E-Newsletters - to March 5

March 5, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Manitobans' Reopening Priorities Form Basis of New Public Health Orders, Effective March 5 at 12:01 A.M.

continued on page 3

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Editor’s Take: Kitchen aid

Manitoba Co-operator

Farming’s hottest boomtown

Country Guide

An education in engagement

Manitoba Co-operator

New Public Health Orders, Effective March 5 at 12:01 A.M. (continued from page 1)

We've also included a backgrounder on the next two pages

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UPDATED PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS EFFECTIVE MARCH 5 AT 12:01 AM SECTOR Households

Outdoor gatherings in public or private place Places of worship

Businesses

Retail stores and malls Personal services

Restaurants

Licensed premises

Video lottery terminals Professional theatre groups, dance companies, symphonies and operas

REVISED RESTRICTIONS Households either can choose to continue designating two visitors to their home, or can designate a second household so the two households can visit each other, as long as everyone in the house has authorized those designated individuals to visit.

Increase to 10 people including for outdoor non-organized sport or recreation activities.

Increase capacity size to 25 per cent or 100 people, whichever is lower, with physical distancing measures in place and mask requirements.

Enable any type of business to be able to operate with the exception of indoor theatres, indoor concert halls, casinos and bingo halls.

Increase capacity limits of up to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is lower, with other public health measures still in effect.

Increase capacity limits to up to 50 per cent or 250 people, whichever is lower, with other public health measures still in effect.

Increase capacity limits to up to 50 per cent, with the requirement for tables to sit with only household members, and other public health measures still in effect.

Increase capacity limits to up to 50 per cent, with the requirement for tables to sit with only household members, and other public health measures still in effect.

Businesses other than casinos may resume operating video lottery terminals, with physical distancing measures and barriers in place.

Resume rehearsals that are not accessible to members of the public.

Day camps for children Indoor recreation and sporting facilities

Operate at 25 per cent capacity, with other public health measures in place.

Open at 25 per cent total capacity, with public health measures in place including for spectators, common areas and locker rooms.

The requirement for gyms and fitness centres to provide oneon-one instruction only is removed.

Gym, fitness centre and pool users must continue to wear a mask while working out and in all other areas of the facility, with the exception of while in a swimming pool.

Indoor recreational facilities

Dance, theatre and music facilities can open for individual instruction and group classes for a total capacity of 25 per cent.

Open at 25 per cent capacity with physical distancing measures in place.

Statistics Canada Livestock Estimates as of January 1, 2021 On March 1, Statistics Canada released its Canadian livestock estimates as of January 1, 2021.

Year over year, the total cattle inventory in Manitoba fell from 995,000 head on January 1, 2020 to 945,000 on January 1, 2021.

while the number of bulls (+4.9% to 210,000 head) also rose from the previous year. This more than offset year-over-year decreases in the number of beef cows (-0.4% to 3.5 million head), dairy cows (-0.3% to 977,800 head) and dairy heifers for breeding (-2.4% to 427,700 head) on Canadian farms.

On Manitoba beef operations alone, the inventory is 872,600 head as of January 1 this year compared to 922,200 head on January 1, 2020, and down from a five-year high of 982,300 head on January 1, 2018.

The inventory of calves on January 1, 2021, edged down 1.1% to 3.7 million head, in part because of a 3.5% year-over-year drop in births over the July-to-December period.

From the larger Canadian perspective, Statistics Canada reported as follows:

Canadian farmers held 1.4 million dairy cows and heifers on their farms. This total has remained fairly stable since January 1, 2018.

Supply and disposition: Cattle and calves Canadian farmers held 11.2 million cattle on their farms on January 1, 2021, down 1.0% from the previous year, as the Canadian cattle herd continued to contract. Inventories were onequarter (-25.3%) below the January 1 peak reached in 2005.

Inventories increased 0.9% to 2.9 million head in Eastern Canada, but decreased by 1.7% in Western Canada to 8.2 million head. Alberta had the largest cattle inventories among the provinces on January 1, contributing 39.5% to the Canadian total, followed by Saskatchewan (20.4%) and Ontario (14.2%).

As of January 1, 2021, 71,330 farms reported inventories of cattle and calves, down 1.8% from January 1, 2020. The number of cattle farms in Canada has been decreasing since 2004, largely attributable to business consolidations.

Cattle producers retained more breeding stock in the latter half of 2020 relative to the same period in 2019, as the number of beef heifers for breeding increased 4.1% to 545,400 head,

Producers held fewer feeder heifers (-4.5%) and steers (-4.2%) compared with January 1, 2020.

Total slaughter of cattle and calves in the Julyto-December period was up 0.6% year over year, as Canada's largest slaughter facilities restored their processing capacity to prepandemic levels, particularly throughout the summer months, which typically experience seasonal slowdowns.

International exports of cattle and calves for the July-to-December period decreased 2.0% year over year to 303,300 head. Export demand for Canadian cattle continued to be affected by COVID-19, as processing plants in the United States also faced backlogs of cattle for slaughter.

The July-to-December average price of Canadian feeder and slaughter cattle recovered slightly after sharp declines in the spring.

However, prices generally remained lower in the second half of 2020 compared with the same period in 2019, as processors worked to clear backlogs resulting from temporary closures and slowdowns caused by COVID-19.

To read the Statistics Canada report in its entirety, go to: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/daily-quotidien/210301/dq210301c-eng.htm

Province Reminds Manitobans of Farmland School Tax Rebate Deadline (March 3, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Agricultural and Resource Development is

advising Manitoba landowners the deadline to apply for the Farmland School Tax Rebate (FSTR) is March 31. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) administers the program on behalf of the department.

Residents of Manitoba who own farmland, to which school taxes apply, are eligible to apply for a rebate of up to 80 per cent on paid 2020 farmland school taxes (excluding farm residences and buildings) with a $5,000 limit per taxpayer (including all related people).

Property taxes and any penalties or interest charges for 2020 must be paid in full on or before March 31 to be eligible for the rebate.

The FSTR application must also be received by MASC on or before March 31.

Landowners who applied for a rebate in 2019 would have received an application package from MASC regarding the Farmland School Tax Rebate in the mail last October. MASC is encouraging applicants to submit their applications online through the myMASC portal. For instructions on how to apply for the rebate or to set up a myMASC account, visit www.masc.mb.ca/fstr.

Application inquiries can be directed to fstr@masc.mb.ca or 204-726-7068.

New & Noteworthy AgriInsurance Coverage Total insurance coverage will increase to $3.128 billion in 2021 with producers paying premiums similar to 2020.

Fall Seeding Date Changes The seeding dates for full coverage and reduced coverage have been expanded for winter wheat and fall rye (open pollinated and hybrid). For full coverage, seed from August 15 - September 25; for reduced coverage, the seeding window is now open from September 26-30.

Silage Corn Individual productivity indexing (IPI) for silage corn will be introduced in 2021. IPI calculates probable yields using a producer’s own individual yield history, based on a 10-year moving average with a two-year lag.

Contract Price Option For 2021, MASC continues to offer the Contract Price Option (CPO) on canola, including specialty oil canola, and field peas.

This option allows producers to blend the price from their contracted production with the base AgriInsurance dollar value (weighted by production) to better reflect expected market prices. Production contracts must be submitted to MASC by June 30 to be included in the CPO.

Forage Dollar Value Changes Transportation allowance within the Forage Insurance dollar values and Hay Disaster Benefit for the Forage Insurance program has been updated to account for increases in transportation costs resulting in higher forage insurance and hay disaster benefit dollar values.

Forage Yield Cushioning A new technique to stabilize yield coverages for forages will be introduced this year.

Yield cushioning stabilizes coverage by reducing the impact of extremely low yields on future coverage.

Higher Hail Coverage The Hail Insurance program will also see increased coverage levels for 2021.

Maximum hail dollar coverage is increasing from $250 per acre to $300 per acre to reflect increases in expected gross revenue for most crops. The 2021 premium rates are the same as or lower than 2020 rates for most risk areas and expected coverage will increase from $985 million to $1.1 billion.

Probable Yield and Yield Trending

Most crops will experience an increase in probable yield for 2021, as the yields are based on a 10-year average. For 2021, data from 2010 to 2019 is used in the calculation. The year dropped (2009) was an average year for most crops; the year added (2019), produced above average yields for most crops.

The probable yield for eight crops including red spring wheat, canola, soybeans, grain corn, oats, white pea beans, irrigated processing potatoes, and hemp grain include a yield trending factor to recognize improvements in technology and agronomic advances.

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Upcoming Deadlines Final Date to Apply for, Change or Cancel an AgriInsurance Contract The deadline to apply for an AgriInsurance contract and to make changes to or cancel an existing AgriInsurance contract is March 31, 2021. If we do not hear from you by this date, your existing selections (i.e. insured crops, coverage levels, and options) will remain in effect.

Adding Land for Excess Moisture Insurance (EMI) Coverage

Rented land must be added to your AgriInsurance contract by March 31 for EMI coverage this year. Rented land added after March 31 will be eligible for AgriInsurance coverage for seeded crops and for Hail Insurance, but not for EMI. Land that is purchased on or before June 30 is eligible for EMI, based on proof of purchase provided to MASC. Contact your Insurance Agent for more details.

Farmland School Tax Rebate (FSTR) Deadline The final day to apply for FSTR for the 2020 tax year is March 31, 2021.

MASC Contracts MASC is no longer sending printed copies of the AgriInsurance contract, the Hail Insurance contract, or your crop management history. Review the contracts online at www.masc.mb.ca/contracts and view your crop management history online via the myMASC portal. Producers can request printed copies by contacting their local MASC office.

COVID-19 As a result of COVID-19, our offices remain closed to walk-in traffic.

Although we enjoy seeing our customers in-person, we still recommend choosing non-contact options whenever possible. There are many ways that our staff are available to assist you: Telephone, email, or fax.

Schedule an appointment or videoconference.

Set up your myMASC account.

Mail, courier, or drop off required documentation.

myMASC - Online Services

MASC’s customer access portal for online services, myMASC, allows you to sign up to receive your insurance payment by direct deposit, apply for or register a claim for Hail Insurance, and complete your Seeded Acreage Report, Carryover Production Report and Harvested Production Report, all from the convenience of your home.

You can also check the status of a claim through myMASC, as well as obtain copies of your Confirmation of Insurance, Statement of Insurance and Statement of Account, and review your crop management history. If you have a MASC loan, you can also check your loan information via the myMASC portal. Call or visit your MASC office to set up your myMASC account.

New Service Delivery Model As recently announced by Manitoba’s Agricultural and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen, MASC will be implementing a new service delivery model. As of April 1, ten Agricultural Service Centres will provide farmers with enhanced service options. More details on the changes will be shared in the coming months.

Follow us on Twitter @MASC_MB

Visit www.masc.mb.ca for additional updates, program information, and contact information.

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Protection.

Peace of Mind.

See what's new in 2021 for Agrilnsurance.

Reminder: March 31 deadline!

CLICK HERE

Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation

On February 25, Manitoba Beef Producers participated in the 4-H Manitoba Virtual Food Series.Over 30 participants ranging from 12-17 years of age cooked Tikka Masala Beef Skewers along with Andrea Villneff, a food skills educator, nutritionist, chef & professional home economist from Canada Beef.

They were also joined by Vice-President and District 6 Director Melissa Atchison, who spoke about the local industry and answered many interesting questions. MBP thanks 4-H Manitoba for inviting us to meet up over Zoom!

Government of Canada invests $7.8 million to help keep workers safe at Prairie meat plants (March 2, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Canadian food producers and processors have stepped up to deliver quality food for Canadians. From the outset, the Government of Canada has supported their investments in safety measures and in capacity to keep up with demand.

upgrades to help strengthen Canada's food supply.

•

Across the Prairies, the meat processing industry accounts for 19,000 jobs and $12 billion in sales, nearly half of total food processing jobs and sales on the Prairies.

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Today’s announcement builds on other measures introduced to keep Canada's agri-workforce strong, including:

On behalf of the Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, the Special Representative for the Prairies, the Honourable Jim Carr, announced support of up to $7.8 million through the Emergency Processing Fund for 24 meat processing companies across the Prairies. This funding helps these businesses keep employees safe and the regional food supply chain running strong.

Recipients are using this funding to make adjustments to enable social distancing, purchase reuseable personal protective equipment (PPE), install protective barriers, improve sanitation and develop training for employees. These changes are also helping the food plants avoid production bottlenecks and safely keep up with Canadian consumer demand.

The Government of Canada will continue working with food processors to protect the health and well-being of workers in food processing plants across Canada and strengthen our food supply chain.

Quick facts •

The $77.5 million Emergency Processing Fund is helping food processors implement measures to protect the health and safety of workers and their families in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, with an emphasis on supporting meat processing facilities in Canada. The Fund also supports facility

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almost $85 million in funding for the Mandatory Isolation Support Program for Temporary Foreign Workers to assist Canadian employers with some of the incremental costs associated with the mandatory 14-day isolation period imposed under the Quarantine Act on temporary foreign workers upon entering Canada; and,

o

a $35-million Emergency OnFarm Support Fund to boost protections for domestic and temporary foreign workers and address COVID-19 outbreaks on farms.

Backgrounder To date, 24 meat processing companies across the Prairies are receiving up to $7.8 million in funding through the Emergency Processing Fund (EPF) to help improve worker safety. In Manitoba, these projects include:

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6381023 Manitoba Ltd. - $320,000

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East 40 Packers Ltd. - $99,999

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HyLife Ltd. - $3,670,334

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Timothy's Country Butcher Shop - $32,174

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Winkler Meats Ltd. - $1,447,693

Some News from Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development NEW Premises Identification e-Form Did you know that applying for the Premises Identification Program can now be done using an online form compatible with tablets and mobile devices?

The Premises Identification Program is an essential part of our traceability system in Manitoba, linking livestock and poultry to geographic locations for better management of emergencies and to build public trust in the food system.

Weekly Manitoba Markets Livestock Report - New Look and Content!

Check out the revamped Manitoba Markets livestock reports. The newly launched Manitoba Markets Cattle, Sheep and Goats Prices report, and the new Manitoba Markets Hog Prices report are available on the department's Livestock Mark et Prices page. These new reports replace the previous Manitoba Markets Livestock report.

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The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program is now known as Livestock Price Insurance. We have a new name and a new look, but the same great program still exists.

• A risk management tool for cattle producers to use when prices unexpectedly drop.

• Coverage options available every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.

Lock in prices for peace of mind.

Enroll today in Livestock Price Insurance.

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CANADIAN AGRICULTURAL PARTNERSHIP

Visit www.lpi.ca or call 1-844-782-5747

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Province Issues Third Round Of Manitoba Bridge Grant Payments (March 2, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is increasing

its budget for the Manitoba Bridge Grant and making a third round of payments to help protect businesses in the province from the impacts of COVID-19, Premier Brian Pallister announced March 2.

“As the pandemic and public health orders continue to impact businesses, we are increasing our budget by $15 million for the Manitoba Bridge Grant to help create a bridge for businesses through this challenging time,” said Pallister. “We are focused on creating an environment for a sustained reopening of our economy so that businesses can reopen safely and stay open. We continue to work side-byside with all businesses to help them get back to doing what they do best – create jobs for Manitobans and offer the services Manitobans rely on.”

Through a third round of payments, the province will provide up to $67 million in immediate support to eligible small and medium-sized businesses, not-for-profits and charities impacted by the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System. This brings the total program investment to $215 million, which is $15 million above the province’s original commitment of $200 million. The province has also extended the Manitoba Bridge Grant application deadline until March 31.

Eligible businesses that received a first and second bridge grant payment, each worth up to $5,000, will automatically receive a third equal payment beginning as early as Friday, March 5 and will be notified of the deposit via email.

New program applicants will be eligible for a one-time immediate payment to a maximum of $15,000.

“This additional payment will help cover the impact of public health orders on operating costs pending the careful reopening of our province, as well as help businesses with reopening costs as we safely loosen public health orders,” said Pallister. “We recognize and appreciate the sacrifices our business community has made to keep all Manitobans safe and the crucial role it plays in our safe reopening plans.”

The province created the Manitoba Bridge Grant in November 2020 to provide $5,000 upfront to businesses, not-for-profits and charities directly affected by public health restrictions and temporarily ordered to close their storefronts to the public. It expanded the program Dec. 8, 2020, to support home-based businesses indirectly impacted by public health orders, offering up to $5,000 based on 10 per cent of their most recent calendar year revenues. The province expanded program eligibility Jan. 8 to include hotels, resorts, lodges and outfitters, travel agencies, janitorial services companies and owner/operators of licensed passenger transportation businesses that saw demand for their services impacted by public health orders.

To date, the Manitoba Bridge Grant program has paid approximately $134 million to 14,775 eligible applicants. This includes approximately $117 million to more than 11,700 storefront businesses and organizations, and $17 million to more than 2,400 home-based businesses.

More information about the Manitoba Bridge Grant is available at: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/programs/bridge-grant.html .

Businesses that require assistance in completing the online form can contact Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204945-3744 or 1-866-MANITOBA (1-866-626-4862).

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

February 26, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

As costs rise, menu prices could follow Winnipeg Free Press Prairie Innovation Centre gets $10,000 boost Manitoba Co-operator Vilsack confirmed for 2nd stint as US agriculture secretary Winnipeg Free Press

Province’s Second Protein Summit a Resounding Success (February 26, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

More than 650 individuals from across the globe attended the Manitoba Protein Summit, hosted by the government of Manitoba and the Manitoba Protein Consortium, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.

“The protein industry is driving new investment and opportunities for Manitoba in both plant and animal protein,” said Pedersen. “Since the first summit and the release of the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy, we’ve seen an additional $680 million in new investment in the protein industry, creating close to 600 jobs.”

The virtual event hosted a mix of international, Canadian and Manitoba presenters that covered key information on the protein industry, lessons learned for the industry through the COVID-19 pandemic and the importance of producing protein in a sustainable manner.

“Events such as Manitoba’s Protein Summit open doors for Manitoba companies and help connect them with global stakeholders,” said Pedersen. “Providing these opportunities will ensure Manitoba will continue to be a leader in protein innovation.”

Manitoba’s Protein Advantage Strategy is a bold approach to attracting new investment in the animal and plant-protein sector, creating new jobs, increasing protein production in a sustainable manner and positioning the

province as a leader in protein research and innovation, the minister said. The strategy will continue to maintain the Manitoba government’s focus on creating an environment for investment attraction while supporting research and innovation, and reducing red tape, he added.

“This event directly aligns with the work being undertaken by the Manitoba Protein Consortium and the Sustainable Protein Design Team to develop the Sustainable Protein Action Framework, and how we as Manitoba’s protein industry should take collective ownership of this Framework and move it to action,” said Dickson Gould, chair of the Manitoba Protein Consortium. “Our goals are to elevate Manitoba’s economy through sustainable protein innovation, value chain collaboration and to foster a culture of stewardship for our environment.”

To learn more about Manitoba’s work in protein innovation, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/protein/pu bs/protein-factsheet.pdf.

Province Considers Changes to Public Health Orders, Seeks Feedback on Manitobans’ Reopening Priorities

(February 25, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is asking for

public feedback on possible changes to the public health orders, while continuing to monitor COVID-19 variants of concerns and protecting the health-care system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced.

“Manitobans continue to do their part to keep our COVID curve down, which why we are once again in a position to consider loosening restrictions and allowing more Manitobans to get back to doing some of the things they love and have missed over the past few months,” said Pallister. “But, with variants of concern now present in Manitoba that could potentially spread COVID-19 even faster, we will continue to take a cautious and gradual approach at restarting our activities and services. We’re asking Manitobans to provide their input and priorities for the next rounds of reopening, while ensuring we continue to protect the health and well-being of all Manitobans.”

Proposed changes for the entire province will be considered for implementation in two phases over a six-week period, beginning as early as March 5 and again on March 26. The following changes under consideration include: • households and gatherings:

− allowing households the choice of continuing to designate two visitors to their home, or to designate a second household to visit each other, as long as everyone in the house has authorized those designated individuals to visit and families would have to choose either the two-person option or the additional household option; − increasing gathering limits at an outdoor place to 10 people including for outdoor nonorganized sport or recreation activities; and − increasing the capacity size at places of worship for regular religious services to 25 per cent or 100 people, whichever is lower, with physical distancing measures in place and mask requirements.

