E-Newsletter
Canadian Cattle Association Elects New Leadership
Congratulations to MBP District 7 Director and Board Secretary Tyler Fulton on becoming the new CCA President. We know he will continue to very capably represent our industry at home, on the national stage and wherever his busy travel schedule will be taking him over the course of his CCA duties in the weeks and months ahead! Please see page 5 for the full CCA media release.
Pictured: Tyler at the mic during the 46th MBP AGM. Photo credit: Duncan McNairnay
In this edition...
Reminder
Applications for the 2025-2026 Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program year are open until March 31.
Applications are open to young people ages 18-35 with a passion for the Canadian beef industry. Please note, you don’t need to be involved in primary production to apply. Click the graphic to find out more information.
Manitoba Beef Producers Statement on Provincial Budget 2025
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) recognizes that a number of measures contained in the provincial government’s 2025 budget (announced March 20th) will be beneficial to the province’s beef sector, particularly as the industry, like so many others deals with an evolving tariff and trade environment, as well as other matters that affect farm and ranch operations on an ongoing basis.
For example, MBP has long advocated to ensure there is a strong supply of veterinarians in rural Manitoba to meet the needs of beef producers. The new budget contains several items that will be beneficial, including: $500,000 in capital for veterinary diagnostic lab equipment; an added $75,000 to veterinary services districts to maintain animal hospitals in rural communities and to attract and retain veterinarians; and, five more seats for veterinary training in British Columbia and Saskatchewan for a total of 75 veterinary medical seats to train Manitobans to become veterinarians
• A $500,000 increase funding for Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba (SAM) to help producers and farmers to adopt beneficial management practices that improve environmental and economic sustainability;
• Adjustments around premium rates for AgriInsurance.
Other areas of importance to beef producers which were included in the budget include:
• An increase to the maximum value used to calculate livestock predation claims to $7,000 from $3,000 per animal;
• Confirmation that the 2024 Crown land rent freeze will continue;
• Enhanced support for young producers with the province increasing the Young Farmer Rebate from $300,000 to $400,000 and the maximum individual lifetime limit from $30,000 to $40,000;
• Increases to the direct loan limit to $5.75 million from $5.25 million and the stocker loan limit to $1.4 million from $1 million;
On the infrastructure front, the provincial government reaffirmed its commitment to building the Lake St. Martin and Lake Manitoba outlet channels, including a $14.7 million allocation in this budget toward these projects. Helping to mitigate flood risks around Lake Manitoba is very important to Manitoba’s beef sector, which has experienced devastating losses during major flood events around that lake. MBP has been conducting advocacy work on this matter for many years, as well as on the need for improvements to the Disaster Financial Assistance program and other tools to make them more responsive when natural disasters strike.
The budget also outlines a number of strategies and contingency plans related to tariffs and trade, which will be important to helping Manitoba businesses and sectors weather these types of challenges. MBP again thanks the provincial government for having invited MBP President Matthew Atkinson to participate in the Premier’s US Trade Council. This group is focusing on tariff and trade impacts on different sectors and strategies to help address them, and MBP’s ability to raise beef sector-specific needs and concerns in this venue is very valuable.
For complete details on the 2025 provincial budget, visit: https://www.gov.mb.ca/budget2025/index.html
Spring thaw partially begins in southern Manitoba basins
(March 21, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release) The Hydrologic Forecast Centre of Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is advising the public the spring thaw has partially started in southern Manitoba basins including the United States portion of the Red River basin. As temperatures rise, river flows and water levels are expected to gradually increase, leading to potentially hazardous ice conditions on rivers, lakes and drainage ditches throughout Manitoba.
While the ice may appear like normal winter ice, it may be very thin and will no longer support people and heavy objects such as snowmobiles and vehicles.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre also advises outflows from the Shellmouth Dam are being reduced from the current 680 cubic feet per second (cfs) to 300 cfs as part of the normal operation of the dam. This reduction in outflow is expected to weaken the ice along the Assiniboine River from Shellmouth to Brandon.
waterways should be especially careful to prevent children and pets from wandering onto the ice.
Daily temperatures are warming gradually and deteriorating ice thickness and strength. The quality of river ice within communities is also uncertain. Citizens are advised to stay off rivers and retention ponds.
The Manitoba Emergency Management Organization (EMO) continues to work with all local authorities and emergency management partners to provide guidance and support to prepare for and respond to spring flooding. This includes reviewing existing emergency plans, sharing information and preparing resources used in flood response.
