Cattle Country - November 2025 by ManitobaBeefProducers

Manitoba Government Extends Rent Freeze for Agricultural Crown Lands

(Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is extending the rent freeze for Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) forage leases into the 2026 growing season, continuing its commitment to making life more affordable for producers, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced October 8th

“Manitoba producers are the backbone of the provincial economy and our government is committed to keeping life affordable for the hard-working Manitobans who put food on our tables,” said Kostyshyn. “Continuing this rent freeze provides financial stability for producers and reflects our commitment to affordability.”

The current rate of $3.66 per animal unit months remains the lowest ACL rental rate in Western Canada.

“This announcement is a relief for Crown land users and gives us some certainty after a year of severe challenges,” said Brent Benson, cattle producer. “From extreme weather to the uncertainty of trade markets and feed supplies, some producers struggled to keep their family ranches operational without having to make decisions that could affect their sustainability or

viability. We look forward to working with the Manitoba government as we move toward a system of fair and predictable rental rates as well as policies that encourage young producers to enter the industry, an important component to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the family ranch.”

The ACL program supports approximately 1,750 leaseholders across Manitoba who rely on Crown lands for grazing, haying and cropping activities. These lands are a vital public asset, supporting the livestock sector, advancing sustainable land use, and respecting treaty and Indigenous rights, the minister noted.

Alongside the rate freeze, the Manitoba government has launched the first phase of a public engagement process to help shape the future of the ACL program. Through an online survey on EngageMB, Manitobans can provide feedback on three areas: lease allocation methods, limits on the total amount of land a single leaseholder can hold, and renewal options for modern leases.

“Manitoba Beef Producers appreciates the consul-

Smar t Farming

tations about various aspects of the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program to ensure it is responsive to the needs of the cattle sector,” said Matthew Atkinson, president, Manitoba Beef Producers. “We strongly encourage beef producers to make their views known during this important engagement process as it will help shape the future of the program.”

This survey represents the first phase of public engagement in the ACL program review. Feedback gathered will help inform proposed regulatory updates and program improvements. Further consultation with stakeholders, including leaseholders and Indigenous communities, will follow before final decisions are made, the minister said.

Feedback collected through the survey and consultations will inform final program adjustments and regulatory updates, anticipated for implementation in 2027, the minister added.

Manitobans interested in sharing their views are encouraged to visit https://engagemb.ca/ag-crown-lands to complete the survey by Nov. 24.

Arvid Nottveit, Vice-President and District 11 Director, at the podium during Lunch at the Legislature hosted by Manitoba Beef Producers on October 8. Directors advocated on priorities for the local industry with MLAs from across the province. (Photo credit: Jennifer Chen, MLA for Fort Richmond).

An Update on the Livestock Inspection Services File

Being not that many months away from the Manitoba Beef Producers’ Annual General Meeting in February, I thought I would both reflect upon the big discussion and decision around livestock inspection and give you an update on the progress since last year’s AGM.

First off, I think it’s important to say that in no way did we set out with an agenda to create an expansion of livestock inspection services in Manitoba. After hearing a lot of feedback from producers, marketers and lenders about lack of security around livestock ownership in Manitoba, we set forth to investigate what options were available. At this point, I would really like to acknowledge the great input we received from the other western provinces on how their systems worked, what they were happy with and what they would change.

ATKINSON President’s Column

Following a number of meetings and conversations, the very strong and unanimous feedback we received was that inspection works, it provides value that far exceeds the cost of the service and, it needs to be province-wide and mandatory. We also learned about how many cattle in Manitoba on which an inspection fee is already being paid, with them being inspected after the sale is made when they are destined to go to one of the western provinces. Now that inspection fee may not always be directly seen by the Manitoba seller, however, it is being factored into the sale price. The unfortunate part is that it is not bringing value to that Manitoba producer, due to the fact there is currently no detailed legislative or regulatory framework over Manitoba-owned cattle should a question about ownership arise. With all the information we had before us, no matter how many different ideas we kept batting around between us, it kept pointing back to expanded inspection being the only real solution, especially when inspection was already occurring on so many of these western-bound cattle.

We also looked long and hard at the designated roles within the RCMP – staff dedicated to investigating livestock-related crimes such as fraud and theft -- that British Columbia, Alberta and Saskatchewan have. While this approach is very important, and something that we clearly need here in Manitoba, the feedback from the RCMP officers in those roles in all three provinces was clear: they cannot do their job without having a livestock inspection service to work with. Additionally, knowing that after many years of delay, the new federal livestock traceability regulations are likely coming into force very soon, we see the value that could be brought by having an inspection service doing a portion of the movement reporting on the producers’ behalf.

Once MBP’s board of directors reached this conclusion, we decided that due to the complex nature of the how and why we got there, we felt the need to go beyond regular district meetings and hold some town hall-style meetings in some regions less covered by that year’s district meetings. At these meetings producers had a chance to better understand what livestock inspection really means and to voice any concerns.

Lois McRae RR 1 Box 57 Brandon, Manitoba R7A 5Y1 h: 204-728-3058 c: 204-573-5192 f: 204-727-7744

DISTRIC T 1 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

We appreciate everybody who came out and engaged in person, spoke to us for more information and came out to our February 2025 AGM, where we saw a resolution on livestock inspection carried with a strong majority.

As a refresher, that resolution stated as follows: “Therefore be it resolved to recommend that Manitoba

DISTRIC T 9 TREVOR SUND Alexander, Brokenhead, East St. Paul, Lac Du Bonnet, Rockwood, Rosser, St. Andrews, St. Clements, St. Francois Xavier, West St. Paul, Whitemouth, Woodlands, 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

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

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.”

