Cattle Country - March 2025

Highlights From

Beef Producers’ 46th

BY ANGELA LOVELL

Industry Knowledge Session

The first day of the Manitoba Beef Producers 46th Annual General Meeting on February 20th in Winnipeg opened with an industry knowledge session featuring some cutting-edge technologies in the cattle feeding sector and research updates from the University of Manitoba.

First up was Dr. Eric Behlke of TELUS Agriculture who talked about the company’s cow/calf data capture software called Animal Record Management designed to help producers make better data-based decisions to improve the efficiency and cost effectiveness of their production. In development is a Remote Early Disease Identification that uses sensors to read tags on animals to provide information about their movements and behavior that allow for earlier disease detection.

Behlke also explained that pen floor amendments such as roller compacted concrete are having a major impact on cattle feedlots today. Most open-air feedlot pens in North America have earthen floors that pose

challenges with mud after precipitation events that can negative affects animal health and performance. Behlke said replacing earthen floors with roller compacted concrete can save feedlots almost C$34 a head through better animal productivity, and a reduction in the manure harvested, which also has less dirt content.

Dr. Kim Ominski and graduate students from the University of Manitoba gave an overview of the many research projects they are working on related to the beef industry including a study looking at farmer wellbeing and mental health in western Canada. Others projects are assessing the impact of beef production on biodiversity across the Prairies and studying the environmental impacts of feeding food waste (bread by-products) to feedlot cattle. Two students have related projects on corn intercropping for winter grazing comparing different crop combinations for yield and nutritional quality. One student is using drones and hyperspectral remote sensing to map grassland distribution and productivity, and another is modifying the rumen microbiome to try to mitigate methane production and improve production efficiency.

The Business Portion

After greetings from elected officials, including Manitoba Minister of Agriculture, Ron Kostyshyn, the business portion of the meeting got underway with the ratification of the Board of Directors and Executive for 2025/26 and approval of the 2024/25 financial statement. The Executive for the upcoming year is as follows: Matthew Atkinson, President; Arvid Nottveit, Vice-President; Byron Falk, 2nd Vice-President; Mark Good, Treasurer; and, Tyler Fulton, Secretary.

Then it was on to the much-anticipated resolutions debate. Delegates discussed three resolutions: the first recommending Manitoba Beef Producers advocate for cost-shared premiums for the Livestock Price Insurance program, the second to investigate seeking an amendment to the federal tax code to allow livestock producers to defer income from the sale of livestock, and the last to work towards implementing mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba (see separate story). All three resolutions were passed.

MBP District 7 Director and Board Secretary, Tyler Fulton, at the microphone during the resolutions debate as part of the 46th

found in this edition of the newspaper (Photo credit: Duncan McNairnay).

AGM Delegates Send Clear Message on Expanded Livestock Inspection

As we move further forward into 2025 at Manitoba Beef Producers, we have another AGM in the books. It was a successful event, and I’d really like to thank all the exhibitors, attendees and sponsors that came and took part. It truly takes a lot of work from the staff and AGM committee to put on an event like that. It was great to have some good debate and catch up with folks along the way.

We saw two directors retire from the MBP board and two new directors commence their tenure. For outgoing members Mary Paziuk and Alfred Epp, it truly has been a pleasure working with them. Going forward,

MATTHEW ATKINSON President’s Column

I look forward to working with two great incoming board members in Matthew Goudie and Tyler Fewings. It’s a pleasure working with all of the members of the MBP board along with the staff. It is a hard balance for everyone to strike, between work, family and industry,

DISTRIC T 9

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

DISTRIC T 2 MARK SCHRAM Argyle, Cartwright-Roblin, KillarneyTurtle Mountain, Lorne, Louise, Pembina, and Prairie Lakes

DISTRIC T 3 ANDRE STEPPLER

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

2ND VICE-PRESIDENT

DISTRIC T 4 BYRON FALK De Salaberry, Emerson-Franklin, Hanover, La Broquerie, Piney and Stuartburn, Montcalm, Morris, Ritchot, Spring eld, Ste. Anne, Taché, R.M. of Piney and Reynolds

DISTRIC T 5 STEVEN MANNS Cornwallis, Elton, Norfolk-Treherne, North Norfolk, Oakland-Wawanesa, Glenboro-South Cypress, and Victoria

DISTRIC T 6 BRIAN ENGLISH Pipestone, Riverdale, Sifton, Souris-Glenwood, Wallace-Woodworth, and Whitehead

DISTRIC T 7 T YLER FULTON

TREVOR SUND Alexander, Brokenhead, East St. Paul, Lac Du Bonnet, Rockwood, Rosser, St. Andrews, St. Clements, St. Francois Xavier, West St. Paul, Whitemouth, Woodlands, LGD of Pinawa, Reynolds, Spring eld, Ste. Anne, and Taché

DISTRIC T 10

MIKE DUGUID

SECRETARY Armstrong, Bifrost-Riverton, Fisher, and Gimli

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

DISTRIC T 8 MATTHEW ATKINSON

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

and I truly believe we have a very strong board who are passionate about doing what they can to advocate on behalf of producers and hopefully, better the industry.

One of the very big topics up for debate at the AGM was whether to proceed with implementation of a mandatory livestock inspection system, similar to what we see in Saskatchewan, Alberta and British Columbia. This is a topic that has taken a large amount of time and effort to get this far and I was very pleased to see a decisive vote in favor of it from the delegates. A mandate to proceed with livestock inspection for Manitoba is really just the next step for us at Manitoba Beef Producers, to give us that clear direction to continue working with folks like Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) as a potential program service provider, with the Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association (MLMA) as a trusted industry partner, and then of course the Province of Manitoba, which is where changes in legislation and/or regulations that are necessary in order to implement such a system would come from. We still have a lot of work ahead and a lot of things that need to go our way in order to see such a system come to fruition in Manitoba.

As noted, there is still much to do on the livestock inspection file in the months ahead, and we welcome your continued input on this.

So what this actually could potentially be, would be an inspection system similar to the one currently in use in Saskatchewan. Under this system, cattle sold in a commercial transaction (to a licensed buyer, through a buying station or auction mart) are required to be inspected for ownership verification. Such inspections are optional on private sales. Inspectors look at obvious permanent identification, like bands and tattoos, as proof of ownership, along with seeing obvious inconsistencies, such as breed, class of cattle or ear tag irregularities. These inspectors and inspection services are also there as a resource in the case of missing or suspected missing cattle, as producers can give them descriptions of the cattle should they be marketed somewhere.

In Manitoba, our cattle going to western destinations are being inspected anyway, however, this is currently done after the sale, paid for by buyers or agents, and the inspectors currently have no jurisdiction over Manitoba cattle. In the Saskatchewan system, cattle are inspected before the sale, either at loading (at a direct farm sale), unloading or in a pen, where they have the jurisdiction to deal with issues such as cattle not being sold by the rightful owner, missing cattle turning up with others at a point of sale, or liens against cattle not being cleared by a creditor.

We are expecting to see some new federal traceability requirements come into force in the next year and a half to two years that will require movement reporting on livestock. Our hope is that with having such a system in place, that reporting can happen at the point of inspection, meaning that it would take pressure off producers, buyers and auction marts to do that. I see things like inspectors potentially being able to include movement reporting as part of their inspection as a huge value add for our industry. As noted, there is still much to do on the livestock inspection file in the months ahead, and we welcome your continued input on this.

DISTRIC T 11

ARVID NOTT VEIT Coldwell, Grahamdale, St. Laurent, and West Interlake

DISTRIC T 12

MARK GOOD TREASURER Alonsa, Lakeshore, McCreary, and Ste. Rose

Maureen Cousins

Livestock Inspection Debate Part of a Successful 46th MBP AGM

Greetings all,

Hope all have been enjoying the milder weather over the last few weeks. It’s definitely a nice change from the deep freeze we were in. I am going to be keeping my column short this month, focusing a bit on livestock inspection, and on offering words of thanks following our recent AGM.

First, the major resolution up for debate on an extension of livestock inspection was passed with a high level of those in favor. This gives our organization more confidence in our ability to move this initiative forward. I want to ensure that readers understand that our direction as a board will be very strategic. There are many factors that need to align for an expanded inspection service, similar to our western neighbors’ systems, to be successful. Our board will be focused on ensuring a service provides value for the cost. Our recent resolution provides good direction, but this type of initiative isn’t a light switch to be immediately turned on. It will take time and lots of industry involvement to get it done right. I look forward to engaging with key partners for it to be done successfully.

