E-Newsletter
Cleanfarms marks its 15th anniversary as a global leader in agricultural waste management, having collected over 97,000,000 kg of agricultural waste materials from Canadian farms since programming began. See story on page 16 + information on collection events scheduled for Manitoba during the fall.
May 16, 2025
Reminder
MBP has six $1,000 scholarships 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. Applications are due Friday, June 20, 2025. See page 4.
NAME. PICK YOUR FIGHT.
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
Manitoba Government Investing $1 Million in Partnership for Veterinary Care Services
Supporting Northern and Remote Vet Care Reflects Commitment to Animal Welfare: Kostyshyn
(May 16, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The Manitoba government is increasing funding for the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative to advance animal health and welfare across the province and ensure Manitobans have access to affordable veterinary care services, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced.
“Providing northern and remote communities the support they need to access veterinary services including mobile spay and neuter services is crucial, bringing essential services to pets and their owners wherever they are,” said Kostyshyn.
“This funding continues our commitment to animal health and welfare across Manitoba and is a step toward a future where every animal receives timely and compassionate care.”
The Manitoba government is increasing funding to the Winnipeg Humane Society (WHS) by $100,000 for a total of $250,000 for its One Health Program, which provides mobile animal health services as well as spay and neuter clinics. The province is also investing $100,000 to assist the WHS in its work with community-based groups that support animal health services in northern and remote communities. The WHS has committed $250,000 in matching funds to support the One Health Program.
“We are incredibly grateful to the Province of Manitoba for their commitment to sustainable funding,” said Christina Von Schindler, chief executive officer, WHS. “This ensures the WHS’ One Health program will not only be able to increase the reach of these critical services but ensure their long-term availability to truly make an impact on animals and communities in Manitoba.”
A new pilot project will also receive funding of $400,000 over four years to support communityled planning and activities that increase the health of animals and people, and position communities
for greater success in managing dog populations, noted the minister. This pilot project will work to identify two northern or remote communities, and work closely with them to develop and evaluate the best ways to meet the animal care needs of those communities.
The province will also contribute $50,000 toward the Community Vaccinator Program, administered through the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA). The funding will support training, supplies and logistics.
“Veterinarians can’t be everywhere at once – but by working with local vaccinators, we’re creating a network of care that actually reaches northern and remote Manitoba communities,” says Dr. Joe King, president, MVMA. “It’s about trust, consistency and showing up in communities that have long been left waiting.”
The Manitoba government will also be creating two new positions within the Office of the Provincial Veterinarian – Animal Health and Welfare, noted the minister, adding this additional staff will focus on working with northern and remote communities to support animal welfare capacity and regional enforcement of the Animal Care Act.
The Manitoba government created the Northern and Remote Veterinary Care Initiative in 2024, in order improve animal health services in northern and remote communities. The WHS’ One Health Program was developed to address the need for increased veterinary care in remote and northern communities, build trust, learn and work with local communities to co-create and deliver engaging and effective animal care programming.
Fire Bulletin #7: More Fire Ban and Backcountry Travel Restrictions
(May 15, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Releases) Due to extreme fire conditions in eastern Manitoba, the province has declared a state of local emergency in Whiteshell Provincial Park. The park will remain closed to the public until conditions improve.
All access to Whiteshell Provincial Park is now restricted. As of 1 p.m. today, Thursday, May 15, all park users, including full-time residents, commercial operators and cottagers, along with campers at various provincial and private campgrounds, must be out of the park. All park users are required to comply with the closure to protect themselves and the many Manitobans working to manage these extreme fire conditions.
Full-time Whiteshell Provincial Park residents who were unable to register in person at reception centres before 1 p.m. today are now asked to call 204-340-6769 to register. Only fulltime residents must register. Cottagers and campers do not have to check in.