• business, retail and restaurants: − enabling any type of business to be able to operate with the exception of indoor theatres, indoor concert halls, casino and bingo halls; − expanding the capacity limits for retail stores, malls and personal services to up to 50 per cent capacity or 250 people, whichever is lower, with other public health measures still in effect; − expanding restaurants and licensed premises to up to 50 per cent capacity with requirements to still only sit with members of your household and with other public health measures still in effect; − allowing businesses to resume operating video lottery terminals, with physical distancing measures and barriers in place; and continued on next page

Province Considers Changes to Public Health Orders, Seeks Feedback on Manitobans’ Reopening Priorities − allowing professional theatre groups, dance companies, symphonies or operas to resume rehearsals as long as rehearsals are not accessible to members of the public.

• recreation and fitness: − allowing day camps for children to operate at 25 per cent capacity with a maximum group size of 50, with other public health measures in place; − allowing indoor recreation and sporting facilities, such as gyms, fitness centres, rinks, courts, fields, ranges, studios, clubs, pools and centres to open for individual use and group instruction and practices only, with public health measures in place for spectators, common areas and locker rooms for a total capacity of 25 per cent; − allowing dance, theatre and music facilities to open for individual instruction and group classes for a total capacity of 25 per cent; − allowing gyms and fitness centres to provide group instruction or classes at 25 per cent capacity per class with physical distancing measures in place, in addition to one-on-one instruction and individual workouts for a total facility capacity of 25 per cent; − allowing indoor recreational facilities such as arcades, go-kart tracks and children’s facilities to open at 25 per cent capacity with physical distancing measures in place; − allowing outdoor amusement parks to open at 50 per cent capacity with physical distancing measures in place; and − allowing users of gyms, fitness centres and pools to not wear a mask while taking part in a physical activity, but requiring mask use in other areas of the facility.

“Manitoba’s case numbers continue to trend in the right direction which allows us to consider reopening more services cautiously and safely,” said Roussin. “However, with the variant of concern now here in Manitoba, it is crucial that Manitobans continue to follow the fundamentals and avoid the activities that are known to cause the greatest risk – crowded places, closed-spaces, and close-contact settings – so we can contain the spread of COVID-19 until we can immunize and better protect more of our population.”

As with previous orders, Manitobans are asked to provide their feedback on these latest proposed changes, with particular focus on deciding which services are the most important to reopen at this point while continuing to balance public safety.

Roussin also noted that based on public feedback and COVID-19 indicators, changes could be made to public health orders beginning March 5. Further feedback received will be used to guide subsequent orders in the weeks ahead. To provide feedback, visit https://engagemb.ca/.

Results of public feedback gathered will be posted on the EngageMB website once completed.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Canada’s farm incomes on track for a record year just over $194,000 in 2020, driven by increases in NOI from farming.

(February 25, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Agriculture continues to

be a strong driver of Canada’s economy, with our farmers playing a key role in ensuring Canadians have access to affordable, highquality food. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has completed an analysis of farm income for 2020 and 2021, and the results show that Canadian farm income and the value of farms is expected to be at an all-time high. This puts many farmers and farm families on a stronger footing and positioned to contribute to Canada’s economic recovery.

The Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, shared the results of the analysis while speaking at the annual meeting of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture.

The agriculture sector is expected to see significant growth in key financial areas for 2020 and 2021. In spite of recent challenges, notably COVID-19’s impacts on the food supply chain, the growth in farm income shows that the sector is weathering these disruptions well and adjusting farming decisions accordingly.

Net cash income (NCI) is forecast to have grown by 21.8 per cent in 2020, from $13.5 billion in 2019 to $16.5 billion in 2020. In addition, farmlevel income is also forecast to have increased in 2020, with average net operating income (NOI) per farm increasing by 25.4 per cent, from just under $76,000 in 2019 to approximately $95,000 in 2020. Average farm family income is forecast to have increased by 8.6 per cent to

The grains sector had a very strong year, contributing to an 11.9 per cent increase in overall crop receipts. However, disruptions to the workforce, shifting international trade patterns, and fluctuating commodity prices have caused challenges, including for some parts of the crop sector, such as horticulture.

Livestock receipts were forecast to have declined 1.9 per cent, largely due to negative impacts of COVID-19 on the red meats sector.

Looking ahead to 2021, there continues to be uncertainty surrounding COVID-19. However, based on the expectation that the current situation continues to return to normal market conditions, NCI is forecast to further grow in 2021 by 6.8 per cent to $17.6 billion. Average farm-level NOI is forecast to increase 8.5 per cent to approximately $103,000 per farm, and average farm family income is forecast to grow 7.2 per cent to just under $208,000. Net worth is forecast to reach $3.5 million per farm, up 2.9 per cent from 2020 levels.

Building on this income forecast, the sector also had a strong export showing in 2020, reaching nearly $74 billion up from $67 billion in 2019.

This brings the government close to achieving its target of $75 billion in agri-food and seafood exports by 2025. The sector has shown resilience in posting a record performance for agriculture and agri-food exports, despite COVID-19 and its challenges. The agricultural sector is an engine of growth, helping to restart the Canadian economy.

Quick facts •

The Farm Income Forecast is a regular analysis that Agriculture and Agri-Food continued on next page

Canada’s farm incomes on track for a record year Canada undertakes in consultation with the provincial governments and Statistics Canada. The forecast provides important insights into the short-term outlook for primary agriculture in Canada.

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Farm Cash Receipts for all principal field crops are forecast to have reached $28.3 billion in 2020, up 17 per cent from 2019 levels.

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Overall crop receipts are forecast to have increased by 12 per cent in 2020, offsetting a 2 per cent decline in livestock receipts.

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Farm Cash Receipts for pulses and special crops are forecast to have reached $3.6 billion in 2020.

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The Government of Canada has made significant investments and taken important action to support the agriculture and agri-food sector, prevent the spread of the COVID-19 virus, and address outbreaks on farms when they do occur.

Net Cash Income is forecast to have grown significantly in 2020 – from $13.5 billion in 2019 to a new record of $16.5 billion, amounting to a 21.8% increase. Large increases in receipts are projected to have outpaced increases in expenses.

Strong returns in the grain and oilseed sectors outweighed weaker performance in the red meat sector (due to challenges at processing plants) as well as the horticulture sector (due to demand and labour challenges).

Average Net Operating Income per farm is also forecast to have risen significantly in 2020, amounting to approximately $95,000 in 2020 – up 25.4% from just under $76,000 in 2019 and 15.9% higher than the 5-year average.

For 2020, average farm family income is forecast to have increased 8.6% to just over $194,000, driven by increases in Net Operating Income from farming. The average net worth increased by 4.1%, to $3.4 million per farm.

In 2021, Net Cash Income is forecast to grow 6.8% to $17.6 billion as prices are expected to improve as global markets recover from the effects of COVID-19.

Outlook •

Net Cash Income is forecast to rise in 2020 to a new record, and to see further growth in 2021. Balance sheets overall are expected to remain strong as well.

•

As global markets recover from the effects of COVID-19, prices for Canadian agricultural commodities are expected to improve in 2021, however COVID-19 is still a significant risk for markets going forward.

•

While the agriculture sector on the balance had a good year, some sectors did better than others and growth was uneven. The grain sector had a very good year with record crop production, strong prices, and minimal transportation issues. However, some other commodities, such as red meat and horticulture, saw more challenges from COVID-19 impacts.

Additional Background From the Report Farm Income Forecast results for 2020 and 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Farm Income Forecast is a key tool for monitoring income in the farm sector, and understanding the short-term outlook for primary agriculture.

The sector is forecast to have seen strong financial performance in 2020, which is expected to continue into 2021. With market demand for agricultural commodities remaining strong, growth is expected in Net Cash Income, farm-level Net Operating Income, as well as net worth.

Positive performance in the face of uncertainty

Province’s Ice-Jam Mitigation Program Underway on Red River (February 22, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The

province will begin its annual ice cutting this week on the Red River to reduce the potential for ice-jam flooding, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced.

“Predicting when and how our rivers ice will break up naturally is complex due to varying conditions,” said Schuler. “Knowing this, our government is remaining vigilant and prepared by implementing the ice-jam mitigation program. We have committed to investing in strategic flood-control operations in order to protect Manitobans in the chance of a high water event due to ice jamming.”

The ice-jam mitigation program, which consists of cutting and breaking river ice, was launched in 2006 to reduce the risk of flooding caused by ice jams on the lower Red River and several other rivers. Ice jams form when floating ice is blocked from moving downstream, forcing water to backup and overflow river banks.

Remote controlled ice-cutting units and three Amphibex icebreakers are used each year to cut and break approximately 28 kilometres of ice on the Red River from Selkirk to Netley Creek for an approximate width of 100 metres. Ice cutting and breaking is also often completed on the Icelandic River at Riverton and at the outlet of the Portage Diversion.

Notices have been posted in areas where the ice-cutting machines will be working and river users are advised as a safety reminder to stay off the ice where notices are posted or where evidence of recent ice cutting is apparent. Ice fishers are also reminded to remove huts or other materials in the areas covered by the icemitigation program.

The icebreaking and ice-cutting equipment is operated and maintained by Winnipeg Environmental Remediations Inc., a Manitoba company that provides comprehensive environmental services, general contracting and civil earthworks to a variety of industries in both the private and public sectors throughout Canada and the United States.

2021 Manitoba Young Farmers Conference The 2021 Manitoba Young Farmers Conference will be held virtually on Thursday, March 4, 2021.

KAP continues to invest in Manitoba Young Farmers, providing training and networking opportunities to support their success in the agriculture industry. To achieve this goal KAP is hosting a one-day virtual conference focused on strategies for improving profitability without increasing farm size.

The conference is free for everyone, with a particular focus on farmers ages 18-40.

Presentations: This year’s topics include: • • • • •

How to thrive in a high debt/low margin environment Improving farm efficiencies Making data driven decisions Adding value to your agricultural ventures and farm products Managing mental health

Highlighted Speakers: •

Chris Beaudry, a farmer, and former assistant coach of the Humboldt Broncos. He will touch on his experience with the accident, grief, addiction, healing, and mental health.

•

Saskatchewan's YouTube sensation Quick Dick McDick will be sending a special video for Manitoba Young Farmers and attend a Q&A session at the end of the conference.

Schedule: The conference will begin at 8:00am and there is a full day of expert presentations, farm tours, and networking planned.

Socialising is encouraged: A virtual visiting and networking area will be available throughout the event.

Stay for the prizes: Event prizes will be awarded at the end of the conference.

Registration: Register in advance here: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=NfAxKjPdXESbSjFvTM_z3E0uXABNluVLlfTj7qaun ytUQUlUWFcwVkFENVBKUDBNNDFRVjk4NjNQNi4u Agenda and full conference program will be available here in the coming days.

Funding provided by the Canadian Agricultural Partnership

“Everyone at the Table”: Minister Bibeau announces members of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council (February 19, 2021 – Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister

of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced the membership of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council, a central component of the Food Policy for Canada. Minister Bibeau made the announcement as part of the virtual Food Systems Summit Dialogue convened by the Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph, where she delivered a speech.

The Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council’s 23 members bring together diverse expertise and perspectives from across the food system, including the agriculture and food sector, health professionals, academics, and non-profit organizations. Members also represent Canada’s geographic and demographic diversity.

“Everyone at the Table” is the slogan for the Food Policy for Canada, and reflects the need for actors across our food system to work together on solutions to systemic issues.

The Council will advise the Minister on current and emerging food-related issues that matter to Canadians. This advice will reflect the integrated and complex nature of Canada’s food system, and support improved and sustainable health, social, environmental and economic outcomes.

The Council’s first meeting will be held virtually on March 4, 2021. Media will be invited to a breakout scrum following the meeting with the Minister and the Council’s co-chairs.

The COVID-19 pandemic has underscored the importance of a strong and resilient food system in Canada. The Government of Canada is committed to supporting a healthier and more sustainable food sector, and to ensuring that all

people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food.

More information on the Council, including brief biographies of the members, can be found on the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council web page.

Quotes “Whether it’s food insecurity, food fraud, food waste, or promoting the good stories of our agricultural producers, collaboration is the key.

This Advisory Council is a first-of-its kind in Canada, and reflects our vision for a sustainable food system in Canada built on an inclusive approach. Each of these members has a unique set of experiences and knowledge that will help improve the way Government programs are developed and implemented. I can’t wait for our first discussion!”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “We cannot build a just, competitive and sustainable food system without active dialogue and collaboration among stakeholders. The Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council is designed to meet exactly this need and I am extremely excited to be working with Co-chair, Sylvie Cloutier, the Honourable Minister Bibeau, and the rest of the Council to help foster dialogue for positive change, position Canada as a global leader, and promote greater awareness among Canadians about the importance of food in all of our lives.”

Evan Fraser, Co-chair, Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council continued on next page

“Everyone at the Table”: Minister Bibeau announces members of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council “I am honoured to serve alongside Mr. Evan Fraser from the Arrell Food Institute as Co-chair of the Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council. I am convinced that our diverse group of Council members representing a broad range of stakeholders will dutifully and collaboratively come together to fulfill the important responsibilities entrusted to us by Minister Bibeau. Our food system is as complex as it is critical to Canada’s security, economic development and health of all Canadians.”

•

The Council will support progress towards achieving the Food Policy’s vision: that all people in Canada are able to access a sufficient amount of safe, nutritious, and culturally diverse food, and that Canada’s food system is resilient and innovative, sustains our environment and supports our economy.

•

Food Policy for Canada initiatives are currently underway, including the Food Waste Reduction Challenge. This $20 million initiative will grant awards for innovations that prevent or divert food waste at any point from farm-to-plate.

•

In addition, the Local Food Infrastructure Fund has funded more than 360 projects to date, to increase accessibility of healthy, nutritious, and ideally, local foods in communities across Canada.

•

The Government has also made strides to identify and mitigate risks in the food supply chain so that Canadians are protected from food misrepresentation, which is a common form of food fraud.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s food fraud program recently published its honey authenticity surveillance results.

Sylvie Cloutier, Co-chair, Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council Quick facts •

•

The Food Policy for Canada is a roadmap for a healthier and more sustainable food system in Canada – one that builds on the Government’s ambitious agenda to support the growth of Canada’s farmers and food businesses, as well as key federal initiatives like the Healthy Eating Strategy, Canada’s Food Guide, and the Poverty Reduction Strategy. The Food Policy also supports work on food fraud, food labelling, and food loss and waste, among other initiatives.

More than 45,000 Canadians shared their ideas on the development of the Food Policy through a national online survey, regional engagement sessions, a Food Policy Summit, town halls hosted

by Members of Parliament, and other community-led engagement events held across the country.

Associated links •

The Canadian Food Policy Advisory Council

•

The Food Policy for Canada

•

Arrell Food Institute at the University of Guelph

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

February 19, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Familiarizing non-farmers with agriculture a worthy goal The Western Producer Grocery prices could climb, even as food service comes back online Real Agriculture

Immunization Super Sites Coming to Selkirk and Morden-Winkler Area in March (February 17, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) On March 5, two new immunization super sites will launch – one in Selkirk and the other in Morden-Winkler area. These sites will deliver vaccine to eligible Manitobans and also serve as a distribution hub for Focused Immunization Teams (FITs) and pop-up clinics. Further details will be released in the coming days. This expansion increases the number of super sites in Manitoba to six, with plans to expand to 13 super sites throughout the province in April.

Vaccine Administration To date, 56,707 doses of vaccine have been administered including 35,009 first doses and 21,698 second doses. Manitoba remains second among provinces in the number of people who have received two doses of vaccine and are fully protected against COVID-19, at 1,536 per 100,000.

There are more than 1,400 congregate living facilities with nearly 23,000 residents located throughout the province. Now that additional vaccine is available, FIT teams will continue the process of providing first-dose immunizations to residents of high-priority sites starting in Winnipeg and Brandon on Feb. 19 and will visit other locations in the coming weeks, following a schedule that helps ensure higher-risk individuals are immunized as quickly as possible.

A list of the first sites that will be visited, along with a list of all congregate living sites in the province is available online at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine under Reports. Assessments are ongoing to determine if FITs will attend a location or if residents will be supported to attend a clinic. Further updates about immunizations at congregate living facilities will be provided on an ongoing basis.

About 3,600 residents in 49 personal care homes are expected to receive their second doses of vaccine this week, and all personal care home residents are expected to receive their second dose by the end of the month.

Super sites in Winnipeg and Brandon remain closed until tomorrow, in response to reduced vaccine shipments to Manitoba.

To date, more than 400 medical clinics and pharmacies have applied to be part of the immunization campaign once a suitable vaccine is approved for use in these settings.

Appointments and Eligibility Criteria Based on vaccine shipment projections, over 8,000 first-dose appointments are currently available for eligible Manitobans to book in the Winnipeg and Brandon super sites.

Eligibility criteria are being expanded to include people who work in congregate living facilities, including licensed personal care homes, born on or before Dec. 31, 1955.

To clarify information provided yesterday, staff in primary care clinics (e.g.family physician and/or nurse practitioner clinics) born on or before Dec. 31, 1960, are eligible for immunization.

To ensure eligible Manitobans can book an appointment, the province advises the toll-free phone number for the call centre is 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC). Everyone who calls is screened to ensure they meet current eligibility criteria before booking an appointment. Please do not call if you are not eligible at this time, as this will delay others who can make an appointment. All current eligibility criteria are posted online at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html.

Currently, the average wait time to make an appointment by phone is less than a minute. A callback option is also available instead of waiting on hold.

The vaccination calculator lets Manitobans see where they are in the priority line, based on their age, vaccine uptake and other factors. The calculator and more information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine.

Livestock Price Insurance Enhancements (February 16, 2021 Livestock Price Insurance News Release) As a result of industry feedback, producers will now have additional time to make policy purchases and claim settlements on all Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) programs.

Going forward, purchase hours on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays are available from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. MT. Settlement hours on Mondays are now offered from 2 p.m. to 11 p.m. MT. Producers can visit lpi.ca during these extended hours to conduct their LPI business.

In addition, the LPI – Calf program has permanently extended its deadline to purchase insurance into June and is now offering settlements in January and February. Purchase dates in 2021 are now available until June 10, 2021 and expiry dates will be available until February 21, 2022.

This change will fulfill a risk management gap that was experienced by producers and provide producers who calve in late spring, summer or fall with additional opportunities to participate in the program that better suits their operational needs.

To register a claim or purchase a policy, producers can contact their provincial LPI office.

Manitobans Can Now Access Covid-19 Immunization Record Online (February 18, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitobans who have received a COVID-19 immunization can now view and print this information online, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced.

“This is another proactive measure to ensure people have access to their own health information,” said Stefanson.

“We know many Manitobans have asked for their COVID-19 vaccination information from our public health offices.

The new online portal will make this easier for all eligible Manitobans until a more permanent immunization card is available.”

To access this information online, Manitobans must have a valid Manitoba Health registration card and a personal email address. Information about the COVID-19 vaccine received and dates of immunization will be provided for viewing and printing. People who do not have internet access or a health card number can continue to call their public health office for access to their information.

In most cases, Manitobans can request their online records approximately 48 hours after their immunization.

However, it may take up to seven days for the information to become available. The minister noted a secure immunization card is currently in development and will be available to Manitobans later this spring. She also noted that employers and other parties should not be requesting proof of immunization for any purpose.

Immunization records can be accessed securely on the Shared Health online portal that is also used for COVID-19 test results. To view or print this information, visit: https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/.

To learn more about the COVID-19 immunization campaign, including access to immunization records, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/index.html. For more information on COVID-19, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Ballads, Brews &Moos

1

New agriculture census faster and easier for farmers to complete Agriculture is a critical industry for all Canadians, providing us with a nutritious food supply and healthy local produce.

To help support these efforts, the government collects information with the Census of Agriculture to provide a statistical portrait of our national agricultural and agrifood industry, as well as its farm operators and families.

The 2021 questionnaire will have returning key content for ongoing trend analysis and include new and modified questions to identify emerging agricultural products and changes in the adoption of technologies, direct marketing, succession planning and renewable energy production.

New for the upcoming census, high-quality alternative data sources will be used when possible to reduce the time farmers must spend completing the questionnaire.

For example, only those questions that are relevant to each operator's farm will be asked when filling out the online survey. Select questions may be replaced using alternative data sources when available and totals will automatically be calculated.

This approach is part of an ongoing part of Statistics Canada's modernization initiative to move beyond a surveyfirst approach by replacing traditional surveys with alternative data such as Earth Observation data. This initiative has its goal to reduce the response burden on farmers while continuing to provide the same high quality information that Canadians expect and deserve.

Province Advises a Decrease of Outflows from Shellmouth Reservoir is Underway Assiniboine River Ice May Become Unstable (February 18, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Infrastructure has started a decrease of flows out of the Shellmouth Reservoir today to 90 cubic feet per second (cfs) from 320 cfs. This could make the ice unstable along the Assiniboine River.

This is part of the normal operations of the reservoir and dam. Areas potentially affected extends from Shellmouth Dam to Brandon.

