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CATTLE COUNTRY March 2020
Thoughts on the 41 MBP AGM st
Greetings members and industry stakeholders, I sit here writing this report shortly after wrapping our 41st Manitoba Beef Producers AGM, so I feel it is a perfect opportunity to summarize my thoughts on the event. Overall it was an excellent meeting, and I am encouraged by the optimistic feeling throughout the day-and-a-half program. I want to start by thanking all the speakers who spoke during the program. All provided such valuable information for our members. There are many important things to consider about where beef fits in an evolving marketplace. Michael Young, President of Canada Beef, gave an overview on the global status of Canadian beef. Brenna Grant with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) gave a rundown of current markets, as well as the National Beef Strategy. We heard from two distinguished researchers, Dr. Kim Ominski of the University of
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Manitoba and Dr. Reynold Bergen of the Beef Cattle Research Council. Our panel discussion, which featured Maurice Bouvier with Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, Andrea White from the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and Mark Ludwick from Chop Steakhouse & Bar, was very engaging as we talked about beef being a sustainable protein choice for consumers. Amie Peck of the CCA discussed key areas that the new Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) Program under the CCA is working on to build our industry’s public trust. PSE will be a very important part of our industry moving forward. These speakers combined created a very informative agenda for our AGM. An important aspect
CARSON CALLUM
General Manager’s Column
of any AGM is an effective business meeting. During this portion of the AGM, Tom Teichroeb gave his final President’s Report, and I greatly thank him for everything he has done for the industry. The main categories covered in our resolutions session were Agricultural Crown Lands, Business Risk Management Programs, Environment/Production Management, Transportation, and Justice. Many resolutions related to these categories were carried by the delegates, which provide guidance for the organization moving forward. There was healthy debate during this section,
and MBP looks forward to continuing its work related to these. An update on which resolutions carried and which were defeated can be found in this edition of Cattle Country. The President’s Banquet at our AGM was an excellent opportunity for folks to unwind, connect with many producers/industry stakeholders, and share a great beef meal. This year we had lots of excitement during the evening. Greetings was brought forward by Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen, and he announced funding towards a predation preven-
Retiring and non-returning MBP directors, Tom Teichroeb, Larry Wegner, Jade Delaurier, Robert Kerda and Kris Kristjanson were recognized, and Outstanding Contribution Awards were presented to long-time MBP employees, bookkeeper Deb Walger, and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins. In presenting the award, Teichroeb and Penner thanked them for their hard work and dedication to the organization over the past 20 years. This year’s Manitoba Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) went to the Hagan family – Thomas, Felicity and sons Rory and Ryan, who operate Hagan Valley Ranch near Virden. The Hagans were recognized for their contribution to the environment and conservation including efforts to incorporate habitat enhancement strategies on their 3,200 acres of largely native pastures. They have embraced new ideas in grazing management, marketing and soil health and ecology with a goal to have a sustainable ranch that ‘grows lots of grass, is diverse in wildlife and plant life, environmentally aware and financially stable’. How does beef stack up? Friday’s panel brought together speakers representing many aspects of the beef industry to weigh in on how beef stacks up to today’s competitive protein marketplace. Maurice Bouvier, Assistant Deputy Minister of the Production and Economic Development Division of Manitoba Agriculture
GORD ADAMS
R.M. of Albert, Cameron, Whitewater, Edward, Brenda, Winchester, Morton
DISTRICT 2
NANCY HOWATT - SECRETARY
R.M. of Riverside, Strathcona, Argyle, Lorne, Turtle Mountain, Roblin, Louise, Pembina
DISTRICT 5
STEVEN MANNS
R.M. of Elton, North Cypress, North Norfolk, Cornwallis, Oakland, South Cypress, Victoria, South Norfolk
DISTRICT 6
MELISSA ATCHINSON
R.M. of Wallace, Woodworth, Daly, Pipestone, Sifton, Whitehead, Glenwood
and Resource Development gave an overview of Manitoba’s Protein Advantage strategy and goals, which he said is an economic development and sustainability strategy. “We want to drive investment, new jobs, value in our rural and urban communities through the strategy,” explained Bouvier, emphasizing that although the strategy encompasses both animal and plant-based proteins, the animal protein sector right now is driving a lot of value and creating a lot of jobs. “We see beef as an important part of this [strategy] and we see that there are growth opportunities in beef production in Manitoba.” Mark Ludwick, Regional Manager for Chop Steakhouse & Bar, which has restaurants across Canada, said customers are increasingly asking questions about the source of the beef on their plate. Ludwick said his staff is excited about sharing the positive story of how Canadian beef is raised, and added this March, for the first time, the company will offer its customers a verified, sustainable Chop Burger. Around 65 per cent of Canadians want to know more about agriculture and the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) brings together the entire beef value chain from producers to retailers, as well as other partners like NGOs and conservation groups who are all working together to promote the positive stories of beef production. The CRSB’s Community Engagement Manager, Andrea White, cited Cargill’s Canadian Beef