I want to thank all sponsors and exhibitors for attending our 46th Annual General Meeting. It was a great event that wouldn’t happen with the gracious support

CARSON CALLUM General Manager’s Column

including provincial cabinet ministers, Members of the Legislative Assembly and Members of Parliament. Your interest and participation were certainly appreciated. MBP truly values the time elected officials and their staff provide to us as an organization to work on both issues and opportunities facing our sector.

I’d now like to recognize our many generous sponsors. Thanks to our coffee break sponsors which included Elanco Animal Health, Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association and TD Agriculture Services.

Syngenta, and Trouw Nutrition. Thanks to our Silver sponsors including: Covers and Co, Gladstone Auction Mart, Kane Veterinary Supplies, Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation, Merck Animal Health, Renovo Seeds/Millborn Seeds Canada, Shafer Commodities, Squeal on Pigs Manitoba, Top Country Enterprise Ltd., WeCover Structures, and Zoetis.

Thanks to our Bronze sponsors: Alert-Agri Distributors / J. Quintaine & Son Ltd., Manitoba Angus Association, and Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association. We also appreciate the support of our media partners 730 CKDM and Golden West, our photography sponsor Sunrise Credit Union, our print sponsor is New Rosedale Feedmill, as well as onPoint, Save-on-Foods and Stride Credit Union for providing materials for the delegate bags. Thank you once again to our generous event sponsors and to our trade show participants. You help make our AGM a great success.

I want to greatly thank all sponsors and exhibitors for attending our 46th Annual General Meeting. It was a great event that wouldn’t happen with the gracious support of multiple organizations and stakeholders. As well, I thank the producers who took time away from their operations to attend this important industry session.

Thanks to our President’s Banquet sponsors, who were

Last but not least, thank you to our national partners and speakers who attended and provided great thought provoking and important updates on all the work being done in the beef industry.

Without the dedication our board and staff, this wouldn’t be a successful

MBP Welcomes New Directors

BY ANGELA LOVELL

Tyler Fewings

– District 1

Incoming director for District 1, Tyler Fewings, is coming to the table with an open mind and a willingness to learn as much as he can, be a useful addition to the MBP Board and help support his fellow beef producers in Manitoba.

That said, he is interested in a variety of ongoing issues that affect the beef industry such as the interaction of beef production with the environment, land management and production management.

After graduating from the University of Saskatchewan, Fewings spent 10 years working in the grain and livestock sectors before coming home to farm in 2013. He also worked off-farm for several years in watershed management, so he has a lot of experience in the agri-environmental sector, applying principles he has learned to his fourth-generation cow/calf farm in the far southwest corner of Manitoba near Pierson.

Fewings has been involved with various industry committees and boards over the years and participated in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program. “Through that I got more exposure to the current organization, and the industry, and made many contacts,” he says.

As do most other producers, Fewings rates Canada’s current trade relationship with the US as one of the most pressing challenges for the industry, but believes that should not detract from other important issues such as public trust.

“It may not be making the news as much at this time, but I think there is always a concern around public trust whether that’s on the nutrition of consuming beef as a food source, or production practices or environmental impacts,” he says. “That’s always something that is underlying and that we need to continue to work on.”

He is also concerned by the number of producers exiting the industry, but while it is a challenge, he also sees it as an opportunity going forward.

“In terms of the land management value provided by the beef industry, it’s a negative impact that we see with reduction in our land base and potential competition with other segments of agriculture, but it has also led to good prices currently,” he says. “Hopefully that can continue to generate optimism and maybe encourage some more people into the industry or expansion from those currently in the industry.”

Matthew Goudie – District 13

Mathew Goudie joins the MBP Board as Director of District 13. Although he is the second generation on the family farm near Fork River, Manitoba, he is the first generation to raise beef cattle.

Goudie has served on many different industry boards and associations over the years, and decided to let his name stand as an MBP director because he believes that it is time for some changes in the industry.

“I believe we are at a time in this province where we need to see some changes, and one of the big issues right now is with livestock inspection in Manitoba, which is something I strongly believe in, and am advocating for,” he says.

Goudie has worked in livestock transportation and community pastures over the years, so it is not surprising that his interests include livestock inspection and agricultural Crown lands issues, but he is also keen to help young beef farmers.

“As a first-generation beef farmer, I know from experience that it is hard to build a herd up from scratch,” he says. “We are at a point, where competition for land is driving land prices out of the reach of cattle producers, and it is getting tougher for young farmers, especially those starting out from scratch. My goal is to be a voice for the young farmers who are first generation and see if there is anything we can change to help them, and perhaps make Crown Lands more productive and accessible for younger farmers.”

Despite the hurdles, he believes there are huge opportunities in the sector.

“I don’t think we are going to be supplying even our own demand going forward, so there is a big potential for young producers to get into the beef sector, but we have to mitigate the risk,” he says.

Goudie says he is looking forward to serving on the MBP Board wherever he is needed. “I have some experience in different areas so believe I can offer a voice to a lot of different situations, wherever there is the best fit,” he says.

Supplied photo

Photo credit: David Hultin/MBP

Outcome of Resolutions Debated at 46th Manitoba Beef Producers AGM

Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) 46th Annual General Meeting was held February 20-21, 2025 in Winnipeg, with three resolutions debated and carried as follows. Livestock Price Insurance Resolution

MBP Board Resolution 1:  Whereas Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) is a forward-looking, market-based, insurance-style program that allows producers to manage price, currency and basis risk protection for all classes of cattle, making it an important business risk management (BRM) tool for Manitoba cattle producers’ long-term sustainability; and

Whereas cattle producers face significant BRM program inequities compared to other agricultural commodities, such as AgriInsurance offerings which provide for cost-shared premiums for crop insurance on a basis of 40% producer/34% federal and 26% provincial government contribution; and

Whereas guaranteed returns through crop insurance may incentivize some producers to convert valuable pasture land into cropland, thereby directly impacting grassland ecosystems and the vital environmental services they provide, such as biodiversity, carbon sequestration and water management; and

Whereas in the United States, uptake in a program similar to LPI ‒ the Livestock Risk Protection (LRP) program saw its producer participation rate rise substantially when premium subsidies were introduced in 2020; and Whereas cost-shared premiums for LPI would help put Canadian livestock producers on a more even playing field with crop producers as well as with American cattle farmers and ranchers, both of whom receive premium subsidies through crop insurance and LRP programs; and

Whereas providing equitable support to Canadian beef producers via costshared LPI premiums to help offset their enrollment costs would help increase overall program participation rates and help reduce risk in the sector.

Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) continue to advocate for the federal and provincial governments to introduce cost-shared premiums for the Livestock Price Insurance program, an approach that would be equal to that provided by the two governments for the crop insurance program under AgriInsurance, which is cost shared on a basis of 40% producer/34% federal and 26% provincial government.

Mover: Tyler Fulton, District 7, Seconder: Alfred Epp, District 1

Outcome: Carried

Deferring Income From Sale of Cattle to Future Years Resolution

L1 (District 9): Whereas grain producers are able to defer income on grain sales to future years, which provides them with opportunities for better tax and business planning, along with the flexibility to take advantage of markets when most suitable for them, but a similar income deferral option does not exist for cattle producers.

Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers investigate matters related to potentially seeking an amendment the federal tax code to allow livestock producers to defer the income from the sale of all classes of livestock to future years, similar to deferral options available to other agricultural commodities.

Mover: Trevor Sund, District 9, Seconder: Dianne Riding, District 9 Outcome: Carried Mandatory Livestock Inspection Resolution

MBP Board of Directors Resolution 2: Whereas cases of theft or fraud related to Manitoba’s cattle industry have proven very costly and disruptive for the affected

parties, and can undermine the confidence of lenders, investors and buyers when undertaking livestock-related transactions in Manitoba; and

Whereas livestock inspection ‒ a tool used to help demonstrate ownership using various cattle identification methods ‒ can be an important means of deterring theft and fraud, thereby helping to better secure livestock-related commerce; and Whereas inspection could potentially provide other value-added elements for Manitoba producers, such as the provision of digital manifests and helping to facilitate movement reporting and traceability requirements; and

Whereas Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) has an established history of conducting livestock inspections on Manitoba cattle on an as-needed, fee-for service basis and could be in a position to expand this service; and

Whereas the existing livestock inspection levels in Manitoba currently only cover a limited volume of total cattle-related transactions in the province, and

Whereas the legislative and regulatory environment could be improved in Manitoba to facilitate matters such as livestock inspectors being able to detain cattle or to direct the dealer to hold the sales proceeds until ownership of inspected cattle is verified; and

Whereas Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) has been investigating the various steps needed to potentially create a mandatory livestock inspection system in Manitoba, including factors such as: cost framework; required provincial legislative or regulatory changes; the service provider and logistics for expanding inspection; the value-added potential from inspection; engaging with other value chain members about their expectations and/or concerns; whether there are funding opportunities to help offset costs of implementing expanded inspection; the possible creation of a Livestock Investigations Unit tasked with investigating livestock-related crimes that could help support the work of livestock inspectors; and more; and,

Whereas MBP has been working to raise awareness of the merits of expanded livestock inspection, including at its fall 2024 district meetings where the majority of those producer attendees indicated a strong level of interest in and support for expanded inspection services as a means of helping to deter theft and fraud, as well as to potentially capture other value-added opportunities; and

Whereas if the Government of Manitoba is to make the legislative and/or regulatory changes, as well as other mechanisms necessary to support the implementation of mandatory livestock inspection it will want to be confident that the majority of the province’s cattle producers are in favour of such a move.

Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba Beef Producers now ask the Government of Manitoba to work with value chain members to take the necessary steps needed to implement mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba, including: making required legislative and/or regulatory changes; working with the prospective delivery agent on a service agreement; determining if funding can be secured to help offset the cost of an expanded inspection system; deciding whether an investment can be made to support the creation of a Livestock Investigations Unit; and, any other steps required to move this initiative forward in the most responsive, efficient and cost-effective manner.

Mover: Matthew Atkinson, District 8, Seconder: Arvid Nottveit, District 11

Outcome: Carried

MBP thanks all the presenters and delegates for contributing to the discussions around these resolutions. Your input into this process is very valuable.

Beef Producers Support Mandatory Livestock Inspection Resolution at AGM

BY ANGELA LOVELL

Manitoba Beef Producers’ delegates attending the organization’s AGM on February 20th in Winnipeg voted overwhelmingly to adopt a resolution directing the Board of Directors to ‘ask the Government of Manitoba to work with value chain members to take the necessary steps needed to implement mandatory livestock inspection in Manitoba.’

The resolution passed after discussion among members who put forward some compelling reasons for the implementation of mandatory livestock inspection in the province. District 1 producer, Gord Adams has lost cattle in the past due to theft and said, “If we’d had livestock inspection at the time, our cattle would have been found at the auction mart where they were sold.”

Rebuilding investor confidence

Recent large-scale cattle thefts and cases of fraud provided much of the impetus for re-opening the discussion about livestock inspection in Manitoba. Of equal concern to cattle producers, feedlots, auction marts and buyers is the fact that these incidents have shaken the confidence of lenders and are jeopardizing investment in Manitoba’s beef industry.

“Not only are we hearing from our membership about concerns with not having livestock inspection services, we are also hearing from our partners in the west who source a lot of cattle in Manitoba, and we are hearing concerns from financial institutions and lending partners that there isn’t enough security in Manitoba; and they are potentially not wanting to source cattle,” said MBP General Manager Carson Callum in a presentation to help provide information for producers as they prepared to vote on the resolution.

The Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association has already voted on and passed a resolution in support of an industry-led, mandatory livestock inspection service in Manitoba, and the association’s executive administrator, Rick Wright, echoed the need to restore investors’ confidence in the Manitoba beef industry. “With the high current value of cattle, there needs to be something done to rebuild the confidence of potential investors who purchase and custom feed cattle here in Manitoba,” he said.

Inspectors in Saskatchewan have the power to prevent a sale from going through and seize animals based

on proof of ownership. In Saskatchewan a brand provides proof ownership but the legislation in Manitoba states (any identifier) is only evidence of ownership, and a producer’s only recourse is the courts after a sale has already taken place.

“We support looking into the development of this program, we think it brings value, we have the infrastructure in place and it gives us the opportunity to make sure we are paying the right people for the cattle,” Wright said.

Adopting Saskatchewan model

After examining systems in other provinces, the board feels that adopting a modified system from Saskatchewan would be the best approach given that there is already some infrastructure in place in Manitoba. Currently, Livestock Services of Saskatchewan inspectors inspect around 120,000 westbound cattle leaving Manitoba after the sale at the auction mart. In Alberta, British Columbia and Saskatchewan they inspect cattle upon arrival at the auction barn or market, prior to sale.

What’s the value?

Some producers raised concerns about the cost, and who would foot the bill, although the resolution does include a provision to determine if funding can be secured to help offset the cost of an expanded inspection system.

The program is funded in Saskatchewan through a C$2.75 fee per head on inspected cattle. Jason Pollock, CEO of Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) explained that enforcement activities as a result of the its inspection services generated more than C$30 million value in 2023/24 and the return on investment is C$7.66 for every dollar producers spend on inspection.

But many producers said they believe livestock inspection would provide added benefits for them, especially on the traceability front. With new traceability requirements coming from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency on movement reporting, a livestock inspection system has the potential to add value by making reporting easier for the producer. LSS has developed an App called MyLivestock to allow for integrated movement management and reporting.

“Manitoba is in a unique position to use the technology to leap forward on this issue, and accrue other benefits that are critical for the industry, specifically on the traceability file,” said District 7 producer Tyler Fulton. “We need an effective system to manage disease

outbreaks to be able to mitigate the economic risks associated with these events. A livestock inspection system would enable a robust traceability system that actually works for us.”

Reliable cattle ID key to an effective program

Producers also discussed the various methods for identifying cattle, and were concerned that without a reliable identification system, livestock inspection would not be effective in tracing ownership. Cattle branding is prevalent in the other provinces because it is a permanent identification of ownership that can’t be removed or lost (as tags for example can be). It’s not being suggested Manitoba producers would be required to brand cattle.

Dianne Riding of District 9 brought forward concerns from a consumer standpoint, having seen social media posts about stolen livestock that that drew backlash in terms of animal welfare concerns because those cattle were branded. “We probably do need some sort of livestock inspection, but I hope as an industry we find a way to mark these cattle that is more welfare friendly,” she said.

The resolution also calls for the Manitoba government to make required legislative and/or regulatory changes necessary to make livestock inspection effective in the province, and to support the creation of a Livestock Investigations Unit with a dedicated RCMP Officer to enforce the rules, something the other western provinces all have. Producers speaking during the resolutions debate agreed that inspection and enforcement must go hand in hand.

Not a done deal

Callum emphasized that even with the passing of the resolution, mandatory livestock inspection is not a done deal for Manitoba.

“There is a lot of boxes that need to be checked, and a lot of different factors,” he said. “Government would have to make legislative changes for it to work, but without good industry alignment, Government is not interested in moving forward with making some of these changes that would make it an effective service. There is lots of discussion that would need to be had after the fact regardless of whether this [resolution] passes or fails.”

MBP AGM Speaker on Bracing for the Headwinds in the Agriculture Sector

BY ANGELA LOVELL

Beef producers had better hang on to their hats because there are some strong headwinds coming their way in 2025.

That means that governments, producers and everyone along the agricultural value chain are going to have to work harder, and work together, to weather the storm that’s already upon us. This was the message from Tyler McCann, Managing Director of CAPI (Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute), who was the keynote speaker on the last morning of the Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) Annual General Meeting in Winnipeg.

Of course, for most in the room, uncertainty over trade with the United States and the threat of imminent tariffs were top of mind, but there’s also a growing global trend towards more protectionism.

“What’s happening in the U.S. is happening in a global world,” McCann said. “The trading system is broken. Many of the things that we took for granted, can’t be taken for granted anymore. U.S. agriculture relies on the rest of the world. The majority of their commodities are exported, but they rely on imports of things like fertilizer to be able to grow the things that they do. It is not good for the U.S. to break trade but they’re doing it anyways.”

And don’t think the problem will go away when Donald Trump does, McCann warned. “The rest of the administration is thinking differently. It is America first, America last and America always. This is going to continue. We need to be a lot more prepared for what’s coming at us.”

What’s the effect on Canadian agriculture?

Canada is more reliant on meat exports to the U.S. than 10 years ago and these trends will be hard to

reverse and change. “We are incredibly exposed to this new trade agenda and it will disrupt a lot of the things that are core to how we do business,” McCann said.

At the same time, we can’t rely on some of the things that have worked well for Canadian agriculture in the past. Exports of agricultural products growth is slowing. “We are not able to increase our exports as fast as were able to in the past,” McCann said.

Less investment is going into research and development. “Extreme weather is one of the risks people are worried about, and innovating should be key to coming up with a new solution but we’re in a space in Canada where our investment in it is slowing down,” McCann said.

And the sector is more dependent on primary agriculture than it used to be.