River users should be cautious when venturing onto the ice.

The province will continue to monitor river levels and co-ordinate operation of water control structures.

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire: (204) 697-1140.

Due to COVID-19, all upcoming EFP workshops - 1pm-4pm on February 17, March 3, and March 17 - will be taking place virtually via GoTo Meeting until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, contact Tami Watson (204) 239 3352 or tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca. Once registered, arrangements will be made to provide you with the EFP workbooks and support material needed for the workshop.

February 12, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Cattle group rejects name change Weather trends point to continued drought concern for the Prairies B.C. ag moves to mandatory Premises ID

New Public Health Orders Formalize Next Steps of Province's Cautious Reopening Effective Feb. 12 • allowing restaurants and licensed premises to reopen at 25 per cent capacity with patron groups limited to members of the same household only; Following feedback from Manitobans and advice from public health leaders, the province is loosening a variety of restrictions while ensuring protocols are in place to protect Manitobans from the risks of COVID19, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial health officer, announced February 9.

“Today is another big day for Manitobans, especially for our local business owners who are eager to safely reopen their doors, and provide the goods and services that Manitobans have missed the past few months,” said Pallister. “With fewer restrictions, we must remain cautious, in fact, even more cautious. In the absence of COVID19 vaccines from the federal government, following the fundamentals is how we continue to protect each other and save lives.”

The orders will formalize the following changes for all of Manitoba, replacing the General COVID-19 Prevention Orders made on Jan. 28 and the Northern Manitoba COVID19 Prevention Orders made on Feb. 1, 2021.

The orders will take effect at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 12 and will last for three weeks.

The orders include the following changes, with further pandemic safety measures in place:

• allowing outdoor rinks to reopen for casual sports as well as organized practices and games, with multi-team tournaments not permitted; • allowing gyms, fitness centres and yoga studios to reopen at 25 per cent capacity; • allowing indoor sporting facilities such as rinks, gymnastic clubs and martial arts studios to reopen at 25 per cent capacity for individual instruction only; • allowing places of worship to hold regular religious services if a service does not exceed 10 per cent of usual capacity or 50 people, whichever is lower; • allowing self-help groups for persons dealing with addictions or other behaviours to hold meetings at 25 per cent capacity of the premise where meetings take place; • allowing museums, art galleries and libraries to operate at 25 per cent capacity; • allowing personal service businesses, such as those providing pedicures, electrolysis, cosmetic application, tanning, tattooing or massage services to reopen at 25 per cent capacity; • allowing photographers and videographers to offer services to individual clients or those residing in the same household in addition to providing services at weddings, with the exception of visiting client homes; and

New Public Health Orders Formalize Next Steps of Province's Cautious Reopening Effective Feb. 12 • allowing the film industry to operate fully with physical distancing and other safety measures in place.

• non-regulated health services, hair salons and barbershops open with 25 per cent capacity and adequate physical distancing.

“These new orders allow us to resume more activities and services we enjoy, but we cannot let our guard down yet,” said Roussin.

“We will continue to carefully monitor COVID19 developments and case numbers to ensure we protect each other and our health-care system. Manitobans need to continue to follow the fundamentals at all times including staying home when sick, frequent handwashing and wearing masks. We all have a part to play in keeping our COVID-19 curve down so we can continue making measured progress towards getting back to the things we love.”

Since Feb. 4, over 33,000 responses were provided on the proposed changes to the orders. Feedback indicated:

The new orders also bring the entire province under the same restrictions, where the northern region had previously been under separate orders to curb the spread of COVID19 in the region.

Under the new orders, northern Manitoba will see the changes listed above in addition to the restrictions in place over the last three weeks for the rest of the province including: • household visitor restrictions of up to two designated people, • visits of five people plus members of a household on an outdoor private property, • retail stores open at 25 per cent capacity or 250 people maximum with adequate physical distancing, and

• 65 per cent of respondents felt somewhat or very comfortable going to restaurants; • 57 per cent of respondents felt somewhat or very comfortable going to the gym or to a yoga studio; and • opening food services was ranked the highest priority for respondents, followed by opening personal services like nail salons and tattoo parlors, allowing gyms to reopen for individual training and allowing outdoor organized outdoor sports to resume for games or practices.

Final survey results will be posted on the EngageMB website once compiled.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

More information is available on the next page.

• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •

UPDATED PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS FEBRUARY 9, 2021 SECTOR Non-licensed restaurants

Licensed establishments

Outdoor rinks Indoor washroom facilities at outdoor sporting or recreational venues Gyms, fitness centres and yoga studios

REVISED RESTRICTIONS Reopen at 25 per cent capacity with: • patron groups limited to household members only; • physical distancing measures in place between tables; • contact tracing information gathered from all parties; • food cannot be served buffet style; and • food cannot be served for dine-in between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Reopen at 25 per cent capacity with: • patron groups limited to household members only; • no more than five people per table; • physical distancing measures in place between tables; • patrons must remain at their tables except for specific purposes such as using washroom facilities; • contact tracing information gathered from all parties; • liquor can only be served if a meal has been ordered; • liquor cannot be sold or served between the hours of 10 p.m. and 9 a.m.; and • food cannot be served for dine-in service between the hours of 10 p.m. and 6 a.m.

Reopen for casual sports as well as organized practices and games, with multi-team tournaments not permitted.

Reopen to those participating in the associated activities with safety measures in place.

Reopen at 25 per cent capacity with the following measures in place: • physical distancing measures between patrons; • patrons and staff must wear a mask in the facility at all times; • change facilities should not be used other than for access to washroom facilities; • individual workouts or one-on-one instruction between a staff member and patron are permitted; • no group activities or classes may take place; and • contact tracing information must be gathered from all patrons.

-2Indoor sporting facilities such as rinks, gymnastic clubs and martial arts Athletes identified as potential competitors at the summer or winter Olympics or Paralympic Games Places of worship

Self-help groups for addictions and other behaviours Museums, art galleries and libraries Personal services businesses

Photography and videography Film industry

Reopen at 25 per cent capacity including both staff and patrons for individual, one-on-one instruction only.

Able to train at indoor sporting facilities, with safety measures in place.

Able to hold regular religious services if a service does not exceed 10 per cent of usual capacity or 50 people, whichever is lower, with physical distancing measures in place except for those who are members of the same household.

Able to hold meetings at 25 per cent capacity of the premise where meetings take place, with physical distancing measures in place.

Reopen at 25 per cent capacity with physical distancing measures in place and contact tracing information gathered from each patron group.

Reopen at 25 per cent capacity with physical distancing measure in place between patrons and workstations, with contact tracing information collected from patron. Personal services businesses include those providing pedicures, electrolysis, cosmetic application, tanning, tattooing or massage services.

Able to offer services to individual clients or those residing in the same household, in addition to providing services at weddings, with the exception of visiting client homes.

Able to operate fully with physical distancing and other safety measures in place.

Manitoba AgriInsurance Coverage Highest on Record (Government of Manitoba News Release, February 11, 2021) As the 2021 AgriInsurance contract will soon be released to Manitoba farmers, Canada’s Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food MarieClaude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced that coverage is expected to be the highest on record while premium rates are moderately lower than last year.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented challenges for farmers, on top of the normal challenges they face from weather and market fluctuations,” said Bibeau. “While farmers continue to step up to keep quality Canadian food on our kitchen tables, they need the support and stability that a solid set of BRM programs can provide. The record AgriInsurance coverage announced today is one of the ways we are helping farmers with incomes losses.”

The ministers released details indicating that 2021 dollar values are mostly higher than 2020 dollar values for grain, oilseeds, and specialty crops.

Total insurance coverage will reach an all-time high of $3.128 billion.

On average, AgriInsurance premium rates are lower than 2020 due to adding a low-loss year (2019) and removing a higher-loss year (1994) from the 25-year average base rate calculation.

AgriInsurance is a risk management program administered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC). Insurance is offered for over 80 different annual crops and forages during establishment and production.

“AgriInsurance allows our producers to proactively manage their risk, and provide them with stability,” said Pedersen. “These enhancements to AgriInsurance are made in response to our industry, and producer’s needs.”

Other program enhancements for 2021 include: • Many crops will experience an increase in probable yield for 2021. The probable yields for all

crops are based on a 10-year average and trended for improvements in technology and agronomic advances. For 2021, data from 2010 to 2019 is used in the calculation. The year dropped (2009) was an average year for most crops; the year added (2019), produced above-average yields for most crops.

• Individual productivity indexing for silage corn.

• Transportation allowance within the Forage Insurance dollar value and Hay Disaster Benefit for the Forage Insurance program will increase. The transportation allowance was updated to $16 from $8 per tonne for Select and Basic Hay, and to $24 from $20 per tonne for the Hay Disaster Benefit.

• The seeding dates for full coverage and reduced coverage have been expanded for winter wheat and fall rye.

Manitoba has a high level of AgriInsurance participation with nearly 90 per cent of annual crop acres enrolled and more than 7,800 farms registered in the program.

Under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, AgriInsurance premiums for most programs are shared 40 per cent by participating producers, 36 per cent by the Government of Canada and 24 per cent by the Manitoba government. Administrative expenses are paid 60 per cent by Canada and 40 per cent by Manitoba. The total governments’ share of AgriInsurance premium for 2021-22 is expected to be $130 million.

The Hail Insurance program, administered by MASC outside the scope of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, will also see increased coverage levels for 2021. Maximum hail dollar coverage is increasing to $300/acre from $250/acre based on expected gross revenue for most crops. The 2021 premium rates are the same as or lower than 2020 rates for most risk areas and expected coverage will increase to $1.1 billion from $985 million.

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 Applications must be received by February 15, 2021.

What do we fund?

The program will pay daily support for the period during which cattle were ready for market and slaughter, but could not be sold due to reduced capacity at the major Alberta beef processors. This period, referred to as the Extraordinary Feeding Period, includes the time needed to address cattle supply backlog in Western Canada.

The 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program assists Manitoba cattle producers affected by COVID-19 related closures of slaughter plants and capacity reductions. The program provides financial assistance to offset extraordinary feed costs incurred due to a delay in marketing cattle.

Who can apply?

For eligible applicants: •

The Extraordinary Feed Period began April 15, 2020, OR when the cattle reached the minimum weight for eligibility (1,400 lbs. for steers or 1,300 lbs. for heifers), whichever is later.

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The Extraordinary Feed Period ends December 31, 2020, OR on the actual slaughter date of the cattle, whichever is earlier.

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The Extraordinary Feed Period for these cattle must have been greater than 14 days.

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Applicants must have owned the cattle for a minimum of 60 days prior to slaughter and must have missed the intended marketing date due to COVID-19 related slaughter interruptions.

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The cattle slaughter date must be between April 29, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

The following are eligible to apply: •

individuals

•

partnerships

•

corporations

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co-operatives

•

First Nation communities

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any other association of persons owning and responsible for associated feed costs of eligible animals between April 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020

When are the application deadlines?

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 How much does the program fund?

Eligible applicants will receive $1.20 per eligible animal for each day in the Extraordinary Feeding Period, to a maximum of 63 days. The maximum payment is $75.60 per head.

How do I apply?

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Refer to the Terms and Conditions or Frequently Asked Questions guide for more detailed information on eligible and other requirements.

•

Complete an Application Form and either email completed application form to agriculture@gov.mb.ca or mail to: •

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Box 970, Roblin MB R0L 1P0

Please note: Applications must be accompanied by documentation that supports the claim of costs incurred by feeding eligible animals (refer to Terms and Conditions) during the Extraordinary Feed Period. All Applications must include copies of sales invoices, including the date and average weight of cattle, provided by purchasing slaughter facility.

Additional Information: •

Payments will not be issued for: •

animals with less than 14 Extraordinary Feed Days

•

applicants with fewer than five eligible animals

•

payments of less than $200.00

•

Payments will be considered allowable income for AgriStability, in the program year only.

•

Payments will not be considered allowable revenue under AgriInvest.

Kirkella Community Pasture Watered, Scrubbed and Ready to Shine as NatureBased Jewel RM of Wallace-Woodworth & MFGA wrap up two-year Conservation Trust pasture enhancement project Virden, MB (February 9, 2021) –The 3,280 acre

Kirkella Community Pasture is ready to shine brightly as a nature-based jewel following a series of pasture-enhancement actions – including a major scrubbing of woody pasture species that can be the bane of healthy, productive pastures and drought relief via three major dugout installations – through funding provided by The Conservation Trust, a Manitoba Climate and Green Plan Initiative delivered by the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.

effective grazing and landscape management practices. We feel very positive about the end results.”

Sitting prominently near the ManitobaSaskatchewan border just north of the TransCanada Highway, the Kirkella Community Pasture project was one of the first announced by the Conservation Trust in 2018.

The project was led by the Rural Municipality of Wallace-Woodworth and Manitoba Forage and Grasslands Association (MFGA), who partnered to match the generous project funding with in-kind work necessary to make the $200,000 project a reality.

The Kirkella Community Pasture project erected fencing to benefit the pasture health for cattle grazing and biodiversity, and installed three dugouts for better water quality and access for cattle. A major undertaking of the project was an extensive mowing program to control woody species which will result in improved grassland utilization for grazing for many years in to the future. MFGA had also provided the project with a pasture review report by experts in rangeland health and from the local Assiniboine West Watershed District who walked the pasture and suggested actions and recommendations around pasture enhancements. According to Alistair Hagan, Kirkella Community Pasture manager, the project was discussed at length within the Kirkella Pasture Patrons committee before settling on the course of action.

“The Kirkella Community Pasture is a municipally-owned tract of land that has been managed for decades and includes grassland, wetland and woodland habitats,” said Garth Mitchell, Wallace-Woodworth’s Chief Administrative Officer. “Thanks to The Conservation Trust, we saw a great opportunity to undertake improvements to the pasture for the purpose of enhancing grazing opportunities as well as the environmental benefits that result from more

“We wanted to improve the environmental benefits to the habitat within this unique property surrounded largely by grain land and also improve our grazing management to provide better results for our patrons,” says Hagan. “In short, we were looking for the best and longest lasting pasture benefits that would also be preparing for future possible drought cycles with the hopes of holding our current grazing numbers. Grazing land is constantly harder to find in our area and we

Kirkella Community Pasture Watered, Scrubbed and Ready to Shine as NatureBased Jewel RM of Wallace-Woodworth & MFGA wrap up two-year Conservation Trust pasture enhancement project are trying to do the best job we can to create the best financial returns for our cattle owners.”

From MFGA’s project perspective, that is exactly the harmony and balance that Larry Wegner, MFGA chair, wants to hear.

Hagan says the focus on water management of the pasture was the key driver behind three strategically-placed dugouts, each with more than one million gallon capacity.

“These kinds of projects are a strong fit with MFGA’s mission and vision and we are grateful to the Conservation Trust and the Government of Manitoba for developing a project funding mechanism that gives groups like MFGA the opportunity to work on, partner with other groups and enhance our natural areas, especially grasslands and pastures that producers and ranchers steward every single day via livestock and grazing rotations,” says Wegner, who also farms near the Virden-area. “With the expertise of our producer-led board, we are able to identify and align with the business aspects around the pasture decisions. We know the Kirkella Community Pasture enhancements will be great for conservation and we also fully understand the economic side of the enhancements will be valued and necessary too.”

“This was the first and most important step to better managing the grass,” says Hagan. “The dugouts are extremely low maintenance, low risk water sources that also provide great water sources for the local wildlife. Once the dugouts were established and full it allowed us to build additional cross fences to better graze and rest the native prairie.”

Hagan says the dugouts were followed up with the massive mowing process to set back the shrubbery and open up large amounts of previously non grazed acres. The addition of dugouts and the new cross fences coupled with the ability to rotate the steers all in one large mob will help hold the regrowth of shrubs by creating new grazing pressure in these before unused acres.

“This whole project we feel will not only help the local habitat but also our cattle owners as well,” says Hagan. “This is the balance we all walk together with an improved local environment and better financial returns to the ag industry.”

For more information: Garth Mitchell, CAO, Wallace-Woodworth, 204.748.1239, g.mitchell@wallace-woodworth.com Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director, MFGA, 204.770.3548, Duncan@mfga.net

How census data help Canadian farmers The 2021 Census of Agriculture is on the horizon evidence to inform government decisions regarding financial support programs for Canadian farmers. They also help to measure the impacts of disease outbreaks and climate change (such as fires, floods, droughts and storms).

The 2021 version of the census is almost here, and there are a few things Canadian farm operators should know. In early May, all Canadian farmers will receive an invitation letter with easy-to-follow instructions on how to complete the questionnaire online.

With the pandemic continuing to influence how we shop and prepare meals for our families, national agriculture and sustainable local food supplies are top of mind for many of us. That's why it is important for our farmers to have access to critical information required to make informed decisions about their operations to help feed Canadians and to continue to be competitive and strong trading partners.

Statistics Canada's Census of Agriculture is an important tool that helps farmers see emerging trends in agricultural technologies and practices. Its results allow the industry and the public to get a snapshot of the state of agriculture in Canada, and the importance of this sector.

The census is the only source of communitylevel data that ensures that the unique perspectives of farmers, farm communities and agricultural operations are included when making decisions that affect them and their livelihood. The data are essential to defend the interests of farmers and the agriculture industry in trade disputes and to ensure market access. They provide fact-based

To best support farmers at this busy time of year and to help reduce their reporting burden, concrete steps have been taken to make the 2021 questionnaire quicker and easier for them to respond. This means that only questions relevant to each operator's farm will be asked when filling out the census questionnaire online. It also means that selected questions may be replaced using high-quality alternative data sources when available.

Find more information on the census website.

Background information In May 2021, Canadian farm operators will have the opportunity to take part in a national dialogue by completing the Census of Agriculture questionnaire.

The Census of Agriculture is a source of community-level data on agriculture. By drawing on these data, decision makers will act in the interest of farm operators, farm communities and agricultural sectors across Canada.

Farm organizations are heavy users of census data and draw on this information to

How census data help Canadian farmers The 2021 Census of Agriculture is on the horizon formulate policy recommendations, produce communications and outreach activities, and conduct market research.

Measuring an evolving industry over time After every census, Statistics Canada consults with farm operators, agricultural industry members and data users to assess their data needs.

In the fall of 2017, Statistics Canada conducted a national consultation, and received 132 comments and suggestions from diverse groups, including federal government departments and agencies, provincial government ministries, farming organizations, academics, farm service companies, and consulting firms to help improve the 2021 Census of Agriculture. Statistics Canada is grateful to the agricultural industry for its ongoing feedback and support.

While important adjustments were made to census content based on these consultations, most of the questions in the 2021 Census are identical to those used in 2016. This continuity is important for tracking long-term trends in the industry and meeting the ongoing needs of users and stakeholders.

What's new for the 2021 Census of Agriculture?

Census online: Faster, Easier and Streamlined Canadian farm operators will receive a letter in May 2021 with instructions on how to complete the census questionnaire online quickly and easily.

The online questionnaire will be efficient for farm operators in a number of ways. It will

automatically add totals and will only ask the questions that apply specifically to the operator's farm. This will reduce Statistics Canada's need to call farm operators to clarify their answers.

Lastly, high-quality alternative sources of data will be used wherever possible to reduce response burden.

Getting ready In the coming months, the Census of Agriculture Program will organize different activities and events with the farming community. This includes a media campaign that explains what's new in the upcoming census and why the census is important.

In accordance with the Statistics Act, farm operators are required to participate in the Census of Agriculture. By the same law, Statistics Canada is required to protect the information provided in Census of Agriculture questionnaires. Privacy is a fundamental component of the census. It is our duty by law.

At the beginning of May, complete your questionnaire and tell your story as part of Canada's farming community!

The content of the 2021 Census of Agriculture was published in the Canada Gazette on July 18th, 2020.

For more information, please visit the census website.

Ballads, Brews &Moos

1

Government of Canada addresses CERB repayments for self-employed individuals and announces interest relief on 2020 income tax debt due to COVID-19 related income support (February 9, 2021 Canada Revenue Agency News Release) Since the beginning of the COVID-19

pandemic, the Government of Canada has provided urgently-needed income support to millions of Canadians, which has helped them put food on the table and keep a roof over their heads during this crisis. The federal government is committed to continuing to support Canadians throughout this crisis.

The Government of Canada announced that self-employed individuals who applied for the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB) and would have qualified based on their gross income will not be required to repay the benefit, provided they also met all other eligibility requirements. The same approach will apply whether the individual applied through the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada.

This means that, self-employed individuals whose net self-employment income was less than $5,000 and who applied for the CERB will not be required to repay the CERB, as long as their gross self-employment income was at least $5,000 and they met all other eligibility criteria.