Closures remain in place for Nopiming, Pinawa Dam, Poplar Bay, Wallace Lake, Woodridge, South Atikaki and Manigotagan River provincial parks due to a state of local emergency. These parks will remain closed to the public until conditions improve.
All public and private developed areas in Manigotagan River, Nopiming, Pinawa Dam, Poplar Bay, South Atikaki, Wallace Lake, Whiteshell and Woodridge provincial parks including cottage subdivisions, commercial areas, campgrounds, group use, day use and all recreational areas including trails, beaches, backcountry canoe routes and campsites are closed to the public.
Camping reservations have been cancelled for the next week for all campgrounds in Nopiming and Whiteshell provincial parks. Further cancellations may occur should the parks remain closed longer. The Parks Reservation Service will contact all affected reservation holders.
Full campfire bans are also being implemented in all eastern and central region provincial parks. For updates on the closures and fire restrictions in provincial parks, visit www.manitobaparks.com.
Both inside and outside of provincial parks, a full fire ban and backcountry travel restrictions are being implemented as of 9 a.m. Friday, May 16 across southeastern Manitoba including Areas 1, 2 and 3. Motorized and non-motorized travel is prohibited without a valid travel permit. Information on travel restrictions in these areas is available at www.gov.mb.ca/conservation_fire/Restriction s/index.html
Over this Victoria Day long weekend throughout the province, Manitobans are discouraged from having campfires, even if a local fire ban is not in place in their community. Manitobans are urged to carefully consider their plans for outdoor activities, avoid closed areas and follow all evacuation orders from local authorities.
Check www.manitoba511.ca for any highway closures before leaving home.
The public is reminded the use of drones near forest fires is prohibited by Transport Canada. Drones interfere with fire-fighting responses and put all water bomber, helicopter and ground crews at risk. Learn more at www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/wildfire_program/inde x.html
Fire Bulletin #7: More Fire Ban and Backcountry Travel Restrictions
For further information on the Manitoba Wildfire Service, situation updates, restrictions and other important wildfire links, go to www.gov.mb.ca/wildfire/ or 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.
Manitoba Government Stepping Up to Complete Prairie Innovation Centre
(May 15, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release)
The Manitoba government is providing $60 million in capital funding and a further $60 million in bridge financing to support Assiniboine College’s new Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture, which will expand workforce training opportunities and support the future of agriculture in Manitoba, Premier Wab Kinew announced.
“Manitoba’s agriculture sector is critical to our province’s economy and to staying resilient against Trump’s tariffs,” said Kinew. “The Prairie Innovation Centre will house new and expanded training, so Manitobans can learn the skills they need to get good, in-demand Ag jobs here in Westman and across the province.”
With Manitoba’s agriculture industry expected to grow substantially, the Prairie Innovation Centre will add hundreds of additional training seats in Westman to meet this demand, noted the premier.
The Manitoba government is providing:
• $60 million in capital funding, with $40 million going to the Prairie Innovation Centre and $20 million for a new 216 seat child-care project within the centre.
• $60 million in approved bridge financing to allow construction to begin immediately.
Assiniboine College has been working to establish the Prairie Innovation Centre as a state-of-the-art learning facility on its North Hill Campus. The centre will foster collaboration with industry, promote cutting-edge research and expand agricultural training capacity to help meet local labour market needs, noted the premier.
“We are pleased the province is providing the financing for the Prairie Innovation Centre, said Mark Frison, president, Assiniboine College. “It is an important project that will help to improve value-added processing and export development capacity in the agriculture sector. Today’s commitment allows us to go tender immediately. We look forward to working with the province to finalize participation of the government of Canada in the project.”
The Manitoba government has identified that this project is an important investment to the government of Canada and is advocating for federal support, said the premier.
In addition to training Manitobans for the agriculture jobs of the future, project construction is expected to create almost 1,000 jobs, added Kinew.
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.