Following the AGM, we formed a working group, with members of our MBP board, reps from the Manitoba Livestock Marketing Association, producers at large and, in a non-voting seat, a representative from Manitoba Agriculture. The Manitoba Livestock Inspection Working Group’s job is to try and work through establishing expanded inspection services and therefore it is important we have the diverse industry representation we do have. This consists of commercial cow-calf, purebred, feedlots, auction marts and order buyers.

The first big task before us has been looking into our existing provincial legislative and regulatory framework and what we would like updated versions of these to say when it comes to livestock inspection and key pieces such as demonstrating ownership of cattle. This is of course a lengthy and detailed process that is now handed off to the province for drafting of those pieces.

As noted, one of the other benefits livestock inspection can provide is movement reporting for the new traceability regulations, expected to come into force in the next couple of years. As part of that, it will be necessary to have complete records for livestock being transported, meaning manifests and animal transport records/transfer for care. Our goal in establishing mandatory inspection services in Manitoba is at the outset to go directly to a digital platform for inspectors inputting information, rather than face the slow and uphill battle some other provinces are experiencing as they transition from paper to a digital platform. Our hope is to have a digital manifest platform available for producers to use that would be able to directly input that information, saving a lot of work and expense in the long-term. This of course is a lot easier and more valuable than a stack of paper records when issues arise and information needs to be looked back upon, such as during an animal disease investigation or if a suspected case of cattle theft or fraud has arisen.

At this point, the exact timeline to move to mandatory inspections is not yet known. As with all legislative or regulatory changes in Manitoba, these will be up for public comment and that is something we will see at some point and feedback from that can affect those timelines.

Regardless of a coming into force date, our hope, if possible, would be a few months of an education and awareness prior to inspection being fully enforced so that all members of the beef value chain can become aware of what is involved and their respective responsibilities. As always, MBP directors and staff want to hear from you on topics such as livestock inspection, so please feel free to reach out to discuss it more.

Maureen Cousins

Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture and MLA for Dauphin (second from right) is pictured with MBP Directors Trevor Sund, Andre Steppler and Mark Schram. (Photo credit: David Hultin/MBP).

The Importance of Staying Engaged in Your Industry

Greetings friends,

Well fall is here, and as I write this we have started our district meetings. The weather has been decent so far, and hopefully many of you are wrapping up fall work. It has been an interesting year again with varied weather conditions, but that’s what we have come to expect in agriculture.

CARSON CALLUM General Manager’s Column

As we continue to roll through different parts of the province and connect with many producers, it brings up the topic I want stress, and that is the value of engagement. I don’t want this come across as selfish as the staff lead of MBP, but I truly believe it is very important to be engaged in many aspects of the industry that take place outside your farm, whether that’s attending district meetings for Manitoba Beef Producers, our AGM, or other industry events for your farm’s commodity or commodities. It’s important you are engaging not only with us as your industry asso-

ciation, but that you are also engaging with elected and government officials who attend these types of events. They need to hear firsthand from producers as they can make legislative, regulatory and policy changes that can impact your farm directly.

Every industry is changing. New technologies, consumer behaviors, and regulatory landscapes constantly emerge. By attending conferences, participating in webinars, podcasts, and being part of producer networks, you stay informed—not just about what’s happening now, but what’s coming next. This foresight allows you to pivot strategies, adopt innovations early, and avoid the pitfall of playing catch-up.

Engaging in your industry allows you to build meaningful connections with peers, mentors, etc. These relationships can open doors to partnerships that can greatly benefit your own farm and the industry as a whole.

When you participate in industry discussions, contribute to thought leadership, or volunteer in agricultural associations, you build credibility.

No matter how experienced you are, there’s always more to learn. Industry engagement offers a two-way street for learning and teaching. You gain insights from other producers or industry leaders who’ve solved the problems you’re facing now. And in turn, you share your own knowledge. This reciprocal dynamic builds a stronger agricultural industry.

Industries don’t evolve by accident. They move forward when leaders come together to identify gaps, share knowledge, advocate for change, and drive innovation. By engaging in your industry, you’re not just investing in your own farm’s success— you’re contributing to a larger ecosystem that supports everyone in it.

This has been on my mind as we continue to roll through our district meetings. I fully understand engagement in the agriculture industry is not always easy. Your duties on farm and to your own family/community are immense. I truly appreciate those who can make the time to join various boards, but I also respect the time availability isn’t always there.

With trade concerns, animal disease risks, and constant other issues on the horizon, being informed and involved will always be important.

Thanks to those of you who were able to make it out to our district meetings this fall. It’s not the only way to stay engaged, and we hope you keep in touch with our office, directors, and join us at our future events, such as our 47th Annual General Meeting on February 11-12, 2026 in Brandon.

Until next time, Carson

How Canadians Feel About Beef

SUBMITTED BY: PUBLIC AND STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT, A PROGRAM OF THE CANADIAN CATTLE ASSOCIATION

The way Canadians feel about beef matters – it influences what they buy at the grocery store, what they talk about with their peers, what they share on social media and even the policies that shape agriculture. For beef producers, this isn’t just background noise; it’s a real factor that affects demand, market opportunities and the future of the industry. The good news is that Canadian beef has a positive story, and the message is being received. The latest consumer research shows a strong majority of Canadians have positive perceptions about beef farmers and ranchers and feel that beef is a healthy and sustainable food choice.

Each year, consumer research is conducted by Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) - a check-off funded program that works to build public trust in the way Canadian beef cattle are raised. In 2024, perceptions were highly favourable and saw large increases across the country, especially in some key target demographics.

