E-Newsletter
The Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) is back – and for the first time ever, heading to Winnipeg! Please see story on page 3.
In this edition... August 22, 2025
Reminder
To encourage uptake of VBP+ in Manitoba, MBP launched an incentive pilot to encourage adoption and to enhance data management for producers who are already VBP+ Certified. Click on the graphic to find out more information as well as eligibility requirements.
Highlights
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Special Intake for Cost-Shared Funding for Livestock Water Supply
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Minister MacDonald announces initial list of Livestock Tax Deferral regions for 2025
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Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency Annual General Meeting
Mark Your Calendar – CBIC 2026 is coming to Winnipeg! (August 18, 2025 Canadian Beef Industry Conference media release) The Canadian Beef
Industry Conference (CBIC) is back – and for the first time ever, we’re heading to Winnipeg, Manitoba! As part of the National Beef Strategy 2025– 2030, CBIC is evolving from an annual event to a biennial conference. This shift reflects the Strategy’s forward-looking priorities – ensuring that the industry remains resilient, collaborative, and well-positioned for the future. The move allows us to focus resources on delivering an even stronger program while aligning with the long-term goals of the Canadian beef sector.
funding needed to ensure the Canadian beef industry thrives well into the future. Learn more at www.beefstrategy.com. We’re especially excited to be partnering with Manitoba Beef Producers to host CBIC in Manitoba for the very first time. With their support – and the energy and passion of our industry – CBIC 2026 promises to be an important opportunity for collaboration across Canada’s beef industry. We want to thank our sponsors, exhibitors, and attendees of past conferences. Your continued commitment makes this conference possible, and we can’t wait to welcome you back in 2026.
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Beef Cattle Research Council
Now’s the time to start planning your attendance – mark your calendars, rally your teams, and get ready to join us in Winnipeg for another landmark event for Canada’s beef industry.
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Canada Beef
We’ll see you at CBIC 2026!
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Canadian Beef Breeds Council
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Canadian Cattle Association (and its provincial member associations)
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National Cattle Feeders’ Association
The National Beef Strategy is a collaborative effort by Canadian national beef sector organizations including:
Together, these organizations have set a fiveyear vision outlining the priorities, goals, and
Note: the MBP E-Newsletter, Cattle Country, social media channels and website will have updates on the conference program and plans throughout the upcoming year.
Special Intake for Cost-Shared Funding for Livestock Water Supply The Manitoba government has opened a special intake for livestock water supply development. The high-level program details that follow are from the Manitoba Agriculture website.
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For full details, including a link to the application form, see: https://www.gov.mb.ca/scap/climatechange/sustai nableagr/livestock-water-supply.html
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The “Frequently Asked Questions” document about the program is also provided in this edition of the enewsletter. BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply Applications will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis until available funding is allocated. Program guidelines are new for this intake. Please review carefully to ensure eligibility before applying. The 2025 Special Intake: Livestock Water Supply intake supports livestock producers in accessing new or expanding existing water supplies during prolonged periods of dry conditions. Intake Information The intake for this program is currently open; funding requests will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from August 21, 2025, until available funding has been allocated. Eligible Applicants This intake is exclusively for livestock producers in specific areas impacted by dry conditions. To be eligible, livestock producers must: • Manage agricultural land used to produce agricultural products. Hobby farms are not eligible.
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Own land where the project will be executed or have permission from the landowner to execute the project. Have a Manitoba Premises Identification number. Have a valid Statement of Completion for an Environmental Farm Plan at time of project claim.
