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E-Newsletter An update from MBP May 28, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Minister Bibeau welcomes recognition that Canada is negligible risk for BSE (May 27, 2021 Canadian Food Inspection Agency News Release)

Today, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that Canada has been officially recognized by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) World Assembly of Delegates as a country with negligible risk for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE). By obtaining this recognition, Canada has achieved the most preferred status under the OIE's three tiered categorization system for evaluating BSE risk.

Minister Bibeau is marking the occasion today by speaking directly with past and current presidents of the Canadian Cattlemen Association, Stan Eby and Bob Lowe, who have been working with the Government of Canada since BSE was first detected in 2003, to achieve this most preferred status. Minister Bibeau will also be participating in calls with producers from across the country to emphasize that Canada has a strong, safe, respected beef production and processing system and a robust animal disease control system, which contribute to the national economy.

By achieving and maintaining negligible risk status for BSE, Canada enhances its negotiation position in efforts to gain

access to additional export markets for Canadian cattle, beef and beef products among countries that require products to originate from countries with negligible BSE risk status. A large number of Canada's major export markets have already approved all Canadian beef based on Canada's previous controlled risk status.

The Government of Canada will continue its work with the Canadian industry to prioritize outreach to trading partners requiring negligible BSE risk status among other requirements. Canada will inform those trading partners of Canada's BSE negligible risk status and will undertake immediate work to support expanded global market access for Canada's high-quality cattle, beef and beef products.

The CFIA worked closely with provinces and the beef industry to put forward a strong application to the OIE. These efforts demonstrate the importance of collaboration in achieving the best possible outcome for Canada. The CFIA will continue to work with the cattle and beef sectors, provinces and territories to maintain the negligible risk status through continued efforts in preventing and controlling the spread of domestic and foreign animal diseases. story continues on pages 3-5

additional reaction from Manitoba Beef Producers and the Canadian Cattlemen's Association on pages 7-9

For reliable information and resources please visit:

World body says Canadian beef officially poses ‘negligible risk’ for mad cow disease - Global News How to get drones into fields, doing useful work - Manitoba Co-operator

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Negligible risk status Quotes "Obtaining the "negligible risk" status from the OIE confirms that Canada's beef production system is sound, safe and respected. This will allow our beef and other cattle producers to expand their export markets and to develop their businesses".

– The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "This is a great day for beef producers across the country, many of whom remember the devastation caused by BSE when it first emerged in Canada over 15 years ago. With this recognition, Canada is positioned to negotiate greater access to international export markets for our top-quality beef products. I applaud everyone from industry and within the Government of Canada for the role they played in making this happen. We will always stand up for Canadian beef exporters and the workers whose jobs they support."

– The Honourable Mary Ng, Minister of Small Business, Export Promotion and International Trade "As of today, Canada is now part of the list of OIE Members recognized as having a negligible bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) risk in accordance with the Terrestrial Code. The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) would like to congratulate Canada, as well as other countries who received an official OIE animal health status, on their achievements."

– Dr. Monique Eloit, Director General, World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) "With the OIE's decision to grant Canada Negligible Risk Status for BSE, today marks the historic closing of the BSE era. We thank everyone involved in helping us attain this status including the Government of Canada, veterinarians across Canada and Canadian farmers and ranchers. We also thank Canadian consumers who supported Canada's

beef industry during the hardest times of BSE when Canadian beef couldn't be exported."

– Bob Lowe, President, Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) "As past president of the CCA, I witnessed the economic hardships beef producers felt, due to the BSE crisis. It was devastating to see so many producers leave the industry due to the crisis.

Today brings a new chapter, with new economic opportunities for beef producers and the next generation."

– Stan Eby, Past President (2004-2006), Canadian Cattlemen's Association (CCA) "The negligible BSE-risk status is an important step to help Canada secure and negotiate access to those countries have that have been holding out for Canadian beef products. CMC would like to thank AAFC, CFIA and Global Affairs for the hard work leading up to this announcement.

This was truly a collaborative effort of industry and government."

–Chris White, President, Canadian Meat Council Quick facts •

In 2020, Canada traded 425,109 metric tons of beef to 53 countries, valued at $3.3 billion.

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BSE is a progressive, fatal disease of the central nervous system of cattle.

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The OIE is the science-based standardsetting organization at the international level for animal and veterinary public health. It also serves as the scientific reference body for international trade of animals and animal derived products under the Sanitary and Phyto-sanitary (SPS) Agreement of the World Trade Organization.

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Negligible risk status •

The CFIA's Dr. Jaspinder Komal, Canada's Chief Veterinary Officer, is the OIE Delegate for Canada.

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BSE was first discovered in Canada in a domestic animal in May 2003. The last case of BSE in Canada was February 2015 in a cow born in March 2009.

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Since May 2007, Canada had successfully maintained its OIE controlled risk status for BSE. In July 2020, Canada submitted a dossier seeking recognition as a country presenting a negligible BSE risk status.

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The maintenance of the status granted by the OIE is dependent on the continued observance of OIE standards.

Failure to comply provides ground for the OIE to revoke the given status.

In March 2017, the OIE evaluated Canada's veterinary services and recognized Canada as a top-performing country for its veterinary services and a leading example in meeting international standards.

Backgrounder: Canada achieving negligible risk status for BSE Recognition by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) as a negligible-risk country for bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) is a major milestone for Canada and its beef producers. Negligible risk status will support ongoing work between the Government of Canada and cattle and beef industry to explore new market access opportunities.

What is bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)?

BSE is a progressive, fatal disease of the nervous system of cattle. It is what is known as a

transmissible spongiform encephalopathy (TSE).

Other TSEs include scrapie in sheep, chronic wasting disease in deer and elk, and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.

Although the exact cause of BSE is unknown, it is associated with the presence of an abnormal protein called a prion. There is no treatment or vaccine currently available for the disease.

Additional facts about BSE are available on the CFIA website.

BSE history in Canada BSE has been a reportable disease in Canada since 1990. In 1993, BSE was found in a beef cow that had been imported from the UK in 1987. Canada's first domestic case of BSE was found in May 2003. Canada's last case, its 19th domestic case, was found in February 2015.

CFIA's role in eliminating BSE from Canada BSE has not been detected in Canada since 2015. The CFIA maintains regulatory controls, including surveillance sampling and testing, specified risk material (SRM) controls, livestock identification, and the feed ban to keep the risk of new BSE infections to a negligible level.

In infected cattle, BSE concentrates in certain tissues known as SRM. As a public health protection, these tissues are removed from all cattle slaughtered for human consumption. To limit BSE spread among cattle, the Government of Canada banned most proteins, including SRM, from cattle feed in 1997. To provide further animal health protection, as of July 12, 2007, SRM are also banned from all animal feeds, pet foods and fertilizers.

How the OIE evaluates BSE risk In May 2007, the OIE implemented a 3 tiered country categorization system for evaluating BSE risk:

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Negligible risk status •

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Negligible: A country can demonstrate compliance with the recommended safeguards for at least 8 years and classical BSE has never been found in domestic animals younger than 11 years old.

Controlled: A country can demonstrate compliance with the recommended safeguards, but not for at least 8 years, and any infected domestic animals born in the previous 11 years have been managed in accordance with OIE guidelines.

Undetermined: A country is unable to demonstrate that it meets the requirement of one of the other categories.

Canada's strong submission for a new status Since May 2007, Canada had successfully maintained its OIE controlled risk status for BSE. In May 2021, Canada obtained its OIE negligible risk status for BSE. The Government of Canada worked closely with provinces and industry to put forward a strong application based on data. In July 2020, Canada submitted its application to the OIE to be recognized as a "negligible" risk country for BSE. In March 2021, the OIE Scientific Commission for Animal Diseases concluded that Canada fulfilled the requirements to be recognized as having negligible risk status for BSE. Member countries of the OIE had 60 days to request information about the report and the recommendation. The results of the vote were announced at the World Assembly of OIE

Delegates at the 88th OIE General Session on May 27, 2021.

Canada's application to the OIE highlighted Canada's strong BSE control measures, including surveillance sampling and testing, SRM controls, livestock identification and the feed ban.

The CFIA will continue to work with the cattle and beef sectors, provinces and territories to maintain the negligible risk status through continued efforts in preventing and controlling the spread of domestic and foreign animal diseases.

Current market access The majority of Canada's major beef export markets have already approved all Canadian beef based on their science-based recognition of Canada's previous controlled risk status including as follows (value of Canadian beef exports in 2020 as indicated): •

U.S. ($2.5 billion)

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Japan ($305 million)

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Hong Kong ($109 million)

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Vietnam ($41 million)

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Philippines ($5.1 million)

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United Arab Emirates ($3.8 million)

The CFIA, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) will continue to work collaboratively with Canadian industry to prioritize negotiations with trading partners that include negligible BSE risk status among the requirements for market access.

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Photo credit: Maureen Cousins

MBP thanks all those who have played a role in Canada achieving negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

The World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognized Canada as negligible risk for BSE on May 27.

This important change will help facilitate expanded Canadian access to foreign markets for various beef products currently limited by BSE-era restrictions. This change was achieved through the collaborative efforts of elected officials and government staff at the federal and provincial levels, as well as farmers, ranchers and veterinarians and others who provided information needed for the OIE to evaluate the change to Canada’s risk status.

MBP also wishes to recognize and thank Manitoba and Canadian consumers for their continued support of the beef sector, particularly during the most challenging period of BSE when beef products could not be exported outside Canada. Pictured is a BBQ in support of Manitoba’s beef industry that took place at Portage and Main in Winnipeg in August 2003, one of many similar types of events that were held around the province.

News Release Canada receives negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE); allowing for expanded international beef export opportunities May 27, 2021 Calgary, AB – Today marks an important step forward for the Canadian beef industry as the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) recognized Canada as negligible risk for Bovine Spongiform encephalopathy (BSE).

“The recommendation by the OIE’s Scientific Commission to grant Canada negligible risk status for BSE is a historic closing of the BSE era for Canada which brought unprecedent hardship to our industry in the early 2000’s,” said Bob Lowe, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) President.

CCA worked closely with the Government of Canada to see the application for negligible risk come to fruition. This change in risk status will help facilitate expanded access to foreign markets for various beef products currently limited by BSE era restrictions.

The attainment of negligible risk puts Canada at the lowest level of risk for the transmission of BSE alongside the U.S. which attained their status in 2013. The control of BSE across the globe is a remarkable achievement for the membership of the OIE. To achieve negligible risk, a country must demonstrate the last case of classical BSE was born more than 11 years ago and effective control measures and surveillance systems are in place. Canada’s last case was born in 2009.

“We thank everyone involved in helping us attain this status including the Government of Canada, veterinarians across Canada and Canadian farmers and ranchers. We also thank Canadian consumers who supported Canada’s beef industry during the hardest times of BSE when Canadian beef couldn’t be exported,” said Lowe.

CCA will now focus on the removal of the remaining BSE era market access restrictions as well as the alignment of packing house requirements with international recommendations. The additional requirements placed on Canada’s processing sector because of BSE created a significant economic disadvantage in comparison with others in the international marketplace.

Canada’s first case of BSE was discovered in May 2003 and led to international borders closing to Canadian beef, a significant impact as 50 per cent of Canadian beef is exported. Although difficult to fully quantify the direct economic impacts of BSE, between just 2003 and 2006, losses were estimated to be between $4.9 to $5.5 billion. Further indirect costs have continued to be accrued, due to the opportunity costs of continued limited market access and additional processing costs for Canada's packing industry.

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots.

Visit www.cattle.ca

Following the economic hardship from BSE, 26,000 beef producers exited the industry between 2006 and 2011. Along with their exit from the industry, more than 2.22 million acres of pasture lands, and since that time further losses, were converted to other uses marking BSE as both a detrimental economic and environmental event for Canada with rippling impacts still being felt today.

For more information, please see the Government of Canada news release here.

For further information, contact: Tammy Melesko Communications Manager Canadian Cattlemen’s Association 403-451-0931| meleskot@cattle.ca

The CCA is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 55,000 beef farms and feedlots.

Visit www.cattle.ca

COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin: Second-Dose Eligibility appointment. If the youth attends without a guardian and without a signed consent form, they will go through an informed consent process to assess their ability to consent on their own and proceed with the vaccine. Young people aged 16 and 17 can sign their own consent form.

(May 28, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

People who received their first dose of Pfizer or Moderna vaccine on or before April 3 can now book their second-dose appointment.

All Indigenous people in Manitoba and individuals with specific health conditions are also eligible to book their second dose, as long as they meet the minimum time interval between doses. For more information, visit https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#second-dose.

Individuals can book online at https://patient.petalmd.com/login?groupId=6032 or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-MAN-VACC (1-844626-8222). People will need to know the date they received their first dose and the type of vaccine received. If an individual cannot recall this information, it can be found through their immunization record at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/test-results/ or by calling their local public health office. A location directory is at www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/offices.html.

Note that vaccine appointments cannot be booked through public health offices.

First-Dose Eligibility All people aged 12 and up are eligible to book their first-dose appointments.

Young people aged 12 to 15 can either attend the appointment with a parent, guardian or caregiver, or bring a signed consent form at the time of their

Vaccine Administration Today, a total of 816,984 vaccinations have been administered in Manitoba. This milestone was accomplished with 100,000 doses administered over a record seven-day period. The previous record was 100,000 doses over an eight-day span.

Appointments Eligible people can also book appointments at super sites in Gimli, Dauphin, Steinbach, Winnipeg (Leila, RBC Convention Centre), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden.

Pop-up clinics have been scheduled throughout the province in June. A complete listing and searchable map is available online at https://protectmb.ca. See also the listing in this edition of the e-newsletter.

Indigenous people can also attend an urban Indigenous clinic led by community organizations in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie.

Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online at https://protectmb.ca, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MANVACC).

Additional Information More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca. For regular updates, visit https://protectmb.ca and sign up for the weekly e-newsletter.

All data in this bulletin is current as of May 27 unless noted otherwise.

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COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION POP-UP CLINICS

Pop-up clinics have been scheduled throughout the province in June. Clinics run from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. unless otherwise noted beside location. To book an appointment at a pop-up clinic, call (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).

Northern Regional Health Authority  The Pas – Roy H. Johnston Arena, 523 Smith St., June 2 and 5  Flin Flon – Flin Flon Community Hall, 2 North Ave., June 3, 4, 10, 11 12 and 17 Prairie Mountain Health  Killarney – Shamrock Centre, 725 Broadway Ave., June 1, 16 and 29  Deloraine – Winchester Community Hall, 119 Lake St. N, June 3  Neepawa – Yellowhead Centre Hall, 175 Mountain Ave., June 3, 17, 23, 24, 28 and 29  Swan River – Swan River Veterans Hall, 119 Sixth Ave. N, June 3,17, 22, 27, 28 and 29  Russell – George P. Buleziuk Centre, 106 Shell River Ave. S, June 8, 15, 24, 28 and 29  Virden – Tundra Oil & Gas Place 900 Fifth Ave S. June 9, 23 and 28 Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority  Riverton – Riverton Community Hall, June 2 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)  St. Laurent – St. Laurent Rec Centre PTH 6, June 2  Ashern – Ashern Centennial Hall #1 June 3, 15 and 30 (8:30 to 4:30 p.m.)  Lundar – Lundar Legion, 50 Third Ave, June 4, 25 and 29 (8:30 to 4:30 p.m.)  Beausejour – Brokenhead River Community Hall, 320 Veterans June 10 and 24  Stonewall – Stonewall Legion 459 Main St, June 15  Victoria Beach – Bictoria Beach Senior Centre, Ateah Road, June 16  Pinawa – Pinawa Alliance Church 1 Bessborough Ave., June 16 and 23  Whitemouth – Whitemouth Community Hall First Street, June 17  Teulon –Teulon Anglican Parish Hall, 60 Second St. SE. June 18 and 25  Eriksdale – Eriksdale Recreation Centre, 2 First Ave., June 24 Southern Health – Santé Sud  Portage la Prairie – Herman Prior Senior Services Centre, 40 Royal Road Rd. North, June 3, 10, 17, 18,19, 24 and 25 (12:30 to 8:30 p.m.)  Morris – Morris Multiplex 380 Stampede Grounds, June 16, 23 and 30  Buffalo Point – Buffalo Point Conference Centre, Point Road June 24

New Strengthened Public Health Orders in Effect Until Saturday, June 12, at 12:01 a.m.

(May 27, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) New, strengthened public health orders are being put in place for the next two weeks to encourage Manitobans to stay at home to reduce COVID-19 transmission rates and to help protect the healthcare system, Premier Brian Pallister and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced.

“Manitobans must stay home as much as possible for the next two weeks so our hospitals and our medical teams have the capacity to care for Manitobans when they need it,” said Pallister.

“These measures, which are the most stringent public health orders in the country, are necessary to protect and safeguard Manitoba lives. We need the full participation of all Manitobans for these strict public health measures to work so we can bend our COVID curve back down and get back to doing some of the things we love and miss.”

A new set of public health orders start on Saturday, May 29 at 12:01 a.m. and include: • indoor public gatherings are not permitted and visitors are not permitted on private property, except in certain circumstances; • requirements for employers to allow employees to work from home as much as possible; • outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are not allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields; • retail businesses may only operate at 10 per cent capacity or 100 customers, whichever is fewer, and only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some exceptions, such as a single parent with children or someone who requires a caregiver; • increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to eliminate gatherings and ensure compliance with shopping; and • many businesses and organizations will remain

closed for in-person service, including gyms and fitness clubs, restaurants and bars, personal service businesses, museums, galleries and libraries.

Kindergarten to Grade 12 schools currently learning remotely in the cities of Winnipeg and Brandon, and in the Red River Valley and Garden Valley school divisions, will continue until June 7. Schools in Dauphin will continue remote learning until June 9.

Additionally, the chief provincial public health officer will utilize health-hazard orders to close businesses, if necessary, where there are multiple cases and transmission is a risk.

The new orders will remain in effect until Saturday, June 12, at 12:01 a.m. For a full listing of the current health orders, all of which will remain in effect: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/prs/index.html.

“We are implementing these new, strengthened public health orders because our health system is facing critical pressures that are not sustainable.

Manitoba’s ICU numbers and hospitalizations are extremely high and are still expected to climb in this third wave,” said Roussin. “The public health orders outline what we need to do. We need to stay home and work from home if possible, and only go out for essential items when absolutely necessary and do not gather with anyone outside your household. We recognize the next few weeks will be tough, but our health system depends on all Manitobans doing their part.”

Roussin noted that ‘doing our part’ includes following the public health orders, getting vaccinated as soon as possible and booking a second-dose appointment when eligible.

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

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CHANGES TO MANITOBA PUBLIC HEALTH ORDERS The following changes come into effect on Saturday, May 29.