Beef as a Food

Confidence in Canadian beef as a safe (90% agree) and healthy (86% agree) food is exceptional and remains strong year after year among all demographics. Beef is ranked as the second most nutritious protein just behind chicken, however, younger Canadians (18-29 years old) rank beef as the most nutritious protein. The youngest surveyed demographic along with 30–44-year-olds, have an increased desire to eat more beef while older Canadians are content with the amount they eat now.

Beef Farmers and Ranchers and Animal Welfare

As usual, a large majority of Canadians have positive perceptions of beef farmers and ranchers (70%). Of those that don’t fall into the positive category, 25% rate themselves as ‘neutral’ and only a very small percentage (5%) express negative perceptions. When it comes to how Canadians feel about beef cattle welfare, 79% rate the beef industry as humanely treating their animals –another category that has been on the rise and saw 5% growth in the last two years.

Environmental Sustainability

One of the most impressive increases seen in the past year is the number of Canadians who agree that beef is an environmentally friendly food choice. From 2023 to 2025, this metric saw a 14% jump, with 74% now in agreement. Further adding to positive views of beef’s role

in environmental sustainability are 80% of Canadians who rate the beef industry as good stewards of the land and water and 79% of Canadians who say the industry is making a sincere effort to limit its environmental impact. What is especially encouraging about questions related to the beef sector’s sustainability is who is driving the change. While perceptions generally rise with age, most increases in these perceptions over the past few years come from younger Canadians and urban resi-

dents – key target audiences for PSE’s proactive content and campaigns.

Trust and Pride in Canadian Beef

Over the past year there has been a surge in pride for all things Canadian and with beef there is no exception. While beef supply has been tight and retail cost has been high, demand has remained strong and perceptions have grown remarkably high for Canadian beef and the people who raise it.

MBP Had Opportunity to Meet with Senators, MPs and Government Staff in Ottawa

Manitoba Beef Producers directors and staff, along with staff from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) had the opportunity to meet with several Members of Parliament, Senators and government officials during a recent advocacy trip to Ottawa.

Participating in the meetings were District 3 Director Andre Steppler, District 10 Director Mike Duguid, General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins, along with CCA staff.

Meetings were held with Manitoba Senators Charles Adler and Marilou McPhedran, as well as James Bezan, MP for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman; Ben Carr, MP for Winnipeg South Centre; Grant Jackson, MP for Brandon-Souris; Kevin Lamoureux, MP for Winnipeg North; Branden Leslie, MP for Portage-Lisgar; and Ted Falk, MP for Provencher. There was also a meeting with John Barlow, MP for Foothills. There was engagement with staff who work with Ministers on files such as trade and finance.

Key topics discussed during these meetings included: the importance of trade to the beef sector; ways to improve business risk management tools such Livestock Price Insurance, AgriStability and the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision; efforts to amend SRM requirements to bring them on par with the US requirements; and the ecosystem services provided by Manitoba’s beef producers.

There was also a meeting with officials from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency where topics such as bovine tuberculosis investigation and compensation processes were discussed, as well as pending changes to traceability requirements and ensuring that this process works smoothly for beef producers, among others.

MBP sincerely thanks the MPs, Senators and government officials who took the time to meet with our representatives, as well as CCA staff Jennifer Babcock, Gabriela Guigou, Sarah Creach and Jarred Cohen for helping to organize and participate in these valuable meetings.

Percentage of Canadians Who Agree Beef is an Environmentally Friendly Food (increases from 2023-2025 seen in green)

Pictured on Parliament Hill in Ottawa: Carson Callum, General Manager, Manitoba Beef Producers; Senator Marilou McPhedran; Jennifer Babcock, Chief Government and International Affairs Officer, Canadian Cattle Association; and Andre Steppler, MBP District 3 Director. (Photo credit: CCA)

Manitoba Rancher Hosts Chef for Wide-ranging Farm Experience

BY: DAVID HULTIN

A new season of Great Tastes of Manitoba (GTOM) is underway featuring Canadian Cattle Association President and Manitoba Beef Producers District 7 Director Tyler Fulton alongside Red Seal Chef Anna Hymers.

Set in Birtle amid the vibrant fall colours, the “Ultimate Farm Tour” is available to stream on the Great Tastes YouTube channel beginning November 7 and coincides with the relaunch of GTOM as a digital-only show.

“I had heard about other ranchers, beef farmers experiences in hosting influencers and was not sure what to expect. I know that urban dwellers are largely naive to how we raise cattle, but understand there is a spectrum of those with/without experience in agriculture,” remarked Fulton. “But I knew the show and the quality work and footage that went into it, and felt like the opportunity was too good to pass up. It is rare that Western Manitoba gets any exposure in media, so I typically jump at the chance to show off our area!”

For Winnipeg-based Hymers who is a regular contributor to MBP’s Cattle Country as well as MBP’s food expert at consumer-oriented events, this was her first visit to a cattle operation.

“Something I always tell my students at RRC Polytech is whenever there’s an opportunity that presents itself, say yes! You never know what kind of experience you’ll have, what doors might open (or close!), or the people you’ll meet. So, this was a no-brainer to jump at the opportunity.”

The shift to YouTube comes after 35 years as a Saturday night staple on the television airwaves.

“Great Tastes viewers can expect the same high-quality stories about people in agriculture as they’ve seen in past seasons. What has changed is the entertainment value! The sky’s the limit now in terms of what we can do because we are no longer locked into a broadcast specific length,” said series producer Donalee Jones. “Giving viewers a glimpse of what life is like on a Manitoba farm is only one piece of the puzzle. We also want to illustrate that farmers care about the same things consumers care about, so by showcasing shared values - like Tyler and Anna’s mutual love of the game of Ultimate Frisbee - we’re able to make a more relatable connection with the

audience. Plus, it added some great entertainment value - just wait until you see the epic training montage al la ‘Rocky’!”

