Co-hosted by the University of Manitoba's National Centre for Livestock and the Environment and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, this conference brings together researchers, students, producers, government, commodity organizations and industry representatives with a range of perspectives to collectively share ideas and experiences about how to improve agricultural sustainability in Canada.
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 13, 2024 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).
Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. As stewards of a vast portion of the Canadian landscape, Canada’s beef cattle producers play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. They continuously strive to improve existing stewardship conservation practices to create a sustainable future – always farming for tomorrow.
At the local level, a producer receives provincial recognition for their outstanding environmental contributions. In Manitoba, this occurs in conjunction with MBP’s annual general meeting in February. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete for national recognition from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semi-annual meeting held in August in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.
Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm or ranch operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.
All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. All methods are equally encouraged. More details and the application form can be found at: https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa
Note: if you are a producer who is considering selfnoomination, MBP can provide you with guidance and suggestions on completing the application process.
The completed application form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba Beef Producers by email to info@mbbeef.ca no later than Friday, December 13, 2024.
If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.
(November 28, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is inviting all Manitobans to take part in a short online survey and share their priorities and opinions for the government’s next budget, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced.
Budget 2025 will outline the government’s funding priorities for the upcoming year. Manitobans can complete the online budget survey at https://engagemb.ca. It will be one of several ways
the Manitoba government will engage Manitobans between now and when the budget is released in spring, noted the minister.
The minister also noted that Manitobans can email comments and ideas to MBbudgetfeedback@gov.mb.ca
The province will release its full public engagement schedule along with the online survey results at https://engagemb.ca/budget-2025.
(November 29, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitobans are now better able to plan safe winter travel thanks to “Track My Plow”, a new snowplow tracking feature that provides real-time updates on Manitoba 511, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced.
“Manitobans know that winter storms are a part of our lives and the new Track My Plow app will help Manitobans plan their winter commutes without having to even look out the window,” said Naylor. “Track My Plow will not only save drivers time but will help improve the safety of Manitoba’s roads during winter. I’d like to thank our snowplow operators, who are out in all sorts of weather to clear our highways, for their hard work.”
The new tracking feature, available on Manitoba 511’s website and smartphone app, will allow users to track active snowplows and where they have been for the past two hours. When combined with descriptions of road conditions and closures, drivers can make informed decisions before travelling this winter.
“CAA Manitoba congratulates the Manitoba government on the launch of this new technology, which we believe will be welcomed by Manitobans as they navigate our roads, streets and highways this winter,” said Ewald Friesen, manager of government and community relations, CAA Manitoba. “We are in full support of innovations that increase road safety in our province. As part of our road safety advocacy, we remind motorists that planning your route is one of the most effective ways to avoid needing a tow and avoiding the dangers of being stranded. We believe that this app can significantly help drivers make informed decisions to safely reach their destinations.”
For more information on Manitoba’s Multi-Year Infrastructure Investment Strategy, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/mti/myhis/index.html.
Up-to-date information on highway conditions including detours, restrictions and road closures is available at www.manitoba511.ca/ or by calling 511. The Manitoba 511 app is available for download in the Apple Store and Google Play: www.manitoba511.ca/about/mobileapp.
Note: This includes support for beef sector initiatives. See details below.
(November 26, 2024 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) This week, the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, joined farmers, exporters, and industry stakeholders at the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA) in Regina, Saskatchewan.
Minister MacAulay began his visit by giving remarks at the "Burning of the Brand," the ceremonial opening of the CWA, where he emphasized the importance of Agribition and of helping young people grow their passion for agriculture.
Minister MacAulay also delivered remarks at the Indigenous Agriculture Summit, highlighting investments in Indigenous-led initiatives, including the Bridge to Land-Water-Sky Living Lab, and his commitment to ensuring full and equal participation of First Nations, Inuit and Métis people in agriculture and food.
