SCHOLARSHIPS
REMINDER: applications are due Friday, June 20.
For information about our scholarships and how to apply, please scan the QR code or click here.
In this edition...
June 13, 2025
Reminder
MBP is accepting applications until Friday, December 12, 2025 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. More details can be found on page 13 of this edition of the newsletter.
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Manitoba Government Announces Tax Deferrals for Businesses Affected by Wildfires
(June 12, 2025 Province of Manitoba news release)
The Manitoba government is providing relief and support for businesses impacted by wildfires raging across the province, Finance Minister Adrien Sala announced today
“Our government is stepping up to help businesses who have not been able to operate due to the wildfire situation,” said Sala. “Our main priority as a government has been to keep people safe and supporting Manitobans impacted by wildfires. This wildfire season has been worse than many in recent years and we’re using every tool available to us to help Manitobans during this challenging period.”
Beginning this week, businesses affected by wildfires in Manitoba are eligible for relief of their provincially administered tax payments. Businesses can request a penalty and interest waiver when they are reasonably able to file and pay their retail sales tax, health and postsecondary education tax levy, and other provincially administered tax returns once the impacts of the wildfires have subsided. This option is being provided as many wildfireaffected businesses may not have access to relevant records, technical resources or the capacity to file at this time, noted the minister. For more information visit www.gov.mb.ca/ finance/taxation/.
Visit MBReady at https://mbready.manitoba.ca for more information about emergency alerts and safety, as well as resources for evacuees.
The governments of Canada and Manitoba are matching donations made to the Canadian Red Cross 2025 Manitoba Wildfire Appeal to support those affected by the wildfires. Every $1 donated will become $3 to support the families and individuals most impacted by wildfires. Donation matching will be open for 30 days, retroactive to May 28. For more information, visit www.redcross.ca.
Canada Announces Major Investments to Improve Resilience Against Wildfires
(June 12, 2025 Natural Resources Canada News Release) Wildfire season is in full effect across much of Canada, with many Canadians currently facing severe wildfire conditions. The Government of Canada, along with the provinces, territories and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), is seized with the importance of supporting Canadians whose lives and livelihoods are at stake.
The Governments of Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba, together with the CIFFC, announced a total investment of $104 million through the Government of Canada’s Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program
FireSmart™ Canada is a key part of our national wildfire prevention and mitigation efforts. Led by CIFFC, the program identifies and reduces wildfire risks and provides actionable guidance for homeowners and communities. The funding announced today will help enhance FireSmart™ programming and support the provinces and territories in increasing capacity and assisting community-based projects to help prevent wildfires and mitigate their impacts, including Indigenous communities that are disproportionately threatened by wildfires. These investments are strengthening the federal government’s actions and efforts to enhance and expand wildfire prevention and mitigation across all levels of government. By working together with provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and international allies, the Government of Canada continues to support the fight against wildfires in communities across the country.
Quotes
“No Canadian should have to worry about a wildfire threatening their community but as extreme weather increases, the Government of Canada is providing provinces, territories, Indigenous communities and partners with the support they need to fight wildfires. I would like to thank all Canadians, especially first responders, for working to protect one another. The federal government stands with you and is working to build resilience for this wildfire season, and the future.”
The Honourable Tim Hodgson Minister of Energy and Natural Resources
“As Manitobans bravely pull together to battle one of the most challenging fire seasons in recent memory, wildfire preparedness is more crucial than ever. We thank and honour the incredible work of our wildfire service, local firefighters, Indigenous and municipal leadership and members of the public who are working together to ensure that the thousands of displaced residents remain safe and healthy. The entire government of Manitoba strongly supports any and all initiatives that recognize the need for investing in firefighting preparedness, and we congratulate the federal government on its continuing efforts to address the needs of firefighters and evacuees.”
The Honourable Ian Bushie
Manitoba Minister of Natural Resources and Indigenous Futures
Quick facts
• The Government of Canada is providing $9.1 million over five years to the CIFFC under the RCF program. This is in addition to the $1.2-million investment provided to the CIFFC that started in 2023–24 and was announced on May 9, 2024.
Canada Announces Major Investments to Improve Resilience Against Wildfires
• Canada and British Columbia are each providing an additional $17.9 million over five years through the RCF program. This is in addition to the $950,122 joint investment between Canada and British Columbia that started in 2023–24 and was announced on September 18, 2024.
• Canada and Alberta are each providing $17.9 million over four years through the RCF Program.
• Canada and Newfoundland and Labrador are each providing $6.4 million over four years through the RCF program.
• The Government of Canada is providing $5.5 million and the Government of Yukon $1.8 million over four years through the RCF program.
• Canada and Nova Scotia are each providing an additional $821,130 over five years through the RCF program. This is in addition to the $3.9-million joint investment between Canada and Nova Scotia that started in 2023–24 and was announced on October 1, 2024.
