New University of Manitoba research chair to advance beef production sustainability
First of-its kind initiative will make cow-calf sector more economically viable - see story on page 3.
Representatives from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) visited the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre on JUne 16 for the announcement of the BCRC Chair. L to R: Lee Irvine, Craig Lehr, Dean Manning, Martin Scanlon (Dean, UM Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences). Photo credit: Peter Frohlich/University of Manitoba.
In this edition...
June 20, 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.
New University of Manitoba research chair to advance beef production sustainability
(June 16, 2025 University of Manitoba/Beef Cattle Research Council media release) Thanks to a $1.5 million grant from the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC), the University of Manitoba (UM), along with its partners at Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Agriculture, and Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives is proud to announce the establishment of the BCRC Chair in Beef Cattle Economic Sustainability.
“It’s important for our industry to understand beneficial management practices that boost productivity, profitability, and environmental sustainability – including those related to greenhouse gas emissions, land and water use, and biodiversity,” said Craig Lehr, the Beef Cattle Research Council chair and Alberta beef producer.
“This new Chair will focus on viable solutions for Canadian beef cattle producers with innovations that improve economic sustainability while reducing environmental footprint.”
The beef industry faces mounting challenges, including volatile input costs, climate-related risks, and limited access to equitable risk management tools. These pressures have made it increasingly difficult for producers especially in the cow-calf sector to adopt new technologies and practices that could reduce their environmental footprint.
“Beef producers in Manitoba and across Canada care deeply about both environmental and economic sustainability because the land they steward today must feed their families tomorrow. Thriving ecosystems and strong businesses go hand in hand. Having this chair position will help producers make decisions both good for the land and for their bottom line,” said Matthew Atkinson, President of Manitoba Beef Producers.
Housed in the Department of Animal Science, the BCRC Chair will advance research around innovative financial incentive models, analyze the behavioral drivers behind the adoption of Best Management Practices (BMPs), and work closely with producers, policymakers, and researchers to ensure findings are translated into actionable strategies. The position will also play a key role in training the next generation of agricultural economists and extension specialists.
Beyond its research mandate, the BCRC Chair will serve as a catalyst for broader impact by leading a multidisciplinary team that will align economic and environmental outcomes across the beef value chain. It will attract diverse funding from industry and government to expand research capacity, create enhanced training opportunities for students in cattle economics and extension, and continue to strengthen the beef industry by positioning it as a national and international leader in sustainable beef production research.
“This Chair exemplifies the University of Manitoba’s commitment to collaborative, highimpact research,” said Martin Scanlon, Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.
“By bringing together academia, industry and government, we are creating a powerful platform to support the long-term sustainability of Canada’s beef industry.”
The BCRC Chair, valued at $300,000 annually over a 10-year period, will serve as a hub for research, education, and extension activities that benefit producers across Canada. The process to hire the new BCRC Chair will begin immediately.
Head Office #180, 6815 – 8th Street NE Calgary, Alberta
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Phone: (403) 275-8558
Email: contact@cattle.ca
Office #1101, 350 Sparks St.
Ontario K1R 7S8
Phone: (613) 233-9375
CCA Statement on Bill C-202: An Act to amend the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development Act
June 18, 2025
“On behalf of Canada’s 60,000 beef producers, the Canadian Cattle Association is deeply troubled by the adoption of Bill C-202 through Parliament.
“Bill C-202, same as Bill C-282 before it and Bill C-216 before that, undermines Canada’s reputation as a reliable trading partner and threatens our credibility at a time of growing global uncertainty. We are extremely concerned that the bill was fast-tracked by Members of Parliament through unanimous consent with no consultation and no debate. At a time when Canada should be focused on strengthening trade diversification and opening new markets for Canadian goods, we are disappointed to see Canada’s Parliamentarians prioritize protectionism through legislation.
“Trade is not a political game and C-202 was never about supply management. At its core, Bill C-202 is bad trade policy. Canada’s economy depends on exports, and further growth will require expanding them. Population and consumption growth are happening worldwide and the global demand for protein is growing. The Canadian beef sector exports $7 billion dollars annually. Our beef farmers and ranchers are ready to meet growing global demand and will need support from our government to help us take advantage of these opportunities and help meet that global demand. We look forward to new market growth and development, and to government addressing regulations and non-tariff barriers that impact existing trade agreements.
“Canada’s beef sector contributes $21.8 billion to Canada’s GDP and creates almost 350,000 full-time equivalent jobs throughout our sector. We are a critical part of Canada’s rural economy and national economy. CCA will continue to work with the government to achieve our trade objectives as a sector poised for economic growth across Canada.”