DISTRICT 9
DIANNE RIDING - PRESIDENT
R.M. of Woodlands, Rockwood, St. Andrews, Rosser, St. Francis Xavier, Springfield, Tache, Whitemouth, Lac du Bonnet, Brokenhead, St. Clements, LGD of Alexander, Pinawa
DISTRICT 10
MIKE DUGUID - 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT
DISTRICT 3
DISTRICT 7
R.M. of Bifrost, Gimli, Fisher, Armstrong
R.M. of Portage la Prairie, Cartier, Grey, MacDonald, Dufferin, Thompson, Roland, Morris, Stanley, Rhineland, Montcalm
R.M. of Russell, Silver Creek, Rossburn, Ellice, Birtle, Shoal Lake, Strathclair, Archie, Miniota, Hamiota, Blanshard
DISTRICT 11
DISTRICT 4
MATTHEW ATKINSON
KEVIN DUDDRIDGE
R.M. of Richot, Ste. Anne, Hanover, De Salaberry, La Broquerie, Franklin, Stuartburn, Piney, LGD Reynolds
ing on their behalf as we move forward in 2020. It’s definitely sad to see directors finish their time on the board. Progressive, thoughtful, and professional directors like these folks are really what drive this industry forward. Even though they are leaving the board, I still hope to consider them friends. I am excited to get to know many of the new board members, and work closely with our new President, Dianne Riding, on many files important to the beef industry. Before I close, I want to thank the supporters and sponsors of our AGM. Without you, this event would not be possible. I also want to thank our members for attending and for your constant support of MBP. All the best during calving season! Carson Callum
AGM highlights (cont.)
DISTRICT 1
PETER PENNER - TREASURER
tion pilot project MBP has sought for some time. The Environmental Stewardship Award was presented to the Hagan family, who are very deserving of the award. Kind (and humorous) words were spoken about retiring and non-returning directors, a bittersweet moment for many in the room. It was also great to recognize two staff members, Maureen Cousins and Deb Walger, for their contribution to the industry. The evening was capped off by the hilarious comedian Dan Verville. It was such as great evening overall, and I was very happy to see all the folks enjoying themselves, especially after the tough production year in 2019. This being my first AGM, I am very pleased with how things went. The engagement by producers was outstanding, and I look forward to work-
TYLER FULTON 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT
DISTRICT 8
R.M. of Harrison, Clanwilliam, Rosedale, Glenella, Saskatchewan, Odanah, Minto, Langford, Lansdowne, Westbourne, LGD Park
ROBERT METNER
R.M. of Siglunes, Grahamdale, Eriksdale, Coldwell, St. Laurent
DISTRICT 12
MARK GOOD
R.M. of Lawrence, Ochre River, Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa
Sustainability Acceleration pilot project as a good example of how the industry is working to create a certified sustainable Canadian beef supply chain. Still on the theme of the Canadian beef ‘story’, Amie Peck of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association discussed how its Public and Stakeholder Engagement Program is addressing misconceptions about the industry. CCA not only responds to issues as they arise, but has a number of proactive projects and provides science-based information through its Beef Advocacy website that gives producers and other stakeholders concise, effective messages to share about the benefits of Canadian beef production. Market outlook The conference wrapped up with reports from the BCRC including details of current research that is looking to fill the information gaps about the effects of rest stops on animal being transported over long distances. This research is important to address some of the livestock transportation regulation changes coming into effect this year. Finally, Brenna Grant, Manager of Canfax Research Services gave a market outlook for 2020 that forecasts beef prices will likely remain fairly stable, total beef production will be up slightly by around 2.2 per cent and international export demand will remain strong despite lots of competition from other beef producing countries.
DISTRICT 13
DISTRICT 14
MARY PAZIUK
R.M. of Shell River, Shellmouth,Hillsburg, Boulton, Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Ethelbert, Mossey River, Dauphin, LGD Park
MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS Unit 220, 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4
Ph: 1-800-772-0458 PH - (204) 772-4542 FX - (204) 774-3264 info@mbbeef.ca www.mbbeef.ca
GENERAL MANAGER Carson Callum
POLICY ANALYST Maureen Cousins
www.mbbeef.ca
JIM BUCHANAN
R.M. of Minitonas, Swan River, Mountain, The Pas
COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATOR David Hultin
FINANCE
Deb Walger
OFFICE ASSISTANT Tanya Michalsky
CATTLE COUNTRY EDITOR David Hultin
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