When asked about a favourite memory about the filming and trip to the Birdtail Valley, the last word goes to Hymers.

“Just how awesome Tyler and his family were. They were nothing but welcoming into their home and lives for a day. If they lived closer to the city, I’d for sure recruit them into my ultimate team, too!”

Photo credit: David Hultin/MBP

Getting Ready for Proposed Regulatory Changes

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT MOVEMENT REPORTING IN THE CANADIAN LIVESTOCK TRACKING SYSTEM (CLTS)

Livestock traceability is essential for protecting animal and human health by limiting the risks and impacts of disease outbreaks, food safety concerns and natural disasters. Canada’s traceability system is built on three pillars: animal identification, premises identification and movement reporting. However, gaps currently exist, including incomplete species coverage, delayed, inconsistent or lack of movement reporting and outdated record-keeping requirements.

The federal government has proposed changes to Part XV of the Health of Animals Regulations to address gaps in Canada’s traceability system. Key changes include expanding regulated species to goats and cervids, requiring livestock identification, the identification and registration of premises where livestock are kept or collected, and mandatory reporting of animal movements.

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is committed to supporting its clients through a smooth transition as proposed regulatory changes approach. CCIA is encouraging both their current regulated species groups (beef cattle, bison and sheep) and pending regulations, cervid and goat groups to begin preparing for the incoming changes and utilizing all the tools available to them in the CLTS, which aim to help reduce the administrative burden of the incoming reporting requirements.

The agency recommends CLTS clients verify their Premises Identification Numbers (PIDs) are up to date and registered through their provincial PID registry. Once federal amendments take effect, movement re-

porting using PIDs will become mandatory across all sectors involved in livestock handling.

The movement record function in the CLTS is now live and available for use ahead of proposed regulatory amendments. CCIA is asking clients to begin reporting livestock movements in the CLTS and to share their feedback on the tool’s usability.

“Our goal is to create a data system that supports our clients across every stage of the livestock supply chain and helps reduce the administrative burden of our clients to meet the proposed regulatory requirements when the amendments come into effect,” said CCIA general manager Ashley Scott. “Starting to use the movement module now and providing feedback, strengthens traceability and ensures our clients are ready when CFIA publishes the updated regulations in Canada Gazette Part II.”

What’s new in the CLTS?

To ease the reporting burden, CCIA’s new movement record module streamlines communication between producers, transporters, and destinations.

Here’s how it works:

1. The source account/premises initiates the movement record in the CLTS.

2. An email notification is sent to the transporter, who inputs relevant details—without needing login credentials.

3. Once the animals are moved, the destination site, account/receiver, confirms receipt of the animals and updates the movement record with its PID

submitting it as a Move-In event in the CLTS.

This workflow simplifies the process, reduces paperwork, and ensures compliance with the incoming regulatory requirements. For more information on entering movement records in the CLTS, visit support.canadaid.ca Flexible reporting options for group movements

The movement record module can also be used to report group movements without tag numbers for certain operation types, such as assembly yards or auction marts. It enables collaborative reporting between producers, transporters, and recipients. This creates a live, shared record where each party enters their portion of the movement data, supporting integrated and flexible traceability workflows.

It complements other CLTS features:

• Individual movement reporting still exists and requires tag IDs.

• Users can also report movement events through batch uploads, the CLTS MOBO mobile app, or automated web services for software-integrated systems.

Group Movement Specification

• Auction marts and assembly yards are not required to report tag numbers but must include the total number of animals and species.

• Feedlots and other sites must report tag IDs in the Move-In event.

Working together

CCIA and national industry associations are working together to ensure industry-wide readiness. From early communication to joint system testing, the goal is to strengthen Canada’s traceability system. Producers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to update their internal systems and protocols to reflect proposed movement reporting responsibilities, take part in CCIA training sessions and workshops, and stay informed as the final regulatory text is published in Canada Gazette Part II (CGII).

Using the movement record in CLTS supports compliance, which protects animal health and producers’ livelihoods. Accurate, timely reporting improves traceability, enabling a faster response to disease events and helping reduce the risk of economic loss. By keeping livestock movements properly recorded, producers can feel confident they are safeguarding their herd, their business and their family’s well-being.

Movement Matters

Client participation

The movement record function in the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) is available for use ahead of regulatory amendments. CCIA has added features to the CLTS movement reporting model to ease the administrative burden of our clients. We encourage clients to participate by reporting livestock movements in the CLTS and sharing feedback on this feature.

The regulatory amendments will focus on the identification and registration of premises where livestock are kept or collected, the identification of livestock, and the domestic movement reporting of livestock. Using the movement record in the CLTS strengthens traceability and supports communication between producers, transporters and destinations. This leads to faster identification and notification of stakeholders during a disease outbreak. Log in and check it out!

CLTS movement record

A movement record is initiated by the producer, all parties (producer, transporter, and destination) enter their data, and the destination submits the movement information.

Currently the movement feature is not a regulatory requirement, although it meets the proposed regulations and is a step towards more eﬀective traceability.

Group movements

The Group Move-In/Move-Out feature allows movement reporting without listing individual tag numbers, but is only available for assembly points such as auction marts or assembly yards.

Auction marts and assembly yards are not required to report tag numbers—but must include the total number of animals and species. Feedlots and other sites must report tag IDs in the Move-In event.

What works for you?

•CLTS MOBO App: Mobile reporting (soon to be bilingual)

•CLTS Web Portal: Manual entry for low volume reporting

•Excel File Upload: Batch submission via CLTS Web Portal

Help us make livestock traceability work for you, wherever you are.