“Farming is important but farming is stronger when we’ve got the value-added processing sector that’s strong too,” McCann said. “I worry that this trend is going to get faster and worse if our food processors get chased out of the country because of an unstable investment and trade environment in Canada.”

What keeps Canadian farmers up at night?

When CAPI surveyed producers in the middle of last year, most said they were still optimistic about Canadian agriculture, but when asked what risks they most worried about in the year ahead, policy and regulatory environment, extreme weather, and trade barriers and protectionism were the top three. Asked how confident they are that these risks are manageable, and they felt reasonably confident about managing policy and regulatory issues, were divided about extreme weather risks, but were not at all confident about managing trade policy.

“We could be really optimistic about the future but we need to be realistic about the challenges we face

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and the need to do things differently,” McCann said. “Canadian agriculture needs to step up its game.”

So, what can we do?

CAPI took the results of the survey to prepare a risk report that was recently released, and four themes emerged about what is needed for the Canadian ag sector to weather the changes ahead and capitalize on opportunities: Stronger leadership, a national agriculture agenda focused on growth and sustainability of the sector, better collaboration of all stakeholders across the industry and, more effective business risk management (BRM) programs.

“People don’t think that governments understand agriculture and changing in the sector, and they’re not able to produce policy that reflects and drives that,” McCann said. “But lack of leadership isn’t just on the government side. We struggle with leadership across agriculture that works together well, so we need a better understanding around what’s everybody’s role.”

Bringing everyone involved in the agriculture sector to the table across the value chain, across regions and with different ideological perspectives is key, McCann added. “And we need to avoid the trap where we’ve got great plans and visions but no strategy or implementation for it. We need to get on with it.”

What needs to be done

Priority themes that have come out of CAPI’s risk report include the need for more research and innovation, and a clear understanding of what everyone’s roles are. “We need to have a clear sense of what we want government to do and what we’re willing to do as industry on the other side,” McCann said. “And what the goals and targets are that we want to achieve. We need to set that direction.”

In terms of policy and regulatory changes, governments need to act quickly and get things done. “The government needs to do a better job than it used to,” McCann said. “The government is getting bigger but our confidence in it isn’t. Statistics Canada had a study that showed regulatory accumulation between 2006 and 2016 lowered our GDP by 1.7%. At a time when we’re facing all of these struggles, we need to do more.”

More effective BRM programs

BRM payments are becoming ever more important to producers, but they are expensive. Federal government funding for cost-shared BRM programs doubled from C$1M to C$2M between 2019 and 2024, but there is still a growing gap in funding.

“Farmers are far more confident in their ability to manage production risk than they are about the market risk,” McCann said. “So, how do we get more and better coverage? We need to do creative thinking on the BRM front.”

Priority actions

So, what are the short, medium and long-term actions that the sector could be taking to better deal with the situation that it’s in?

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Governments need to invest more in agri-marketing programs and better support trade market development, and both governments and the industry need to make a long-term commitment to trade infrastructure, and look at internal trade barriers to make it easier to get products off of farms across the country to consumers around the world.

“How do we make it easier to do business?” McCann said. “We need to take this opportunity to show leadership.”

That means everyone must roll up their sleeves, step out of their provincial and commodity silos and work together to find solutions based on the realties facing the whole industry today.

“None of this is easy,” McCann said. “The easy solution is a world where we’re more concentrated in the US than we’ve ever been before, and [that’s where] we’ve been in the last 20 years. We have BRM programs that haven’t changed in a generation. We don’t have the right leadership to push these solutions forward. We need to demand better but we also need to show leadership to advance solutions, so that we can face these headwinds at the end of the day.”

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More highlights from MBP's 46th Annual General Meeting

Outgoing MBP directors Alfred Epp (District 1) and Mary Paziuk (District 13) were recognized for their service on the MBP board during the evening banquet.

Team Beef

Canada’s national beef organizations have been working together on a ‘Team Beef’ approach, along with provincial cattle organizations, to develop a strong U.S. engagement strategy, as well as working with their U.S. counterparts to maintain a good trade relationship.

“We will get through this with Canadian and American producers working together,” said Jennifer Babcock, Canadian Cattle Association’s (CCA) senior director of government and public affairs in her update on the association’s activities at the AGM. “We need domestic support to go in and talk to the U.S. administration for this to be successful.”

The CCA has done an economic analysis of proposed U.S. tariffs, and estimates that a 25% tariff will have a 15% impact on Canadian beef prices, and has also looked at trade surpluses. Canadians purchase C$722 per person annually of U.S. agricultural products, versus Americans that purchase C$118 of Canadian agricultural products per person every year.

“On the beef side, [the U.S.] needs our product to have a trade surplus with the rest of the world,” Babcock said. “Tariffs, we think, are being used as a negotiating tactic as we approach the [review] of Canada-United States-Mexico Agreement that is set for 2026. If we can we work together to be stronger, that will be positive for both our markets.”

The National Cattle Feeders’ Association has developed a Canada-U.S. trade resource, available on its website, to provide an overview of and emphasize the importance of the trade in livestock to both countries.

National Beef Organization Updates

Canadian Cattle Association

The CCA has been busy advocating for the beef industry over the past year with activities like spring flyins with every province, work related to several private members bills and collaborations with other industry stakeholders on trade priorities. The association is also

lobbying for the C$250,000 limit for the Advanced Payments Program, that was temporarily increased for the last few years, to be maintained or increased indefinitely.

Successes from 2024 included the delay of changes to the Capital Gains Taxes to 2026, and implementation of some changes to the livestock tax deferral program to make it more responsive. Ongoing priorities include lobbying the Canadian Food Inspection Agency for changes to the Specified Risk Material rules, as well as continuing reviews on business risk management programs.

On the trade front, CCA went on trade missions to Korea, the Philippines and Indonesia and a new trade agreement has been signed with Indonesia. “There is a lot of excitement for Canadian beef in Asia,” said Babcock. “When you talk about trade diversification, there are markets that want our beef.”

National Cattle Feeders’ Association

A highlight of 2024 for the NCFA was its Lobby Day in November when staff and board members had more than 40 meetings with MPs, Ministers and government officials to bring awareness of issues facing Canadian cattle feeders and the beef industry. It has had a full slate over the past year dealing with priorities such as animal health and diseases, trade, regulatory issues, developing a Foot and Mouth Disease plan for the beef industry, and exploring biogas opportunities for the sector.

Beef Cattle Research Council

The BCRC has been working on a number of projects to do with forage and grassland productivity, feed grains and feed efficiency, animal health and welfare, environment and sustainability, beef quality and food safety, and a remote inspection project for small packing plants.

But it has also focused on research capacity, with a beef researcher mentorship program to help support researchers of the future. Knowledge mobilization (extension) is another key area for the council, which has developed podcasts, webinars, courses, and decision-making tools like its online Forage U-Pick calculator and CowBytes ration balancing software.

Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef

The CRSB has been busy sharing the results of its latest 2024 National Beef Sustainability Assessment that provides a comparison of the baseline data established in the first assessment in 2016.

Highlights include a 15% reduction in the carbon footprint of beef production, while beef cattle production helps preserve 1.9 billion tonnes of carbon, and uses 177 litres less blue water to produce one kilogram of beef than it used in 2014. Pasture makes up 84% of the land used for beef production in Canada, contributing to wildlife habitat and biodiversity.

Animal care in another success story for the beef industry, with more farmers adopting low-stress animal handling techniques, taking measures to support for cattle through extreme weather events and maintaining good relationships with their veterinarians.

In terms of the economic performance of the sector, the Canadian cattle industry contributes C$51.6 billion in production of goods and services, and C$21.8 billion to the Canadian GDP, providing C$11.7 billion in labor income annually.

On the consumer end, demand for Canadian beef remains strong, with an overall 5% increase in retail beef demand, and a 16% increase in international demand since 2013.

The roundtable also completed a consumer survey last July and found 92% of Canadians are still eating beef and have increased their frequency of consumption. There was a lot of concern about the economy and affordability of food, but sustainability does remain important to consumers especially in terms of their food choices. Two-thirds of Canadians said they believe farmers and ranchers are producing beef in a responsible and sustainable way, and 83% have a positive view of the Canadian beef industry’s sustainability practices. As well, 44% of consumers are still willing to pay a higher price for sustainably certified beef up to around 10% more.

Canadian Cattle Association

Public and Stakeholder Engagement

CCA Public and Stakeholder Engagement has been working for many years on issue management and has developed a resource library that provides science-based information for Canadians and a network of subject experts that they can call on to speak knowledgeably about different topics.