Tyler Fulton, President Canadian Cattle Association
Supporting Canada’s cattle industry by increasing maximum compensation amounts
(June 18, 2025 Canadian Food Inspection Agency Statement)
Today, the Government of Canada is announcing an increase to the maximum value for cattle under its animal compensation regulations to reflect current market value. Amendment to the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations (CDATR) means cattle producers who have been impacted by a reportable disease may be eligible to receive compensation up to the following new maximum amounts:
• registered (purebred) cattle: $16,500 (up from $10,000, set in 2015)
• non-registered cattle: $10,000 (up from $4,500, set in 2015)
As part of its mandate to safeguard food, animals and plants, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) may order the depopulation of animals or destruction of things affected by a disease to keep humans and other animals safe, and to keep export markets open. When this happens, producers are eligible to receive compensation.
The CFIA conducted a market analysis which demonstrated that the market value of cattle has increased since 2015 – the last time the
maximum amounts were updated. This aims to encourage the early reporting of disease and cooperation in eradication efforts.
The actual amount of compensation to be paid to an owner or producer is calculated based on the current market value of the animal. The maximum monetary compensation amounts represent the highest payment that the Minister can authorize.
Quote
“We’re increasing the maximum amount of compensation for cattle to better reflect latest market value and help ensure that our producers have access to appropriate compensation when disease response efforts impact their businesses.”
-The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
Associated Links
• Regulations Amending the Compensation for Destroyed Animals and Things Regulations
• Animal health compensation – what to expect when an animal is ordered destroyed
Notice to industry: Manitoba dairy herd declared infected with bovine tuberculosis
(June 16, 2025 Canadian Food Inspection Agency media release) The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) has launched an investigation into a case of bovine tuberculosis in an animal originating from the Pembina Valley Region of Manitoba that was slaughtered at a federally registered abattoir in Manitoba.
Bovine TB is a reportable disease in Canada and has been subject to a mandatory national eradication program since 1923. While all areas of Canada are considered to be officially free of bovine TB today, isolated cases in cattle may occur.
Human cases of bovine TB are very rare. Exposure can occur through the passage of fluids from an infected animal to an open skin sore, extended close contact with an animal with active respiratory TB or consuming raw or unpasteurized animal products (such as unpasteurized milk) from an infected animal.
Pasteurized milk and milk products are safe to consume.
Generally, bovine TB does not pose a threat to public health in Canada because of the extremely low prevalence of the disease, the abattoir surveillance and testing programs in place, and practices such as pasteurization of milk.
Overview
On June 9, 2025, culture testing by the CFIA Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield found Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in tissues collected from a 7-year-old cow at a federally registered slaughter facility in Manitoba. On June 13, 2025, the presence of Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) was confirmed.
Working with the information in the DairyTrace system, the CFIA identified a herd in Manitoba
as the herd of origin of the infected animal. This herd has been placed under quarantine until testing and depopulation can be completed.
The timing of testing will be determined after discussions with the producer to manage the operational impact of the process.
The CFIA is continuing to work closely with producers, industry associations, and provincial and federal agricultural and health authorities throughout the investigation.
An investigation of this detection will support international market access for Canada's dairy and beef sectors.
Process and next steps
In all cases where federally-regulated diseases are suspected or confirmed, the goal is to take appropriate and prudent control measures while minimizing disruptions to producers.
The CFIA is in the very early stages of its investigation, including further laboratory analysis to determine the mycobacterium strain found during the culture testing.
Information on bovine tuberculosis and what can be expected during an investigation is available on the CFIA website. Investigation updates will be posted as more information becomes available.
During an investigation, quarantines and movement restrictions are placed on any implicated animals. Testing and humane destruction through slaughter are carried out as required.
Compensation and financial assistance
Producers are eligible for compensation for any animals ordered destroyed by the CFIA as part of this investigation.
Notice to industry: Manitoba dairy herd declared infected with bovine tuberculosis
In addition, under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, there is a suite of business risk management (BRM) programs available, including AgriInvest and AgriStability, to help producers manage risk due to severe market volatility and disaster situations that are largely beyond their capacity to manage. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is the lead federal department for these programs.
A collaborative approach
Disease investigations require a great deal of cooperation and collaboration.
Affected producers and industry associations, as well as federal and provincial departments, are cooperating in the ongoing investigation. The common goal is to protect human health, protect the health of Canadian livestock and, in the process, maintain market access.
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef CRSB is hosting a one-hour CRSB Certified producer webinar on Thursday, June 26, 2025 to provide a brief overview of the program, outline the Qualifying Cattle Requirements for CRSB Certified supply chains, and why they are important.
