Regular office hours resume at 8:30am on July 2. The newsletter will return on July 12.
Manitoba Agriculture Summer Pasture Tour
Manitoba Agriculture invites you to join us for a pasture tour in northwest Manitoba featuring multiple aspects of summer pasturing systems, including grazing planning, using annuals, livestock predation prevention and more!
Date: Wednesday, July 3, 2024
Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Place: Dauphin Recreation Complex –200 1st St SE Dauphin, MB
Registration: $40 (includes bus transport, lunch, and supper) payable to Inter-Mountain Watershed District PRE-REGISTRATION REQUIRED by Friday, June 28, 2024
Agenda
8:00 a.m. Sign in at the Dauphin Recreation Complex Parking Lot – East Side of Building
9:00 a.m. Buses depart at 9:00 a.m. sharp
9:30 a.m. Myhre Land and Cattle – Extended Grazing with Corn
Hans and Mary Myhre – Dauphin
Brett Graham – Corn Agronomy – Syngenta Canada
11:00 a.m. Grazing Planning and Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas
Martin and Corrine, Billy and Haley DeVos – Fork River
Jessa McNabb – Intermountain Watershed District – PWCP Programming
Mary-Jane Orr – MBFI Grazing Mentorship Program, and Ron Moss – Grazing Consultant
12:30 p.m. Lunch on Bus
1:00 p.m. Benefits of Increasing Plant Diversity through Cover Crops
Robin and Carol Sime – Fork River
Dakota Odgers - Covers and Co.
2:30 p.m.
4:00 p.m.
Moose Mountain Bison Ranch Focusing on Sustainable Production
Tom Olson – Owner and Operator – Pine River
Tyson Gillis, Manitoba Crown Lands - Manitoba Agriculture
Manitoba Beef Producers Livestock Predation Prevention Project – Deadstock Composting Pen
Eugene and Doreen Burdeny – Ethelbert
Elizabeth Nernberg, Manitoba Agriculture
5:00 p.m. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation - Forage and Livestock Insurance Programming
Rachel Jensen MASC Insurance Agent - Dauphin
6:00 p.m. Supper at Smitty’s Restaurant – 1601 Main St South Dauphin
For more information and to register contact: Pam Iwanchysko, Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture at pamela.iwanchysko@gov.mb.ca or call (204) 648-3965
Manitobans Head Into Long Weekend With Pipeline Restored To Full Capacity
(June 27, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba’s gas remained the cheapest in Canada while work was completed to restore the Imperial Oil Pipeline, which is now operating at full capacity, Premier Wab Kinew announced.
“As Manitobans head to the cottage or to Canada Day celebrations this weekend, they’re saving 14 cents a litre at the pump and paying the lowest gas prices in Canada,” said Kinew. “Manitoba gas has been the cheapest in the country since we cut the gas tax in January, and with the pipeline back online and supply returned to normal, we’re making sure Manitobans can get out more and worry less about paying the bills this summer.”
Imperial Oil’s decision to shut down the pipeline and undertake repairs came in March, after pipeline inspections identified integrity
The province engaged in oversight of the repair work to ensure all precautions were taken to protect the environment and worked closely with suppliers and industry partners to maintain the supply of fuel to the province by rail and truck.
Provincial inspectors were onsite when Imperial Oil successfully repaired the two fuel lines and restored the pipeline to full operating capacity.
With the repairs complete, the flow of fuel through the pipeline has been fully restored and alternative fuel deliveries by rail and truck are no longer required. The repair operation was safely completed on schedule without any impacts to the surrounding environment, noted the premier.
Manitoba’s gasoline, diesel and aviation fuel
(Text and photo courtesy of Keystone Agricultural Producers on June 26, 2024 via their X [formerly Twitter] account.)
Manitoba Beef Producers District 8 Director and President Matthew Atkinson is pictured standing next to Tiff Macklem, Governor of the Bank of Canada.
chain.
Dear Manitoba’s beef producers
YOU, FROM A TEACHER!
As a teacher and farmer, I see first-hand how Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba’s programs and resources have helped my students understand where their food comes from and why that’s important.
