continue in the livestock industry.

16 years ago, this All-Breed Committee along with new directors has developed over the years with over 286 Juniors participating in the weekend. This show would not happen without our dedicated sponsors, parents, Juniors, Judges, Volunteers and Committee members who have stood behind this Junior All Breeds Show and helped to make it a success. Platinum sponsors for 2023 are Enns Brothers and Neepawa Veterinary Clinic Ltd.

The weekend started off Friday afternoon with all Juniors participating in the Ag Challenge, trying new skills and competitions with their new team members as a mixer. Then on to presentations on Herd Health – Dr Grayson Ross, Nutrition with Trouw Nutrition, and Showmanship with Naomi Best Education is an important part of day one at Roundup, helping the Juniors learn new skills.

On Saturday, the Juniors were busy with many different events. In the morning Junior cattle producers had hands on workshops on Judging Cattle, Sheep and Goats; Oral Reasons and how to fill out the Judging cards. In the afternoon, the Juniors took part in Team Judging and Team Grooming. The Pee Wees participated in workshops on parts of the animal demonstrations and learning new skills. A huge number of the Juniors exhibited Art, Photography, Graphic Design, and Scrapbooks for the competitions.

Saturday evening was wrapped up with the Cook-Off competition sponsored by our Platinum sponsor: Enns Bros Equipment. Here the Junior Teams prepare 2 steaks along with a vegetable and a dessert with their own theme with unique costumes. Exciting to see the Juniors creations and tasty end products. This was judged by Trevor Bennett, Enns Bros; Dr Liz Ostendorf, Neepawa Vet Clinic and Jan Ivey; Cam Kloeck, Mazergroup Neepawa: Matthew and Jewel Kulbacki of Kulbacki Ag Supplies; Murray Parrott, Town of Neepawa and Lesley Hedley, Founding director of Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup.

Sunday was cattle show day. Thank-you to our show day judges, Owen Legaarden and Darren Ippolito these two Beef Producers did an outstanding job on the Judging Clinic and the cattle show, giving the Juniors many pointers to help them in their future in the Beef Industry

Juniors participated in showmanship classes in the morning sponsored by Neepawa Vet Clinic and then confirmation classes in the afternoon. We rounded up the day with a Parade of Champions and a Parade of 4-H Champions.

Immediate release Manitoba Youth

2023 16th ANNUAL

Beef Round-Up

This year was the first time we had a Supreme Female at the Show and was awarded to Brooke Collins of Darlingford on her Simmental cow and heifer calf. Judges for the Supreme were Darren Ippolito , Owen Leegarden and Jessy Milne Smith. We completed the weekend with the awards presentation.

Showmanship sponsored by Neepawa Veterinary Clinic Ltd.

Senior Showmanship Champion: Allie Lavich

Reserve Senior Showmanship Champion: Cora Baker

Intermediate Showmanship Champion: Madisyn Robertson

Reserve Intermediate Showmanship Champion: Sophie Koshel

Junior Showmanship Champion: Rhett Sigurdson

Reserve Junior Showmanship Champion: Cohen Canart

Pee Wee Showmanship Champion: Khloe Stocki

Reserve Pee Wee Showmanship Champion: Breelee Bootsman

Grand Aggregate winners:

Articles inside