We’re here to help 1.877.909.2333 clts.canadaid.ca info@canadaid.ca support. canadaid.ca

MBP 2025-26 Scholarship Recipients

ESSAY QUESTION: “WHAT THE BEEF INDUSTRY MEANS TO MY FAMILY, MY COMMUNITY AND MANITOBA.”

Each year MBP offers six $1,000 scholarships to members, or the children of members, who are attending university, college or other post-secondary institutions or pursuing trades training. The six recipients of the MBP bursaries for 2025 are Kathryn Gillis, Ffion Devonald, Mae Fulton, April Steppler, Lainie Muir, and Addison Bruce. Three of their essays are in this edition, and the remainder will be in December's Cattle Country.

BY KATHRYN GILLIS

I’ll never forget the first time I watched a calf being born. It was messy and disgusting and absolutely miraculous. So many important life lessons were learned in that calving barn, and on our farm as a whole, and I am proud that I was able to learn them by the side of my dad and grandpa. From a young age, I rode along in the tractor while feeding cattle in the corrals and guarded crossings while cattle were being moved out to pasture. Now that I’m older, I’m the one driving the tractors and I find great satisfaction in seeing the land scattered with bales at the end of a long day. To my family, farming isn’t just a job,

it’s a way of life and our contribution to the world. The beef industry sustains rural economies, supports farm-to-table living, and provides a healthy source of food at both the local and the global level. In my own home town, farmers are the ones investing in the community, supporting local businesses, and populating our school and this is true of rural communities throughout Manitoba.

Manitoba is a truly beautiful place to live. It is vibrant with grasslands, trees, and lakes. Cattle production plays a major role in supporting soil health and contributing to biodiversity. Cattle grazing areas protect both grasslands and wetlands as well as preserving wildlife habitats. Beef producers are often attacked for creating negative

environmental impacts, but in reality, there is no one more passionate about protecting the land than a farmer.

As a farmer’s daughter, I grew up knowing the value of hard work and long hours. I learned that every failure is an opportunity to grow, adjust, and become better. I was taught that to achieve success one must set their goals high and strive to reach them every single day and once you get there, set another goal. These lessons are the platform on which I will build my future - and I learned them on the farm.

It is my intention to get my Doctorate in Chiropractic after accomplishing a Bachelor of Science from the University of Manitoba. The focus of my practice will be to offer accessible care to farm families and help farmers to move better, feel better, and farm longer. It is a physically demanding profession that requires living in rural areas where health care services are not optimal, so my plan is to fill that gap. I can’t imagine living and raising my family anywhere else.

BY FFION DEVONALD

My family and I moved to Canada from Wales, UK in 2009. There was more opportunity for farming in Canada than in the UK. Land was so expensive, and a farm was difficult to build independently without inheriting it. Cattle and farming in general were a huge part of my parents’ childhoods, and they wanted the same upbringing for their children. Our journey to Canada began, how we ended up in McCreary I have no idea! My dad started off working for another farmer down the road while we grew our herd. My mom worked as a pharmacist in town.

In 2013 we were looking for a bigger piece of land to farm, and we soon moved to Ochre River where we still live today. My siblings and I were involved in 4-H growing up, my sister Nia was in beef, and I was in the equine program. The training of steers, heifers, and calves in preparation for the beef shows was where a lot of our time was spent in the summer. Blood, sweat,

and tears were put into these animals but neither of us would trade it for anything. Watching my sister walk proudly with her cattle around the ring made it all worth it... even the times we were drug around the yard by a steer 12x the weight of us, it was still worth it to see how far they had come by show day.

Raising beef and being farm kids has taught us how to work hard. It taught us how to care for animals, it taught us patience, and kindness and that sometimes life is tough and unfair. Losing a calf that you tried so desperately to keep alive is a hard thing to grasp as a child. But dad always said, “it sucks, but that’s just life. We did everything we could have.” Checking the cows throughout the night in -40 weather taught us responsibility. It was tough, no doubt, but it is the biggest blessing.

Most of the land in McCreary and area is farmland, some of it is grain and some is beef. McCreary specifically, is a small town, where everyone knows everyone. Everyone knows whose field that is, who’s cows those are, and even who drives that truck. Small communities look out for each other, we work together and always lend a hand where it’s needed because we know a time will come when it will be our turn to need the helping hands of our rural farmers. No matter the time of day, you can count on one another, no questions asked.

Beef in Manitoba, however, is a massive

industry with extreme significance to our province. There are around 60,000 cattle farms across Canada, helping it to be the 12th largest beef exporting company in the world. This greatly affects our economy and is a main resource for Canada and Manitoba. The beef industry brings in revenue, not just from cattle sales, but also meat processing, and international exports, supplying Manitoba with exceptional beef. Without them we would not have our shelves lined with local beef, and our province and country would be a great loss.

I am proud to say that I have grown up in the beef industry, and I am beyond grateful for the lessons it has taught me. Not all kids get 320 acres of land to run free on, not everyone gets to watch the birth of a calf, a c-section being performed in your barn, a heifer raise its first calf and experience motherhood for the first time, the bond the is created between a child and a bottle-fed calf, and how good it feels to know that your freezer is full of beef that you know exactly what has went into it. The farm provides lessons that you cannot find anywhere else. The gift of being a farm kid is the greatest gift of all.

StockTalk Q&A Feature Brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture

Sharon Finlay Farm Management Specialist

Manitoba Agriculture

Sharon.Finlay@gov.mb.ca

Financial Planning for Beef Operations

Record high beef prices have many producers thinking about the financial position of their farms and wondering what the next step should be. September to December is an excellent time to meet with your accountant and start looking ahead for tax and financial planning purposes.

Prepare, review and adjust your financial budgets/cost of production annually.