Some self-employed individuals whose net selfemployment income was less than $5,000 may have already voluntarily repaid the CERB. The CRA and Service Canada will return any repaid amounts to these individuals. Additional details will be available in the coming weeks.

In addition, the Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue, announced that the Government of Canada will provide targeted interest relief to Canadians who received COVID-related income support benefits. Once individuals have filed their 2020 income tax and benefit return, they will not be required to pay interest on any outstanding income tax debt for the 2020 tax year until April 30, 2022. This will give Canadians more time and flexibility to pay if they have an amount owing.

To qualify for targeted interest relief, individuals must have had a total taxable income of $75,000 or less in 2020 and have received income support in 2020 through one or more of the following COVID-19 measures: •

the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB);

•

the Canada Emergency Student Benefit (CESB);

•

the Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB);

•

the Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB);

•

the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB);

•

Employment Insurance benefits; or

•

similar provincial emergency benefits.

Government of Canada addresses CERB repayments for self-employed individuals and announces interest relief on 2020 income tax debt due to COVID-19 related income support The Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) will automatically apply the interest relief measure for individuals who meet these criteria.

Additionally, any CRA-administered credits and benefits normally paid monthly or quarterly, such as the Canada Child Benefit and the goods and services tax/harmonized sales tax credit will not be applied to reduce individuals’ tax debt owing for the 2020 tax year. Canadians are strongly encouraged to file their tax returns by the filing deadline to ensure that their benefit payments continue without interruption.

The Government of Canada recognizes that many Canadians continue to face serious financial impacts as a result of the ongoing pandemic. The interest relief measure announced today will provide an estimated 4.5 million low- and middle-income Canadians with the flexibility required to feel confident about accessing the COVID-19 income support without facing additional stress at tax time.

Quick facts •

All individuals are encouraged to file their income tax returns.

•

Any amounts owing are determined based on an individual's personal circumstances and the credits and benefits they may receive.

•

Like Employment Insurance (EI) benefits, the COVID-19 emergency and recovery benefits, including similar provincial benefits, are taxable.

Although 10% of the benefit amount for the three Canada Recovery Benefits (CRB, CRCB, and CRSB) is withheld at source, many other emergency benefits, including the CERB and the CESB did not withhold tax at source.

Today's announcement will give those Canadians who owe any taxes as a result of accessing these benefits more time and flexibility to pay those amounts.

•

The CRA has not extended the tax filing deadline. Canadians should complete and submit their tax returns by April 30, 2021, the filing due date for most individuals. Canadians are strongly encouraged to file their tax returns to ensure that their benefit payments continue uninterrupted.

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire: (204) 697-1140.

Due to COVID-19, all upcoming EFP workshops - 1pm-4pm on February 17, March 3, and March 17 - will be taking place virtually via GoTo Meeting until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, contact Tami Watson (204) 239 3352 or tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca. Once registered, arrangements will be made to provide you with the EFP workbooks and support material needed for the workshop.

February 5, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Thursday, February 11 at 12:45pm

Click here for agenda + free registration

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Meat industry’s 2020 performance ‘phenomenal’: analyst Canada Beef to soon launch new marketing information Workshops shine light on farmer mental health

Agricultural Crown Land Auction Online Bidding Set For Feb. 8 to Feb. 12 Online bidding will take place February 8, 2021 through February 12, 2021 at Garton's Auction Service.

Available units will be listed for viewing on the auction website starting on February 1, 2021. All bidders will be required to complete and ACL Registration Form (PDF 736 KB), in addition to registering to bid on the online auction platform. The ACL Registration Form (PDF 736 KB) can be completed ahead of the auction and submitted to agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca Please note that you may be ineligible to bid in an agricultural Crown lands lease auction if you have not made payment in full for your existing 2021 lease or permit by February 1, 2021.

The following information is from the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website: The Manitoba government has announced a new approach to agricultural Crown land lease auctions beginning in February. A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing, or cropping.

A complete listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found online at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproper ties.aspx or a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office.

For information about participating in a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Crown Lands Auction, please refer to the Fact Sheet (PDF 158 KB).

Samples of the standard Forage Lease Agreement (PDF 894 KB) and Cropping Lease Agreement (PDF 883 KB) are available for review. Although the lease will apply to most parcels, there may be specific additional provisions that apply to specific parcels.

Eligibility An individual must be at least 18 years of age, and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada).

Corporations, forage cooperatives, partnerships, Hutterite colonies, and First

Agricultural Crown Land Auction Online Bidding Set For Feb. 8 to Feb. 12 Nation bands can also be eligible to acquire an agricultural Crown lands lease.

Please refer to the Eligibility Policy for further guidance.

Services Division, Department of Finance •

For additional information on upfront costs and annual fees, please see the Allocation and Rent Policy

•

A transfer fee of $200 is applicable to transfers and name changes on lease agreements. Please see the Transfer Policy

•

Community pasture rent is determined by the Association of Manitoba Community Pastures

•

Development (land improvements) is done at lessee cost and rental rates are not increased for an agreed-upon number of years, depending on the extent of the development

Fees •

Allocation is done via auction process with an administrative reserve in place

•

Annual rent for cropping leases is determined by successful auction bid

•

Annual rent for forage dispositions is determined by formula

•

•

Forage Rent Formula = A x 3.5% x B

•

A is the average price of beef, determined by the average sale price per hundred pound weight for the previous 36 months, ending September 30 for 500 to 600 pound heifers and steers in the province as published by Canfax (an operating division of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association)

•

B is the forage capacity for the land, being the number of animal unit months that the land is capable of producing in an average year, as determined by Manitoba Agriculture

•

2021 rent = $7.23/AUM

Annual payment in lieu of municipal taxes is calculated by Real Estate

More information on the upcoming auctions can be found at https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproper ties.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by email at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca or by calling 204867-6550 or 1-844-769-6624 (toll-free).

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program The 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program assists Manitoba cattle producers affected by COVID-19 related closures of slaughter plants and capacity reductions. The program provides financial assistance to offset extraordinary feed costs incurred due to a delay in marketing cattle.

market and slaughter, but could not be sold due to reduced capacity at the major Alberta beef processors. This period, referred to as the Extraordinary Feeding Period, includes the time needed to address cattle supply backlog in Western Canada.

For eligible applicants: •

The Extraordinary Feed Period began April 15, 2020, OR when the cattle reached the minimum weight for eligibility (1,400 lbs. for steers or 1,300 lbs. for heifers), whichever is later.

•

The Extraordinary Feed Period ends December 31, 2020, OR on the actual slaughter date of the cattle, whichever is earlier.

•

The Extraordinary Feed Period for these cattle must have been greater than 14 days.

•

Applicants must have owned the cattle for a minimum of 60 days prior to slaughter and must have missed the intended marketing date due to COVID-19 related slaughter interruptions.

•

The cattle slaughter date must be between April 29, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Who can apply?

The following are eligible to apply: •

individuals

•

partnerships

•

corporations

•

co-operatives

•

First Nation communities

•

any other association of persons owning and responsible for associated feed costs of eligible animals between April 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020

When are the application deadlines?

Applications must be received by February 15, 2021.

What do we fund?

The program will pay daily support for the period during which cattle were ready for

continued on next page

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 How much does the program fund?

Eligible applicants will receive $1.20 per eligible animal for each day in the Extraordinary Feeding Period, to a maximum of 63 days. The maximum payment is $75.60 per head.

Additional Information: •

Payments will not be issued for: •

animals with less than 14 Extraordinary Feed Days

•

applicants with fewer than five eligible animals

•

payments of less than $200.00

How do I apply?

•

•

Refer to the Terms and Conditions or Frequently Asked Questions guide for more detailed information on eligible and other requirements.

Complete an Application Form and either email completed application form to agriculture@gov.mb.ca or mail to: •

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Box 970, Roblin MB R0L 1P0

Please note: Applications must be accompanied by documentation that supports the claim of costs incurred by feeding eligible animals (refer to Terms and Conditions) during the Extraordinary Feed Period. All Applications must include copies of sales invoices, including the date and average weight of cattle, provided by purchasing slaughter facility.

•

Payments will be considered allowable income for AgriStability, in the program year only.

•

Payments will not be considered allowable revenue under AgriInvest.

Western Livestock Price Insurance Program has a new name Calf price insurance is available to purchase beginning February 2, 2021

(February 1, 2020 News Release) The Western

Livestock Price Insurance Program, a risk management program available in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba, announced a major rebrand today.

The Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) is now known as Livestock Price Insurance (LPI). This change does not change the details or delivery of the program.

The name change is part of the program’s strategy to strengthen its capabilities to promote Livestock Price Insurance, while adhering to the latest Canadian Agriculture Partnership guidelines. Moving forward, Livestock Price Insurance, remains true to its services offered and customer service experience.

Federal and provincial partners continue to collaborate on raising program awareness amongst its producers. This brand revitalization incorporates the three core values of the Program: a collaborative approach, producerdriven initiative, and effective risk management.

The Livestock Price Insurance program continues to grow and evolve alongside industry; the Program is focused on continuing to expand awareness and enrolment.

The launch of this rebrand is accompanied by an updated logo and a fresh look that will help communicate a clear and effective Program to producers.

Along with a new look, the program website has undergone a redesign. Following producer feedback, the Livestock Price Insurance program

saw an opportunity to enhance the current website. Changes include simplified navigation and a fresh review on program information.

This website acts as a hub for Livestock Price Insurance information and a gateway into customer’s portal access to conduct their business.

In times of uncertainty, producers continue to access coverage against market volatility. In 2020, approximately 360,000 calves, 209,000 Feeder cattle, 232,000 Fed cattle and 9,300 hogs were insured through Livestock Price Insurance across all four provinces. Overall, producers received over $122 million in payouts.

Accessible year-round, producers can purchase livestock price insurance for their feeder cattle, fed cattle or hogs. By offering policies continuously throughout the year, producers can select from a variety of price insurance coverage options, every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, to find the best fit for their livestock operation. Enrolment into Livestock Price Insurance is free and producers are encouraged to explore how it could benefit their own operations. Calf price insurance is available to purchase beginning February 2, 2021.

Producers can purchase Livestock Price Insurance on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays from 2 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. MT. Claims can be made on Mondays between 1:30 p.m. and 7 p.m. MT. If you require assistance, please contact your provincial LPI office.

LPI toll-free: 1.844.782.5747 8:15 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. MT Closed weekends and statutory holidays MASC Office Locations

Province Seeks Feedback on Next Steps in Pandemic-Related Reopening Plans (February 4, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Releases) After safely implementing modest

changes to public health orders to slowly reopen the economy, Manitoba’s COVID-19 curve continues to bend in the right direction, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial health officer, announced, noting the province is considering further loosening some restrictions, while continuing to prioritize the needs of the health- care system and protecting Manitobans from the risks of COVID-19 and new variants.

“I want to thank Manitobans for their patience and their commitment to follow to the guidelines and public health orders as we cautiously begin to restart our economy and reopen our communities,” said Pallister.

“While Manitoba’s COVID cases continue to trend in the right direction, we must not lose sight of the gains we have made and the risks associated with vaccine delays and new COVID variants. We must, and will, proceed with caution to ensure we continue to protect and safeguard Manitoba lives.”

The province is considering the following changes for all of Manitoba is and asking Manitobans for their input on: • allowing food services, including restaurants and lounges, to reopen at 25 per cent capacity with closure time of 10 p.m., limited to patron groups of household members; • allowing personal services, including nail salons and tattoo parlours, to reopen at 25 per cent capacity with adequate physical distancing, enhanced personal protective equipment measures and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes.

• allowing gyms to reopen at 25 per cent capacity for one-on-one and individual training sessions with adequate physical distancing, with no group classes; • allowing places of worship to reopen at a maximum of 10 per cent capacity or 50 people, whichever is lower; • allowing libraries to reopen at a maximum of 25 per cent capacity, limited to patron groups of household members; • allowing organized outdoor sports to resume for games or practices (no multi-team tournaments); • clarifying that addictions support and treatment groups can operate with adequate physical distancing measures in place; • allowing the film industry to resume work, with safety protocols in place; • opening public washroom facilities with 25 per cent capacity and enhanced signage; • increasing capacity for weddings to up to 10 people in addition to the officiant and photographer; and • allowing photographers to resume operations outdoors and with studio capacity limited to patron groups of household members only.

“We’re in a stable place right now – our data is not showing evidence of a spike as a result of the reopening measures put in place Jan. 23. However, the next few weeks will be crucial to determine whether any COVID-19 variants have entered Manitoba and their impacts,” said Roussin. “Of course, the fundamentals – including physical distancing, frequent handwashing, mask wearing and staying home when sick – still apply, and are what will help us gradually reopen more activities and services when it is safe to do

Province Seeks Feedback on Next Steps in Pandemic-Related Reopening Plans so.”

The proposed plan brings the entire province under the same restrictions, enabling the northern region to observe restrictions the rest of the province will continue to have in place including household visitor restrictions of up to two designated people, visits of five people plus members of a household on an outdoor private property, retail stores open at 25 per cent capacity or 250 people maximum with adequate physical distancing and non-regulated health services, hair salons and barbershops open with 25 per cent capacity and adequate physical distancing.

The province is asking for feedback from Manitobans on the proposed changes, which would come into effect next week to replace the current public health orders that expire at 11:59 p.m. on Feb. 12. To provide input, visit https://engagemb.ca/.

Manitobans provided feedback that helped form the orders beginning Jan. 23, which saw the safe, modest reopening of Manitoba’s economy, as well as the basis for the proposed changes above, the premier said.

More than 73,000 responses were provided between Jan. 15 and 19 and indicated: • 85 per cent of respondents strongly or somewhat agreed it is important the province reopen gradually, preventing a yo-yo return to restrictions in future; • 61 per cent of respondents indicated the ability for children and young people to participate in organized sports and recreation is very important or important; • 62 per cent of respondents are very or

somewhat comfortable going to restaurants; and • 49 per cent of respondents said that the ability to have more people attend a wedding than the current five-person limit is very important or important.

Results of the survey will be posted on the EngageMB website once completed.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Click here to visit KAP's website to learn more & register for a session that suits your schedule: https://manitobafarmsafety.ca/upcoming-events

More support for tourism and other small businesses experiencing COVID-19-related losses across Western Canada The expanded Regional Relief and Recovery Fund now offers up to an additional $20,000 for eligible small businesses needing continued financial support (February 5, 2021 Western Economic Diversification News Release) Government of Canada has been

supporting small businesses and protecting jobs since the pandemic began, and will continue to do so for as long as it takes. Since its launch on May 13, 2020, the Regional Relief and Recovery Fund (RRRF) has protected over 33,500 jobs in Western Canada by providing nearly $427 million to support over 7,400 businesses and organizations, of which nearly 45 percent are located in rural areas and 30 percent are owned by women.

The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages and Minister responsible for Western Economic Diversification Canada announced an expansion of the RRRF to align with the increased funding available under the Canada Emergency Business Account (CEBA). This follows the Government’s intention in the Fall Economic Statement, to increase RRRF funding by $500 million nationally, including over $250 million for Western Canada. This will make a total of more than $800 million available to meet strong demand to help western Canadian small businesses and organizations with liquidity needs that cannot be met by other federal support programs, such as the new Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP).

New applicants to the RRRF can now request up to $60,000 in interest-free, repayable support, up from $40,000 previously. Existing RRRF recipients can now apply for additional funding of up to $20,000, if they continue to suffer eligible COVID-19-related losses.

Additional fully repayable liquidity support over $60,000 may also be available for eligible applicants.

With many travel and public health restrictions in place, Western Canada’s tourism sector has been particularly hard-hit by the pandemic. This is why a minimum of 25 percent of RRRF funding across Canada is earmarked for local tourism-related businesses and organizations to help them to be ready for an eventual recovery of the industry.

Quick facts •

RRRF is a national $2 billion needsbased program delivered by the Government of Canada’s regional development agencies, including Western Economic Diversification Canada, to fill gaps by helping support:

– businesses and organizations unable to access other federal pandemic support programs; and

More support for tourism and other small businesses experiencing COVID-19-related losses across Western Canada The expanded Regional Relief and Recovery Fund now offers up to an additional $20,000 for eligible small businesses needing continued financial support – businesses and organizations that continue to experience hardship after accessing these measures.

•

Up to 12 months of liquidity support is available to cover losses sustained between April 1, 2020, and March 31, 2021, an increase of six months. The deadline to apply is March 31, 2021.

•

This new funding increases the contribution limit from $40,000 to $60,000, based on eligibility.

•

Eligible applicants can get funding up to $40,000, with 25 percent (up to $10,000) forgivable if the nonforgivable portion is repaid by December 31, 2022.

•

Eligible applicants can apply for an additional funding over $40,000 and up to $60,000, with 50 percent (up to $10,000) forgivable if the nonforgivable portion is repaid by December 31, 2022.

•

The fully repayable liquidity support over $60,000 is subject to different terms and different deadlines.

•

Community Futures organizations across the West are delivering targeted RRRF support to small businesses in rural communities.

•

In Western Canada, program delivery is also being complemented by the Women’s Enterprise Initiative.

Associated links •

Western Economic Diversification Canada

•

Regional Relief and Recovery Fund

Reminder re: Canada Emergency Business Account CEBA requirements and deadlines have changed: •

As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.

•

Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.

•

All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

*NEW* All applicants can now check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://status-statut.cebacuec.ca/. Please wait 5 to 7 business days after finalizing your application before checking your loan status on this loan status website or with the call centre. If you try before the 5 to 7 business days you will not receive an update. The loan status website will be able to address the following types of questions: •

What is the status of my application?

•

Why was my application declined? How can I fix those errors (if applicable)?

All applicants are encouraged to check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://status-statut.cebacuec.ca/, but if you continue to have questions you may call the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201.

The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 8AM to 9PM Eastern Standard Time, excluding statutory holidays.

Join us virtually March 1, 2 and 3! This online conference co-hosted by the University of Manitoba’s National Centre for Livestock and the Environment and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada will feature morning workshops and afternoon panel discussions with producers, researchers, and industry specialists representing both crop and livestock sectors. The three days will provide opportunities to explore novel ideas and concepts, including an exciting session with graduate students who will share their research through short videos. Click to visit our website for the full program and to learn more about the student competition (deadline February 12). This conference is intended for a diverse audience. The aim is to bring together researchers, students, producers, government, commodity organizations and industry representatives from across Canada with a range of perspectives to collectively share ideas and experiences about how to improve agricultural sustainability in Canada.

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire: (204) 697-1140.

Due to COVID-19, all upcoming EFP workshops - 1pm-4pm on February 17, March 3, and March 17 - will be taking place virtually via GoTo Meeting until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, contact Tami Watson (204) 239 3352 or tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca. Once registered, arrangements will be made to provide you with the EFP workbooks and support material needed for the workshop.

January 29, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Thursday, February 11 at 12:45pm

Click here for agenda + free registration

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Manitoba farmers in a bind after province ‘modernizes’ use of Crown land Flood outlet not yet cleared for federal funding

Manitoba Hosts Forum on Sustainable Protein Innovation ***Note: Manitoba Beef Producers participated in this forum.

(January 29, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government, along

with the Manitoba Protein Consortium, hosted an interactive virtual forum on Sustainable Protein Innovation, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.

“Manitoba’s vision is to be North America’s protein supplier of choice, leading our country in sustainable protein industry growth that will benefit the profitability and competitiveness of producers, processors and the provincial economy,” said Pedersen. “We are working collaboratively with our industry, academic and government stakeholders to position Manitoba as a leader in sustainable protein and develop a network of collaborators that can mobilize around sustainable protein initiatives.”

The Sustainable Protein Innovation Forum was attended by approximately 85 organizations yesterday, where a new Sustainable Protein Action Framework was released.

Manitoba began its sustainable protein work in 2019 with a goal to become a global leader.

The province created a Protein Consortium to provide leadership on projects of strategic importance and encourage stakeholders to continue their actions to implement the Manitoba Protein Advantage strategy.

With this in place, Manitoba launched a multistakeholder ‘challenge dialogue’ on the future of sustainable protein, and gained feedback and insights from more than 85 organizations across the protein industry. Over the past

eight months, the province has been working together with stakeholders across the food and agriculture industry to identify specific actions, gaps to fill and a network of collaborators on research to support the province’s vision to differentiate its protein as first-in-class sustainability.

“The Challenge Dialogue discipline has been a transformational process for developing shared understanding, actions and next steps in our goal to achieve the full potential of the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy. Thank you to everyone who has participated,” said Dickson Gould, chair of the Manitoba Protein Consortium.

Seventeen industry leaders from Canada, as well as the Netherlands and Bulgaria, created the Sustainable Protein Action Framework.