Highlights of projects that it has been doing in Manitoba include development of a Manitoba version of its interactive game, based on its successful Guardians of the Grasslands short video. The game, for Grade 1 to 7 classrooms, is linked to the Manitoba curriculum and features wildlife that Manitoba students will be more familiar with. They have also developed an Express version for kids to play at tradeshows and museums.

Nationally, it won a Canadian Food Agri-Marketing Award for a number of its projects including a short documentary called Reduce, Reuse, Ruminate about utilization of food waste and by-products in feedlot diets and how that can contribute to the sustainability of beef cow systems. In an attempt to reach out to different audiences, PSE invited social media influencers to an Alberta ranch last year to expose them to beef production and inform them about its positive environmental impacts.

In its consumer research, PSE has found that there is continued support for beef farmers, especially in Manitoba and Saskatchewan, where 73% of people believe that farmers are using antibiotics and hormones responsibly, and 84% believe that beef farmers treat their animals humanely. 85% of consumers think beef is a healthy food, 95% say it is safe and 75% agree it is environmentally friendly.

“I think the messaging that the industry has been doing is getting through and we are able to show that not only is Canada efficient at producing beef. It’s also imperative for our grasslands,” said Jenna Sarich, technical consultant with PSE. “When we ask people who do you want to hear from about how your food is produced, farmers come out on top every single time. It’s important to tell your story because that’s what they want to hear and is going to resonate the most.”

To help tell that story, PSE has developed a number of resources to engage the public such a new Canada Beef Community Flip Book that brings all the key messages and metrics about Canadian beef production together in a convenient, pocket-sized resource. It also offers a self-guided online Beef Advocacy course for anyone wanting to advocate for the industry.

Political Uncertainty Will Drive Volatility in Cattle Markets in 2025

BY ANGELA LOVELL

Although beef producers continue to see some record high prices, they should be prepared for price volatility in the year ahead largely due to the geo-political issues that are going to have an impact on the industry, although it remains to be seen what that impact will be.

Prices will be supported by continued tight beef supplies in North America, although with some improvement in moisture conditions in some areas, heifer retention is expected to be slow.

The good news is that there is still a strong global demand for Canadian beef.

“In the last four years, we’ve seen global beef production grow and the current prices show how strong global beef demand is,” said Brenna Grant, executive director of Canfax, in her market update at the Manitoba Beef Producers AGM on February 21. “Our greatest limitations are our weather, trade uncertainty and the ability to meet that demand.”

That demand is only going to increase over the next 10 years with population growth and expected GDP growth in middle and high-income countries. Much of that demand will continue to come from China and southeast Asia.

Domestic demand remains steady

On the domestic demand side, one of the biggest challenges in Canada is that GDP growth has flatlined since 2019, so affordability is a big issue for consumers.

“People want beef, but can they afford the beef?” Grant said. “We’re not expecting to get back to baseline in terms of GDP growth on a per capital basis until 2033. So, this is our limiting factor in terms of domestic demand, and is why we’ve been seeing our total beef consumption in Canada stay a little smaller. There is potential of growing this domestic market but there are some headwinds associated with it.”

One of those potential opportunities to grow domestic beef demand may be the increase in the Canadian population, which was three times higher in the last two years than historically, adding an additional 2.4 million people, largely through immigration.

“Every immigrant that comes to a new country has

a period of acclimatising to the food culture,” Grant says. “But if they ate a quarter pound of hamburger every quarter for the next year that would be an additional 2.4M pounds of beef demand in the domestic market.”

Beef supply is tight

Although beef demand is expected to grow, global beef production isn’t keeping up, and that shortfall should support good prices moving forward. But who is going to supply the beef?

Canada and the U.S. both continue to have weather challenges, and precipitation levels going into spring and early summer will be key to determining how many heifers are retained on farms or placed in feedlots in April/May.

Australia is the third largest supplier of beef globally, but there are signs that they may have reached the top end of their natural production capacity and supplies may begin to get tighter there if they are heading into a drought cycle as many believe. Brazil is definitely becoming a powerhouse, having grown their beef production significantly over the past 25 years with ambitious goals to increase their production further.

The feeder trade also has a big impact on supplies in Canada. With no cow herd expansion in the last cattle cycle, the increase in slaughter from 2015 to 2022 was driven by Canada going from a net exporter to a net importer of feeders.

“In 2024 we saw our feeder imports up another 27%, basically enough to offset our reduction in calf crop,” Grant said. “This puts us in a position in 2024 of basically having stable fed cattle marketings.”

There is opportunity, however, to increase beef supply through increasing carcass weights, which increased by around 20 lbs a head in 2024, but it depends on price signals and the ability of feedlots to stay current.

The cattle cycle is not about the number of head slaughtered, feeder imports or exports, Grant said, it’s about how many pounds of beef is supplied to the market.

“We are trying to keep our pounds of beef produced steady with smaller cattle numbers,” she said. “So, we’re looking at things being steady moving forward. How much of that stays in Canada versus gets exported is going to be a key question.”

What will tariffs mean?

There is a lot of speculation in the beef industry about what impact 25% U.S. tariffs could have in terms of prices for Canadian cattle. A recent study suggests that it could result in a 15% price drop after allowing for slightly stronger U.S. process and a weaker Canadian dollar that will offset some of the effect.

But a lot depends, said Grant, on how packers and others in the supply chain view the tariffs; as a shortterm or a long-term problem.

“If you are a packer and you think [the tariff] is going to be short term, there’s actually benefit in saying we want to be seen as a reliable supplier of beef, and we’re going to stand by our American partners, eat the tariff, take the pain and just get through this,” she said. “If they’re thinking this is going to be a long-term shift, they would want to see shifting to more marketing outside of the U.S. to minimize the price impact. But it really depends on what those private companies’ strategies are, and what they’re expecting in their management teams. And we’re really not going to know that until something changes.”

Where are prices trending?

So where are prices trending, without accounting for the impact of tariffs? We are likely going to see a return to more typical, seasonal cattle prices this year, Grant said, with a spring peak and fall low, but anticipates price movement will be sideways rather than upward.

Calf prices were at record highs during the fall calf run, and the weaker exchange rate accounted for about 40% of that price rally, which supported feeder prices.

Based on feeder futures, the feeder market is sitting at its highest price level right now, but anticipating no major exchange rate moves this year, prices may be more dependent on other factors, such as weather.

“At $5.25/lb, feedlots are buying $200 to $300 a head off-side with the current futures market,” Grant said. “What that means is there are expectations that we are going to have a second half of the year rally if we get spring rain and see heifer retention.”

Cow prices were also at record levels in January and producers can expect a strong rally in the spring driven by smaller cow marketings in Canada and the U.S. and strong trim prices globally.

Breault Ranching Receives 2024 MBP TESA Award

BY ANGELA LOVELL

Manitoba Beef Producer’s environment committee chair, Mike Duguid and Eric Olson of sponsors MNP presented the 2024 MBP TESA Award to first-generation ranchers, Clayton and Shauna Breault at MBP’s AGM on February 20 in Winnipeg.

The couple, along with their children Jesse, Laine and Elektra, own and operate Breault Ranching, north of Ste. Rose near Toutes Aides, Manitoba. The ranch has a herd of about 4,300 cattle, including 2,500 breeding females, that run across 22,000 acres of pasture, including agricultural Crown land grazing leases on 16,000 acres.

The Breaults were nominated because they have demonstrated a consistent dedication to ecosystem stewardship, understanding the cycles of energy, nutrients and water that are the foundations of an ecologically and economically success ranch, and their management techniques are above and beyond standard

management practices in the industry.

Their farming management system includes calving on pasture in June and July, and growing 1,300 acres of corn-intercropping and polycrops. They have been practicing regenerative agriculture and holistic management for 17 years, applying the principles of regenerative agriculture to their ranch such as minimal disturbance through no tilling. They have weaned the land completely from synthetic fertilizer, while increasing yield and maintaining quality.

A focus on soil health

The Breaults focus on establishing a functioning soil biology and ecosystem by using no pesticides or fungicides, encouraging plant diversity, integrating livestock, keeping living roots in the soil for as long as possible and keeping the soil surface covered with armour like crop residues. They have increased the organic matter in their soils from 2.3 to 6.8 and are storing carbon to help mitigate the effects of climate change.

They improve the land by rotating cattle through 137 paddocks and ensuring the paddocks have adequate time to rest and regrow. They have noticed bird and plant diversity increasing on the ranch as these practices improve the health of soil, plants and riparian areas and provide important wildlife habitat on the ranch.