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is the live cattle tracking provider for the CRSB Certified program, and will provide an on-screen step-by-step demo of the key supply chain requirement steps (i.e. submitting birth dates and move-ins) in the Canadian Livestock Tracking System, as well as a demonstration of the CRSB Certification search tool that enables producers to track the qualifying status of tags / identifiers in the CLTS.
Kristine Tapley, Director of Sustainability for Cargill will speak about Cargill’s beef sustainability sourcing and related incentives, and how producers can connect the supply chain dots.
The webinar will be recorded and shared with anyone who is registered, as well as with beef industry groups and CRSB members for distribution following the webinar.
View the Qualifying Cattle Requirements Factsheet and FAQs on the following pages.
CRSB CERTIFIED QUALIFYING CATTLE
Requirements
To qualify for a CRSB Claim:
Cattle must move through CRSB Certified Operations (that are in scope for a certification audit) from birth up to and including the primary processor.
Beef must be from animals with documented records, which must include:
• animal identification (RFID tag)
• birth date (age verification) evidence from a CRSB approved live-cattle chain of custody verifier, and
• cattle movements showing that they moved through only applicable CRSB Certified Operations.
As of October 2023, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is the only approved live-cattle chain of custody verifier for beef cattle in Canada, excluding Quebec.
Make the most of your certification, giving your cattle a chance to qualify through a CRSB Certified supply chain by completing these essential steps.
Get and maintain CRSB Certification Agree to share information
Consent to sharing information with CCIA for CRSB Certified Chain of Custody purposes. Written consent is part of the Certification Body’s audit process. Upon consent, the Certification Body will share the following with CCIA:
• Name • Email • Mailing address
• CLTS account ID • Certificate number
• Certification date • Audit type
• Certification status change / de-certification date
If you have consented, your contact info will appear under the “CRSB Client Information” section of your CCIA Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) account.
You can give consent at any time by contacting your Certification Body.
Submit birth dates
Input birth dates into the CLTS for the cattle born and tagged on your operation since becoming CRSB Certified.
Animals born-on your operation within six months of your CRSB certification date are eligible.
Submit move-in events
Move-in events must be submitted 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 your CRSB certification date are eligible.
client support: 1.877.909.2333 / info@canadaid.ca
COMPLETING THE STEPS
What you need to know
Sharing information with CCIA for Chain of Custody purposes 1
For cattle to be traced through CRSB Certified supply chains, information is needed for Chain of Custody purposes. Your personal information, collected by the Certification Body during the CRSB Certified audit process, requires your informed (written) consent to be accessed or shared by CRSB or CCIA.
To add or change consent permissions, contact your Certification Body - they will notify the CCIA of changes. Permission can be changed at any time.
Where Food Comes From: phone (866) 395-5883 / email: info@wherefoodcomesfrom.com
2 Submitting birth dates to CLTS
The CRSB Certified program requires that cattle must move through CRSB Certified Operations from birth up to and including the primary processors to qualify for a CRSB Claim. Birth dates provide a starting datapoint for each animal in a supply chain from which to trace that animal’s conformance to the CRSB Certified program requirements.
The birth date must be submitted to the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) by the herd of origin and the animal must have been born on your premises within 6 months of CRSB certification.
3 Submitting move ins to CLTS
A move-in event shows that an animal has been moved to a new operation/premises as it moves through the supply chain. Move-ins provide a datapoint from which to trace that animal’s conformance to the CRSB Certified program requirements (that the animal was born and raised only CRSB Certified Operations, and processed in a CRSB Certified facility), for each stage in an animal’s lifecycle in a supply chain.
Move-in events must be submitted 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 your CRSB certification date are eligible.
Contact us: info@crsbcertified.ca For more information: https://crsbcertified.ca
For more information: crsbcertified.ca
The CRSB Certified Look-up Tool
To assist producers in tracking cattle that qualify through the supply chain, the CRSB worked with CCIA to implement a search function within the CLTS called “CRSB Certification Status”.
This tool enables searching by tag/ indicator number to view the CRSB Certified status of an animal in real-time, at any time in its lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions
Qualifying Cattle Requirements & steps to participating in CRSB Certified supply chains
CRSB Certified is a full value-chain program that enables sustainable sourcing and provides credible assurances for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada.
The CRSB Certified program’s sourcing and Product-related Claims in the marketplace require that cattle must move through CRSB Certified Operations from birth up to and including the primary processor.
To facilitate a value-chain program, a Chain of Custody (traceability) system is required. As of October 2023, the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is the approved live-cattle chain of custody verifier for beef cattle in Canada, excluding Quebec.
There are four important steps to giving cattle a chance to qualify through a CRSB Certified supply chain.