Additionally, Manitoba EMO continues to work with Indigenous Services Canada (ISC) and Municipal and Northern Relations (MNR) to support ISC and MNR-led preparation activities for First Nations and Northern Affairs communities.
Use of the rivers, lakes, floodways or drainage ditches for activities such as skiing, sledding and snowmobiling could be hazardous at this time and should be avoided. Persons living near such
As the melt continues, updated flood information will be available at: www.manitoba.ca/floodinfo/.
News Release
CCA Elects New Leadership for 2025–2026
March 21, 2025
The Canadian Cattle Association completed its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Thursday, March 20, 2025 in Ottawa with a number of events, meetings and election of a new Board of Directors.
Tyler Fulton of Birtle, Manitoba moves intothe president position taking over from Nathan Phinney of Sackville, New Brunswick who remains on the Board in the past president position. Sheila Hillmer and Doug Roxborough of Alberta and Jack Chaffe of Ontario retired from the Board. CCAthanks them for their time and contributions.
Many issues were addressed in meetings as a rapidly changing environment faces Canadian cattle producers and allof Canadian agriculture. The Ottawa meeting location allowed many guests to join, including beef producersfrom nearby provinces and across the country. The Honourable Kody Blois brought greetings and well wishes at the retirement dinner on Wednesday evening in honour of past president Nathan Phinney. Phinney retired from the president position Wednesday evening after 27months.
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada representatives presented at committee meetings and CCA was pleased tolearn about steps being takento reduce regulatory burdens that will support the Canadian beef sector and grow our global competitiveness—an announcement that was made on March 19, 2025.
Canadian Food Inspection Agency representatives and Canadian CattleIdentification Agency General Manager Ashley Scott presented atthe Animal Health and Care Committee; Kent Bacus, National Cattlemen’s Beef Association presented at the Domestic Agriculture, Food Policy and Foreign Trade CommitteeMeetings; and Tyler McCann of theCanadian Agriculture Policy Institute presented at the Domestic AgricultureCommitteemeeting.
The LivestockMarkets Association of Canada has been welcomed as an associated organization member of the Canadian Cattle Association.
2025–2026 CCA Board of Director Representatives:
Tyler Fulton (President)—MB
Ryan Beierbach (Vice President)—SK
Nathan Phinney (Past President)—NB
Kirk Jackson (Officer)—QC
Renee Ardill—BC
Matthew Atkinson—MB
Mike Duguid—MB
Lynn Grant—SK
Brodie Haugan—AB
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Karla Hicks—SK
Jason LeBlond—ON
Craig McLaughlin—ON
Victor Oulton—NS, NB,PEI
Graham Overguard—AB
News Release
CCA’s producer-elected board provides leadership toset the direction to propel the industry forward with anational voice at federaland international levels on mattersof importance tothe Canadian beef industry. The Board represents nine Canadian provinces and all sectors and stages of beef production.
For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky
Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
The Canadian Cattle Association is the national voice for Canada’s beef cattle industry representing 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. www.cattle.ca
Prime Minister Carney cancels proposed capital gains tax increase
(March 21, 2025 Prime Minister of Canada News Release) Today, Prime Minister Carney announced that the Government of Canada will cancel the proposed hike in the capital gains inclusion rate. Cancelling the increase of the capital gains inclusion rate is a recognition of the vital role that builders and small businesses play in shaping Canada’s future. It will strengthen Canada’s ability to catalyze the enormous private investment needed to create jobs and opportunities and to build a stronger future.
In addition, the government will maintain the increase in the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption limit to $1,250,000 on the sale of small business shares and farming and fishing property. The government will introduce legislation affecting the increase in the Lifetime Capital Gains Exemption limit in due course.
The new government is focused on catalyzing investment, incentivizing builders for taking risks, and rewarding them when they succeed. It is time to build.
New AAFC Webpage on the U.S. trade situation and available support
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada has launched a webpage to provide information to the sector regarding the U.S. trade situation. Please see the link: • Access key resources and information for the Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector
Canada’s farmland values continued to climb in 2024, FCC reports
(March 18, 2025 Farm Credit Canada News Release)
The average value of Canadian farmland continued its steady climb in 2024, increasing by 9.3 per cent, slightly less than the 11.5 per cent increase reported in 2023, according to the latest FCC Farmland Values Report
“The increase in Canadian farmland values in 2024 reflects an enduring strength in demand for farmland amid some pressures on commodity prices,” said J.P. Gervais, FCC’s chief economist. “The limited supply of farmland available for sale combined with lower borrowing costs resulted in an increase in the average price of farmland across the country.”