When students make connections to universal experiences like food, their curiosity sparks. They put down their cell phones, stop chatting, and lean in, hungry to learn more.
Exploring agriculture in my classroom has brought geography, social studies, the environment, science, careers, and other subjects to life in exciting new ways. It’s opened my students’ eyes to how vital agriculture is to every facet of our world.
As a farmer, I believe in AITC-M. As an educator, I can't imagine teaching without it.
Thank you Manitoba Beef Producers for being such a strong supporter of AITC-M.
To each and every member of Manitoba Beef Producers, I hope you’ll make an individual
donation today and help ensure AITC-M has the funds it needs to reach even more teachers like me!
A donation of $75 will create ag education experiences for an entire classroom of 25 students, just like mine. If you can afford more, consider donating enough to sponsor two classrooms! Or three!
Last year, AITC-M created 407,314 agriculture education experiences for students in 459 schools across Manitoba. Imagine how many classrooms your support can help us reach in 2024!
I believe educators have the best job in the world. We stand at the forefront of change – for today and for generations to come. By supporting AITC-M, you are inspiring the future, too!
With hope and gratitude,
Science and Geography Teacher
Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School Brandon, Manitoba
News Release
Canadian Beef Sector Urges Resolution on Cargill Labour Dispute
June 24, 2024
Calgary, AB – On behalf of Canada’s 60,000 beef producers including 19,000 beef producers in Ontario, the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) and Beef Farmers of Ontario (BFO) strongly encourage the Cargill Dunlop facility in Guelph and members of UFCW Local 175 to come to an expedited labour resolution. The beef sector in Canada relies on a resilient processing industry across the country and the impacts of this strike are significantly impacting beef producers in eastern Canada.
“Canadian beef producers rely on a strong and stable supply chain to get beef to Canadians and our global customers as efficiently as possible.While we fully respect and support the collective bargaining process, we cannot turn a blind eye on the effect this stalemate ishaving on ourbeef industry,” commented Nathan Phinney, President of CCA. “Both sides are urged to expedite their negotiations to find a solution as soon as possible.”
Having a processing facility in Guelph is keyfor eastern Canadian beef producers and supports a number of regional brands and programs. To date, there has been no indication of upcomingtalks or negotiations that would see an end to the strike that began on May 27, 2024.
“The challenges that come with the loss of eastern Canada’s largest beef processor cannot be understated,” says Craig McLaughlin, BFO President. “Ontario is the second largest cattle feeding province in the country, and our members rely on the important work of our processing partners and their role in getting beef on the plates of consumers here in Ontario and around the world. With each passing day, the consequences of the Cargill Dunlop labour strike continue to mount for ourfeedlot sector, beef supply chain partners, and our farmers’ ability to cash flow their operations. BFO urges both sides to work toward an immediate resolution of this dispute.”
Ontario beef farmers have been mitigating the impact of supply chain challenges by sourcing alternative facilities in Canada and the U.S. to process theircattle or keeping animals onfarm for a longer period of time. Both options present unique challenges and additional costs. The Canadian beef sector has growing concerns about the sustainability of these efforts and effects on the industry as the strike enters its fifth week.
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
News Release
“NCFA urges both parties to negotiate a swiftresolution,” said NCFA Board ChairWill Lowe. “Cargill Guelph is the major plant supporting Canada’s largest fed-cattle region in the country after Alberta. This disruption is difficultfor beef producers who are already facing multiple other challenges.”
Cargill Guelph processes approximately 75 per cent of the cattle in Ontario and plays a significant role in the Ontario beef supply chain. The CargillGuelph Dunlop facility fills 67 per cent of the federallyinspected processing capacity in easternCanada
For further information, contact:
Carol Reynolds
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931| reynoldsc@cattle.ca
Gina Devlin
Communications Manager
National Cattle Feeders’ Association 403-769-1519 gdevlin@cattlefeeders.ca
LeaAnne Wurmli Director of Communications Beef Farmers of Ontario 519-824-0334 leaanne@ontariobeef.com
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Governments Supporting Indigenous Agriculture
(June 21, 2024 Joint Canada/Manitoba news release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing in the revitalization of traditional food systems under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP), federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Lawrence MacAulay and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Funding for agricultural projects led by Indigenous Peoples is a crucial step towards building a more inclusive, sustainable and climateresilient food system,” said MacAulay. “By continuing to diversify and include traditional food systems, we can help to address food security for folks right across the country and build an even stronger sector.”