They admit to some challenges such as struggling to grow enough quality feed for their herd while also trying to improve soil, animal and environmental health, but changing their calving dates to June 1 and feeding their animals a diverse diet has helped them improve animal health, and reduced the number of calves they treat after weaning from 10% to 1%.

They are continually learning and searching for ways to tweak their practices to help improve the environment of their ranch and their goal is to continue to improve soil health, which is the foundation of their operation.

The TESA award is not the first for this ranching family. Shauna has served on the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association board of directors and received the Agriculture Leadership/Government Relations MFGA Hall of Fame recognition for her contribution to the forage and grassland industry.

Photo credit: Duncan McNairnay

A Look at Heifer Development Strategies

BY DR. TANYA ANDERSON, DVM

Calving is well underway for some and soon to start for others. Bull sales season is upon us and thoughts are moving ahead to the breeding season. In this article, I would like to discuss something that is critically important from an economic standpoint - heifer development.

The most profitable cow/calf operations have front-loaded tight calving seasons - 95% of exposed cows bred in 65 days with well over half pregnant in the first 21 days and almost all of them in the first two cycles. This creates a uniform calf crop to sell in fall and provides a larger selection of replacement heifer calves born in the first cycle.

Nature sets out the constraints - a fertile egg and fertile sperm result in a calf on the ground 60-70% of the time. This is why the “ideal” spread for calving is 70% in first cycle, 70% of the remainder in the second cycle and 70% of the remaining cows in the third cycle. The other constraint is that a cow takes 60-70 days to recover from calving and resume cycling. For first calf heifers, it is 80-100 days. If the cattle are not in good body condition, it takes longer. And it takes much longer if the thin cows are first and second calvers. If you do the math, there are 283 days of gestation and 365 days in a year, so there are only 82 days from the time of calving to when a cow should be rebred to keep her calving at the same time each year.

Research has shown that herd productivity is improved when heifers conceive early in their first breeding season. But if you think of nature’s constraints, you see that even if nutrition is right, many heifers that breed with the cow herd won’t be cycling at the start of the next breeding season and will drop out as lates or opens in the fall. Heifers must calve 0 to 20 days ahead of the start of the cow herd. To have three opportunities to conceive, the breeding season must be 45 days ahead of the cow breeding season so heifers must be cycling by 12 to 13.5 months of age if born in the first 21 days of the calving season. Since calving 45 days before the cow herd is not practical for many producers from a weather

stress and labour aspect, know that by tightening the breeding season by starting to breed heifers 21 days prior to the cows means that you are then giving them just two opportunities to conceive without impacting their ability to get bred in the fronted of the following breeding season.

The average age at puberty for beef heifers is typically 11.5 to 14 months. Puberty is primarily influenced by age, weight and breed. That is the average - so only 50% will be cycling by 12 to 13.5 months of age when we want them all cycling to get bred to fit into our cow herd. Bulls used for siring heifer replacements should be average or above scrotal size for the breed since testicular size is correlated with age of onset of puberty in heifer offspring. If the genetics are right, we can then focus on heifer development to ensure that all can start cycling sooner rather than later.

Rations between weaning and breeding need to be based on appropriate average daily gains so that heifers reach 65% of their mature body weight for puberty to set in. This usually falls between 1.2 to 1.5lbs ADG. Anything less will have heifers still growing but many are not cycling. This is a common mistake in many herds - moderate quality forage not supplemented. Starch has been shown to enhance puberty onset so a little grain helps. The opposite, over-feeding, has the same effect - they don’t breed up. In drought years, that nutrition needs to be changed - creep feed or early wean if forage is really limited. Beware that creep feeding can result in obesity and foot problems (laminitis) as you cannot control intakes but it may be the only option in some herds.

Weigh your heifers and do body condition scoring to ensure that they are developing. If you are buying replacements for breeding, reproductive tract scoring (RTS) should be considered especially if you are not sure of the age or source of the heifers. It is not uncommon for a group of sale heifers to have several freemartins and widely variable RTS. Also consider tract scoring your heifers if you are struggling to get your heifers bred in the first cycle. See if there are trends - sire, breed, source. Remember that the most common reason for failure to

cycle is nutrition - heifers must be big enough before they will start cycling. A goal for RTS six weeks prior to breeding is that 80% are cycling or borderline. Early detection of lower fertile heifers can allow you to selectively cull early to capitalize on a feeder or grasser market and reduce synchronization and breeding expenses.

If you struggle with calving difficulties in heifers, consider pelvic measuring. This may have higher value for purchased heifers with an unknown history or source. But remember that bigger heifers have bigger pelvises and have bigger calves. Selecting for larger and larger pelvises does not reduce the risk of dystocia. But setting a bottom number, 130-150 square centimetres, paired with mature yearling weight can allow comparisons across the group. However, I have found that implementing one rule when selecting home-raised heifers has eliminated problems for my clients: Never ever keep replacements off a cow that you need to assist - whether assisting to pull calves, getting calves to nurse or treating a calf. This signals potential issues with calving ease, mothering ability and poor quality/ low quantity colostrum.

Remember to also plan to continue monitoring your heifers through gestation. They need to gain >250lbs over their first gestation period - 1lb/day just in growth and the rest for the pregnancy. Once calved, nutritional needs increase to allow for 0.5lb/day for growth plus lactation and preparation to resume cycling. Be on top of your nutrition and ensure that body condition remains at 3.5/5 before and after calving or these heifers are at a higher risk of not rebreeding. Heifers losing body condition after calving will not cycle. In my experience, this is the prime reason for open first and second calvers. You need to supplement prior to breeding and that may mean separate feeding or planning to breed prior to pasture turnout.

Cows need to be tough and built for their environment. They should not need a lot of extra attention. But heifers aren’t cows and by developing them properly, they will fit nicely into your herd and remain productive for many years.

Cattle Producers Sought as U of M Entomologists Investigate Bovine Anaplasmosis Transmission

WRITTEN BY MABEL CURRIE AND KATERYN ROCHON FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF ENTOMOLOGY

FOR THE NATIONAL CENTRE FOR

LIVESTOCK

AND THE ENVIRONMENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA.

Horse flies and deer flies, commonly known as bulldogs, belong to a family of biting flies named Tabanidae. There are thousands of species worldwide, with about 150 in Canada, and approximately 25 different species found in Manitoba. Many Manitobans have fallen victim to a bite from these persistent flies, especially after a swim during the summer months. Typically, horse flies emerge during early June, with the level of activity for different species changing over the summer. Numbers decline into mid to late August. Horse flies have large compound eyes, and paired with their strong flight muscles, they are able to spot and pursue potential host animals from great distances. Their fine-tuned skills as hunters, however, are to the chagrin of many a-farmer when their cattle become the targets. Their painful bites cause distress to the animals, resulting in negative effects including reduced weight gain and milk production in addition to blood loss. Horse fly bites can also transmit some blood-borne pathogens such as bovine anaplasmosis. In Manitoba, there have been outbreaks of bovine anaplasmosis since 2013, especially in the southeastern areas of the province.

Effects of Anaplasmosis on cow health

Bovine anaplasmosis is a production-limiting disease caused by Anaplasma marginale, a bacteria that attacks red blood cells. Symptoms in infected cows vary from showing no signs of disease to anemia, fatigue, and reduced feed intake, leading to poor overall cow health and significant losses to farmers. Depending on the herd, up to 25% of infected animals can die. Currently, no cure is available for the infected animals and, perhaps more importantly, animals that do recover remain infected for life, serving as a source of bacteria that can be transmitted to healthy animals in the herd. Therefore, the presence of this pathogen in Manitoba is concerning.

Transmission of Anaplasmosis between cattle

Bovine anaplasmosis is a blood-borne disease spread by contaminated tools, ticks, and biting flies. Ticks are ‘biological’ vectors, meaning that when they feed on an infected cow, the bacteria will multiply and remain within the tickfor a long time. The tick can then transmit the bacteria to any animal it feeds on. Horse flies, on the other hand, are referred to as ‘mechanical’ vectors. The anaplasmosis bacteria does not grow and persist within their body, but instead lingers on their mouthparts after a blood meal, much like it would on a contaminated needle or sharp tool. When a horse fly feeds on an infected animal, contaminated blood remains on its mouthparts for a short time. Because the bite of horse flies is painful, cows react strongly to the bites and those defensive behaviours can dislodge the flies that have started to feed. But the flies are persistent, so they will go land on another animal to continue to feed. If the fly then bites an uninfected animal, the residual blood remaining on its mouth can transfer the disease.

