Summer Sights in the Parkland
MBP District 13 Director Matthew Goudie took this photograph near his ranch in Fork River. If you have an interesting shot that you'd like to share with MBP for possible use in the weekly E-Newsletter, please send it to: info@mbbeef.ca
In this edition...
August 15, 2025
Reminder
MBP is accepting applications until Friday, December 12 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA). All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. All methods are encouraged. Click on the graphic for information.
Celebrates 20 Years in Farm Animal Welfare
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
Frequently Asked Questions - Alternate Crop
Use
Note: Always contact MASC before putting your crop to an alternate use.
Frequently Asked Questions - Alternate Crop Use
The AgriInsurance program provides flexibility for producers to put their crops to alternate use during the growing season. Alternate use means a change to the use of a crop from what was originally intended when planting in the spring. For example, if you indicated on your Seeded Acreage Report that you were growing oats for grain but choose to cut it for greenfeed instead, this would be considered alternate use.
If you are considering putting your crop to an alternate use (silage, greenfeed, grazing) for your own use or someone else’s, contact MASC immediately by phone or email. Please have the legal land descriptions and number of acres you plan to put to an alternate use available.
crop before you want to put it to an alternate use, you will be asked to leave representative strips. The strips must be at least 10 feet wide and the full length of the field. One strip must be left for every 40 acres. The best situation is for the adjustor and producer to agree on where the strips should be left to be most representative of the field. The appraised yield will be used to calculate claims and future coverage.
How does the appraisal process work?
What will MASC do once I’ve contacted my service centre?
In most cases, MASC will register a claim, and an adjustor will attend your farm to complete an appraisal prior to you putting the crop to an alternate use. If an adjustor cannot appraise the
The appraisal determined by the adjustor will be used to finalize the insurance claim and will be included when calculating your future coverage. For example, if the appraisal is 20 bushels per acre and you elect to cut it for feed, MASC will count these 20 bushels per acre as if it were harvested for grain. The proceeds from alternate use production (i.e. greenfeed or silage sales) are not part of your crop claim calculation. The assessment can also be helpful in determining the value of the crop if it will be used for an alternate use for your operation or to sell.
How will claims work for those who want to turn the small grain cereal and grain corn crops
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation
Frequently
Asked Questions - Alternate Crop
Use
to greenfeed, silage, or grazing?
For oats, barley, triticale, fall rye, grain corn, and all wheat types, MASC will apply a quality adjustment factor to in-field appraisals that would reflect the expectation of poor quality (e.g. Sample on Account of Lightweight) resulting from the dry conditions. Appraisals will be reduced by 40 per cent for claim purposes based on the relative difference in value between poor quality production and the guaranteed grade over the past five years.
The actual yield and quality from the harvested production will be used for claim calculation purposes through a post-harvest claim.
How is my future coverage affected?
The full yield appraisal, prior to any quality adjustment, is used in the calculation for future coverage.
What if I decide to harvest my production as usual after having an appraisal?
Do I still qualify for the quality adjustment factor if I have already put my cereal crop to an alternate use?
Yes, MASC will identify these claims and apply the quality adjustment factor.
If I have feed to sell, how can I market it?
If producers have
greenfeed, hay, straw, or pastureland available or are looking to purchase greenfeed, hay, straw, or pastureland, they can use Manitoba Agriculture’s online resource to buy or sell - Manitoba Hay Listing Service (gov.mb.ca).
For more information on Managing Dry Conditions for Crops and Livestock, visit https://gov.mb.ca/agriculture/dry.html.
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
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://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/alternative -feeds/
Alternative or non-conventional feeds can be an economical means for beef cattle producers to supplement forage and grain inventories.
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:
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/
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.
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
Canadian Cattle Association Statement on Alberta Beef Producers’ Notice of Withdrawal from CCA
August 14, 2025
“The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) has received and acknowledges Alberta Beef Producers’ (ABP) intention to withdraw from our association by June 30, 2026.
“ABP and CCA have a long-standing collaborative and cooperative relationship, and we are both committed to continue working together to benefit beef producers in Alberta and across our country.
“We are committed to working directly with the Alberta Beef Producers and all of our provincial members to address this matter so we can all continue our work for the benefit of beef producers across Canada. CCA will continue to do so outside of the media.
“Our priority continues to be advocating on behalf of Canadian beef producers on topics such as tariff-free trade, market access, competitiveness, animal disease prevention and preparedness, and business risk management programs.”
—Tyler Fulton, President Canadian Cattle Association
For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
Official Candidates For The Spruce Woods Byelection
(August 11, 2025 Elections Manitoba News Release)
Nominations have now closed for the Spruce Woods byelection. Three candidates have filed valid nomination papers with the returning officer.
The official candidates for Spruce Woods are:
NAME: BERTHELETTE, Ray AFFILIATION: NDP
OFFICIAL AGENT: Johnson, Tim
NAME: REID, Stephen AFFILIATION: Manitoba Liberal Party
OFFICIAL AGENT: Strong, Shandi
NAME: ROBBINS, Colleen
AFFILIATION: PC Manitoba
OFFICIAL AGENT: Barker, D’Arcy
ADVANCE VOTING
Eligible voters can vote at any advance polling location.