At the Grain Expo, he emphasized the importance of Canada’s grain industry and staying on the cutting edge of innovation, and noted an announcement made by the Honourable Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada and Minister responsible for the Canadian Northern Economic Development Agency, of a federal investment of over $11.8 million for 10 projects to support new technologies for a range of agribusinesses in Saskatchewan from farm machinery and food processing to Indigenous farming.
Minister MacAulay also participated in a roundtable discussion with representatives from the Canadian cattle sector where he highlighted a new federal investment of up to $5,440,882 for 5 projects funded under 3 programs, aimed
at improving market access, helping producers adopt more sustainable practices, and promoting Canada’s strong reputation as a leader in top-quality beef production.
The CWA brings the agricultural community together to celebrate innovation and the hard work of our farmers. The investments announced by Minister MacAulay and Minister Vandal underscores the Government of Canada's commitment to supporting Canada’s beef sector and ensuring a strong, resilient future for Canadian agriculture.
Quotes
Agriculture is at the heart of so many communities across the country. The Canadian Western Agribition is a great example of what makes Canadian agriculture so special, bringing together farmers who raise top-quality cattle and showcasing the very best of what we have to offer. It’s the hard work of our farmers and the innovation in our industry that keeps us moving forward, and it’s always inspiring to see the passion and dedication that drives this sector.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
“The Canadian beef cattle industry is worldclass, and we continue to work to improve and share our story. We are thankful to have a government partner in doing this work on the farm with Verified Beef Production Plus, in our value chain through the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, in classrooms with Guardians of the Grasslands, and in research to improve producer protection. There is a lot happening in the industry and a lot to be proud of. We appreciate Minister MacAulay and his government’s support of the CCA and its
divisions, which work tirelessly for cattle producers.”
- Nathan Phinney, President of the Canadian Cattle Association
“Genetic selection is a key component of sustainable beef production and Canada’s topquality beef cattle genetics are well-known and sought after around the world. The funding received through the AgriMarketing program will strengthen our ability to work with and on behalf of our members to promote Canadian beef cattle genetics in key foreign markets and expand market opportunities for Canadian beef cattle breeders.”
- Shawn Wilson, Chair of the Canadian Beef Breeds Council
facts
• The Canadian Cattle Association is receiving over $4,569,682 million for 4 projects through the AgriAssurance Program - National Industry Association Component and the AgriCompetitiveness Program to:
o improve its Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program
o update 2 key Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef assurance systems: the National Beef Sustainability Assessment and the Certified Sustainable Beef Framework
o develop the Grassland Production Index User Interface, a digital forage insurance system and risk management tool
o expand the Guardians of the Grasslands Game into classrooms across 8 new provinces and
develop a tradeshow version of the game
• The Canadian Beef Breeds Council is receiving up to $871,200 over 3 years through the AgriMarketing Program to grow the Canadian beef genetics industry by improving market presence in established and emerging markets and promoting the high quality and sustainability of Canadian beef cattle genetics.
• The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a $3.5-billion, 5-year agreement (April 1, 2023 to March 31, 2028), between the federal, provincial, and territorial governments to strengthen the competitiveness, innovation, and resiliency of Canada’s agriculture, agrifood, and agri-based products sector.
Backgrounder: Sustainability and growth in the Canadian beef sector
The Government of Canada is investing over $5.4 million in 5 projects aimed at driving growth in the Canadian beef sector. Through the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component, the AgriCompetitiveness Program and the AgriMarketing Program, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, these projects will improve market access, promote sustainable practices, and elevate Canada's reputation as a leader in high-quality beef production.
The AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component provides funding for national-level projects to help industry develop, verify, and integrate assurance systems to address market and regulatory requirements and to enable industry to make credible, meaningful, and verifiable claims about the health, safety, and quality of Canadian agriculture products.
The AgriCompetitiveness Program supports sectorled activities that identify industry best practices and build the capacity of the sector, advance farm business management, promote public trust through national consumer education, as well as develop and inform about farm safety.
The AgriMarketing Program supports national agricultural sectors to increase and diversify exports to international markets and seize domestic market opportunities through industryled promotional activities to differentiate Canadian products and producers, and leverage Canada’s reputation for high-quality and safe food.
