MBP E-Newsletter: November 3/2023

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP November 3, 2023

mbbeef.ca

Thanks to All Those Who Took Part in the 2023 MBP In-Person District Meetings Manitoba Beef Producers’ 2023 fall in-person district meetings in even-numbered districts where director elections were required have wrapped up following stops in Rosa, Arborg, Oak Lake, Baldur, Ste. Rose du Lac, Swan River and Neepawa.

MBP thanks all the producers who took the opportunity to attend the various meetings and to discuss topics such as production conditions, beneficial management programs, livestock predation, livestock inspection, traceability, trade, animal health, MBP’s district structure and more.

The engagement level was strong.

MBP would also like to thank the staff from Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, Natural Resources, Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives and FCC, as well as from the East Interlake, Pembina Valley, Seine Rat Roseau, Souris River, Swan Lake, Westlake and Whitemud Watershed Districts who came out and either gave presentations about their programs and services or interacted one-on-one with producers. This type of engagement and information sharing is very valuable.

Thanks as well to the various businesses and organizations who sponsored the delicious meals or contributed door prizes. It is sincerely appreciated.

As a reminder, for those who were unable to take in one of the in-person district meetings, MBP will be holding a virtual district meeting on Tuesday, November 7 at 7 p.m.

It will cover similar materials to that covered in the inperson meetings, such as an overview of MBP’s audited financial statements for the 2022-23 fiscal year, a look back at various issues on which MBP has been advocating in the past year, and our outreach activities to producers and the general public. There will also be updates from national organizations such as the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, the Beef Cattle Research Council and the Canadian Cattle Association.

To register for the virtual meeting, go to: https://mbbeef.ca/events/mbp-fall-district-meetings/ Regarding resolutions, if you were unable to attend a district meeting, MBP has a form available for producers wishing to put forward resolutions to be considered for possible debate at the 45th AGM.

Provincial Speech from the Throne to be Delivered Nov. 21 (November 2, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government will unveil

its plans for the year ahead with a focus on fixing health care, affordability and ending chronic homelessness in a speech from the throne to be delivered Nov. 21, Premier Wab Kinew announced today.

“Convenient access to high-quality health care, lowering costs for your family and a balanced budget, and new actions to address homelessness – these are the foundations of a safe, prosperous Manitoba,” said Kinew. “There is much for us to accomplish and I look forward

to sharing our plans that will get real results for Manitobans on the issues that matter most.

Together, there is no challenge that we cannot meet in this province.”

Prior to the speech from the throne, the Manitoba legislative assembly will also elect a Speaker of the house Nov. 9, noted Kinew.

The first session of the 43rd legislature will convene on Nov. 21 at 1:30 p.m. with the reading of the speech from the throne by Lt.Gov. Anita R. Neville.

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew Releases Additional Ministerial Mandate Letters In recent days Premier Wab Kinew released the mandate letters that were provided to newly sworn-in members of the executive council, outlining the immediate priorities and key commitments of their ministries, as they work together to strengthen Manitoba’s economy.

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“Manitobans have given us a mandate to grow our economy with good family-supporting jobs and a balanced budget,” said Kinew in an October 30 news release. “These mandate letters lay out the path to a stronger economy with better health care and social services. I have directed each of the ministers to work together to build a healthy and prosperous future for our province.”

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Each mandate letter provides a strong foundation and clear directives to support ministers as they work collaboratively with the public service, Indigenous governments, organizations and communities, and stakeholders throughout the province to strengthen Manitoba’s economy, the premier noted.

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The following are excerpts from the Premier’s mandate letters of some of the priorities and commitments identified for a number of departments which affect the agriculture sector.

To read all the mandate letters in their entirety, visit: https://manitoba.ca/openmb/infomb/ministerials.h tml.

Minister of Agriculture (Hon. Ron Kostyshyn) Agriculture is the backbone of our provincial economy. As the Minister of Agriculture, you are the steward of this essential sector. Your goal will be to support the sector so that Manitoba can be a leader in agricultural innovation, research and job creation. A strong agricultural sector means a strong Manitoba. In particular, I ask that you work with your Cabinet colleagues and through legislative, regulatory and department processes to deliver on these immediate priorities: • Reinstate unit transfers to the Crown Land program while also making leases more

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affordable to give the next generation of producers a fighting chance.

