Cattle Country - June 2023

Cows in the Classroom -- Virtually

BY: JOHN GAUDES AND RYAN MCBRIDE

In today’s fast-paced and technology-driven world, many Manitoba students are becoming increasingly disconnected from where their food comes from. This past April, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) partnered with Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba (AITC-M) to reconnect students with their food by bringing beef cows into the classroom – virtually.

On April 19, students in 61 classrooms watched a broadcast of a beef farm tour led by Andre Steppler, a beef farmer in Miami, Manitoba. Camera crew in tow, Steppler and his family gave the students an up-closeand-personal look at how they care for their environment while providing safe, healthy meat for Manitoba and the world.

“It was a great opportunity to tell our farming story on how our food is produced,” says Steppler. “It’s crucial for Manitoba beef producers and farmers to engage with schools through programs like these.”

A live question-and-answer session after the tour allowed students to ask Andre questions directly.

“My students were excited to see the whole Steppler family, including the children, involved in raising and caring for the animals,” says Elaine Owen, a Grade 6 teacher at Miami School.

The tour was the highlight of Beef Week (April 17-21), a social media campaign hosted by AITC-M and sponsored by MBP. Beef Week challenged Manitoba students and teachers to beef up their knowledge about beef production without leaving the classroom.

Throughout the week, AITC-M also promoted classroom activities and resources that engage students in a richer understanding of beef and Manitoba’s beef industry. For example, AITC-M provides a classroom guide for teachers to use with  Guardians of the Grasslands, a documentary exploring endangered ecosystems and how cattle contribute to their survival.

AITC-M also highlighted the beef guide, fact sheet, and online learning module it developed with MBP

for the Foundations of Manitoba Agriculture virtual resource hub, which launched last September. Each resource features accurate, balanced, and current information about Manitoba beef production from industry experts working with curriculum specialists and covers subject areas including science, the environment, history, nutrition, and careers.

Partnerships like Beef Week are enormously valuable for Manitoba’s agriculture industry because they fill a critical gap in the industry’s outreach capacity, says Katharine Cherewyk, AITC-M executive director.

“We’re grateful to Manitoba Beef Producers because they understand the value of inspiring the next generation today. Imagine the outcomes we can achieve for Manitoba agriculture if we engage even more teachers and students through weeks like Beef Week. It truly is an investment in our future.”

Visit  Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba  for more information.

Kiss and make up: photographer Jeannette Greaves recently captured this image on her property in the Deerwood area.

Check out New Cost-shared Beneficial Management Practice Programs

By the time many of you will be reading this the deadline to apply for cost-shared beneficial management practices (BMP) under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) will be drawing very close but that doesn’t mean that you are left out in the cold.

Two BMP funding streams under Sustainable CAP were announced by the federal and provincial governments on April 28. They are Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) and Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP).

SAM is a BMP program in which you apply directly to Manitoba Agriculture for a specific project, laid out clearly in the programming guide. There are three areas of focus: water management, manure and livestock management, and cropland management. Much of the SAM program may be geared more towards cash cropping and intensive barn housing and liquid manure

MATTHEW ATKINSON President’s Column

management. However, there are great opportunities for cattle producers on things like water source development, feed efficiency, deadstock compost pens, lower field compaction and seed/fertilizer delivery and management, and more.

RALP is broken down into two groups, one available to those operating outside of a watershed, First Nations, the Association of Manitoba Community Pastures (AMCP) and Crown land leaseholders and applied for directly to Manitoba Agriculture. The other area of RALP is available through and delivered by your local watershed

office. The intake on these programs is especially short, with mid-June application deadlines and at a very busy time of year. The focus of RALP is on agroforestry and on grasslands and grazing management BMPs.

The announcement of access to these BMP programs will hopefully start the ball rolling for many producers who if not able to this year, could make use of this funding in a subsequent year. I encourage everyone to do some serious looking into what is available.

While I prefer the SAM approach of a standardized list of clearly displayed, numbered BMPs and with province-wide coverage and a consistent system of scoring and allocation, the RALP programs are not to be overlooked. If BMPs supported by the two levels of government are a roadmap for the agriculture sector to be going in the future and that direction clearly includes “sustainable” then I prefer to clearly lay out those goal posts for us to aim between.

The advantage however, to investigating the RALP programs available to you if you are within a watershed is that you will be presented with many other, similar program options, also available through that watershed district office. This is a benefit to have access to this much cost-shared programming, albeit somewhat overwhelming in volume and complexity at first.

The challenge with the BMPs is that while there are many that I see to be great opportunities for improvements on our own operation and would like to take advantage of them all, it is being able to cash flow the entirety of them upfront and cover the cost-share longterm. This is especially so when working on this short notice to plan for and apply to these programs.

Whether through the SAM or RALP programs, if you don’t see something specifically available you believe would be beneficial, and have a desire to do, then don’t hesitate to ask about it. It is clear the SAM program can evolve some over the remaining years of this funding agreement. Under the RALP program, however, much of it will not be available in many of the watersheds this first year and will be added on to in the subsequent years of Sustainable CAP, when they see the areas of greatest demand.

Now what exactly is “sustainability”? It seems that especially for our federal government, “sustainability” means environmental sustainability, which is something I think many of us would say we are doing a pretty good job of anyway. Perhaps the often-overlooked portion of that is the financial sustainability of our operations, meaning they remain competitive to pass on to next generations and not see grasslands converted to annual crops or recreational properties.

Here’s to a successful pasture and forage season ahead!

DISTRIC T 1 ALFRED EPP

Boissevain-Morton, Brenda-Waskada, Grassland, Deloraine-Winchester, and Two Borders

DISTRIC T 2

NANCY HOWATT

Argyle, Cartwright-Roblin, KillarneyTurtle Mountain, Lorne, Louise, Pembina, and Prairie Lakes

DISTRIC T 3

ANDRE STEPPLER

Cartier, Du erin, Grey, MacDonald, Portage la Prairie, Rhineland, Roland, Stanley, Thompson, Montcalm, Morris, and Ritchot

DISTRIC T 4

BYRON FALK De Salaberry, Emerson-Franklin, Hanover, La Broquerie, Piney and Stuartburn, Montcalm, Morris, Ritchot, Spring eld, Ste. Anne, Taché, R.M. of Piney and Reynolds

DISTRIC T 5 STEVEN MANNS

Cornwallis, Elton, Norfolk-Treherne, North Norfolk, Oakland-Wawanesa, Glenboro-South Cypress, and Victoria

DISTRIC T 6

VACANT

Pipestone, Riverdale, Sifton, Souris-Glenwood, Wallace-Woodworth, and Whitehead

DISTRIC T 7

T YLER FULTON PAST PRESIDENT

Ellice-Archie, Hamiota, Prairie-View, Riding Mountain West, Rossburn, Russell-Binscarth, and Yellowhead

DISTRIC T 8

MATTHEW ATKINSON

Clanwilliam-Erickson, Glenella-Lansdowne, Harrison-Park, Minto-Odanah, Oakview, North Cypress-Langford, Rosedale, and West Lake-Gladstone

DISTRIC T 13

DISTRIC T 9 TREVOR SUND

Alexander, Brokenhead, East St. Paul, Lac Du Bonnet, Rockwood, Rosser, St. Andrews, St. Clements, St. Francois Xavier, West St. Paul, Whitemouth, Woodlands,

MARY PAZIUK Dauphin, Ethelbert, Gilbert Plains, Grandview, Roblin and Mossey River

LGD of Pinawa, Reynolds, Spring eld, Ste.

Fisher, and Gimli

Program Announcements, Traceability Consultations, CCA Fly-In and More

Greetings folks,

What a lovely spring we have been having. I know there have been some ups and downs in weather, but overall, it is nice to see things greening up. Hopefully we continue to get timely moisture through the summer months to keep things productive.

It has been a busy time for MBP staff and directors. We have been reviewing announcements that have been coming out related to program support for producers in Manitoba. MBP is pleased to receive another year of funding through the Conservation Trust to deliver grassland enhancement project dollars to producers in the province. This program is delivered through Manitoba Habitat and Heritage Corporation (MHHC). I strongly encourage producers to reach out to their local MHHC office to see if any funding is available in their area to improve their pasture stands.

Funding programs have also been announced under the federally and provincially-funded Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP). There are cost-shared beneficial management practice (BMP) opportunities for producers under the three Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) funding streams, as well as the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP). The first application intake deadlines for RALP (June 12) and SAM (June 13) are fast approaching, but if you would like a further explanation of the various project avenues, feel free to give me a call at the office to discuss. We’ve also placed information on pages 2, 4 & 5 of this edition of the newspaper. Alternatively, you can call Manitoba Agriculture at 1-800-811-4411 or email them at agriculture@gov.mb.ca for more information. Project areas range from feed efficiency infrastructure to water supply support to composting structures for manure and deadstock, with many others that may suit your farm. I know our directors have taken lots of time to review opportunities for producers, even amid calving, so I encourage you to chat with your peers on project funding potential as well.

With much of our focus being on provincial issues, it’s great to have a strong group leading issues on the federal scale. By the time you are reading this, MBP will have conducted our spring fly-in advocacy event in Ottawa, where we send a delegation of staff and directors to meet with government officials on Parliament

Hill. Organized in conjunction with the Canadian Cattle Association, this is always a great opportunity to meet with many decision makers to ensure they are aware of the opportunities and challenges in the sector. Issues such as cash advance payment levels, Product of USA labeling, and Bill C-282 -- An Act to Amend the Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act (Supply Management) were top of mind during our meetings.