1. Become CRSB Certified and/or maintain CRSB certification
2. Consent to sharing information with CCIA for the purposes of CRSB Chain of Custody
3. Submit birth dates to the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS)
4. Submit move-in events to the CLTS when cattle move to a new operation
Section 1: Sharing information with CCIA
Why do I need to share information with CCIA for the CRSB Certified program?
For cattle to be traced through CRSB Certified supply chains, information is needed for Chain of Custody purposes.
Your personal information, collected during the CRSB Certified audit process, requires your informed (written) consent to be accessed or shared by CRSB Certified or CCIA.
Consent is provided through written permission via the Certification Body that carries out your certification.
Information shared with CCIA for CRSB Certified Chain of Custody purposes includes:
• name (contact and operation)
• email
• mailing address
• CLTS account ID
• certificate number
• certification date
• certification status change / decertification date
• audit type
How do I check if I have shared information with CCIA?
If you have provided written consent, your contact information will appear under the “CRSB Client Information” section of your CCIA Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) account.
This section will only appear in your CLTS account if you have already provided consent
To add or change consent permissions, contact your Certification Body; changes to permissions cannot be made within the CLTS. The Certification Body will notify the CCIA of changes.
For any producer CRSB Certified by Verified Beef Production Plus:
• Written consent to share information is collected during the Audit Application and Agreement process, prior to on-farm certification.
• Annual updates also include an opportunity to confirm this consent, if they haven’t already done so.
Permission can be changed at any time by contacting VBP+ either by phone (587-328-5980) or email: info@verifiedbeef.ca
For feedlots CRSB Certified by Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance:
• Written consent to share information and to publish their feedlot/operation/business name on the Ontario Corn Fed Beef website is provided during the sign-up process to become a OCFB QA CRSB certified feedlot
• Permission can be changed at any time by contacting Ontario Corn Fed Beef Quality Assurance program either by phone (519-686-6226) or via email: info@ontariocornfedbeef.com
Section two: Submitting Birth dates
Why do I need to submit birth dates to the CLTS?
The CRSB Certified program requires that cattle must move through CRSB Certified Operations from birth up to and including the primary processors to qualify for a CRSB Claim. These requirements enable CRSB Claims used in-market by program licensees (i.e. retailers and restaurants).
Birth dates provide a starting datapoint for each animal in a supply chain from which to trace that animal’s conformance to the CRSB Certified program requirements.
How do I submit birth dates to the CLTS?
Submitting a birth date, also known as age verification, means applying birth date information to an approved CCIA tag/indicator number.
Birth dates for animals born on your premises must be submitted to the CLTS database either directly online, via spreadsheet using a template, via CLTS MOBO mobile app, or by web services through third-party management software.
Only the herd of origin can submit a birth date on a tag/indicator and the animal must have been born on your premises within 6 months of CRSB certification to qualify.
Learn more here: https://support.canadaid.ca/clts/submit-events/animalevents/birth-date/
Is there a deadline or cutoff time for submitting birth dates?
Birth dates should be submitted as soon as possible once an animal is tagged. Program traceability, and the CRSB Certified Status search feature, is only as effective as the data available to it.
Birth dates must be submitted to the CLTS before January 15 or July 15, for animals harvested within the previous 6-month period, to be accepted by the system and applied towards CRSB Certified qualification status.
Birth dates are no longer applied towards an animal’s CRSB Certified qualifying cattle status once the animal has been harvested and its tag/indicator is retired.
Who do I contact if I have questions or need help submitting birth dates?
You can contact the Client Support Team at CCIA for assistance with submitting data at 1-877909-2333 or info@canadaid.ca.
Can my cattle still qualify if they lose an ear tag/indicator linked to a birth date?
Possibly
If an ear tag/indicator is lost, a cross-reference event submitted to the CLTS can link the historical birth date information with the new tag/indicator number and retain CRSB Certified qualification status.
Where the lost tag/indicator number is KNOWN:
Submit a cross-reference event to connect the newly applied tag/indicator number to the lost tag/indicator number.
• Scenario 1: If an animal loses a tag/indicator at the primary producer level and the tag/indicator number is not known, a new tag/indicator should be applied, and the birth date must be submitted to the CLTS on the new tag/indicator
• Scenario 2: If an animal at the secondary producer or feedlot level loses a tag/indicator and the old tag/indicator number is not known to submit a cross-reference, that animal will no longer be eligible to qualify for the CRSB Certified supply chain.
Section 3: Submitting cattle move-ins
Why do I need to move-in cattle?
A move-in event shows that an animal has been moved to a new operation/premises as it moves through the supply chain.