The highest increases were observed in regions with strong agricultural activity and favourable growing conditions. In 2024, Saskatchewan again led with a 13.1 per cent gain in average farmland values, and British Columbia recorded growth of 11.3 per cent.
All other provinces experienced growth in the single digits. New Brunswick’s cultivated land values grew by 9.0 per cent, Quebec reported a 7.7 per cent change and Alberta was close behind at 7.1 per cent. Manitoba had a growth rate of 6.5 per cent and Nova Scotia reported a 5.3 per cent appreciation in value. Ontario’s cultivated average farmland value increased by 3.1 per cent and Prince Edward Island had the most stable values with an increase of 1.4 per cent.
Only three provinces reported higher growth rates in 2024 than 2023: British Columbia, Alberta and New Brunswick. There were insufficient publicly reported sales in Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon to fully assess changes in farmland values in those regions.
Recent dry conditions across the prairies have led to a robust demand for irrigated land, with
interest growing each year. Market availability of irrigated land is very limited. “With persistent dry conditions, the value of irrigated land continues to rise, reflecting its critical role in boosting production and farm profitability”, said Gervais.
Gervais points out that while farmland value appreciation is slowing, farmland affordability relative to farm income continues to deteriorate. This makes it challenging for those aspiring to grow their land base including young producers, Indigenous peoples and new entrants.
In 2024, total Canadian principal field crop production is estimated at 94.6 million tonnes, up 2.7 per cent from 2023 and 3.3 per cent above the five-year average. Lower prices for grains, oilseeds and pulses resulted in an estimated decline in main field crop receipts of 11.8 per cent in 2024. “The profitability pressures combined with the current uncertainty with regards to trade disruptions create significant headwinds for farm operations looking to invest,” mentioned Gervais.
“Overall, the increase in farmland values is a testament to the strong outlook for the demand of agricultural commodities and the high-quality food produced in Canada,” said Gervais.
FCC has reported a national trend of increasing farmland values for more than 30 years and 2024 extends the streak. The overall trend reflects the ongoing strength in demand for quality farmland and limited supply of farmland available for sale.
By sharing agriculture economic knowledge and forecasts, FCC provides solid insights and expertise to help those in the business of agriculture achieve their goals. For more information and insights, visit fcc.ca/Economics
Statement from the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development
Cutting red tape to ensure the resiliency and competitive advantage of Canada's agricultural sector
(March 18, 2025 Canadian Food Inspection Agency News Release) As Canada's new Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food and Rural Economic Development, ensuring the resilience of our agriculture sector and enabling a competitive advantage and level playing field for Canadian agricultural products are among my top priorities.
To support these priorities, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is working to remove unnecessary red tape and burden and ensure that our processes and regulations continue to enable prosperity for our agriculture producers, agri-food businesses, and communities across Canada. These measures include:
• Speeding up product approvals to provide alternatives to U.S.-sourced animal feed. This measure will alleviate the burden of tariffs on animal feed producers, by increasing the number of approved feed ingredients from within Canada or from other countries. The CFIA will work with industry to understand prioritization needs and provide new guidance to facilitate the pre-market evaluation process for the approval or registration of some feeds products which are already authorized by a trusted foreign regulator. Together, these measures will enable quicker access to alternative feeds, reduce costs to farmers in the short-term, and support future supply chain sustainability for Canadian producers for years to come.
• Aiming to harmonize our bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) enhanced feed ban with U.S. requirements. Globally, the incidence of BSE has declined significantly and in 2021, the World Organisation for Animal Health recognized Canada as a country with negligible risk for BSE. Currently, differences between Canadian and U.S. requirements put our beef industry at a competitive disadvantage to their U.S. counterparts. We are working with industry on options to reduce unnecessary costs and improve competitiveness while continuing to protect animal health and maintain Canada’s international trade access.
• Addressing stakeholder irritants and leveling the playing field for Canadian producers through advancing key regulatory changes that support industry growth and enable fair trade. Canada will explore increasing the maximum slaughter age for feeder calves from 36 to 40 weeks to permit a higher market price for Canadian producers. We are also working to ensure parity between Canadian hatcheries and U.S. hatcheries by harmonizing testing requirements for salmonella enteritis, in line with recent updates to Canadian hatchery regulations.