Also on the federal front, there is still time for producers to provide feedback to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency as part of proposed amendments to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations. The stated rationale is “to enable a more effective and timely response to disease outbreaks and food safety issues, and improve support for disease surveillance activities.” The key proposed amendments include: adding goats and cervids; as animal species that share diseases with other regulated livestock, and thus subject to traceability requirements; shortening the time period allowed to report an event to better support an efficient response to disease outbreaks; adding a requirement to provide information about the geographical location of sites where animals are located (premises identification number); and, requiring the reporting of domestic movements of livestock. The comment period closes on June 16, 2023. The full text of the proposed regulations can be found in Canada Gazette Part 1. Or, search online for “CFIA” and “traceability consultations” to take you to the site. MBP will be providing comments as part of this process.

As I look forward to the summer, I hope we continue to get weather that supports good agricultural production. I look forward to seeing many of you at various industry events. I also hope many of you will be able to make it out to MBP’s upcoming producer outreach and knowledge session on the afternoon of July 11 at Steppler Farms in the Miami area. This will be our second annual summer event. It will include knowledge transfer and networking opportunities with your fellow

producers. This year we will be hosting an ultrasound session to understand connections and benefits of this information to judging cattle. After the speakers and demonstrations wrap up, we will share a meal. There is no charge to attend, but we ask that you advance register to help us with the meal counts. See our website or call the office to arrange that. I am looking forward to it.

Summer is usually a busy time for consumer engagement. BBQ season and beef go hand in hand. We continue to focus on efforts related to public trust. One great example of this is updating our display space at the Farm and Food Discovery Centre south of Winnipeg to provide more information about the importance of beef production to the environment. Another example is a recent MBP partnership with the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program (MBORP) to help share with a diverse audience the important message of the reliance of these species on cattle production to survive. Bindi, a burrowing owl that is part of the MBROP’s educational work was present at our Royal Manitoba Winter Fair display earlier this year. It was a great opportunity to talk to the general public about the linkages between having cattle on the land and providing critical habitat for this endangered bird. There has also been quite a bit of media coverage of this, helping to spread that message to even more people.

Another exciting event in the summer is the Canadian Beef Industry Conference. This year is it back in Calgary in August, and I hope many of you will consider attending. It is a great way to get industry colleagues together from across the country to share information and network to drive the industry forward.

Although it feels like many months away now, we are already gearing up for our fall district meetings. Stay tuned for further information on our social media for dates/locations of these important meetings.

Before I end, I just want to deliver a very Happy Mother’s and Father’s Day message to all of you across the province. I know I sure appreciate the values my parents set for me growing up. I also know my new favourite role in life is being a father, so these days are important to me.

Take care all, Carson

CARSON CALLUM General Manager’s Column

Cows in the classroom: District 3 director Andre Steppler is seen here with Larissa Peitsch, Program & Volunteer Manager, Agriculture in the Classroom - Manitoba, during the virtual session on April 19. (Photo credit: AITC-M)

Prairie Watersheds Climate Program Helps Beef Producers Adopt BMPs on their Farms

BY ANGELA LOVELL

The Prairie Watersheds Climate Program (PWCP) provides funding incentives to producers who are implementing new or expanding existing beneficial management practices (BMPs) on their operations.

BMPs can provide many benefits to producers such as reducing their fertilizer input costs and making their farms more resilient to floods and droughts, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and improving soil health and biodiversity.

The program focuses on three BMP categories: cover cropping, nutrient management and rotational grazing, and there are several different practices eligible for funding in each of these categories.

“All these three areas of focus are important and producers will benefit from looking at them and seeing how they can make tweaks to their operation to improve their efficiencies and the environmental stewardship that they have already been doing for many years,” says Carson Callum, General Manager of the Manitoba Beef Producers.

A lot of interest in rotational grazing BMPs

During the first year of the PWCP program, which launched last September, nitrogen management was the most significant category of the three, followed by cover cropping then rotational grazing, but there has already been increased interest in the rotational grazing category for this year.

“We are hearing from our delivery agents that rotational grazing interest in some areas is higher than cover cropping,” says Lynda Nicol, Executive Director of the Manitoba Watersheds Association which is leading the program. “It’s too early for us to say how those numbers

will settle exactly but we are encouraged that rotational grazing BMPs are getting some uptake and support, and we certainly credit our partners like Manitoba Beef Producers and the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association for their dedication to helping their producers understand the program and how to access it.”

Expanding on existing MBPs may still be eligible

For producers implementing rotational grazing management, practices eligible for funding include fencing, watering systems and costs to seed legumes to improve pastures. Although the program is primarily designed to help producers implement new BMPs on their farm, that doesn’t mean that those who have already adopted these practices will not be eligible.

“We recognize that a lot of Manitoba’s beef producers are early adopters of these practices around grazing,” says Nicol. “Even if producers are already doing activities that are eligible within the program it doesn’t mean that there aren’t still ways that they can leverage this program to improve their practices further and be eligible for funding. There is still opportunity for them to look at the practices that are done on their farm and see if there is eligibility to do something new, or to add something to what they have already been doing.”

An example is seeding legumes to improve pasture composition, a BMP that could potentially be eligible for funding under the program.

Manitoba’s watershed districts are delivering the PWCP and Nicol advises any producers interested in the program to reach out to their local district staff.

“I would advise producers to have a conversation with their watershed district’s resource staff to explain what they do on-farm, and to understand the program and how it may work best for their farm,” she says.

Don’t delay – apply early

Producers may be eligible for up to $75,000 to cover up to 85 per cent of implementation costs, although funding limits vary depending on the watershed district. There is no deadline to apply. Applications will be accepted on a continual basis until funding allocated to each watershed district runs out, so the close dates may vary by region depending on how quickly the funds are used up.

The program was fully subscribed the first year and Nicol expects that it will be again this year, adding that the watershed districts will also be compiling waiting lists for producers in case more funding becomes available.

Callum also expects that there will be a lot of interest from beef producers in the program this year.

“It has been difficult for some producers to make time to start a project given the challenges we have seen over the last couple of years, but with the positive outlook in the sector and the decent weather we have been having, we know that these types of funding programs will provide producers with additional support to continue these projects,” Callum says.

Funding for the PWCP has been provided by the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. OFCAF is a $200 million, three-year fund (from 2021 to 2024) which funds 12 programs (including PWCP).

Producers can find out more about the PWCP at https://manitobawatersheds.org/prairie-watershed-climate-program or by contacting their local watershed district.

Applications Being Accepted for Cost-Shared BMPs Under the RALP and SAM Programs

(April

28, 2023

Canada/Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government has opened intakes for two new programs under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) that provide funding to support sustainable farming in Manitoba, federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister MarieClaude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson announced.

“Farmers are on the front lines when it comes to the impact of climate change,” said Bibeau. “By investing in on-farm environmental solutions, we can continue to grow a sustainable sector that is more resilient to extreme weather while helping our farmers reduce their environmental footprint.”

“Our government is committed to supporting our producers to be champions of agricultural sustainability,

and creating opportunities to help farmers reach their business goals,” said Johnson. “These two new funding opportunities build on our previous investments and enable farmers to grow their businesses while enhancing the sustainability and growth of the sector overall.”

The Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) program provides funding to help farmers and land managers implement cost-shared beneficial management practices that increase the environmental and economic sustainability of agriculture operations in Manitoba. Priority areas for funding include climate change adaptation and mitigation, air quality, water quality and quantity, soil health and biodiversity.

Johnson noted a variety of beneficial management practices are eligible for cost-shared funding in categories including cropland management, manure and livestock management and water management.

Practices in these categories have been developed with the goal of ensuring enhanced environmental outcomes and will support federal climate objectives, as well as provincial goals under the  Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy, the  Water Management Strategy and the  Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan

The deadline to apply for SAM beneficial management practices funding is June 13.

Funding for the agriculture sector is also available through the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), a cost-shared federal-provincial/territorial program funded under the Sustainable CAP that supports the provision of ecological goods and services by the

agriculture sector, such as maintaining and restoring grasslands and wetlands on agricultural lands, Johnson noted.

Funding through the RALP: Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience stream will support on-farm beneficial management practices and projects that enhance the provision of ecological goods and services, with an emphasis on projects that sequester carbon and improve sustainability and productivity through grassland management and agroforestry practices. Eligible applicants include community pastures, agricultural Crown land forage lease-holders, Indigenous farmers and communities, including First Nations and Métis, and farmers outside of watershed district boundaries. The deadline to apply for funding through this stream is June 12.

Watershed districts are eligible for RALP: Watershed Resilience programming, where the districts will collaborate with farmers within district boundaries to implement projects on agricultural land. Farmers are encouraged to contact their local watershed districts to inquire about any potential programs that may be available, said Johnson.

“Manitoba’s cattle producers have a long history of using management practices that help support the health of our grasslands, wetlands, and soil, and which provide biodiversity for many animal and plant species. These practices not only contribute to the environmental and economic resiliency of the producers, but these benefits are also felt beyond the farm gate,” said Matthew Atkinson, president, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP). “MBP welcomes the federal and provincial governments’ recognition of and support for the varied ecosystem services being provided by beef producers in managing private and public lands.”

Johnson noted applicants for these environmental programs must have a valid statement of completion for an environmental farm plan at the time of claim.

Continued next page 

Agriculture Minister Derek Johnson and MBP President Matthew Atkinson at announcement of cost-shared BMP programs under Sustainable CAP. (Photo credit: Mary Paziuk)

 Continued from previous page

“As a farmer-led group, Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) fully appreciates the importance and significance of the two programs announced today around the stewardship and retention of natural infrastructure such as grasslands in the Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience stream and the focus on watershed health via Watershed Resilience programming,” said Lawrence Knockaert, chair, MFGA.

Some Details About the New RALP and SAM Programs

The following are some high-level details about various elements of the new cost-shared Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) program and the Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP), which are initiatives under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

For complete details about all the available Beneficial Management Practice (BMP) offerings and to access to application forms go to https://www.gov. mb.ca/scap/index.html, email agriculture@gov.mb.ca or call 1-800-811-4411.