Move-ins provide a datapoint from which to trace that animal’s conformance to the CRSB Certified program requirements (that the animal was born and raised only CRSB Certified Operations, and processed in a CRSB Certified facility), for each stage in an animal’s lifecycle in a supply chain.
Who needs to submit move-ins?
Move-in events must be submitted 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 your CRSB certification date are eligible.
Do I need to submit move-ins if I retain ownership, but cattle are custom fed by someone else?
The CRSB chain of custody system tracks cattle movement, not ownership. If cattle from a CRSB Certified producer are custom fed by a CRSB Certified custom feeder, with retained ownership, the animals must still be moved into the feeder operation. In this case, the cattle may still qualify for a CRSB Certified supply chain.
If moved from a CRSB Certified operation to a non-certified custom feeder, the animals will not qualify under the CRSB Certified supply chain, regardless of ownership.
How do I submit move-in events in the CLTS?
A move in or move out event is submitted to the CLTS in the same way birth date information is, directly onto the website, through excel spreadsheets, via CLTS MOBO mobile app, or by web service through third-party management software.
Learn more here: https://support.canadaid.ca/clts/submit-events/animalevents/move-in/
Who do I contact if I have questions or need help with move-ins?
You can contact the Client Support Team at CCIA for assistance with submitting data at 1-877909-2333 or info@canadaid.ca.
What if I am a combined operation, do I need to submit birth dates AND move-in cattle?
For certification by VBP+, audits are classified by levels 1, 2 or 3 defined as follows, with birth date and move-in requirements (when cattle move to a new operation) indicated by operation classification type:
VBP+ Audit Definition
Level 1: Cow-calf
• Cow/Calf, Grasser/Stocker and Backgrounding lots who keep cattle for 4 months or less
Level 2: Feedlot
• Backgrounding lots who keep cattle for 4 months or more and
• Finishing Feedyards
Level 3: Combined Operation
• Operations that combine Cow/Calf and Backgrounding lots who keep cattle for four months or more; and
• Cow/Calf through to Finishing Feedyards.
Birth date submissions required? Move-in submission required?
For animals that never move off their initial CRSB Certified Operation with a combination (level 3) audit type:
In the case of combination audit type, a CLTS account can submit a move-in (e.g. cow-calf to feedlot) where there is only one PID. When submitting a move-in event in the CLTS account, the source PID is optional; only the destination PID is required.
For certification by OCFQA-CRSB, all operations are required to submit move-ins, as OCFBQACRSB conducts only feedlot certifications.
Is there a deadline or cutoff time for submitting move-in events?
Move-in events should be submitted as soon as possible once an animal has changed locations/premises. Program traceability, and the CRSB Certified Status search feature, is only as effective as the data available to it.
Move-in events must be submitted to the CLTS before January 15 or July 15, for animals harvested within the previous 6-month period to be accepted by the system and to be applied towards CRSB Certified qualification status.
Move-in events are no longer applied towards an animal’s CRSB Certified qualifying cattle status once the animal has been harvested and its tag/indicator is retired.
What if I am working with a herd management software or team – will the birth date and move-in information be automatically shared to CCIA?
It is the responsibility of the individual producer to confirm if their own management software is sharing information with CCIA, and to confirm successful submissions in your CLTS account. If your service provider forwards the data successfully to the CLTS, it will be accounted for.
Section 4: Program-related questions
I have just been CRSB Certified. Are my cattle eligible for a CRSB Certified supply chain? What is the cutoff?
Animals born-on your operation within six months of your CRSB certification date are eligible.
For operations after the birth farm (eg. backgrounder, grasser/stocker, feedlot), qualifying animals moved in from another CRSB Certified Operation within six months of your CRSB certification date are eligible.
How do I check if my cattle qualify?
To assist producers in tracking cattle that qualify through the supply chain, the CRSB worked with CCIA to implement a search function within the CLTS called “CRSB Certification Status”. This tool enables searching by tag/indicator number to view the CRSB Certified status of an animal in real-time, at any time in its lifecycle. Learn more: https://support.canadaid.ca/clts/search/crsb-certification-status/
What does “in scope for a CRSB Certified audit” mean?
Operations (cow-calf, backgrounding and feedlots) that serve as the residence for cattle at various stages are in-scope for a CRSB Certified audit to the CRSB Sustainable Beef Production Standard.
Operations that transitorily house cattle (auction yards, transportation/hauling, fairs) are not currently in scope for a CRSB Certified audit.
What incentives are there for getting certified?
CRSB has partnered with its members to encourage certification and reward those who have made the investment. There are currently market-based and operation-based programs available.
Farm Credit Canada offers a Sustainability Incentive for any CRSB Certified operation that has eligible lending with FCC. Payments are calculated as a portion of your lending with FCC. You could receive one payment per year, up to a maximum of $2,000, and can reapply annually throughout the life of the program.