Head Office
#180, 6815 – 8th Street NE
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7H7
Phone: (403) 275-8558
Email: contact@cattle.ca
Ottawa Office
#1101, 350 Sparks St.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1R 7S8
Phone: (613) 233-9375
Canadian Cattle Association Announces New Environment and Climate Change Team
May 14, 2025
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is pleased to share the new Environment and Climate Change Team, comprised of Mitchell Zoratti, who has been promoted to Environment and Climate Change Manager and new staff member Graydon Garner, Environment and Climate Change Coordinator. CCA’s previous Environment and Climate Change Manager, Larry Thomas, retired at the end of March after 16 years with the organization
The CCA Environment Committee collaborates with industry, government, conservation organizations, academics, and other stakeholders to understand how environmental issues affect beef production in Canada, and to ensure the interests of Canadian cattle producers are well represented on issues of climate, environment, and sustainable beef production. The committee is comprised of CCA directors with support from staff led by Zoratti.
“I appreciate the guidance and leadership that Larry provided, and I look forward to continuing CCA’s efforts to advocate in the areas of environment and climate change,” says Zoratti.
“Canadian beef farmers and ranchers take immense pride in being stewards of the land Rightly so, I think, since for generations they have managed their land to protect and enhance grass, soil, and water health, ensuring sustainable and resilient operations for their families.
“The CCA Environment Committee has identified reducing regulatory barriers, soil health, grasslands, emissions, and conservation policy as areas of focus and priority,” he says. “Efforts and initiatives that enhance environmental outcomes can come with multiple benefits, such as protecting species at risk, improving soil and water health, and increasing carbon sequestration, which can also increase profitability and resilience.”
About the Staff
Mitchell Zoratti grew up on a multi-generational ranch near Pincher Creek, Alberta, where his family has been ranching since 1907. He is proud to be the fifth generation on the land and leverages a deep respect for the environment to guide his approach to work.
Prior to joining CCA, Graydon Garner worked for Ducks Unlimited Canada delivering farm-gate agricultural conservation programs and managing relationships with beef and crop industry partners in Alberta. Garner and his wife live on the family ranch near Strathmore, Alberta, where his wife’s family has been ranching since 1909.
Larry Thomas joined CCA in 2008. He led the team developing the Beef InfoXchange System. He worked on the Verified Beef Production Plus program and then moved to the environment portfolio.
For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky Communications Manager
Canadian Cattle Association
403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
Province Issues Overland Flood Watch for Southwestern Manitoba and High Wind Effect Warning for Parts of Lake Manitoba and Lake Winnipeg
(May 14, 2025 Province of Manitoba news release)
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre is issuing an overland flood watch for parts of southwestern Manitoba including areas south of the Trans-Canada Highway along the Virden to Brandon corridor and west of PTH 10 including Souris, Melita and Boissevain. Forecasters are monitoring a precipitation system that could bring in excess of 80 millimetres of rain to these areas from May 14 to 16. Other areas of Manitoba including southern, central and northern regions could receive 20 to 70 mm of precipitation before the system clears out on Friday night.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre indicates the exact location and amount of the precipitation event remains uncertain but heavy rainfall over a short period may create high surface runoff which could lead to overland flooding, regardless of current soil moisture condition.
Manitobans are reminded to stay off waterways including creeks, streams, rivers and the Red River Floodway. High flows present a significant safety risk. Members of the public are also asked to keep away from flooded areas, water control structures including dams and diversions, and areas where flood response crews are working.
The Hydrologic Forecast Centre indicates the precipitation system comes with high winds expected to develop Thursday afternoon and last until Friday evening, which may result in high wind effects along the south basin of Lake Manitoba as well as shorelines near Gimli on the west side and Victoria Beach on the east side of Lake Winnipeg.
North wind gusting up to 80 kilometres per hour and the resulting wave action could raise water levels by as much as five feet or more.