RALP Highlights

Funding through the RALP: Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience will support on-farm BMPs and projects that enhance the provision of ecological goods and services, with an emphasis on projects that sequester carbon and improve sustainability and productivity through grassland management and agroforestry practices. The application deadline is June 12.

Watershed districts are eligible for RALP: Watershed Resilience programming, where the districts will collaborate with farmers within district boundaries to implement projects on agricultural land. Farmers should contact their local watershed districts to inquire about any potential programs that may be available to them.

RALP

Agroforestry Stream

Under this stream primary producers who reside outside watershed district boundaries, as well as indigenous primary producers and communities, including First Nations and Metis can seek cost-shared funding for the following eligible practices:

• Establishment and maintenance of shelterbelts or tree buffers for farmyard, livestock facilities and fields;

• Planting of trees/shrubs on marginal or high-risk cropland; and

• Silvopasture (deliberate integration of trees and grazing livestock operations on the same land).

The government cost share for these practices is 75% and the application cap is $15,000.

RALP Grasslands and Grazing Management

Under this stream agricultural Crown land leaseholders, primary producers outside watershed district boundaries, and indigenous primary producers and communities, including First Nations and Metis, are eligible to seek cost-shared funding for the following eligible practices:

• Rotational grazing infrastructure including permanent and temporary cross fencing, offsite watering (tame pasture and native grasslands);

• Converting marginal and high-risk annual cropland to permanent grassland (includes establishment of native or tame forages), and

• Increasing the use of alfalfa or other locally-adapted and persistent nitrogen-fixing perennial legumes in tame pasture and hay.

The government cost share for these practices is 75% and the application cap is $15,000. Note:

Agricultural Crown land forage lease holders must include a letter of support for the project from their Farm Production Extension Specialist.

SAM Highlights

The SAM program provides funding to help implement cost-shared BMPs that increase the environmental and economic sustainability of agriculture operations. Priority areas for funding include climate change adaptation and mitigation, air quality, water quality and quantity, soil health and biodiversity. Application deadline for SAM BMP funding is June 13.

There are three cost-shared funding streams under SAM. The following are some examples of cost-shared BMPs that may be of interest to cattle producers, but consult the program guides for the complete list of BMP offerings.

“When combined with the progressions and increasing want of farmers of all stripes – dairy, livestock, grain, mixed farms and others – there is great potential for farmers interested in sustainable agriculture practices around soil health, land and water management to improve the sustainability of their farms while benefiting their local communities and society.”

The Sustainable CAP is a five-year $3.5-billion investment by federal, provincial and territorial govern-

SAM Cropland Management Stream

This funding is open to all producers to support the adoption of cropland management practices that optimize operations and improve productivity.

BMP 1600: Perennial Cover for Sensitive Lands: Perennial cover on sensitive lands will manage at-risk soils to minimize erosion and salinization and help to sequester carbon in soil while protecting sensitive species and habitats. Projects must be to seed sensitive or marginal lands into a permanent perennial cover. Projects are generally limited to a maximum of 40 acres per quarter section. Projects greater than 40 acres may considered. The cost share is 50-50 between government and the applicant and the overall funding cap is $10,000.

BMP 1700: Hazardous Products Storage: This BMP has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant and an overall funding cap of $25,000 across all three eligible practices. A single application worksheet can include any or all of the practices within BMP 1700. Funding is available as follows:

• Practice 1701: replacement of single walled fuel storage tanks with double walled tanks, pumps, auto shut off valves, etc. $5,000 cap;

• Practice 1702: construction of, or improvements to existing, on-farm pesticide storage structures, $15,000 cap; and,

• Practice 1703: installation of pesticide biobeds, $5,000 cap

Old fuel tanks must be decommissioned and disposed of in a manner acceptable to Manitoba. Be mindful of permit requirements.

Other SAM cropland stream BMPs are: BMP 1100 Reduce Tillage Intensity, BMP 1200 Low Disturbance Placement of Seed & Fertilizer, BMP 1300 Preventing Soil Compaction, BMP 1400 Reduced Pesticide Usage, and BMP 1500 Soil Landscape Restoration.

SAM Manure and Livestock Management Stream

There are two key BMPs under this stream that may be of interest to cattle producers, one related to feed efficiency and the other to composting.

Re: feed efficiency, the program guide notes, “Feed efficiency depends on maximizing feed utilization and minimizing feed wastage. For ruminants, the implementation and specialized preparation of Total Mixed Rations (TMR) can ensure rations are fed with targeted grain:forage ratios to restrict sorting by ruminants and help optimize rumen conditions. TMR feeding systems also allow inclusion of feed ingredients that reduce enteric methane emissions (e.g. NOP, PUFA) into the ration at a constant rate for maximum benefit. Improvements to feed handling equipment, feed distribution technology and on-farm feed processing capacity reduce spoilage and feed wastage.”

BMP 2100: Enhanced Feed Efficiency: This BMP has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and an overall funding cap of $160,000. A single application worksheet can include any or all of the practices within BMP 2100. Funding is available as follows:

• Practice 2101 provides for improvements to feed handling equipment, feed distribution technology, and on-farm feed processing capacity reduce spoilage and feed wastage, with a $150,000 cap.

• Practice 2102 has a cap of $10,000 toward professional fees associated with design and installation of automated feed preparation and delivery systems.

BMP 2700: Composting: BMP 2700 has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and an overall funding cap of $260,000 across all Eligible Practices. A single Application Worksheet can include any or all of the Practices within BMP 2700.

The program guide notes, “Manure composting can reduce odour, pathogens, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and increases efficiency of nutrient management. After composting solid manure there is a reduction in the nutrient variability and makes for a

ments to strengthen 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 $2.5-billion commitment that is cost-shared 60 per cent federally and 40 per cent provincially/territorially for programs designed and delivered by provinces and territories.

More information on Manitoba programs under Sustainable CAP is at https://www.manitoba.ca/scap/.

uniform product that can be used to increase soil fertility, help to build soil structure and soil organic matter. Composting manure reduces the overall volume of manure that needs to be hauled making compost an easier product to handle at time of application.

There are three eligible practices under BMP 2700:

• Practice 2701: permanent composting structures for deadstock and manure, such as compost pads, compost bin systems, compost sheds, etc., $150,000 cap;

• Practice 2702: Self-propelled or PTO-driven compost turner, forced aeration equipment, etc., $100,000 cap; and,

• Practice 2703: engineering, design, permitting, $10,000 cap. Note: 2703 is eligible as a stand alone if project does not proceed for economic, technical or environmental reasons.

Through the Livestock Predation Prevention Project MBP has been promoting the use of composting to help reduce the risk of predation as predators are less likely to seek out scavenging opportunities if deadstock are properly managed via methods such as burial or composting.

SAM Water Management Stream

There are two key BMP programs under this stream that may be of use to cattle producers: BMP 4500 for Runoff Control and BMP 4700 for Water Supply.

BMP 4500: Runoff Control has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and an overall funding cap of $125,000 across all Eligible Practices. A single application worksheet can include any or all of the three practices within BMP 4500.

There are three practices under BMP 4500:

• Practice 4501: relocation of agricultural facilities, such as corrals, paddocks and associated shelters/ buildings, etc., away from areas with a high risk of surface or ground water contamination; includes establishment of a new site and decommissioning/ remediation of existing site, $75,000 cap;

• Practice 4502: Runoff control to minimize the impact that livestock facilities have on surface and ground water quality; includes upstream diversion of runoff around farmyards (e.g. swales, dykes, etc.) and downstream protection from or containment of farmyard runoff (collection basins, retention ponds, etc.), $30,000 cap; and

• Practice 4503: Engineering, design, permitting, $20,000 cap. Note: This is eligible as a stand-alone project if the project does not proceed for economic, technical or environmental reasons.

Please read the program guide very carefully as there are criteria which need to be met to proceed with these types of projects, e.g. decommissioning of existing sites when new ones are created; permit/ engineering requirements; etc.

BMP 4700: Water Supply has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and an overall funding cap of $15,000. This BMP provides for the establishment of new or expand existing water supply for agricultural use by installing infrastructure. This includes:

• Wells – Drilling new or deepening existing, plus test hole drilling, screening, casing, well caps, etc.;

• Dugouts – Constructing new or rehabilitating existing, test-hole drilling, exclusion fencing, etc.; and,

• Associated components and actions – purchase and installation of pipe, plumbing materials, trenching, earthworks, etc.

Note: Actions under this BMP must support the establishment of reliable water supplies with longevity, permanently addressing water supply needs. Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This BMP does not cover: hauling or pumping of water; any and all expenses associated with watering systems (i.e., delivery of water to livestock); temporary set up of watering systems and portable livestock corral panels.

Manitoba Livestock Predation Prevention Project Update

BY: RAY BITTNER, LIVESTOCK PREDATION PREVENTION PROJECT LEAD

This is the second in a series of articles related to the pilot Livestock Predation Prevention Project (LPPP). It has been underway on Manitoba cattle and sheep operations for the past two years.

So, what have we learned after initiating 10 different risk mitigation practices (RMPs) on over 109 projects on 46 farms and ranches? We have found there are some effective RMPs for some predator problems, but some problems are more difficult to solve.

Manitoba livestock predation challenge number 2: Cattle on pasture being harassed, injured, or killed on extensive land areas away from the home yard by wolves, bears, and coyotes.

The Livestock Predator Protection Pilot Project tested several techniques to try to mitigate livestock pasture attacks when a manager cannot be present.