Tracking the financial performance of your business is essential in making good management decisions. Preparing and reviewing budgets on an annual basis allows you to see the impact of decisions and make any adjustments as needed. Create or update a net worth statement every year end and consistently do it at the same time each year. Completing this statement has the added benefit of gathering much of the information you need for AgriStability, such as crop and livestock inventory, accounts payable, accounts receivables, deferred income and receivables, and purchased inputs, such as fertilizer. This financial information will also help complete a budget and identify your cost of production. Scan the QR code to access our Cost of Production calculators to help you. There are industry benchmarks and guidelines that can be used to see how your operation compares to similar operations. Don’t forget to review the budget and make any changes to capture any business decisions that have been implemented. Review financial ratios on an annual basis and engage in a conversation with your lender(s).

Lenders use common financial ratios to determine three things – can the farm afford any new financing requests, does the farm have the ability to repay the new loan, and what can be used as security to secure the loan? Financial analysis provides information for both the lender, and you, as the business owner. It is a good strategy to look at three to five years of financial results for your operation to capture highs and lows for the business. These historical years will provide trendlines that you can compare the current year’s financial ratios against to determine how the business is performing. Common ratios, such as working capital, debt service coverage and leverage, provide a good check up on the financial health of the business and can pinpoint areas for review if the ratios are tracking offside. The more fluent you become in the language of financial analysis, the better you will be able to make decisions based on solid financial information. Consider talking to your lender on a regular basis to build a solid relationship so that topics can be discussed and plans implemented, if needed. Be efficient with debt financing and repayment.

Every farm has debt and the level of financing needs to fit the cash flow capacity of your business. Conducting “What-If Analysis” for any planned equipment or land purchases in the next fiscal year will help you determine if the business can carry that increased debt. Layer those proposed debt payments into your financial budgets to see if the farm can still make the increased payments and maintain debt service coverage requirements. Go one step further and drop prices by a large percentage to determine the impact on the financial ratios. Ensure that existing, and any new financing, loan payments match the cash flow timing of sale of inventory. Another strategy may be using free cash to pay down existing debts.

Establish an off-farm saving plan and make regular contributions.

The best time to start saving for retirement is today. Funds invested in off farm savings can become part of the transition plan and may be gifted to non-farming children in the future. Regular contributions to savings, such as Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSA), will allow funds to grow tax free for future use. If you have children, regular contributions towards their education through Registered Education Savings Plans (RESP) will set them up for their future. Talk with your financial planner to determine the strategies for off farm savings that work for you.

Meet with your team of advisors annually.

Meet with your accountant before year-end to review the financials for the farm to determine if any year-end planning is required. For example, record cattle prices may put the farm in a tax owing position, and it may be possible to reduce the tax bill through actions such as prebuying inputs, equipment upgrades, or incorporating the business. Schedule a meeting with your accountant well in advance of the business’s year-end to develop and implement tax strategies. Look ahead to determine if there will be any additional revenues coming to the business. Come prepared, bringing the most current financial statements with you to the meeting or sharing this information in advance with your accountant. Be prepared to discuss any planned equipment purchases, as well as crop and livestock plans for 2026. If you are considering downsizing or retiring, it’s even more critical to reach out to your trusted professional advisors for advice on tax planning strategies.

Planning from a position of knowledge will help ensure timely decisions are made for reaching short- and long-term financial goals. Take the time to prepare and set up a pre-tax planning appointment with your tax accountant and trusted professional advisors. Don’t spend money just to spend money without talking to your accountant and team of trusted advisors. This is a year to pay attention to the potential for tax liabilities.

Share Your Voice

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

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

Kristen Bouchard-Teasdale Beausejour 431-337-1688

Kristen.BouchardTeasdale@gov.mb.ca

Cindy Jack Portage 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

2025-2026 StockTalk Webinar Series

Manitoba Agriculture is offering a series of interesting livestock and forage presentations, packed with information and featuring innovative leading specialists, aimed at helping Manitoba beef producers best out the latest news on research and production for beef and forage management by

Date(s): Nov.13, Dec.11, Jan.8, Feb.5, March 12 & April 9

Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.

Place: Your computer, smartphone or tablet

Place: Your computer, smartphone or tablet Register for StockTalk webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hlm-PWqFSJelloMpy5H5zg

Please add the webinar series to your calendar once you are registered.

Presentations and topics will cover Cattle Nutrition & Rations, Beef Cost of Production, Agri-Stability, Cattle Marketing, Beef and Forage Days Highlights, Ask the Vet, Forage Production & Management, Pasture Forage & Water Survey Results & a chance to ask questions to the speakers and Livestock & Forage Specialists.

For more information, call Manitoba Agriculture 1-844-769-6224

Or visit our website at manitoba.ca/agriculture/online-resources/stock-talk.html

Market Watch: Trends, Turns, and Tomorrow

As I sit down to write another Bottom Line, the calendar shows October 17, and the fall calf run is off and running. Nearly every auction market in Manitoba is full for the next three to four weeks. Lots of the bred cow sales are booked until the end of the year. There are some good dispersal herds on offer and a few large consignments of bred heifers booked.

I am often asked, “Is this is a good time to expand my cow herd?” If you are considering increasing the number of brood cows on your farm, there are a few things you really need to consider. Record high feeder cattle prices have supported stronger breeding stock and bred stock prices. Before purchasing bred cows or breeding style heifers, you need to do the math and take the long-term approach. Does that cow or heifer have the chance to remain in the herd for enough years to make the payments needed to cover her overall cost? That cost should include the cost of the animal plus interest, annual feed and grazing expenses, breeding costs, vet work and medicines, miscellaneous costs including transportation, death loss, conception rate losses and projected salvage value if the animal is open, injured or aged out and needs to be sold.