The CCA is receiving up to $4,569,682 for 4 projects through the AgriAssurance Program –National Industry Association Component and the AgriCompetitiveness Program to advance the Canadian beef sector.
Incorporated in 1932, the CCA is a not-for-profit national association that represents the interests of 60,000 Canadian beef farms, ranches and feedlots. The CCA provides leadership for the Canadian beef cattle industry and works to address issues that concern Canada’s beef producers.
The CCA is receiving up to $1,003,200 over 5 years through the AgriAssurance Program to improve their Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program. The project aims to address gaps in the current certification standards, improve training and educational content for producers, and create a plan to expand certified programs that meet internationally accepted guidelines.
VBP+ is a quality assurance program used by beef producers across Canada since 2016. Canadian beef producers certified through VBP+ follow strict standards for food safety, animal care, biosecurity,
and environmental stewardship. By improving VBP+, the CCA aims to support Canadian beef producers, promote sustainable farming practices, and increase market access for Canadian beef.
The CCA is receiving up to $2,893,275 over 5 years through the AgriAssurance Program to update 2 Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) assurance systems: the National Beef Sustainability Assessment and the Certified Sustainable Beef Framework. This project aims to address new challenges in sustainability, improve data reporting, and strengthen public trust in the beef sector, all while reducing duplication and the reporting burden on producers., ultimately benefiting Canadian producers and improving the competitiveness of the industry.
The project is designed to improve communication about the sustainability of Canadian beef, ultimately increasing consumer confidence and supporting producers in adopting best practices for a resilient and competitive industry.
Project 3: Grassland Production Index User Interface
The CCA is receiving up to $515,625 over 2 years through the AgriAssurance Program to develop the Grassland Production Index User Interface, a digital forage insurance system and risk management tool for Canadian forage and livestock producers. This project builds on the Saskatchewan Stock Growers Association’s previous collaboration with Global Ag Risk Solutions to create a satellite-based forage insurance solution.
The project aims to increase producer knowledge and uptake of forage insurance by improving tool functionality and security. This will ultimately help producers manage their risks better, improve decision-making and strengthen the resilience of the Canadian forage and livestock sector.
The CCA is receiving up to $157,582 over 3 years through the AgriCompetitiveness Program to develop the Guardians of the Grasslands Game, a gamified educational tool aimed at increasing public awareness about the importance of grasslands and sustainable beef production practices. The project will expand the existing game by creating 8 provincial versions aligned with curriculum outcomes across various grades and subjects. Additionally, a tradeshow version will be developed to engage a broader audience.
This project aims to actively involve consumers, especially youth, in learning about grassland ecosystems, biodiversity, and the positive impacts of sustainable beef production. By promoting a better understanding of these topics, the CCA is highlighting the role of beef producers in environmental conservation and strengthening public trust in the industry.
The CBBC, established in 1994, advocates for breed associations, exporters, and livestock exhibitions both in Canada and globally. It supports the purebred cattle industry through international marketing and breed improvement, connecting domestic and international customers with the necessary cattle genetics for their markets. In 2020, the CBBC became an incorporated division of the CCA.
The CBBC is receiving up to $871,200 over 3 years through the AgriMarketing program to promote sustainable growth in Canadian beef cattle genetic exports to key international markets. The project aims to increase and diversify the value of beef cattle genetic exports, by showcasing Canadian genetics at major international cattle events, building relationships with potential buyers, and conducting market assessments. Additionally, activities include the development and implementation of a marketing strategy to boost the visibility and appeal of Canadian beef cattle genetics. https://www.truenorthfoods.ca/
November 26,2024
Regina – Agribition
Tyler Fulton, Vice President of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), was glad to be in Regina today at the Canadian Western Agribition (CWA), Canada’s largest livestock and beef cattle show, where the Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food highlighted an investment of up to $4,569,682 for 4 projects to the CCA. The funding is provided through the AgriAssurance Program – National Industry Association Component and the AgriCompetitiveness Program, two federal initiatives under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
During the event, Minister MacAulay also participated in a roundtable discussion with cattle industry leaders. The event provided the opportunity to gather cattle industry stakeholders and to celebrate the welcome funding announcements.