The land location(s) for the project must be within a Municipality, Northern Affairs Community or First Nation within a Designated Region as identified by AAFC's 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Provision. A list of Designated Regions is available on AAFC's website. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact us at agriculture@gov.mb.ca or 1-800-8114411. Beneficial Management Practice (BMP) Summary Establish new or expand existing water supply for agricultural use by installing infrastructure. • Wells: drilling new or deepening/extending existing, plus test hole drilling, screening, casing, well caps, etc. • Dugouts: constructing new or rehabilitating existing dugouts. • Associated components and actions: purchase and installation of pipe, plumbing and electrical, trenching, earthworks, etc. • Permanent pipeline development: pipelines below the frost line OR shallow/above ground pipelines (pipelines above the frost line) that can be winterized, pipe, plumbing materials, trenching, earthworks, etc. Eligible Expenses The following type of expenses are eligible for funding: • Incremental Personal Labour • Incremental Personal Equipment Use • Subcontracted Services
Special Intake for Cost-Shared Funding for Livestock Water Supply • • • •
Professional Fees Capital Assets and Equipment Equipment Rental Materials and Supplies
Review the Program Guide for complete details on eligible and ineligible expenses. Project Timeline • All projects shall start April 1, 2025, or later. • Project activities and all reports must be completed by December 12, 2025.
Cost Share Funding •
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BMP 4700 has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and a BMP funding cap of $15,000 per applicant. Producers that were previously approved for Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba - BMP 4700 are eligible for up to an additional $15,000 under the 2025 Special Intake Livestock Water Supply for new projects.
Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba Program BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply Frequently Asked Questions Q. Who is eligible? A. This intake is for livestock producers experiencing water supply shortages caused by dry conditions in specific eligible areas across agri-Manitoba. The land location(s) for the project must be within a Municipality, Northern Affairs Community or First Nation within a Designated Region as identified by AAFC’s 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Provision. A list of Designated Regions is available on AAFC’s website. If you are unsure of your eligibility, contact us at agriculture@gov.mb.ca or 1-800-811-4411. Q. How do I apply? A: Application forms and program details can be found on the Special Intake webpage at BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis, reviewed weekly and subject to the eligibility of submitted expenses and available funding. For eligibility criteria, refer to the BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply Program Guide. Q. What is the cost share and cap? BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and a BMP funding cap of $15,000 per applicant. Q. Can I apply more than once? Eligible applicants may submit one (1) application for this intake, which may include multiple locations or projects within the same application. Regardless of the number of locations included in an application, the total funding cap will remain at $15,000. Q. If I have already completed a water supply project, am I eligible? A: Any projects for water supply occurring after April 1, 2025, are eligible. Producers that were previously approved for Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba BMP 4700 Water Supply are eligible for up to an additional $15,000 under the 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply for new projects. Q. When do I have to complete my project by? A: Projects must be completed and claims submitted by December 12, 2025. Q. Do I need a valid Environmental Farm Plan Statement of Completion? A: You may submit an application without a valid Statement of Completion; however, you will be required to have one when you submit the claim to be reimbursed. To complete your Environmental Farm Plan, please visit https://online.manitobaefp.ca/.
Q. Are confined livestock operations eligible? A: Yes. All livestock operations in need of water are eligible to apply provided they are located within the eligible areas. Q. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size? A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the Dugout Construction Guidelines. See Appendix A below. Q. Can I drill a new well in my yard? A: Drilling a well in a farmyard is eligible if it will be used for watering livestock and is the most cost-efficient means of doing so. Q. Do I need any permits? A: Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This may include: - a water rights license from Environment and Climate Change, which is required for all livestock operations extracting more than 25,000 litres (25m3 or 5,499 Imperial gallons) per day. If developing a new water source, a permit must be obtained in advance of work beginning. - approvals from the rural municipality or Crown. - any other standards or approvals as required by law. - For details on regulatory requirements, please visit: Licensing, Regulation and Policy, Manitoba government Groundwater and Wells, Manitoba government Drainage & Water Control, Manitoba government Q. Can I pipe water from an existing water source into a dugout that has run dry? A: No. Piping or hauling from a water source (well, dugout or wetland) into a dugout that has run dry is not eligible. However, piping from a water source to an alternate watering system is eligible. Q. How deep does the pipeline need to be? A: Shallow or above-ground pipelines (including those above the frost line) that cannot be winterized are ineligible. Projects must be for permanent solutions only. Summer pasture pipelines permanently installed underground and those which are able to be winterized before freezing, are eligible. Q. Can I apply for a project on a pasture that I rent? A: Yes. Either the landowner or renter can apply. If the renter applies, they must identify the landowner and provide contact information as part of the project description. This includes pasture on Crown Land. Q. If I have more questions, who can I contact? A: Livestock producers can call the toll-free line 1-800-811-4411 or send an email to Sustainable CAP - Program Administration at agriculture@gov.mb.ca.