Sector Private Residences Indoor Gatherings Outdoor Gatherings

Restaurants and Bars

Gyms and Fitness Centres Casinos and VLTs Museums, Galleries and Libraries Movies Theatres and Concert Halls Weddings and Funerals Community, Cultural and Religious Gatherings Drive-in Services / Events Personal Services Indoor Sports and Recreation Outdoor Sports and Recreation Dance, Theatre and Music Schools

Existing Restrictions Under Red Level as of May 9 No visitors permitted to private residences, with specific exemptions Indoor gatherings not permitted Outdoor gatherings on public property limited to a maximum of five people, including household members. No outdoor gatherings are permitted on private property.

Restaurants, bars, patios and seating areas for food courts in malls/shopping centres will close to in-person dining, but sites can provide take-out and delivery services Closed

New Restrictions Under Red Level as of May 29 Restrictions Continue

Casinos and VLTs closed Closed

Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue

Closed

Restrictions Continue

Up to 10 people plus photographer/officiants Closed

Restrictions Continue

Permitted

Restrictions Continue

Closed Closed

Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue

Organized team games are not permitted.

Closed

Restrictions Continue

Restrictions Continue Outdoor gatherings not permitted except for household members.

Restrictions Continue

Restrictions Continue

Restrictions Continue

Restrictions Continue

Day Camps Retail, Markets, Garden Centres and Malls Workplaces

Closed Open at 10 per cent capacity up to a maximum of 100 people. Mall capacity limit of up to 10 per cent of the facility’s capacity.

No restrictions

Self-Help Gatherings

A 10-person maximum

Restrictions Continue Restrictions Continue with increased requirements for malls to manage capacity and access to ensure compliance.

Required to allow employees to work from home where possible.

Restrictions Continue

Government of Canada to Reimburse SelfEmployed Workers Who Repaid the CERB (May 27, 2021 Canada Revenue Agency News Release) Over the course of the COVID-19

pandemic, the Government of Canada has introduced historic measures to support Canadians, including the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB). The CERB helped more than 8 million Canadians pay for things like food and rent when we first asked people to stay home and flatten the curve.

The CERB’s eligibility criteria were made as broad and inclusive as possible so that workers who needed support could get it; especially for the self-employed whose income takes different forms.

As announced in February, self-employed workers who applied for the CERB and would have qualified based on their gross income are not required to repay the benefit, provided they also met all other eligibility criteria.

Today, the Government of Canada announced further details on how this approach will be applied.

The CRA will review the 2019 and 2020 income tax returns of workers in this situation to verify that these conditions are met.

Starting on May 27, 2021, self-employed workers who meet the remission order criteria and who had voluntarily repaid all or part of the CERB to the CRA or Service Canada can request a reimbursement of their payments only from the CRA. These workers can do so by completing the CRA’s CERB Reimbursement Application for Self-Employed Individuals form and submitting it to the CRA electronically or by mail.

The CRA will begin processing applications after June 15, 2021. Eligible Canadians who repaid the CERB can expect reimbursements within approximately 90 days of submitting their applications to the CRA. Quick facts •

The Canada Emergency Response Benefit and Employment Insurance Emergency Response Benefit Remission Order grants relief of the collection of certain overpayments and certain payments of the CERB for selfemployed individuals who applied for the CERB and would have qualified based on their gross income. The remission order was approved by the Administrator in Council on the recommendation of the Minister of Employment and Social Development Canada and Treasury Board on April 30, 2021.

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The remission order for self-employed individuals is published in the Canada Gazette.

Self-employed workers whose net selfemployment income was less than $5,000 and who applied for the CERB will not be required to repay the CERB, as long as: •

They have filed their 2019 and 2020 income tax returns by December 31, 2022;

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Their gross self-employment income was $5,000 or more in 2019 or in the 12 months prior to their initial application; and

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They met all other CERB eligibility criteria.

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Government of Canada to Reimburse SelfEmployed Workers Who Repaid the CERB •

Individuals who have not made a repayment to the CRA or Service Canada and meet the eligibility criteria for the remission order do not need to contact the CRA or Service Canada to confirm that they will not have to repay the CERB.

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The CRA may reassess 2020 income tax returns for individuals who are reimbursed CERB repayments, to reflect the CERB as appropriate. If necessary, the T4A slip or RL-1 slip will be

amended to include the full CERB amount received in 2020 and the income tax return adjusted accordingly.

Workers who received the CERB from Service Canada will receive an amended T4E slip, if necessary.

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The application period for the CERB closed on December 2, 2020. Individuals can only be reimbursed for periods that they repaid. Individuals cannot apply for the CERB retroactively.

Please note that census collection is still ongoing, and that it's not too late to complete your questionnaire.

Count yourself into Canada's statistical portrait!

Province Advises of Information Available for Agricultural Producers Affected by Spring Frost Event www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/farmmanagement/productioneconomics/pubs/calculator-crop-reseed.xls.

(May 27, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Recent frost events may have impacted Manitoba farmers and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) has several resources available for producers to assist in their response. It is important to note that frost damage assessments cannot be made until several days after the event. Producers must be able to determine if new growth is occurring from damaged plants.

It is recommended that producers and agronomists wait 24 to 48 hours after a frost event before assessing frost damage. Then, revisit the same sites again three to four days after initial frost to further assess the damage and evaluate the plant stand.

Before making a decision to destroy the crop, allow sufficient time for the crop to recover and potentially resume growth (at least four to five days). Note that Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation’s (MASC) seeding deadlines for the majority of sensitive crops like canola extend into mid-June. More information is online at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/crop_seeding_dead lines.html.

If after waiting a sufficient amount of time for the crop to recover and producers are considering reseeding, use ARD’s reseeding calculator, which uses MASC’s data, to help make a decision at

Producers must contact MASC before destroying the crop or reseeding.

Information on frost damage and various crop tolerances are found at: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/crops/cropmanagement/spring-frost-damagebulletin.html.

Weather maps, including special frost maps, are available at: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/weather/weatherconditions-and-reports.html; and www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/weather/currentweather-viewer.html.

As well, the latest Crop Report references a number of articles and resources related to frost: www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonalreports/crop-report-archive/index.html.

Producers can get more detailed information on how crops are affected by frost at: https://gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonalreports/current-crop-topics.html and information on MASC’s programs and services at www.masc.mb.ca.

Producers concerned with frost damage can contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre (tollfree) at 1-844-769-6224 or by email info@masc.mb.ca. Contact information for the service centres is available at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/locations.html.

Manitoba Launches Agri-Plastics Stewardship Program arrange for pickup, transportation and recycling of these materials from the collection sites.

(May 26, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

“The agricultural sector understands the importance of respecting the environment as well as any industry and we expect this program will make a significant difference,” said Pedersen. “Reducing the amount of plastic destined for our landfills is critical and we are confident that producers will support this effort.”

Manitoba will become the second Canadian jurisdiction with a provincially regulated agricultural plastics stewardship program and the first to include multiple designated materials, Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard and Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.

Cleanfarms aims to capitalize on industry enthusiasm to launch the program that, like other stewardship programs, will be industry funded at no cost to the province, the ministers said. Like many other stewardship programs in Manitoba, this initiative will be supported through environmental handling fees included in the sale prices of program materials.

“We are pleased to announce that Cleanfarms Inc. has established another important stewardship program to take responsibility for recycling products and materials produced by its industry members,” said Guillemard. “This program will contribute to the recycling of plastic waste, which is a priority for all Canadian jurisdictions.”

Earlier this year, the Manitoba Sharps Collection Program was launched by the Health Products Stewardship Association. It allows Manitobans to dispose safely of items such as lancets used to prick skin for diabetes testing, needles and auto-injection devices such as EpiPens through the free distribution of specially designed sharps containers at pharmacies. These new programs build on the strong foundation of Manitoba’s commitment to recycling and Extended Producer Responsibility program, Guillemard noted, adding that Manitoba remains one of the leading Canadian jurisdictions with 12 producer responsibility programs covering items such as household hazardous waste, electronics, pharmaceuticals and tires.

Cleanfarms Inc. will operate the stewardship program on behalf of the agricultural industry and manage the collection and recycling of agricultural plastics. Manitoba producers will be able to drop off used grain bags and plastic baler twine at designated collection sites throughout the province without paying user fees at the points of collection. Cleanfarms will

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what are their names? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ______________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program:

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

•

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

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the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation.

These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is

valid, please contact KAP to inquire (204) 6971140.

No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.

A digital version of the paper is available here!

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP May 21, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Province Advises of Services Available for Agricultural Producers Affected by Dry Conditions (May 18, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba

Agriculture and Resource Development is reminding agricultural producers affected by dry conditions of the programs and services available to crop and livestock producers. To date, low levels of precipitation and soil moisture have impacted seeding operations and slowed the growth of pastures and forage crops in parts of Manitoba.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (ARD) provides several tools and resources for producers to manage the impact of dry conditions including: • The department will be proactively listing several parcels of Crown land located within Wildlife Management Areas and other lands, preapproved for temporary use under a casual hay permit. For information on unallocated Crown land leases and other Crown land haying and grazing opportunities visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land/index.html or contact the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program at 204-867-6550.

• The Manitoba Hay Listing Service provides an inventory of hay and alternative feed for sale and pasture for rent.

For more information visit https://web31.gov.mb.ca/HayListClntExtrnl.

• For alternative feeding strategies, visit Resources for Producers Affected by Dry Conditions section at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/beef/index.html.

• The Managing Dry Conditions resource section of ARD’s website provides information on a variety of droughtrelated topics and resources for livestock and crop

production. For more information visit www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html.

• Producers can access the Manitoba Crop Report at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/crops/seasonal-reports/cropreport-archive/index.html, the Manitoba Drought Monitor at www.gov.mb.ca/water/drought_condition/ and the Manitoba Ag Weather program at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/weather/weather-conditionsand-reports.html.

Manitoba also provides risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership that help producers to manage production and price risk. These include: • Crop and forage insurance under the AgriInsurance program, which insures crop, hay and pasture production and establishment against potential losses. − Extended seeding deadlines can assist during difficult seeding periods. Producers can learn more at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/crop_seeding_deadlines.html.

• Livestock Price Insurance provides a range of coverage and policy options to help manage price risk against market volatility. ARD and MASC Service Centre teams can tailor coverage to individual livestock operations. Producers can purchase price insurance year-round for their feeder and fed cattle. Calf price insurance is available until June 10.

More information is available at www.lpi.ca.

• Producers can use MASC's Contract Price Option (CPO) to increase their canola and field pea dollar coverage in a potentially difficult year. CPO allows producers to blend the price from their production contract with the base AgriInsurance dollar value to reflect market prices better.

More information is available at www.masc.mb.ca/contractpriceoption. continued on page 3

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Innovation helped processors survive COVID - The Western Producer Argentina’s Beef-Export Ban to Stoke Steak Prices Worldwide Bloomberg

continued from page 1

Aid to producers for dry conditions • Forage Insurance provides a Hay Disaster Benefit, which compensates forage producers for the increased costs of hay and transportation when there is a severe provincewide forage shortfall. This benefit is provided at no cost to producers with Forage Insurance. More information on forage insurance is available at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/program_forages.h tml.

• AgriStability is an important tool that can help producers manage risks and financial losses because of poor yields, low commodity prices or rising input costs. The program provides support when producers experience a large margin decline. The deadline to enrol in AgriStability was extended to June 30 from April 30.

• If producers are not currently enrolled in AgriStability, governments encourage them to take advantage of the support offered under the program. Participants may be eligible for an interim payment as an advance on the final 2021 AgriStability benefit. The deadline to apply for an interim payment is March 31, 2022.

Producers can access their AgriStability information with their My AAFC Account, visit the AgriStability website at www.agr.gc.ca/agristability, or call AgriStability at 1-866-367-8506 (toll-free) for more information.

For more information, producers can check their coverage at www.masc.mb.ca or contact an ARD and MASC Service Centre (toll-free) at 1-

844-769-6224, by email at ARD@gov.mb.ca or online at www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/locations.html.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development will continue to assess the conditions and strategies as the season progress. Producers can visit the Managing Dry Conditions section of the department website for further updates at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html.

Background Information NEW: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development advises that due to dry conditions, Crown lands not normally designated for agricultural use are available to be hayed on a temporary basis.

Interested producers will be required to contact a Farm Production Extension Specialist and have their expression of interest recorded.

At the close of posting June 11, where multiple expressions of interest have been received, the parcels will be allocated by draw. Remaining parcels after June 11 will be allocated to first come, first served.

CLICK HERE for a list of available lands.

Note that vacant agricultural Crown land is also available for 1-year permits in Manitoba.

CLICK HERE for a listing of unallocated parcels from the 2021 auction and information on how to apply.

For more information about opportunities in your area, contact your local Farm Production Extension Specialist - Ag Crown Lands.

MBP Note: MBP recognizes the Manitoba government for committing to make parcels of Crown land available for casual hay permits as production conditions are proving challenging due to the drought conditions. Any other potential haying and grazing opportunities that can be provided by the provincial government would be very valuable to cattle producers. The other urgent problem facing producers is water availability. MBP has asked the government to reopen access to the BMP program related to wells and dugouts, and to examine any other means to address short and long-term water challenges. MBP will continue to advocate with government for initiatives like these to help our producers move through and beyond this very serious situation.

Wildfire Information for Producers

Due to the dry conditions, parts of Manitoba have been affected by wildfires. The following is information that may be useful to producers affected by these conditions, or those preparing for the possibility of a wildfire.

Protecting livestock and crops Source: Manitoba Wildfire Evacuation Guidelines • Owners should have an evacuation plan for livestock threatened by fire. If animals can't be moved to a safe area on your property, make and confirm transportation and feeding arrangements in advance. Obtain insurance coverage for all farm resources at risk from fire, including crops and livestock.

• The risk to farm animals can be reduced by preparing and maintaining fuelreduced areas. Livestock can be moved and held there during a fire. Use a plowed or heavily grazed field with a minimum of grass or stubble. If possible, this field should be shaded and located well away from any forested areas. Water should be available.

• Concrete or metal buildings located away from forest vegetation are another livestock shelter option.

• As a last resort, if you are unable to move livestock to a safer area, cut fences and turn the animals loose, as long as there is no danger to people or traffic.

For more information about preparing for a wildfire, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Prevention/Wil dfire%20Evacuation%20Brochure%202011.pdf Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development also has information about evacuating livestock. See: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/animalhealth-and-welfare/emergencypreparedness/caring-for-livestock-during-anevacuation.html Emergency Planning Kit SafeWork Manitoba has a 7-Step Safety and Health Emergency Planning Kit which contains information about how to prepare for different types of emergencies on the farm or ranch. It includes forms such as: a farm critical information sheet; family members/workers emergency contact information sheet; emergency contact sheets; and, a sample farm site map(s), among other tools for scenario planning. See: http://www.ecolog.com/daily_images/1002957 109-1002962408.pdf Manitoba’s Wildfire Service Manitoba Conservation and Climate Wildfire Service is responsible for the prevention, detection and suppression of wildfires.

To report a Wildfire call 1800-782-0076 (toll-free). continued on page 5

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Wildfire Information for Producers The Wildfire Service’s website includes valuable information such as: • Fire & Travel Restrictions • Daily Situation Report • Current Fire Update Report • Interactive Map of Current Wildfires • Fire Danger Map

Manitoba Government Inquiry 1-866-626-4862 (toll free) Email: mgi@gov.mb.ca www.gov.mb.ca https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaGovernm ent https://twitter.com/MBGov

Factsheets Manitoba's Home Owner's FireSmart Manual Wildfire Safety - Fire and Travel Restrictions Manitobans Affected by Evacuations Fire Prevention Tips

Manitoba Hydro Emergency Information 1-888-624-9376 (toll-free) https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaHydro https://twitter.com/manitobahydro

Other Useful Links Current municipal burning restrictions https://www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/burn_conditio ns.html Provincial fire and travel restrictions https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/fire/Restrictions/ind ex.html Government and Other Agency Contact Information

Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization EMO 1-888-267-8298 (toll-free) Email: emo@gov.mb.ca https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/ Disaster Financial Assistance - EMO 1-888-267-8298 (toll free) Email: dfa@gov.mb.ca https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/recover/home/df a_home.html

Education Property Tax Rebate Cheques Being Mailed To Manitobans To provide property owners their rebate as soon as possible, the government has passed new legislation and will begin the printing and mailing process in the week ahead. Manitobans do not need to apply for the rebate, as the province will calculate the amount and automatically mail cheques before the municipal property tax due date.

(May 21, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government will begin mailing education property tax rebate cheques in the next week to the owners of residential, farm and commercial properties in Manitoba, Finance Minister Scott Fielding announced.

“Our government promised to start phasing out the education property tax in 2021, which will return nearly $250 million this year to Manitobans who own homes, farms and businesses,” said Fielding. “The education property tax phase-out represents the largest tax savings in Manitoba history and protects Manitobans’ hard-earned incomes by offering much-needed tax relief.”

Budget 2021: Protecting Manitobans, Advancing Manitoba committed $248 million in education property tax rebates to the owners of approximately 658,000 eligible properties, based on municipal assessment information.

Depending on the municipality, owners of multiple properties may receive one combined bill.

In 2021, home and farm owners will receive a 25 per cent rebate, which will increase to 50 per cent in 2022. Other property owners will see a 10 per cent rebate this year. The average rebate will be an estimated $1,140 per property over the next two years. The province will also reduce various related credits and rebates to ensure all property owners are paying 25 per cent less on residential and farm properties, regardless of whether they qualify for existing credits and rebates.

The minister noted Manitoba is the only province that uses school property taxes, which are set locally by each different municipality, to fund the education system. The rebate will not impact the amount of school taxes that fund local school divisions.

The legislation also makes a change to the Residential Tenancies Act to freeze the rent increase guideline at zero per cent in 2022 and 2023.

For more information about Manitoba’s education property tax rebate, visit www.manitoba.ca/edupropterytax or call Manitoba Government Inquiry at 1-866-6264862.

Province Launches Online Engagement Seeking Input On Trade and Commerce Routes - Information to Direct Investments For Highway Networks: Schuler Manitoba’s economy, and the province’s highway network plays a vital role in enabling market access,” said Schuler. “The information gathered from this engagement will help direct our investments toward critical shipping routes in Manitoba.”

The proposed Routes: Trade and Commerce grid builds on the existing network of highways that support Manitoba’s heaviest highway loading to ensure Manitobans have a reliable connection to highways that support the movement of goods. The expanded grid consists of key north-south and east-west trade (interprovincial/international goods movement) and commerce (regional goods movement) routes that support Manitoba’s economy by enabling access to interprovincial and international markets.

https://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/map/

(May 21, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is launching an online public engagement to seek input for a proposed grid of trade and commerce routes across the province, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced.

