E-Newsletter
Watch for the August edition of Cattle Country with a full recap of the unconventional succession planning workshop.
From left to right: District 9 Director Trevor Sund, Chris Thompson, Duane Thompson, District 6 Director Brian English,
Leanne English
In this edition...
Reminder
Manitoba Beef Producers is accepting applications until Friday, December 12, 2025 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA). Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. More details and the application form can be found on page 14.
Hot weather, safe travel: Preventing heat stress in animals
Heat stress and animal transport
Signs of animals overheating
• unsettled or lethargic
• vocalizing
• heavy mouth (or beak) breathing
• breathing fast
• sweating (horses and cattle)
• red, blotchy skin
• dehydrated (skin tent, dry gums, sunken eyes)
Animals cool themselves by
• heat evaporation from:
• lungs, by panting
• skin, by sweating
• seeking shade/shelter
• increasing air flow around their bodies
Pigs and birds cannot sweat!
They are at higher risk of overhheating.
Conditions increasing the risk of overheating
• body size (large)
• body condition (thin, fat)
• age (very young or old)
• lactating (require more fluids)
• pregnant
• full coated (insulated)
Assess each animal carefully!
Humid conditions increase overheating risks
Low humidity High humidity
Sweat evaporates easily because there is room in the air for more water vapor molecules.
Preventing heat stress in animal transport
Sweat builds up and won’t evaporate because the air is already full of water vapor molecules.
• Assess each animal before loading
• Plan route
• Schedule to reduce stopping and wait times
• Coordinate along supply line
• Know what to do when animals are overheating
Care for animals
• Hydrate animals before loading
• Gentle, calm handling
• Increase space for each animal
Monitor often. Take action!
• Communicate concerns to contact at destination
• Stop, unload and provide water, if required
• Re-route, if needed Plan
Maximize ventilation
• Keep trucks moving
• Open vents
• Increase air flow between animals (reduce loading density)
Protect from environmental conditions
• Avoid traveling during the hottest part of the day and in humid conditions
• Provide shade protection when parked for
• driver rest
• waiting to unload
• Keep driving to keep air flowing
• If misting to cool animals, use caution*
* Without good ventilation, misting could create conditions similar to a sauna.
Statistics Canada’s Farm product prices, May 2025
(From Statistic’s Canada’s July 11, 2025 The Daily) Monthly provincial prices received by farmers in May for grains, oilseeds, specialty crops, cattle, hogs, poultry, eggs and dairy products are now available.
Prices for slaughter cattle strengthened compared with April across all provinces in May, with British Columbia (+7.2%) leading the gains. Year over year, prices increased at least 15.6% in each province. A smaller cattle herd contributed to the increased prices.
In May, prices for feeder cattle were up from April in every province, with increases ranging from 3.9% in Quebec to 7.5% in the Atlantic provinces. On a year-over-year basis, prices for feeder cattle were at least 23.5% higher in May.
Compared with April, prices for slaughter hogs increased in all provinces in May, except in British Columbia (-0.5%) and Nova Scotia (1.0%). Ontario (+3.6%) posted the largest gain.
Following a monthly increase in April, canola prices continued to rise across the Prairie provinces in May. Alberta (+3.5%) led the gains, recording the fifth consecutive month of increase. Canola prices in May rose on a yearover-year basis in Alberta (+1.3%) and Manitoba (+1.2%) for the first time since 2022. Tightening domestic supply and steady demand supported canola prices.
In May, oat prices increased compared with April across all provinces except Manitoba (2.2%). Ontario (+9.1%) posted the largest gain, followed by Saskatchewan (+6.4%) and Quebec (+3.5%). Strong exports and a shrinking supply of oats supported prices.
MPI reminds Manitobans to replace peeling licence plates
(July 9, 2025 MPI News Release) Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is drawing attention to a growing concern on Manitoba’s roadways: peeling licence plates. Once the numbers or the reflective coating begin to peel off plates, they create safety concerns for all road users, including law enforcement. When plates are unreadable, dangerous driving behaviours can go unchecked, posing a risk to all Manitobans.
“Keeping your licence plate in good repair keeps our roadways safe, and helps you identify other vehicles if you are in a collision or need to report them to a necessary agency,” said Maria Campos, Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer at MPI.