Property owners are advised to take precautions. A map of the Manitoba lakes wind effect forecast showing the affected areas is available at: www.manitoba.ca/floodinfo/wind_effect_alerts /mb_lakes_20250516.pdf
Up-to-date information on highway conditions, including detours and road closures, is available at www.manitoba511.ca or by calling 511.
Flood mitigation assistance can be directed to the municipal authority. In case of an emergency, residents are advised to contact 911.
For more information about flooding in Manitoba, visit: www.manitoba.ca/floodinfo
Wildfire Information For Producers
Due to the dry conditions, parts of Manitoba have been affected by wildfires. The following is information that may be useful to producers affected by these conditions, or those preparing for the possibility of a wildfire.
For current information re: the wildfire situation, including fire maps, fire and travel restrictions, etc., go to:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/wildfire_program/
To report a wildfire call:1-800-782-0076 (tollfree)
A reminder about individual responsibilities during an emergency from the provincial Emergency Management Organization (EMO):
Step 1: – Producers/Individuals are the first point of responsibility to deal with their own emergency situation.
Step 2: – If individuals cannot provide appropriate response to their emergency situation, their local municipality is the first point of contact for emergency-related information and assistance.
Step 3: – If the local municipality cannot handle the situation, that municipality will contact the Emergency Management Organization (EMO) for assistance. If EMO requires Manitoba Agriculture’s assistance, they will assign an issue to our emergency coordinator.
Producers who need to transport livestock to an alternate area are encouraged to book a transport company immediately to ensure service.
Protecting livestock and crops
Source: Manitoba Wildfire Evacuation Guidelines
• Owners should have an evacuation plan for livestock threatened by fire. If animals can’t be moved to a safe area on your property, make and confirm transportation and feeding arrangements in advance. Obtain insurance coverage for all farm resources at risk from fire, including crops and livestock.
• The risk to farm animals can be reduced by preparing and maintaining fuelreduced areas. Livestock can be moved and held there during a fire. Use a plowed or heavily grazed field with a minimum of grass or stubble. If possible, this field should be shaded and located well away from any forested areas. Water should be available.
• Concrete or metal buildings located away from forest vegetation are another livestock shelter option.
• As a last resort, if you are unable to move livestock to a safer area, cut fences and turn the animals loose, as long as there is no danger to people or traffic.
For more information about preparing for a wildfire, go to:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/nrnd/pubs/fire/wildfire _evacuation.pdf
Manitoba Agriculture also has information about evacuating livestock: https://www.manitoba.ca/agriculture/animalhealth-and-welfare/emergency-
Wildfire Information For Producers
preparedness/caring-for-livestock-duringevacuation.html
Manitoba Emergency Management Organization guide for individuals facing an emergency:
https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/guide/individuals/ index.html
Animal Health Canada resources re: emergency preparedness:
https://animalhealth.ca/ https://animalhealth.ca/otheremergencies/fires/
Mental health supports are available through entities such as:
https://supportline.ca/farm-support-services/
https://manitobafarmerwellness.ca/
Join Public & Stakeholder Engagement for the first session in the three-part Instagram for Beef Advocacy webinar series. Hear from panelists on how to capture engaging content for Instagram and share your own beef advocacy.
Manitoba and Ontario Governments Agree to Knock Down Interprovincial Trade Barriers
(May 14, 2025 Government of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government signed an agreement with the Ontario government to boost the flow of goods, services, investment and workers in both provinces, Premier Wab Kinew and Ontario Premier Doug Ford announced.
“We’re facing a tariff war on two fronts and now is the time to build up this country we love so much,” said Kinew. “Through this agreement with Ontario, we will unlock more economic opportunities for people in both provinces. As premiers, we are all working toward the common goal of powering our Canadian economy toward the future.”
The premiers signed a memorandum of understanding today at Queen’s Park to signal the provinces’ intention to work together to knock down interprovincial trade barriers including direct-to-consumer alcohol sales and improved labour mobility between Manitoba and Ontario.
