MBP E-Newsletter: March 28/2024

Province Issues March Flood Outlook

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Low-to-Moderate Risk of Spring Flooding, Rising Water Levels on the Red River

(March 26, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre has released its March Flood Outlook Report, which indicates a low-to-moderate risk of significant spring flooding across Manitoba basins.

With normal- to below-normal soil moisture at freeze-up and well-below-normal to above-normal winter precipitation for most Manitoba basins, the risk of significant spring flooding is low to moderate for most Manitoba basins. Water levels are expected to remain below dikes and community or individual flood protection levels. However, the risk of flooding could change depending on future weather conditions including rate of snow melt and the timing and amount of snow and rain received between now and the spring runoff.

The spring flooding risk is low for the Red River and tributaries, low to moderate for the Assiniboine River and tributaries and the Interlake region including the Icelandic and Fisher rivers; and generally low for the Souris, Qu’Appelle, Rat, Roseau, Pembina, Saskatchewan and Churchill river basins, and the Whiteshell Lakes region. As in most years, there is a risk of ice jam-related flooding on areas historically susceptible to ice jamming.

Most Manitoba lake levels are normal to below normal and forecasted to remain within their operating range after the spring runoff.

The Red River Floodway is not expected to be operated during this spring flood season based on forecasted conditions. Minimal operation of the Portage Diversion may be necessary under unfavourable weather conditions to control water levels on the lower Assiniboine River. The Shellmouth Reservoir is being operated to reduce the risk of flooding downstream on the Assiniboine River while also providing sufficient storage for water supply and recreation.

Petroleum Bulletin #2: Manitoba Fuel Supply Has Increased As Pipeline Maintenance Underway

(March 27, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government continues to closely monitor the co-ordinated response to the shutdown and repair of the Imperial Oil pipeline, ensuring the continued supply of fuel to Manitobans.

The amount of gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel within Manitoba has increased since repairs on the pipeline began. Supplies are being maintained by industry with ongoing rail and truck fuel deliveries. The province is regularly meeting with suppliers, and closely tracking fuel supply levels, price impacts and the distribution of fuel to retailers.

Work is underway to upgrade the offloading capacity at fuel terminals in Winnipeg and is complete at Gretna. Once complete, these terminal upgrades will increase the volume of fuel that can

be transferred from rail to truck for distribution to retailers.

Imperial Oil has notified the province that they are preparing the worksite south of St. Adolphe where the affected section of pipeline will be replaced. They have advised that the repair operation is on schedule. The province will continue to monitor the repair work to ensure it is being completed promptly, safely and without impact to the surrounding environment. Provincial inspectors are fully engaged and continue to monitor the work on a regular basis.

The Manitoba government is closely monitoring the situation and is committed to taking additional action as necessary to manage and maintain the supply, distribution and affordability of fuel during the shutdown including legislative and regulatory measures.

Government of Manitoba Fire Bulletin #1

(March 26, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release)

As spring arrives, the Manitoba Wildfire Service advises widespread dry conditions may lead to a higher wildfire danger across the province and a risk of grass and brush fires in open areas as snow melts. The forecast for the next few weeks is primarily quite dry, with the possible exception of southeastern Manitoba. Continued dry conditions can cause deeper burning fires that require more suppression to extinguish. Conditions will be monitored over the next few weeks, and fire danger levels will be calculated when forested areas are snow free.

Most spring fires are caused by human activity as matted grass and dry dead vegetation can be easily ignited. This can lead to fast-moving wildfires, especially on windy days. No burn or travel restrictions are currently in place, but Manitobans are reminded to avoid wildfire areas and watch for road and trail closures or detour signs. Where backcountry travel is permitted, ATV operators are asked to stay on developed trails, stop frequently to

check around the engine and exhaust for debris, and carefully dispose of any debris found. Operators should be prepared and carry a fire extinguisher, axe and shovel to extinguish a small fire.