“International, interprovincial and regional movements of goods are an integral part of

The proposed grid encompasses more than 7,000 kilometres of provincial roads, with nearly 6,000 km of the grid already supporting Manitoba’s heaviest loading. When completed, the grid of trade and commerce routes will represent 36.5 per cent of Manitoba’s allweather provincial road network.

The minister noted that allowing heavier loads on Manitoba’s highways equates to fewer shipments to transport goods, resulting in cost savings for businesses.

To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca. The online public engagement will close June 11.

Additional Public Health Orders Introduced To Lower Case Counts, Reduce Stress On Health-Care System exceptions, such as a single parent with children, or someone who requires a caregiver.

(May 20, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Additional public health orders will come into effect this Saturday to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and reduce the strain on the healthcare system, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, announced.

“These additional measures are necessary right now, as Manitoba has seen some of its highest case counts ever in recent days,” said Stefanson. “I’m asking all Manitobans to follow the orders, as these additional measures are necessary to slow the spread of this virus, and protect our communities and our health-care system.”

The following additional public health order restrictions will be in effect on Saturday, May 22 at 12:01 a.m.: • outdoor gatherings with anyone from outside a household are no longer allowed and this applies to all recreation spaces including playgrounds, golf courses, parks and sports fields; and • only one person per household will be allowed to enter a business, with some

“We are still seeing case numbers in our province that are far too high,” said Roussin. “I know it is tough for us all when we have to tighten restrictions, but everyone needs to understand that we are at a critical point with this virus. We are seeing more and more people in ICU, especially younger people. We need to lower these case numbers. This long weekend is not the time to gather with friends.”

Roussin noted that with second-dose appointment bookings beginning this week, the province’s vaccine rollout is headed in the right direction. However, Manitobans must to continue to do everything they can to reduce transmission of the virus.

“We all need to follow these orders, stay home as much as possible, reduce our number of contacts and wear masks when we are around others from outside your household,” said Roussin. “Above all, book your appointment for a vaccine right away and your second dose as soon as you are eligible.”

The new changes to public health orders will be in place until 12:01 a.m. on Wednesday, May 26.

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

Second-Dose Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment Booking To Start May 21

(May 19, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Manitobans can begin to book second-dose COVID-19 vaccine appointments starting 11:45 a.m., Friday, May 21. At this time, only people who have the following priority conditions will be able to book a second dose appointment by phone or online on Friday including: • those receiving hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis; • those with liver cirrhosis due to any cause or portal hypertension; • those with severe heart failure; • those with cancers including solid tumor and blood (leukemia/lymphoma) who will or are receiving chemotherapy, immunosuppressive therapy or immune checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., nivolumab, pembrolizumab); • those receiving one or more of the following medications: - B cell therapies (e.g., rituximab, ocrelizumab); - Cyclophosphamide; - Alemtuzumab; - calcineurin inhibitors (cyclosporine, tacrolimus); - chronic dose prednisone (more than 20 mg/day); - mycophenolate; and - JAK inhibitors (e.g., tofacitinib); • those who have received or are on the list to receive a solid organ transplant; • those who have received a stem cell

transplant or CAR-T therapy at least three months ago; • those with Down syndrome; • those with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); or • individuals receiving home care more than four times per week or receiving 24/7 Community Living Disability Services supports (or as per family physician determination of equivalent levels of family support).

People should only book a second-dose appointment when they are eligible. When booking the second dose, it is important to know the date of the person’s first dose and the type of vaccine received. This information can be found at https://sharedhealthmb.ca/covid19/testresults/ or by calling the local public health office. Contact information for public health offices is available at www.manitoba.ca/health/publichealth/office s.html.

A second super site will soon be opened in the Northern health region, with a location in The Pas expected to open early next month. This will bring the total number of super sites across the province to 12.

Age Eligibility Young people aged 12 and up are now eligible to book their first-dose appointments.

To make the visit as easy as possible, young people aged 12 to 15 can either attend the appointment with a parent, guardian or caregiver, or bring a signed consent form at the time of their appointment. If the youth attends without a guardian and without a signed consent form, they will go through an informed consent process with a clinical lead to assess continued on page 10

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Second-Dose Covid-19 Vaccine Appointment Booking To Start May 21 their ability to consent on their own and proceed with the vaccine.

Young people aged 16 and 17 can sign their own consent form. There are about 111,000 young people aged 12 to 17 in Manitoba.

Appointments Parents or guardians booking for their children (ages 12 to 15) are reminded to book the appointment under the child’s name and not their own name.

Eligible people can now book appointments at all vaccination super sites: Gimli, Dauphin, Steinbach, Winnipeg (RBC Convention Centre and Leila locations), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden. In addition, appointments can be made at pop-up clinics taking place in communities throughout the province next week.

Indigenous people can also choose to receive their vaccine at urban Indigenous pop-up clinics led by community organizations in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie.

Eligible individuals can book their appointments at these sites online at https://protectmb.ca/, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844MAN-VACC).

A walk-in vaccine clinic is being held in The Pas at Roy H. Johnson Arena (523 Smith St.) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. today and May 19. A walk-in clinic is being held in Flin Flon at the Flin Flon Community Hall (2 North Ave.) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. May 20 and 21.

Additional Information When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online: https://protectmb.ca/), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

Public Engagement Campaign re: Views on Vaccines, etc.

Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced May 19 that the Manitoba government will be launching a public engagement campaign to understand better peoples’ personal experiences with COVID-19, their views on the vaccines and their plans to vaccinate eligible children, as well as to get feedback on the provincial vaccine program.

“Collecting this information will allow us to understand better the views of Manitobans so we can implement new plans or adjust others based on public feedback,” said Stefanson. “This will allow us to address vaccine hesitancy better by allowing us to target specific communities and help share information that will increase vaccine uptake.”

Manitobans can fill out the survey at https://engagemb.ca/.

Minister Bibeau Announces Investment to Strengthen Trust in Canadian Agriculture (May 19, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister of Agriculture and

Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, announced an investment of over $244,000 to support the Canadian Centre for Food Integrity’s (CCFI) work to build public trust in Canada’s food system. The announcement followed Minister Bibeau’s meeting with several members of the organization.

Delivered through the AgriCompetitiveness Program, this investment will help CCFI develop tools to share information with Canadian consumers about food production and enable food producers to share their stories. The investment will support activities like creating new content for CCFI’s It’s Good Canada website, which profiles real farm families and others working in the agricultural supply chain.

By sharing accurate, transparent information about Canadian food production, CCFI will increase trust in the Canadian food system and in those who produce the food that Canadians eat and enjoy.

continue to support initiatives that advance public trust in Canada’s food system.”

The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food “We are very excited to receive this funding from the Government of Canada for It’s Good, Canada. Building public trust in Canadian food is an important component of the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and this support complements the work we’ve been doing since 2016, when CCFI was formed to help earn public trust in Canada’s food system. This contribution will be used to highlight the outstanding work of farm families and others who continue to deliver safe, nutritious food to Canadians and people around the globe.”

John Jamieson, President and CEO, Canadian Centre for Food Integrity Quick facts •

The Canadian Centre for Food Integrity (CCFI) was established in 2016 as a national non-profit charity with a mandate to build public trust in the food system. CCFI is a membershipbased organization with members from agri-food corporations, commodity groups, and academia and amplifier organizations. CCFI works to earn Canadians' trust in the food they consume and in the processes and practices that the agri-food industry employs to produce it.

•

The CCFI recently assumed leadership of Agriculture More Than Ever, a social media channel dedicated to public trust in Canadian agriculture.

Canadians are more interested than ever in understanding how their food is grown and the system that brings it from the farm to their tables. Helping consumers better understand this process and agricultural practices more broadly builds trust, which is essential for the sector’s continued growth and long-term prosperity.

Quotes “COVID-19 has meant many Canadians are more interested in where their food comes from.

Through this initiative the CCFI will help connect Canadians with food producers, so they can better understand the origin of the food they eat and how it is produced. Our Government will

National BSE Surveillance Reimbursement Program The following information is from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency website.

The enhanced BSE surveillance program targets animals most at risk for the disease, which are cattle of any age exhibiting neurological signs consistent with BSE and cattle aged 30 months and older that are dead, down, diseased or dying. The BSE surveillance program provides essential information that tells us how effective Canada's BSE control measures are. It helps Canada to secure and maintain international market access for live cattle, beef products and by-products. The program also helps to maintain consumer confidence in Canadian beef by demonstrating the very low level of the disease in the cattle population. The effectiveness of the national BSE surveillance program relies on the strong commitment from all levels of government, producers, private veterinarians and industry stakeholders to finding the disease. Canadian cattle producers have a key role to play in the enhanced surveillance program. They are best placed to monitor the health of their herds and spot any animals that should be tested. Producers across Canada are encouraged to immediately report these animals to their local veterinarian or their local Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) office.

The Reimbursement Program There is a program where producers and veterinarians will receive payment when services are provided to the CFIA. Such payment may assist producers in covering a portion of the veterinary examination fees and carcass disposal costs. Payment is only available to producers who report high-risk animals that yield an eligible brain sample. An animal or sample may be considered to be ineligible when it is associated with a confirmed diagnosis that

rules out BSE as an underlying or contributing factor in the animal's clinical presentation. To be eligible for payment, producers must meet all the terms and conditions of the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement and sign the Agreement Form.

In provinces where there are joint agreements or top-ups on reimbursement amounts, the reimbursement program details may be modified. In all cases, the National Reimbursement Program fundamentals are still in place. Additional information can be obtained from regional CFIA offices or provincial representatives.

How the Reimbursement Program Works Producers are eligible for payment when an eligible sample is obtained and all other terms and conditions of the Agreement are met.

Producers will receive an amount of $75 directly from the CFIA to assist them in covering carcass disposal costs either on farm or through commercial deadstock streams.

Additionally, CFIA will pay up to a maximum of $100 for veterinary services, which CFIA will pay directly to the Veterinarian.

In each case the completed National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement Form and eligible sample must be submitted to a local CFIA office.

Through the CFIA Producers who contact the CFIA directly, without the involvement of a private veterinarian, to report an animal for testing are eligible for the $75, if services are rendered and all applicable conditions are met. Producers may report animals for testing by contacting their local CFIA office. Once CFIA has been contacted, an inspector will be sent to the farm continued on page 13

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National BSE Surveillance Reimbursement Program to collect the sample and submit it to the laboratory. At that time the Producer will be required to complete page one of the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement Form and submit it to the CFIA inspector. Receipt of the Agreement Form will trigger the reimbursement payment process, resulting in a payment of $75 to the Producer.

Through a Private Veterinarian In the case where a producer chooses to have a private veterinarian conduct a veterinary examination that ultimately results in an eligible sample, the CFIA will pay up to a maximum of $100 directly to the Veterinarian for the services rendered. This amount is paid by the CFIA in order to offset the whole or part of the veterinary examination costs. The Veterinarian will be expected to offset fees charged to the Producer by the amount equivalent to the reimbursement payment.

Please note that census collection is still ongoing, and that it's not too late to complete your questionnaire.

Count yourself into Canada's statistical portrait!

The Producer will complete page one of the National Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy Surveillance Program Agreement Form and the Veterinarian will complete page two. Collected samples must be sent by the Veterinarian, along with the completed Agreement Form, to a local CFIA office. Receipt of the Agreement Form will trigger the reimbursement process.

Additional information about the reimbursement program is available by calling the regional CFIA office. In Manitoba these include: •

Brandon: 204-578-6670

•

Dauphin: 204-622-4086

•

Emerson: 204-373-2346

•

Winkler: 204-325-1560

•

Winnipeg: 204-259-1400

Reminder: Still Time to Participate in Consultation on Manitoba’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Industry

(Province of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government has launched an online public engagement to seek feedback on the priorities and future direction of Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced May 7.

“Manitoba’s agri-food industry has demonstrated a strong commitment to Ag Action Manitoba and the next agricultural policy framework dialogues,” said Pedersen. “We are seeking people’s experiences with the Ag Action Manitoba program and will collect data on key sector priorities for Manitobans.”

Building on previous engagement, the province is seeking Manitobans thoughts on the priorities and future direction of Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry. This information will

support preparation for the upcoming Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture meeting where the next FPT agricultural policy framework priorities and policy statement will be set.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development is seeking to better understand Manitobans experiences with the Ag Action Manitoba program, thoughts on existing Ag Action Manitoba priority areas, and thoughts on new and emerging issues and opportunities in the sector.

To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca/engaging-mb-ag-industry .

The deadline for public feedback is May 27.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what are their names? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ______________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program:

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

•

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

•

the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation.

These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is

valid, please contact KAP to inquire (204) 6971140.

No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.

A digital version of the paper is available here!

E-Newsletter MBP Raised Drought Concerns dsfsfa with Provincial Government An update from MBP May 7, 2021

This week Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) wrote to Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen and Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler about the drought conditions that are causing serious challenges for many of our members and to raise with the provincial government a number of potential strategies to help producers deal with this serious situation.

Information from sources such as Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Drought Monitor, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (MB ARD) crop reports, the Manitoba Drought Monitor and direct producer accounts have identified the extent of the challenges and the impact they are having on farms and ranches in terms of available water supplies, and implications for pasture and forage production. Much more moisture is required to address the protracted dry conditions beef producers have experienced in recent years and to provide them with a greater degree of certainty around pasture, feed and water supplies in the weeks and months ahead.

MBP has asked the provincial government to give consideration as soon as possible to making the following types of initiatives available to producers: •

•

Providing an intake period for the Ag Action Manitoba Program for Farmers’ BMP: Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas (503). Having access to reliable water sources, be they dugouts or wells is critical to livestock production. In recent drought years BMP 503 has proven very beneficial to producers who have had to either rehabilitate existing water sources or dig new ones; Making available land for haying and grazing purposes on Crown lands like wildlife management areas;

mbbeef.ca

•

Publicizing how producers can get permission to mow provincial highway ditches or alongside waterways (e.g. Red River Floodway);

•

Continuing to work with the livestock sector to promote sites for sourcing feed and pastures, such as the Manitoba Hay Listing Service;

•

Providing extension services to producers about strategies for dealing with drought conditions such as managing pastures and forages, and effectively introducing alternative feed sources, etc.; and,

As well, MBP requested an update on interdepartmental discussions related to drought and water management, and whether consideration is underway to determine if pumps and water lines could be made available to help livestock producers with water supply challenges. For example, some producers could face scenarios where they have pastures into which cattle could be turned, but must have assured water supplies before they do so. This may also be the case for some Crown lands that could potentially be made available for grazing by the province.

MBP also noted that it continues to hear from Lake Manitoba area producers about environmental damage caused by the major flood events in the past decade. This includes salinity issues, the presence of cattails and other factors which impede effective haying and grazing in some areas, compounding concerns about feed availability. Effective strategies are needed to address these lasting damages so full utilization can be restored.

MBP will continue to engage with government about this issue going forward so that strategies can be achieved to help mitigate risk for affected producers.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

2021 Census Of Agriculture Begins - PebinaValleyOnline.com Easier to raise myths than sustainably produced beef - The Western Producer

Resources for Drought Management

The following information is from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC). For a wide variety of other BCRC resources visit http://www.beefresearch.ca/ Recurring drought is a natural part of the climate in many areas of Canada and creates a challenge when managing grazing and forage resources. Although droughts are often unpredictable, they are inevitable, meaning they are often at the back of every producer’s mind. Long-term farm and ranch management must include planning for and consideration of how drought will affect the entire system – including plants, livestock and water sources.

•

Sources of water for grazing animals can quickly become limited or unavailable during drought periods. It is recommended that any pastures that could possibly run out of water be grazed first. In some cases, it may become necessary to use a portable stock water supply in order to continue grazing a forage source where water has become limited.

•

Producers should consider pumping water from the source to a trough to help extend water supplies, maintain water quality and prevent cattle from getting stuck in watering sites that are drying up.

•

Stock water quality can deteriorate rapidly. Even if water quantity appears adequate, poor water quality can quickly cause health and production problems and even death. Test stock water sources frequently when animals are grazing.

•

Extended rest periods and increased recovery times are necessary to protect plants during dry periods.

•

Consider planting annual crops, supplementing pastures with alternate feeds, or creep feeding, to help extend grazing resources. Feed testing is an important consideration during dry conditions.

•

Drought management strategies should be a permanent part of every grazing plan. The benefits of rotational grazing and managing pastures to retain litter (plant residue) are especially evident during drought.

•

Drought plans should identify the order of groups or classes of livestock to be

Eight tips for drought management: •

When managing through a drought, consider combining groups of animals to encourage grazing of less desirable plants and grazing pastures with species that are more tolerant of increased grazing pressure. It is important to monitor for toxic or poisonous plants, which are more likely to be grazed during dry years.

continued on next page

Resources for Drought Management de-stocked, if necessary, and at what point each group will be moved if the drought persists.

▪

What’s In Your Water? Water Quality and the Economics of Pump Systems (Beef Cattle Research Council webinar recording)

▪

Alternative Feeds (Beef Cattle Research Council web page)

▪

Managing Forage in a Dry Year (Canadian Cattlemen Magazine article)

▪

Feed Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle (Beef Cattle Research Council web page)

▪

How to Manage for Drought with Grazing (Foothills Forage and Grazing Association video)

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Stretching Feed Supplies (Beef Cattle Research Council blog post)

▪

Is Creep Feeding an Answer to Your Pasture Woes? (Beef Cattle Research Council blog post)

Resources The following are some current drought management resources available for beef producers.

▪

Drought Management Strategies (Beef Cattle Research Council web page)

▪

Drought Management Strategies (Beef Cattle Research Council blog post)

▪

Dealing with Drought: Key Facts for Beef Producers (Beef Cattle Research Council factsheet)

▪

Canadian Drought Monitor (Government of Canada web page)

▪

Conserving Pasture Production During Dry Conditions (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs web page)

▪

Fall Pasture Fertility Management After A Dry Summer (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs article)

Click here to subscribe to the BCRC Blog and receive email notifications when new content is posted.

REGISTER HERE

COVID-19 Vaccine Update, Including Latest Eligibility Criteria • work in any health-care setting including outpatient settings; or • work as a front-line police officer or firefighter.

(May 7, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Eligibility to be immunized at a super site or pop-up clinic has been expanded to include individuals aged 40 or older and Indigenous people aged 18 and older.

In addition, all adults aged 18 and older who live or work in specified jobs in these priority communities continue to be eligible to make an appointment: • Prairie Mountain Health – Brandon East End and Brandon Downtown; • Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – Inkster West, Fort Garry South, Seven Oaks West, Downtown East, Point Douglas South, Inkster East, Point Douglas North, Downtown West, River East South, St. Vital North and Seven Oaks East; and • Interlake–Eastern Regional Health Authority – Powerview-Pine Falls.