Since 2018, Cargill and its customers have supported a Qualifying Cattle Credits program - a per head credit provided to all producers in the supply chain for cattle that qualify for a CRSB Certified claim (i.e. travel through CRSB Certified Operations from birth, up to and including processing at a Cargill facility). This credit has paid in the range of $18-20/head of qualifying cattle.
Since 2023, Cargill and its customers also provided a Certification Recognition Credit to “fill the gap” for Canadian beef producers who have made the upfront investment of becoming CRSB Certified but did not receive at least $400 CAD in financial return for qualifying cattle processed the previous year as part of the Cargill Qualifying Cattle Credits program. This is being offered again in 2025.
Are the incentives going to continue every year?
CRSB works closely with its partners to encourage continuity of incentives for producers. Current programs are renewed on an annual basis.
Who owns the chain of custody algorithm? Who can make changes?
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is the owner of the CRSB Certified program and its requirements, including Chain of Custody. Any changes must be at the request and direction of CRSB.
Is the system audited annually?
Yes. The [CCIA’s implementation of the] Chain of Custody system is audited annually.
Visit crsbcertified.ca to learn more. Email: info@crsbcertified.ca
June 19, 2025
The Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up Committee has been hard at work throughout the winter planning the 18th annual Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up. The 18th event is scheduled to be held August 1st, 2nd & 3rd at the Beautiful Plains Ag Society in Neepawa Manitoba. For 18 years Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up has prioritized educational events and clinics, team bonding, and friendly competition. We encourage juniors to “Take The Lead” in 2025 as our weekend theme!
We are excited to host the popular competitive events that our 3 day event has offered in the past, such as the Cook-off, Team Judging and Individual Judging, Ag Challenge, Scholarships, Judging Clinics and the Agribition Judging Team.
We are also pleased to be working on some new fresh and exciting events as well as getting back to the basis teaching our participants grooming and showmanship work shops, grazing management, photography and marketing, to name a few!
We offer an all breeds cattle show with classes for heifer calves, bull calves, yearling heifers, 2-year old cow-calf pairs and mature cow calf pairs as well as a market steer show. Round Up is pleased to offer a free entry to any 4-H champion female as well as a parade of champions to acknowledge these juniors for their well deserved success!
Entries are now open until July 9th and can be found on Facebook or the Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up website, mbyouthbeefroundup.weebly.com. Watch our Facebook page or website for details on how and when to apply for the scholarships Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up has to offer.
4-H members and commercial and purebred producers from the age of 6 to 25 are welcome to attend. Events and competitions are friendly for all age groups! Watch for our facebook page “Manitoba Youth Beef Round Up” for further announcements or how to enter! Entry deadlines are July 9th 2025.
We invite the public to come check this event out and see first hand great things the up and coming Canadian Beef producers are up to!
Fire Bulletin #37
(June 19, 2025 Province of Manitoba media release) The Manitoba Wildfire Service advises the province is at a moderate-to-high fire danger and anticipates fires caused by lightning starts. Manitobans are reminded to continue to act with great caution when outdoors. Humancaused fires unnecessarily put people and communities at risk but are preventable.
Fire and travel restrictions
Areas 1 to 5 and areas 8 to 22 are at Level 2. This means:
• Provincial burning permits are cancelled. Burn permits may be issued for agriculture and industry under the discretion of a conservation officer and Manitoba Wildfire Service.
• Motorized backcountry travel, including ATVs and other off-road vehicles, is prohibited unless under the authority of a travel permit. For travel permit requests, email BackcountryTravel@gov.mb.ca or call (204) 345-1489.
• Travel permit is required for remote travel within the boundaries of a fire.
• Camping is restricted to developed campgrounds.
• Campfires are only permitted between the hours of 8 p.m. and 8 a.m.
• Wayside parks remain open.
• Landing and launching is restricted to developed shorelines only.
• Industry and outfitters may be restricted in their operations and should contact their local National Resources and Indigenous Futures office for more information.
Many provincial parks fall within burn areas 1 to 5 and 8 to 22, and are considered at Level 2 including the Whiteshell, Grand Beach, Hecla/Grindstone, Duck Mountain, Clearwater Lake and Paint Lake. For the complete list, visit www.gov.mb.ca/sd/parks/_resources/en/p df/travel-2.pdf.