Horse flies: the feeding mechanism

There are common misconceptions about how horse flies feed. Despite popular belief, they do not ‘take a chunk’ of flesh, but rather cut into the skin like we cut into a steak. Unlike mosquitoes, which feed directly from blood vessels in the skin, horse flies slash the skin and blood vessels with serrated mouthparts, and then feed from the blood pooling to the surface using a large sponge-like structure similar to that of a house fly. Only the female horse flies feed on blood as it serves as a source of protein to make eggs. Horse flies get their energy from sugars from flower nectar, which is the only thing males feed on.

UM Research explores horse flies and bovine anaplasmosis transmission

During the summer of 2024, Mabel Currie and a team led by Kateryn Rochon from the Department of Entomology at the University of Manitoba set up fly traps at two locations in southeastern Manitoba where they collected over 1300 flies! The traps were inverted vinyl cones with collection containers on top, and a black yoga ball suspended in the middle. The ball acted as a bait for female horse flies, as the colour and gleam tricks them into thinking they are animals. After the flies were collected, they were taken back to the lab to be frozen, until they were ready to be identified. Using a microscope to look at each individual’s features, the species were were identified, which allowed the researchers to determine their presence at different farms. After identification, each fly was dissected so their gut could be tested for the bacteria that causes bovine anaplasmosis. By examining the flies’ ovaries, the researchers also determined how many batches of eggs each female fly has laid. As each

batch of eggs requires a blood meal, the researchers can see which species bite more and are more likely to spread diseases among cattle, and at what point in the season.

Understanding the role of ticks and horse flies play in the emergence of bovine anaplasmosis is part of a larger project funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council involving researchers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. One objective is to determine the prevalence of bovine anaplasmosis in cattle operations by testing the blood of cattle in Manitoba, Alberta, and British Columbia. This is where the Manitoba team comes in, collecting ticks and flies on the farms and looking for relationships between tick and fly abundance, potentially infected vectors, as well as detecting anaplasmosis. The other exciting objective of this research is to develop a new rapid test for bovine anaplasmosis, and validate it with the blood collected from cows in the study.

We are looking for more farms to join the program, especially in Manitoba’s central and western regions. For more information about how you can get involved, please contact Dr. Kateryn Rochon (project researcher, kateryn.rochon@umanitoba. ca) or Dr. Shaun Dergousoff (project lead, shaun.dergousoff@agr.gc.ca).

The Bottom Line: Largest Volume Cattle Sale in Local History, and a Look at Expanded Livestock Inspection

As I sit down to write this edition of the “Bottom Line” I have just returned from attending the largest volume cattle sale in Manitoba’s history. Heartland Livestock Services in Virden just held a feeder sale with 5,032 cattle. This would be the largest one-day sale held outside the Union Stockyards in Winnipeg and probably the largest sale in Manitoba history. The total value of the cattle sold was $14,200,000.

Despite wet weather conditions and soggy pens, the staff at Virden did a pretty good job of keeping the cattle clean and dry. The buyers row was full, the market prices were fully steady despite the large volumes on offer at all of the markets and a shortage of trucks. The market prices and demand did not reflect concerns about tariffs. The demand for the light weights for grass was very strong and good quality cattle met the price expectations. All of the producers had a sigh of relief when the sale was completed. Hats off to the management and staff for a job well. The auction was “true price discovery” in its truest form.

Many cattle producers were concerned about the proposed tariffs that were supposed to come into effect on March 4. Most of the cattle marketers were giving the same advice: “If you are concerned about the prices if the tariffs come on, then turn your cattle into cash before proposed deadline.” It looks like cattle producers from across the country took that advice to heart and sold their cattle. There were huge numbers on offer over the electronic platforms prior the deadlines and the auction markets were mostly full the last week of February. Cattle numbers sold through the auction markets in Manitoba from Jan. 1 to Feb. 20 were up 14% totaling 58,530 head of cattle compared to last year. Saskatchewan was up nearly 18%. With all of those extra cattle in the bank already, one would think that we could have some quiet days at the auctions this spring.

I was able to attend the Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) annual meeting in Winnipeg this year. The

turnout was better than usual but still disappointing considering the major topic on the agenda was livestock inspection for Manitoba. Personally, I was happy to see the MBP finally get a clear directive from the membership to proceed with the development of a “made in Manitoba” livestock inspection program.

The Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association (MLMA) supported the resolution with some caveats. MLMA asked that an industry “advisory board” be formed to assist in the development of the program, so that program is industry led and brings added value to the Manitoba livestock industry and the producers. MLMA feels that the inspection program should also be tied into mandatory programs such the “transfer of care” and “record of transport” requirements, which are currently in place, but not fulling enforced. The proposed federal regulations for mandatory movement reporting have been published in Canada Gazette One and the comment period has closed. Once the federal government gets back to business, we could see the second publication, which would mean the “traceability file” is place and movement reporting will be required. Both the transfer of care/record of transport requirements and the movement reporting will be in place, regardless of livestock inspection or not. Currently in the western provinces, livestock inspection is more geared towards only ownership determination. In Manitoba we hope to get more service for our fees, if industry can convince the Manitoba government to modify the Manitoba Livestock Manifest so that it can be used a one stop document for livestock inspection, transfer of care and movement reporting. That change would lessen the

burden on the Manitoba producers and streamline the reporting and record-keeping process.

The other major benefit to livestock inspection is that it will boost the shaken confidence of investors owning and feeding cattle in Manitoba. It will give those investors another layer of security. Lenders will also be more comfortable in making loans to producers in Manitoba with livestock inspection in place. Will it stop all of the thefts and frauds in Manitoba? Realistically, no! However, it will make it more difficult to liquidate stolen cattle and put the onus on those in the livestock business to do their due diligence when cattle are changing hands. Recent frauds and thefts of cattle in Manitoba has given our province a “black eye” and has shaken the confidence of many of the investors in the cattle industry. Manitoba’s backgrounding and custom feeding industry’s sustainability depends on outside investment. Recently, Manitoba cattle producers and feeders have, in some cases, been hindered by the restricted opportunities to access cash to purchase and feed cattle or cash to expand their cowherds due to the lack of security on livestock investments or loans.

The development of the program will take time. The provincial government has to change existing legislation which is complex and time-consuming in itself! Manitoba will have to look at comparing the use of existing inspection infrastructure such as Livestock Services of Saskatchewan (LSS) compared to starting from scratch. The nuts and bolts of the program have to be sorted out for a made-in-Manitoba program, not just a carbon copy of Saskatchewan or Alberta’s current programs. The most important issue is making sure that industry and government work together to get it right the first time. The challenge will be to make the program cost effective, beneficial, market neutral and not interfere with day-to-day business of the Manitoba cattle industry. The reality is that the process could take three plus years before it is functional in Manitoba. In the meantime, the long journey to livestock inspection has just begun.

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Get forward price coverage for calves you plan to market between September and February 2026 with the LPI – Calf program.

Coverage options are available to choose from every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 3 p.m. - 12 a.m. (CT).

• The last day to purchase LPI – Calf policies is June 12, 2025.

Visit LPI.ca or contact your MASC Service Centre for program details.

RICK WRIGHT

The Bottom Line

Visitors

StockTalk Q&A Feature Brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture

The MASC Advantage for Livestock Producers

As a livestock and forage producer, what does MASC have to offer to me and my farm?

Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) has many products that can be tailored to fit your operations’ specific needs.

“But the biggest asset that MASC has is its knowledgeable staff that can help you make the decision on what products and services will work for you,” said Jared Munro, CEO. “Livestock producers remain a priority for MASC and we offer both insurance and lending products that are specifically designed for the beef sector”

MASC has both risk mitigation and financing available for Manitoba livestock producers.

“On the risk mitigation side, our staff can help walk you through the options on various types of forage insurance, from “select” crops that treats each forage crop individually for coverage, to “basic” which is a whole crop coverage for all the types of forage you grow,” said Susan Kerr, Product Delivery Manager.

When livestock producers need to borrow money, it helps to work with a company who understands your business.

“MASC is experienced and has lending products tailored for cattle,” said Kerr. “Whether it is expanding your herd with some new breeding stock, or purchasing calves to put on feed, we have options for you. With the Stocker Loan program, we can finance up to $1,000,000 for up to eighteen months.”

MASC knows that insurance can be complicated, so a new client onboarding program has been developed to ensure new clients understand how things work and are supported throughout their first year with the program with regular touchpoints.

Additionally, if you participate in forage insurance, MASC provides the benefits of Forage Restoration and Hay Disaster Benefit programs, in particularly challenging years.