GPS Collars to Monitor Livestock

The LPPP project purchased three different Global Positioning System (GPS) units that could be used to track livestock locations, behavior, and movement. The concept involves applying a GPS electronic collar or tag to an animal, and receiving the location data on a home computer or on your handheld smartphone wherever the internet can be accessed. This was the most technically-advanced and challenging endeavour of the entire project as livestock GPS is a new technology with several challenges.

However, of the nine clients who were assigned various GPS products, all producers saw merit in knowing where their livestock was at any time of day or night. Of the participants, 83% regularly checked their GPS before doing pasture checks, and 78% would repurchase the equipment if it was lost.

Producers utilizing the GPS products typically applied five or less GPS collars or tags to their livestock groups so the coverage of animals was generally 5% or less of the herd, so they were monitoring where the general group was located, rather than where every specific animal was located. The small coverage group was still helpful as locating the herd and driving directly to the herd made wellness checks much easier. For producers with large extensive pastures with bush, hills, swamps, and watercourses, being able to geolocate their herd, saved large amounts of time. Wellness checks could be done in minutes rather than hours on large land bases.

Producers were also interested to see where the livestock congregated at night to rest, and during the day to graze. Such behaviors and tendencies can reveal that animals are fleeing certain areas in search of safety such as around a waterhole in an open area, and avoiding deep bush or areas with poor sight lines. Certain parts of the pasture may be avoided entirely due to predator harassment.

Some of the GPS systems also had the function of activity alerts which notify the user when an animal is behaving in an erratic behavior such as fleeing or fighting. One user who had a GPS collar on a donkey had an activity alert and found that the donkey was pursuing a black bear off of the property. While following up on every activity alert would be difficult, perhaps future software enhancements could make activity alerts very useful.

GPS collars also had less predator-centered uses, such as finding out when animals had escaped their fences or paddocks. A final use was to monitor livestock guardian dogs, as some of the tags are small and light enough to mount on dogs to know whether they are on pasture, or away chasing vehicles, or dogs of the opposite sex. Overall producers saw valid uses of GPS monitoring but the technology is not yet ready for widescale adoption.

Among the key findings:

• Some GPS systems are only workable in good cell coverage areas so this is a major consideration prior to purchase.

• Some GPS systems are usable anywhere on earth because they communicate with satellites, which is more useful on pasture but often a more costly system.

• Battery power is always a consideration. Some systems can have batteries that last a year or longer, however this makes them heavy and larger, and more prone to damage.

• Solar panels are now available on some models, but long hair, device location, tree cover, length of sunlight, and cloudy conditions can limit solar charging and lack of GPS transmission.

• Robust reliability is still a concern. Both of our

cattle-applied systems had at least one plastic case broken in the first year, and as such, an expensive item is out of service and not fixable. One had a warranty claim, and another did not, as the second unit had no warranty once applied to an animal. Read the fine print carefully.

• Costs have yet to come down to commercially attractive prices, and most GPS systems cost a minimum of $400 per animal with some additional fees for service above that. However, if animals can be saved and a small percentage of animals monitored overall can save lives, it can be attractive to try a GPS system.

Overall, GPS systems were interesting and helpful, and part of a predator risk management strategy, but are not a whole solution for livestock predator problems.

Deadstock Composting Pens

These pens were installed and rated by cooperating farms, and all involved agreed that better removal of deadstock was important. Reducing food sources for predators to dine on was a positive move and does not cost as much as you might expect. While this RMP does not directly keep predators out of pastures, it can reduce traffic of scavenger animals such as coyote and bear. If the found deadstock is promptly disposed of, scavenger birds will not be present which is nature’s way of inviting predators to your pasture.

The deadstock composting pens built for the project were made with chain link fence and predator-proof gates and cost about $2,500 for a 64 x 64 foot pen. Of the producers using pens, 78% said that the smell was either minimal or no smell, and 91% of producers who used them would recommend them to all producers.

Vet Assessments

These were tested by several producers. These involved a request for a vet to attend the farm and have a visual assessment and an in-depth conversation about how animal health can be improved. The plan was to have minimal numbers of livestock on pasture with a health issue that might attract predators, be it lameness, pneumonia or scours and cocci or other. Results varied from recommendations to improved vaccination routines and nutritional care to summer safe pens. Producers who used the assessments agreed that having an extra set of eyes on the herd was positive. And now that producers need a veterinary client patient relationship (VCPR) visit annually, having a vet out during late calving season, or early pasture season is an ideal time to have this evaluation.

Game Cameras

Game cameras were tested by 23 producers, with 83% using cameras which transmitted the photos to the internet for viewing without touching the camera. Of the participants, 73% of them caught predators on the cameras, but most found that camera needed to be moved around to be most useful. Producers with the best experiences used game cameras to determine what predator was present at attack sites, as they could move the cameras into position and monitor which predator came back first.

Some cameras were placed at water sources for predator activity and for livestock photos. Some producers monitored watering dugouts in fall to find out if there were any lost animals after roundup. Roughly half of the users indicated that the cameras helped with saving animals. We found that producers who wanted to hunt and trap predators found cameras more useful.

Cow Bells

Cow bells were tested on six commercial farms during the project. Producers wanted to test the bells to see if predator activity would drop with the erratic ringing of a cow bell. Cow bells were applied to about 5% of the herd, because of cost and practicality. In the end, about 50% of users believed that cowbells saved livestock, while one producer believed that the cowbells attracted predators. However, producers did agree that finding cattle on pasture was easier with bells, and some users just enjoyed the sounds of a herd with bells.

The bells purchased were Bevin 4K Kentucky cow bells on nylon neck straps. The bells were robust and lasted their first season with minimal damage. Bells vary in price and the bells as tested were about $33 with the nylon strap. Less expensive options might be available, but the strength of collar and the quality of bell is important if you are going to use them for multiple years.

Strategies that might improve bell utility would be to

affix bells to older slower cows or cows with calves which are recovering as an attack might provoke a loud ringing that brings in other mother cows to defend the weak. Producers liked the cow bells, but mixed results did not indicate any strong predator risk mitigation trends.

Donkeys or Livestock Guardian Dogs

Companion animals on pastures can be helpful to reduce predator attacks. Livestock guardian dogs like the Great Pyrenees breed and others have proven themselves for centuries for sheep and cattle protection. However, in the Manitoba scenario there are many pastures situations where a dog is not appropriate. Dogs need to be fed daily to be able to stay with their herd. While a properly-trained dog will want to stay with its livestock, people need to feed the dogs daily and do wellness checks. While some pastures can be monitored daily, others are impractical, as such guardian dogs are impractical.

Donkeys are another guardian animal that can be useful for livestock guarding. Some donkeys have an inborn instinct to repel predators from their group, and can be very helpful. However not all donkeys behave equally; some are excellent protectors and some are not. Female donkeys are often more protective and appropriate in many cases. Male donkeys can be used in cattle, but not in sheep due to fighting with rams. Male donkeys and all donkeys can be fierce fighters and can be dangerous to humans. The result is that the use of donkeys can be good or bad depending on the donkey.

This project did not specifically test livestock guardian animals but we received a lot of comments and recommendations on their value. We did however find that having a GPS collar on a guardian animal is very helpful, especially with dogs who might roam outside of the pasture boundaries.

Predator Management

This project tested multiple mitigation techniques that can reduce predator attacks, but each has its limitations. One aspect that should be considered by producers is some level of trapping and hunting of predators for the protection of property. In Manitoba producers are allowed to remove coyote, wolf and bear but not a cougar in defence of property. Under The Wildlife Act, it states, that “the owner or occupier of private land or leased agricultural Crown land, or a person authorized by the owner or occupier, may kill or take any wildlife on the land — other than a moose, caribou, deer, antelope, cougar, elk or game bird — for the purpose of defending or preserving their property… A person who kills or takes any species of wild animal in defence or preservation of his property as provided in subsection (1) shall report the killing or taking to an officer within 10 days thereof.”

In some other close by jurisdictions producers do not have this right. Predators not historically or recently harming your livestock should be left alone, as no harm is better than new predators moving into your pasture. Producers need to be aware that pelts taken in summer are valueless, and even prime winter pelts have recently been of low value and hard to justify the expense of trapping.

However, if a producer is experiencing losses, the Manitoba Trappers Association can be assigned to help through the Problem Predator Removal Program. This program is funded by the Province of Manitoba and is intended to remove problem predators once there is a claim for a lost animal made with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). Producers should also consider building up a relationship with local trappers, as trapping can help moderate predator populations in winter and potentially reduce problems in summer.

For more information, please refer to the following resource “Lowering the Risk of Attacks on Livestock by Common Predators” See: https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/ fish-wildlife/pubs/fish_wildlife/factsheet_livestockpredation_old.pdf

Finally, if you are subject to livestock losses or injuries due to predators, preserve the carcass and take photos of the injury and contact MASC immediately, to submit a claim. Most predator losses are subject to compensation as long as there is a provable attack. This program available to all Manitoba producers, with no program fees or sign-up requirements. Contact your local MASC office for details.

For more information on each of the individual practices listed you can find them on Manitoba Beef Producers’ website at https://mbbeef.ca/producers/

StockTalk Q&A Feature Brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture

Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale Livestock Specialist-Beef Manitoba Agriculture

kristen.bouchardteasdale@gov.mb.ca

Q: Is weather the most important factor affecting hay quality?

Answer: “Make hay when the sun shines” is a phrase that cattle producers are all too familiar with. It is my personal belief that during haying season especially, cattle producers are one of the best sources of well-researched, in-depth information regarding the long-range forecast. While good weather is an important aspect affecting hay quality, there are a few other contributing factors and tips to keep in mind.