Together, they formed a team to prioritize strategic activities and identify opportunities for scalable impact. This framework outlines the full suite of actions that are required to achieve the common goal of advancing sustainable protein.

“I’m pleased to have had the opportunity to collaborate with a number of other industry representatives on a design team to create the Sustainable Protein Action Framework released yesterday,” said David Wiens, Dairy Farmers of Manitoba. “The framework covers the entire sustainable protein landscape and will serve as a reference to guide future actions and position Manitoba as a leader in sustainability.”

To view the Sustainable Protein Action Framework, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/protein/sustaina bility/index.html.

Manitoba Rivers And Lakes Basin Conditions Update (January 28, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Future snow and spring rain will

determine Manitoba’s 2021 spring run-off and potential for high water situations across many of the province’s watersheds, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced.

The Manitoba Hydrologic Forecast Centre’s mid-January basin conditions assessment indicates drier than normal conditions for much of the southern and central Manitoba basins. The Red, Souris, and Assiniboine river basins continue to receive below average precipitation since August 2020.

However, northern Manitoba basins, including the Churchill and Saskatchewan river basins, continue to receive average to above-average precipitation since July 2020.

“Our government continues to strengthen its’ efforts to protect Manitobans in response to high water events; to achieve that, we must always be prepared,” said Schuler. “We will monitor watershed conditions closely despite low levels of precipitation last fall and this winter. We continue to maintain our inventory of floodfighting equipment and we have several procurement measures in place for equipment and supplies so we are able to respond quickly and effectively in the event of high water activities.”

The province maintains an inventory of flood-fighting equipment, which includes over two million sandbags, six sandbagmaking machines, 18,000 super sandbags and 43 kilometres of cage barriers into

which sand or other heavy material is placed. In addition, 65 kilometres of waterfilled barriers, and 59 mobile pumps and heavy-duty steamers to open clogged drains are in reserve.

Through an open tendering process, the province has five standing agreements for the purchase of materials such as sand, gravel, riprap, sandbags and pumps. It also has eight standing agreements for rental of various types of equipment to supplement existing resources such as water pumps, generators, mobile lighting plants, heavy equipment and other support machinery.

Last spring the province introduced new safe work procedures for sandbagging and water-filled barrier operations that municipalities can implement to ensure the safety of high water response workers during the COVID 19 pandemic. A high water response activity document was created, which provides a clear and concise process on sandbag production, the construction of two types of sandbag dikes, as well as the installation of water-filled barriers.

“We will continue to monitor conditions and will release the first Spring Thaw Outlook in late February,” noted Schuler.

To view the province’s safe sandbagging procedures, visit www.gov.mb.ca/emo/.

Manitoba Calls On Government of Canada to Sign Financial Agreement With Province for Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels (January 28, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government today urged

the federal government to signal its support for protecting Manitobans from future flood damage resulting from climate change by officially signing the joint Canada/Manitoba funding agreement for the long-delayed Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Channels Project.

Premier Brian Pallister announced.

“Since 2016, our government has been fighting to get this needed outlet built, to protect Manitobans, and prevent future flooding disasters from happening,” said Pallister.

“We’re ready to sign today and call upon the federal government to join with us and sign too.”

The outlet channels project is the largest and most significant flood mitigation project undertaken in Manitoba since the expansion of the Red River Floodway, the premier noted. It is a critical component of Manitoba’s broader integrated flood mitigation network, which includes the Shellmouth Dam, the Portage Diversion and the Red River Floodway.

Collectively, this system protects the safety of hundreds of thousands of Manitobans across much of the province, and reduces the catastrophic costs and damages associated with future flood events.

The project is estimated to cost a total of $540 million, cost-shared between the federal and provincial governments. The premier said it is predicted to contribute an estimated $335 million to Manitoba’s gross domestic product (GDP), with an additional $165 million in GDP accruing to other parts of Canada, as some construction material is sourced out of province. Construction of the outlet channel will result in positive economic effects to both the

provincial and regional economy, as well as the local labour market, he noted. The project workforce is estimated to average 300 people per year over five years of construction, which is crucial for Manitoba’s economic recovery through the COVID pandemic, the premier added.

“2021 marks a decade since the dramatic events surrounding the flood of 2011. The physical, social and financial impacts of that flood are still impacting Manitobans. Far too many Indigenous and non-Indigenous people lost their homes, their community and their way of life. It’s time to put all that right,” said Pallister.

To date, the province has had 174 meetings with indigenous communities and impacted groups to consult about the project. It has signed fully funded consultation agreements with eight First Nations. It has undertaken nearly $5 million in environmental impact assessments. Every month and year of delay costs Manitobans more and raises the risk of not being prepared for another severe flooding event brought about by a changing climate, the premier said.

“This is the single-most important infrastructure project in recent Manitoba history,” said Pallister. “We do not need another flood to show why this is the case. What we do need is for the federal government to show Manitobans it cares about climate change, Indigenous reconciliation, and the livelihood of farmers and communities by signing the joint funding agreement with us that is sitting on a desk in Ottawa.”

please see page 2 for additional media coverage

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Province Unveils Vaccine Prioritization List (January 27, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The province has released a four-

stage immunization plan that builds on medical expertise and Manitoba’s current approach to the vaccine campaign, with the goal of protecting Manitobans at greatest risk of COVID-19 the soonest, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.

“These priority groups are clear and based on the guidance of our medical experts,” said Stefanson. “We all want to get the vaccine to our most vulnerable people, and to every Manitoban who wants a vaccine, as quickly as possible. Now, we need the vaccine supply to put our plans into action.

This is incredibly important work that is being led by the Vaccine Implementation Task Force, on behalf of all Manitobans.”

The plan sets out how Manitoba will further expand its immunization campaign to reach more Manitobans in priority groups, and then to all Manitobans, based on age.

Manitoba’s approach follows the guidance provided by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) on priority populations for the COVID-19 vaccine, tailored to meet Manitoba’s situation. The NACI guidance for priority populations includes: • those at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19; • those most likely to transmit COVID-19 to those at high risk of severe illness and death from COVID-19; and • those whose living or working conditions put them at elevated risk of infection and where infection could have

disproportionate consequences including Indigenous communities.

Manitoba’s plan identifies four main groups including: • health-care workers and congregate living staff; • residents of congregate living facilities; • residents of First Nations communities; and • Manitobans, based on age.

These groups are then also broken down into smaller groups, so those at greater risk are eligible to be immunized sooner.

The most vulnerable people within the first three groups have already started to be eligible for immunization. The priority plan helps to set out how Manitoba continues to expand its immunization criteria to more Manitobans on the basis of age, as vaccine supplies allow.

Manitoba’s plan is based on recommendations from its vaccine medical advisory table, which includes 27 physicians from a broad range of specialties, a pharmacist and two nurses.

“Our priority population sequencing reflects what we know about COVID-19, including who is at greatest risk of serious illness and who is most likely to be exposed to the virus,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical officer of health with Manitoba Health and Seniors Care and medical lead on the Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “The plan we’re releasing today builds on the work we’ve already done to immunize thousands of people. Now Manitobans will have a better continued on next page

Province Unveils Vaccine Prioritization List sense of where they and their loved ones fit in the vaccine campaign as it rolls out in the weeks and months ahead.”

These priorities are in addition to pop-up vaccination clinics and Focused Immunization Teams (FITs) that can be used quickly immunize target priority populations.

The minister noted Manitoba is ready to rapidly launch a significant, province-wide immunization campaign to help protect as many Manitobans from the virus as quickly as possible.

Manitoba is now also actively planning to support the launch of new super sites across the province and expand capacity at existing locations. Once additional vaccine supply is received, the province will be able to deliver all vaccine the federal government is able to deliver.

As part of its plan, the province will continue to for immunizing other essential workers when additional vaccines become available in the future. These decisions will also be guided by epidemiological information, medical advice and occupational workplace safety and health.

Additional immunization planning for essential workers may happen as additional vaccines become available.

Manitoba remains focused on providing full protection against COVID-19 to those most at risk. The province is currently third in the country for total population fully immunized, at 369 people per 100,000.

The minister also noted that Manitobans will have an opportunity to join her, Reimer

and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, at a telephone town hall on Tuesday, Feb. 2 at 6:30 p.m. To register and receive a phone call to join, visit https://engagemb.ca/restartmb-pandemicresponse-system.

An overview of Manitoba’s prioritization strategy and more information about Manitoba’s COVID-19 immunization campaign are available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/index .html.

A PDF OF THE VACCINATION PRIORITIZATION LIST IS AVAILABLE ON THE NEXT PAGE

COVID-19 VACCINE MANITOBA COVID-19 VACCINATION PLAN – PRIORITY POPULATION SEQUENCING Stage 1

Stage 2

Healthcare Workers & Congregate Living Staff

Healthcare workers who provide direct patient care in: • Critical Care Units • Designated COVID 19 wards • Emergency Departments & Urgent Care Departments • Long-term Care Facilities • Correctional Facilities • Emergency Shelters • CLDS & CFS Group Homes • Paramedics (born before 1975) • Acute care facilities (born before 1975) • Home care (born before 1975) Laboratory workers who handle COVID-19 specimens Healthcare workers in designated COVID-19 testing clinics and COVID-19 immunization clinics

Healthcare workers who provide direct patient care of any age in: • Acute Care facilities • Paramedics • Home Care Healthcare workers over age 60 who provide direct patient care in: • Primary care clinics • Dental clinics • Specialty physician clinics • Diagnostic Imaging • Outpatient laboratories • Outpatient surgical programs • Elderly day programs All staff (including those without direct patient care) in: • Licensed Personal Care Homes All staff over 60 (including those without direct patient care) in: • Congregate living facilities

All staff (including those without direct patient care) in: • Acute care facilities • Primary care clinics • Dental clinics • Specialty physician clinics • Diagnostic Imaging • Outpatient labs • Outpatient surgical programs • Elderly day programs • Home care All staff in congregate living facilities

Congregate Living Facilities Residents

Residents of licensed Personal Care Homes Residents of high-risk congregate living facilities

Residents of high and moderate risk congregate living facilities

Residents of all congregate living facilities not reached in Phase 1/2

First Nations

General Population Essential workers

Stage 3

Stage 4 All healthcare workers who work in a health care facility

Additional information will be provided in partnership with First Nations.

Manitobans over age 80 • Starting with Manitobans over 95 • Expanding by 1 year increments until reaching age 80 Essential workers may be added as additional vaccine products are approved for use in Canada.

Manitobans over age 60 • Starting with over 75 • Expanding by 1 year increments

Manitobans over 18 • Starting with over 55 • Expanding by 1 year increments

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program The 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program assists Manitoba cattle producers affected by COVID-19 related closures of slaughter plants and capacity reductions. The program provides financial assistance to offset extraordinary feed costs incurred due to a delay in marketing cattle.

market and slaughter, but could not be sold due to reduced capacity at the major Alberta beef processors. This period, referred to as the Extraordinary Feeding Period, includes the time needed to address cattle supply backlog in Western Canada.

For eligible applicants: •

The Extraordinary Feed Period began April 15, 2020, OR when the cattle reached the minimum weight for eligibility (1,400 lbs. for steers or 1,300 lbs. for heifers), whichever is later.

•

The Extraordinary Feed Period ends December 31, 2020, OR on the actual slaughter date of the cattle, whichever is earlier.

•

The Extraordinary Feed Period for these cattle must have been greater than 14 days.

•

Applicants must have owned the cattle for a minimum of 60 days prior to slaughter and must have missed the intended marketing date due to COVID-19 related slaughter interruptions.

•

The cattle slaughter date must be between April 29, 2020 and December 31, 2020.

Who can apply?

The following are eligible to apply: •

individuals

•

partnerships

•

corporations

•

co-operatives

•

First Nation communities

•

any other association of persons owning and responsible for associated feed costs of eligible animals between April 15, 2020 and December 31, 2020

When are the application deadlines?

Applications must be received by February 15, 2021.

What do we fund?

The program will pay daily support for the period during which cattle were ready for

continued on next page

Revision to 2020 Canada-Manitoba Finished Cattle Feed Assistance Program Application Deadline Extended to February 15, 2021 How much does the program fund?

Eligible applicants will receive $1.20 per eligible animal for each day in the Extraordinary Feeding Period, to a maximum of 63 days. The maximum payment is $75.60 per head.

Additional Information: •

Payments will not be issued for: •

animals with less than 14 Extraordinary Feed Days

•

applicants with fewer than five eligible animals

•

payments of less than $200.00

How do I apply?

•

•

Refer to the Terms and Conditions or Frequently Asked Questions guide for more detailed information on eligible and other requirements.

Complete an Application Form and either email completed application form to agriculture@gov.mb.ca or mail to: •

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Box 970, Roblin MB R0L 1P0

Please note: Applications must be accompanied by documentation that supports the claim of costs incurred by feeding eligible animals (refer to Terms and Conditions) during the Extraordinary Feed Period. All Applications must include copies of sales invoices, including the date and average weight of cattle, provided by purchasing slaughter facility.

•

Payments will be considered allowable income for AgriStability, in the program year only.

•

Payments will not be considered allowable revenue under AgriInvest.

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online in February The following information is from the Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development website:

The Manitoba government has announced a new approach to agricultural Crown land lease auctions beginning in February. A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing, or cropping.

A complete listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found online at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPprop erties.aspx or a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office.

Online bidding will take place February 8, 2021 through February 12, 2021 at Garton's Auction Service.

Available units will be listed for viewing on the auction website starting on February 1, 2021. All bidders will be required to complete and ACL Registration Form (PDF 736 KB), in addition to registering to bid on the online auction platform. The ACL Registration Form (PDF 736 KB) can be completed ahead of the auction and submitted to agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca Please note that you may be ineligible to bid in an agricultural Crown lands lease auction if you have not made payment in full for your existing 2021 lease or permit by February 1, 2021.

For information about participating in a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Crown Lands Auction, please refer to the Fact Sheet (PDF 158 KB).

Samples of the standard Forage Lease Agreement (PDF 894 KB) and Cropping Lease Agreement (PDF 883 KB) are available for review. Although the lease will apply to most parcels, there may be specific additional provisions that apply to specific parcels.

Eligibility An individual must be at least 18 years of age, and be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada within the meaning of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (Canada). Corporations, forage cooperatives, partnerships, Hutterite colonies, and First Nation bands can also be eligible to acquire an agricultural Crown lands lease.

Please refer to the Eligibility Policy for further guidance.

Fees •

Allocation is done via auction process with an administrative reserve in place

•

Annual rent for cropping leases is determined by successful auction bid

•

Annual rent for forage dispositions is determined by formula continued on next page

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online in February •

Forage Rent Formula = A x 3.5% x B

•

A is the average price of beef, determined by the average sale price per hundred pound weight for the previous 36 months, ending September 30 for 500 to 600 pound heifers and steers in the province as published by Canfax (an operating division of the Canadian Cattlemen's Association)

•

•

B is the forage capacity for the land, being the number of animal unit months that the land is capable of producing in an average year, as determined by Manitoba Agriculture 2021 rent = $7.23/AUM

•

Annual payment in lieu of municipal taxes is calculated by Real Estate Services Division, Department of Finance

•

For additional information on upfront costs and annual fees, please see the Allocation and Rent Policy

•

A transfer fee of $200 is applicable to transfers and name changes on lease agreements. Please see the Transfer Policy

•

Community pasture rent is determined by the Association of Manitoba Community Pastures

•

Development (land improvements) is done at lessee cost and rental rates are not increased for an agreed-upon number of years, depending on the extent of the development

More information on the upcoming auctions can be found at https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPprop erties.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by email at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca or by calling 204867-6550 or 1-844-769-6624 (toll-free).

A PDF ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN A MANITOBA AGRICULTURE AND RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT CROWN LANDS AUCTION IS AVAILABLE ON THE NEXT PAGE.

Preparing for an Online Agricultural Crown Lands Lease Auction Parcels for Lease Agricultural Crown Lands available for lease or renewable permit at auction can be reviewed at: resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx#agLeasePermit The lots will be available for viewing on the website of the 3rd party hosting the auction one week prior to the start of the auction.

Prior to the Auction • Potential bidders are encouraged to ensure they meet eligibility criteria. Any arrears on agricultural Crown lands lease or permit accounts must be paid in full prior to the auction in order to be eligible to bid. Eligibility may also be impacted by previous compliance history with the Agricultural Crown Lands program.

• Potential bidders are encouraged to become informed prior to the auction by researching and visiting the parcels and units of interest and becoming familiar with lease or permit obligations. Potential bidders must ensure they can legally access the parcels. º Aerial photo map viewer agrimaps.gov.mb.ca/agrimaps/ º Information on the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program, including the standard Forage Lease Agreement and Cropping Lease Agreement can be found on the Agricultural Crown Lands website: manitoba.ca/agriculture/ land-management/crown-land/index.html

º Farm Production Extension Specialists Crown Lands can provide assistance prior to the auction dates.

• Please note that The Crown Lands Act prohibits some provincial employees from holding Crown land without further vetting. For additional information, please contact staff.

• If translation or accommodation services are required for the auction, please contact staff at least five (5) days in advance of the auction.

Online Auction Bidding

Following the Online Auction

• The registration and auction process is administered by an independent 3rd party to be identified on the ACL website and/or auction notice. For technical assistance with participation in the auction process, please contact the auctioneer.

• The auction website will display available parcels for one week prior to the scheduled auction.

• Potential bidders will complete the online registration process, including a declaration of eligibility.

• The auction website will list the auction rules, and examples will be provided. º FORAGE LEASE: The lease is for a 15 year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land. Rent is determined separately via formula. º RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT or RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The permit is for 15 one-year terms. The bidding will start at $200.00 per unit and the successful bidder will earn the right to hold a permit on the land. Rent is determined separately via formula.

• The successful bids will be listed on the auction website at the end of the auction.

Official auction results will be posted on the provincial website soon thereafter.

• The payment process, and lease document signing is administered by provincial staff.

Successful bidders will be required to sign lease documents and make payment in full within 30 days of invoicing following the auction. º FORAGE LEASE, RENEWABLE HAY PERMIT, RENEWABLE GRAZING PERMIT: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s rent and amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable. º CROPPING LEASE: The payment will include the successful bid amount, the first year’s amount in lieu of municipal taxes, and GST as applicable.

º CROPPING LEASE: The lease is for a five (5) year term. The bidding will start at $200.00 plus the minimum rental amount, and the successful bidder will earn the right to lease the land and set the annual rental amount via the auction bid.

Contact us • Email us at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca • Go to manitoba.ca/agriculture • Toll free at 1-844-769-6224 • Follow us on Twitter @MBGovAg

PREPARING FOR AN ONLINE AGRICULTURAL CROWN LANDS LEASE AUCTION

2

Province Announces Proposed Changes to Public Health Orders re: Interprovincial Travel (January 26, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is amending

public health orders to put formal restrictions on interprovincial travel to protect Manitobans from COVID-19 and to help prevent importation of possible variants from other jurisdictions, Premier Brian Pallister announced.

“Manitobans have worked incredibly hard over the last two months to flatten our COVID-19 curve, which has allowed us to take a cautious, measured approach to reopening some services in our province,” said Pallister. “Out of an abundance of caution, we are implementing more formal travel restrictions to protect Manitobans from the risks of COVID-19 being introduced to us further by travel including any new COVID-19 strains from other jurisdictions.”

The public health orders will be amended on Jan. 29 to specify that anyone entering Manitoba from anywhere in Canada will be required to self-isolate for 14 days. This includes those entering from northern and Western Canada, and from west of Terrace Bay in Ontario, which under previous health orders did not require self-isolation.

Current exemptions to self-isolation measures are still in effect including those traveling for essential interprovincial work and people travelling for medical purposes. There will also continue to be exemptions for people who regularly travel to and from communities near the borders for essential purposes.

“Let me be clear – Manitobans should not be traveling, either internationally, interprovincially or within our province except for essential reasons. This will help reduce the spread of COVID-19, including cases of new variants, which have been found in other provinces,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer. “This

revised order formalizes that measure and lays out clear requirements for Manitobans. We must all work together to observe these selfisolation requirements as well as other public health fundamentals, including physical distancing, frequent handwashing and mask wearing, to continue to keep our COVID-19 numbers at bay.”

Manitobans currently out-of-province will have until 11:59 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28 to return to the province without being required to selfisolate. If they arrive after that time, they must self-isolate as appropriate on their return.

Failure to self-isolate in accordance with public health advice is a violation of the order and is enforceable under the Public Health Act. Individuals could be subject to fines for noncompliance. Visit www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/orders/ index.html for full information on travel and self-isolation requirements.

The restrictions complement the other limited changes to the public health orders that took effect Jan. 23 and will last for three weeks.

