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Manitoba Beef Producers was in Ottawa this week attending the annual meeting of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA).

Pictured top left: CCA President and MBP District 7 Director Tyler Fulton with Hon. Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

Bottom left: Matthew Atkinson (District 8 Director & Past-President), Carson Callum (Chief Executive Ofﬁcer), Tyler Fulton, Arvid Nottveit (District 11 Director & President), Byron Falk (District 4 Director & Vice-President), and Melissa Atchison (Research and Extension Specialist).

Right: Andrea Brocklebank, CCA CEO with Carson Callum. Photos courtesy Melissa Atchison/MBP

NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Manitoba Government Announces Budget 2026

The Manitoba government is making major new investments to strengthen rural and northern communities. Budget 2026 will freeze Crown land leases for the third year in a row...

Province Issues March Flood Outlook; Low-to-Moderate Risk of Spring Flooding

Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre reports the risk of spring ﬂooding is low to moderate for most Manitoba rivers heading into the spring runoff ...

Farmland values held strong again in 2025

Canada’s national average farmland value rose 9.3% in 2025, matching last year’s overall pace of growth. This annual change falls between the 5-year average of 9.5% and the 10-year average ...

Manitoba Government Supporting Interprovincial Trade Missions

The MB government is investing $500,000 to help businesses reach more Cdn. markets Finance Minister Adrien Sala and Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced March 25th.

Statistics Canada’s Farm operating revenues and expenses, 2024

The livestock sector reported $57.5 billion in total operating revenue in 2024, up 9.3% from 2023. In 2024, beef cattle farms reported on average $674,427 in operating revenue and $620,366 in operating expenses. This translates to a proﬁt margin of 8.0 cents for every dollar of revenue, the lowest among all farm types. Despite a decrease in the number of cattle slaughtered, total cattle revenue increased, driven by higher prices.

Extended tax deferral period for livestock producers affected by 2024 & 2025 bovine tuberculosis events

(March 27, 2026 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada media release) The Government of Canada recognizes the vital role that livestock producers play in supporting Canada’s agri-food sector, which drives economic growth and supports the prosperity of rural communities across the country. When unexpected animal health events occur, we are committed to providing eﬀective support to help producers recover and rebuild.

Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the Government intends to propose amendments to the Income Tax Act to extend the income tax deferral period for livestock producers in Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba who received compensation for animals ordered to be destroyed due to the 2024 and 2025 bovine tuberculosis events. This measure responds to concerns from livestock producers about the challenges of replenishing their herds during the same tax year in which they received the compensation.

Under the Health of Animals Act, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency provided compensation to livestock producers whose animals were ordered to be destroyed due to the 2024 and 2025 bovine tuberculosis outbreak. While section 80.3 of the Income Tax Act currently allows for a one-year income deferral, the proposed amendments would allow aﬀected livestock producers to defer this compensation over a prescribed schedule from 2026 to 2030, providing them with greater flexibility to manage their incomes and sustain their operations as they rebuild their herds.

As a result, producers who received amounts as compensation in 2025 or 2026 under the Health of Animals Act as a consequence of the forced destruction of their livestock because of the 2024 and 2025 bovine tuberculosis outbreaks would have the option of including those amounts in income for tax purposes, as follows:

- up to 100% of the compensation deferred to the 2027 tax year, with at least 83% included in income in 2027.

- up to 17% of the compensation deferred to the 2028 tax year, with at least 9% included in income in 2028.

- up to 8% of the compensation deferred to the 2029 tax year, with at least 4% included in income in 2029.

- up to 4% of the compensation deferred to the 2030 tax year, with the remaining 4% included in income in 2030.

The Government of Canada will continue working with industry and provincial partners to protect animal health, support sector resilience, and ensure producers have the resources they need to sustain their livelihoods and rural communities.

Quote

"Canada’s producers are the backbone of our rural communities and are essential to our agri-food success story. This extended tax deferral period would address the unique realities faced by producers as they rebuild their herds after animal health events. The Government of Canada remains committed to giving producers the support and stability they need to keep the sector strong and resilient."

- The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food

Have Your Say: Veterinary Services District Model

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn has announced the formation of the Veterinary Services District Working Group. The working group will evaluate the current Veterinary Services Districts and Veterinary Services Commission model in Manitoba and provide an Options Report to the Minister of Agriculture.

The working group invites public input on the current model and proposed changes to it.

How You Can Participate

Your input is essential to this process. You can participate in the following ways:

Submit Written Feedback

Written submissions can be sent to: vetdistricts2026@gov.mb.ca

Attend an In-Person Meeting (all scheduled 1:30 - 3:30 p.m.)

Morden: Wednesday, April 8, 2026 MCC Room, Morden Access Centre, 111- D Gilmour Street

Neepawa: Wednesday, April 15, 2026 CE Room United - Anglican Church, 475 Mountain Avenue

Online Survey: Engagement on Rural Veterinary Medical Services

The deadline to share your feedback through the EngageMB survey is May 1, 2026. Your input will help shape future improvements to the program.

Questions? Email vetdistricts2026@gov.mb.ca

Visit MBP near the entrance to the Royal Farmyard and see the cow-calf pair, Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program (Friday, 12-2pm), and chat with staff and directors!