The program is aimed at increasing food security, training and resource development, and expanding Indigenous participation in Manitoba’s growing agriculture and agri-food sectors.
This year, 26 projects have been funded, totalling $1.52 million, and applications are now open for next year’s funding.
“Agriculture and food production are important drivers of economic growth in our province, and we’re working with Indigenous communities so they can see those benefits,” said Kostyshyn. “We’re supporting communities to bring back and expand traditional ways of growing food and address food insecurity, and we’re working with them to train workers and grow businesses in the agriculture sector.”
The 26 projects funded through Sustainable CAP include:
• Long Plain First Nation Community Wellness’ Hunting and Gathering, Foraging and Processing Project will enhance current community food systems through the development of new food
harvesting and preservation processes to ensure that food is properly preserved and available for consumption throughout the year.
• Arctic Buying Company Kivalliq Inc.’s Niriqatiginnga, a northern food systems innovation project, will address issues of food insecurity with northern Indigenous communities through a collaborative approach, engaging farmers, food producers and system innovators on ways to create an approach where northern and Indigenous communities, youth and elders are actively involved in addressing and enhancing northern food systems.
• Aki Foods will purchase equipment to enhance crop productivity and the quality of harvested goods including grains, vegetables, fruits, herbs, poultry and eggs.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3.5-billion investment by Canada's federal, provincial, and territorial governments that strengthen the competitiveness, innovation and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector. This includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and a $2.5billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially-territorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
The Sustainable CAP Indigenous Agriculture and Relationship Development program will accept applications until July. Note: Intake deadlines vary from July 4 to July 18 depending on the specific program stream.
For more information on the Indigenous Agriculture and Relationship Development Program and to apply for funding, visit www.manitoba.ca/sustainableCAP/.
Time to Participate in Agroclimate Impact Reporter June Survey
Help Inform Government of Weather Conditions Affecting Your Farm/Ranch
Have you ever considered how charting the weather conditions on your farm or ranch might have an impact on actions by governments?
Data is a key tool used by governments to examine the effects of factors such as droughts and floods on agriculture, and also to decide whether assistance such as compensation will be offered. Producers can help provide information about such impacts to the federal government via the Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR).
AIR helps to connect Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) with people in agriculture. AAFC relies on its network of AIR producer volunteers to provide information regarding agroclimate impacts across the country.
AAFC is now collecting AIR reports for the month of May. To learn more about AIR, follow this link.
To let the Science and Technology Branch of AAFC know what the conditions are like this month in your area, please respond to one of the links below:
English
French
To view previous Agroclimate Impact maps, follow this link. Or see some of the other resources we produce on the AAFC Weather and Drought home page. Thank you for your participation, and have a great weekend!
The AIR network provides valuable and reliable data that are mapped and used in the assessment and development of policies and programs including AgriRecovery and the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision, which can provide assistance to the industry during extreme weather and climate conditions and events.
The AIR network is an ever-growing database of agroclimate impacts, which enables better data analysis to help identify trends and anomalies.
The AIR survey is open during the last week of the month over the growing season (April to October) and is intended to collect weather and climate impacts on farm operations across Canada over the previous month. Survey results are made into maps and published on the Drought Watch website the first week of every month during the growing season. Impact maps are also available and cover topics such as: moisture and erosion, crop, hay and pasture quality and staging, feed production and availability, water supply and quality and much more. See: https://www.agr.gc.ca/DWGS/mapselectorselecteurdecartes.jspx?lang=eng&jsEnabled=tru e
For more information about AIR and how to enrol to complete the surveys go to www.agr.gc.ca/air . All information collected through the surveys is confidential.
Federal and Manitoba Government teaming up to help farms and other organizations switch to renewable energy
(June 27, 2024 Environment and Climate Change Canada News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are working together to help businesses, municipalities, and not-forprofit organizations reduce pollution and access clean technology. This will help save money and energy and create jobs, while building strong, resilient communities.
Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water, on behalf of the Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change, was joined by the Honourable Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Environment and Climate Change for Manitoba to announce up to $10.9 million to support a first round of 32 projects that have been approved for funding under Manitoba’s Merit-Based Program. The investment was made possible thanks to a $9.4 million federal investment from the Low Carbon Economy Fund (LCEF) and $1.5 million from the provincial government.
The Manitoba Merit-Based Program is designed to fund projects that will:
• Reduce greenhouse gas emissions, including switching from the combustion of fossil fuels to renewable energy
• Promote growth in the low-carbon economy and green job creation
• Support industry competitiveness
• Improve energy efficiency and reduce energy costs
The 32 projects announced today include:
• Twenty-four projects from the agricultural sector, the majority of
which still rely on propane or natural gas for irrigation, grain drying, and transfer and handling systems. According to the government of Manitoba, this investment will help these projects upgrade or make the switch to renewable energy. This will contribute to greenhouse gas emissions reductions of over 7,310 tonnes by 2030, which is equivalent to removing over 2,200 vehicles from Manitoba’s roads.
• Eight other projects are divided between not-for-profit organizations, social housing, and municipal development projects focused on fuel switching and reducing energy costs.
The Governments of Canada and the Province of Manitoba have already collaborated on different initiatives designed to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions and accelerate the switch to renewable energy. The scope of projects announced today shows both Canada’s and Manitoba’s engagement in achieving climate goals and building a strong, green, and more prosperous economy for Manitobans.
Quotes
“Since the Government of Canada launched the Low Carbon Economy Fund, we have seen an incredible response from communities across Canada who want to cut their pollution and be more energy efficient. The 32 projects announced today are important investments that will continue to get us closer to reaching our national emissions reduction goals and building more resilient communities.”
– Terry Duguid, Parliamentary Secretary to the Prime Minister and Special Advisor for Water
continued on pages 11-13
Federal and Manitoba Government teaming up to help farms and other organizations switch to renewable energy
“We know climate change poses a significant threat to our province and requires real action from all levels of government and that is why we are working in partnership with the Government of Canada to support these important projects across Manitoba. We are committed to taking meaningful climate action to protect Manitoba’s lands and waters and work towards net-zero targets.”
– The Honourable Tracy Schmidt, Minister of Environment and Climate for Manitoba
“We at Rutherford Farms have made many changes on our farm over the years to make it more sustainable. The funding we received from the Low Carbon Economy Fund program is helping us move to our latest goal to become a net-zero emissions farm.”
– Rick Rutherford, President and Owner, Rutherford Farms
Quick facts
• The Low Carbon Economy Fund is an important part of Canada’s climateaction plans, helping put Canada on a path to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.
• This funding is part of an agreement between the governments of Canada and Manitoba under the Low Carbon Economy Leadership Fund.
• The Manitoba-administered Merit-Based Program, which was announced in 2023, is an application-based grant incentive program that is funded under Canada’s Low Carbon Economy Fund ($25 million) and the government of Manitoba ($6.25 million).
• As Canada moves toward a net-zero economy, people across the Prairies are taking action and leading to take advantage of growing economic development opportunities that are shaping a sustainable and inclusive future for everyone.
• These investments are in line with the Government of Canada’s commitments through the Framework to Build a Green Prairie Economy to deliver good jobs through greater collaboration across levels of government and by working more closely with Prairie stakeholders on their priorities for a cleaner and sustainable economy that leaves no one behind.
LCEF Merit-based Program: Approved Round
Recipient
Agricultural Business Projects
Rosebank Colony Ltd.
MPS Farms Ltd.
Stoesz Acres Ltd.
Bar H Farms Ltd.
Enns Cattle Co.
One Projects
switch from propane to biomass boiler upgrade agricultural project
switch from diesel to electrical grain dryer agricultural project $242,422
gain for grain dryer and diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project
$144, 200
gain for grain dryer and diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project $363,563
switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project $54,250
Foothill Farms Ltd. Efficiency gain for grain dryer and fuel switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project $144,744
B.Elder Farms Ltd.