FAQs – SAM – LWS – v01.0
2025-08-21
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Other related information - Dugout Construction Guideline – see Appendix A below - Program Guide - Program Webpage - Eligible Designated Regions - AAFC 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Provision - Licensing, Regulation and Policy, Manitoba government - Groundwater and Wells, Manitoba government - Drainage & Water Control, Manitoba government
FAQs – SAM – LWS – v01.0
2025-08-21
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Appendix A Livestock Dugout Construction Guidelines -
Exclusion fencing is recommended but not required: • Exclusion fencing ensures that livestock are restricted from direct access to the dugout, protecting against manure contaminated runoff and drowning. • Exclusion fencing should be a minimum of 15m (50’) from the edge of the dugout.
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Dugout location: • The dugout should be far enough away from any stream, river or creek as to not compromise bank stability or impact the riparian area.
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Dugout construction: • End slopes and side slopes should be no steeper than 1.5:1. • Dugout edge should be stabilized (by excavator) during construction.
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Dugout sizing: • In order to build resilience into your farm, dugouts should be sized for drought proof standards by accounting for more than one season’s worth of water. • Dimensions can be calculated using this Dugout Volume Calculator
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Alternate water system components: • Troughs / tanks should supply a minimum of one day’s water usage based on 15 imp gal/ head/day
FAQs – SAM – LWS – v01.0
2025-08-21
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Minister MacDonald announces initial list of Livestock Tax Deferral regions for 2025 (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada News Release)
On August 18 the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and AgriFood, announced the initial list of regions that will qualify for the Livestock Tax Deferral in 2025. The Livestock Tax Deferral provision allows livestock producers in prescribed areas, who are forced to sell all or part of their breeding herd due to drought, excess moisture or flooding, to defer a portion of their income from sales until the following tax year. The income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, thus reducing the tax burden associated with the original sale. Buffer zones have been applied to capture impacted producers who are outside the boundaries of the prescribed regions but may be experiencing similar conditions. Weather, climate and production data from across Canada will continue to be monitored throughout the remainder of the season and regions will be added to the list when they meet the criteria. Livestock Tax Deferral serves as an important instrument for farmers to mitigate the financial burden of drought, excess moisture or flooding. The Government of Canada will continue to work to ensure farmers receive timely information to support their herd management decisions. Quotes "As we continue to see the very real and challenging effects of climate change, Canada's new government is committed to supporting our livestock producers. By offering a tax deferral option to those in affected areas, we are helping folks manage uncertainty, make informed business decisions, and safeguard their livelihoods."
- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Quick facts •
To defer income under the Livestock Tax Deferral provision, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15%.
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In the case of consecutive years of drought, excess moisture or flooding, producers may defer sales income to the first year in which the region is no longer prescribed.
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Subsequent regions will be added to the list when they meet the eligibility criteria of forage shortfalls of 50% or more caused by drought, excess moisture or flooding.
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Producers have access to a comprehensive suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farm and are beyond their capacity to manage. BRM programs, including AgriStability, AgriInsurance and AgriInvest, are the first line of defense for producers facing disasters and farmers are encouraged to make use of these programs to protect their farming operation.
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For the 2025 program year, the compensation rate for AgriStability will be increased from 80% to 90% and the maximum payment limit will be increased from $3 million to $6 million.
Associated links •
2025 Livestock Tax Deferral – Prescribed Regions
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Livestock Tax Deferral Provision
Prescribed Regions in Manitoba Consolidated Census Subdivisions Based on the 2021 Statistics Canada Census
Minister MacDonald announces initial list of Livestock Tax Deferral regions for 2025 •
Alonsa 1
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St. Andrews 1
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Alexander 1
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St. Laurent
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Armstrong
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Swan Valley West
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Bifrost-Riverton
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West Interlake
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Coldwell 1
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Woodlands 1
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Division No. 1, Unorganized 1
1 Buffered Designated Regions
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Division No. 18, Unorganized, East Part
Background Information
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Division No. 18, Unorganized, West Part1
How the provision works
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Division No. 19, Unorganized
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Division No. 20, Unorganized, South Part
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Division No. 21, Unorganized
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Division No. 23, Unorganized1
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Ethelbert 1
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Fisher
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Gimli
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Grahamdale
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Grandview 1
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Hillsburg-Roblin-Shell River 1
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Lakeshore 1
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Minitonas-Bowsman
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Mountain (North)
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Mountain (South) 1
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Mossey River 1
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Rockwood 1
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St. Clements 1
To defer income, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15%. •
Where the breeding herd has been reduced by at least 15%, but less than 30%, 30% of income from net sales can be deferred.