All adults who live or work (in any role) in the Northern Regional Health Authority, as well as Churchill, are also eligible. A map and other information about community-based eligibility is available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#community-based.

Eligibility also includes people aged 18 and older who: • are pregnant; • are a client of Community Living disABILITY Services;

Eligibility for the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine includes individuals aged 40 or older and people aged 30 to 39 with priority health conditions. A complete list is available at: https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html.

Appointments Eligible people can now book appointments at the Gimli super site, which will be opening later this month. Appointments are also currently available at super sites in Dauphin, Steinbach, Winnipeg (RBC Convention Centre and Leila locations), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden. Eligible individuals can book their appointment online at https://protectmb.ca with an email address and health card number, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844MAN-VACC).

Pop-up clinics are scheduled in Winnipeg next week and in other locations throughout the province during the week of May 17.

Appointments can be made by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).

Appointments are no longer being taken for The Pas and Flin Flon pop-up clinics, which will now operate as walk-in clinics. Previously booked appointments will be honoured. The clinic in The Pas is at Roy H. Johnson Arena (523 Smith St.) and will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 11, 12, 18 and 19. The Flin Flon clinic is located at the Flin Flon Community Hall (2 North Ave.) and will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on May 13, 14, 20 and 21.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update, Including Latest Eligibility Criteria Appointments are also available at urban Indigenous pop-up clinics led by community organizations in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie.

The AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine is available at medical clinics or pharmacies. Find available doses and how to make an appointment with the COVID-19 Vaccine Shot Finder, located at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html.

People will be able to begin booking seconddose appointments on May 22. Individuals who are immunocompromised or have other prioritized health conditions will be able to book their appointments first. More details on this process will provided in the coming days.

Additional Information The new Manitoba Pandemic Sick Leave program will provide employers with up to $600 per employee for up to five full days of COVID19 related sick leave, which do not have to be taken consecutively. Eligible sick leave related to COVID-19 includes testing, vaccinations and side effects, self-isolation due to COVID-19 symptoms, or care for a loved one in any of the previously mentioned circumstances.

Manitoba is piloting the use of the Moderna vaccine in several pharmacies and medical clinics. Each of these locations is responsible for identifying and booking clients into available appointments.

Anyone who has been in Manitoba for one month or more can receive the vaccine at no cost if they meet provincial eligibility requirements.

People in Manitoba can now access interpreter services in over 100 languages when they are booking their COVID-19 vaccine appointment by phone. Callers can also request spoken language or American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services at one of the province’s super-site locations.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca. For regular updates, visit https://protectmb.ca and sign up for the weekly e-newsletter.

All data in this bulletin is current as of May 6, unless noted otherwise.

The Province of Manitoba will be holding a news conference late Friday, May 7, at which it will be outlining changes to the Public Health Order with respect to pandemic-related restrictions. To see the news release when it becomes available go to: https://news.gov.mb.ca/ news/index.html .

And to read the updated Public Health Order when it becomes available later go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/prs/orders/ index.html

Province Invests In Creation Of New Water Management Strategy (May 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is investing up to $1 million to support the development and implementation of Manitoba’s new provincial water management strategy, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced.

“The goal of Manitoba’s water management strategy will be to manage water sustainably as a key resource for Manitobans, ecosystems and the economy, while considering the impacts of a changing climate and growing economic and social needs,” said Pedersen. “This work will build on our current tools for water management, the recommendations of the Expert Advisory Council, and through engagement with Manitobans, stakeholders and communities across the province.”

Manitoba’s water management strategy will include short-term actions (to be implemented within five years) to address immediate issues related to water management as well as longerterm actions (implemented over 15 to 20 years) that will support the strategy’s goal over the longer term.

The fund will be administered by the Enterprise Machine Intelligence and Learning Initiative (EMILI), and an oversight committee, jointly appointed by EMILI and the minister, has also been established to review and approve projects and activities under the fund.

“Manitoba has a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create a water management strategy to drive economic and environmental prosperity in our province,” said Ray Bouchard, chair of the oversight committee for the fund.

“Over the next year, this fund will support building a roadmap for a long-term water management strategy with identified projects from key economic sectors and insights from a diversity of stakeholders in Manitoba.”

The minister noted that a plan to engage the public, Indigenous communities and stakeholders on the strategy is being finalized and more details will be announced in the coming weeks.

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

They provide fact-based evidence to inform government decisions regarding financial support programs for Canadian farmers. They also help to measure the impacts of disease outbreaks and climate change (such as fires, floods, droughts and storms).

May 11, 2021 is Census Day (Statistics Canada) With the pandemic continuing

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

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

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

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

Find more information on the census website.

Read the digital version here!

Minister Bibeau Launches Program to Create 2,000 Youth Jobs in the Agriculture Sector (May 5, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) The Minister of Agriculture and

Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, and the Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell, Francis Drouin, hosted a virtual event to announce an investment of up to $21.4 million to enhance the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) and fund about 2,000 jobs for youth in the agriculture sector. They were joined by Chair of the Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum Justin Williams, and representatives from three past program participants: Delta, British Columbia’s Cropthorne Farm Ltd.; Coaldale, Alberta’s Kasko Cattle Co.; and St-Eugène, Ontario’s Les Fruits du Poirier.

The YESP aims to support agri-food employers and provide young Canadians between the ages of 15 and 30 with job experience in agriculture that could lead to a career working in the sector. In 2020, the Government of Canada invested $9.2 million for the YESP, to fund nearly 1,000 jobs. Today’s investment more than doubles last year’s allocation.

Eligible applicants include producers, agribusinesses, industry associations, provincial and territorial governments, Indigenous organizations and research facilities. Support can cover the period from April 15, 2021 to March 31, 2022. Applications for the YESP are now being accepted and forms are available through the webpage. For more information, please contact aafc.yesp-pecj.aac@canada.ca, or call: 1-866-452-5558.

Young people were among the hardest and fastest hit when the COVID-19 pandemic struck, experiencing more job losses than any other age demographic. Meanwhile, the agriculture sector has been facing increased difficulty accessing labour since the beginning of the

pandemic. By promoting youth employment in the agriculture sector, the Government of Canada is ensuring a resilient food supply chain and keeping the sector strong.

Quotes

“By doubling our youth jobs program, we are providing thousands of young people with rewarding experiences that could lead to a career in agriculture. In a time of labor shortages, this enhancement will also allow many employers to fill vacant positions.” - The Honourable MarieClaude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood “Now more than ever, young Canadians need support to launch their careers. Through the Youth Employment and Skills Program, the Government of Canada is helping more youth discover the limitless potential of careers in agriculture, while also enhancing the sector, which is vitally important to rural communities across Canada.”

- Francis Drouin, Member of Parliament for Glengarry–Prescott–Russell "The YESP program has been an easy program to use. We’ve appreciated that it helped us hire a young person and expose them to some of the opportunities in the field of agriculture.” - Ryan Kasko, General Manager, Kasko Cattle Co Ltd. Quick facts •

The Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) offers employers who hire youth for agricultural jobs support for up to 50% of wages, to a maximum of $14,000. Indigenous applicants and employers who hire a youth facing barriers are eligible to receive up to 80% of total eligible costs, up to a maximum of $14,000.

•

YESP offers 100% of costs for relocation, to a maximum of $5,000, if the youth must relocate for the position.

Province Launches Online Public Engagement on Manitoba’s Agriculture and Agri-Food Industry (May 6, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is launching an online public engagement to seek feedback on the priorities and future direction of Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food industry, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced today.

“Manitoba’s agri-food industry has demonstrated a strong commitment to Ag Action Manitoba and the next agricultural policy framework dialogues,” said Pedersen. “We are seeking people’s experiences with the Ag Action Manitoba program and will collect data on key sector priorities for Manitobans.”

Building on previous engagement, the province is seeking Manitobans thoughts on the priorities and future direction of Manitoba’s agriculture

and agri-food industry. This information will support preparation for the upcoming Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture meeting where the next FPT agricultural policy framework priorities and policy statement will be set.

Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development is seeking to better understand Manitobans experiences with the Ag Action Manitoba program, thoughts on existing Ag Action Manitoba priority areas, and thoughts on new and emerging issues and opportunities in the sector.

To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca/engaging-mb-ag-industry.

The deadline for public feedback is May 27.

Information on Manganese in Drinking Water for Private Well Owners (May 3, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The province advises that a number of wells in Manitoba may exceed a new health-based guideline for manganese. Previously, manganese was thought to have only esthetic impacts. Based on new evidence, Health Canada developed a health-based limit of 0.12 mg/L for total manganese in drinking water. In December 2020, the new guideline for manganese was adopted as a drinking water standard in Manitoba.

Manganese is a naturally occurring trace element, commonly found in well water throughout Canada. Some well owners treat for manganese, as it is often associated with discoloured (brown or blackish) water.

Manganese is an essential element and consumption of small amounts is part of a

healthy diet. Manganese in solid food is usually not a concern, but too much manganese in drinking water has been associated with some adverse health effects.

The new evidence indicates that drinking water with high levels of manganese may harm brain development in infants and young children. For adults and older children, short-term exposure to manganese in drinking water slightly above the guideline is unlikely to cause negative health effects, but infants fed with formula mixed with water are the most sensitive population.

For more information on manganese or on testing a well, see the Manganese in Manitoba Well Water fact sheet at: https://www.gov.mb.ca/sd/pubs/water/drinkin g_water/factsheet_manganese.pdf

Register here

Have questions about lab grown protein? You’ve

come to the right place!

The rise of tissue engineered protein has been a popular topic covered in the media, especially with the announcement of the first commercial available product launching earlier this year in Singapore with Eat Just lab grown chicken. However, many questions remain unanswered…How are these products developed? What inputs are involved?

When could Canada have a commercially available product for consumers? Is the average person interested in trying these products?

Public and Stakeholder Engagement have organized an exclusive virtual learning experience with Dr. Tim McAllister, research scientist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, to learn about this emerging technology and what it may mean for the protein market in Canada. Following his presentation, Dr. McAllister will take questions from the audience.

Manitobans Encouraged to Take Precautions to Minimize Risk of Tick Exposure humans or in various habitats. They can submit a picture to have the tick identified by experts, which will let them confirm if the tick they found belongs to a species capable of transmitting tick-borne disease. To submit a picture of a tick visit www.etick.ca.

(May 3, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

May is Lyme Disease Awareness Month and public health officials with Manitoba Health and Seniors Care remind Manitobans that tick-borne diseases are preventable.

People can protect themselves by performing regular tick checks after spending time outdoors, knowing where blacklegged ticks may be found, minimizing their risk of exposure, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of tickborne diseases. These precautions will help protect against anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Lyme disease.

Manitobans are reminded that when outside, it is still important to practise physical distancing according to current COVID-19 public health guidelines. For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

Blacklegged ticks, which can carry anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Lyme disease, are most commonly found within and along the edge of forests and in areas with thick, woody shrubs and other vegetation. These ticks are typically found from early spring when snow melts through late fall, with peaks in adult activity in the spring and fall.

Manitoba’s new eTick program helps monitor and assess the continued expansion of the blacklegged tick populations. Manitobans can use eTick when they find ticks on animals,

Limiting exposure to potentially infected blacklegged ticks, particularly the smaller nymphs who are active during the late spring and summer months, is the key to tick-borne disease prevention.

Manitobans are encouraged to take precautions to minimize their risk of tick exposure by: • applying an appropriate tick repellent, following label directions, on exposed skin and clothing; • inspecting themselves, children and pets after spending time outdoors; • removing ticks as soon as possible from people and pets; • staying to the centre of walking trails; • wearing long pants and long-sleeved shirts; and • keeping grass and shrubs around homes cut short to create drier environments that are less suitable for blacklegged tick survival.

Symptoms of anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Lyme disease can be found at: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/tickbo rne/index.html.

People who think they may have anaplasmosis, babesiosis or Lyme disease should contact a doctor. For more information, they may also contact Health Links–Info Santé at 204-7888200 or (toll-free) 1 888 315-9257.

To learn more about blacklegged ticks, tickdisease and prevention, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/tickbo rne/.

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program:

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

•

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

•

the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation.

These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is

valid, please contact KAP to inquire (204) 6971140.

No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ________________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

E-Newsletter MBP Took Part in Virtual Fly-in dsfsfa With Federal MPs, Officials An update from MBP April 30, 2021

This week MBP directors Tyler Fulton, Mike Duguid, Matthew Atkinson and Andre Steppler, along with General Manager Carson Callum and Policy Analyst Maureen Cousins and staff from the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association took part in a virtual fly-in with federal Members of Parliament and government officials.

This included virtual conversations with staff from the office of the Hon. Dan Vandal, Minister of Northern Affairs and staff from the office of Patricia Bovey, a Manitoba senator.

There were also discussions with Winnipeg South MP Terry Duguid, who is Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Economic Development and Official Languages (Western Economic Diversification Canada) and to the Minister of Environment and Climate Change (Canada Water Agency); James Bezan, MP for Selkirk-Interlake-Eastman; Larry Maguire, MP for Brandon-Souris; Marty Morantz, MP for Charleswood-St. James-Assiniboia-Headingley; and Dan Mazier, MP for Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa.

A number of topics were touched upon in these sessions.

This included beef production and the environment and the importance of governments recognizing the sector’s

mbbeef.ca

role in protecting grasslands which provide valuable ecosystem services such as sequestering carbon, maintaining wetlands and providing key habitat for an array of plant and animal species. The importance of investments in research and technology transfer for the beef sector was raised. As well, the impact of changes to federal transport regulations as they affect the beef industry were discussed, particularly in the Manitoba context.

The importance of flood mitigation strategies was also addressed. MBP strongly supports the commitments by the federal and Manitoba governments to the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels Project. MBP asks that all governments work collaboratively to resolve the outstanding concerns in a timely manner so that this project can proceed. Investments in water-related infrastructure (built and natural) provide many benefits.

With effective water-management infrastructure in place, beef producer confidence will be enhanced, encouraging growth and investments in the sector.

MBP thanks the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association staff for their assistance in helping to organize this valuable spring advocacy event.

For reliable information and resources please visit:

Precision agriculture comes to beef sector - The Western Producer Waste not want not - Canadian Cattlemen

Eligibility Criteria for AstraZeneca Vaccine Expanded, More Rural Pop-up Clinics Scheduled Northern Regional Health Authority, as well as Churchill, are also eligible.

A map and other information about communitybased eligibility is available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibilitycriteria.html#community-based.

(April 30, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

For anyone living outside of these specified communities, eligibility to be immunized at a super site or pop-up clinic includes individuals aged 50 or older and First Nation people aged 30 or older.

Eligibility for the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine has expanded to include people aged 30 to 39 with priority health conditions. A complete list is available online.

Anyone who has been in Manitoba for one month or more can receive the vaccine at no cost if they meet provincial eligibility requirements.

Eligibility for super sites and pop-up clinics has expanded to include people aged 18 and older who: • are pregnant; • are a client of Community Living disABILITY Services; • work in any health-care setting including outpatient settings (expanded from previous eligibility); or • work in the vaccine warehouse.

These individuals can begin booking appointments at super sites or pop-up clinics at 2 p.m. today.

All adults aged 18 and older who live or work in specified jobs in these priority communities can continue make an appointment: • Prairie Mountain Health – Brandon East End and Brandon Downtown; • Winnipeg Regional Health Authority – Inkster West, Fort Garry South, Seven Oaks West, Downtown East, Point Douglas South, Inkster East, Point Douglas North and Downtown West; and • Interlake–Eastern Regional Health Authority – Powerview - Pine Falls.

Appointments Appointments are currently available at super sites in Dauphin, Steinbach, Winnipeg (RBC Convention Centre and Leila), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden. Eligible individuals can book their appointment at a super site online at https://protectmb.ca with an email address and health card number, or by calling (toll-free) 1-844626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).

Appointments are available at urban Indigenous pop-up clinics, which are led by community organizations, in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie. People can contact the sites directly to book their appointment.

Ten pop-up clinics are scheduled for next week throughout the province. Appointments can be made by calling toll-free 1-844-626-8222 (1-844MAN-VACC).

The AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine is available at medical clinics or pharmacies. Find available doses and how to make an appointment with the COVID19 Vaccine Shot Finder, located at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html.

All adults who live or work (in any role) in the

continued on next page

Eligibility Criteria for AstraZeneca Vaccine Expanded, More Rural Pop-up Clinics Scheduled People in Manitoba can now access interpreter services in over 100 languages when they are booking their COVID-19 vaccine appointment by phone. Callers can also request spoken language or American Sign Language (ASL) interpretation services at one of the province’s super-site locations.

Prairie Mountain Health • May 6 – Russell George P. Buleziuk Centre, 106 Shell River Ave. S from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• May 6 – Swan River Swan River Veterans Hall, 119 Sixth Ave. N from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Additional Information All data in this bulletin is current as of April 29, unless noted otherwise.

Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority • May 4 – Arborg, Arborg Bilfrost Community Centre, 409 Recreation Dr. from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• May 6 – Beausejour, Brokenhead River Rec Centre, 320 Veterans Lane from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 .m.

• May 6 – Eriksdale, Eriksdale Rec Centre, 2 First Av. from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• May 7 – Powerview Ecole Powerview School, 23 Vincent Ave. from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca. For regular updates, visit https://protectmb.ca and sign up for the weekly enewsletter.

Pop-Up Vaccination Clinics for Rural and Northern Manitoba Next week, pop-up clinics have been scheduled to provide access to vaccine in additional locations throughout the province.

MBP recently teamed up with QX104FM for some fun in the kitchen!

Check out these NEW recipes for Japanese enoki beef rolls and a Thai beef noodle salad.

Southern Health–Santé Sud • May 6 – Portage la Prairie, Herman Prior Centre, 40 Royal Road N from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

• May 6 – Steinbach, Pat Porter Centre, 10 Chrysler Gate from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Northern Regional Health Authority • May 5 – The Pas Roy H. Johnston Arena, 523 Smith St. from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

RCMP remind public that knowledge and safety are key when riding an ORV (April 30, 2021 RCMP News Release) Getting

outside and enjoying Manitoba’s beautiful outdoors is long-awaited and eagerly anticipated. There are so many ways to spend your time outside, and one of those is riding offroad vehicles (ORVs). While great fun, and a great way to explore Manitoba, it is important for riders to know the laws governing ORV use for everyone’s safety as well as everyone’s outdoor enjoyment.

Most of the laws around ORVs fall under the Off Road Vehicles Act. For details, please refer to the Act, but here are some general rules to keep in mind when riding an ORV: •

Anyone under the age of 14 must have direct supervision of a parent or legal guardian who is a minimum of 18 years of age. Youth over the age of 14 can ride without parental supervision, but cannot cross a roadway until they obtain a valid driver’s licence.