Work with the Federal government to ensure strong AgriRecovery and AgriStability supports to help producers make ends meet while they navigate the impacts of climate change.

Keep MASC offices open to give producers the support they need close to home and explore opportunities to bring MASC offices back to rural communities.

Work with the Minister of Advanced Education and Training to deliver funding to build a Prairie Innovation centre for Sustainable Agriculture at Assiniboine Community College.

Support innovation and research in the agricultural sector including opportunities to expand regenerative agriculture.

Minister for Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources (Hon. Jamie Moses) As the Minister of Economic Development, Investment and Trade and Natural Resources, you are responsible for growing our economy, increasing investment in our province and maximizing our trade relationships.

In particular, I ask that you work with your Cabinet colleagues and through legislative, regulatory and department processes to deliver on these immediate priorities: • Grow our economy with good Manitoba jobs for Manitobans.

• Create a Premier’s Business and Jobs Council to bring together leaders from business, skilled trades, agriculture, Indigenous communities, labour and other sectors.

• Work with our Advisor on Canada-U.S. Trade, the honourable Gary Doer, and I to advance our trading partnership with the U.S. Additionally I ask that you work with your Cabinet colleagues and through legislative, regulatory and department processes to deliver on our other key commitments: continued on page 4

Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew Releases Additional Ministerial Mandate Letters • •

Create 10,000 new jobs in the skilled trades over the next eight years.

Work with the department of Transportation and Infrastructure to pursue initiatives to develop Churchill and Centreport as transportation and supply chain hubs

Minister for Environment and Climate Change (Hon. Tracy Schmidt) • Make Manitoba a leader in clean energy and help our government take bold action when it comes to fighting the climate crisis.

• Work with Indigenous communities on the goal of protecting 30% of Manitoba’s diverse landscapes by 2030.

• Implement our Affordable Home Energy Program to help families make the switch to geothermal home heating.

• Work with the department of Finance to introduce an EV rebate for new and used EVs and plug-in hybrid vehicles.

Additionally I ask that you work with your Cabinet colleagues and through legislative, regulatory and department processes to deliver on our other key commitments: • Create a roadmap to meet net-zero targets by 2050.

• Work toward making our energy grid netzero by 2035 and attract new low-carbon industries.

• Work with experts and scientists to protect Lake Winnipeg and safeguard the health of all our waterways.

Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure (Hon. Lisa Naylor) • Build the infrastructure we need to grow our economy.

• Establish a blue-ribbon panel of local leaders and municipal officials to advise the government on infrastructure priorities.

Additionally I ask that you work with your Cabinet colleagues and through legislative, regulatory and department processes to deliver on our other key commitments: • Reverse the cuts to roads and maintenance and invest in snow clearing, gravel roads, ditches, bridges and culverts to keep families safe, protect communities from flooding and create good Manitoba jobs.

Minister of Labour and Immigration (Hon. Malaya Marcelino) • Work with the Federal government to increase the number of immigrants who come to and also stay in Manitoba through the Manitoba Provincial Nominee program with a focus on family reunification.

Minister of Finance (Hon. Adrien Sala) • Maintain the 50% education property tax reduction and provincial income tax brackets.

• Apply the education property tax rebate to property tax bills.

Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning (Nello Altomare) • Establish a universally accessible nutrition program available to every public school in Manitoba.

MPI Labour Interruption Ends; Full Restoration of Services Underway (November 1, 2023 MPI News Release) Manitoba

Public Insurance (MPI) will begin restoring full services for customers across the province on Friday, November 3, following the ratification of a new collective bargaining agreement with the Manitoba Government and General Employees' Union (MGEU), ending the 10-week labour interruption.

“I am pleased that we have been able to resolve the labour dispute with an agreement that is both fair for employees and responsible to our ratepayers,” said Carmen Nedohin, MPI Board Chair. “This has been a difficult time for MPI employees and our customers. I look forward to working with leadership to rebuild the culture of the organization while we restore services for communities across the province.”

With employees returning to work on Friday, MPI locations will reopen to the public at 1:00 p.m. with the majority of regular services available.

“We are incredibly pleased to have our full team returning to work on Friday and are just as eager to begin the process of rescheduling

appointments that were cancelled, discontinued or limited during the labour interruption,” said Nedohin. “We recognize that customers have been patient over the past few months and we thank them for their understanding as we work as quickly as we can to return to our expected service levels.”