1) Fertility

Like any crop, forages require nutrients to grow. In hay stands, we witness a net export of these nutrients on a yearly basis, as almost all top growth is harvested and transported to other locations for storage and feeding. A stand of grass hay can remove approximately 16 kg. of nitrogen (N), 5 kg. of phosphorous (P), 24 kg. of potassium (K) and 2 kg. of Sulphur (S) per tonne of hay. Pure alfalfa can remove roughly 22 kg. of N, 4 kg. of P and 20 kg .of K per tonne of hay produced. Soil fertility affects yield more than it does quality. While it is possible to grow high quality forage on poor soil, it’s not likely to be a bumper crop. A comprehensive fertility plan will not only improve yields, but also stand quality and longevity. For example, proper P and K levels help to keep beneficial legumes in a mixed seeding and also reduce weed problems. Soil sampling is the most accurate method for determining the fertilizer needs of a hay stand throughout its lifetime. For more information about fertilizer applications for hay, please refer to the Manitoba Soil Fertility Guide through Manitoba Agriculture or scan the QR code on this page.

2) Stage of Growth at Cutting

Plant maturity is king when it comes to forage quality. This is because, as forages mature, the amount of stem is increased in total forage mass and the leaf to stem ratio is reduced. As the structural component of the plant, stems contain fibre for support whereas leaves contain less fibre since their main function is to produce food for the plant by way of photosynthesis. Plant fibre has three major components: cellulose, hemi-cellulose and lignin. Cellulose and hemi-cellulose are digestible to some extent by ruminant animals, thanks to rumen microbes that break down these components into useable energy. Lignin, on the other hand, is indigestible and can’t be used by ruminants. Delaying hay harvest tends to maximize forage yields, but the cost is a reduction in quality since fibre content increases while protein and digestibility decrease. The optimal compromise for higher forage quality and dry matter yield is to harvest the first cutting of alfalfa at the late-bud to first-flower stage and to mow grasses at seed head emergence, or soon after.

• Proper conditioning of forages at cutting can nearly double your drying rate by creating new exits for water to leave plant stems. In general, roller conditioners are more effective for alfalfa stands whereas flail-type conditioners are better suited to grasses. With either type, correct adjustment is key to preventing excessive damage to plants or too much clearance. Forage is properly conditioned if the stems of legumes are scraped or broken every two to four inches and less than five per cent of the leaves are bruised.

• Lay the cut forage in a wide swath. Wide swaths reduce swath density and increase exposure to sunlight, resulting in higher surface temperatures and much faster drying times. Wide swaths also contribute to improved forage quality since they sit nicely on top of the crop’s stubble, preventing soil from being picked up with the hay during baling.

• To minimize leaf loss, it is best to rake dry hay when moisture is approaching 40 per cent for alfalfa and 25 per cent for grasses. As swaths become dryer, plant leaves shatter easily when they are disturbed. Raking with a dew in the early morning or late evening can help minimize these losses and improve hay quality.

4) Storage

Storage is an important factor that is sometimes overlooked during the hustle and bustle of haying season. However, it deserves consideration given that dry matter loss from large round bales stored outside can range from 5-25 per cent, depending on climate. If storing bales without any form of cover, strive to make larger bales that have less surface exposure to the elements as compared to smaller bales. Bale density is also important to note because densely-packed bales have a greater ability to shed moisture. Using net-wrap over twine provides added protection against quality loss because it keeps bales bound more tightly and may physically block water from entering the bale.

When selecting an actual storage site, choose the best drained surface you have available. If you have a designated “hay-yard,” developing a four- to six-inch base of coarse rock will help to minimize moisture movement from the ground up into the bales. Large round bales are best placed end to end (as tightly as possible) in rows running north and south. Leave at least three feet of space between rows to encourage good air circulation, and avoid placing bales in shaded areas near trees.

High quality hay has a place in beef cattle rations, particularly during late gestation and early lactation. It is a convenient source of nutrition that can reduce the need for other, more expensive supplements when cattle’s protein and energy requirements are at their highest. Happy haying, and be sure to get those bales tested this fall!

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3) Rapid Dry Down

Cut hay begins to lose quality immediately, regardless of the weather. A large part of the reason for this is because plants continue to respire. Plant respiration is the process by which sugars produced during photosynthesis are broken down into “useable” energy. This energy is used by plant cells for growth, reproduction and other life processes. Respiration occurs in all living cells and because it doesn’t require light energy, it can be carried out at night or during the day. Respiration is highest at cutting and steadily declines until plant moisture levels fall below 40 per cent. When forage is freshly cut, it is has 75-80 per cent moisture. While the end goal in hay production is to achieve a moisture content of 15-18 per cent for baling (to prevent mold growth and heating), dry matter and TDN losses occurring from respiration can be significantly reduced by shortening the time it takes for cut forage to go from 80 per cent to under 40 per cent moisture.

So, how do we do this? Four steps for producing hay using practices that decrease drying time, reduce the likelihood of rain damage and improve quality include:

• Mow forages at a height of three to four inches to maximize yield, protect energy reserves in the lower stem for regrowth, and to keep swaths up off the ground. Keeping swaths off the ground enables airflow beneath the swath to enhance drying and prevents additional moisture from moving up into the swath through contact with damp soil.

In the next issue of Cattle Country, a Manitoba Agriculture forage or livestock specialist will answer a selected question. Send your questions to Elizabeth.Nernberg@gov.mb.ca.

StockTalk for Cattle Country is brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture. We encourage you to email your questions to our department’s forage and livestock team. We are here to help make your cattle operation successful. Contact us today.

Andrea Bertholet Killarney 204-851-6087 Andrea.Bertholet@gov.mb.ca

Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale Beausejour 431-337-1688 Kristen.BouchardTeasdale@gov.mb.ca

Shawn Cabak Portage 204-239-3353 Shawn.Cabak@gov.mb.ca

Pam Iwanchysko Dauphin 204-648-3965 Pamela.Iwanchysko@gov.mb.ca

Cindy Jack Arborg 204-768-0534 Cindy.Jack@gov.mb.ca

Juanita Kopp Beausejour 204-825-4302 Juanita.Kopp@gov.mb.ca

Elizabeth Nernberg Roblin 204-247-0087 Elizabeth.Nernberg@gov.mb.ca

Canadian Cattle Market Continues to Surge Ahead with Record Prices Recorded Every Week

As of the middle of May, top quality fed cows are north of $1.50 per pound. Western Canadian cows are trading at a 19-cent premium compared to the US cow market. The result is many of the cows are being harvested in Canada.

Fed steers are topping at $3.90 on the rail delivered to Alberta. The feeder cattle market has surpassed the highs of 2014-2015. 700-pound grass steers are selling at over $3.20 per pound; the few 800-pound steers offered reached $3.00 for immediate cash sales. In Manitoba, we have seen 16% more feeder cattle sold at the markets this year compared to last. In Manitoba, 500-600 pound steers are $1.09 per pound higher than last year with the 600-800 pound steers averaging $1.02 higher than last year.

Strong prices are bringing the cattle to the market faster. The heifer market is all over the road, but with stronger prices, the majority is still going on feed, but there are a few cattle owners purchasing the top end to breed this summer. Manitoba heifer prices for 500-700 pounders are 80 cents higher than last year, and 700-900 pound heifers are trading 77 to 88 cents higher than last year in May.

Heifer placements on feed in Alberta and Saskatchewan are down 13,700 in the first quarter compared to last year but are 12,000 higher than the

RICK WRIGHT

The Bottom Line

5-year average. Good bred cows are $2,500 to $3,000, while pairs of the “keeper” quality are selling at $3,000 to $3,850. Good pairs are hard to find, but there is strong demand for the right kind.

Tighter supplies of fed cattle have the packers reducing their harvest shifts, and the packers are only seven to 14 days picking up the cattle, compared to the four to six weeks last year. Cattle feeders are in no rush to pull cattle ahead for the kill, especially the big calves from last fall. We should expect tight supplies for the remainder of the summer.

Once again, producers are asking how long we expect the current prices to last. Most are nervous about price swings like 2016 when the market dropped very quickly. The best advice I can give is to explore risk management through programs such as the Livestock Price Insurance. Cow-calf producers will be able to cover the downside of the market at a very reasonable premium. Most experts will tell you that the prices go

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up like stair steps, but when they come down, it is on an elevator. Buyers this fall will be cautious about following risk management opportunities when making their purchases.

If we can avoid drought or a border closure and the value of the Canadian dollar stays within its current range, we should see aggressive cattle prices for the next two to three years, even longer.

In other news the Livestock Markets Association of Canada (LMAC) held its convention and auctioneering championships in Olds, Alberta from May 11 to 14.

Casey Lawes from Provost Livestock Exchange was crowned the top auctioneer in Canada. Manitoba was well represented with Tyler Slawinski from Gladstone Auction Mart and Ashern Auction Mart taking home third place. Allan Munroe from the Killarney Auction Mart won the high point score buckle in the personal interview competition. This competition evaluates the auctioneer’s knowledge of current issues facing the Canadian cattle industry and knowledge of LMAC’s policies and positions on those issues. Allan defeated Rob Bergevin who previously had won this event every year. Other auctioneers from Manitoba who competed included Brad Kehler, Grunthal; Kyle Howarth, Killarney Auction Mart; Brock Taylor, Melita; Richard Bramley, HLS Virden; Blaine Huston, Gladstone Auction; and Scott and Jesse Campbell of Fraser Auctions in Brandon.

At the convention, there was a panel made up of an auction market operators, cattle buyers, feedlot operators and producers. The discussion focused on what things influenced marketing choices and sustainability of the auction market business.

The outcome was interesting. The panel agreed that they all used the auction market system to purchase and sell cattle. The panel preferred regular and show list sales over presorts, mainly because of the possible health issues the presort cattle may suffer after being at the market too long before the sale, and that there are too many owners in each package. The majority preferred live sales to electronic sales and video sales, mainly because of the wide weight spreads and variance of quality in the electronic and video consignments. Some of the panelists asked about more vaccinated calf sales in the fall. All the panelists agreed that loading out at the auctions during the big sales is problematic. All felt there would be changes in the marketing landscape over the next few years, but that the auction markets that do a good job are needed in the industry and would be sustainable.