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Where the breeding herd has been reduced by 30% or more, 90% of income from net sales can be deferred.
In a year in which a region has been prescribed, income from the sale of breeding livestock can be deferred to the next tax year when the income inclusion may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring the breeding livestock. In the case of consecutive years of drought, excess moisture or flooding, farmers may defer this income to the first year in which the region is no longer prescribed. What are the criteria to prescribe drought, excess moisture or flood regions? Regions are prescribed on the advice of the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food to the Minister of Finance. Beginning in 2024, the Government of Canada streamlined the process to identify prescribed regions earlier in the growing season, and also
Minister MacDonald announces initial list of Livestock Tax Deferral regions for 2025 instituted a buffer zone to adjacent regions to capture impacted farmers on the edges of affected regions. A preliminary list of prescribed drought, excess moisture or flood regions is now completed in the spring, for those regions where it appears that conditions indicate a potential forage shortage. This first list is based on preliminary weather and climate data gathered and analyzed under the Canadian Drought Monitor. AAFC continues to monitor weather, climate and production data throughout the growing season and will add regions to the list when they meet the eligibility criteria of forage yields being less than 50% of the long-term average due to drought, excess moisture or flooding. A final list of prescribed drought, excess moisture or flood regions, including previously announced regions, is usually made in December when finalized forage yield information is available. However, once a region is prescribed, it is deemed eligible for the taxation year. Also new for 2024 and moving forward, regions that are adjacent to regions that qualify based on weather, climate and production data will also be prescribed. This will ensure that farms within those adjacent regions that may also be experiencing drought, excess moisture or flooding can benefit from the Livestock Tax Deferral provision.
Industry Update Initial regions for Livestock Tax Deferral provision announced for Western Canada and Ontario August 21, 2025
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) appreciates this week’s announcement from the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, declaring the initial regions eligible for the Livestock Tax Deferral (LTD) provision. This provision is welcome news for many cattle producers impacted by detrimental weather conditions in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and Ontario. We have heard from some CCA members that regions within their provinces have been overlooked, such as those in the Maritimes. Although the list of designated regions is preliminary and more regions may be added, we encourage cattle producers to reach out through their provincial associations to see if they are within an affected region or buffer zone. CCA will continue to advocate for all impacted producers to be eligible for LTD regardless of their location. In response to several years of widespread adverse weather conditions, CCA has worked closely with officials at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and Finance Canada on our request to change the LTD provision under the Income Tax Act to increase producer coverage and uptake. Specifically, we have expressed two key concerns with the provision that prevent beef producers from using the tool more effectively and creating unnecessary administrative delays: •
LTD excludes producers who fall outside of the boundary lines of the prescribed region (yet feel the impacts of extreme weather) and those who are impacted by consecutive years of poor weather.
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LTD covers only ‘breeding animals’; when a severe weather event impacts the availability of feed, a producer must make decisions for the whole herd.