Last year, just the cost of keeping a cow was around a $1,000 per cow. That did not include interest or the

cost of replacing culled stock at 10% of the herd. Each operation is different. A projection on the value of the animal’s offspring in the future years is required to sustain that cow. How many healthy calves does she have to produce to be profitable? Some other considerations: How many more head of cattle can your current land base carry on an average year? Can you produce the feed to carry those extra cows over the winter? Finally, as good quality help is nearly impossible to find, do you have the desire to carry the workload? For the past number of years, producers have been selling the heifers and reducing their herds. Both the cow herd and the owners are getting older; how much change do you want in your operation and what is your long-term plan?

Some producers are able to sell 75% to 80% of their calf crop this year and take home more cash than 100% of the calf crop last year. This is allowing them to keep some heifers back and still pay the ever-increasing costs of running a cow-calf operation. Canada had more beef

cows in July 2025 than the previous year. Currently we are seeing some heifer retention, buyers purchasing breeding stock heifers at premium prices and the majority of the good bred cows going back to the farms and not to slaughter. I view this as rebuilding the herds, not necessarily expanding them at this time.

In my 45 years in the livestock marketing industry, I have to say that we have passed a new threshold into an area of extremely high risk. According to Canfax, prices for 550-pound steer calves have climbed 22% since May. That gives producers an extra $675.00 per head. Yearling prices have increased by 30 to 80 cents per pound depending on the weight class. Calves that were sold early for delivery are now looking pretty cheap compared to the current cash bids. Those producers who presold were managing risk and selling at a profit. Past trends supported those early sales. Sales in June, July and August were historically some of the highest prices paid.

More than ever, it is extremely important that you know and understand the true cost of production on your farm. Once you have a true cost of production, then you should look at risk management. It is very important to cover the down side risk. Many producers only worry about protecting the top side first, which is not the best business practice. We are currently at record-setting prices for feeder cattle, prices that no one would have been brave enough to predict 12 months ago. With these record prices come record risk. If, for whatever reason, there is a negative price adjustment, your cost of production will probably remain the same and possibly even increase. If the market happens to break, the losses have the potential to be bigger and faster than ever before. Risk management is a necessary part of your business plan.

It is also important to study the cattle markets and learn about the markets. Too many producers look at the cattle futures and say, “The futures are up, so the market will be higher.” The real question is, “What made the futures go up or down, and where are the futures relevant to the current cash markets?” As I write this, the Canadian cash market for feeder cattle is much higher than the feeder cattle futures. The cattle are off-side, however the cattle feeders are willing to purchase, expecting higher fed-cattle prices and lower costs of gain this year. In September, many of the yearlings had break-even costs of $5.50 on the rail. At that time, the $5.50 price was not available. In early October, volume sellers were being offered prices north $5.70 for delivery in the new year. If the feedlots were on a plus basis contract, they were able to take advantage of surging fed-cattle futures for even better pricing. Volume of feeders on offer has not broken the market price yet, and if we get through to November 10, prices will stay firm.

The market looks strong for the remainder of the year, and the outlook for spring is also very aggressive in the cattle pricing. We may be seeing the highs of the market right now, but that statement has been incorrect many times in the past six months.

Here’s to good marketing!

Until next time, Rick

WRIGHT

The Bottom Line

(Photo courtesy Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives Inc.)

Manitobans are Discovering Agriculture with Assistance from MBP and UM Graduate Students

BY PETER FROHLICH, NATIONAL CENTRE FOR LIVESTOCK AND THE ENVIRONMENT, UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

The University of Manitoba (UM), Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP), and several Manitoba agricultural organizations joined forces at UM’s Glenlea Research Station (GRS) to promote agricultural awareness at several public engagement events over the last few months. Located 20 minutes south of Winnipeg, the GRS is a unique facility where UM researchers are working on projects that advance the sustainability of Manitoba’s agricultural sector. The Station houses a feedlot, egg layer, dairy and swine units, as well as long-term sustainable cropping system and pasture research facilities. The GRS not only conducts world class research, but the state-of-the-art facilities also provide hands-on training opportunities for students. A unique feature of the site is the Bruce D. Cambell Farm and Food Discovery Centre (FFDC) where school-age children and the general public can explore how food is produced in Manitoba.

Discover Agriculture on the Farm

Discover Agriculture on the Farm is the largest annual public engagement event held at the GRS and FFDC. On September 14th, the research station hosted over 1,400 visitors from Winnipeg and surrounding areas including many families and newcomers to Canada. Adults and children of all ages had the opportunity to visit 11 eye-catching and interactive displays where they chatted with Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences (FAFS) graduate student volunteers, commodity group representatives, producers and GRS staff about where their food comes from. The interactive displays focused on beef, dairy, pork, poultry, bison (new this year), canola, fruit production and others. Younger visitors had the opportunity to collect stamps at the displays and enter a draw for a prize. Kate Cummings, Manager of the FFDC, says the event is important as it connects the public with primary producers in agriculture.

Exploring Beef Production at the Manitoba Beef Producers Display

A highlight for attendees at Discover Agriculture on the Farm was the recently updated Manitoba Beef Producers display. Information about the types of beef operations, the Verified Beef Production Plus Program, as well as the economic impact of the beef industry in Manitoba was presented in an easy-to-read style appealing to visitors of all ages. In addition, visitors tried hands-on activities that included comparing their height to that of a calf or a cow and using a magnetic board to reveal the role of cattle in maintaining grasslands. During this year’s event, Karen Emilson, founder of Cattle Country, which was launched 25 years ago, chatted with the public about a recently released video called Homes on the Range. The short film from the creators of the popular Guardians of the Grasslands video explores the role of beef farmers and ranchers play in protecting vital habitats that their cattle share with wildlife. Visitors were also treated to a sample of tasty beef skewers created by food expert Anna Hymers. Also assisting at the MBP display this year were graduate students Ireland Kyrzyk-Smith and Isabell Rutter, who are both in the Master of Animal Science program at FAFS. Ireland’s research explores dairy-beef cross cattle and Isabelle is investigating the effects of using multiple best management practices simultaneously to mitigate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from cattle. They are working with computer modeling software called Holos from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada that is designed to estimate GHG emissions on farm.