The largest of the 4 projects relates to Canadian beef sustainability and the work of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef. Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Chair and Saskatchewan cattle producer Ryan Beierbach said of the funding “The Canadian industry does more than talk sustainability. We measure what we do and how we can and are improving our environmental, social and economic impacts and benefits. This funding helps to do that measuring, and to improve the value chain bring certified sustainable beef to market.”
The environmental benefits cattle provide are not easy to show everyone. CCA’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement division developed a Guardians of the Grasslands game to take the short documentary into classrooms and to fairs and exhibitions to engage youth with what grazing means for landscape renewal and habitat for many species. PSE Chair Bob Lowe said “This funding helps extend industry’s voice into classrooms in new provinces and to trade shows across the country. We have a great story, but we don’t get to show it to everyone. This reaches a much wider audience.”
Another project involves improving Canada’s on farm beef producer program Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+). VBP+ has modules on animal health, animal care and biosecurity aspects. All the aspects show the way to continued improvement in practices and sustainability on farms and ranches across Canada. The funding will help VBP+ continue evolving and reaching more producers.
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
The One other CCA project being funded is exploring technological improvements to forage insurance. The Grassland Production Index project is developing an interface for satellite-based information that aims to improve understanding of and delivery of forage insurance offerings.
Fulton added “Exploring new ways to help producers manage risks is key to improving industry. All these projects do that. Risk of consumers not understanding the benefits of cattle on the land, risks producers face from weather challenges and the risk of standing still on production practices or marketing undertakings. The support Minister MacAulay’s announced today shows his ministry’s support of the Canadian Cattle Association’s many steps to improve the outlook for Canadian cattle producers.”
“This federal investment is vital for our hardworking farmers, so they can continue raising firstrate cattle while embracing practices that protect our land and livestock. I’m so pleased to support initiatives that promote quality and sustainability to ensure that Canadian beef remains a trusted choice for our customers around the world. Together, we’re building an even stronger future for the beef industry and Canadian agriculture.”
- The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
For further information, contact:
Ryder Lee
General Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
1-403-408-9356 | ryder@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
(November 28, 2024 Province of Manitoba News Release) The governments of Canada and Manitoba are investing in several major capital infrastructure and investment projects under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership (Sustainable CAP) that will increase food processing capacity in Manitoba, allowing producers to sell more of their product locally and create more agricultural jobs, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“We’re supporting Manitoba companies to process more of our homegrown agricultural products right here, so we can grow our agriculture sector and our economy,” said Kostyshyn. “Helping food processors scale up production will mean more good Manitoba jobs, an increased value and volume of Manitobagrown commodities, and a more competitive economy that benefits all Manitobans.”
Through Sustainable CAP the governments are investing up to $15.4 million over four years to 70 projects through four streams of the Capital Infrastructure and Investments program. These projects support growth and expansion through capital investments in modernization activities that enhance efficiency, productivity and environmental sustainability.
“Burnbrae is proud to have been providing quality eggs and egg products to food service operators, processors and Canadian families for over 80 years”, said Margaret Hudson, president and CEO of Burnbrae Farms. “We are grateful to the federal and provincial governments for recognizing the hard work of our staff and management that made this success possible. The funding from this program will allow us to expand the capacity of our Winnipeg operation and continue to provide a variety of eggs from
responsibly raised hens for all Canadians to enjoy.”
Some of the companies and their funded projects include:
• Burnbrae Farms Limited specializes in egg production and egg based products. This funding is to modernize and improve efficiency at their Winnipeg plant and allow greater capacity.
• Kimberly Packing Corporation, under Kroeker Farms Limited is a producer and processor of potatoes in southern Manitoba. This funding will allow them to package their product in Manitoba, a process currently done outside the province.