• Canada and Prince Edward Island are each providing $510,300 over four years through the RCF program.
• Canada and Manitoba are each providing a contribution of $150,000 through the RCF program. Discussions are ongoing to conclude a multi-year agreement.
• Visit Canada.ca/wildfires for a complete list of links to various federal supports for individuals impacted by wildfires.
Backgrounder
On June 12, 2025, the Governments of Canada, British Columbia, Alberta, Newfoundland and Labrador, Yukon, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island and Manitoba, together with the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre (CIFFC), announced a total investment of $104 million through the
Government of Canada’s Resilient Communities through FireSmart (RCF) Program. This amount includes funding provided to the CIFFC and joint investments by the federal, provincial and territorial governments through the RCF program.
FireSmart™ Canada, a national program within the CIFFC, empowers Canadians to increase resilience to wildfires and minimize their negative impacts. Recognized as a key part of Canada’s prevention and mitigation efforts, the program identifies and reduces wildfire risks and provides actionable guidance for homeowners and communities.
The investment announced will support the CIFFC’s efforts to enhance FireSmart Canada programming across the country. The funding will also support the provinces and territories in increasing capacity and assisting community-based projects to help prevent wildfires and mitigate their impacts, including Indigenous communities that are disproportionately threatened by wildfires.
With the investments announced, the Government of Canada has now committed over $78.5 million through the RCF program since 2023–24 until 2027–28 to increase wildfire prevention and mitigation initiatives across the country. This includes funding to CIFFC and cost-shared contributions with British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Prince Edward Island, the Northwest Territories and Yukon.
Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre
The Government of Canada is providing $9.1 million over five years to the CIFFC under the RCF program. This is in addition to the $1.2-million investment provided to the CIFFC that started in 2023–24 and was announced on May 9, 2024.
Through this funding, the CIFCC is taking the following actions:
• Launching a national FireSmart Canada awareness campaign in the spring of 2025 called “Don’t feed the wildfires”.
Canada Announces Major Investments to Improve Resilience Against Wildfires
• Increasing educational resources, training materials and public outreach initiatives.
• Developing resources for insurance professionals, landscape professionals, municipal planners, builders and developers.
• Developing K–12 school curricula to increase the understanding of prevention and mitigation principles.
• Enhancing existing FireSmart programming to better serve communities across Canada, helping them to live with wildland fire and be more resilient in the face of it.
Visit FireSmartCanada.ca to learn more about stopping the spread of dangerous wildland fires by taking simple steps to reduce the risk to your home and community.
Government of Manitoba
The Government of Canada and the Government of Manitoba are each providing $150,000 over one year through the RCF Program. Discussions are ongoing to conclude a multi-year agreement.
Through this joint investment, the Government of Manitoba has taken the following actions:
• Carrying out and supporting communitybased education and awareness events and other capacity-building activities for the FireSmart program.
• Supporting and guiding the development of Community Wildfire Protection Plans in several Manitoba communities.
• Conducting jurisdictional research and initiating stakeholder engagements to strengthen implementation of the FireSmart program and support the development of a whole-of-society framework for prevention and mitigation in Manitoba.
• Carrying out groundwork for the establishment of a provincial FireSmart committee in Manitoba, including stakeholder identification, and consideration of the committee’s purpose, responsibilities, logistics and performance measurement.
CFIA Notice to industry: Supporting stakeholders through the next phase of the Feeds Regulations, 2024
(June 12, 2025 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Industry Notice) As we approach the next milestone in the implementation of the Feeds Regulations, 2024, we want to highlight the resources and support available to help feed businesses successfully transition. On June 17, 2025, the transition period for labelling and standards will conclude and additional provisions – such as those related to hazard analysis and preventive control plans – will come into effect.
Given that some of these additional provisions including the preventive control plans (PCPs) are new regulatory requirements for industry, the CFIA is adopting a compliance promotion and educational approach. More information regarding compliance promotion can be found below.
Helping you prepare
Since the publication of the Feeds Regulations, 2024 in the Canada Gazette, Part II on July 3, 2024, we've been working closely with stakeholders to ensure a smooth transition. Many flexibilities came into effect immediately upon registration (June 17, 2024) and a 12-month transition period was provided for labelling and standards to allow businesses time to adapt.
We're now entering the final stages of that transition. As of June 17, 2025, all feeds (excluding registered feeds) must meet the updated requirements for:
• labelling
• compositional and safety standards
Registered feeds will continue using their approved labels until their next renewal. All feeds must also comply with the Tables of Maximum Nutrient Values for Feeds.