Service and Claim Centres to reopen, Contact Centre to resume full services •

All MPI Service and Claim Centres across Manitoba, including the Physical Damage Centre and Contact Centre, will reopen to customers at 1:00 p.m. on November 3 and remain open until 4:30 p.m.

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Appointments scheduled for 1:00 p.m. and beyond will continue as planned.

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Customers who have had appointments cancelled will be contacted to reschedule.

Regular updates will be posted on MPI’s website as service restoration continues.

Province Advises Outflow From Shellmouth Reservoir Is Increasing (November 1, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and

Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports the outflow from the Shellmouth Reservoir will be increasing November 1 as part of the normal operation to draw down the level of the reservoir in preparation for spring run-off from the upper Assiniboine River.

The outflow earlier today was 100 cubic feet per second (cfs). The outflow was increased to 200

cfs November 1 and to 300 cfs on November 2.

This will result in an increase in water levels by one and half feet to two feet on the Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth Dam to Russell and by one to one and half feet from Russell to Brandon. The increase will diminish as the river reaches Winnipeg.

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

Manitobans Encouraged to get Updated COVID-19, Seasonal Flu Vaccines (October 30, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is encouraging Manitobans to get the updated COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines as soon as possible to help protect themselves, their families and their communities during the upcoming respiratory virus season, Premier Wab Kinew announced after receiving both vaccinations at a local pharmacy.

The vaccines continue to be distributed to hundreds of locations across the province to ensure sufficient supply is available for all Manitobans who want to be vaccinated, noted the premier. The online vaccine finder at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine.html#finder is updated regularly as new location and clinic details become available.

In alignment with Manitoba Health, Seniors and Long-Term Care’s mandate to make it easier for every Manitoban to access health care no matter where they live, there are many ways people can conveniently access their vaccines. Manitobans can contact their local clinic, pharmacy or nursing station. For public health-led clinics, use the online booking tool at https://patient.petalhealth.com/login?groupId=6032 or call 1-844MAN-VACC (1-844-626-8222).

Public health also recommends personal health measures all Manitobans can take including: •

staying home when you’re sick until you feel better and no longer have a fever;

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washing your hands or using hand sanitizer regularly;

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covering your coughs and sneezes;

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choosing to wear a mask as an extra layer of protection; and

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regularly cleaning and disinfecting shared surfaces and objects.

More than 109,000 doses of the flu vaccine and almost 59,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have already been given to people in Manitoba this respiratory virus season.

For more information on COVID-19 and seasonal flu vaccines, visit: www.manitoba.ca/protectMB. A weekly epidemiology update on COVID-19 and seasonal flu is posted every Friday at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/surveillance/ influenza/index.html.

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CAHRC to Release Research Showing Workforce Vacancies in Agriculture Came at a Cost of $3.5 Billion In 2022 (November 1, 2023 CAHRC News Release) New

labour market data from the Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) reveals that on-farm agriculture businesses lost an estimated $3.5 billion in sales in 2022 because they didn’t have the workers they needed.

This finding was revealed virtually at CAHRC’s Labour Market Information Summit as part of a comprehensive analysis of the Canadian agriculture sector’s labour market trends and challenges—information that will steer the future growth and sustainability of Canadian agriculture. The release of this data is part of a long-term initiative, updating CAHRC’s labour forecasting system.

The research and analysis, conducted by the Conference Board of Canada on behalf of CAHRC, also found the sector has an aboveaverage vacancy rate of 7.4 per cent, with two in five employers saying they couldn’t find the workers they needed. Agriculture in Canada, including farm businesses, support services, and agricultural wholesalers, has a workforce of 420,000 in 2022, of which 17 per cent was foreign workers (including workers from the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Program).

According to the study, that’s an increase of more than 30 per cent since 2017.

“We cannot solve the issues facing our sector if we do not know exactly what they are and where they exist. That is why this new data is so important,” said Jennifer Wright, CAHRC’s Executive Director. “The information tells us there is an urgent need to boost labour supply and empower domestic and foreign workers to

secure the industry’s future viability. CAHRC, as it works in partnership with industry, is committed to tackling these challenges head-on through the ongoing development of its resources and projects.”

Updating the labour forecasting system was made possible through funding from the Government of Canada’s Sectoral Workplace Solutions Program (SWSP) for our Growing the Agriculture Workforce of the Future: Cultivating Canada’s Post-Pandemic Recovery initiative. The SWSP helps key sectors of the economy implement solutions to address their current and emerging workforce needs.