Until next time, Rick

Manitoba Beef Producers

Connecting On-farm Demonstration, Agronomy, and Incentive Programs

BY: JOSIE PEDERSEN, MBFI EXTENSION COORDINATOR & DR. MARY-JANE ORR, MBFI GENERAL MANAGER

Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives (MBFI) is thrilled to be growing our partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) through the Conservation Trust (CT) projects funding announcement for “Amplifying success in grassland restoration and enhancement: Connecting extension, agronomy, and incentive programs.” Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation’s (MHHC) Board of Directors recently approved more than $10 million in conservation funding for Manitoba-based conservation organizations. The MBFI and DUC project is one of 19 funded proposals to the Trust to be delivered in 2023.

Forage stand productivity is directly impacted by the success of the establishment. This collaborative project is an enhanced approach that will work to fill in the missing links connecting sound agronomic practices with on-farm extension demonstrations and incentive payments to producers. DUC has been helping producers grow good forage for more than 20 years; they provide expert advice and funding. They have worked with more than 350 landowners in southwest Manitoba to seed over 32,000 new acres of hay and pasture. MBFI is excited to bring on-farm demonstrations and forage focused extension programing to the table to showcase forage selection and establishment at the Brookdale Farm and First Street Pasture.

The project goals emphasize optimizing grassland restoration through establishment of perennial forage stands on previously cultivated acres and in marginal areas challenged by low annual crop production. A pilot program will also address grassland enhancement through sod-seeding of legumes into existing tame pasture stands. Improvements in establishment and overall forage stand productivity through beneficial management practices result in dense, diverse forage stands that remain on the landscape long-term providing numerous ecological goods and services directly impacting the quality and quantity of wildlife and pollinator habitat.

Beef cattle production and DUC conservation programing is a natural fit, and to put it simply cows and ducks both need grass and water. Increasing newly-established perennial forage acres increases high quality feed production, breaks the herbicide cycles in crop production, mitigates salinity, increases wildlife and pollinator habitat, improves water infiltration, increases soil organic matter, and sequesters carbon. In collaboration with the Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation, Northstar Seed, DLF Pickseed, BrettYoung, DUC, and MBFI will be establishing “Living Libraries” of perennial forage species and varieties in monoculture and diverse mixes at multiple sites. These Living Libraries will be a hands-on learning tool to discover forage species and see the impact of various establishment practices on long-term productivity in the plots.

The CT project will provide producers with $125 per acre to convert cropped acres into perennial forage in exchange for 10-year agreements to maintain the established acres. Participating project producers who opt to attend DUC and MBFI forage extension events will receive an additional $10 per acre payment for successful establishments. Additionally, we are excited to be offering the top five forage establishments a recognition award of $2,000 each for a job well done.

Converting marginal areas in cropped fields to perennial forage improves overall profitability by removing expensive crop inputs from difficult to access and low yielding areas, reducing salinity expansion into productive acres, and reducing weed pressure with clean field borders. MBFI’s Brookdale Farm is in the Prairie Pothole Region where annually cropping fields border wetland areas with intermittent flooding and subsequent poor productivity due to salinity and weed pressure. MBFI will showcase establishment of perennial forage buffer areas in two fields using DUC forage blends and agronomic practices. The CT project will provide producers with $200 per acre for restoration of these areas and will have the option to utilize a DUC custom seed mix designed for strong establishment in saline conditions and to support pollinators.

Grassland enhancement may eliminate the need for an expensive complete rejuvenation of a stand. Sod-

seeding of legumes increases plant diversity and canopy heterogeneity in tame pastures improving nesting habitat for waterfowl and grassland bird species. The establishment of legumes also boosts nutrient cycling in pastures, improving grass production and providing higher feed quality for grazing. At the MBFI First Street Pasture, we are establishing a sod-seeding trial in the spring of 2023 comparing the DUC recommended seed mix, a 2-way mix of alfalfa and grass, a mix of alfalfa varieties, and a control with the same recommended fertility as the seeded treatments. We will be measuring seedling emergence, stem counts going into fall dormancy, and in following years forage yield and quality. The CT project will provide producers with $35 per acre in exchange for a 10-year agreement to maintain the seeded acres in perennial forage.

MHHC is please to partner with MBFI to support nature-based approaches to climate change. The Conservation and GROW Trusts are Manitoba Climate and Green Plan Initiatives, administered by MHHC. MBFI and DUC are looking forward to rolling out

the CT project to link good practices that are science based and field tested to ensure incentive payment program funds have a lasting impact on the landscape. Interested in hearing more about the DUC agronomy programing? Check out our Beef & Forage Roundup podcast episode with DUC agrologist Charlotte Crawley released April 19, 2023. To participate in the incentive programs mentioned contact the Brandon DUC Field Office at 204-285-9779.

For more information on field trials or to start a conversation please email MBFI at information@mbfi.ca or call at 204-761-3300.

Beef Research Study Seeking Beef Cattle Producer Participants One Health: Understanding the Connection between Farmer, Animal, and Environmental Health

BY BREANNA ZWICK, WRITTEN FOR THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR LIVESTOCK AND THE ENVIRONMENT, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

It is often said that a farm is like a well-oiled machine. There are many moving parts that make up a productive and profitable operation. The cogs that help maintain a successful livestock operation fall under three categories: humans, animals, and the environment.

New research is showing that these elements are more connected than we realize. “One Health” and “One Welfare” are areas of study indicating that human, animal, and environmental health, and welfare are interconnected. Given that these factors as linked, we are starting to understand that choices impacting one can have consequences for the other two.

Farmer Well-being

The past few years have been challenging for many people’s health, both physically and mentally. With the pandemic lockdowns, extreme weather, growing inflation, and other stressful and challenging events, stress on farms can become overwhelming at times. Recent research has shown that farmers are experiencing higher levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, and depression as compared to the average person. There is even evidence that livestock producers may experience higher levels of stress compared to crop producers.

Beyond stress, farming is a physically demanding occupation. Farming can often be dangerous, leading to occupational injuries, often related to animal handling or equipment usage. In addition to workplace accidents, physically demanding jobs can lead to chronic use injuries like joint pain, muscle strain, and tendonitis.

Research regarding the scope of stress that farmers are faced with is important to ensure that the right support can be offered and is tailored to meet the needs of farmers. Just as you maintain your equipment regularly, it is important to maintain your own health and well-being. “Remember: you are your farm’s greatest asset!” says Cynthia Beck, cattle producer and rural mental health provider from Saskatchewan. In addition, it is important to remember that it’s not just our physical and mental health that affects overall well-being. To remain mentally and physically healthy, we must also consider our social, financial, occupational, and spiritual well-being.

Connecting Farmers and Animals

We have recently started to understand the connection between farmers and the animals on livestock operations. A 2018 study in Brazil found that a positive attitude towards animals and proper training in stockpeople was related to better animal health in commercial beef farms. Beyond beef operations, another study found that high stress and anxiety and low resilience in farmers was associated with having more severely lame cows and lower milk yield on dairy farms.

Do stressed animals lead to stressed farmers? Is it the other way around? The research is not yet clear. However, sometimes addressing workplace or environmental factors to limit the stress of either the animals or the farmer can have positive impacts on the other.

Land and crop health are also concerns for farmers, and recent studies have found that promoting biodiversity can help not only the environment, but also help improve soil health, provide natural pest management, reduce the need for fertilizer, and prevent erosion.

Extreme weather events including droughts, wildfires, temperatures, and flooding can be stressful for both humans and animals. Other challenges including farm finances, employee retention, and workload pressure can add to farmer stress. It is often easier to notice and tackle issues impacting physical health, but on-farm issues impacting mental health can be just as harmful. While we are learning that humans, animals, and the environment are connected, we also need to learn how we can address the health and welfare challenges for all.

On-Going Research and How You Can Get Involved

A current study, led by Dr. Meagan King at the University of Manitoba, seeks to better understand the connection between farmer well-being, animal health and welfare, as well as environmental and operational health. The research team is looking for beef operation owners and decision-makers in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario to participate in the study by completing an online survey.

During this 30-minute survey, you will be asked questions about you and your operation. These questions will pertain to tasks you may perform, current practices, occupational and mental health, and support

you may have on your farm. There are also a few questions pertaining to the health of your animals as well as your perceptions and practices related to wildlife on your operation.

The goal is to assess and understand the current stress, anxiety, and resilience of farmers, providing insight into the resources that may be useful to the livestock community. While there is some research regarding stress on farms, all causes of stress and the potential assistance that is most needed and practical is not fully understood. Addressing stress and providing resources may lead to greater impacts to on farm productivity, sustainability, and even the profitability of livestock operations in Manitoba. With your help, we may be one step closer to knowing how to help keep farms running like a welloiled machine.

Professor Meagan King (Meagan.King@umanitoba.ca) and her MSc student Breanna Zwick (zwickb@myumanitoba.ca) are running the study. They would love to hear from you if you would like additional information. If you are interested in participating in our survey, please follow this link: https://cssrp.ca1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/ SV_6mvvqT4Wnr3ruNE

We have partnered with beef researchers at the Universities of Manitoba, Guelph, Calgary, and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for this project. The survey was created in collaboration with Heather Watson from Farm Management Canada.

If you or a loved one are in need of support, please check out the following supports:

Manitoba Farmer Wellness Program

https://manitobafarmerwellness.ca/book-an-appointment

Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services

Support tailored to the agricultural community.