•

ORVs are not to be operated on roadways, shoulders, medians of divided roadways, or sidewalks

•

ORVs are permitted to be in the ditch, provided travel is in the same direction as vehicle traffic, the ORV is to the right of the roadway and the shoulder, and the ORV is being operated in an area where ORV use is permitted. Always remember to be on the lookout for hazards in the ditch, such as culverts, driveway approaches, and road signs

•

No riding: o

On privately owned or leased land without permission

o

Within 30 metres of a dwelling that is not yours between midnight and 7:00 am

o

Within 30 metres of a playground or area set aside for recreation that is not fully fenced

o

In a careless manner

o

Without reasonable consideration for other persons and property

•

Stay away from environmentally sensitive areas and wetlands, and areas easily damaged by churning wheels

•

When conditions are dry, use caution as sparks from an ORV can ignite grass and branches, starting a fire

•

Be aware of local bylaws in the area you are riding

•

Impaired driving laws apply to ALL motorized vehicles. Only operate an ORV when sober and alert

The laws are in place to keep everyone safe.

When not followed, people can get seriously injured. In 2020, RCMP in Manitoba responded to seven fatal collisions involving ORVs and 46 collisions where serious injury occurred.

Contributing factors in these collisions included speed, no helmet, impaired driving, and driver inexperience.

Knowledge and safety are key, so make sure you are aware of the rules in place in the area where you are riding. Be respectful and courteous of others using the outdoors, and enjoy the ride!

Province Announces Online Engagement for Improvements to Bridge on PR 305 in Ste. Agathe (April 29, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is launching an online public engagement to consult with Manitobans on improvements to the Louis Riel Bridge on Provincial Road (PR) 305 in Ste. Agathe, Infrastructure Minister Ron Schuler announced.

“Our government continues to make major investments in building and strengthening Manitoba’s infrastructure,” said Schuler. “We are looking for public feedback with regards to a new proposed bridge on PR 305 over the Red River, near the community of Ste. Agathe. We want to ensure that our design not only maintains a safe, long-term crossing, but also balances the interests of citizens and businesses in the area.”

The existing bridge was built in 1959 and serves as a vital link to Provincial Trunk Highway (PTH) 75 that helps connect people, businesses and agricultural land on both sides of the Red River, noted Schuler.

The Manitoba government has initiated a preliminary design study to identify and develop options for extending the service life of this bridge crossing. Public input is now being requested to better understand the effects of the project and gather feedback on the options being considered from the community.

To take part in the engagement, visit https://engagemb.ca starting today and the online public engagement will close May 13.

As part of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) ongoing engagement strategy with the United Way Food Systems Summit (UNFSS), taking place this summer for the first time in 25 years, we are sharing with you a new set of events that were just announced for next week.

These Producer Public Forums are happening across six continents and are a terrific opportunity for Canadian beef producers to learn what the UNFSS is proposing and to participate directly in the conversation. Many of the initiatives being proposed thus far have lacked producer voices so this is one of the best opportunities to have voices heard. Click on the graphic to find out more and register.

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program:

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

•

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

•

the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

Environmental Farm Plan Workshops (Source: Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development) Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation.

These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations, and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Workbooks and support material will be provided to those who attend.

EFPs must be renewed every five years to remain valid. If you are unsure if your EFP is

valid, please contact KAP to inquire (204) 6971140.

No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ________________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP April 23, 2021

mbbeef.ca

Conservation Trust Approves $2.8 million for New Projects: Land, Water and Wildlife Conservation in Manitoba Will Benefit Manitoba Beef Producers a Funding Recipient

Note: Manitoba Beef Producers has been awarded $300,000 from the Conservation Trust for a grassland enhancement project. This initiative will work with beef and forage producers to preserve and enhance 6,969 acres grasslands in southwestern Manitoba through 10-year term securement agreements and the implementation of beneficial management practices (BMPs), including perimeter and cross fencing, livestock watering systems (including pasture pipelines), shrub mowing, perennial cover establishment, bufferstrip establishment, invasive species control (match-funded), and woodlot management plans.

(April 21, 2021 Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation News Release) For Earth Day, The Manitoba Habitat Heritage

Corporation (MHHC) is announcing $2.8 million in new grants to 23 projects delivered by 20 Manitoba-based conservation groups.

“These funds provide new opportunities to improve land, water, wildlife and soil conservation across the province,” said Tim Sopuck chief executive officer of Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation.

The revenue source for these projects is the Province of Manitoba’s recent $204 million in contributions to endowments at The Winnipeg Foundation that are dedicated to land, water and wildlife conservation.

“The major investments made by Manitoba continue to bear fruit for new conservation projects that will help to make our landscape more resilient to the impacts of climate change in the future,” said Minister of Agriculture and Resource Development Blaine Pedersen.

With the establishment of the Conservation Trust, the GROW Trust and the Wetlands GROW Trust, Manitoba created new and permanent revenue sources for conservation activities in Manitoba. The Trusts focus on conservation and restoration of natural areas in the rural landscape for a number of conservation purposes: addressing floods and droughts, water quality, wildlife habitat and biological diversity, carbon sequestration and improving Manitoba citizens’ connection to nature. continued on page 3

For reliable information and resources please visit:

CCA prepares to push environmental plan The Western Producer Calving Season Wrapping Up PembinaValleyOnline Record Bull Sold In Southwest Manitoba PembinaValleyOnline

continued from page 1

Conservation Trust projects supported include: •

•

•

•

$240,000 to the Manitoba Forage and Grasslands Association to conserve wetlands and develop grasslands and forages on surrounding croplands to improve soil health, water and nutrient capture and wildlife habitat $300,000 to the Association of Manitoba Community Pastures to improve grassland health and biological diversity at Community Pastures throughout Manitoba $86,000 to the Delta Waterfowl Foundation to conserve wetlands and enhance waterfowl production $50,000 Seven Oaks School Division Ozhaawashkwaa Animikii-Bineshi Aki Onji Kinimaagae' Inun (Blue Thunderbird Land-based Teachings Learning Centre or Aki Centre) to support Indigenous tall-grass prairie establishment

The $2.8 million in Trust funds is being matched by $6.4 million in funds and services by the groups, which will result in $9.2 million of conservation activity in Manitoba.

“An additional $6.2 million dedicated to watershed-based conservation projects is available to be awarded in June, bringing total grant funding available from the trusts to $9.0 million in 2021,” said Sopuck.

Since inception of the Trusts, beginning in 2018, a total of $12.5.0 million has been committed to 107 conservation projects delivered by 45 Manitoba-based groups.

MHHC was established in 1986 as a provincial Crown Corporation to conserve fish and wildlife habitat in the Manitoba. It recently transitioned out of government and is now a private, notfor-profit charitable organization. Visit www.mhhc.mb.ca.

For more details regarding funded projects see https://www.mhhc.mb.ca/funded-projects/

MBP Made Presentation to Legislative Committee on Bill 62 This week Manitoba Beef Producers made a presentation to a Manitoba legislative committee (Agriculture) on Bill 62 – The Animal Diseases Amendment Act. Among the proposed amendments being made to the Act a person would be required to obtain consent before entering a biosecurity zone or interacting with animals in such a zone. A biosecurity zone is an area within a livestock operation to which access is tightly controlled to limit the spread of pathogens.

Maintaining the health and safety of their cattle is key for Manitoba’s beef producers. Working in conjunction with experts such as veterinarians, animal feed nutritionists and others, producers develop herd health management strategies for their animals.

Critical components of these strategies include the creation of and adherence to biosecurity measures to help reduce the risk of the introduction of foreign animal diseases or potential contaminants that could harm animals.

MBP’s comments focused on the importance of biosecurity and trying to protect livestock from potential risks caused by people’s actions upon entering agricultural operations. These risks could include the introduction of foreign animal diseases and the devastating animal health, economic and trade consequences that could accompany them. Another consideration is risk of the introduction of invasive species and noxious weeds which can have production and health implications for cattle, as well as negative environment effects. An example of this is leafy spurge, one of the most difficult to control noxious weeds in Manitoba.

Another area MBP touched upon is the importance of informed access whereby people seeking to access agricultural Crown land (ACL) utilized by beef producers would inform producers of their intent to do so. This is needed to help protect the safety and wellbeing of both the livestock and the land users. It would allow for a discussion about biosecurity considerations, and advise of the presence of livestock, dugouts, equipment in use, etc. It would also help remind prospective land users of the importance of closing gates and not engaging in practices that might damage pastures and forages or sensitive areas of ACL. As well, in the event of a disease outbreak, having knowledge of who accessed the land and when would be invaluable from a traceability and disease management perspective. As well, in the event of a disease outbreak, having knowledge of who accessed the land and when would be invaluable from a traceability and disease management perspective.

MBP recommended that additional work be done to help inform the general public who may wish to access private or public lands about the rationale behind and need for adherence to biosecurity practices.

MBP requested continued engagement with the provincial government as the regulations that will accompany this legislation are developed.

For example, this would include clarification as to how biosecurity zones will be established, particularly in the context of expansive agricultural operations such as cattle production where livestock are distributed over a wide geographic area.

Thanks to QX104FM for a terrific virtual kitchen party! MBP joined morning show hosts, Brody and Randy, QXNation Cooks winner, Jackie, and guests Ashton and Jen, for a fun-filled night cooking up Japanese enoki beef rolls and a Thai beef noodle salad.

Want to try your hand at these new recipes curated by our in-house food expert, Tamara Sarkisian, RD of FruitfulKitchen?

Click on either photo and you'll be transported to our website for directions on how to give them a whirl!

CCA encouraged by federal budget investments that recognize the role of agriculture in climate change solutions, the Green Economy and economic recovery and growth (April 20, 2021 Canadian Cattlemen’s Association News Release, Ottawa, ON) – Following the first federal budget in over two years, the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) continues to advocate the important role that agriculture will have in helping the Government of Canada reach its climate action, green economy targets and pandemic recovery.

“CCA welcomes Budget 2021 as a starting place for economic recovery discussions. With enabling supports and strategic investments, the agri-food sector has the potential to come out of the pandemic stronger than ever and help Canada in its fight against climate change,” said Bob Lowe, CCA President. “We encourage the Government of Canada to continue consulting with the agriculture sector, including the beef industry, as details of these new policies, programs and funding opportunities are finalized.”

Within the beef sector, we’re already leading sustainability initiatives through our 2030 goals and look forward to being a partner of the government as policies and programs are developed. As CCA noted in our pre-budget submission, it is important for farmers and ranchers to be part of these discussions to ensure there are not unintended consequences for the environment, such as grassland loss. We note the Budget included land conservation efforts and it is important that grasslands, that are such a vital part of the working landscape, are included in these policies, particularly as other government policies may lead to the unintended consequence of further grassland conversion.

“CCA is pleased the Liberal Government recognizes in Budget 2021 that traditional economy sectors, including agriculture, will lead the new sustainable economy. The economic viability of producers is essential as is the need for a stable food supply, which has been strongly emphasized during the pandemic.”

As the beef industry produces high quality premium beef products that are sold around the world, it was positive to see investments in reducing internal trade barriers and building infrastructure that supports trade. That said, we are interested to learn more about the border carbon adjustments, which could have significant ramifications for international trade.

With the substantial budget now released, CCA recognizes that part of the economic long-term sustainability will come from Canada’s private sector, including the beef industry. Beef producers are well positioned to help drive Canada’s economic recovery and growth, working in tandem with the Government’s sustainability priorities.

The CCA will continue to pursue funding for increased resources to support export-oriented agriculture and support for increased processing capacity like what was made available to other sectors in the budget.

CCA staff continue to analyze the budget and will be continuing discussions with the Government of Canada to ensure the beef industry is part of these discussions.

Industry Update The Canadian Beef Industry is setting ambitious long-term goals

Water, people health and safety, beef quality and food safety, and technology goals announced today

April 19, 2021 Calgary, AB – The Canadian beef industry is working to improve water and soil quality, support the health and safety of all people throughout the supply chain, improve beef quality, and incorporate technology to strengthen farmers’ bottom lines. Building upon five-year goals that were outlined in the 2020-2024 National Beef Strategy, the industry has now identified a suite of ambitious ten-year goals that will provide positive and clear messaging about the process to continually improve practices, product quality, enhance natural environments and utilize technologies to benefit people health, safety and profitability.

The first three goals released in September 2020 addressed: 1) Greenhouse Gas and Carbon Sequestrations, 2) Animal Health and Welfare and 3) Land Use and Biodiversity. The last four goals released today address: 4) Water, 5) People Health and Safety, 6) Beef Quality and Food Safety, and 7) Technology. The goal topics covered recognize the breadth of benefits from beef production beyond supplying global protein demand.

This suite of goals highlight the work of the Canadian beef industry as integral for climate change mitigation and the sustainability of our food system. Bob Lowe, a producer from Alberta and President of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA) comments that, “communicating the existing good work of producersto Ottawa, on these topics, is key to building support from both government and the public.”

Anne Wasko, a producer from Saskatchewan and Chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef hopes that “these ambitious goals result in innovation throughout the beef industry and solidify our place as part of the climate solution, while supporting economic viability throughout the supply chain. The intent is that these are ‘stretch’ goals that encourage industry to strive for something we would not achieve without setting them.” Setting ambitious goal targets was done strategically in order to encourage innovation and push the beef industry as a whole to think differently.. Tyler Bjornson, Chair of the Canadian Meat Council Beef and Veal Committee and current Chair of the Canadian Beef Advisors notes that “there are opportunities around skipping outdated generations of technology, but regulation must keep up and not impede use of solutions that would add value to the sector.”

The goal development process was collaborative and iterative, receiving feedback from multiple stakeholder groups to inform and refine the goals to be both realistic and ambitious. Matt Bowman, a producer from Ontario and Chair of the Beef Cattle Research Council states, “these goals provide direction on where research and technology transfer efforts are needed over the coming ten years. While research and extension have advanced on several fronts, continuous incremental improvement is the goal.”

The Canadian Beef Advisors consists of elected leaders and staff representation of the seven national beef organizations responsible for policy, marketing, research and sustainability. They are a diverse group of experienced industry representatives, who are responsible for advancing the strategy with the industry stakeholders, providing recommendations on future direction and reporting results against the strategy goals and objectives.

Learn more their vision and goals for a dynamic and profitable Canadian cattle and beef industry at www.beefstrategy.com.

The National Beef Strategy is a collaborative effort by Canadian national beef sector organizations including the Beef Cattle Research Council, Canadian Beef Breeds Council, Canada Beef, Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (and its provincial member associations), Canadian Meat Council, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef, and the National Cattle Feeders’ Association.

-30For further information, contact: Canadian Beef Advisors info@beefstrategy.com

CANADIAN

BEEF GOALS 2030 Fostering long-term continuous improvement in the Canadian beef industry.

The Canadian beef industry knows it has a vital role to play in being part of the solution for climate change. Tyler Bjornson, Chair of the Canadian Meat Council Beef and Veal Committee and current Chair of the Canadian Beef Advisors adds that “we are committed to doing the right thing for our land, our animals and our environment and this is precisely what these goals are meant to demonstrate – this unwavering commitment.”

The Canadian Beef Advisors consists of the seven national beef organizations responsible for policy, marketing, research and sustainability in the Canadian Beef industry. They are a diverse group of experienced industry representatives, who are responsible for advancing the strategy with industry stakeholders, providing recommendations on future direction and reporting results against the strategy goals and objectives. Together, the Canadian Beef Advisors has set a National Beef Strategy. Building on that strategy, a suite of ambitious 10year goals has been identified that will guide continuous improvement in sustainable practices, product quality, enhancing natural environments, reducing our footprint and embracing innovation that benefit people health, safety and profitability.

The goal topics recognize the breadth of benefits from Canadian beef production beyond supplying global protein demand; they address all five principles of beef sustainability adopted here in Canada – Natural Resources, People & Community, Animal Health and Welfare, Food, and Efficiency & Innovation.

In September 2020, the first phase of goals was announced, covering Land Use and Biodiversity, Animal Care and Greenhouse Gases and Carbon Sequestration. Phase Two was announced in April 2021, covering Water and Soil Quality, People Health and Safety, Beef Quality and Food Safety, and Technology and Innovation.

Please find enclosed background on the first goal topics set in Canada, including background, rationale, details on how we will work together to achieve these goals, and some FAQs.

The Goals For more details on the rationale, specifics on how the industry will work to achieve them, and FAQs, please visit www.beefstrategy.com.

NOTE: These goals are not presented in any particular order of importance.

Greenhouse Gas Emissions and Carbon Sequestration Safeguard the existing 1.5 billion tonnes of carbon stored on lands managed with beef cattle Sequester an additional 3.4 million tonnes of carbon every year Reduce primary production GHG emission intensity by 33% by 20301 Reduce food loss and waste (from secondary processing to consumer) by 50% by 2030

Land Use and Biodiversity Maintain the 35 million acres of native grassland in the care of beef producers by focusing on economic viability of producers and supporting programs that incentivize conservation in collaboration with Canadian crop groups Maintain a network of natural landscapes and healthy functioning ecosystems through well-managed grazing systems that maintain sustainable plant communities and healthy rangelands • Maintain and enhance the 68% of wildlife habitat capacity Enhance the ecosystem •

services Encourage practices that build soil organic matter and enhance soil biodiversity

Water and Soil quality Promote practices that maximize water quality and retention, to deliver healthier landscapes, resilience to drought and flood events, and groundwater recharge as appropriate to the region's precipitation Improve water use efficiency in the beef value chain Build recognition by the public and policy-makers of the benefits provided by grassland ecosystems, including: • Protection of wetlands • The role of wetlands as important carbon sinks • Filtration of nutrients that protect water quality and reduce non-point source pollution • Resilience to drought and flood events • Support groundwater recharge and future water supplies

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Animal Health and Care Ensure the five freedoms of animal wellbeing by increasing adoption of onfarm management practices Ensure the effectiveness of existing and future antimicrobials is preserved to support human and animal health and welfare

Beef Quality and Food Safety Establish the inherent quality and value of Canadian Beef in domestic and export markets which supports comparative equivalency or superiority to alternatives Increase the value of AAA and Prime carcasses, to be equivalent with the US, by building demand for all cuts on the carcass Remove internal regulatory impediments to innovation, export and commercial trade and the competitiveness of Canadian beef in domestic and international markets Support the development, regulatory approval and adoption of improved food safety interventions and technologies throughout the supply chain

People Health and Safety Create a culture of safety across the beef industry supply chain Reduce serious, fatal, and fatigue-related incidents by 1.5% per year up to 2030, by supporting education, awareness and improvements in farm and ranch safety

Technology and Innovation Improvements in speed, reliability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness of traceability solutions that advance both business and regulatory objectives Supporting functional information flow solutions to producers derived from a competitive service sector Invest in technological solutions that reduce costs, improve competitiveness and enable regulatory approvals and business functions that support trade and commerce •

•

Support innovation, research, refinement and commercialization of technologies throughout the supply chain that support economic viability and worker conditions o through connecting cattle industry domain expertise with cutting edge technological expertise Promote the acceptance of sustainable and safe beef production technologies by customers and regulators, in both domestic and international markets

Please join us for an important discussion about saving Canada’s only endangered ecosystem Guardians of the Grasslands is a short documentary produced by Story Brokers Media House in partnership with Canadian Beef, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Nature Conservancy of Canada. This film explores the vital role cattle play in preserving our endangered native temperate grasslands and was shot on location at the Waldron Ranch Grazing Co-op in southern Alberta.