These changes balance the need to protect the health-care system while gradually restoring services and activities for Manitobans, Pallister said.

The province will keep monitoring COVID-19 developments carefully and will make further adjustments to ease restrictions or re-impose restrictions depending on Manitobans’ collective success in keeping COVID-19 at bay, Pallister reiterated.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

To view the public health order in its entirety, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/ 2020_2021/orders-soe-selfisolation-01282021.pdf

Click here to visit KAP's website to learn more & register for a session that suits your schedule: https://manitobafarmsafety.ca/upcoming-events

Manitoba Government Announces Virtual Engagement for Budget 2021 (January 22, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The provincial government is

telephone town halls at https://engagemb.ca/budget-2021.

inviting Manitobans to participate in virtual and telephone engagement sessions and an online survey to help shape Budget 2021, Finance Minister Scott Fielding announced today.

Manitobans can also email comments and ideas to budget2021@gov.mb.ca or mail written submissions to:

“As we prepare our upcoming budget, our government’s priority is to protect and support all Manitobans through the unprecedented fiscal and economic impacts of COVID-19,” said Fielding. “Our annual budget process relies on Manitobans to provide valuable input on important issues.

With the pandemic restricting the ways we gather, this year we’re inviting all Manitobans to share suggestions in a safe way as we launch our first-ever virtual engagement process.”

“Budget 2021 will focus on protecting health care, jobs, incomes, education and child care for Manitobans, as we look for ways to protect our province’s future,” said Fielding. “We invite Manitobans to help prioritize our investments in areas such as health care and our COVID-19 response, jobs and the economy, mental health and addictions, and investments in our schools.”

Due to COVID-19 public health orders that restrict gathering sizes, Fielding will host four telephone town halls and four virtual engagement sessions in late January and early February, and invites Manitobans to submit online and written feedback.

Minister of Finance c/o Budget Consultations 103-450 Broadway Winnipeg, MB R3C 0V8

The province’s mid-year financial report and economic outlook released in December 2020 projected a revised deficit of $2.048 billion for the current 2020-21 fiscal year, which would be the highest deficit in Manitoba history.

Telephone town halls: • Monday, Feb. 1 at 6:30 p.m. for Winnipegarea residents; and • Wednesday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. for rural Manitobans.

To date, Manitoba has committed $3.2 billion in response to the health, social and economic impacts of the pandemic, which is the third-highest level of estimated per capita and as a percentage of gross domestic product (GDP) support in the country.

The Manitoba government has also launched an online budget survey through EngageMB and invites Manitobans to complete the survey and register for the virtual public engagement meetings and

Fielding noted the province remains focused on its pandemic response and has yet to set a date to release Budget 2021 as it awaits information from the federal government in regards to its budget date and final transfer amounts to provinces.

Canadian beef partners launch campaign highlighting University chefs and Canadian beef farmers “Across the country, college and university chefs feed thousands and thousands of students every day. For chefs and students, it is all about nutrition, affordability and taste—students say the reputation of an institution's foodservice influences their decision to apply for admission.

This has resulted in institutions hiring some of the most skilled chefs around,” according to an article in the Toronto Star.

The 2020 school year looked very different from past years and school chefs had to pivot within their role. Recognizing an opportunity, the team at Star Metroland (a group of digital and print publications across Canada) presented an interesting proposition to highlight some of Canada’s college and university chefs along with Canadian beef farmers and ranchers. Canada Beef teamed up with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s Public and Stakeholder Engagement team and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef on this digital and social media project.

The Cooking by Degrees campaign, published in the Star Metroland family of newspapers, featured recipes submitted by university and college chefs, highlighting their favourite Canadian beef cut. In the articles, chefs talk about how they develop their menu items and how they include Canadian beef on their menus. The sixteen recipes are an interesting mix of different cuts of beef.

To add a unique perspective to these articles, well-known agriculture reporter and Guelph University Professor Owen Roberts, interviewed Canadian beef producers across Canada to round out each article and provide readers with a fresh perspective on the farmers who raise and grow their food. These beef producer articles focused on the sustainability aspect of beef farming, educating readers about how

beef farmers care for their animals and the environment.

"This was a unique opportunity to showcase the on-the-ground story of Canadian beef, a global leader in sustainable beef production, with Canadian consumers. We were able to highlight the important connection between the farmers and ranchers dedicated to raising local Canadian food responsibly with the [verified] sustainable practices increasingly demanded by Canadian consumers," says Andrea White, Community Engagement and Marketing Manager, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.

Amie Peck, Stakeholder Engagement Manager, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association notes that "alongside these farmer profiles are the chefs who elevate that food into delicious, innovative experiences that we can re-create from the comfort of our homes. It was exciting to see the passion for raising Canadian beef cattle through the eyes of farmers and ranchers, which is so important for building public trust, align with the passion of these chefs in delivering delicious eating experiences."

Thomas Hagan is a Manitoba rancher raising 300 cattle with his family on a 3,200-acre ranch near Virden. Hagan is committed to continued on next page

Canadian beef partners launch campaign highlighting University chefs and Canadian beef farmers sustainability through an approach called regenerative agriculture.

It’s based on helping the soil reach new heights of healthiness, rich in beneficial bacteria and microorganisms and putting carbon in the soil.

The cattle have a role in pasture improvement, aerating the soil with their cloven hooves and working their manure into the soil with each step they take. Hagan herds them shoulder to shoulder, mimicking the action of tightly packed wildebeest herds on the savannah.

The cattle change pastures up to five times a day, with help from automatic fence-lifting devices that open up greener pastures to them.

Hagan is this year’s recipient of the Environmental Stewardship Award from Manitoba Beef Producers. “Grass is our number one asset, and the better we are at growing it, the more productive we are,” he says.

The Cooking by Degrees online campaign launched December 2, 2020, runs for 16 weeks and will live permanently on the Cooking by Degrees page on thestar.com website, which has a large readership in urban centres across Canada. This opportunity to share information about Canadian beef and the producers who provide it was a perfect fit for this audience.

Each partner created digital ads to enhance the articles through strong call-to-action topics to drive readers to click for further information.

Canada Beef also wrote survey questions to further engage readers with the website content. Preliminary results show that the campaign has already received over 10,000 page views. Readers are also spending a higher than average time on the site, (around 3 minutes compared to the average of 2 minutes) which indicates they are reading the articles.

The digital ads are also performing about 2.5 times better than other sponsored content ads with a click-thru-rate of 6.4%.

"This campaign is successful on a number of levels," says Michele McAdoo, Executive Director, Communications, Canada Beef. "The articles provide interesting information about beef cuts and recipes as well as sharing beef producer stories and highlighting their sustainability efforts. The digital ads drive readers to learn more about the industry and about preparing beef--given the outstanding results, the campaign has really resonated with readers."

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire: (204) 697-1140.

Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via GoTo Meeting until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, contact Tami Watson (204) 239 3352 or tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca. Once registered, arrangements will be made to provide you with the EFP workbooks and support material needed for the workshop.

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

February 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

CONTACT:

Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca

Resolutions Suggestion Form for 42nd Manitoba Beef Producers AGM Manitoba Beef Producers’ board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested late resolutions for potential debate at its virtual 42nd Annual General Meeting set for February 11, 2021. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBP’s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the resolutions session. In consultation with the resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions.

Please note: if the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking.

See sample resolutions and submission instructions on page 2, and provide your proposed resolution on the form below.

Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (include MBP District number if known) ___________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________

Sample Resolutions Arising from Past Manitoba Beef Producers District Meetings Example 1 Whereas blackbirds cause significant losses to producers’ crops.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Minister of Sustainable Development to include blackbird damage as eligible for claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage.

Example 2 Whereas Manitoba Agriculture recognizes that bale grazing of beef cattle can save producers time, effort and money and help distribute valuable nutrients to the soil to enhance future productivity; and Whereas even though this practice is well utilized by Manitoba’s beef producers, they currently receive no compensation for wildlife damage to bales left in fields or pastures for feeding purposes.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government for changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage to ensure that baled hay that remains on fields for use as part of an extended feeding regime becomes eligible for compensation related to wildlife damage.

Submission Instructions for Proposed Resolutions Please send the proposed resolution (along with your contact information) to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Alternatively, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4.

For resolutions to be reviewed by MBP’s board of directors and posted on MBP’s website prior to the 42nd AGM for others to see, they need to be received by MBP no later than 8:30 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2021.

Thanks for your assistance in this regard and we look forward to an engaging virtual resolutions debate!

January 22, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Province Makes Modest Changes to Provincial Public Health Orders Protecting Manitobans Effective Jan. 23 (January 21, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Limited changes

to the public health orders will take effect on Jan. 23 and last for three weeks, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer, announced, adding these modest changed balance the need to protect the health-care system while gradually restoring services and activities for Manitobans.

“We recognize the significant sacrifices all Manitobans have made throughout this pandemic and especially in the last two months, to protect themselves, their loved ones and their community,” said Pallister. “Thanks to their willingness, compassion and dedication to follow the strict public health orders, we are now in a position to cautiously and gradually reduce some restrictions, while ensuring we continue to protect and safeguard Manitoba lives. Manitobans have earned this day and Manitobans now have the opportunity to earn such days in the future.”

Previous restrictions in the orders will remain, with the following changes in effect beginning Jan. 23 for the Winnipeg (except for Churchill), Southern Health–Santé Sud, Interlake–Eastern and Prairie Mountain Health regions: • household limits: orders will be expanded to allow increased personal connections to support the well-being of Manitobans by allowing:

- two designated people (family or friends) to visit a household under a new ‘rule of two’; - outdoor visits of up to five people only plus members of a household on an outdoor private property; and - funerals to have up to 10 people in addition to the officiant under clear COVID-19 protection protocols.

• retail operations: orders will be expanded to eliminate the essential items list, allowing all stores to open for the sale of products provided they maintain physical distancing and occupancy limits of 25 per cent only or a maximum of 250 people, whichever is lower.

• health and personal services: orders will be expanded to allow for the operation of basic services that promote physical and mental health for Manitobans: - non-regulated health services, such as pedorthists and reflexologists, to reopen with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes; and - barber shops and hair stylists to reopen at 25 per cent capacity with adequate physical distancing and requirements to collect information for contact tracing purposes.

Given the high case counts in northern Manitoba communities, the changes outlined above will not apply to that region or

continued on page 3

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Young farmer finds unique education New 10-week bootcamp preps aspiring farmers to break into the industry What millennials want

Public Health Orders (continued from page 1) or Churchill. Household restrictions, retail operations limited to essential items only, and health and service operations will remain limited to regulated health professions.

“Our collective progress in bending the COVID curve means we can undertake these careful, measured openings,” said Roussin. “But we must stick to the fundamentals of physical distancing, washing hands and wearing a mask in our daily lives to keep this success going.”

Roussin explained that current high COVID case numbers and test positivity rates in northern Manitoba where the virus continues to affect remote and isolated communities, including First Nation communities, means Manitoba is not yet in a position to ease restrictions in this region.

As steps are taken toward a safe, gradual reopening to protect Manitobans, the province will continue to engage Manitobans to provide their feedback via EngageMB, Pallister noted.

Manitobans were invited to provide feedback on the proposed reopening plans and from Tuesday, Jan. 19 to Thursday, Jan. 21, 35,052 responses were provided, and included: • 62.1 per cent of respondents agreed that household limits should be increased to allow for two people with whom you regularly interact to visit your residence and up to five people outdoors on private property and that funerals should be permitted to have up to 10 people, in addition to officiants; • 73.1 per cent of respondents agreed reopening non-regulated health professions, hair stylists and barbershops is an appropriate next step in a gradual reopening; and • 76.4 per cent of respondents agreed eliminating the essential items list and limiting retail capacity to 25 per cent or 250 patrons, or whichever is lower, is an appropriate next step in gradual reopening.

Pallister reiterated the province will monitor COVID-19 developments carefully and will make further adjustments to ease restrictions or re-impose restrictions depending on Manitobans’ collective success in keeping COVID-19 at bay.

For up-to-date information on COVID-19 in Manitoba, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID19.

Free virtual mental health literacy training throughout the months of January, February, and March 2021. Please visit KAP's website to learn more and register for a session that suits your schedule: https://manitobafarmsafety.ca/upcoming-events

Resolutions Suggestion Form for 42nd Manitoba Beef Producers AGM Manitoba Beef Producers’ board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested late resolutions for potential debate at its virtual 42nd Annual General Meeting set for February 11, 2021. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBP’s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the resolutions session. In consultation with the resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions.

Please note: if the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking.

See sample resolutions and submission instructions on page 2, and provide your proposed resolution on the form below.

Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (include MBP District number if known) ___________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________

Sample Resolutions Arising from Past Manitoba Beef Producers District Meetings Example 1 Whereas blackbirds cause significant losses to producers’ crops.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Minister of Sustainable Development to include blackbird damage as eligible for claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage.

Example 2 Whereas Manitoba Agriculture recognizes that bale grazing of beef cattle can save producers time, effort and money and help distribute valuable nutrients to the soil to enhance future productivity; and Whereas even though this practice is well utilized by Manitoba’s beef producers, they currently receive no compensation for wildlife damage to bales left in fields or pastures for feeding purposes.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government for changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage to ensure that baled hay that remains on fields for use as part of an extended feeding regime becomes eligible for compensation related to wildlife damage.

Submission Instructions for Proposed Resolutions Please send the proposed resolution (along with your contact information) to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Alternatively, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4.

For resolutions to be reviewed by MBP’s board of directors and posted on MBP’s website prior to the 42nd AGM for others to see, they need to be received by MBP no later than 8:30 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2021.

Thanks for your assistance in this regard and we look forward to an engaging virtual resolutions debate!

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Feb. 8 to 12, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/.

Allocating agricultural Crown land leases by way of a public auction is part of the modernization of the Agricultural Crown Lands Program, the minister noted. These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers, to provide an additional land base on which to conduct agricultural activities. The Agricultural Crown Lands Program supports the sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to climate change.

(January 11, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government announced

a new, modern online approach to agricultural Crown land lease auctions beginning in February, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen said.

“By modernizing our approach to service delivery we are better able to meet the needs and expectations of our clients,” said Pedersen.

“The new, online auction format will ensure we can offer all Manitobans the opportunity to rent additional lands that will support their farming operations.”

A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing, or cropping. The official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperti es.aspx.

More information on the upcoming auctions can be found at https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperti es.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by email at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca or by calling 204867-6550 or 1-844-769-6624 (toll-free).

Consultation Summary

Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Summary of Feedback from the public consultations on the 2020 draft amendment to the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation.

Summary of Feedback In total, 63 unique comments were received, 57 from private individuals, three from farm industry organizations, one from a municipality, one from a political party, and one from a group of individuals.

Comments were received on the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal, as well as via email and fax to Agricultural Crown Lands office.

Of note, approximately 2.4 per cent of current agricultural Crown lands lease and permit holders provided feedback on the draft regulation.

The comments were categorized in terms of the following main themes based on the changes proposed: Theme 1. Legacy lease renewals

Comments

In general, there is strong support for the concept of legacy lease renewals to ensure stability of existing leases that have been built into livestock operations.

2. Renewals for non- A few comments were submitted requesting legacy forage consideration of renewals for all leases leaseholders, including new or non-legacy leases.

3. Renewal fees On comment suggested the renewal fee to be introduced in 2035 is too high.

4. Family Transfers In general, there is strong support for the concept of family transfers, and ensuring renewability for legacy leases following family transfers as well.

5. Unit Transfers In general, there is opposition to the removal of the ability to consider application of one final unit transfer. Comments were also mixed with the request to reinstate the full breadth of unit transfers as opposed to the transitionary measure.

6. Cropping permits No comments were made.

Any Change to Regulation as Presented Legacy lease renewals will be allowed as presented, no change.

Renewals for non-legacy forage leases are not in line with modernization, no change.

Fee is necessary to recover administrative costs, no change.

Importance of Manitoba family farms is recognized, family transfers will be allowed as presented, no change.

Unit transfers are not in line with modernization efforts, unit transfers will not be allowed and transitionary measure removed, no change.

No change.

7. Outside-of-Scope

Several comments were received on various other topics but out of scope for the proposed regulation : o Modernization: comments on other elements of modernization already completed through regulatory changes, and suggestions related to program administration changes made regarding forage lease term length, lease allocation auctions, forage rental rates, and improvements value transfer between private parties. o Public access: some commenters supported measures that would allow leaseholders to limit or restrict access on agriculturally leased land. o Conservation: some comments and suggestions for introducing Best Management Practice incentives to aid in conservation of lands. o Enforcement: some comments related to a desire for more expansive compliance monitoring and enforcement by government. o Sales: some comments expressed desire for an expanded sales program for agricultural Crown lands under lease. o Alternate programming: suggestions regarding development of a homesteading program.

Contact us Manitoba Agriculture 36 Armitage Ave, P.O. Box 1286 Minnedosa, MB R0J 1E0 Phone: 204-867-6550 Toll Free: 1-844-769-6224 Fax: 204-867-6578 Email: agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca Web: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture Twitter: @MBGovAg

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The Kubota Territory Sales Representative is responsible for sales of all new and used Kubota equipment to existing and prospective customers in an assigned territory (Portage la Prairie, MacGregor, Austin, Neepawa, Gladstone APR).

Please send resumes to jeremyh@genag.com 2610 Saskatchewan Ave West Portage la Prairie

Sell and market the Kubota Agriculture, Turf and Construction Equipment Deliver and conduct equipment demonstrations in the field

Livestock Dealers Licencing Program Overview Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development How can the Livestock Dealers Licensing Program help Cattle Producers?

Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) administers the livestock dealers licensing program under Manitoba Livestock Dealers and Agents Licensing Regulation. The purpose of the Program is to protect sellers of livestock from payment defaults by the licensed buyers. Licensed dealers are required to carry bond or line of credit coverage as stipulated in the regulation. The level of coverage is determined by the volume of livestock purchased on an annual basis. A typical security bond for an active licensed buyer is $40,000 of protection. If a default occurs, sellers can make a claim against the dealers bond to recover full or partial value of the livestock depending on the value of the bond. In order to ensure the intended protection, sellers and the buyers must adhere to the following requirements before making any deal.

Sellers of Livestock must: • Ask for a livestock dealer’s / agent’s license before continuing with the sale.

• Verify the status of the livestock dealer’s / agent’s license. Sellers can access on the Dealers and Agents Licence webpage; a directory of the licensed livestock dealers and agents in Manitoba.

• Notify ARD immediately in case of the payment omission within one day unless otherwise agreed upon.

• Present the cheque to their financial institution for payment within 8 business days of the day of the price determination. In the case where the seller is a livestock dealer, the cheque must be presented in 5 business days.

• Notify ARD within 7 business days of a returned check due to non-sufficient funds • “SELLER BEWARE IS THE BEST POLICY” Licensed Dealers must: • Hold and display a valid livestock dealers/agents licence.

• Include the licensee’s name and number in all advertisements related to livestock sale/purchase.

• Provide sellers with a written statement about the details of the purchase including: name and address of the seller, name and address of the dealer, number and kind of livestock bought, unit and gross purchase price, and weight of the livestock if bought on weight basis.

• Ensure only licensed agents act on behalf of the licensed livestock dealer.

• Make payment of any livestock purchases within one day of the price determination unless otherwise agreed upon.

• Notify ARD within 24 hours if he/she sells livestock to another licensed livestock dealer who defaults in the payment.

• Make all the records of livestock sale/purchase readily available to the designated person by ARD. Suspension, Cancellation and Audit of Livestock Dealers Licenses: • ARD staff investigate complaints and conduct audits of the records of sale/purchase of livestock dealers as necessary. After a careful investigation, the license of a livestock dealer will be suspended or cancelled if a breach of the Act is found. All licensed livestock dealers and livestock commodity associations are emailed within 24 hours notifying them if a licensed dealer is found to be in default.

The Following activities will initiate a prompt investigation: • Any findings of non-payment during an audit.

• A substantive complaint regarding payment omission.

• A substantive report about a buyer going into receivership.

Livestock Dealers Licencing Program Overview •

A complaint of non-compliance of Manitoba Livestock Dealers and Agents Licensing Regulation under The Livestock and Livestock Products Act.

Investigation Process: • Sellers will be requested to provide evidence of sale within three days of the request (sooner is better).

• Buyers must furnish the records as requested.

• An investigation will be completed promptly, normally within five business days. ARD can take following actions as a result of the investigation: o Dismiss the complaint if there is no reason to believe that the breach of the regulation has occurred. o Suspend the licence for further investigation. o Cancel the licence if it is determined that a breach of the regulation has occurred.