Last year, in follow up to an indication made under Budget 2024 and constant advocacy by CCA, AAFC and Finance Canada worked together to amend the LTD provision to introduce “buffer zones” to LTD-designated regions to ensure impacted producers are eligible. The federal government also made a commitment to early designation with more frequent updates to regions throughout the season. in doing so, the government has demonstrated it has recognized the concerns of beef producers. The buffer zones are a positive first step towards more timely and flexible responses in building resilience to extreme weather events such as droughts or floods. While the introduction of buffer zones has largely addressed the first concern, CCA will continue to engage provincial members, producers, and government to help mitigate the risk associated with these events. Further, to ensure the modern business model of cattle production is reflected and ensure all producers can use the LTD tool, CCA requests that Finance Canada amend the definition of
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Industry Update ‘breeding animals’ in Section 80.3(1) of the Income Tax Act to include all classes of cattle, not just the breeding herd. In addition to the LTD regions announced this week, CCA continues to advocate for AgriRecovery support to come through as soon as possible. For a complete list of the eligible early designation counties, click here. For further information, contact: Tina Zakowsky Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931| zakowskyt@cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency Wraps Up 2024/25 Fiscal Year at Annual General Meeting Moncton, NB (August 19, 2025) – The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency (the Agency) reported strong results at its
Annual General Meeting (AGM), highlighting financial performance, program impacts, and service provider updates. The 2025/26 Agency Members have been announced as: Primary Producers:
Canadian Meat Council:
Andrea Van Iterson, British Columbia
Russ Mallard, Atlantic Beef Products
Michelle Ball, Alberta
Andre Forget, Montpak
Sheila Hillmer, Alberta
Jeff Cline, Cargill
Chad Ross, Saskatchewan
Leslie Gold, St. Helen’s Meat Packers
Tyler Fewings, Manitoba Craig McLaughlin, Ontario
Retail and Foodservice:
Sylvain Bourque, Quebec
Denis Burelle, Sysco Canada
Trevor Welch, New Brunswick Bert Meyer, Nova Scotia
I.E. Canada:
Nick Green, Prince Edward Island
Coral Manastersky, Maple Leaf Foods
Adeleen Bolduc, Canadian Cattle Youth Council The Agency board confirmed its 2025/26 Executive Committee: • Trevor Welch, Chair • Sheila Hillmer, Vice Chair • Sylvain Bourque, Finance Chair • Craig McLaughlin, Governance Chair • Jeff Cline, Marketing Committee Chair For the 2024/25 fiscal year, the Agency collected $18.7 million in national check-off revenue and $1.5 million in import levy. Those funds were allocated as: • 55% to marketing through Canada Beef • 27% to research through the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) • 4% to the Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) program • 14% supported provincial cattle associations for research, market development, and promotion
Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency Wraps Up 2024/25 Fiscal Year at Annual General Meeting
Agency Chair Trevor Welch of Glassville, NB reflected on the year’s progress. “The check-off system in Canada works because producers support it. And we don’t take that lightly,” Welch said. “Your trust in the check-off is what allows us to keep building and delivering impact.” General Manager Melinda German reported on Agency programs, including a continued focus on providing a clear picture of how check-off dollars are managed and invested on behalf of Canadian producers. “Our focus remains on managing producer investments with transparency and accountability, while strengthening compliance and building relationships that deliver clear value back to the industry,” said German. The 2025 $2,000 scholarship was awarded to Jenalee Stewart of Ponoka, AB. With over 20 applicants again this year, the scholarship has quickly become one of the Agency’s most wide-reaching communications initiatives. The Marketing Committee has been announced as: Elected:
Appointed:
Cam Daniels, Harmony Beef
Jeff Cline, Canadian Meat Council
Clay Holmes, Intercity Packers
Leslie Gold, Canadian Meat Council
Mark Hoimyr, Box H Farm (Member-at-Large)
Russ Mallard, Canadian Meat Council
Michelle Ball, Alberta Beef Producers
Andre Forget, Canadian Meat Council
Chad Ross, Saskatchewan Cattle Association
Coral Manastersky, I.E. Canada
Jim Clark, Ontario Corn Fed Beef & Ontario Cattle
Denis Burelle, Retail and Foodservice
Feeders Association (Member at Large)
Jennifer Haley, Veal Farmers of Ontario
Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency Wraps Up 2024/25 Fiscal Year at Annual General Meeting The Marketing Committee oversees Canada Beef’s strategic and operational goals, providing broad industry input from across the value chain. The Agency expressed gratitude to outgoing board and committee members for their service and contributions, thanking them for their dedication to strengthening Canada’s beef industry. Both Mary Paziuk and Mike Guest both began their tenure in 2019. As an Agency Member representing Manitoba Beef Producers, Paziuk was a passionate voice for all Canadian producers. She has been a proud industry advocate who always put the best interests of the industry first. Guest served as a Marketing Committee Member-at-Large and brought vast marketing experience to the group both as a producer, but also as a beef processor in Saskatchewan. The Agency’s 2024/25 Annual Report is available online.