Statement from the Honourable Kody Blois, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food
and Rural Economic Development
Cutting red tape to ensure the resiliency and competitive advantage of Canada's agricultural sector
• Removing outdated prescriptive requirements and supporting innovation to enable industry-led actions to meet consumer demands and evolving market conditions. We will examine removing unnecessary or outdated labelling requirements for fresh fruit and vegetables. In addition, we will continue work on a new approach to modernizing fresh fruit and vegetable grades, with the goal of having grades that are outcome-based, harmonized with trading partners where possible, and align with the Safe Food for Canadians Regulations. The CFIA is committed to working with
industry to understand obstacles and consult on requirements like standardized food container sizes, which can create unintended trade barriers within Canada, and internationally.
We will continue to use all available measures to reduce red tape, streamline our processes, modernize our regulations, and reinforce our commitment to open and fair trade.
Canada's farmers, producers, and agri-food businesses are essential to our economy, and we are committed to ensuring they have the tools and support they need to succeed at home and on the world stage.
Notice of Intent to Impose Countermeasures in Response to United States Tariffs on Canadian Goods Issue – Feedback Being Sought by Federal Government
On February 1, 2025, the United States (U.S.) announced it would impose 10 per cent tariffs on energy imports from Canada and 25 per cent tariffs on all other imports from Canada, effective February 4, 2025. The U.S. subsequently delayed the entry into force of the tariffs to March 4, 2025.
In response to these tariffs, Canada is imposing reciprocal tariffs of 25 per cent against C$30 billion in imports of goods from the U.S., effective March 4, 2025, at 12:01 am.
The government is also issuing a notice of intent to implement a second round of tariffs, and is seeking views on imposing tariffs on $125 billion in imports of additional goods from the U.S., drawing from the list of goods in Table 1. This second round of tariffs will be subject to a comment period prior to implementation.
The government is seeking views from business, stakeholders, and Canadians regarding the impacts of the application of tariffs to the goods listed in Table 1 below until April 2, 2025.
Scope of Tariff Measures
If the U.S. does not remove the tariffs applied to Canadian goods, the government intends to impose a tariff of 25 per cent on an additional $125 billion worth of the goods imported from the U.S., drawing from the list of goods in Table 1.
Canada's tariffs only apply to goods originating from the U.S., which shall be considered as those goods eligible to be marked as a good of the U.S. in accordance with the Determination of Country of Origin for the Purpose of Marking Goods (CUSMA Countries) Regulations.
These tariff countermeasures are intended to incentivize the United States to remove its unjustified tariffs against Canada. The countermeasures will not apply to U.S. goods that are in transit to Canada on the day on which these countermeasures come into force.
The list of products outlined at the tariff item level in Table 1 should be read in conjunction with the Schedule to Canada's Customs Tariff
The Government is also announcing a remission framework to help importers who may need to seek transitional relief from tariffs.
Further details on the remission framework, including the application process and eligibility criteria for relief
Feedback Sought on Tariff Measures
The government welcomes views on the proposed tariff measures, including the scope of the measures as outlined in Table 1. Submissions will be accepted until April 2, 2025.
Input on tariff measures should be provided by completing this form
If you wish to provide additional information not included in the form, as well as any additional views or comments you would like to provide on Canada's tariff response, please email consultations@fin.gc.ca, and include "U.S. Tariff Consultations" in the subject line.
While the notice period ends on April 2, 2025, the Government may need to respond to additional tariff threats from the United States before this date. Should the U.S. impose additional tariffs on Canada pursuant to other authorities, the government would consider all
Notice of Intent to Impose Countermeasures in Response to United States Tariffs on Canadian Goods Issue – Feedback
Being Sought by Federal Government
options in response, including the imposition of tariffs on goods listed in table 1 prior to the end of the notice period.
Comments and feedback on tariff measures may also sent by mail to:
International Trade Policy Division (U.S. Tariff Consultations) Department of Finance 90 Elgin Street, 14th Floor Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0G5
To see the tables and other information about this consultation process, go to: https://www.canada.ca/en/department-finance/ programs/consultations/2025/notice-intent-imposecountermeasures-response-united-states-tariffs-o canadian-goods.html
Over 250 visitors stopped by the MBP space at Discover Agriculture in the City on March 15 The annual public awareness event highlights the contributions agriculture makes to the economy, and how important and vital it is for all Canadians. Pictured: Chewyrocking a MBP squeezee cowboy hat - and District 9 Director Trevor Sund. Photo credit: David Hultin/MBP.