• If a case of default is verified: o The information will be publicized using the ARD website, newspapers, etc. o For cancellation of a license due to non-payment or bankruptcy, a notice for any claimants will be publicized. o Claimants will have 90 days to submit their claims against the surety bond of the dealer. Once the bond is realized, the payments will be made on prorated basis as necessary.

For Complaints, Questions and Concerns regarding livestock dealers licensing program: • Phone: Tod Wallace @ 204-851-5438 • Email: tod.wallace@gov.mb.ca • Website: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

M A N I TOB A

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

Homegrown conservation since 1986.

Homegrown conservation since 1986.

Rangeland Extension Specialist The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation is seeking a self-motived individual to develop and deliver a rangeland extension program.

As a Rangeland Extension Specialist, the incumbent will work with Manitoba ranchers and land managers to support effective management of rangelands for the benefit of grassland birds and livestock.

The candidate will require a P. Ag. and have extensive knowledge of native and tame grassland management and the livestock industry.

Full position description is available at: www.mhhc.mb.ca/news/careers Essential Qualifications: • • • • • •

Professional Agrologist designation Extensive knowledge of rangeland management Knowledge of grassland species at risk Excellent communication skills Proficiency with MS Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint Able to travel throughout southern Manitoba

Asset Qualifications: • • •

Familiar with Manitoba’s geography and cattle industry Functional with ArcGIS (Desktop or Pro) Comfortable with public speaking

Closing Date: February 5, 2021 Position Location: Brandon, MB (other suitable locations may be considered)

1-833-323-4636

www.mhhc.mb.ca

@MBHabitat

Joint Statement from the 2021 FederalProvincial-Territorial Agriculture Ministerial Co-Chairs on Proposed Changes to the AgriStability Program (January 19, 2021 Statement, Agriculture and AgriFood Canada) “As co-chairs of the Federal-

Provincial-Territorial (FPT) agriculture ministerial meetings, we urge all provincial and territorial Ministers to support the proposed changes to the AgriStability program.

The COVID-19 pandemic has challenged farmers in unprecedented ways. From labour, to housing, to processing issues every aspect of farming has been impacted by the pandemic.

Through it all, our farmers have pressed on and continued to work tirelessly to ensure that their workers are kept safe from the outbreak and that our grocery stores remain stocked with safe, nutritious, Canadian food. However, farmers across the country continue to face challenges, which is why the swift endorsement and delivery of this enhanced AgriStability program is critical.

The offer to improve AgriStability includes the removal of the reference margin limit as well as an increase of the AgriStability compensation rate from 70% to 80%.

Taken together this would result in a 50% increase, around $170 million per year in direct support to farmers who need it the most.

In order for these changes to be put in place, we need the support of a large majority of provinces and territories soon.

Accepting the proposed changes soon is key to ensuring the enhanced supports can be applied retroactively to 2020, something we know farmers across the country have been asking for.

Since the federal government has confirmed its 60% contribution, it rests with the undeclared provinces and territories to come forward with their 40% share. We thank those provinces who have already confirmed their participation and hope to hear from those others soon.

Furthermore, for many years we have been consulting on improving the suite of business risk management programs and we agree that fixing AgriStability is the priority. It needs to be simpler, fairer, more predictable and more generous.

While the proposed changes to AgriStability may not be the perfect solution for all farmers or governments, they reflect a good start to achieving a national consensus and allow Canada’s Agriculture Ministers to continue discussing enhancements to the program while still improving supports for farmers today.

We are all committed on more long-term changes to the suite of Business Risk Management programs as we begin consultations for the start of the next 5-year policy framework, which begins in 2023.

Improving the BRM programs is a top priority for our Governments. Farmers have shown their resiliency during COVID-19, however many could still use the added help that these shortterm changes could provide. We have an opportunity to act now, to offer them increased support. It’s time to get it done.”

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and the Honourable Ernie Hardeman, Ontario Minister of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire: (204) 697-1140.

Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via GoTo Meeting until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, contact Tami Watson (204) 239 3352 or tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca. Once registered, arrangements will be made to provide you with the EFP workbooks and support material needed for the workshop.

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

February 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

CONTACT:

Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca

January 15, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions To Be Held Online (January 11, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Allocating agricultural Crown land leases by way of a public auction is part of the modernization of the Agricultural Crown Lands Program, the minister noted. These leases and permits are available to farmers and ranchers, to provide an additional land base on which to conduct agricultural activities. The “By modernizing our approach to service delivery we are Agricultural Crown Lands Program supports the better able to meet the needs and expectations of our sustainable expansion of the livestock herd in clients,” said Pedersen. “The new, online auction format will ensure we can offer all Manitobans the opportunity to Manitoba, contributes to ecological goods and services, and supports mitigation and adaptation to rent additional lands that will support their farming climate change. operations.”

The Manitoba government announced a new, modern online approach to agricultural Crown land lease auctions beginning in February, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen said.

A number of agricultural Crown land parcels will be available to rent for haying, grazing, or cropping. The official listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/ LPproperties.aspx.

The online auctions will be hosted by Garton’s Auction Service from Feb. 8 to 12, with further information to follow on https://gartonsauction.com/.

More information on the upcoming auctions can be found at https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/ LPproperties.aspx or by contacting the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by email at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca or by calling 204-867-6550 or 1-844-769-6624 (toll-free).

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Editor’s Take: The winter of our discontent Cdn. rancher lets schools adopt calves Meat industry triumphs over COVID-19

Province Seeks Input from Manitobans on Safely Reopening Services and Activities Feedback Requested on a Safe, Responsible Reopening Plan to Protect Manitobans while Restarting Gatherings and Services: Pallister (January 15, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is seeking feedback from Manitobans on its plan to move forward to safely restore services and activities, while balancing the needs of the health care system, Premier Brian Pallister and Manitoba’s chief provincial public health officer announced today.

“The current public health orders – which have been in place for over two months were put in place to halt the spread of this deadly virus and save lives,” said Pallister.

“These orders are working, thanks to the willingness of Manitobans to follow them. At the advice of Dr. Roussin and our health care leaders, we are now in a position to consider reducing some restrictions and safely restoring our services and activities that so many Manitobans have sacrificed throughout this pandemic in order to protect themselves, their loved ones, and their community.”

The province has launched a survey on EngageMB.ca and invites Manitobans to share feedback on their priorities for potential easing of the current COVID-19 restrictions. The survey asks questions about people’s perspectives on the risk of the virus, COVID-19 vaccines and their comfort levels with different activities.

The survey also asks about priorities to safely restore services, including possible changes to gradually expand retail shopping, re-open barbershops and salons, gyms and fitness centres, non-regulated health professions, restaurants, faith-based and ceremonial gatherings and organized recreation and sport and possible increases to indoor, outdoor and household gathering sizes.

For more details on each option and to provide your feedback, visit EngageMB.ca/restartmb-pandemicresponse-system.

This survey builds on prior steps taken to connect with Manitobans throughout the pandemic on public health orders, pandemic planning and more.

“While our test positivity rates, case numbers and hospitalizations are starting to come down and Manitobans are starting to get vaccinated, it is crucial that Manitobans continue to follow the fundamentals so we do not lose sight of the gains we have made these past few months,” said Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer. “While we consider ways to carefully re-open Manitoba, we must always consider the needs of our health care system and limit the activities which we know cause the greatest risk.” continued on next page

Province Seeks Input from Manitobans on Safely Reopening Services and Activities Feedback Requested on a Safe, Responsible Reopening Plan to Protect Manitobans while Restarting Gatherings and Services: Pallister Since April 2020, more than 304,000 participants have engaged with the Manitoba government on COVID-19 issues

through telephone town halls, online surveys, public opinion research and other engagement opportunities on EngageMB. “From the very beginning of this pandemic, our government has endeavoured to reach out directly to Manitobans and ask for their input, ideas and feedback on a variety of measures designed to keep Manitobans safe, while balancing the needs of our health care system and economy,” Pallister added. “Our goal right now is to move forward, not backward. We want to create a sustainable path forward where our businesses and communities can reopen safely, and stay open. I look forward to hearing from Manitobans as we work together to build a heathier, safer, more prosperous future.”

For more information on Manitoba’s current pandemic response, visit www.manitoba.ca/COVID-19.

Resolutions Suggestion Form for 42nd Manitoba Beef Producers AGM Manitoba Beef Producers’ board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested late resolutions for potential debate at its virtual 42nd Annual General Meeting set for February 11, 2021. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBP’s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the resolutions session. In consultation with the resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions.

Please note: if the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking.

See sample resolutions and submission instructions on page 2, and provide your proposed resolution on the form below.

Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (include MBP District number if known) ___________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________

Sample Resolutions Arising from Past Manitoba Beef Producers District Meetings Example 1 Whereas blackbirds cause significant losses to producers’ crops.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Minister of Sustainable Development to include blackbird damage as eligible for claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage.

Example 2 Whereas Manitoba Agriculture recognizes that bale grazing of beef cattle can save producers time, effort and money and help distribute valuable nutrients to the soil to enhance future productivity; and Whereas even though this practice is well utilized by Manitoba’s beef producers, they currently receive no compensation for wildlife damage to bales left in fields or pastures for feeding purposes.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government for changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage to ensure that baled hay that remains on fields for use as part of an extended feeding regime becomes eligible for compensation related to wildlife damage.

Submission Instructions for Proposed Resolutions Please send the proposed resolution (along with your contact information) to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Alternatively, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4.

For resolutions to be reviewed by MBP’s board of directors and posted on MBP’s website prior to the 42nd AGM for others to see, they need to be received by MBP no later than 8:30 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2021.

Thanks for your assistance in this regard and we look forward to an engaging virtual resolutions debate!

Province Increases Protection for Small Businesses Through Manitoba Bridge Grant (January 12, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is

extending the Manitoba Bridge Grant application deadline until Jan. 31 and expanding eligibility to offer financial support and protection for more small businesses through the current public health orders, Premier Brian Pallister announced.

“Small businesses, charities and not-forprofit organizations continue to do their part to protect the health and safety of Manitobans and follow the restrictions under the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System,” said Pallister. “As expanded public health restrictions are necessary to protect Manitobans and reduce COVID-19 cases, we are extending the Manitoba Bridge Grant to help more businesses make it through this critical time and eases some of their financial pressures.”

To reflect the extension of the public health orders announced Jan. 8 and to ensure small and medium-sized businesses, notfor-profits and charities get the support they need, the province is inviting businesses to apply for the Manitoba Bridge Grant until Jan. 31, 2021.

Pallister also confirmed eligibility has been expanded for hotels, resorts, lodges and outfitters, travel agencies, janitorial services companies and owner/operators of licensed passenger transportation businesses that have seen demand for their services impacted by the public health orders.

The province first announced the Manitoba Bridge Grant Nov. 10, 2020, to provide

$5,000 up-front to businesses, not-forprofits and charities directly impacted by the #RestartMB Pandemic Response System and temporarily ordered to close their storefronts to the public. The province announced a program expansion Dec. 8, 2020 to support home-based businesses indirectly impacted by Manitoba COVID-19 public health orders, with up to $5,000 based on 10 per cent of their most recent calendar year revenues.

The province had committed to providing an equal second payment if public health orders remained in place past Jan. 1, 2021.

Those payments were made between Jan. 8 and 10 and recipients notified of the deposit via email.

To date, the Manitoba Bridge Grant program has paid approximately $104 million to 10,740 eligible applicants, which includes the first payment Nov. 16 to Dec. 31 and second deposits this past week. The total includes approximately $94 million to over 9,400 store-front businesses that received two $5,000 up-front payments. It also includes approximately $10 million to more than 1,300 home-based businesses in two equal payments of up to $5,000. The average payment to home-based businesses is $3,605, or a total of $7,210 on average to each business.

Beginning Jan. 12, new applicants to the Manitoba Bridge Grant that were ordered to close their premises will be entitled to a one-time payment of $10,000, whereas eligible home-based business applicants will receive a maximum payment of $10,000. continued on next page

Province Increases Protection for Small Businesses Through Manitoba Bridge Grant “Our government remains committed to delivering the right programs at the right times in response to the COVID-19 outbreak to help individual Manitobans and businesses through these challenges,” said Pallister. “Manitoba is providing one of the most broad-based, accessible and generous business support programs in Canada.”

Pallister noted the province has committed approximately $420 million in COVID-19 supports to Manitoba businesses this fiscal year through programs such as the Manitoba Bridge Grant, Manitoba Gap Protection Plan, Back to Work in Manitoba Wage Subsidy and measures such as the elimination of the provincial sales tax (PST) on property insurance and Manitoba Public Insurance rebates.

This also includes initial supporting funds of up to $50 million for business groups such as the Manitoba Chambers of Commerce and Economic Development Winnipeg to provide a detailed plan to government on long-term recovery funding this month.

More information about the Manitoba Bridge Grant is available at https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/programs/ bridge-grant.html. Businesses that require assistance in completing the online form can contact Manitoba Government Inquiry at 204-945-3744 or 1-866-MANITOBA (1866-626-4862).

Manitobans can learn more about COVID-19 supports for businesses at https://manitoba.ca/supportsforbusiness.

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

M A N I TOB A

HABITAT HERITAGE C O R P O R AT I O N

Homegrown conservation since 1986.

Homegrown conservation since 1986.

Rangeland Extension Specialist The Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation is seeking a self-motived individual to develop and deliver a rangeland extension program.

As a Rangeland Extension Specialist, the incumbent will work with Manitoba ranchers and land managers to support effective management of rangelands for the benefit of grassland birds and livestock.

The candidate will require a P. Ag. and have extensive knowledge of native and tame grassland management and the livestock industry.

Full position description is available at: www.mhhc.mb.ca/news/careers Essential Qualifications: • • • • • •

Professional Agrologist designation Extensive knowledge of rangeland management Knowledge of grassland species at risk Excellent communication skills Proficiency with MS Office suite including Word, Excel and PowerPoint Able to travel throughout southern Manitoba

Asset Qualifications: • • •

Familiar with Manitoba’s geography and cattle industry Functional with ArcGIS (Desktop or Pro) Comfortable with public speaking

Closing Date: February 5, 2021 Position Location: Brandon, MB (other suitable locations may be considered)

1-833-323-4636

www.mhhc.mb.ca

@MBHabitat

Reminder re: Canada Emergency Business Account CEBA requirements and deadlines have changed: •

As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.

•

Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.

•

All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

*NEW* All applicants can now check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://statusstatut.ceba-cuec.ca/. Please wait 5 to 7 business days after finalizing your application before checking your loan status on this loan status website or with the call centre. If you try before the 5 to 7 business days you will not receive an update. The loan status website will be able to address the following types of questions: •

What is the status of my application?

•

Why was my application declined? How can I fix those errors (if applicable)?

All applicants are encouraged to check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://statusstatut.ceba-cuec.ca/, but if you continue to have questions you may call the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201. The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 8AM to 9PM Eastern Standard Time, excluding statutory holidays.

Free virtual mental health literacy training throughout the months of January, February, and March 2021. Please visit KAP's website to learn more and register for a session that suits your schedule: https://manitobafarmsafety.ca/upcoming-events

Birds Canada and our partners have been talking with Manitoba’s cattle producers, and we have heard many farmers and ranchers that would like to participate in programs and incentives that help fund their stewardship activities, but they often find it time-consuming and difficult to find what is available.

In response, we have produced the Grasslands Conservation Incentives Guide. This guide contains information about over fifteen programs and funding sources available in Manitoba that help producers preserve, improve, or restore prairie habitats. By compiling the incentives and programs available into one easy-to-use guide, we aim to make it easier for producers to access incentives and evaluate which programs are right for your operations’ production and environmental goals.

There are also resources with best management practices to promote biodiversity and pasture health, as well as information on the prairie birds that you will be helping when you participate in the programs found in the guide!

As Manitoba cattle producers, you know that prairie plants and animals evolved along with grazing, and that well-managed grazing is vital to the health of the prairie ecosystem. Grazing produces a variety of vegetation heights, a diversity of plants, and provides homes for a vast array of birds, insects, and plants that fill the many different niches on responsibly grazed pastures. Twelve species of birds are found in the Great Plains and nowhere else, and this group of birds is disappearing faster than any other on our continent. We’ve lost nearly 60% of our Canadian grassland birds since 1970, largely due to habitat loss.

Birds Canada recognizes that Manitoba cattle producers are the guardians of one of the world’s most endangered ecosystems, and are integral to the survival of our grassland birds. We are committed to working with beef producers so you can continue to make a living on the land, while providing habitat for the huge diversity of birds that rely on this working landscape.

Please check out the Grasslands Conservation Incentives Guide at: https://www.birdscanada.org/birdscience/grassland-birds-at-risk/ to find stewardship incentives and programs that will fit your goals.

Please reach out with any questions you might have about the guide, Birds Canada’s work on the prairies, or birds in working landscapes.

Ian Cook, P. Ag Grasslands Conservation Manager Birds Canada icook@birdscanada.org 204-720-9161

National Headquarters/Administration Centrale

P.O. Box/C.P. 160, 115 Front Road, Port Rowan, ON Canada N0E 1M0 1-888-448-2473 | BIRDSCANADA.ORG Charitable Registration No./No. d’enregistrement de bienfaisance 11902 4313 RR0001

Stock Talk Webinars Reminder Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development produces free Livestock webinars- live and on demand. Manitoba Agriculture specialists and invited guests will speak to a variety of topics related to livestock feed and nutrition, marketing and production management.

Register Now https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502 Please do not share your hyperlink to the webinar only one person can enter the webinar on each link. By registering, you will receive an email with the link to the recorded webinar for viewing at a time that is more convenient to you.

StockTalk webinars are also available on YouTube at: www.youtube.com/ManitobaAgriculture.

Upcoming Stock Talk Webinars February 25, 2021

Marketing Mania

1:00 pm

2021 Cattle Market update, Shrink and the Price Slide

March 18, 2021

Forage Frenzy

1:00 pm

Extended and Rotational Grazing

April 15, 2021

Forages for Cows

Forage Rejuvenation & Annual Crops

1:00 pm

Upcoming Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is valid, please contact KAP to inquire: (204) 697-1140.

Due to COVID-19, all EFP workshops will be taking place virtually via GoTo Meeting until further notice.

To register for an EFP workshop, contact Tami Watson (204) 239 3352 or tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca. Once registered, arrangements will be made to provide you with the EFP workbooks and support material needed for the workshop.

DATE

LOCATION

TIME

January 20, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

February 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 3, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

March 17, 2021

GOTo Meeting (online)

1PM - 4PM

CONTACT: Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca Tami Watson 204-239-3352 tamara.watson@gov.mb.ca

23rd Western Canadian Feedlot Management School Virtually Everything You Want to Know About Cattle Feeding!

Webinar Series – February 9, 16 and 23rd, 2021

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 9th, 2021

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 16th, 2021

TUESDAY FEBRUARY 23rd, 2021

1:00pm Welcome and housekeeping

1:00pm Welcome and housekeeping

1:00pm Welcome and housekeeping

1:05pm A word from our sponsors

1:05pm A word from our sponsors

1:05pm A word from our sponsors

Virtual Tour

Virtual Tour

Virtual Tour

1:10pm Calhoun Cattle Co. – Swalwell, AB

1:10pm Birkland Farms – Winkler, MB

1:40pm A word from our sponsors

1:10pm Star City Colony - Star City, SK .

1:40 – 1:45pm A word from our sponsors

1:45pm Transport Reg Changes in Canada – What you Need to Know Karen Schwartzkopf-Genswein – AAFC

1:45pm Managing Disease in the Feedlot Dr Steve Hendrick –Coaldale Veterinary Clinic

1:45pm Intensive vs Extensive Backgrounding Travis Peardon – SK Ministry of Agriculture

2:30pm Implant Protocols for Backgrounding and Finishing Dr Sandi Parr – GK Jim Group of Companies

2:30pm What’s Going on in Cattle Markets?!

Anne Wasko – Gateway Livestock

2:30pm Cover Crop Practices for Cattle Feeders Ben Stuart – Birch Island Land & Cattle

1:40pm A word from our sponsors

Registration is now open! Register online by visiting the event page of our website www.saskcattle.com or contact the office at (306) 969-2666 office@saskcattle.com

WCFMS is presented by:

January 8, 2021

mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

Provincial Public Health Orders Extended For Two Weeks With Minor Adjustments

For reliable information and resources please visit: For the latest Manitoba industry news visit our new website: https://mbbeef.ca/our-news/covid/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Cattle seen as agriculture’s long-term solution Satellite ear tags for livestock coming to Canada FCC Economist Predicting A Slow Recovery

Agricultural Crown Land Auctions (Online) to Commence in February The following information about upcoming online agricultural Crown land auctions has been posted to Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development’s Agricultural Crown Land website: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/land-management/crown-land/

New! Announcing online auctions for Agricultural Crown Lands A complete listing of agricultural Crown lands available for rent can be found online at: https://resd.ca/leases_and_permits/LPproperties.aspx or a Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development office.