Provincial burning permits are required for outdoor fires set within the burn permit area from April 1 to Nov. 15 annually. Permits are available at provincial district offices. Provincial burn permits issued under the Wildfires Act may be cancelled or restricted on short notice if fire danger conditions warrant. The province will not issue burning permits for areas where municipalities have implemented burning restrictions. To check for municipal burning restrictions, visit

https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.html

For more information, contact a local municipality or Manitoba Economic Development, Investment, Trade and Natural Resources office. Burn permit holders should check weather conditions, have adequate suppression equipment and ensure

Government of Manitoba Fire Bulletin #1

proper fuel breaks are in place before burning. Never leave an outdoor fire unattended, always extinguish it before leaving and exercise caution around forested areas.

For Manitoba Wildfire Service situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links, visit https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line (toll-free) at 1-800-782-0076.

Manitobans can play a critical role in mitigating the wildfire risk around their properties through FireSmart activities: https://firesmartcanada.ca/

The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation is presented by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) each year to recognize a researcher or scientist whose work has contributed to advancements in the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry.

Nominations are welcome from all stakeholders of the Canadian beef industry and will be reviewed by a selection committee comprised of beef producers, industry experts and retired beef-related researchers located across the country.

All nominations must be submitted to info@beefresearch.ca no later than May 1, 2024, with three or more letters of reference that speak to the nominee’s influence on Canada’s beef Industry.

Minister MacAulay raises interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program to $250,000 for 2024

(March 25, 2024 AAFC News Release) The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program has been set at $250,000 for the 2024 program year. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers.

Canadian producers have faced significant challenges, including elevated input prices and interest rates, which have impacted their cash flow. As farm operating costs remain uncertain heading into the 2024 crop year, this change will save approximately 11,950 participating producers an additional $4,916 in interest costs on average, for a total savings of up to $58.7 million.

The Advance Payments Program gives producers easy access to low-cost cash advances of up to $1 million, based on the expected value of their agricultural product. Under the program, producers normally receive the first $100,000 interest-free. The higher limit announced today will give producers access to additional cash flow and interest savings to help cover costs until they sell their products.

With this support at the start of the production cycle, farmers will be able to purchase important inputs to support production this growing season. The program also provides some marketing flexibility by allowing producers to sell their agricultural products at the most opportune time rather than the need for cash. The Government of Canada remains committed to helping producers manage financial challenges so they can continue driving the economy while feeding Canadians and the world.

Quotes

“In the face of so many challenges, our hardworking producers continue to show their resilience and produce top-quality products for Canadians, and the world. Increasing the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program means improved cash flow and savings for farmers as we head into the 2024 planting season.”

- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Quick facts

• Under the Advance Payments Program, cash advances are calculated based on up to 50% of the anticipated market value of eligible agricultural products that will be produced or are in storage. The program is delivered through 27 industry-led associations

• Advances are available on over 500 crop and livestock products across Canada.

• In 2022, due to exceptional circumstances, the Government of Canada increased the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years. As pressures compounded in 2023, the limit was further increased from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year.

• Producers have access to a suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms and are beyond their capacity to manage. The suite includes the core programs of AgriStability, AgriInsurance and AgriInvest.

• BRM programs are often the first line of support for producers facing disasters. Farmers are encouraged to make use of these programs to protect their farming operation.

Associated links

• Advance Payments Program

• Business risk management programs

CCA Welcomes Sustained Increase to Interest-free Portion of Loans under Advance Payments Program

March 25, 2024

The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to see the federal government maintain the increase of interest-free portion of loans under the Advance Payments Program (APP) for the third consecutive growing season.

While we have been advocating for the limit to be kept at $350,000, increasing it to $250,000 is positive for producers across the country.

“The APP is a useful tool for producers and the increased interest-free portion provides welcome relief to keep our sector economically competitive in an unsteady economic environment,” said Nathan Phinney, CCA President. “This sustained increase comes at a time when producers need all economic levers at their disposal to increase food security and economic competitiveness.”

CCA has been leading industry advocacy efforts on maintaining an increased interest-free portion to APP, which would help not only beef cattle producers but farmers across all agriculture sectors. The interest-free portion was set to drop back down to its permanent level of $100,000 which does not account for inflation and escalating input costs. The intent of APP is to help farmers, particularly young farmers, meet those costs.

With the growing season fast approaching, we look forward to engaging further with the federal government on this file and continuing to advocate for policies that meet the needs of Canadian beef producers.

For further information, contact:

Carol Reynolds Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca

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

www.cattle.ca