The documentary has found great film festival success, including being selected for over 17 events in almost every province and even internationally, such as the Nature Without Borders and Wildlife Conservation film festivals.

It has won accolades, including for Research at the Yorkton Film Festival and Best Documentary at both the Montreal Independent and Central Alberta Film Festivals.

This event will mark the official public launch of the film, which will be celebrated with a screening and an exclusive panel discussion on the value of preserving and maintaining grasslands for all Canadians. We hope you will be able to join us. https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/711 6184918425/WN_w20wjMuJSAWUehxEZFp6Cg

COVID-19 Vaccination Information clinics in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson and Portage la Prairie. These follow provincial eligibility criteria.

Pop-up clinics are also scheduled in a number of communities across the province.

Appointments for super sites or pop-ups can be made by calling (toll-free) 1-844-626-8222 (1844-MAN-VACC).

Eligibility Criteria Front-line police and firefighters are now eligible to make appointments to be vaccinated.

Eligibility to be immunized at a super site or pop-up clinic has also been expanded to include individuals aged 50 or older and First Nation people aged 30 or older. Anyone who has been in Manitoba for one month or more can receive the vaccine at no cost if they meet provincial eligibility requirements.

Eligibility for the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine includes all individuals aged 40 and over.

For further details on eligibility go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/eligibi lity-criteria.html Appointments Appointments are currently available at super sites in Winnipeg (RBC Convention Centre), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden.

Effective April 21, people can now also begin booking appointments at the super site in Winnipeg on Leila Avenue, which opens May 7.

Eligible individuals can book their appointment at a super site online at https://protectmb.ca with an email address and health card number.

Appointments are now also being booked for Indigenous-led COVID-19 immunization pop-up

Eligible people who would like to be immunized with AstraZeneca/Covishield at a medical clinic or pharmacy can use the COVID-19 Vaccine Shot Finder, located at: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html.

Additional Information All data in this bulletin is current as of April 20, unless noted otherwise.

At this time, only first-dose appointments are available. The province will provide more information about planning for second doses in the weeks ahead.

When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca. For regular updates, visit https://protectmb.ca and sign up for the weekly e-newsletter.

Minister Bibeau and Minister Carr Joined Prairie Farmers to Discuss On-Farm Climate Action Investments in Budget 2021 (April 22, 2021 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release) Budget 2021 is the Government

of Canada's plan to finish the fight against COVID-19 and ensure a robust economic recovery that is inclusive of all Canadians.

On Earth Day, the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, and the Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies, joined young farmers from Manitoba and Saskatchewan to discuss regenerative agricultural practices and on-farm climate action investments from Budget 2021: A Recovery Plan for Jobs, Growth, and Resilience.

Farmers are major players in Canada's fight against climate change. The agricultural sector has the potential to scale up climate solutions, many of which are already underway across the country. Building on Canada's climate action programs for farmers–including the $185 million Agricultural Climate Solutions program, and the $165 million Agricultural Clean Technology Program–a new investment of $200 million over two years, starting in 2021-22, will help launch immediate, on-farm climate action under the Agricultural Climate Solutions program. This will target projects accelerating emission reductions by improving nitrogen management, increasing adoption of cover cropping, and normalizing rotational grazing.

These investments will help Canada's agriculture and agri-food sector meet its emissions targets and capture new opportunities in the green economy.

Budget 2021 is also about creating more jobs and prosperity for Canadians in the days – and decades – to come. It is an historic investment to address the specific wounds of the COVID-19

recession, put people first, create jobs, grow the middle class, set businesses on a track for longterm growth, and ensure that Canada's future – and the futures of Canadian farmers, their families and their communities – will be healthier, more equitable, greener, and more prosperous.

Quotes "Budget 2021 presents a historic plan to get us through COVID-19 to better times, by putting people first, creating jobs and bridging businesses to a future positioned for long-term growth. We are giving farmers the support to implement the climate-smart agriculture practices that will ensure the young farmers of today can continue farming sustainably for decades to come."

- The Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food "Investing in climate-smart agricultural practices continues to help Canada's farmers, like those in the Prairies we met today, to build on their success while protecting and preserving our natural resources. Budget 2021 will allow farmers to compete and innovate while farming their land today and into the future. Now more than ever, the spirit of resilience, ingenuity and innovation will help shape Canada's future."

- The Honourable Jim Carr, Special Representative for the Prairies Quick facts •

Budget 2021 includes $101.4 billion over three years in proposed investments as part of the Government of Canada's growth plan that will create good jobs and support a resilient and

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Minister Bibeau and Minister Carr Joined Prairie Farmers to Discuss On-Farm Climate Action Investments in Budget 2021 inclusive recovery. Key measures include: o

Allocating $60 million over the next two years, from the Nature Smart Climate Solutions Fund, to target the protection of existing wetlands and trees on farms;

o Ensuring the recently expanded $165.5 million Agricultural Clean Technology program will prioritize $50 million for the purchase of more efficient grain dryers for farmers across Canada;

o

Returning a portion of the proceeds from the price on pollution directly to farmers in backstop jurisdictions (currently Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario), beginning in 2021-22. It is estimated farmers would receive $100 million in the first year;

o Allocating $10 million over the next two years, from the Agricultural Clean Technology program, toward powering farms with clean energy and moving off diesel.

THANK YOU to guest speakers Cynthia Beck, Jill Harvie, and Anne Wasko along with all participants who joined in the conversation!

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ________________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program: •

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

•

the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

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

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

No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.

TH ANNIVERSARY

Photo credit: Jenna Loveridge

Committment to the land, water, air, and wildlife is a prerequisite to raising healthy cattle. Sustainability is not a buzzword... it's a way of life.

raise the bar on raising beef TESA NOMINATION & APPLICATION PACKAGE

Tesa background Since 1996, The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) has been awarded annually at the provincial and national level to recognize cattle producers’ leadership in conservation. Nominees and applicants are selected based on their stewardship practices, accomplishments and goals.

ELIGIBILITY

All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply. Producers can either be nominated by an individual or organization or apply themselves through their provincial or regional cattle organization(s). All methods are equally encouraged.

THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

#4 - 10145 Dallas Dr. • Kamloops, BC • V2C 6T4 PHONE 250.573.3611 FAX 250.573.5155 EMAIL info@cattlemen.bc.ca

Where provinces or regions have annual stewardship awards, nominees and applicants compete for awards based on their province or region of residence. Where provincial or regional organization(s) do not present an annual award, they can select a nominee who has engaged in significant environmental stewardship activities on their farm or ranch.

ALBERTA BEEF PRODUCERS

Past nominees are encouraged to resubmit their application. Previous recipients may not reapply.

SASKATCHEWAN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION

PROVINCIAL AWARD

Provincial recipients are announced at their respective provincial cattle association’s annual general meeting. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete at the national level.

165, 6815-8th Street N.E. • Calgary, AB • T2E 7H7 PHONE 403.451-1176 FAX 403.274.0007 EMAIL katelynl@albertabeef.org

Box 4752 • Regina, SK • S4P 3Y4 PHONE 306.757.8523 FAX 306.569.8799 EMAIL ssga@sasktel.net

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

220-530 Century St. • Winnipeg, MB • R3H 0Y4

NATIONAL AWARD

The national TESA recipient is announced during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC). All provincial recipients are awarded an all-expense paid trip for two to attend CBIC and the CCA Semi-Annual Meeting that is held in different locations across Canada in August of each year. The national TESA recipient is also awarded a belt buckle and certificate.

APPLICATIONS DUE

July 1st of each year. Manitoba applications are due December 3, 2021.

th

ANNIVERSARY

TOLL-FREE 1.800.772.0458 or 204.772.4542 FAX 204.774.3264 EMAIL info@mbbeef.ca

BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO

130 Malcolm Rd. • Guelph, ON • N1K 1B1 PHONE 519.824.0334 FAX 519.824.9101 EMAIL info@ontariobeef.com

LES PRODUCTEURS DE BOVINS DU QUEBEC/ QUEBEC CATTLE PRODUCERS

555, Boulevard Roland-Therrien, Bureau 305 • Longueuil, PQ • J4H 4G2 PHONE 450.679.0540 FAX 450.442.9348 EMAIL mediaspbq@upa.qc.ca

MARITIME BEEF COUNCIL

7 Atlantic Central Dr. • East Mountain, NS • B6L 2Z2 PHONE 506.349.5395 FAX 902.893.7063 EMAIL maritimebeefcouncil@gmail.com

Tesa application

Name(s):

Phone:

Farm Name:

Email:

Address:

PLEASE ATTACH A WORD DOCUMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: 1. Provide a description of your farm including the environment it operates in.

2. What have you done/what are you doing to improve environmental management on your farm?

3. What are your challenges and successes? Please include high-resolution images and data which help show measurable results.

4. What factors have enabled you to make management changes? (e.g. Working with conservation organizations, programs such as the Environmental Farm Plan, funding support, education, etc.)

5. What are your environmental goals for the future and how do you plan to carry them out?

6. Include two letters of reference that speak to your leadership in conservation.

Please limit your application to 10 pages (not including letters of reference and photos). Electronic applications are preferred and a single, complete PDF document is requested. A sample application from previous years can be found online at https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/theenvironmental-stewardship-award/how-to-nominate/

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE APPLICATION: A selection of no less than ten high-resolution images suitable for reproduction on social media, print etc.

Video presentation link if available, media stories/ broadcasts showcasing your stewardship efforts.

TESA SPONSORS

TESA sponsorship program is available to appropriate organizations that wish to affiliate themselves with the CCA’s TESA program. In addition to showing support for environmental stewardship and Canada’s beef cattle producers, the program also provides the opportunity to join industry leaders, government representatives and nearly 60,000 Canadian beef farms in the national discussion on environmental issues affecting the industry. For more information, visit www.cattle.ca/what-is-tesa

TESA PLATINUM SPONSOR

For more than 65 years, MNP has been helping beef producers get the most from their operations. Whether you are looking to pass the farm on to the next generation, improve your profitability, be more competitive or expand MNP’s beef industry specialists will help you get the results you’re looking for. To find out what MNP can do for you, contact Marvin Slingerland, Partner, MNP Lethbridge, at Director of Livestock Services at 1.800.661.8097 or Marvin.Slingerland@mnp.ca

Contact your provincial organization listed on the previous page to determine when your association requires you to submit your application for the provincial award.

HE L P ING YO U GE T E VE N M O RE O UT O F YO UR L IVE ST O C K O P E RATIO N.

E-Newsletter dsfsfa An update from MBP April 16, 2021

mbbeef.ca

MBP Made Presentation to Legislative Committee on Bill 63 This week Manitoba Beef Producers made a presentation to a Manitoba legislative committee (Justice) on Bill 63 – The Petty Trespasses Amendment and Occupiers’ Liability Amendment Act. In a March 10 news release the Manitoba government said the proposed changes in these two bills, along with proposed amendments to the Animal Diseases Act, are to “help landowners respond to concerns about trespassing on private property.” Changes to the Petty Trespasses Act that would “remove the need to confront trespassers where possible, by making entry onto certain specified premises without permission an offence, unless the person has a lawful reason for doing so.” Proposed amendments to the Occupiers Liability Act “would ensure a landowner’s legal responsibility for injury is fair and reasonable when someone is on their property without permission… amendments would reduce the duty of care that is owed to criminal trespassers and certain noncriminal trespassers to not creating a danger with the deliberate intent of doing harm or damage to the person or their property, and to not acting with reckless disregard of the safety of the person or their property.”

MBP’s comments on Bill 63 focused on the importance of biosecurity and trying to protect livestock from potential risks caused by people’s actions upon entering agricultural operations. These risks could include the introduction of foreign animal diseases and the devastating animal health, economic and trade consequences that could accompany them. Another concern cited was the possible introduction of invasive species and noxious weeds which can have negative production implications.

MBP also commented on public safety, as farm families and their employees need to be safe from those trespassing with ill intent, such as to commit crimes. The potential for harm to people or injuries to animals could arise. Examples were cited of trespassing activities which have adversely impacted MBP members and their farms and ranches such as: theft of property, including cattle; dangerous use of firearms; gates left open or damaged thereby allowing cattle to get out and be placed in harm’s way; damage to other farm infrastructure or supplies; and, damage to forages, pastures and crops caused by people driving across them.

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For reliable information and resources please visit:

BSE suit underway The Western Producer Beef sector survived COVID shocks The Western Producer Small packers called unlikely The Western Producer

MBP continued from page 1 MBP is supportive of the proposed provisions of this legislation which removes the requirement for farmers and their employers to themselves have to confront trespassers, a role which it believes would be better placed with law enforcement officials. This should help better protect the safety of all parties by discouraging confrontation.

Another area MBP touched upon is the importance of informed access whereby people seeking to access agricultural Crown land (ACL) utilized by beef producers would inform producers of their intent to do so. This is needed to help protect the safety and wellbeing of both the livestock and the land users. It would allow for a discussion about biosecurity considerations, and advise of the presence of livestock, dugouts, equipment in use, etc. It would also help remind prospective land users of the importance of closing gates and not engaging in practices that might damage

pastures and forages or sensitive areas of ACL. As well, in the event of a disease outbreak, having knowledge of who accessed the land and when would be invaluable from a traceability and disease management perspective.

With respect to the proposed changes regarding when limited duty of care applies, MBP noted this information needs to be conveyed to landowners and the general public, and easily understood by all should a situation arise where duty of care has to be considered. MBP requested that the provincial government undertake awareness activities in this regard.

MBP stated it is supportive of the proposed exemption provision for listed authorized persons such as instances where they are entering or remaining on lands or premises to fulfill their employment duties, to voluntarily provide emergency services, and so on.

Province Advises Outflow From Shellmouth Reservoir Will Increase (April 14, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Manitoba Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre

reports the outflow from the Shellmouth Reservoir will be increasing effective April 14 due to anticipated run-off from the upper Assiniboine River.

The current outflow is 52 cubic feet per second (cfs). The outflow will be increased to 600 cfs. This will result in a two-to-three-foot level increase on the Assiniboine River from the Shellmouth to Russell and one-to-two-ft. level increase from Russell to Brandon. The increase will diminish as the river reaches Winnipeg.

River users should be cautious. However, the rise in water levels is not expected to impact properties and the river will remain within its banks.

The province will continue to monitor conditions in the upper Assiniboine River as well as downstream river levels.

Manitobans Reminded of Available Support and Job Protection When Leave is Required Due To Covid-19 (April 16, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Help is available to Manitobans who must miss work because of a positive COVID-19 result and are not eligible for paid leave through their workplace, Finance Minister Scott Fielding and Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, said.

“We need to ensure Manitobans are staying home when sick, and know what resources are available to them if they or a family member test positive for COVID-19,” said Fielding. “Our government has a job protection leave program for workers affected by COVID-19 and there are also federal programs Manitobans can access.

We know that Manitobans want to get to work and provide for their families, but we need to make sure that we stay home when sick to slow the spread of COVID-19.”

Last year, Manitoba introduced a temporary job-protected leave to the Employment Standards Code for employees who are unable to work due to circumstances related to the pandemic. Employees can take an unpaid jobprotected leave: • to complete quarantine, isolation or selfisolation; • when under medical examination, supervision or treatment due to COVID-19; • to comply with public health orders; • to provide care, support or assistance to a family member as a result of COVID-19 including school or day-care closures; • to reduce the employee’s exposure to others, in consultation with their employer;

• if the employee is directly affected by travel restrictions imposed by public health orders; and • if the employee has an underlying condition, is undergoing treatment or has contracted an illness that makes them more susceptible to COVID-19, in consultation with their employer.

For more information, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/labour/standards/doc, public_health_emergency_leave_COVID19,factsheet.html.

The Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba (WCB) also provides coverage for Manitoba workers with work-related injuries and illnesses.

WCB covers employees who contract COVID-19 because of an exposure arising out of and in the course of their employment. Each claim is determined on a case-by-case basis. If an employee thinks that he or she has contracted COVID-19 at work, they should inform their employer and file a claim with WCB. For more information about WCB, visit www.wcb.mb.ca/how-the-wcb-is-respondingto-covid-19#employers.

Manitobans can also apply for paid leave through the Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB), which provides income support to employed or self-employed individuals who are unable to work because they are sick or need to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. They may be eligible if they are unable to work at least 50 per cent of their scheduled work week because of self-isolation, are sick or may have COVID-19, were advised to self-isolate due to COVID-19, or have an underlying health condition that puts

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Manitobans Reminded of Available Support and Job Protection When Leave is Required Due To Covid-19 them at greater risk of getting COVID-19. They can apply for coverage after the first one-week period they are applying for has ended. For more information, visit www.canada.ca/en/revenueagency/services/benefits/recovery-sicknessbenefit.html.

The Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit also provides income support to employed and selfemployed individuals who are unable to work because they must care for their child under 12 years old or a family member who needs supervised care due to COVID-19. For more information, visit www.canada.ca/en/revenueagency/services/benefits/recovery-caregivingbenefit.html.

“Our contact tracing indicates that for many Manitobans, missing out on work and pay is a major barrier to seeking immediate testing, as many are not able to take an extended leave from work for various reasons including job security and loss of income,” said Roussin. “One of the most important things Manitobans can do to halt the spread of the virus, particularly as

variants of concern become prevalent in our province, is to stay home when sick to avoid spreading the virus to others. That’s why we want to make sure Manitobans know there is support they can access so they can focus on keeping themselves and their neighbours safe.”

Turnaround times for receiving a COVID-19 test results have consistently been under 24 hours in the last month, which means that Manitobans and their family will not have to spend much time self-isolating while awaiting a COVID-19 test result, noted Roussin.

If a result is negative, the household can return to daily activities while the person with symptoms should continue to self-isolate until symptoms have been gone for 24 hours. Should the result be positive, the entire household should continue to self-isolate and await further direction from a public health nurse. At this point, individuals and their household may be eligible for the programming outlined above.

For more information on COVID-19 testing and supports, visit: www.manitoba.ca/covid19/testing/.