Visibility is also an important consideration when it comes to Manitoba’s licence plates. The reflective coating on the plate helps to make parked cars more visible on roadways at night, so ensuring the coating is in good repair can help in preventing a possible collision with a parked
The Drivers and Vehicles Act (DVA) states that licence plates must be unobstructed and maintained in a condition where all information is clearly visible. A driver could face a fine of $113 if caught with a poorly maintained plate.
MPI has a five-year warranty on new licence plates and will replace them at no cost to the customer if they begin to degrade during that time period. After five years, the customer is responsible for replacing their licence plates at a cost of $15 for a pair.
“We are aware of people trying to repair their own plates,” said Campos. “We have seen blue nail polish, paint, and even Sharpie pens used to try to draw the numbers and letters back on. While we appreciate the efforts to maintain the readability of the plate, these methods don’t work. The plates need to be replaced so they have the proper reflectivity and readability. Any Manitoba broker or MPI service centre can assist you with this.”
Manitoba Government Invests $19.7M in Oak Lake Dam Rehabilitation Project
(July 8, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The Manitoba government is investing $19.7 million to rehabilitate Oak Lake Dam, a critical piece of water infrastructure in southwestern Manitoba, Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor announced.
"The Oak Lake Dam is a cornerstone of local safety, economic stability, environmental stewardship and climate resilience," said Naylor. "That's why its rehabilitation is both necessary and timely. The project has completed the design phase and is currently scheduled to go to tender in 2025. The timeline accounts for Indigenous consultation, public engagement and regulatory approvals, which are all underway."
dam is expected to remain safely operational for at least another 50 years.
Construction is expected to take approximately two years, with procurement of materials and other preparations already in progress. In anticipation of this larger rehabilitation effort, the province completed upgrades to five kilometres of the east access road in fall 2024.
The multi-year rehabilitation project, costshared with the Government of Canada under the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP), will include the reconstruction of the dam spillway and the stabilization and protection of its embankments. Once complete, the upgraded
"The Oak Lake Dam plays a critical role in protecting our residents, supporting agriculture, and maintaining stable water levels throughout the region," said Cyril Druwe, reeve, Rural Municipality of Sifton. "We're pleased the Manitoba government is moving forward with the needed rehabilitation project and look forward to the long-term benefits it will bring to our community, local producers, and the surrounding environment."
This initiative is part of Manitoba's broader Multi-Year Capital Investment Strategy to modernize and maintain key infrastructure across the province.
MPI provides extensions to wildfire evacuees
(July 4, 2025 MPI News Release) Many Manitobans were evacuated from their homes and communities as wildfires spread throughout the province. While some evacuated communities have been permitted to return home or are in the process of returning, some are still unable to return.
Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) recognizes the impact evacuations have had on Manitobans and understands that some customers may not be aware they have an upcoming or past due expiry date on their licence, vehicle registration, insurance, or other important documents.
To help provide peace of mind, MPI documents, including driver’s licence, vehicle registration, insurance, and identification cards, that have an expiry date on or after May 23, 2025, and before September 1, 2025, will be extended until September 30, 2025, for those subject to evacuation orders. While MPI encourages these customers to check the expiry dates on their
documents, and to renew them at their nearest broker office or MPI Service Centre if needed, it is understood that it may not be possible while in the midst of an evacuation.
“We are doing what is best for Manitobans,” said Satvir Jatana, President & CEO of MPI. “We are here for Manitobans in their time of need, and in addition to the extensions provided, we will also be waiving late fees and charges for evacuees during this period until they have returned and settled again in their home communities.”
The extensions will allow evacuated customers to continue to drive, operate their vehicles, and prove their identity even if the date on their documents and the date displayed in MPI’s online systems indicate they are expired. MPI will continue to follow current processes and send out renewal notices by Canada Post to all customers.
Manitoba Government Declares State of Emergency to Protect Manitobans from Unprecedented Wildfire Activity
(July 10, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is declaring a provincewide state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act, Premier Wab Kinew and Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Lisa Naylor, minister responsible for the Emergency Management Organization, declared based on the recommendation from Manitoba’s wildfire and emergency management officials.