The forecasting model utilizes a system powered by an extensive database for occupational groups, industries, predictors for 35 skills requirements and information from all provinces and territories. Data was also collected through surveys, interviews and focus groups with employers, workers, industry stakeholders, government agencies and academic institutions.

The updated forecasting system will support CAHRC’s National Workforce Strategic Plan—the Council’s bold vision and roadmap for enhancing the agriculture workforce’s supply, skills and retention rate.

In the coming weeks, CAHRC will be sharing more detailed findings with industry stakeholders, as well as key recommendations and insights into the current and projected labour supply and demand for the agriculture sector. This will include the distribution of reports on occupations, skills gaps, recruitment strategies, training opportunities and best continued on page 9

CAHRC to Release Research Showing Workforce Vacancies in Agriculture Came at a Cost of $3.5 Billion In 2022 practices for improving the working conditions and well-being of agricultural workers.

Background Information Released November 2, 2023 Canada’s Agriculture Labour Market Forecast to 2030 – Executive Summary Report The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) is pleased to share that the executive summary for the Agri LMI National Report is now available in the document library.

The executive summary reveals a critical 3.7% sales decline ($3.5 billion) due to over 28,000 unfilled jobs in 2022. Anticipating a 15% increase in the domestic labour gap by 2030,

the report emphasizes collaborative efforts for sustainable solutions. Key strategies include improving the sector’s perception, enhancing HR practices, attracting skilled immigrants and embracing technology.

The full summary is accessible in the CAHRC document library.

The Executive Summary is part of the outcome of CAHRC’s update to it’s Labour Market Information conducted by The Conference Board of Canada. Please look out for the upcoming national report, which will provide comprehensive data on the agriculture labour market.

We need your help! A recent amendment to #C234 removes provisions for heating and cooling

buildings and greenhouses. Join us and 190,000 farm families in urging Senators to reject this harmful amendment and stand with #cdnag. Show your support for Bill C-234 by clicking on the graphic and sending a support letter to Senators today!

Manitoba Beef & Forage Production Conference

Working On the Farm with Hands-On Science!

Tuesday, Dec. 12 and Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2023 Victoria Inn, Brandon, Manitoba

Manitoba Agriculture Participating Agribusinesses and Industry Organizations

Registration EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION COST Register by November 16, 2023 1. Early bird registration - $175 2. Farm registration (2 people from the same farm) - $300 3. Students - $125

REGISTRATION Register on or after November 17, 2023 $225 per person No farm registrations accepted after Nov. 16

REGISTRATION IS NON-REFUNDABLE BUT TRANSFERABLE Registration includes access to all sessions, one lunch and banquet ticket Extra banquet tickets $50 each

To register please visit https://www.mbfi.ca/conference Questions about registration? Call: 204-761-3300

Accommodations Victoria Inn 3550 Victoria Avenue Ph: 1-800-852-2710 (Complimentary breakfast provided with your reservation)

Clarion Hotel 3130 Victoria Avenue Ph: 204-728-5775

Days Inn 2130 Currie Boulevard Ph: 204-727-3600

Tuesday, December 12 9:00

REGISTRATION, COFFEE and BOOTH DISPLAYS

10:00 GRAND SALON – Dr. Susan Markus, Lakeland College - Smart Beef Cows on Smart Farms - Remote Sensing Technology and Genomic Insights into Traits of Economic Importance Focusing on fertility, growth and carcass traits, a heifer development demonstration site was created using technology to manage cattle and map expansive pastures. Hear stories about helping ranchers to rank reproductively efficient heifers, determining where their cows are, what they are doing, and if you can even afford to know!

11:00 GRAND SALON – Tim Lang, Farm Credit Canada – Transition and Succession – What’s the Difference?

Succession is the transfer of a business, while estate planning is the transfer of assets pre- and post-death. Transition is a combination of both and is proactive rather than reactive.

12:00 GRAND SALON – LUNCH & DISPLAYS SALON 1 - POSTER PRESENTATIONS 1:30

GRAND SALON - Dr. Karen Beauchemin, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Reducing Methane Emissions in Beef Cattle Production This presentation will review key issues related to greenhouse gas production from beef cattle, discuss ways to reduce emissions on farms and provide insight into the potential for carbon neutral beef production in Canada.