School Students Learn About Beef Production at the Discovery Centre

In addition to Discover Agriculture on the Farm, numerous other events were held at the Farm and Food Discovery Centre over the year. They included presentations and interactive stations for visiting high school students, as well as the Discover Day, an event that hosted over 250 Grade five students from the

Pembina Trails School Division in Winnipeg. In 2024, over 4,500 students visited the GRS and FFDC as part of curriculum-linked programs. These programs include presentations and tours given by FFDC staff and graduate students that tie in with the school curriculum.

International Exposure for the Manitoba Beef Sector

On October 9th the Nutrients for Life Canada Global Student Summit was held at the Richardson International Kelburn Farm. Sixty students representing Canada, Australia, England and USA learned about the role of cattle as upcyclers of food waste and agricultural by-products. They participated in hands-on interactive stations that provided an opportunity for students to learn about how microorganisms in rumen fluid allow cattle to utilize these feedstuffs. Bob Adamson, one of

the organizers of the event and Chair of Nutrients for Life Canada - Fertilizer Canada said that the annual Student Summit provides opportunities for students to share their perspectives on sustainable agriculture. Adamson adds that teachers have spoken highly about the Summit’s impact on student appreciation of agriculture systems, inspiring interest in careers and post-secondary studies in agriculture

For additional information on MBP resources, informational material and how to get involved in MBP outreach programs please contact info@mbbeef.ca

For more information on GRS and FFDC please visit https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/research/ glenlea-research-station

Stepping Out of the Kitchen— and Into the Pasture

BY: ANNA HYMERS, MBP FOOD EXPERT

If you caught the September issue of Cattle Country, you might’ve read about the exciting new chapter of Great Tastes of Manitoba (GTOM). Now in its 36th season, the beloved show is evolving with a fresh cast, new segments, and a move to streaming on YouTube— bringing local food stories to even more Manitobans.

This season, I’m honoured to be joining GTOM as one of the new Food Hosts. It’s been an incredible opportunity to step out of my usual kitchen setting and into the heart of where our food really begins—with the people and places behind it.

One of the most memorable moments so far?

Spending a day on the ranch with Tyler Fulton, a cattle producer and MBP District 7 Director, just outside of Birtle, MB. I never imagined I’d find myself driving an ATV through pastureland, surrounded by a curious group of heifers—but that’s exactly what happened. It’s now officially crossed off my bucket list… a list I didn’t even know had “hang out with cows” on it!

Up until this point, my closest encounter with cattle was spotting them from a car window and making the classic joke about chocolate milk coming from brown cows. (We’ve all heard it, right?) But standing in the middle of a pasture, watching these gals joyfully bound into fresh grass, was something else entirely. Their excitement was contagious—I couldn’t stop smiling.

Later, Tyler took us deeper into the Birdtail River Valley, a place he calls his “spiritual home”. Surrounded by rolling hills, quiet stillness and a fall gradient of reds, oranges and yellows, I understood exactly what he meant. There’s something profoundly grounding about being immersed in that kind of natural beauty.

We ended the day with a meal around the Fulton family dinner table, with Tyler’s succulently smoked brisket and where I had the chance to share a few of my own favourite recipes—Esquites (Mexican Corn Salad) from our May issue, and a hearty Beef Taco Soup you’ll find in this one.

I’m so grateful to Tyler and his family for opening their home and lives to us for the day. It was a true joy to experience a small slice of ranch life, and I hope you’ll tune in and experience it too when the episode airs Friday, November 7 at 1:00 PM on YouTube!

Beef Taco Soup

Ingredients:

1Btbsp Canola Oil

1 lb Ground beef, lean

1 small Onion, yellow, small dice

1 small Green bell pepper, diced

½ Jalapeno, finely chopped

1 Tbsp Garlic, minced

1 tsp Kosher salt (1st measurement)

¼ Cup Taco seasoning

½ tsp Cumin, dry ground

3 Tbsps Tomato paste

1 Cup Corn kernels, frozen

796 mL Diced tomatoes, canned

540 mL Black beans, canned, drained and rinsed

398 mL Pinto beans, canned, drained and rinsed

1 tsp Kosher salt (2nd measurement)

900 m Beef Broth, unsalted*

Toppings (optional):

Cheddar Cheese, shredded

Cilantro and Green onion, rough chopped

Tortilla Strips

Sour Cream

(Makes about 8 servings)

METHOD:

1. Heat the canola oil in your favourite large soup pot over high heat. Add ground beef and start to brown.

2. Once meat is cooked about 80%, add chopped onion, green pepper, jalapeno and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes.

3. Add first measurement of salt, taco seasoning and cumin. Cook until fragrant, about 2 minutes.

4. Add tomato paste and cook for an additional 2 minutes.

5. Add corn and tomatoes and scrape the bottom of the pot to release any burnt bits from the bottom. These add extra depth of flavour!

6. Stir in remaining ingredients, bring mixture up to a boil and turn heat to low. Cover and simmer for about 45-60 minutes, stirring occasionally. Adjust seasoning to taste.

*For a thicker chili-like soup, use half the amount of broth.

Photo credit: Anna Hymers