Saturday, Aug. 16 to Monday, Aug. 25:
• Spruce Woods Local Election Office 811 18th Street N in the Corral Centre, Brandon
Saturday, Aug. 16 to Saturday, Aug. 23:
• Glenboro Raystone Memorial Centre 214 Broadway St. in Glenboro
Tuesday, Aug. 19 and Wednesday, Aug. 20:
• Souris Glenwood Memorial Complex 32 Third Ave. W in Souris
Tuesday, Aug. 19:
• Holland Community Centre 136 Broadway St. in Holland
• Kemnay Recreational Centre 6 Irving Pl. in Kemnay
• Oak Lake Royal Canadian Legion 291 Assiniboine Rd. in Oak Lake
• Rivers Royal Canadian Legion 633 2nd Ave. in Rivers
• Sprucewoods Community Club 5 Woods Ave. in Shilo
• Wawanesa Community Hall 202 4th St. in Wawanesa
Voting hours are 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily, except Sunday noon to 6 p.m.
VOTING ON ELECTION DAY
Eligible voters can vote anywhere at any poll on election day, including the local election office.
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Election day polling place information is also available on the Elections Manitoba website, http://www.electionsmanitoba.ca/
Spruce Woods Local Election Office 811 18th Street N in the Corral Centre Brandon, MB Telephone: 204-726-6111| Toll-free: 1-833-8911011
SpruceWoods@electionsmanitoba.ca
Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily except Sunday, noon to 6 p.m.
Elections Manitoba is the independent office of the Legislative Assembly responsible for the administration of provincial elections and byelections.
RCMP boosts Canada–U.S. Border Security with a new RPAS corridor
(August 11, 2025 RCMP News Release) The RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region (NWR) is further strengthening Canada–U.S. border security with the creation of an RCMP RPAS (Remotely Piloted Aircraft System) corridor along the Canada – U.S. border in RCMP’s NWR. This border corridor is initially being introduced and trialled in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba, to enhance border security and support the safe, coordinated use of drones, or technically named RPAS, within the Canadian airspace at the Canada–U.S. border.
The RPAS corridor, established in collaboration with Transport Canada, will continue to enhance border security by strengthening capacity through intelligence-driven patrols targeting all illegal activity along the border. This includes searching for individuals who illegally enter Canada between official ports of entry and for the human smugglers who facilitate their travel. As well, RPAS patrols will detect and stop illegal smuggling and trafficking of contraband such as illicit drugs into, and out of, Canada.
“The RCMP is committed to advancing the use of RPAS technology to enhance our service delivery models that protect the security of our Border. The use of this technology and the creation of the RCMP RPAS corridor will also augment our ability to enhance coordination efficiencies amongst our law enforcement partners, which will ultimately have a direct impact on public safety.”
• Assistant Commissioner Lisa Moreland, Regional Commander, RCMP Federal Policing Northwest Region
The RPAS corridor will take effect at 9:00 pm today and the initiative will be continually evaluated and assessed in terms of operational value, cost and impact on our communities along the border.
The RPAS corridor, formally referred to as Advisory Airspace (CYA), does not restrict flight activity. It extends from ground to 500 feet, to 1 Nautical Mile North of the border (1.85 kilometers).
Local pilots, agricultural operators, and recreational aviation users may continue to fly in the area but are asked to exercise increased caution, and to notify the RCMP before entering the corridor. The goal is to strengthen situational awareness, reduce the risk of mid-air conflicts, and enable safer RPAS patrols of Canada’s border.
If you plan to fly in the corridor, the RCMP requests that you provide notification in advance, by utilizing any of the below options:
• Use ADS-B Out, a system that transmits your aircraft’s location; or, notify the RCMP in advance of your flight
For 24+ hour advance notice: NWRRPASNWRSAT@rcmpgrc.gc.ca
For short-notice or same-day coordination (available 24/7):
• Manitoba: 1-888-626-4238
• Saskatchewan: 1-866-475-4238
• Alberta: 1-833-476-4238
In the event that you are unable to reach someone, please contact the neighbouring province via the provided phone numbers.
This strategic trial allows the RCMP to gather insights, evaluate performance, and inform how advanced RPAS tools might be implemented across other locations along the border. Community feedback will be incorporated in the evaluation process to help guide the evolution of the initiative.
NFACC Celebrates 20 Years of Leadership in Farm Animal Welfare
NEWS RELEASE
For immediate release:
ELORA, August 14, 2025– This month marks a significant milestone for the National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) as it celebrates 20 years of leading farm animal care and welfare in Canada.
Founded in 2005 with just over 20 members, NFACC has grown into a globally unique organization. It is the only entity in the world that brings together farmers, animal welfare groups, enforcement agencies, government representatives, and other stakeholders under a collaborative decision-making model to advance farm animal welfare. Today, NFACC includes more than 50 primary members, partners, and associate members.