Online bidding will take place February 8, 2021 through February 12, 2021 at Garton's Auction Service.

Available units will be listed for viewing on the auction website starting on February 1, 2021.

Please note that you may be ineligible to bid in an agricultural Crown lands lease auction if you have not made payment in full for your existing 2021 lease or permit.

Samples of the standard Forage Lease Agreement (PDF 309 KB) and Cropping Lease Agreement (PDF 319 KB) are available for review. Although the lease will apply to most parcels, there may be specific additional provisions that apply to specific parcels.

42nd Annual General Meeting

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

VIRTUAL MEETING

AGENDA: Thursday, February 11, 2021 MBP’s Annual General Meeting Convenes 12:45 – 1:00

Livestock Predation Prevention Pilot Project update – Ray Bittner, project lead

1:00 – 1:10

Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program – Laura Plett, program participant

1:10 – 1:20

MBP General Manager Carson Callum calls meeting to order and explains procedures for the virtual business meeting

1:20 – 1:30

Greetings from Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen

1:30 – 2:30

Business Portion of the Annual General Meeting • Approval of Agenda • Approval of Minutes from 2020 41st MBP AGM • Report from the President • Report from the General Manager • Report from the Finance Chair  Review of MBP’s audited financial statement  Appointment of MBP auditor for the upcoming fiscal year • Review and approval of proposed amendments to MCP By-law No. 1/89 (Administration By-Law) • Introduction and ratification of MBP Directors

2:30 – 2:40

Health Break

2:40 – 3:45

Resolutions debate • Adoption of Standing Rules for Resolutions Session

3:45 – 5:00

Guest Speaker – Dr. Frank Mitloehner, UC Davis

5:00

Closing remarks by incoming president

5:10

Adjournment

Resolutions Suggestion Form for 42nd Manitoba Beef Producers AGM Manitoba Beef Producers’ board of directors is now accepting in writing suggested late resolutions for potential debate at its virtual 42nd Annual General Meeting set for February 11, 2021. If the resolution is deemed to be in order by MBP’s Resolutions Committee it will be considered for debate at the resolutions session. In consultation with the resolution’s author, proposed resolutions may be subject to editing by MBP for clarity and to ensure consistency of formatting across all resolutions.

Please note: if the resolution covers off matters on which MBP is already conducting advocacy work, it may be deemed to be redundant and not taken forward for debate so as to ensure there is time to debate resolutions on emerging matters. As well, it is also important that proposed resolutions deal with something that is potentially achievable and clearly state the actions you are asking MBP to consider taking.

See sample resolutions and submission instructions on the next page and provide your proposed resolution on the form below.

Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Whereas _____________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers _________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ _____________________________________________________________________________________________________ Your name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address: (include MBP District number if known) ___________________________________________________________ Phone Number: ______________________________

Email Address: _____________________________________

4

Sample Resolutions Arising from Past Manitoba Beef Producers District Meetings Example 1 Whereas blackbirds cause significant losses to producers’ crops.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Minister of Sustainable Development to include blackbird damage as eligible for claims under the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage.

Example 2 Whereas Manitoba Agriculture recognizes that bale grazing of beef cattle can save producers time, effort and money and help distribute valuable nutrients to the soil to enhance future productivity; and Whereas even though this practice is well utilized by Manitoba’s beef producers, they currently receive no compensation for wildlife damage to bales left in fields or pastures for feeding purposes.

Be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial government for changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation Program for Crop Damage to ensure that baled hay that remains on fields for use as part of an extended feeding regime becomes eligible for compensation related to wildlife damage.

Submission Instructions for Proposed Resolutions Please send the proposed resolution (along with your contact information) to info@mbbeef.ca to the attention of General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. Alternatively, you may fax it to 1-204-774-3264 or mail it to 220530 Century Street, Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4.

For resolutions to be reviewed by MBP’s board of directors and posted on MBP’s website prior to the 42nd AGM for others to see, they need to be received by MBP no later than 8:30 a.m., Friday, February 5, 2021.

Thanks for your assistance in this regard and we look forward to an engaging virtual resolutions debate!

5

Province To Provide New Service Delivery Options For Rural Clients (January 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is launching a new rural service delivery model to modernize services provided to clients whose needs and expectations have changed, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.

“Meeting the needs of our clients with professional knowledge, current research and data, connections to appropriate links, and timely, unbiased information has always been a priority for our department,” said Pedersen. “The array of services that will be provided online, by telephone or in-person at agricultural service centres throughout the province will offer producers a convenient and client-focused means to access the programs and services that are available to them.”

Effective April 1, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development will leverage existing synergies with Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) to offer a single window for Manitoba farmers and businesses seeking services provided by either organization.

Through the modernization of the department and MASC’s physical footprint, 17 rural and northern offices will continue to deliver a multitude of services including: • 10 agricultural service centres will provide insurance, lending, farmland school tax rebate and wildlife damage compensation services; handling of licensing and permits applications; and provide agriculture and resource development program information; • five centres focusing on resource management, and; • two centres focusing on mineral or petroleum services.

To support the multichannel service delivery model, an interactive online chat program, which will allow clients to access real-time assistance from a smartphone, tablet, computer or through a

toll-free number, will be developed in the future, the minister noted. In addition, each office will have a client-accessible kiosk to access online services and connect virtually with other government service providers.

“By investing in resources and new ideas, we are meeting clients’ needs to access services using a modern, robust approach,” said Pedersen. “We’re building capacity for future technological advances and elevating the client experience.”

Rural Service Delivery Model Overview Ten agricultural service centres will be located in: Arborg, Brandon, Dauphin, Headingley, Killarney, Morden, Neepawa, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, and Swan River.

The centres will continue to provide Manitoba producers with products and services offered by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC), an access point for permits and licenses issued by the department, and department and general government services program information and referrals.

Five service locations focused on integrated resource management will be in: Brandon, Gimli, Lac du Bonnet, The Pas, and Thompson.

A service location focused on minerals will be located in Flin Flon and another service location focused on petroleum will be located in Virden.

Rural offices will continue to be provide workspace for Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development employees, but will no longer be open to the public in: Beausejour, Carberry, Carman, Melita, Minnedosa, Neepawa, Portage la Prairie, Roblin, and Virden.

Rural Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development and MASC offices will be closing in the following locations: Altona; Ashern; Birtle; Deloraine; Fisher Branch; Gladstone; Glenboro; Grandview; Hamiota; Lundar; Morris; Pilot Mound; Russell; Shoal Lake; Somerset; Souris; St–Pierre–Jolys; Ste. Rose du Lac; Teulon; Vita; and Waskada.

New Cabinet Ministers Unveiled in Manitoba (January 5, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is creating

two new departments to protect vulnerable Manitobans and spearhead new job opportunities for young Manitobans, Premier Brian Pallister announced as nine ministers were sworn in to new portfolios including three new ministers entering cabinet for the first time.

“As we begin a new year and enter a new phase of addressing the significant challenges posed

by COVID-19, it is time to present a renewed ‘Team Manitoba’ to lead our efforts to protect Manitobans and create opportunities,” said Pallister. “Our strong team has a clear focus on helping working families, seniors and vulnerable Manitobans, protecting our health and education systems, and setting the groundwork for a sustained economic recovery by creating job opportunities.”

There are six female ministers, the largest number since this government was elected in 2016, the premier noted. The new cabinet will comprise 18 members, fewer than under the previous government.

Wayne Ewasko, MLA for Lac du Bonnet, enters cabinet as minister for advanced education, skills and immigration.

“Our pandemic recovery plan is focused on getting people back to work and ensuring new job opportunities for young Manitobans and new immigrants we welcome into our province,” said Pallister. “This new department will focus on aligning advanced education institutions with the needs of the labour markets of today and tomorrow by giving young Manitobans the skills they need to succeed and new immigrants the job opportunities our province can offer. Minister Ewasko’s 17 years of experience as a teacher and guidance counsellor makes him particularly well-suited to carry out this important task.”

Derek Johnson, MLA for Interlake–Gimli, enters cabinet as minister for municipal relations.

“Our cities, towns and communities are the building blocks of jobs and growth, and strong communities’ said Pallister. “Creating new economic opportunities where people live right across this province is the focus of this department. Minister Johnson served as an RM councillor and was active on the West Interlake Planning District before becoming an MLA. He knows the needs of Manitoba’s municipalities.”

Audrey Gordon, MLA for Southdale, enters cabinet as the first-ever minister for mental health, wellness and recovery. She is the first Black person to be appointed to cabinet in provincial history.

“Mental health is every bit as important as physical health and will be an unfortunate legacy of this pandemic,” said Pallister. “This new department will develop a provincial mental health and addictions strategy across government to help Manitobans and families get the care and support they need. Minister Gordon’s experience as a health professional and her personal empathy and compassion make her the ideal person to lead this challenge.”

Kelvin Goertzen, MLA for Steinbach, becomes deputy premier and minister of legislative and public affairs and retains his role as government house leader.

“Minister Goertzen has served exceptionally in two major government portfolios for over four years and asked that he be given the chance to concentrate on a personal passion of his – the legislative assembly and connecting citizens with their government and legislature,” said Pallister. “His commitment to democracy is second to none and I am delighted with this new role and opportunity for Minister Goertzen.” continued on next page

New Cabinet Ministers Unveiled in Manitoba Heather Stefanson, MLA for Tuxedo, becomes minister of health and seniors care.

“Protecting our health-care system is job one in this pandemic,” said Pallister. “Seniors are among the most vulnerable in our society and I want to ensure our health-care system is focused on their needs today and tomorrow.

Minister Stefanson is a proven minister who gets results for people and is perfect to lead this department in the next phase of dealing with COVID.” Ralph Eichler, MLA for Lakeside, becomes minister of economic development and jobs.

“Protecting jobs and creating new economic growth through investment and trade is the resolute focus of this new department,” said Pallister. “As we navigate through the pandemic, we must also keep preparing for a sustained economic recovery that gets people back to work and keeps businesses open and competitive. Minister Eichler has been managing this well over the past year and a half, and is the right person to keep doing so.”

Cliff Cullen, MLA for Spruce Woods, becomes minister of education.

“Protecting education and keeping our schools safe is the top priority of our education minister and department,” said Pallister. “Educators, parents and students themselves have been doing their part under difficult circumstances.

Minister Cullen is an experienced, accomplished minister who, with his own children in the public education system, understands the need to create the best education system Manitoba can have.”

Cameron Friesen, MLA for Morden-Winkler, becomes minister of justice and attorney general.

“Protecting families and keeping communities safe is the focus of our justice department,”

said Pallister. “Minister Friesen has been a tireless and committed minister in fixing our finances and repairing our health services in his previous roles. He will bring that same dedication to justice.”

Rochelle Squires, MLA for Riel, becomes minister of families as well as minister responsible for francophone affairs.

“Protecting vulnerable families and helping those in need is crucial during this pandemic, and well after this pandemic,” said Pallister.

“Our priority is to provide more child-care opportunities for working families and that will be a key focus of this department’s work in the months ahead. Minister Squires’ personal story is both inspiring and a testament to her being the right choice at this time to lead this important department for Manitobans.”

Ministers whose portfolio responsibilities have not changed are: • Ron Schuler – minister of infrastructure; • Blaine Pedersen – minister of agriculture and resource development; • Eileen Clarke – minister of Indigenous and northern relations; • Cathy Cox – minister of sports, culture and heritage; • Scott Fielding – minister of finance; • Jeff Wharton – minister of Crown services; • Reg Helwer – minister of central services; and • Sarah Guillemard – minister of conservation and climate.

Province Announces Online Engagement for Feedback on Manitoba’s Agri-Food Industry (January 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is launching an online

public engagement to help identify opportunities within the agri-food system, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.

“Our government is committed to working collaboratively with producers and agricultural organizations to bring awareness to Manitoban’s of the agri-food system we have in our province,” said Pedersen.

“Feedback from this engagement will be used to develop initiatives and activities to connect people to the agriculture industry in a meaningful way.”

A number of initiatives are undertaken annually to support education of Manitoba’s agri-food sector, including Agriculture Awareness Day, and Farm and Food Awareness Week. These events provide the public with the opportunity to connect with agriculture and food production to learn more about the industry.

The pandemic has also brought an increased awareness to food related issues, creating dialogue about food security, food safety and the supply chain. The outcome of this engagement will inform the province’s public trust initiatives for the agri-food system.

To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca. The online public engagement closes Feb. 5.

Reminder re: Canada Emergency Business Account CEBA requirements and deadlines have changed: •

As of December 4, 2020, CEBA loans for eligible businesses will increase from $40,000 to $60,000.

•

Applicants who have received the $40,000 CEBA loan may apply for the $20,000 expansion, which provides eligible businesses with an additional $20,000 in financing.

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All applicants have until March 31, 2021, to apply for $60,000 CEBA loan or the $20,000 expansion.

*NEW* All applicants can now check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://status-statut.cebacuec.ca/. Please wait 5 to 7 business days after finalizing your application before checking your loan status on this loan status website or with the call centre. If you try before the 5 to 7 business days you will not receive an update. The loan status website will be able to address the following types of questions: •

What is the status of my application?

•

Why was my application declined? How can I fix those errors (if applicable)?

All applicants are encouraged to check the status of their CEBA Loan online at https://status-statut.cebacuec.ca/, but if you continue to have questions you may call the CEBA Call Centre at 1-888-324-4201.

The CEBA Call Centre is available Monday to Friday from 8AM to 9PM Eastern Standard Time, excluding statutory holidays.

Feedback Sought on Manitoba Plan to Transition to Permanent Ag Plastic Waste Recycling (December 16, 2020 Cleanfarms News Release) - A

pilot project in Manitoba that collects and recycles plastic agricultural waste such as grain bags and baler twine is set to transition to a permanent, province-wide, industry-funded ag recycling program in 2021. The organization that operates the provincially-funded pilot, Cleanfarms, has been asked by Manitoba Conservation and Climate (MCC) to develop and consult on a stewardship transition plan.

Cleanfarms has developed a first draft of the plan, Manitoba Ag Plastic Plan, and is inviting farmers, companies that supply ag plastics to farmers and other stakeholders to comment on it. Written comments on this version can be submitted until January 12, 2021. They should be sent to Cleanfarms' Manager of Stakeholder Relations, Kim Timmer at timmerk@cleanfarms.ca Comments are encouraged from producer groups, industry and municipal associations, as well as Manitoba farmers.

Cleanfarms developed the plan based on data collected in the Manitoba pilots and on best practices honed over years of running similar ag waste recycling programs across the Prairies.

Part of the goal is to harmonize ag waste recycling programs in the Prairie provinces.

Once comments are received and processed, a second version of the plan will be submitted to MCC on January 30, 2021. Cleanfarms hopes to receive final plan approval from the provincial government by the end of March so that it can begin transition to the industry-funded model in early spring.

Funding for the permanent program will be managed through an Environmental Handling Fee (EHF) collected by companies that supply

farmers with grain bags and twine at the time these items are purchased.

"Grain bags and twine are valuable tools that farmers use to grow food and to operate their farms more efficiently. However, these materials can be difficult to manage effectively at end of life. The Cleanfarms stewardship program would see them recycled into new products, such as plastic bags," noted Cleanfarms Executive Director Barry Friesen.

Estimates suggest that approximately 1,400 tonnes of non-organic ag plastic waste are generated by Manitoba farms annually. In 2019, Manitoba farmers returned 51 tonnes of ag plastic waste in the pilot program, up from 34 metric tonnes the year before.

"Studies have shown us that Manitoba farmers want recycling programs. We're anticipating that should a permanent program move ahead, we'll see the number of recovered tonnes start to climb steadily. And that's good for Manitoba's sustainable agriculture sector and the environment," Friesen said.

A list of pilot collection sites is available on the Cleanfarms/Manitoba page on the Cleanfarms website.

About Cleanfarms Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication and grain bag industries.

Province Announces Consultation on Nutrient Targets for Lake Winnipeg (Province of Manitoba News Release) Consultations began Jan. 1, on a proposed nutrient targets regulation

under the Water Protection Act, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced December 31.

“Lake Winnipeg is one of Manitoba’s greatest treasures, and the Manitoba government remains committed to improving water quality and reducing the frequency and severity of algal blooms,” said Pedersen. “The proposed nutrient targets will provide important guidance for nutrient reduction activities and establish benchmarks for measuring progress.”

The Sustainable Watershed Act, which received royal assent in 2018, enabled the development of nutrient targets for Lake Winnipeg and its tributaries. The Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan called for the development and implementation of targets for nutrient reduction including for the Lake Winnipeg watershed. The Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan also committed to innovative approaches such as water quality trading that would depend on the establishment of nutrient targets.

The minister noted that establishing and implementing nutrient objectives and targets is expected to help Manitoba’s collective nutrient reduction efforts by helping guide future nutrient reduction activities, implementing best practices, identifying priorities and tracking progress over time.

The development of nutrient targets is a proactive approach to water management and will also improve the co-ordination of watershed activities, enhance watershed plan development and implementation and make it easier for partners to allocate financial resources where they will provide the most benefit to the watershed, he added.

To learn more about the proposed nutrient targets regulation and to provide comments, visit the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at https://reg.gov.mb.ca. Comments are invited through Feb. 26, 2021.

Stock talk Webinar Series Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development is offering a series of interesting livestock and forage presentations packed with information and innovative leading experts aimed to help Manitoba beef producers best manage their cattle operations.

Date: Time: Place:

January 14, 2021 1:00-2:00 pm. your computer, smartphone or tablet

Register for Stock talk webinar: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/5726092041423487502

Submit your questions prior to or during the talk.

Agenda 1:00 pm

Managing Molds, Ergot & Mycotoxins in Cattle Feed - Dr Barry Blakely Univ. of Saskatchewan

1:40 pm

Beef Cattle Ration Basics- Juanita Kopp, Mb Ag Livestock Spec.

Future dates and topics: February 25, Marketing Mania 2021 Cattle Market Update & What are Buyers Looking for when Purchasing Cattle Minimize Shrink and Understand the Price Slide March 18, Forage Frenzy Extended Grazing and Rotational Grazing Western Livestock Price Insurance and Forage Insurance Programs April 15, Forage Frenzy II Perennial Forage Rejuvenation Annual Forage Cocktails & Mixtures for Cover Crops For more information call Manitoba Agriculture & Resource Development 1-844-769-6224 Or visit

our website www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/online-resources/stock-talk.html

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS P. (204) 772-4542 220-530 Century Street (800) 772-0458 Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 F. (204) 774-3264 www.mbbeef.ca _________________________________________________________________________

Manitoba Beef Producers is seeking a Food Expert to join the culinary cast of Great Tastes of Manitoba Do you have a passion for food and a love of cooking with the goal of showcasing beef as a healthy, delicious, and sustainable food choice?

We are looking for a Food Expert to work as a representative of Manitoba’s beef industry promoting beef, its nutritional value and sustainable production practices, through recipe development, demonstrating the preparation and serving of beef, and attending public events as requested.

Job requirements: - Develop, triple-test and present recipes aimed at the home cook - using simple ingredients that feature Manitoba beef or Canada Beef recipes for the television show Great Tastes of Manitoba.

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Prepare beef fast facts, key messages and talking points, written materials, and attend production meetings of the television show.

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Represent MBP as the on-camera Food Expert and in conjunction with the show’s host demonstrate how to cook the recipes.

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Write compelling copy and take drool-worthy photographs of your recipes for the MBP publication Cattle Country.

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Collaborate on new and interesting content for the MBP social media channels, all featuring Manitoba beef or Canada Beef recipes.

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Represent MBP at public-facing events to encourage consumption of Manitoba beef/Canada Beef.

This could include acting as a cooking demonstrator or speaker at local events promoting the beef industry. [*subject to limits on public gatherings or other associated restrictions .]

Our ideal candidate - A passion for locally grown foods and cooking – dreaming up a delicious new creation or trying your hand at a cherished family favourite to share with others.

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On-camera experience and comfortable taking direction from a professional production team.

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You have (or are in the process of acquiring) an educational background that might include but is not limited to Human Nutritional Sciences, Food Science, Culinary Arts, or similar. A professional designation including Registered Dietician, Professional Home Economist, or similar , is an asset.

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A way with words and an eye for a perfectly placed photo.

Does this sound like you (or someone you know)? If so, please submit a CV and portfolio of work to the attention of: David Hultin, APR Communications Coordinator and Editor, Cattle Country 220-530 Century St. Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 dhultin@mbbeef.ca