Fire and travel restrictions have been lifted for areas 6, 7 and Area A, which includes the following provincial parks: Asessippi, Beaudry, Birds Hill, Camp Morton, Duff Roblin, Grand Valley, Hnausa Beach, Hyland, Lockport, Lundar Beach, Manipogo, Margaret Bruce, Memorial, Netley Creek, Norris Lake, Oak Lake, Pembina Valley, Portage Spillway, Rainbow Beach, River Road, Rivers, Seton, St. Ambroise Beach, St. Malo, St. Norbert, Stephenfield, Trappist Monastery, Upper Fort Garry, Watchorn, William Lake, Winnipeg Beach and Yellow Quill.
Several provincial parks or park areas remain closed to all park users, including Bakers Narrows, Manigotagan River, South Atikaki, Wallace Lake, with partial closures in Whiteshell and Nopiming. Check www.manitobaparks.com for details and updates.
Anyone returning to reopened areas is advised to be prepared to evacuate again with little notice and should prepare an emergency go kit, as well as remain alert for evacuation notices.
Manitoba continues under a provincewide state of emergency. The provincial state of emergency under the Emergency Measures Act is in effect until June 26.
Since May 1, the Manitoba Conservation Officer Service has issued 93 charges and 31 warnings related to wildfires.
Fires of note
The Manitoba Wildfire Service continues to respond to 21 active wildfires across the
Fire Bulletin #37
province, a total of 125 wildfires to date, above the average for this date of 120 total fires. Total area burned in the province is more than 902,000 hectares (ha).
Fires of note include:
East region:
• Fire EA061 remains out of control at approximately 218,700 ha. Provincial Road (PR) 315 is open with access to Bird Lake, Booster Lake, Flanders Lake and Davidson Lake. A closure and mandatory evacuation order continues for the rest of Nopiming Provincial Park and the entire areas of Wallace Lake, South Atikaki and Manigotagan River provincial parks. PR 314 remains closed through Nopiming Provincial Park. The two-hour evacuation notice has been lifted for the Rural Municipality of Alexander from Tall Timber Road to Hill Drive.
• Fire EA063, located on the Ontario border near Ingolf, is being held at approximately 5,400 ha. A closure order continues for the Mantario Wilderness Zone in Whiteshell Provincial Park and the Caddy Lake tunnels are closed.
West region:
• Fire WE017, located near Sherridon and the city of Flin Flon, is approximately 370,780 ha and is out of control. Mandatory evacuation orders remain in place for Big Island, Schist Lake, Little Athapapuskow Cottage Area, Whitefish, White Lake (northwest region), Bakers Narrows Provincial Park and the city of Flin Flon.
• Fire WE023, located eight kilometres (km) from Wanless and south of Cranberry Portage, is approximately 4,920 ha and is under control.
• Fire WE025, located near Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan), is approximately 55,140 ha and is being monitored. The fire around Mathias Colomb Cree Nation is contained but a mandatory evacuation order continues for Mathias Colomb Cree Nation (Pukatawagan).
• Fire WE027, located eight km from the town of Grand Rapids and Misipawistik Cree Nation, is approximately 12,000 ha and is being held.
• Fire WE028, located 10 km from Bakers Narrows Provincial Park, is approximately 7,200 ha and is out of control.
North region:
• Fire NO002, located near the town of Lynn Lake, is approximately 71,860 ha and is out of control. A mandatory evacuation order continues for the town of Lynn Lake and Marcel Colomb First Nation (Black Sturgeon).
• Fire NO005, located near Pimicikamak Cree Nation (Cross Lake), the Incorporated Community of Cross Lake, Jenpeg Generating Station and Whiskey Jack Landing, is approximately 64,860 ha and is out of control.
• Fire NO010, located near Tataskweyak Cree Nation (Split Lake), is approximately 21,560 ha and is out of control.
Information and resources for evacuees
As of 4 p.m. on Friday, June 20, the Leila Soccer Complex at 770 Leila Ave. will transition to Winnipeg’s primary reception centre for wildfire
Fire Bulletin #37
evacuees. Reception centre services will be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The Billy Mosienko Arena site will no longer be used
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
For assistance, evacuees can contact Manitoba 211 from anywhere in Manitoba or by emailing 211mb@findhelp.ca. For more information, visit https://mb.211.ca/get-helpnow/.
How Manitobans can help
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
General wildfire information
• latest road conditions and closures: www.manitoba511.ca
• 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
To report a wildfire, call 911 or the TIP line tollfree at 1-800-782-0076.
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:
Mental health supports are available through entities such as:
https://supportline.ca/farm-support-services/
https://manitobafarmerwellness.ca/
Choose Canada this summer with the new Canada Strong Pass
(June 16, 2025 Government of Canada media release) This summer, Canadians can enjoy the very best Canada has to offer with the Canada Strong Pass. From museums and railroads to national parks and camping spots, the federal government is making it easier for families to choose Canada as they make their summer plans and enjoy the places and experiences that bring us together and make Canada strong.