CONTACT INFO

P. (204) 772-4542

(800) 772-0458

F. (204) 774-3264

220-530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 mbbeef.ca

STATEMENT

For immediate release

March 25, 2026

Manitoba Beef Producers Statement on the 2026 Provincial Budget

WINNIPEG, MB – Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) welcomes investments related to the province’s beef industry outlined in the 2026 provincial budget

“MBP is pleased to see commitments to several initiatives related to our sector, including new funding to support the Veterinary Medical Services Strategy, an extension of the Crown land rental rate freeze, continued support for the Livestock Predation Prevention Program and for wildlife damage compensation, increased lending support through MASC, including for young producers, and more,” said MBP President Arvid Nottveit.

“The beef industry is a key economic driver in Manitoba, responsible for more than $900 million in farm cash receipts and helping to support many businesses and services. We recognize the government’s willingness to support initiatives aimed at advancing Manitoba’s cattle industry,” added Nottveit

MBP will continue to engage with Ministers and government staff on an array of topics affecting Manitoba’s cattle producers, including the expansion of livestock inspection services, the future direction of the Veterinary Services District Model, strategies to help reduce wildlife damage, next steps for the Agricultural Crown Lands leasing program, trade policies, infrastructure needs, and sector priorities as the next Agricultural Policy Framework is being developed, among others

MBP is the exclusive voice of Manitoba’s beef industry, representing 6,000 producers across the province. Our mission is to represent all beef producers through communication, advocacy, research, and education within the industry and to governments, consumers and others, to improve prosperity and ensure a sustainable future.

For further information contact: Carson Callum

Chief Executive Officer

Manitoba Beef Producers

1-800-772-0458 or info@mbbeef.ca

Contract Part-Time Project Manager

Livestock Inspection Services

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is the exclusive voice of the beef industry in Manitoba. It represents roughly 6,000 beef producers across the province. Based in Winnipeg, MBP is a non-profit organization with four staff and a producer-elected board consisting of 14 district directors, each representing cattle producers in a specific region of Manitoba.

MBP’s mission is to represent all Manitoba beef producers through communication, advocacy, research, and education within the industry to governments, consumers and others; to improve prosperity; and to ensure a sustainable future. Funded by producers through the collection of a cattle check-off, MBP is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the province’s beef industry for the benefit of our beef producer members and all Manitobans.

THE ROLE:

Manitoba Beef Producers’ membership has given direction to see an expanded livestock inspection service implemented in the province. The contract Project Manager will lead the coordination of this effort with direction provided by the multi-stakeholder Manitoba Livestock Inspection Services Working Group (MLISWG). The development and implementation of a mandatory identification inspection system for cattle in Manitoba will help facilitate livestock tracking and help mitigate potential financial losses to producers and other stakeholders related to theft and fraud.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES:

• Lead in the development and coordination of the Strategic Plan for implementation.

• Responsible for the planning, implementation, and tracking of specific short-term and long-term goals for the project, which have a beginning, an end and specified deliverables.

• Working with the proponents, provide input into the development of modernized legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks to support expanded inspection services.

• Assist in the creation and provision of tools needed to support expanded inspection, such as information management systems like digital manifests, communications strategies to inform producers and other stakeholders about the implementation of expanded inspection (including its value to the beef industry), etc.

• Liaise with other stakeholders on matters such as the creation of a Manitoba-based RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit, the modernization of the provincial brand registry system, etc

• Coordinate meetings for the MLISWG to ensure the project remains on track.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:

• Postsecondary education in agriculture, preferably animal science, or a suitable combination of education and experience;

• Strong understanding of the agriculture/agri-food sector, including beef production;

• Understanding of beef industry supply chain;

• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, including the ability to review and analyze legislation and regulations is a definite asset;

• Experience in writing documents for government and industry an asset;

• Strong oral and written communication skills and attention to detail are essential;

• Skilled in writing and editing research or project reports, including financial reporting;

• High comfort level for public speaking and giving presentations;

• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment;

• Experience with organizing and participating in trade shows, extension events, etc.;

• Experience in dealing with producers and the general public;

• Strong technical abilities, i.e. experience with Microsoft Office suite, virtual meeting platforms, etc.;

• Able to build solid relationships with teammates, project partners and other specialists by fostering teamwork, partnership and collaboration in virtual or face-to-face settings.

• A highly motivated self-starter able to work both in a self-directed manner, and as part of a small team.

• Valid driver’s license.

Note: Some occasional travel is required, mostly within Manitoba. Occasional evening work may be required.

COMPENSATION:

This position will be a contracted, part-time term position for 24 months. Compensation will be determined in the interview process.

REPORTING STRUCTURE:

The term position of Project Manager-Livestock Inspection reports to MBP’s Chief Executive Officer.

The Canadian Beef Industry Conference (CBIC) Student Poster Competition

is Back for 2026!