Manitoba Expanding Vaccine Eligibility Criteria to Protect Manitobans (April 15, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) In response to the threat of a third wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, Manitoba will expand vaccine eligibility criteria to include all adults in priority communities as well as first responders, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced.

"Manitoba is taking action to ensure our immunization campaign responds to the risks facing our communities,” said Stefanson. “This comprehensive approach, built on the advice of our medical experts, is the next step in slowing the spread of COVID-19 and protecting people at risk. Thousands of people are immunized in Manitoba every day and this approach will help ensure doses reach those who need protection from the virus the most, including our first responders such as police and firefighters and those who are disproportionately impacted by COVID-19.”

Based on COVID-19 and public health data, people living in communities with the highest risk of the virus will be added to Manitoba’s eligibility criteria, including: • all adults aged 18 or older who live there; and • people with specified front-line, public-facing roles in those communities, such as teachers.

The province will also expand eligibility to include front-line police officers and firefighters.

“This is a targeted approach to ensure those most affected by COVID-19, who are often racialized or marginalized people, have access to the vaccine sooner,” said Dr. Joss Reimer, medical lead, Vaccine Implementation Task Force. “Our approach will also help protect those who serve these communities on a daily basis, recognizing their increased risk of exposure as well as their importance to the community’s overall safety and wellness. I encourage everyone to make an appointment as soon as you are eligible, to

protect yourselves and the people around you.”

Vaccine supply remains limited and there will not be enough vaccine to immunize everyone in these categories immediately. Manitoba will announce the first eligible communities on Apr. 21, along with specific guidance on jobs that will be included. Further details on when police and firefighters can book their appointments will be provided next week.

Community-based eligibility will continue to expand as vaccine supplies allow.

Reimer noted this expansion is consistent with the guidance set out by the National Advisory Committee on Immunization, specifically “stage 2” priority groups. Once eligible people in priority communities are immunized, the province will expand criteria to include all Manitobans in NACI “stage 2”, which includes: • adults in or from Indigenous communities (underway); • residents and staff of congregate living facilities (underway); • adults 60-69 years of age (underway); • adults in racialized and marginalized communities disproportionately affected by COVID-19 (details to be provided next week, beginning with those living or working in specific communities); • police and firefighters who are among the first to arrive and provide assistance at the scene of an emergency (details to be provided next week) and; • frontline essential workers who cannot work virtually (details to be provided next week, for specified roles and in specific communities).

For more information about Manitoba’s COVID-19 immunization campaign, visit protectmb.ca.

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

POP-UP COVID-19 IMMUNIZATION CLINICS A number of pop-up clinics will be available in the coming weeks to provide access to the COVID-19 vaccine.

People who meet the province’s eligibility criteria for immunization can call toll-free 1-844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC) to make an appointment at these locations.

All clinics run 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. unless noted.

Interlake-Eastern Regional Health Authority 

Whitemouth: April 19 at Whitemouth Community Hall



St. Laurent: April 19 at St. Laurent Recreation Centre



Pine Falls: April 19 at Pine Falls Legion, 7 Tamarack St.



Teulon: April 20 at Anglican Church Hall, 60 Second St. SE



Gimli: April 20 at Gimli Recreation Centre, 45 Centennial Rd.



Fisher Branch: April 20 at Fisher Branch Ukrainian Hall



Ashern: April 20 at Ashern Centennial Hall



Lundar: April 21 at Lundar Legion, 50 Third Ave.



Beausejour: April 21 at Brokenhead River Community Hall



Eriksdale: April 23 at Eriksdale Recreation Centre



Lac du Bonnet: April 23 at Lac du Bonnet Community Centre



Riverton: April 23 at Riverton Hall

Northern Regional Health Authority 

The Pas: April 21, 23, 24 and 28 at Roy H. Johnston Arena, 523 Smith St.



Flin Flon: April 23, 26, 27 and 28 at Flin Flin Community Hall, 2 North Ave.

…2/

-2Prairie Mountain Health 

Russell: April 20 and 21 at George P. Buleziuk Centre, 106 Shell River Ave.



Swan River: April 20 at Swan River Veterans Hall, 119 Sixth Ave. N



Glenboro: April 21 at Kinsmen Hall Fairgrounds



Virden: April 21 at Tundra Oil and Gas Place, 900 Fifth Ave N.



Dauphin: April 22 (12:30 to 8:30 p.m.) and 23 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at Ukrainian Orthodox Hall, 304 Whitmore Ave. East



Deloraine: April 22 (10:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.) at Winchester Community Hall, 119 Lake St. N



Neepawa: April 23 at Yellowhead Centre Hall, 175 Mountain Ave.

Southern Health–Santé Sud 

Steinbach: April 19, 20, 21 and 22 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at Pat Porter Active Living Centre, 10 Chrysler Gate



Gladstone: April 20 at Gladstone Stride Hall, 79 Fifth St.



Portage la Prairie: April 21 and 22 at Herman Prior Senior Services Centre, 40 Royal Rd. North



Morris: April 23 at Morris Multiplex, 380 Stampede Grounds

Winnipeg Regional Health Authority 

Winnipeg: April 19, 20 and 21 (8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on all dates) at #1-1680 Notre Dame Ave.

Partnership With 211 to Provide Transportation Options for COVID-19 Vaccine Appointments

(April 15, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

The Manitoba government is launching a new partnership with United Way’s 211 Manitoba to help connect seniors and people with mobility issues to transportation services that can get them to their COVID-19 vaccination appointments, Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced today.

“We are pleased to offer another option for seniors and people with mobility challenges who may need a little help to get to their vaccine appointment,” said Stefanson. “Seniors can call a single number, no matter where they live in the province, to find out what transportation services might be available. This will help make the process simpler and easier, while providing a valuable service to Manitobans who need it, so they can get their vaccine and protect themselves against the COVID-19 virus.”

United Way’s 211 Manitoba is a free service that provides information and referral to a full network of community-based social, health and government services. Beginning today, 211 Manitoba is ready to connect seniors and people who have mobility issues with whatever transportation services are available to help them get to their vaccine appointment. This work is being done in partnership with Transportation Options Network for Seniors (TONS).

“For many people, knowing where to turn for help can be challenging and overwhelming. We

know that 211 Manitoba provides a valuable service for Manitobans, especially during times of community crisis,” said Connie Walker, president and CEO of United Way Winnipeg.

“Now, seniors and others with mobility impairments can speak directly with a service navigator who will listen to their needs and work with them to identify transportation options and other resources in their community.”

Once an eligible person has a confirmed COVID19 appointment, they can call 211 with the date, time and location. The 211 navigators will help them identify available options and connect them with the transportation provider they choose. Individuals are responsible for the cost of their transportation service, which could include handi-transit, taxi or a shuttle service.

“As a provincewide not-for-profit organization with vast knowledge of the transportation options and resources across Manitoba, we are pleased to support this project,” said Samantha Rodeck, executive director of TONS. “We value the opportunity to connect seniors and those with additional mobility needs to transportation options that enhance quality of life and are necessary for aging in place.”

The minister noted the goal of this service is to reduce barriers to attending a vaccine appointment by providing a single window that helps ensure eligible people are aware of all their transportation options.

For more information about this transportation service and Manitoba’s vaccine campaign, visit https://protectmb.ca.

COVID-19 Vaccine Update Appointments are not yet available for Winnipeg (Leila) or Steinbach. Eligible individuals can book their appointment at a super site online at https://protectmb.ca with an email address and their health card number.

Appointments for super sites or pop-ups can also be made by calling (toll-free) 1-844-6268222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).

On April 14 the provincial government announced that Manitoba’s seventh super site is expected to open in Steinbach in May. It will be located at 294 Lumber Ave. and able to administer more than 420 vaccinations daily, based on vaccine supply.

Eligibility Criteria Eligibility to be immunized at a super site or pop-up clinic has been expanded to include individuals aged 57 or older and First Nation people aged 37 or older. Anyone who has been in Manitoba for one month or more can receive the vaccine at no cost if they meet provincial eligibility requirements.

Provincial guidance on who is eligible to receive the AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine, which is available through medical clinics and pharmacies, is online at https://protectmb.ca.

Appointments Appointments are currently available at super sites in Winnipeg (RBC Convention Centre), Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden.

At this time, only first-dose appointments are available and the province will provide more information about planning for second doses in the weeks ahead.

When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca. For regular updates, visit https://protectmb.ca and sign up for the weekly e-newsletter.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ________________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

Manitoba Joins eTick Program to Help Protect Against Tick-Borne Illnesses

(Government of Manitoba News Release) The

Manitoba government has joined the eTick platform for expert advice to help Manitobans determine their risk of Lyme disease, Manitoba Health and Senior Care Minister Heather Stefanson announced April 9.

“More and more Manitobans are exploring nature and the outdoors during the pandemic.

While this is a safe, healthy way to connect during the pandemic, we also want people to pay attention to reduce their risk of Lyme disease and other tick-borne illnesses,” said Stefanson. “The eTick program will ensure people can access rapid tick identification and distribution maps, while enhancing the surveillance of tick species in Manitoba.”

Developed by Bishop’s University and funded by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Manitobans can use eTick when they find ticks on animals, humans or in various habitats. They can submit a picture to have the tick identified by experts, which will let them confirm if the tick they found belongs to a species capable of transmitting the bacteria responsible for Lyme disease.

In addition to learning what species of tick users have found, identified specimens are mapped to better outline the distribution and seasonality of the various tick species. This information will help Manitobans understand where and when ticks have been found in precise areas of Manitoba. A new mobile application has been developed to facilitate and streamline the submission of tick observations in Manitoba. It is now available for free download under the name eTick on the App Store and the Google Play Store. Users also still have the option of submitting their observations directly on the eTick website at www.etick.ca/.

Blacklegged ticks, which can carry anaplasmosis, babesiosis and Lyme disease, are most commonly found within and along the edge of forests and in areas with thick, woody shrubs and other vegetation. These ticks are typically found between April and November (from snowmelt through snowfall), with adults most active in the spring and fall months.

Stefanson reminded Manitobans that when outside, it is still important to practise physical distancing according to current COVID-19 public health guidelines. For more information, visit www.manitoba.ca/covid19.

To learn more about blacklegged ticks, tick disease and prevention, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/health/publichealth/cdc/tickbo rne/ .

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program: •

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

•

the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

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

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

No workshops are planned for the 2021 Field Season (May to November) as we transition to the new electronic platform. If you require an EFP workshop, please send an email to ManitobaEFP@gov.mb.ca to be placed on a waiting list. If your needs are immediate, please send the email with "URGENT" in the subject line and you will be contacted personally.

E-Newsletter dsfsfa mbbeef.ca

Province of Manitoba Wildfire Service

PC: BabcockInternational.com

An update from MBP April 9, 2021

Manitoba Conservation and Climate Wildfire Service is responsible for the prevention, detection and suppression of wildfires.

The program manages all human and equipment resources needed for fighting wildfires in the province. Staff monitor weather patterns, lightning strikes, soil moisture and forest conditions to determine the probability and location of wildfires.

Manitoba's Wildfire Service works in close cooperation with other forest fire fighting agencies and jurisdictions. Equipment and other resources are shared through the Canadian Inter Agency Forest Fire Centre and the Great Lakes Forest Fire Compact.

Collecting and sharing wildfire information enables residents and visitors to Manitoba to make safe work, travel, and recreational decisions throughout Manitoba's forested and wildland urban interface (WUI) areas. Current wildfire activity and hazard levels can be found in the links below.

•

Fire & Travel Restrictions

•

Current Fire Update Report

•

Daily Situation Report

•

Interactive Map of Current Wildfires

•

Fire Danger Map

Manitoba's Wildfire Service operates 47 fire weather stations located throughout the province. It also utilizes weather data from the Meteorological Service of Canada (MSC), Parks Canada, Manitoba Hydro, and Saskatchewan Wildfire Management.

This information is used to predict and manage the occurrence and spread of wildfires. Fire weather information includes: •

Interactive WeatherView Map

•

Fire Weather Calculations/Codes

•

Observed Precipitation Map (last 24 hours)

To report a wildfire, call 911, the local emergency number in areas not covered by 911, or the provincial T.I.P. line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.

Continued on page 3

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

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

Manitoba forage, grassland growers burned by drought Manitoba Co-operator Regenerative agriculture is becoming the next big thing for consumers Alberta Farmer Express

Manitoba’s Public Health Orders Extended to April 30 On April 8, 2021 the province announced an update with respect to Manitoba’s existing public health orders as follows: Public health officials advise minor amendments are being made to the current public health orders. The changes include allowing liquor cart sales on golf courses and increasing the maximum attendance at self-help meetings to 25.

•

The changes will come into effect on Friday, Apr. 9 at 12:01 a.m. Due to increasing test positivity rates and the risk posed by variants of concern in Manitoba at this time, the orders are being extended to Apr. 30.

PC: SteinbachOnline.com

•

To view the public health orders go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/restartmb/prs/orders/index.html

Province of Manitoba Wildfire Service (cont.)

As well, the provincial government stated the following in an April 8, 2021 news release:

unattended and always extinguish it before departing.

Southern and central Manitoba are especially dry this spring because of low moisture levels last fall before lower-than-normal winter snow accumulations. The dangers of spring wildfires have increased in the central and southern regions of the province due to the dry conditions and as a precaution, restrictions on travel and burning have been implemented in some areas. In areas affected by such conditions, provincial burn permits may be limited to essential burning operations or could be cancelled entirely. The public is reminded to contact their municipalities or their local Manitoba Conservation and Climate offices for updates.

Provincial burn permits will not be issued for areas where municipalities have implemented burning restrictions.

As Manitobans begin spring cleanups, the province urges caution in their removal of grass and leaves or crop residue from fields.

Permit holders are reminded to check weather conditions, have adequate suppression equipment and ensure proper fuel breaks are in place before burning. They should never leave an outdoor fire

Preparedness efforts include an investment of $774,000 for salaries and other costs to support the hiring of an additional five initial-attack fire crews, consisting of 25 members, for this wildfire season.

These highly mobile crews will be assigned to existing bases around the province for deployment to wherever they are needed. As an important proactive measure, the province will implement a COVID-19 rapid testing program at Manitoba Wildfire Service bases to protect front-line staff and partners.

The province has also recently committed $2.6 million for avionics and communications upgrades to its water bomber fleet, to allow these aircraft to be deployed to the U.S. if assistance is requested and if the aircraft are not needed in Manitoba.

PC: Nathan Denette/THE CANADIAN PRESS

COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin #61 – Town Halls Next Week re: Immunization Campaign

(April 7, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Two telephone towns halls focused on the province’s COVID-19 immunization campaign will be held next week. Participants will include Health and Seniors Care Minister Heather Stefanson, Dr. Brent Roussin, chief provincial public health officer, and Dr. Joss Reimer and Johanu Botha from the province’s Vaccine Implementation Task Force.

A session for rural and northern Manitoba will take place on Tuesday, April 13 at 6:30 p.m. A session for people living in Winnipeg will be held on Thursday, April 15 at 6:30 p.m.

Registration is open until noon on the day of the events. To participate, people can register at https://engagemb.ca/.

Eligibility Criteria Eligibility to be immunized at a super site or pop-up clinic has been revised to include individuals aged 60 or older and First Nation people aged 42 or older. Anyone who has been in Manitoba for one month or more can receive the vaccine at no cost if they meet provincial eligibility requirements.

A shipment of more than 54,000 doses of AstraZeneca/Covishield vaccine has been distributed to medical clinics and pharmacies across the province. The province has updated its guidance on who is eligible to receive this vaccine. It includes people aged 55 to 64 with specific high-risk health conditions that put them at higher risk of severe outcomes from COVID-19, as well as all people aged 65 and older, with priority given to people who might be unable to attend a super site or pop-up clinic.

Appointments Appointments are currently available at super sites in Winnipeg, Brandon, Thompson, Selkirk and Morden. Limited appointments at pop-up clinics are available, because of delayed vaccine shipments.

Eligible individuals can book their appointment at a super site online at https://protectmb.ca with an email address and their health card number. Appointments for super sites or popups can also be made by calling (toll-free) 1844-626-8222 (1-844-MAN-VACC).

Individuals who wish to be vaccinated at the same time as their spouse/partner are encouraged to wait until both people are eligible before making appointments. It is not possible to accommodate people without an appointment at pop-up clinics or super sites.

When attending a vaccine appointment, people are reminded to bring their completed consent form (available online at https://protectmb.ca), wear a short-sleeved shirt, wear a mask, and bring their health card or other form of identification. To help support good physical distancing on site, people should arrive no more

continued on next page

COVID-19 Vaccine Bulletin #61 – Town Halls Next Week re: Immunization Campaign than 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.

Medical clinics and pharmacies will continue to be displayed on the COVID-19 Vaccine Shot Finder, located at www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/finder.html.

The map will be updated with new information later this week as providers finalize their information for the site based on this week’s vaccine deliveries.

Workforce To date, 2,086 people have been hired to assist with Manitoba’s vaccination efforts including immunizers, clinic managers, clinical leads, system navigators and observers. This is in

addition to 1,226 staff who have been assigned to COVID-19 immunization efforts from regional health authorities, bringing the total of new hires and existing staff to 3,312.

To support the vaccine campaign, the province is actively recruiting navigators across the province. Navigators are a non-clinical role and help to direct and support clients throughout their appointment. For more information go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/vaccine/jobs.h tml More information about the vaccine campaign in Manitoba is available at www.manitoba.ca/vaccine and https://protectmb.ca.

PC: cbc.ca

Delays in Deliveries of Moderna Vaccine Will Affect Upcoming Appointments at Rural Pop-up Clinics

(April 5, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release)

Delays in two deliveries of Moderna vaccine to the province from the federal government will affect upcoming appointments at pop-up clinics.

A delivery of 28,300 doses expected the week of March 22 did not arrive until April 3. In addition, 28,400 doses expected this week will not arrive until next week. The exact delivery date is not known.

The province has carefully reviewed all available vaccine supplies in the province to minimize the effects of this supply disruption. It is not possible to use Pfizer vaccine for pop-up clinics because these doses will be used at other vaccine appointments.

Appointments booked at Glenboro (April 7), Matheson Island (April 8), Pine Dock (April 8), Faulkner (April 8), Whitemouth (April 8), and Piney (April 9) pop-up clinics were to be honoured, but no additional appointments are being made. Other pop-up clinics scheduled this week will not be affected.

All 24 pop-up clinics scheduled from April 12 to 15 throughout the province will need to be rescheduled due to this supply disruption, with approximately 7,200 people affected. These include: • Steinbach (April 12, 13, 14 and 15); • Pine Falls (April 13) ; • Stonewall (April 13); • Flin Flon (April 13, 14 and 15); • Virden (April 13); • Russell (April 13); • Gladstone (April 13); • Pinawa (April 14); • Eriksdale (April 14); • Teulon (April 14); • The Pas (April 14); • Swan River (April 14); • Killarney (April 14); • Portage la Prairie (April 14 and 15); • Arborg (April 15); • St. Laurent (April 15); • Beausejour (April 15); and • Dauphin (April 15).