To support this transition, we've published detailed guidance on:
• Compositional and Safety Standards for Livestock Feeds
• RG-12: Labelling of Livestock Feeds
What's coming into effect on June 17, 2025
We're here to help you prepare for the next set of regulatory enhancements, which include:
• hazard analysis, preventive controls, and PCPs
• complaint and recall procedures
• requirements for imported livestock feeds
• traceability
• packaging standards
These updates are designed to strengthen feed safety and align with international best practices. We've developed comprehensive guidance to help you implement these changes effectively, including:
• Hazard Analysis and PCP Guidance
• Quick Reference Guide – Feed Importers
• Quick Reference Guide – Traceability
Ongoing support and compliance promotion
We recognize that these changes are significant. That's why we continue to:
• update guidance materials
• host webinars and information sessions
• offer direct support through our Animal Feed and Veterinary Biologics Division
Our approach to compliance is rooted in education and collaboration. While we will take appropriate action to address risks or non-compliance, our primary goal is to help you succeed under the new framework. We will take a compliance promotion approach where during routine inspections we will ask the regulated parties to confirm that they have a PCP, but we will not perform a full PCP inspection until April 1, 2026.
Looking ahead
The final phase of implementation will occur on December 17, 2025, when the remaining provisions – such as licensing and expanded species scope – come into force. We'll continue to provide updates and support every step of the way.
Protecting Canada’s livestock industry with a new vaccine bank
(June 10, 2025 CFIA News Release) Canada is making significant progress towards the creation of a dedicated foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine bank, which will build on existing protections for the livestock industry and equip producers with another tool to control and eliminate the disease should an outbreak occur.
Following a competitive procurement process, Public Services and Procurement Canada, on behalf of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency, awarded contracts to Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health and Biogénesis Bagó SA to supply multiple types of vaccine products and develop Canada’s first FMD vaccine bank. This FMD vaccine bank complements Canada’s current access to vaccines through the North American Foot and Mouth Disease Vaccine Bank, ensuring readily available vaccines for Canadian producers.
FMD is a highly contagious and severe disease that affects cattle, sheep, swine, and other cloven-hoofed animals. An FMD infection can cause painful blisters that make it hard for animals to eat, walk, and produce milk, leaving them weak and sick.
Preparedness efforts, including building a Canadian FMD vaccine bank, are key to protecting Canadian animals and agriculture. Having a ready supply of FMD emergency vaccines will strengthen our ability to respond effectively to an outbreak should one occur. It could also reduce the number of cases and the duration of the outbreaks.
Collaboration between Canada’s federal, provincial and territorial governments along with stakeholders plays a key role in Canada’s FMD prevention and preparedness plans. These efforts, combined with Canada’s existing strict import requirements, on-farm biosecurity measures, and disease surveillance, continue to
protect the health of Canadian animals and the economic prosperity of our producers and farming communities.
Quotes
“Today's announcement highlights our continued commitment to enhancing Canada’s animal disease preparedness and prevention plans. Securing our own supply of FMD emergency vaccines will not only help reduce the spread during a potential outbreak but also help protect the livelihood of Canadian farmers by minimizing the impact on international trade.”
-Paul MacKinnon, President, Canadian Food Inspection Agency
“Establishing a dedicated FMD vaccine bank is a vital tool in safeguarding the health of our livestock, market access and the future of our industry. CFIA’s announcement marks a key milestone towards our shared goal of strengthening Canada’s preparedness against the threat of foot-and-mouth disease. We will continue to work with governments and stakeholders to ensure Canada has a robust emergency preparedness and prevention strategy against FMD.”
-Tyler Fulton, President, Canadian Cattle Association
“The FMD vaccine bank is an important investment in protecting Canadian livestock and livestock producers from this disease. The federal government’s support is further proof the cooperative relationship between government and industry in Canada works for producers and processors from coast to coast. We look forward to continuing this partnership on other challenges together.”
- René Roy, Chair, Canadian Pork Council
Protecting Canada’s livestock industry with a new vaccine bank
“Today’s announcement is a welcome and pivotal step towards enhancing existing industry defenses, offering producers another critical tool to minimize the impact and return Canada back to 'FMD-free' status in the event of an outbreak. This is vital for protecting animal health and farm sustainability, contributing to a safe, reliable, and consistent food supply for Canadians.”
-David
Wiens, President, Dairy Farmers of Canada
Quick facts
• Budget 2023 committed $57.5 million over five years, with $5.6 million ongoing, to the CFIA to establish an FMD vaccine bank for Canada, and to further develop FMD response plans.
• FMD is considered one of the greatest economic threats to Canadian animal agriculture and the economic impacts in Canada are estimated to between $22B and $75B (in 2025 CAD) depending on the mode of introduction and extent of spread.
• Canada has been free from FMD since 1952, and strict measures are in place to prevent the disease from entering Canada. FMD is not a public health risk and is not considered a food safety issue.