Conference dates: August 18–20, 2026, at the RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB

Abstract Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026 at 11:59 PM MT [SUBMIT HERE]

The poster competition is open to all post-secondary students and will be divided into two streams:

• College / Undergraduate / Diploma students

• Master’s / PhD students

Research must address an industry challenge aligned with one of the five pillars of the National Beef Strategy: sustainability, connectivity, productivity, beef demand, or competitiveness

Full details on the pillars can be found here: Beef Strategy Report (2025-2030)

Competition Format

• Posters will be presented to a beef producer audience, and judging will prioritize clarity, relatability, and accessibility of the content.

• Poster evaluations, including a Q&A session with your judges will take place in person at CBIC on Wednesday, August 19.

• From these evaluations, the top three students in each stream will advance to the final round on Thursday, August 20, where they will deliver a three-minute verbal presentation summarizing their research on the main-stage to compete for cash prizes

For students applying in the Master’s / PhD stream, the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is awarding two Graduate Student Sponsorships, covering travel, accommodation and registration expenses. Click here for more information.

Participation Timeline

• April 1 - June 1, 2026: Online abstract submission period

• June - July 2026: Notiﬁcation of accepted abstracts

• August 19, 2026: Poster presentations

• August 20, 2026: Finalist presentations

o Top three students in each stream present 3 minute summaries on the main stage

o Winners for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place announced

Registration

Registration opens on April 29th , students are required to register prior to the event and will be provided a reduced rate ($400).

Canadian Beef Industry Conference website

Abstract Requirements

An abstract is a short communication that allows readers to evaluate the contributions of a scientific study, method, industry solution, extension program, or research technique. To ensure clarity for a producer audience, abstracts should use clear, direct, and uncomplicated language.

• Word limit: Maximum 350 words (excluding the title).

• Title: Must be concise, relevant to a producer audience, and no longer than 25 words

• Keywords: Include five keywords that reflect the primary themes of your abstract.

• Objective: The first sentence must clearly state the main objective of the work.

• Methodology: Provide essential experimental or program details, such as:

o Population or sample

o Experimental design

o Housing or environmental conditions (if applicable)

o Data collection procedures

o Statistical analyses performed

• Results: Present results that directly address the stated objective, including appropriate statistical inferences.

o One table or figure may be included if it is the most effective format for presenting results.

• Conclusion: Provide a clear conclusion outlining the effectiveness and/or practical application of the results.

• Authorship: The submitting student must be the presenting author.

Poster Requirements

[SUBMIT HERE]

• Poster size: Landscape orientation, 36" × 48".

• Fonts: Use sans‑serif fonts (e.g., Arial, Calibri). Minimum font size: 28 pt.

• Image quality: All images must be 300 DPI or higher for suitable print quality.

• Authors: List authors in the following order: competitor → supervisor → committee members.

• Headshot: Including a headshot of the competitor on the poster is encouraged

• Audience: Sections must be written in language for a cattle producers and industry audience. View BCRC Research Summaries for guidance (example)

• Students are responsible for printing and bringing their posters to the conference. For questions, please contact Jenna Sarich at sarichj@cattle.ca

2026 CRSB AGM Student Sponsorship

The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is pleased to announce its third annual Student Sponsorship!

Two graduate students will be selected to present their research at CRSB's Annual General Meeting (AGM), provid ing a valuable opportunity for students to engage and network with leaders and industry representatives from across the beef value chain.

When: August 18, 2026

Where: RBC Convention Centre , Winnipeg, MB

The 2026 CRSB AGM will be taking place during the Canadian Beef Industry Conference ( CBIC ) Full conference dates include August 18th -20th, with an optional tour on the 17th.

Two graduate students will receive sponsorship for the following :

• August 1 8 (CRSB AGM ): Students will present their research on stage.

• August 19: Students will c ompete in the 2026 CBIC Poster Competition.

• August 20: If placed in the top 3 of the Poster Competition, students will deliver a 3minute presentation on the CBIC main stage to compete for cash prizes.

Selection Process

• Abstract Submission Deadline: June 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM MT [SUBMIT HERE]

• Applicants will be shortlisted based on their abstract submissions.

• Selected candidates will advance to a second - round interview conducted by the CRSB’s Scientific Advisory Committee.

What is included in the Student Sponsorship?

Successful applicants will receive coverage for CRSB/CBIC registration, hotel accommodations, and a travel allowance to attend the CRSB AGM and CBIC.

Requirements

Applicants must:

• Be a current graduate student enrolled at a Canadian academic institution .

• Be conducting research focused on or related to beef sustainability

• Research can be applicable to any area of the supply chain .

• Be available to attend the Annual General Meeting and Canadian Beef Industry Conference August 18th -20th, 2026 in Winnipeg, MB .

• S ubmit an abstract into the CBIC Poster Competition and participate August 19th -20th (Submit CBIC Abstract Here) .

Visit www.crsb.ca to learn more about the members at the table

Contact Jenna Sarich at sarichj@cattle.ca with any questions .

[SUBMIT ABSTRACT]

CRSB Abstract Requirements

Research much be focused on or related to beef sustainability Topic s can be applicable to any area of the supply chain (from farm to fork) including, but not limited to ruminant nutrition, ecology, biodiversity, food safety, on- farm safety, crop science, food waste, soil science, economics, animal science, rural community development , etc .