Toll free: 1 (866) 367-3276

Website: https://supportline.ca/

Manitoba Suicide Prevention & Support Line

Crisis support regarding suicide.

Toll free: 1 (877) 435-7170

Website: https://reasontolive.ca/

Klinic Crisis Line

Crisis support for anyone experiencing distress.

T: (204) 786-8686

Toll free: 1 (888) 322-3019

Website: https://klinic.mb.ca/crisis-support/

Professional services near you:  https://cmha.ca/find-your-cmha

Or, you can always talk to your family doctor.

Professor Meagan King

MSc student Breanna Zwick

Province Waiving Fees for Private Well, Cistern Water Testing for People Affected by Flooding

(May 8, 2023 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is providing additional support to flood-impacted private well and cistern owners by fully subsidizing costs associated with testing their water supply to ensure it is safe to drink, Environment and Climate Minister Kevin Klein announced.

“Our government is helping ease some of the financial burden for Manitobans affected by flooding by fully subsidizing water testing costs,” said Klein. “Private well and cistern owners impacted by flooding will not have to pay to test their drinking water over a four-month period.”

The Manitoba government is fully subsidizing eligible tests conducted from today until Aug. 31 for flood-impacted Manitobans. This free water testing for private well and cistern owners is only available at Horizon Lab Ltd. in Winnipeg. For information on sample collection, sample shipping or test results, contact the laboratory directly at 204-488-2035.

“Public health encourages everyone with a private water system that has been affected by flooding to test their water once flood waters recede to ensure their drinking water is safe during a season of elevated risk,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “Preventing the risk of waterborne disease is important and the province wants well and cistern owners to take steps to protect themselves.”

Homeowners who suspect a well or cistern might be compromised by flooding should boil drinking water before use. Water should be tested for bacteria once floodwaters recede before resuming usual water consumption.

Indicators that a water well may have been affected by flooding include:

• a change in taste, odour or appearance of well water;

• laboratory tests that show bacteria in well water or other wells nearby; and

• water lying around a well head or collecting in a well

pit or around other wells nearby.

All Manitobans are reminded to test their private water supply at least once a year and after flooding. A fact sheet about flooding and well-water safety is available at www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/spring_outlook/ wellwater_safety_factsheet.pdf.

For general inquiries about the Manitoba government’s existing bacteria testing subsidy program for private well owners, call 204-945-5762.

For information on taking water samples, reducing risk of well contamination, treating well water, or shock chlorinating wells, visit www.gov.mb.ca/sd/water/drinking-water/well-videos/index.html.

People with health-related questions about drinking well water can call Health Links-Info Santé at 204788-8200 in Winnipeg or toll-free at 1-888-315-9257.

Share Your Thoughts: Consultation on Proposed Changes to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations (Identification and Traceability)

The following information has been compiled from Canadian Food Inspection Agency websites.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is seeking feedback as it proposes changes to Part XV (Animal Identification) of the Health of Animals Regulations to improve the livestock identification and traceability system in Canada. The aim is to enable a more effective and timely response to disease outbreaks and food safety issues, and improve support for disease surveillance activities.

If you own sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, bison or farmed cervids or are involved with livestock production or handling, you are encouraged to share your feedback during the consultation period which ends on June 16, 2023. Search the words “CFIA” and “traceability” to be taken to the consultation website.

About the consultation

Over the last decade, industry and government representatives have been working together on the livestock traceability file. Consultations with industry and provinces identified some gaps and opportunities to improve Canada’s livestock traceability system. Feedback received set the foundation for proposed regulatory changes. The proposed amendments are expected

livestock, i.e., require movement reporting at destination site, including animal ID numbers (some exceptions) and PID of departure and destination sites. Movement document is to accompany animals in transit.

The following are three examples of some of the proposed changes. It is important that you review the consultation documents to see all proposed changes, e.g. regarding imports and exports of cattle, identification of cattle, approved identification sites, etc.

Movement reporting between a farm and a leased pasture

There would be no requirement for operators of a farm to report the movement of bison, cattle, sheep, goats, cervids, or pigs between a farm and a pasture that is leased for grazing purposes and where all animals assembled and co-mingled on the pasture originate from that farm.

Movement reporting to community pastures

In the proposed Regulations, when cattle, bison, sheep, goats, cervids, or pigs are moved from a farm to a community pasture, by means of a conveyance or otherwise, the operator of the departure site would have to report to the Responsible Administrator the

equipment on the first reading, you are not required to report the identification number provided that the terms listed below are met:

The equipment is listed on the website of a responsible administrator

You have installed the equipment in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions

– You have maintained the equipment and performed tests to ensure that it functions as intended

The CFIA is seeking feedback on:

• potential effects on business decisions and activities, such as human and financial resources

• potential effects on industry, market access and consumer confidence

• ways to harmonize and advance Canadian requirements for livestock traceability

• how feasible it is to implement the proposed requirements

How to participate

• Read the proposed regulations in  Canada Gazette Part I which has the full text of the proposed regulations and the regulatory impact analysis statement (RIAS).

to strengthen Canada’s ability to respond quickly to animal health threats and other emergencies.

The key proposed amendments include:

• adding goats and cervids; as animal species that share diseases with other regulated species livestock (currently includes cattle, bison, sheep and pigs), and therefore subject to traceability requirements;

• shortening the time period allowed to report an event to better support an efficient response to disease outbreaks. The current reporting period ranges from 30 to 60 days and it will be reduced to 7 days for all species. It is currently 30 days for cattle.

• adding a requirement to provide information about the geographical location of sites (premised identification number, PID) where animals are located.

Note: you would be required to report this number when you: purchase approved indicators; report information related to the identification of your cattle/ bison or their movements; and, you would be required to keep PID information up to date. Under Manitoba’s Animal Premises Identification Regulation, all owners and operators of premises with livestock and poultry must already complete a PID application.

• requiring the reporting of domestic movements of

departure and the return of the animals. Individual identification numbers of the animals would not have to be reported, but instead the species and number of animals of each species that were transported or moved would be required.

Feedlot Requirements

• As the operator of a feedlot, you must report the following information to the responsible administrator within 7 days:

– The premises identification number of the departure site*

The premises identification number of your site

The date and time the animals left the departure site*

– The date and time the animals arrived at your site

The identification number on the approved indicators

The license plate number or conveyance identification*

• *this information will be provided to you by the transporter of the animals

• If you are using reading equipment to read RFID4 approved indicators and the identification

• number on an approved indicator is not read by the

• Read the following guides developed to help regulated parties understand the proposed regulatory requirements:

– A guide for livestock producers and owners

– A guide for operators of livestock sites (abattoirs, assembly points, feedlots, etc.)

A guide for exporters, importers and livestock transporters

– A guide for distributors of approved indicators

The CFIA is seeking comments from: livestock producers; livestock owners; operators of assembly points, feedlots and community pastures; operators of veterinary hospitals, fairs, exhibitions and rodeos; operators of abattoirs, rendering plants and dead stock collection centres; livestock transporters; and exporters and importers of livestock; and, other interested or affected parties.

Related information

• Livestock identification and traceability

• Health of Animals Regulations

• Health of Animals Act

Contact the CFIA: Animal Health Directorate email: cfia.trace-trace.acia@inspection.gc.ca

“If you own sheep, goats, pigs, cattle, bison or farmed cervids or are involved with livestock production or handling, you are encouraged to share your feedback during the consultation period which ends on June 16, 2023.”

Advance Payments Program Interest Free Limit Raised to $350,000 for 2023 Program Year

(May 10, 2023 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada

News Release) In recognition of the significant financial challenges facing Canadian producers, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable MarieClaude Bibeau, confirmed that the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program has been increased from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year, effective May 8, 2023. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers.

Under the Advance Payments Program, producers have easy access to favorable cash advances of up to $1 million, based on the expected value of their agricultural product. The program can also provide some flexibility by allowing producers to sell their agricultural products based on market conditions rather than the need for cash.

Last year, the Government of Canada increased the interest-free limit from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years, saving producers an average of $8,600 over the two years. The further increase means producers have access to additional cash flow and more interest savings to help cover costs until they can sell their products.

By increasing the interest-free limit to $350,000 for 2023, eligible participating producers could save an

additional $3,600 in interest costs on average for the year. This change will represent total savings of up to $12.4 million.

The Government of Canada remains committed to ensuring producers have the resources they need to

Quick Facts

sustain their livelihoods through challenging times. The government will also consult with provincial and territorial counterparts to explore ways to extend help to smaller agricultural producers who demonstrate urgent financial need.

• On June 23, 2022, Minister Bibeau announced an increase to the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program from $100,000 to $250,000 for the 2022 and 2023 program years.

• Budget 2023 proposed $13 million in 2023-24 to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada to increase the interest-free limit for loans under the Advance Payments Program from $250,000 to $350,000 for the 2023 program year.

• The amendment to the Agricultural Marketing Programs Regulations is not retroactive, meaning the new limit will be applied to existing advances under the 2023 Advance Payments Program as of May 8, 2023, when the regulatory amendment came into force.

• The Advance Payments Program cash advances are calculated based on up to 50% of the anticipated market value of the eligible agricultural products that will be produced or are in storage. The program is delivered through industry associations such as Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Inc. See: https:// www.manitobalivestock.com/

Agri-Food Pilot Extension to Help Facilitate Access to Permanent Residence for Workers

(May 8, 2023 Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada News Release) The Government of Canada recognizes the importance of supporting the agri-food sector’s labour market needs and strengthening Canada’s food supply system. One key to success for Canadian farmers and food processors is their ability to recruit and retain a skilled workforce.

The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced the extension of the Agri-Food Pilot, which will now run until May 14, 2025. Launched in May 2020, the pilot helps facilitate the transition of experienced workers in agricultural and food industries to permanent residence in Canada.