2:30

BREAKOUT SESSION A (Each session will be presented twice; choose two of the four)

A-1

SALON 1 – Dr. Kim Ominski, University of Manitoba - Going Green with Implants: the Economic and Environmental Benefits of Implanting Calves Increasing production efficiency means better performance, less land and water use and lower greenhouse gas emissions while delivering the same quality product. This session will look at the practice of implanting pre- and post-weaning cattle and the economic and environmental impacts it could have on your operation.

Featuring Betty Green, Fisher Branch Producer

A-2

SALON 3 – Elizabeth Nernberg, Manitoba Agriculture Feedstuffs, Requirements and Everything in Between; Growing the Weaned Calf This session will not only feature getting calves started on feed, reducing costs of gain, and practical feeding management, but will also address common calf nutrition questions from a producer perspective.

Featuring Kathleen Walsh, Swan River Producer

A-3

GRAND SALON - Dr. Yvonne Lawley, University of Manitoba - Intercropping to Overcome Nutrient Deficiencies A new project is exploring intercropping to overcome the low protein limitation of corn grazing. Dr. Lawley will review the intercrop species and establishment methods tested in Manitoba.

Featuring Dr. Mary-Jane Orr, MBFI

A-4

SALON 2 – Mae Elsinger, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - Fixing your Pasture Composition - Best Practices and Novel Approaches This presentation will discuss key principles of pasture rejuvenation, some long-standing best practices, and some novel ideas.

Featuring Graham Tapley, Langruth Producer

3:30

REFRESHMENT BREAK / VISIT DISPLAYS

4:30

REPEAT OF BREAKOUT SESSION A

5:30

IMPERIAL BALLROOM – Banquet with cash bar Keynote Presentation: Lewellyn Melnyk – “Rooted” How to Stay Small Town Strong, Thrive on the Farm and Make Yourself a Priority

Wednesday, December 13 8:30

GRAND SALON – Dr. John Campbell, Western College of Veterinary Medicine – Key Findings from the Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance Network (C3SN) The C3SN will provide benchmarking productivity information and estimate the prevalence of production limiting diseases within Canada’s surveillance network. Dr. Campbell will also examine topics important to the cow-calf industry, such as antimicrobial use, animal welfare and biosecurity practices.

9:30

REFRESHMENT BREAK / VISIT DISPLAYS

10:30 BREAKOUT SESSION B (Each session will be presented twice; choose two of the four)

B-1

GRAND SALON – Dr. Stephen Crittenden, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada – Sifting Through Soil Health Learn how to translate soil health science into action that benefits farmers, the environment and society. This session will provide information land managers need to know when adopting management systems to improve soil health.

Featuring Clayton Robins, Rivers Producer

B-2

SALON 1 – Dr. Shania Jack, Morden Vet Clinic - Calving 101: Malpresentations and What to Do When Things Don’t Go According to Plan This interactive presentation will highlight calving difficulties and how to overcome them when there is no time or help to intercede.

Featuring Clover the Cow, 4H Manitoba

B-3

SALON 2 – Charlotte Crawley, Ducks Unlimited Canada – Plant Diversity – Species Selection to Get the Most Out of Every Acre Learn more about sod-seeding, field scale plantings using diverse blends, variation plantings – eroded knolls, flood prone, saline rings, saline restoration and more!

Featuring Gerald Bos, Rapid City Producer

B-4

SALON 3 – Anneliese Walker, Maia Grazing - Grazing Fundamentals: A Practical Introduction to Graze Planning Whether you’ve been planning your grazing for years, or are planning to plan your grazes next year, it’s never a bad idea to crunch your numbers rather than grind your gears. Spend an hour reviewing some of the foundational concepts of graze planning including identifying key data points, plan considerations and planning tools.

Featuring Ron Moss, Dauphin Producer

11:30 REPEAT OF BREAKOUT SESSION B 12:30 CLOSING REMARKS AND ADJOURN

Hear from local producers and industry experts about applying research on the farm. Our breakout sessions feature local producers and their on-farm experience.

Organizing Committee: Pam Iwanchysko, Elizabeth Nernberg, Cindy Jack, Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale, Shawn Cabak, Andrea Bertholet, Juanita Kopp, Mary-Jane Orr (MBFI) and Melissa Atchison (MBP)

Organized by Manitoba Agriculture in partnership with MBFI, and MBP.