“This fire season, Manitoba is seeing over 10 times the number of hectares burning compared to the average fire season,” said Kinew. “As the number of active fires increases, our government has again triggered a provincewide state of emergency that will help secure the spaces needed to accommodate the affected evacuees.”
The state of emergency is initially in effect for 30 days once issued and may be extended if necessary. This ensures federal, provincial and local resources can be delivered in a coordinated response to help protect Manitobans, noted the premier.
In addition to the provincewide state of emergency declaration, a number of local states of emergency are already in place, including Snow Lake and Garden Hill Anisinew Nation, where mandatory evacuations have already begun. All residents and visitors must evacuate the communities as soon as possible before midnight tonight.
All affected evacuees are urged to follow the instructions in the emergency alerts in their communities, which provide specific instructions on how to make their way to safety.
“The province is encouraging affected Manitobans to continue using the MBReady portal," said Naylor. “This is a key site for Manitobans who wish to receive critical and upto-date information about wildfire incidents, weather alerts, road closures and evacuation supports.”
Visit MB Ready at https://mbready.manitoba.ca to receive critical and up-to-date information about wildfire incidents, weather alerts, road closures and evacuation supports.
Additional Information
Information and resources for evacuees
Visit MBReady at https://mbready.manitoba.ca for more information about emergency alerts and safety, as well as resources for evacuees such as:
• registering with the Canadian Red Cross: https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/evacu ees.html#wildfire-2025
• financial support: https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/eva cuees.html#financial-support
• emergency shelters: https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/eva cuees.html#shelter
• health resources: https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ev acuees.html#health-resources
• insurance: https://gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ev acuees.html#insurance
• returning home: https://manitoba.ca/wildfire/eva cuees.html#community-re-entry
Manitoba Government Declares State of Emergency to Protect Manitobans from Unprecedented Wildfire Activity
All Manitobans returning to reopened areas are advised to be prepared to evacuate again with little notice and should prepare an emergency go kit. More information on emergency preparedness, including what to include in an emergency go kit, is available at www.gov.mb.ca/emo/guide/individuals.
For assistance, evacuees can dial Manitoba 211 from anywhere in Manitoba or email 211mb@findhelp.ca. For more information, visit https://mb.211.ca/get-helpnow/. To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line toll-free at 1-800-782-0076.
• burn restrictions for municipalities: www.manitoba.ca/wildfi re/ burn_conditions.html
• important Manitoba wildfire information: www.manitoba.ca/wildfire
• emergency preparedness information including what to include in an emergency go kit: www.gov.mb.ca/emo/guide/individu als
• follow the Manitoba government on X (formerly Twitter) at https://twitter.com/mbgov
Manitoba Hydro seeking public feedback re: proposed Altona to Winkler gas transmission project
Project overview
The Altona to Winkler Gas Transmission Project is a proposed 30-kilometre, 8-inch steel natural gas transmission line to improve the capacity of the regional gas transmission system in southern Manitoba. The line will extend from a site north of Altona to a connection point on the east side of Winkler, where it will connect to existing infrastructure owned and operated by TransCanada (TC) Energy Corporation.
The purpose of this project is to increase the supply of natural gas to the Altona and Winkler regions in response to growing customer demand. The existing infrastructure has reached its capacity limits, necessitating expansion to support ongoing regional development. Key drivers of this demand include urban growth, the expansion of cereal crop production, and a shift by some users from alternative energy sources to natural gas.
The proposed transmission line traverses the Rural Municipalities of Rhineland and Stanley, the communities of Reinfeld, Altona, and Winkler and is located on Treaty 1 lands, the original territories of the Anishinaabeg, Anishininewak and Ininewak, and the National Homeland of the Red River Métis. We acknowledge these nations who have occupied and cared for these lands for thousands of years and their longstanding cultural and spiritual connections with the land. Through this we recognize the importance of learning and considering the unique perspectives these nations share throughout the project.
Construction methods for this project include trenching and horizontal direct drilling. Trenching involves excavating the ground and placing the transmission line within the excavated area. A typical trench depth is 1.3
meters, and the top of the pipe lays 1 meter below the surface. Horizontal direct drilling is used to install the transmission line where it crosses drains, railways and roadways. It is a technique used to install underground utilities, like pipelines. A tunnel that follows an arc shape is drilled under the designated area, and the transmission line is pulled through the drilled underground tunnel, resurfacing on the opposite side.