From June 20 to September 2, 2025, the Canada Strong Pass will offer expanded access to Canada’s nature and culture across the country, helping families discover and celebrate Canada throughout the summer.
The Pass includes:
• Parks Canada: Free admission for all visitors to national historic sites, national parks and national marine conservation areas administered by Parks Canada and a 25% discount on camping fees.
• National museums and the Plains of Abraham Museum: Free admission for children aged 17 and under and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
• VIA Rail: Free travel for children aged 17 and under when accompanied by an adult and a 25% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
• Selected participating provincial and territorial museums and galleries: Free admission for children and a 50% discount for young adults aged 18 to 24.
By making these experiences more accessible, the Pass enables Canadians to connect with what unites us, discover our country’s diversity, take pride in our shared Canadian identity, and
immerse ourselves in the stories and landscapes that shape who we are.
Quotes
“We’ve seen an incredible show of unity from Canadians since the beginning of the year. Our Canada Strong Pass aims to make it even easier for families to choose Canada to discover the beauty of our country, connect with nature, and enjoy our culture all summer long. Whether it’s visiting a national park they always wanted to see, exploring a museum, or booking a camping trip, families can create lasting memories together. Canadians are proud of what defines us, and this Pass is about celebrating a strong, united Canada.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Identity and Culture and Minister responsible for Official Languages
“Transportation is more than just a means to get from one place to another it’s a way to connect Canadians and help them discover the great beauty and history of our country. The Canada Strong Pass makes it easier and more affordable for families and young people to explore our country by rail this summer. Whether it’s discovering a new part of the country or revisiting a favourite spot, this initiative allows Canadians to travel, connect and celebrate what makes our country so special.”
—The Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Transport and Internal Trade
“Canada’s tourism sector is dynamic, innovative and essential to our national economy. The Canada Strong Pass will give a much-needed boost to the tourism industry by encouraging Canadians to rediscover our country, support local businesses and celebrate the communities
Choose Canada this summer with the new Canada Strong Pass
that make Canada extraordinary. This summer, let’s choose Canada.”
The Honourable Rechie Valdez, Minister of Women and Gender Equality and Secretary of State (Small Business and Tourism)
“Canada’s natural landscapes are a pillar of our identity and are vital for our well-being. Parks Canada plays a critical role in protecting some of Canada’s most iconic destinations that offer Canadians the opportunity to reconnect with nature. This summer, I encourage all Canadians to take advantage of free or discounted admission with the Canada Strong Pass, which is making it easier for everyone to access the natural and cultural wealth of the country.”
The Honourable Nathalie Provost, Secretary of State (Nature)
“With the Canada Strong Pass, we’re ensuring young Canadians and families can connect with the places that shape our shared Canadian identity. With fewer financial barriers, we hope even more people will have the chance to explore our stunning landscapes, vibrant cities, and rich cultural heritage. This is about supporting our youth, strengthening our communities, and celebrating everything that makes Canada home.”
The Honourable Anna Gainey, Secretary of State (Children and Youth)
Quick facts
• No registration or physical pass is necessary; just show up and enjoy the benefits offered at participating establishments. The Pass is open to all visitors, whether you are Canadian or coming from abroad. It’s an invitation to experience Canada’s cultural and natural richness.
• The national museums of Canada are participating in this initiative, along with the
National Battlefields Commission. Together, these institutions preserve and promote Canadian history, art, culture, science and nature. They welcome millions of visitors every year and play an essential role in transmitting Canadian heritage and identity.
• VIA Rail offers safe, comfortable, accessible, sustainable and environmentally friendly passenger rail service from coast to coast.
• VIA Rail plays an essential role in connecting communities across Canada by offering a comprehensive network of passenger rail services. Focused on passenger service, the company aims to offer passengers an unrivalled travel experience.
• Parks Canada Discovery Passes already purchased and valid for the months of June, July and August 2025 will be extended for an additional three months.
• Parks Canada administered sites are at the heart of our national identity. They connect us through powerful stories and breathtaking landscapes, fostering a shared attachment to the places that have shaped who we are as Canadians.
• With 171 national historic sites, 48 national parks, five national marine conservation areas and one national urban park, Parks Canada’s vast reach provides services in over 200 locations across Canada, in every province and territory, rural, urban and northern.
• Parks Canada is one of Canada’s leading tourism experience providers, welcoming approximately 24 million visitors every year to some of the world’s most iconic natural and cultural heritage destinations. Visitors to Parks Canada administered places help generate $4 billion to the national GDP and spend the equivalent of more than $11 million every day in communities across the country
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.