To support employers and candidates, the Minister also announced the removal of the annual occupational caps, or the limits for how many candidates can apply for a specific occupation under the pilot. Removing these limits will provide an opportunity for more eligible candidates to apply. By the end of the year, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) intends to introduce new changes to the pilot in stages, including expanding open work permit access to family members of all participants in the Agri-Food Pilot—regardless of the participant’s job skill level allowing unions to attest to a candidate’s work experience, as an alternative to employer reference letters giving applicants residing in Canada the option to either meet the job offer requirement, including the median wage requirement for the job offer, or the education requirement, including educational credential assessment verification accepting work experience gained under an open work permit for vulnerable workers, giving more workers an opportunity to qualify

Together, these changes are a significant step in meeting the longstanding labour market needs of employers in the meat processing, mushroom, greenhouse crop production and livestock-raising industries by helping fill ongoing labour needs with full-time, yearround employees. They also provide wider support to applicants and their family members, reduce barriers and vulnerability for candidates, and expand the pathway to permanent residence for experienced workers in these industries.

The Agri-Food Pilot complements Canada’s existing suite of economic immigration programs, which includes the Atlantic Immigration Program, the Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot, the caregivers pilots, the Global Skills Strategy, Express Entry, and the Provincial Nominee Program. It continues to promote

the skills and labour required in the agriculture and agri-food sector while also providing an opportunity

Quick Facts

for these workers to settle in Canada and contribute to our economy.

• This five-year pilot tests an industry-specific approach by working with agri-food employers and providing a pathway to permanent residence for temporary foreign workers who have worked in the agri-food sector in Canada.

• A total of 2,750 principal applicants can be processed under the pilot annually.

• The occupations and industries eligible under the pilot include:

animal production, excluding aquaculture

– farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers

– general farm workers

– meat product manufacturing

retail butchers

industrial butchers

farm supervisors and specialized livestock workers

– food processing labourers

– greenhouse, nursery and floriculture production, including mushroom production

Associated links

https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/immigrate-canada/agri-food-pilot.html

Emergency Preparedness Tips for Cattle Producers

In the past few weeks, we have seen snowstorms, flooding and wildfires affect livestock operations in Canada. Challenging events like these are a reminder of the importance of being prepared should a natural disaster such as these or other emergencies arise.

The following information has been provided by Manitoba Agriculture re: emergency preparedness and agricultural operations.

Step 1

Producers/operators/community representatives/ individuals are the first point of responsibility to deal with their own emergency situation.

Step 2

If individuals cannot provide appropriate response to their emergency situation, their local authority is the first point of contact for emergency-related information and assistance.

Step 3

If the local authority cannot handle the situation, the local authority will contact Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) for assistance. If EMO requires Agriculture’s assistance, they will assign an issue to the department’s Emergency Planning Leader, who then works with the department’s Executive Management Committee to direct activities to address the emergency.

If animals are in distress, please contact the Animal Care Line at 204-945-8000 (in Winnipeg), 1-888-9458001 (toll free) or animalcare@gov.mb.ca.

Emergency preparedness and response resources

• Animal Health Emergency Preparedness: https:// www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/emergency-preparedness/index.html

• Animal Care Line information and reporting: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-welfare/index.

html#:~:text=Manitoba%20Veterinarian’s%20 Animal%20Welfare%20Handbook&text=For%20 more%20information%2C%20please%20contact,-8001%20(toll%20free).

• Manitoba road closures: https://www.manitoba511.ca/map

• Manitoba Hydro outages map: https://account.hydro.mb.ca/Portal/outeroutage.aspx

• Manitoba weather conditions: https://weather.gc.ca/forecast/canada/index_e.html?id=MB

• Flood maps and reports: https://gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/

• Mental Health - Manitoba Farm, Rural, & Northern Support Services: https://supportline.ca/ Wildfire Preparedness

Animal Health Emergency Management (AHEM) offers the following general advice for producers re: proactive measures that can be completed in advance to prepare producers for a wildfire emergency. They include:

• Having contact information for prearranged offfarm evacuation sites (lairage points) handy.

• Reviewing wildfire history in area.

• Identifying and maintaining equipment that may help fight an approaching grassfire or wildfire (e.g., disk, harrow, tractor, water truck).

• Reducing vegetation and wood debris within 10 to 30 meters of farm structures by thinning and pruning.

• Creating firebreaks by clearing vegetation and exposing bare soil to help curb the movement of wildfire.

• Mapping the location of fire extinguishers, these should be in all barns, shops, and structures that have the potential to catch fire. Fire extinguishers should be easy to find within the structures, and all staff and family members should know where they

are located and how to use them.

• Predetermining the location evacuation sites and routes that may be used for animal movement and have a map of the identified areas readily available for all staff, family and first responders.

• Storing hay, straw, beddings/shaving outside the barn in a dry, covered area, if possible.

• Having water and feed readily available or at the pre-arranged lairage site(s) to ensure that all affected livestock have sufficient feed and water.

• Creating a detailed inventory of livestock and developing list of emergency contacts prior to any wildfire event.

• If in a wildfire susceptible area, procuring and installing some type of irrigation/ sprinkler system to help suppress fire.

• Preparing an evacuation kit that includes but is not limited to:

– Supply of feed, supplements, and water for 7 to 10 days.

Blankets, halters, leads, water buckets, feed buckets.

Copies of vaccination records, medical records, and proof of ownership.

– Tools.

Cash and credit card.

For Manitoba information regarding active wildfires, burn restrictions and travel restrictions visit:

• https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/

• https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/burn_conditions.html (scroll down to see travel restrictions)

• https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/wildfire_program/

To report a wildfire in Manitoba, call 1-800-782-0076 (toll-free).

To learn more about emergency preparedness in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/emo.

Applications for Consideration for The Environmental Stewardship Award Due to MBP by December 8

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 8, 2023 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 the case of 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 Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semi-annual meeting at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference.

Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.

How to Nominate

beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for TESA.

Beef producers interested in TESA can apply by filling out the application form found here:

www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa

Producers can either nominate themselves, another individual or be nominated by an organization. All methods are equally encouraged.”

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 4:30 p.m. on Friday, December 8, 2023. If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.

“All

Photo credit: Bar Z Beef

Friends Feeding Friends

BY: ANNA BORYS

The Reuben sandwich must be on the top three list of most classic sandwiches of all time, and although I LOVE sandwiches, I don’t think I’d ever actually eaten a Reuben until a few months ago and it wasn’t even the traditional one with sauerkraut, because if you’ve been following along with my articles, you’ll know sauerkraut is not my favorite.

When I’m not creating recipes or writing articles for Manitoba Beef Producers, I am a research chef at the Prairie Research Kitchen at Red River College Polytech. A co-worker of mine, Norm, who also happens to be a local chef and a good friend brings the most elaborate lunches to work. It is the running joke when he brings in a (very) large

soft sided lunch cooler and we’d ask him, “Ooh, what’s it today, Norm? Oysters Rockefeller? Bison carpaccio?” Although his palate and skill are accustomed to those dishes, Norm is also never above a re-heated container of leftover boxed mac and cheese either, just so we’re clear! But one of my favourite things about Norm is no matter how big or small his lunch is, he’ll offer you half. No questions asked.

That is one of the wonderful things about collaborating with chefs, they just want to feed you. Norm’s lunch concoctions, although sometimes raising an eyebrow or two, are always delicious. Being one of the masterminds behind The Grove Pub & Restaurant (among several other restaurants in Winnipeg), Norm knows how to make a tasty

grilled sandwich. He’s the one who made me my first Reuben sandwich. He introduced me to using kimchi instead of sauerkraut. I also love his technique of giving the corned beef a head start by throwing it in the pan before topping the bread with it. Norm typically keeps a tub of kimchi in our work fridge, and I often see him squeezing out excess liquid over the sink because he puts it on almost everything. As there is a lot of liquid in the kimchi and in the corned beef, these two steps are crucial to prevent a soggy-bottomed sandwich. The kimchi offers a slight crunch, funk, and a little heat. I love this sandwich so much. I’m going to make this sandwich for all my friends and so should you!

Enjoy!

Spicy Korean Reuben Sandwiches

Lunch or Dinner, Yields 4 Sandwiches

• 4 Tbsp (60mL) Butter, plus more for the pan

• 8 Slices Rye bread

• 8 Slices Swiss cheese

• 400 g Corned Beef, shaved

• 140 g Kimchi, squeeze drained

DRESSING

• ½ Cup (125 mL) Mayo

• 2 Tbsp (30 mL) Ketchup

• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) Worcestershire sauce

• 1 Tbsp (15 mL) Sriracha

• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) Paprika

• ½ tsp (2.5 mL) Onion powder

METHOD BROTH:

Place a baking sheet in the oven and preheat oven to 250°F.

1. Whisk together all ingredients for dressing and set aside.

2. Preheat a griddle or large non-stick frying pan over medium low heat. Place the corned beef in pan and lightly heat through. Corned beef will get curly. Remove from pan and lightly pat dry with paper towels if a bit wet.

3. Butter all eight slices of rye bread.

4. Turn four slices over and spread with desired amount of dressing, then top with 1 slice of cheese, about 80-100 g of corned beef and a few tablespoons of kimchi then another slice of cheese. Lightly press down to compress the sandwich a bit.

5. Spread the remaining slices of buttered bread with the dressing and place on top of sandwich, buttered side up.

6. Add a pat of butter to pre-heated griddle and place as many sandwiches can fit, pressing down with a spatula until crisp and golden on bottom (about three-four minutes). Flip the sandwiches over and cook until golden and crisp on other side and cheese is melting.

7. Keep the sandwiches on the warmed baking sheet in the oven to keep warm while you cook the remaining sandwiches.

(Photo credit: Anna Borys)