This project is classified as a Class 2 development under The Environment Act. An environmental assessment report will be developed and submitted for this project.
How to participate
We plan to work directly with First Nations, the Manitoba Métis Federation, landowners, interested parties and the general public throughout the project lifecycle to:
• share information about the project
• understand and consider concerns and interests
• offer opportunities to participate and inform the environmental assessment process, route alignment, and potential mitigations
Participate in one of our upcoming open houses to learn more about the project and share your feedback. We will be available to provide information, answer your questions and listen to your feedback. Your feedback will help us understand concerns about the project and inform the final preferred route.
Open house schedule
Manitoba Hydro seeking public feedback re: proposed Altona to Winkler gas transmission project
Virtual sessions
Tuesday, July 22, 2025
Time: 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Sign up
Thursday, July 24, 2025
Time: 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.
Sign up
In-person session
Wednesday, July 23, 2025
Time: 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Location: Winkler Arts & Culture Centre, 547 Park St, Winkler, MB
Timeline
• engagement: July-August 2025
• file environmental assessment report for regulatory review: September 2025
• anticipated licensing decision: spring 2027
• if licence approved, construction to start: spring 2027
• estimated in-service date: fall 2028
The preferred route for the Altona to Winkler gas transmission line (solid green line). Plese click on the map for a higher resolution image.
Waterhemp
The Noxious Weeds Legislation
Noxious Weeds Act
The Noxious Weeds Act (RSM 1987, c. N110) provides the provincial mandate to control noxious weeds. It sets out the requirements regarding various control or destruction measures for different plants.
Noxious Weeds Regulation
The Noxious Weeds Regulation (Man.Reg.42/17) contains schedules that rank plants according to their threat levels and specifies the areas of the province to which these levels apply. Plants are designated as Tier 1, 2, or 3 noxious weeds.
Responsibility to Destroy or Control Noxious Weeds (as per Regulation)
3(1) A person must
(a) destroy all tier 1 noxious weeds that are on land that the person owns or occupies;
(b) destroy all tier 2 noxious weeds that are on land that the person owns or occupies if the area colonized by the weeds is less than twenty acres;
(c) control all tier 2 noxious weeds that are on land that the person owns or occupies if the area colonized by the weeds is twenty acres or more; and
(d) control a tier 3 noxious weed that is on land that the person owns or occupies if the weed’s uncontrolled growth or spread is likely to negatively affect an aspect of Manitoba’s economy or environment in the area of the land or the well-being of residents in proximity to the land.
Waterhemp Regulation
Confirmed in 28 rural municipalities in Manitoba, as of 2024. See Waterhemp distribution map
Downgraded to a Tier 2 weed in those rural municipalities.
- Small infestations must still be destroyed.
- Larger, field-wide infestation must be controlled.
Remains a Tier 1 in rural municipalities where it has yet to be found.
Contact Us
This factsheet was developed by the Manitoba Agriculture Weed Specialist.
For more information, contact the department:
Online www.manitoba.ca/agriculture
Email crops@gov.mb.ca
Phone 1-844-769-6224
Applications for The Environmental Stewardship Award
Are Due to MBP by December 12, 2025
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 12, 2025 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).
Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. As stewards of a vast portion of the Canadian landscape, Canada’s beef cattle producers play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. They continuously strive to improve existing stewardship conservation practices to create a sustainable future – always farming for tomorrow.
At the local level, a producer receives provincial recognition for their outstanding environmental contributions. In Manitoba, this occurs in conjunction with MBP’s annual general meeting held in February. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete for national recognition from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semiannual meeting held in late summer or early fall
Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm or ranch operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.
How to Nominate
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 equally encouraged. More details and the application form can be found at: https://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/tesa
Note: If you are a producer who is considering self-nomination, MBP can provide you with guidance and suggestions on completing the application process.
The completed application form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba Beef Producers by email to info@mbbeef.ca no later than Friday, December 12, 2025. If you have questions, please feel free to contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.