Dealing with Dry Conditions: Livestock Hay and Feed Options Crown Lands Options to Assist with Feed Shortages Producers facing feed shortages due to poor hay production are encouraged to explore all available options including assessing the economic viability of harvesting hay on marginal Crown land. With calf prices at record highs, optimizing feeding strategies is essential to avoid sacrificing valuable weight gain. Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs) WMAs and wildlife-coded parcels are currently available for casual haying and grazing permits, based on habitat management plans. Each year, agriculture and wildlife teams work together to align these permits with ecological objectives, ensuring responsible use of the land. As of July 31, 2025, some WMA parcels remain available for casual permit. WMAs are one tool in our broader response to feed shortages. While not a complete solution, they can provide valuable support to some producers during challenging conditions. Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) Standard Agricultural Crown Land parcels are available for casual permit. ACL permits are managed to support agricultural use while maintaining land health and productivity. Casual use of ACL parcels is facilitated through a permit system that allows short-term access for haying and grazing, providing flexibility for producers responding to feed shortages.
Interested producers can: 1) Refer to Manitoba’s Wildlife Management Area Map to locate WMAs. 2) Contact the local Agricultural Crown Lands Farm Production Extension Specialists for available parcels.
Resources Managing Dry Conditions and Drought information on managing crops and livestock, farm
management calculators, financial assistance programs, monitoring and seasonal reports and mental health and wellness resources. Hay Listing information on hay for sale and to list hay available for purchase. Livestock Webpage information on what’s new, resources and upcoming events. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) information on insurance and program assistance. Contact your MB Agriculture / MASC Service Centre for program details, including recently announced support measures to aid Manitoba’s livestock producers affected by drought conditions. Seasonal Reports seasonal updates that pertain to crop and forage production. Weather Conditions and Reports year round data from over 100 weather stations across agro-Manitoba that monitor air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, soil temperature, and soil moisture.
Contact Us
For more information, contact the department: Online: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture Email: agriculture@gov.mb.ca Phone: 1-844-769-6224
Feed testing resources However, due to variability in the supply, nutrient composition and quality of these feed ingredients, there can be pitfalls if not properly managed. Have a listen to this episode of the Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast for tips on making use of different alternative feeds:
You cannot manage what you don’t measure. Feed testing is critically important to ensure your herd’s nutritional requirements are being met to support production. Feed testing and ration balancing also helps prevent costly overfeeding. Check out this resource from the Beef Cattle Research Council: https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/feed-testinga-tool-for-better-returns/
When faced with reduced supplies of good quality hay due drought, many producers seek alternative feeds for their livestock. While these alternative feed sources can offer flexibility, feed testing and advice from a livestock nutritionist is recommended to ensure nutritional requirements of the type of cattle being fed are met. Check out the following resource from the Beef Cattle Research Council for considerations when using alternative feeds:
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hsfECxYMsb 0ta0JHwon67?go=1&sp_cid=a2b2ebaa1e65940f def68f683c932de9&utm_source=embed_player _p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=adc2a2 537f324cf6
New to feed testing and ration balancing? Feed testing and ration balancing are good practice normally but are even more important in times of feed shortages and when making use of alternative feed sources. The following link is your one stop shop for information and instructions on feed testing including how to take and submit a sample, and how to interpret the results: https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/feedtesting-analysis-for-beef-cattle/
https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/alternative -feeds/
When considering salvaging crops for feed, beef producers need to consider accessibility, availability, yield, transport costs, potential antinutritional factors or other animal health impacts, and feed quality. The value of crops for livestock feeds calculator was developed to help beef producers work with their neighbors to determine a value for salvaged crops.
Alternative or non-conventional feeds can be an economical means for beef cattle producers to supplement forage and grain inventories.
https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?s rc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beefresearch.ca%2Fc ontent%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F04%2FValue_of _Crop_for_Feed_locked.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWS ELINK