“NFACC has created processes for those with the jurisdiction, influence, or responsibilities in farm animal welfare to collectively progress on farm animal welfare while maintaining the viability of Canadian animal agriculture,” says Hans Kristensen, Chair of the NFACC Board. “Around the NFACC table, opportunities are created to have conversations with those who see farm animal welfare differently and to build relationships and trust amongst each other.”
At the heart of NFACC’s work is a credible, science-informed approach to developing, updating, and maintaining Codes of Practice for the care and handling of farm animals, as well as a similar process for creating animal care assessment programs.
Over the past two decades, NFACC has developed, updated, or amended 14 Codes of Practice, and recognized eight animal care assessment programs that have followed its rigorous Animal Care Assessment Framework process.
NFACC’s commitment to transparency and credibility goes beyond traditional multi-stakeholder committee work. The Code process includes:
A Scientific Committee that reviews priority animal welfare issues for each species and provides evidence-based guidance to the Code Committee.
A 60-day public comment period that invites input from anyone interested in shaping the draft Code. Top-of-mind surveys conducted at the outset of each Code update, allowing stakeholders to share their highest animal welfare priorities.
Each Code of Practice and Animal Care Assessment Program is developed using consensus decision-making, ensuring that solutions reflect and integrate diverse interests, give all parties a voice, and promote mutual understanding and respect.
“I am so proud that after 20 years we are still growing and continuing to support important conversations on farm animal welfare” says Jackie Wepruk, the NFACC Division Director, who has been part of the organization since its establishment. “We are very fortunate in Canada that our society values collaborative approaches and that we have a history of animal welfare advocates working with farmers on animal welfare standards. We need to treasure and preserve this ability to work together. Everyone that comes together under NFACC is a shining example of how we reduce polarization on important social issues.”
About the National Farm Animal Care Council
NFACC is a collaborative partnership of diverse stakeholders created in 2005 to share information and work together on farm animal care and welfare. It is the national lead for farm animal care issues in Canada and operates as a division of Animal Health Canada. For more information on NFACC, visit www.nfacc.ca
Animal Health Canada is the only national organization that brings together industry, federal, provincial, and territorial partners to provide collaborative guidance on a cohesive, functional, and responsive farmed animal health and welfare system in Canada. For more information, visit https://animalhealthcanada.ca.
For further information:
Tanya Frye
Communications Director Animal Health Canada (613)302-2671
tfrye@animalhealthcanada.ca
Background
The National Farm Animal Care Council (NFACC) was established in August 2005. NFACC has 27
Primary Members and Partners and 26 Associate Members. See list here. 14 Codes of Practice have been developed.
1. Bison
2. Dairy Cattle
3. Farmed Fox
4. Farmed Mink
5. Farmed Salmonids
6. Goats
7. Pullets and Laying Hens
8. Rabbits
9. Veal Cattle
10. Beef Cattle
11. Hatching Eggs, Breeders, Chickens, and Turkeys
12. Equine
13. Pigs
14. Sheep
Currently, five Codes are being updated, to be completed in 2028. See timeline for Code updates here. Eight Animal Care Assessment Programs are recognized by NFACC: Canada Fox Breeders Association Canada Mink Breeders Association Canadian Hatchery Federation Chicken Farmers of Canada Dairy Farmers of Canada Egg Farmers of Canada National Cattle Feeders' Association Turkey Farmers of Canada
CRSB CERTIFICATION
BE RECOGNIZED FOR YOUR PRACTICES
An outcome-based approach to beef sustainability no matter your operation!
Review CRSB Certified program documents
Sustainable Beef Production Standard, Assurance Protocols, Chain of Custody Requirements, Communications, Claims & Labelling Manual at crsbcertified.ca.
Contact a CRSB-approved Certification Body
Choose the one that is right for you.
Complete an on-farm audit
The Certification Body will conduct an on-farm verification against the indicators in the CRSB Standard. Upon successful completion, a certificate is issued.
Congratulations! You are CRSB Certified!
Complete the Qualifying Cattle Requirements
Make the most of your certification by giving your cattle a chance to qualify for CRSB Certified supply Chains. (see reverse)
QUALIFYING CATTLE REQUIREMENTS
Make the most of your certification by giving your cattle a chance to qualify through a CRSB Certified supply chain. Follow these essential steps.
Get and Maintain CRSB Certification through the Certification Body (CB) of your choice.
Consent to sharing information with CCIA for CRSB Certified Chain of Custody purposes. Complete during the certification process through your CB.
What is shared?
•Contact and operation name • Email • Mailing address
•CLTS account ID • Audit type • Certificate number • Certification date
•Certification status change or de-certification date
Submit birth dates to CLTS
for the cattle born and tagged on your operation.
* Animals born on your operation within six months of certification date are eligible.
Submit move-in events
to the CLTS each time eligible cattle move to a new operation.
* Qualifying animals moved-in from another CRSB Certified Operation within six months of CRSB certification date are eligible.