Attention Hunters,
You can help shape the future of hunting in Manitoba by taking a few moments to complete this short survey.
Hunter Harvest Surveys (HHS) are vital to the management of Manitoba’s game populations. Your feedback provides valuable information on harvest rates, success levels and hunting trends. The HHS invites hunters to share their experiences, insights and passion for the great outdoors.
The newly redesigned survey is shorter and easier to fill out. By participating in the HHS, you’re influencing decisions on licence numbers, bag limits and season dates!
If you purchased a hunting licence in 2024, please fill out a survey for each licence you purchased, even if you did not hunt or harvest an animal. Individual responses are strictly confidential.
The Hunter Harvest Survey will be available for you to complete and submit until Monday, March 31, 2025.
To complete the HHS, log into your account by visiting manitobaelicensing.ca
Please count yourself in today!
MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS 2025-26 Scholarship Intake
Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships annually for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.
This application process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 20, 2025.
The scholarship criteria are as follows: Eligibility:
• Must be an active Manitoba beef producer or the child of an active Manitoba beef producer Note: This can also include active beef producers returning to school after a period of time in the workforce.
• Must be pursuing post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2025-26 academic year.
• Post-secondary programs or trades training must be a minimum of one academic year in duration.
Items You Are Required to Submit:
• The completed application form;
• Either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay OR a 5-7 minute maximum video submission discussing the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community and Manitoba.” Also, you need to identify in the essay or video the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture*;
• A copy of your transcript (either high school, or a recognized college, university or trade school);
• Proof of enrolment in a recognized institution (current transcript, or your acceptance letter, or a letter of intent indicating your intended institution and field of study for 2025-26);
• A list of your community involvement (e.g. 4-H, community clubs, volunteer work, etc.); and,
• The names of two references, including their addresses and telephone numbers
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions and photos will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2025 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
The completed application, all supporting documents, references, required essay or video, etc. must be submitted to MBP no later than 4:30 p.m. Friday, June 20, 2025 to the attention of:
Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee
220 – 530 Century Street
Winnipeg MB R3H 0Y4
E-mail: info@mbbeef.ca
Fax: (204) 774-3264
For more information, including steps on how to submit your video, please contact Manitoba Beef Producers at 1-800772-0458 or email info@mbbeef.ca. A selection committee will review the submissions. Winners will be notified by September 12, 2025.
MBP 2025-26 Academic Year SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATION
PLEASE PRINT
Name:
Mailing address: _______________________________________________________________________
Telephone: _____________________________
Date of birth: _____________________________
Email:
Parents’ names if you are under 18: _______________________________________________________
Are you a beef producer? _____________________________
Are you the child of a beef producer? ________ If yes, what is their name(s)? __
Current institute of enrolment: ________________________________________________________
Institute and your intended program of post-secondary study or skilled trades training in 2025-26:
Duration of post-secondary program or skilled trades training: _________ year (s)
Essay or Short Video Submission Requirement: Please submit either a typed 600-word (maximum) essay* OR a 5-7 minute video on the topic “What the beef industry means to my family, my community, and Manitoba.” Also include the reasons you enjoy being involved in agriculture. No preference will be given to either option.
*Note: Scholarship winners’ essays or video submissions and photos will be published in Manitoba Beef Producers’ newspaper Cattle Country in fall 2025 or posted to MBP’s social media channels and website.
Please return the following no later than 4:30 p.m., Friday, June 20, 2025:
• completed application form;
• typed essay or video submission;
• a copy of your transcript;
• proof of enrolment in a recognized institution or an apprenticeship program (current transcript, letter of acceptance, or a letter of intent to pursue further studies);
• a list of your community involvement; and,
• your references
To: Manitoba Beef Producers Scholarship Committee
220 – 530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4
Email: info@mbbeef.ca Fax (204) 774-3264
AgriStability
Plan ahead and protect your farm
What is AgriStability?
AgriStability is an important tool that can help you manage risks and financial losses due to poor yields, low commodity prices or rising input costs. Why should you participate in AgriStability?
• Provides support when risks are beyond your capacity to manage
• Personalized and affordable coverage
• Protection for your whole farming operation
• Payments in times of financial distress
• Can be used to secure financing
in the program
2 Pay your fee
Complete and send your AgriStability form