The province will be reaching out to affected people by phone, email and text to advise them of this change. Individuals may choose to book an appointment at a super site or wait for another pop-up to be rescheduled. These popup clinics will be rescheduled based on vaccine deliveries.

Important Changes to AgriStability for 2020 and 2021 On March 25, 2021, federal, provincial and territorial Ministers of Agriculture agreed to the following changes to the AgriStability program:

AgriStability is a margin based program designed to help producers manage large income declines.

•

the reference margin limit has been removed retroactive to the 2020 program year

Each year, you must enrol in the program, pay your fee and submit a form by the applicable deadlines.

•

the deadline to enrol for the 2021 program year has been extended from April 30 to June 30, 2021

You may receive a payment if your production margin in the current year falls below your historical reference margin by more than 30%.

AgriStability is one of the business risk management programs under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership. It protects Canadian producers against large declines in farming income for reasons such as production loss, increased costs and market conditions.

Use the AgriStability Benefit Estimator to help you understand how the program works and to calculate an estimated benefit.

For more information on participating, visit Who is eligible? and How to apply.

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

SCHOLARSHIP ***Due to ongoing disruptions arising from the COVID-19 pandemic (and the related impacts on high schools and post-secondary institutions) MBP has pushed the application deadline for its 2021 scholarship competition into November instead of the usual June intake deadline. This application intake process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies in the 2021-22 academic year.

Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $500 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.

Completed applications and supporting documents must be submitted by 4:30 p.m. Friday, November 5, 2021. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by December 14, 2021.

The scholarship criteria is as follows: Eligibility: • Must be at least 17 years of age as of January 1, 2021.

• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer. Note: This can include beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.

• Post-secondary program or trades training must be a minimum of one year in duration.

Items You Are Required to Submit: • Completed application form; • A typed 600-word (maximum) essay discussing “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture.*; • A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school); • Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study).

• A list of community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and, • The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers.

Submissions and ALL documentation must be sent no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4 E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca Fax: (204) 774-3264 For more information, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800-772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. *Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in MBP’s newspaper Cattle Country.

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ________________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

MBP 2021 SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION PLEASE PRINT Name: _______________________________________________________________________________ Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________ Telephone: _____________________________ Email: __________________________________________ Date of birth: _____________________________ Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________ Are you a beef producer? _____________________________ Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what are their names? __________________________ Institute of current enrolment: ______________________________________________________________ Current or intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training: __________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)

Essay: Please submit a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. *Note: Scholarship winners’ essays will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country.

Please return the completed application form, transcript, and proof of enrolment in a post-secondary institution or an apprenticeship program or a letter of intent to pursue further studies, a list of your community involvement, the typed essay and, your references no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, November 5, 2021 to: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee 220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264

Overview of the 2021 Provincial Budget (April 7, 2021 Province of Manitoba News Release) Finance Minister Scott Fielding released Budget 2021: Protecting Manitobans, Advancing Manitoba and shared the Manitoba government’s plan to protect Manitobans and their services through COVID-19 and advance the provincial economy past the pandemic.

“COVID-19 has upended lives and caused hardship and tragedy for many Manitobans. We recognize our province and people will continue to face profound health, social and economic impacts and uncertainty due to the ongoing pandemic,” said Fielding. “Even though we are not yet through the darkness of COVID-19, we must begin to plan for the light of recovery that lies ahead.”

Manitoba has invested more per person on health care, education and social services combined than any other province, and Budget 2021 increases funding in these priority areas by nearly $1.5 billion.

“Despite the ongoing financial and economic challenges posed by the pandemic, this budget continues to make record investments in the priority public services that Manitobans rely on,” said Fielding. “We will grow our way out of deficit and back into balance by investing in more jobs, tax relief and economic growth.”

COVID-19 has created a significant deficit due to unanticipated health-care costs and support programs, and the unprecedented drop in revenues from the economic shutdown. The province projects a deficit of $1.597 billion for 2021-22, an improvement from the third quarter projection for 2020-21 of $2.08 billion.

Protecting Manitobans’ Through COVID-19 The first priority of Budget 2021 is to continue to protect Manitobans through the ongoing

pandemic. This includes $1.18 billion in 2021-22 for COVID-19 costs including personal protective equipment (PPE), vaccine deployment, education supports and future needs.

Health-care funding increases by $156 million to the highest level in Manitoba history, $6.98 billion, and builds a stronger health-care system with better care sooner.

Health-care commitments include: • $812-million capital confirmation for rural and northern health care under the multi-year Clinical and Preventative Services Plan; • $50 million to reduce wait times for hip, knee and cataract procedures, and surgeries and services delayed by the pandemic; • additional $23 million for cancer treatments and $2.7 million to expand dialysis; • $9.3 million to add more than 120 personal care home beds; and • continuous glucose monitor coverage for eligible children and youth under 25 and increasing insulin pump coverage to 25 from age 18.

The pandemic has profoundly impacted the mental health of many Manitobans. Budget 2021 includes an initial $342 million for programming and services within the new Department of Mental Health, Wellness and Recovery, plus an additional $1.7 million for the Mental Health and Addictions Strategy and $1.8 million more for 24-7 housing supports for Manitobans with diagnosed mental health conditions.

Protecting Manitoba Families The province will continue lifting Manitobans out of poverty by ensuring safe and affordable housing and strengthening social services, supported by a nearly $34-million increase to the Department of Families. Budget 2021 includes: • nearly $4 million more for early learning and child care, with operating grants of $1.6 million to child-care centres supporting 392 spaces that opened over the past year, approximately 150 new spaces in capital projects opening over the coming year, plus 50 new home-based licensed continued on next page

Overview of the 2021 Provincial Budget child-care spaces; • rent control guideline frozen through 2023 and an additional $22 million for Rent Assist; • $12.5 million increase for Community Living and disABILITY Services; • $2.56 million to support Manitobans experiencing homelessness; and • nearly $2 million to pilot three new workforce training and support programs for Employment Income Assistance (EIA) program clients.

Budget 2021 makes a record investment above $3 billion in the public school system. Overall education support includes: • more than $78 million for COVID-19 costs through the Safe Schools Fund; • $5.5 million for special needs funding; • $5 million to advance the Better Education Starts Today (BEST) strategy to improve the education system, plus an Education Funding Guarantee of at least $1.6 billion in additional investment over four years; • nearly $4 million to support online, distance and remote learning; • a new refundable Teaching Expense Tax Credit that will allow child-care and kindergarten to Grade 12 educators to claim a 15 per cent refund for up to $1,000 on eligible supplies not reimbursed by their employer; and • an increase of $100 million in school capital project funding to accelerate construction of the 20 New Schools Guarantee, build major additions and make renovations.

Budget 2021 invests in public safety to keep families safe in their homes and communities and support victims of crime: • $16.5 million to operate Manitoba’s new Public Safety Communications Service radio system; • up to $2.9 million to fix the backlog in the courts system caused by COVID-19; • additional $815,000 to increase supports for family violence and families of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls; and • $1.2 million in restorative justice initiatives for First Nations and Métis communities.

Budget 2021 leaves more money on the kitchen tables of Manitoba families by delivering in full the $2,020 Tax Rollback Guarantee one year earlier than planned: • phasing out education property taxes by 50 per cent over the next two years (25 per cent per year) for residential and farm properties, and 10 per cent for other types of property, with rebates returning nearly $250 million to approximately 658,000 property owners this year, and an average rebate of $1,140 over two years; • removing the retail sales tax (RST) on personal services including haircuts and salon services as of December; • reducing vehicle registration fees a further 10 per cent starting in July; and • indexing Basic Personal Amount and personal income tax brackets to inflation so an additional 1,500 Manitobans won’t have to pay provincial income tax for 2021.

Budget 2021 protects Manitoba’s environment for future generations through more action on climate change and protects the clean energy advantage with a secure Manitoba Hydro.

Investments include: • $1.2 million to the Climate and Green Plan Implementation Office, • $1 million for Conservation and Climate Fund projects, and • $20 million-endowment fund so Manitobans can enjoy provincial parks for generations to come.

The second focus of Budget 2021 is to advance jobs and economic recovery. Manitoba’s economic outlook indicates a strong rebound in 2021 with real GDP rising 4.1 per cent, followed by another solid year in 2022 of 3.6 per cent real growth.

Budget 2021 includes more than $62 million to help businesses retrain employees and develop ecommerce platforms, and $25 million for youth job programs.

Additional tax relief for small businesses includes lowering payroll tax thresholds to reduce rates for approximately 1,100 small businesses, exempting continued on next page

Overview of the 2021 Provincial Budget approximately 240, and enhancing or extending several tax credits in areas such as small business venture capital, interactive digital media and film production.

Budget 2021 helps advance post-secondary students with nearly $700 million to postsecondary institutions, plus an additional $4 million in bursaries and additional $1.4 million in interest-free student loans.

A record $2.1-billion investment in strategic infrastructure will help drive construction jobs and stimulate the economy: • almost $630 million for road construction and maintenance, including $107 million through the Manitoba Restart Program, which will allow safety improvements at the intersection of the TransCanada Highway and Provincial Trunk Highway 16 and the south perimeter interchange at St. Mary’s Road; • more than $292 million for health infrastructure including the new St. Boniface Hospital emergency department; and • $415 million for kindergarten to Grade 12 and post-secondary infrastructure.

The budget sets aside $101 million for the Lake Manitoba and Lake St. Martin Outlet Channels flood prevention project, and $100 million for potential emergencies such as floods, forest fires and drought.

Budget 2021 also supports communities through the following commitments: • $103.5 million increase for priority strategic infrastructure projects that match federal funds under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP); • flexible basket funding to municipalities with $172.6 million in operating costs and $137 million in capital costs, with advanced operating grants again this year; • $25 million in trust to redevelop the Hudson’s Bay Building in downtown Winnipeg; and • $5.6 million more for the Building Sustainable Communities Program to fund more than 10 larger-scale community capital projects.

Budget 2021 documents are available at www.manitoba.ca/budget2021.

Other Notes from the Provincial Budget The province has stated that “To help ensure Manitoba businesses are competing on a level playing field with their out-of-province online competition” the following extension of the PST will take effect later this year: •

Retail sales tax will apply to audio and video streaming services effective December 1, 2021. Streaming service providers will be required to collect and remit the tax. Anticipated 2021/22 fiscal impact: $4.7 million.

•

Online marketplaces will be required to collect and remit retail sales tax on the sale of taxable goods sold by third parties on their electronic platforms effective Dec 1, 2021. Anticipated 2021/22 fiscal impact: $3.3 million.

•

Online accommodation platforms will be required to collect and remit retail sales tax on the booking of taxable accommodations effective December 1, 2021.

•

Anticipated 2021/22 fiscal impact: $0.8 million.

Additionally, the province has committed to: •

Increasing the Watershed Districts Program funding to nearly $6 million to mitigate against floods and drought, protect water quality and support farmers and municipalities.

•

Committing nearly $4 million to protect the health and safety needs of Northern Affairs communities and improve water and wastewater treatment and disposal sites.

WECAHN BEEF NETWORK REPORT FEBRUARY 24TH 2021

Beef Network Meeting

The third tele-conference meeting of the Western Canadian Animal Health Network (WeCAHN) beef network was held 24th February, 2021.

Respiratory diseases: the most consistently diagnosed syndrome across the network practitioners was bronchopneumonia, in postweaning calves and feeder cattle. Pneumonia associated with viruses (Bovine coronavirus and Bovine Respiratory Syncitial Virus) was reported increasing, relative to last year, in one location.

Antimicrobial resistance or treatment failure was reported for two common bacterial causes of pneumonia or septicemia (blood poisoning): Mannheimia hemolytica and Histophilus somni.

Digestive diseases: Johne’s disease, a bacterial cause of diarrhea in cows, was diagnosed commonly from Oct.-Dec. 2020 in two locations.

Reproductive diseases: the most frequently reported was primary (i.e. individual) disease of the female reproductive tract (e.g. individual uterine infection in a cow).

Provincial reports: : Manitoba reported some follow-up regarding the 2020 Anaplasmosis outbreak outside the ‘endemic’ zone. No further clinical cases have been detected with this outbreak since the previous (December) network meeting. However, another Anaplasmosis case occurring within the ‘endemic’ zone was identified, with a primary complaint of leucosis associated with Bovine Leucosis Virus (BVL).

Canadian Cow-Calf Surveillance network (C3SN): Dr. Waldner reported that C3SN is currently testing the 2019 group of serum samples for BVL.

Musculo-skeletal diseases: were commonly reported, (e.g. arthritis and abscesses).

Novel clinical presentations: One practice reported increased coccidiosis diagnosed in all ages of cattle, sometimes during treatment.

Laboratory updates: Prairie Diagnostic Services: Dr. Huang reported on Influenza D virus PCR detection in bovine respiratory samples at PDS, where they are seeing more success (i.e. viral detection) sampling trachea relative to lung postmortem samples. Prairie Diagnostic Services continues to include Influenza D detection delivered at no charge on samples for which the bovine respiratory panel is ordered.

www.wecahn.ca we.cahn@pds.usask.ca

Takeaways:

•

In some areas, Johne’s disease and BVL may be becoming more frequent diagnoses in beef herds.

WeCAHN BEEF NETWORK MEETING DISCUSSING THE PERIOD OCTOBER—DECEMBER 2020

TH ANNIVERSARY

Photo credit: Jenna Loveridge

Committment to the land, water, air, and wildlife is a prerequisite to raising healthy cattle. Sustainability is not a buzzword... it's a way of life.

raise the bar on raising beef TESA NOMINATION & APPLICATION PACKAGE

Tesa background Since 1996, The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) has been awarded annually at the provincial and national level to recognize cattle producers’ leadership in conservation. Nominees and applicants are selected based on their stewardship practices, accomplishments and goals.

ELIGIBILITY

All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply. Producers can either be nominated by an individual or organization or apply themselves through their provincial or regional cattle organization(s). All methods are equally encouraged.

THE BRITISH COLUMBIA CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION

#4 - 10145 Dallas Dr. • Kamloops, BC • V2C 6T4 PHONE 250.573.3611 FAX 250.573.5155 EMAIL info@cattlemen.bc.ca

Where provinces or regions have annual stewardship awards, nominees and applicants compete for awards based on their province or region of residence. Where provincial or regional organization(s) do not present an annual award, they can select a nominee who has engaged in significant environmental stewardship activities on their farm or ranch.

ALBERTA BEEF PRODUCERS

Past nominees are encouraged to resubmit their application. Previous recipients may not reapply.

SASKATCHEWAN STOCK GROWERS ASSOCIATION

PROVINCIAL AWARD

Provincial recipients are announced at their respective provincial cattle association’s annual general meeting. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete at the national level.

165, 6815-8th Street N.E. • Calgary, AB • T2E 7H7 PHONE 403.451-1176 FAX 403.274.0007 EMAIL katelynl@albertabeef.org

Box 4752 • Regina, SK • S4P 3Y4 PHONE 306.757.8523 FAX 306.569.8799 EMAIL ssga@sasktel.net

MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

220-530 Century St. • Winnipeg, MB • R3H 0Y4

NATIONAL AWARD

The national TESA recipient is announced during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC). All provincial recipients are awarded an all-expense paid trip for two to attend CBIC and the CCA Semi-Annual Meeting that is held in different locations across Canada in August of each year. The national TESA recipient is also awarded a belt buckle and certificate.

APPLICATIONS DUE

July 1st of each year. Manitoba applications are due December 3, 2021.

th

ANNIVERSARY

TOLL-FREE 1.800.772.0458 or 204.772.4542 FAX 204.774.3264 EMAIL info@mbbeef.ca

BEEF FARMERS OF ONTARIO

130 Malcolm Rd. • Guelph, ON • N1K 1B1 PHONE 519.824.0334 FAX 519.824.9101 EMAIL info@ontariobeef.com

LES PRODUCTEURS DE BOVINS DU QUEBEC/ QUEBEC CATTLE PRODUCERS

555, Boulevard Roland-Therrien, Bureau 305 • Longueuil, PQ • J4H 4G2 PHONE 450.679.0540 FAX 450.442.9348 EMAIL mediaspbq@upa.qc.ca

MARITIME BEEF COUNCIL

7 Atlantic Central Dr. • East Mountain, NS • B6L 2Z2 PHONE 506.349.5395 FAX 902.893.7063 EMAIL maritimebeefcouncil@gmail.com

Tesa application

Name(s):

Phone:

Farm Name:

Email:

Address:

PLEASE ATTACH A WORD DOCUMENT WITH THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION: 1. Provide a description of your farm including the environment it operates in.

2. What have you done/what are you doing to improve environmental management on your farm?

3. What are your challenges and successes? Please include high-resolution images and data which help show measurable results.

4. What factors have enabled you to make management changes? (e.g. Working with conservation organizations, programs such as the Environmental Farm Plan, funding support, education, etc.)

5. What are your environmental goals for the future and how do you plan to carry them out?

6. Include two letters of reference that speak to your leadership in conservation.

Please limit your application to 10 pages (not including letters of reference and photos). Electronic applications are preferred and a single, complete PDF document is requested. A sample application from previous years can be found online at https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/theenvironmental-stewardship-award/how-to-nominate/

WHAT TO INCLUDE IN THE APPLICATION: A selection of no less than ten high-resolution images suitable for reproduction on social media, print etc.

Video presentation link if available, media stories/ broadcasts showcasing your stewardship efforts.

TESA SPONSORS

TESA sponsorship program is available to appropriate organizations that wish to affiliate themselves with the CCA’s TESA program. In addition to showing support for environmental stewardship and Canada’s beef cattle producers, the program also provides the opportunity to join industry leaders, government representatives and nearly 60,000 Canadian beef farms in the national discussion on environmental issues affecting the industry. For more information, visit www.cattle.ca/what-is-tesa

TESA PLATINUM SPONSOR

For more than 65 years, MNP has been helping beef producers get the most from their operations. Whether you are looking to pass the farm on to the next generation, improve your profitability, be more competitive or expand MNP’s beef industry specialists will help you get the results you’re looking for. To find out what MNP can do for you, contact Marvin Slingerland, Partner, MNP Lethbridge, at Director of Livestock Services at 1.800.661.8097 or Marvin.Slingerland@mnp.ca

Contact your provincial organization listed on the previous page to determine when your association requires you to submit your application for the provincial award.

HE L P ING YO U GE T E VE N M O RE O UT O F YO UR L IVE ST O C K O P E RATIO N.

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

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

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