Kelly Grain Ltd.
Rocky Hill Holding Company Ltd.
Hammond Agriculture Ltd.
switch from diesel to electric grain dryer and handling agricultural project
$106,338
switch from diesel to electric grain dryer and handling agricultural project $610,887
switch from propane boiler to electric hydronic system agricultural project $143,775
switch from diesel to electric grain dryer agricultural project $61,181
J&G Wilson Farms Ltd. Efficiency gain grain dryer upgrade and fuel switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project $265,934
RC Hodgson Farms Ltd. Efficiency gain grain dryer upgrade and fuel switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project $140,000
RP Brunel Inc.
switch from diesel to electric grain drying and handling agricultural project $66,131
Sean McIntosh Farms Ltd. Fuel switch from diesel to electric irrigation reservoir agricultural project $66,913
Ash Haven Farms Ltd.
4M Farms Ltd.
Russel Grains 3000 Ltd.
Efficiency gain for grain drying upgrade and fuel switch from diesel to electrical grain handling agricultural project $48,536
switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project $206,500
Efficiency gain for grain dryer upgrade and fuel switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project $565,635
LCEF Merit-based Program:
Approved Round One Projects
GPW Farms Ltd.
Irv Toews Farms Ltd.
New Rosedale Colony Farms Ltd.
Rutherford Farms Ltd.
Voesenek Farms Ltd.
SKT Farms Inc.
switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project
switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project
switch from diesel to electric powered irrigation system agricultural project
switch from diesel to electrical grain handling agricultural project
switch from natural gas to biomass grain drying agricultural project
switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project
Mark Guenther Farms Efficiency gain for grain dryer upgrade and fuel switch from diesel to electric grain handling agricultural project
Not-For Profit Projects
Crossways in Common Inc.
switch from natural gas to electric boilers and solar assist project
Minister MacAulay announces over $2M in support for Canadian organic industry
(June 27, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The organic industry is one of the fastest growing sectors in Canada. Organic farming techniques can help improve soil health, promote biodiversity, and boost farm resilience in the face of climate change.
To mark the 15th anniversary of the Canada Organic Regime, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood, announced an investment of more than $2 million to 2 organizations through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
The Canada Organic Trade Association is receiving up to $1,175,841 over 3 years, under the AgriMarketing Program, to facilitate the growth of an innovative and profitable organic sector by resolving market access issues, ensuring Canadian organic products are competitive, building export capacity, and developing domestic opportunities. Activities include incoming and outgoing trade missions, international trade shows, technical training, and marketing campaigns.
The Prairie Organic Development Fund is receiving up to $985,985 over 3 years, under the AgriCompetitiveness Program, to advance the organic sector in Canada by building evidence for organics through data aggregation and benchmarking, growing organic supply and leadership through education, tools, and skillbuilding, and strengthening public trust in Canadian organics.
Quick facts
• Organic food and beverage sales in Canada exceeded $7.94 billion in 2022 (up from $7.24 billion in 2021). The total organic sector, which includes non-regulated products such as textiles
and pet food, grew to $10.26 billion in sales in 2022 (up from $9.35 billion in 2021).
• June 30, 2024 marks the 15th anniversary of the Canada Organic Regime, the Government of Canada’s regulated system for organic products, overseen by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) is a $3.5-billion, 5year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of the agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector.
• The AgriMarketing Program is one of the federal programs under the Sustainable CAP and was established to help industry increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities through industry-led promotional activities that differentiate Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada’s reputation for high-quality and safe food.
• The AgriCompetitiveness Program is another federal program under the Sustainable CAP and helps the industry share information with producers to build capacity and support the sector. The Program focuses on funding for sector development and growth, climate change and the environment, and economic stability.
• Established in 2007, the Canada Organic Trade Association is a not-for-profit industry association with over 160 members that represents the entire organic value chain: producers, processors, distributors, importers, exporters, inspectors, certifiers, retailers as well as other national advocacy and provincial producer organizations involved in organic.
• The Prairie Organic Development Fund, established in 2015, is a national not-for-profit organization that operates an investment platform created to develop organic agriculture and marketing across the prairie provinces.