• Roquette Canada Limited is investing in new equipment at its Portage la Prairie pea protein plant, the largest pea protein processing plant in the world. This will double their production and allow local producers to sell more of their product in Manitoba.
• Spenst Bros Premium Meats is a farm family owned pizza production facility, retail store and meat processing plant located in Winkler. The project involves expanding the market for their popular frozen pizza products across Canada.
Funding will allow organizations to purchase equipment that will bring new and innovative technologies into the production process, improving productivity and leading to increased employment and scaled up production.
“Roquette searched far and wide when looking for the perfect place to build our state-of-theart pea protein plant,” said Chris Chinery, manager, Roquette Portage Pea Protein Plant. “We settled on Manitoba and more precisely, Portage la Prairie, because of the potential we saw for partnering with government to foster innovation and help create a hub for sustainable, plant-based ingredients that will help feed North America and the world. Over the years, we have been delighted to see that potential become reality and remain grateful for that partnership.”
investment by Canada's federal, provincial and territorial governments to 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 provinciallyterritorially for programs that are designed and delivered by provinces and territories.
For more information on Manitoba programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, visit www.manitoba.ca/scap/.
(Statistics Canada – The Daily, November 26, 2024)
Farm cash receipts for Canadian farmers totalled $70.6 billion for the first three quarters of 2024, down 3.0% (-$2.2 billion) from the same period in 2023. Receipts for crops (-$3.8 billion) and program payments (-$51.2 million) fell, while receipts for livestock (+$1.7 billion) rose.
The declines in receipts in the Prairies and Quebec more than offset increases in receipts in the other provinces. Saskatchewan ($1.5 billion) accounted for over two-thirds of the decrease in receipts compared with 2023.
Crop receipts down on lower prices for wheat and canola
Total crop receipts were down 9.2% to $37.6 billion in the first three quarters of 2024 compared with the same period in 2023, mainly due to a decrease in prices.
Receipts for wheat (excluding durum) ($1.8 billion), canola (-$1.0 billion) and durum wheat (-$593.9 million) led the decrease, accounting for roughly 90% of the decline in total crop receipts in the first three quarters of 2024. Strong domestic and international supply contributed to the fall in prices for most major crops in 2024. In the first three quarters of 2024, prices were down 21.1% for wheat (excluding durum), 21.1% for canola and 15.5% for durum wheat.
Potato receipts had the largest increase among all crops in the first three quarters of 2024, up 10.1% to $1.6 billion due mainly to higher prices (+7.6%). Potato receipts in both Manitoba (+$94.9 million) and Alberta (+$56.2 million) posted significant gains on the strength of marketing increases, as weather conditions led to higher production in the Prairies.
To better view these charts and other associated information, please visit the Statistics Canada webpage.
Cattle prices drive up livestock receipts
Livestock receipts rose 6.3% to $29.0 billion during the first three quarters of 2024, due to increases in all sectors except poultry.
The gain in cattle receipts (+$1.1 billion) accounted for almost two-thirds of the increase in total livestock receipts in the first three quarters of 2024. Despite a lower number of cattle slaughtered, cattle receipts ($11.0 billion) were up due to higher prices (+13.5%). These price gains were caused by strong international demand as well as smaller herd sizes.
Hog receipts (+$229.2 million) rose to $4.7 billion in the first three quarters of 2024, due to a 5.1% price gain. Strong international demand for pork products led to an increase in hog prices and higher international exports kept hog marketings flat
$11.3 billion and accounted for just under 40% of total livestock receipts. Dairy receipts increased (+ $191.2 million) to $6.6 billion due to a rise in prices (+2.3%). Receipts for both chickens for meat (-$45.9 million) and turkeys for meat (-$10.1 million) decreased due to a decline in prices. Prices for turkeys levelled out after the record highs seen in recent years, brought on by lower supply due to avian influenza.
Direct payments totalled $4.0 billion from January to September 2024, down 1.3% from the same period in 2023. Despite the decline, direct payments remained above the five-year average. Quebec (-$477.6 million) accounted for the greatest part of the decrease with lower provincial stabilization program payments. This was partially
