Committee REPORTS Continued from page 7 as the Beef Cattle Research Council, to better coordinate research projects. This will help limit the possibility of duplication thereby making the most effective use of research dollars. Finding ways to improve herd health and onfarm productivity are important aspects of research. It is essential that work undertaken in the lab or in the field is converted into tools that primary producers can use on their farms. Examples of research projects in which MBP has been involved with in recent months include bovine tuberculosis testing, the fertilizer equivalence of manure, residual feed intake, farm management strategies in the Canadian beef sector, and developing a strategy for forage and grassland management in Manitoba through an examination of the multi-functionality of forages. An equally important function of research relates to the development of public policy. It is MBP’s belief that sound science must shape public policy, not public opinion. It is critical that legislators and policy makers have access
to current science-based research when policies are being developed or modified that could impact the beef sector for many years. As a case in point, the provincial government has released TomorrowNow – Manitoba’s Green Plan. It is an environment blueprint containing more than 100 initiatives to be rolled out over eight years. It covers many areas including a potential ban on the cosmetic use of pesticides, updating provincial species at risk laws, climate change, water conservation, drought management, and a new regulatory system around drainage and water retention. MBP anticipates new legislation or regulatory changes will arise from the Green Plan and will seek to ensure that policies are based on sound science. That is why it is so essential MBP supports research in areas such as how the beef industry interacts with the environment. That research has shown the substantial level of ecosystem services arising from beef production, like protection of habitat for species at risk. If new regulatory requirements are going to be required of our industry, MBP will seek ecological goods and services programs (EG&S) that
compensate producers for the ecosystem services they provide. After all, these services benefit society as a whole. Finally, governments are accountable to taxpayers when it comes to how public money is spent. They are seeking deliverables when they make investments in initiatives like EG&S programming. Research funded by MBP can show the value for money when public dollars are invested in various programs. I would like to thank my committee colleagues for their work on research and innovation-related matters over the past year. Respectfully submitted, GLEN CAMPBELL Research Committee Chair Caron Clarke, Vice-Chair Ted Artz Stan Foster Brad McDonald Mac McRae
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Canadian Cattlemen’s Association Amazing Agriculture Adventure Great Tastes of Manitoba Show Steaks for Soldiers
2 012 report to members
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Temple Grandin Cattle Tales Flood Tours Canadian Agriculture Literacy Week
9. Agriculture in the City 10. Royal Manitoba Winter Fair