• Public Services and Procurement Canada led an open, fair and transparent competitive procurement process to establish the contract for the FMD vaccine bank. Information about the solicitation is available on CanadaBuys.
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.
For current information re: the wildfire situation, including fire maps, fire and travel restrictions, etc., go to:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/wildfire_program/
To report a wildfire call:1-800-782-0076 (tollfree)
A reminder about individual responsibilities during an emergency from the provincial Emergency Management Organization (EMO):
Step 1: – Producers/Individuals are the first point of responsibility to deal with their own emergency situation.
Step 2: – If individuals cannot provide appropriate response to their emergency situation, their local municipality is the first point of contact for emergency-related information and assistance.
Step 3: – If the local municipality cannot handle the situation, that municipality will contact the Emergency Management Organization (EMO) for assistance. If EMO requires Manitoba Agriculture’s assistance, they will assign an issue to our emergency coordinator.
Producers who need to transport livestock to an alternate area are encouraged to book a transport company immediately to ensure service.
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/nrnd/pubs/fire/wildfire _evacuation.pdf
Manitoba Agriculture also has information about evacuating livestock: https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/animalhealth-and-welfare/emergency-
Wildfire Information For Producers
preparedness/caring-for-livestock-duringevacuation.html
Manitoba Emergency Management Organization guide for individuals facing an emergency:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/guide/individuals/ index.html
Animal Health Canada resources re: emergency preparedness:
https://animalhealth.ca/ https://animalhealth.ca/otheremergencies/fires/
Mental health supports are available through entities such as:
https://supportline.ca/farm-support-services/
https://manitobafarmerwellness.ca/
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.
SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THE 2025 CANADIAN BEEF CHECK-OFF AGENCY AWARD
It is no surprise that Canada’s beef industry continues to focus on the engagement of young entrants into the beef industry, whether that be grassroots producers, future leaders of our national and provincial organizations, or industry partners along the value chain.
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency (the Agency) continues to diversify its youth strategy with the renewal of the annual scholarship, aimed at students who intend to make an impact in Canada’s beef industry.
The scholarship is open not only to beef producers and those directly involved with their families, but it is open to students who can see unique ways to make an impact through marketing, research, public engagement, and other areas where check-off dollars are invested to generate value for the beef industry in Canada.
“We are working hard to ensure that we are engaging the next generation of industry leaders,” said Trevor Welch, Agency Chair. “This scholarship allows us to reach pockets of young producers that we often find it challenging to connect with.”
Adeleen Bolduc, the Agency’s Youth Member and member of the scholarship committee, sees value in the extensive range of career paths that can help shape Canada’s beef industry.
“Our scholarship outreach is one of the most successful communications programs to date at the Agency ”, said Bolduc. “We have been focusing on different platforms to get the word out to young beef industry stakeholders and it has been extremely positive.”
While preference may be given to applicants who are beef producers or have a background in agriculture, it is not a requirement for the scholarship.
Applicants are asked to submit a 1-2 minute video, showcasing their desire to improve and grow Canada’s beef industry in a unique way. The investment of the beef check-off in Canada delivers value to the beef industry, and the scholarship seeks to support those who want to make an impact in the same way.
The deadline for scholarship applications is June 30, 2025 and the selected applicant will be announced during the Agency’s AGM in August 19, which will be held virtually.
Apply by June 30 at cdnbeefcheckoff.ca/scholarship
Trevor Welch, Agency Chair
Adeleen Bolduc, Agency Youth Member
CANADIAN BEEF CHECK-OFF AGENCY
SCHOLARSHIP
The Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency has established a scholarship to encourage and support students pursuing post-secondary studies in the field of agriculture, agricultural research, or with an agriculture background pursuing studies in marketing or other areas of impact to the beef industry.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To be eligible for the $2000 scholarship, applicants must:
• be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• be accepted to or attending a designated post secondary institution
• be accepted to or attending a full-time program relating to:
• agriculture or agriculture business
• marketing, communications or public relations
• science and research including veterinary medicine
• human health and nutrition
• policy and economics
Note: Preference will be given to applicants who are active beef producers or have a background in agriculture, but it is not a requirement.
HOW TO APPLY
Applicants must submit to the Canadian Beef Check-Off Agency:
• an application form
• a link to a creative video no longer than two minutes, showcasing how their background in agriculture, paired with their education, can help grow the future of the beef industry in Canada
• an official acceptance letter or current enrollment document to a designated post-secondary institution
Videos must be posted to YouTube, marked as public, and the link shared in the application form.
The recipient will be selected by committee on the basis of video content, and desire to improve and grow Canada’s beef industry in a unique way. Knowledge and understanding of Canada’s national beef strategy, checkoff system and national beef organizations is preferred.