“Our insurance specialists are ready to discuss what coverage you should have if you grow annual crops for feed. They can answer questions on, if the blended mix you are growing falls into the category of a polycrop or a greenfeed crop,” explained Kerr.

Values assigned to the Forage Establishment (FEI) and Polycrop Establishment Insurance (PEI) for the 2025 crop year have been increased from a high dollar option of $80 per acre to a new high dollar option of $130 per acre. Birdsfoot trefoil has also been added as an insurable crop in the FEI program.

If you are new to AgriInsurance, or just have some questions, contacting a service centre and speaking to an insurance specialist is the best place to start. MASC knows that insurance can be complicated, so a new client onboarding program has been developed to ensure new clients understand how things work and are supported throughout their first year with the program with regular touchpoints.

Livestock Price Insurance

MASC offers Livestock Price Insurance (LPI) for cattle. This program is a tool that provides floor price protection for livestock. With the program, producers can insure a sale price for a specific weight of cattle on a certain date. Then, if the market price is lower than their insured price, you are paid an indemnity on the difference. This is one way producers can protect their investment.

If a producer is unfamiliar with the program, and the coverages offered, the insurance specialist in their local service centre can walk them through where to find the coverages being offered, and what the premium would be. Coverage is offered on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays and a great resource to keep up with the coverages is to sign up for the “LPI Premium & Settlement” emails at www.LPI.ca

McRae & Joyce

RR 1 Box 57 Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5Y1 h: 204-728-3058 c: 204-573-5192 f: 204-727-7744 marmacfarms1@gmail.com

MASC also offers a Direct Loan program which targets the needs of Manitoba farmers and can be used for general agricultural purchases such as: land, buildings, new and used equipment, construction or renovation of production buildings, onfarm homes, and other common operational requirements. MASC can finance up to $5,250,000 for up to 25 years.

MASC has a wide range of programs that can help Manitoba livestock producers, that we can tailor to fit your specific operation. Contact your local MASC Service Centre today if you have any questions.

We want to hear from you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Feb. 12th Steppler Farms Annual Bull Sale, Miami, MB

Brooke Canart Secretary: Sandra Brigden sandra.mbsimmental@gmail.com

Feb. 19th M&J / Glasman Farms Simmental & Angus 2 Year old Bull Sale, Russell, MB

Feb. 24th Horner / Downhill / TSN Online Simmental Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca

Feb. 26th Rainbow River Simmentals 10th Annual Bull & Female Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca

Feb. 27th JP Cattle Co. Annual Simmental & Angus Bull Sale, McAuley, MB

March 2nd Premium Beef Simmental Bull Sale, Kenton, MB

March 3rd Canadian Central Simmental & Angus Bull & Female Sale, Neepawa, MB

March 4th Bonchuk Farms Annual Bull Sale, Virden, MB

March 4th Maple Lake Stock Farms Kick off to Spring Bull Sale, Hartney, MB

March 5th Mar Mac Farms & guests Simmental & Angus Bull Sale, Brandon, MB

March 8th 83 South Simmental Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca

March 8th Rancher’s Select 6th annual Simmental Bull Sale, Neepawa, MB

March 10th McIntosh Ranch Online Simmental Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca

March 10th Oakview/Perkin/Triple R Simmental Bull Sale, Darlingford, MB

March 11th Prairie Partners Bull & Female Sale, Killarney, MB

March 12th Van De Velde & Guests Online Bull Sale, FarmGateAuctions.ca

March 13th Northern Light Simmentals Bull Sale, Rossburn, MB

March 14th High Bluff Stock Farms Bull Sale, Inglis, MB

March 15th McRuer Simmentals Annual Bull & Heifer Sale, Killarney, MB

March 16th Transcon’s Premium Beef Simmental Bull Sale, Neepawa, MB

March 21st Sunville Simmentals 9th Annual Bull Sale, McCreary MB

April 5th 57th Annual Lundar All Breeds Beef Cattle Sale, Lundar, MB

Lending

Casseroles: The Food Trend of the Ages

BY ANNA BORYS

Casseroles: they’re the unsung heroes of the dinner table, the dependable, hearty dishes that have graced our kitchens for generations. While food trends may come and go, casseroles seem to be the comfort food that just won’t disappear. Somehow, casseroles have stayed relevant through decades of ever-changing culinary fads. But how did casseroles earn such a loyal following—and why do they endure while others fade away faster than the trendiest avocado toast?

Let’s go back. In the ‘50s and ‘60s, casseroles were the height of culinary sophistication (or at least as sophisticated as one could get with a can of cream of mushroom soup). Think tuna noodle casserole or the classic green bean casserole. These dishes were staples at family dinners, church potlucks, and, of course, Christmas dinner—proof that, back

then, it wasn’t truly a holiday until you had a casserole with a crunchy, carb-loaded topping.

But, as time went on, some food trends began to fizzle out. Think of the ‘70s fondue craze. Or the ‘90s obsession with the “health benefits” of fat-free everything. Do we dare mention jellied salads? Yeah, those are gone. But casseroles? Casseroles have survived the test of time, like that little black dress we keep in our closets for emergency special occasions.

What makes casseroles so enduring? For one, they’re ridiculously versatile. Whether it’s a cheesy, gooey lasagna, a warm, comforting shepherd’s pie, or a layered taco casserole (see the March 2023 issue of Cattle Country), there’s a casserole out there for every taste. And then there’s the benefit of convenience: casseroles are great for meal prep, often better the next day, and make feeding a crowd (or your own perpetually hungry

family) a breeze. Plus, they’re usually a one-dish wonder, making clean-up less of a nightmare than trying to wrangle every frying pan and blender from the kitchen.

Not to mention, casseroles are also a wonderful canvas for creativity. Who knew that chicken Alfredo could meet broccoli and rice in one dish? (Hint: your kitchen, that’s who.) Plus, casseroles make the perfect vehicle for using up leftovers—so next time you’re tempted to throw away that half-eaten rotisserie chicken, just toss it in a casserole and pretend you’re on your own cooking show.

So, while food trends may come and go—casseroles will always have a place on the table. And let’s be honest, who needs another superfood smoothie when you could be spooning up the satisfying goodness of a cheesy baked casserole? Exactly. Enjoy!

Beef and Biscuit Casserole

Photo credit: Anna Borys (Makes 8-12 servings)

Ground Beef Stew:

1 Tbsp Canola Oil

2 lbs. Ground Beef, lean

3 tsp Salt

1 large Onion, diced

2 Ribs Celery, diced

2 tsp Garlic, minced

¼ Cup Tomato Paste

½ Cup All Purpose Flour

900 mL Beef Broth, unsalted

4 Cups Vegetable Medley, frozen

2 Tbs Worcestershire Sauce

1 Tbsp Paprika

¼ tsp Cayenne Pepper, dry ground

¼ tsp Black Pepper

2 Bay Leaves

Biscuits:

2 Cups All Purpose Flour

1 Tbsp Baking Powder

½ tsp Salt

1 tsp Sugar

¼ tsp Garlic Powder

1 Cup Cheddar Cheese, grated

⅓ Cup Green Onion, chopped

½ Cup Butter

1 ¼ Cup Milk

METHOD BEEF STEW:

1. Preheat oven to 425°F.

2. With a large dutch oven over medium high heat, heat oil. Once the oil is hot, add beef and brown until fully cooked. Season with 1 tsp of salt. Remove beef using a slotted spoon, leaving the remaining fat in the pot.

3. Turn heat to medium, then add chopped onion and celery and sauté until translucent, about 4 minutes. Add another tsp of salt, garlic and tomato paste and continue to cook for another 2 minutes.

4. Sprinkle the flour over the mixture and continue to cook for another 2 minutes, scraping bottom as necessary. This will thicken to create a thick paste.

5. Slowly add the beef broth, one cup at a time, stirring as you add to create a thickened chunky sauce. Bring the entire mixture to a simmer.

6. Stir in vegetable medley, Worcestershire and remaining 1 tsp of salt, spices, and herbs.

7. Bring stew to a boil and turn heat to a low simmer. Cover while you make the biscuit batter.

BISCUITS:

1. Mixture together dry ingredients, cheese, and onion.

2. Slowly stir in melted butter and milk to dry ingredients. It will appear like a thicker pancake batter. Careful not to overmix.

ASSEMBLY:

1. Remove bay leaves then transfer Beef Stew to a deep 9x13 casserole baking dish.

2. Spoon biscuit batter over surface of the stew, and bake for 18-20 minutes until biscuits are golden brown, and internal temperature of the biscuits reaches 195°F.

3. Remove from the oven and allow to rest for 1015 minutes before serving.