“Working together with provinces and territories across Canada, we are building a stronger, more competitive and more resilient economy that will protect our workers and
communities and tie our country together,” said Ford. “Today’s MOU is just the latest step we are taking to unlock the enormous potential of true free trade within Canada, which will lower costs for families and add up to $200 billion to our national gross domestic product. I’m grateful to Premier Kinew for his partnership and leadership in getting this MOU done and I look forward to signing additional MOUs with other provinces as we move forward.”
The agreements would see the provinces use existing legislation and forthcoming legislation in Manitoba to continue to grow Canada’s economy, noted Kinew. The premiers encouraged other provinces to introduce legislation and remove barriers to trade across Canada including through reciprocal mutual recognition.
In 2021, the value of total interprovincial trade between Ontario and Manitoba stood at $19.5 billion.
Link to the Memorandum of Understanding: https://www.ontario.ca/page/economiccooperation-memorandum-understandingontario-and-manitoba
MPI offering condensed Driver Z courses this summer (high school education program)
(May 12, 2025 Manitoba Public Insurance News Release) Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI) is increasing access to its popular high school education program, Driver Z, by offering condensed courses in select communities across Manitoba this summer. Now more students will be able to complete the training in less than half the time of the regular program.
Driver Z uses a mix of eLessons, virtual and inperson classes, and in-car learning to give students the tools, knowledge, and confidence to reduce risk and prevent collisions when they get behind the wheel.
In response to high demand for the Driver Z program, MPI is creating more capacity by offering the regular 12-week course in five weeks in July and August 2025. The condensed course will consist of two weeks of virtual classes and three weeks of in-car lessons. Students must attend all classes with no exceptions.
“Students will need to diligently complete the lessons, study for the Knowledge Test, and practice driving with their co-pilots to be successful in this condensed course,” said Maria Campos, MPI’s Vice President & Chief Customer and Product Officer. “We are able to offer this alternative in the summer months as students are off school and able to participate during the day, making it possible to cover all the course content and ensure they have the necessary training to be safe drivers on our roadways.”
The condensed courses are being offered in July in:
• Arborg, Beausejour, Brandon, Portage la Prairie, Steinbach, Winkler, Winnipeg
In August, the courses are being offered in:
• Brandon, Steinbach, The Pas, Winkler, Winnipeg
Registration for summer courses will begin on May 28, 2025, at 8 a.m. A listing of all available summer courses will be published on May 23, 2025, on MPI’s website.
To register, students should visit an Autopac agent or MPI Service Centre in advance to get set up as a customer and purchase the Driver Z service. Completing these steps ahead of time will allow you to easily and quickly register by phone, at an Autopac agent, or MPI Service Centre when courses become available. More information on registering is available on our website.
Cleanfarms Celebrates 15 Years of Agricultural Sustainability Leadership
Etobicoke, Ontario – May 13, 2025 –Cleanfarms marks its 15th anniversary as a global leader in agricultural waste management, having collected over 97,000,000 kg of agricultural waste materials from Canadian farms since programming began.
Pesticide and fertilizer containers under 23L, prepared for drop-off at a collection site to be recycled.
Since inception, Cleanfarms, a Canadian not-forprofit industry stewardship organization has become a global leader in collecting, recycling, and safely disposing of used agricultural plastics, packaging, and products. Over the past 15 years, Cleanfarms has expanded its programs to offer comprehensive management solutions for agricultural plastics including grain bags, silage plastics, bale wrap, and crop input packaging such as pesticide and fertilizer containers, seed bags, and large tote bags.
Most recently, it introduced a recycling program for maple tubing, gaining traction across Quebec. This growth stems from strong support from Cleanfarms’ members and the commitment of Canadian farmers embracing sustainable practices. With a 78% three-year recovery rate for its flagship recycling program for agricultural containers under 23L, and a network of more than 1,500 collection sites
nationwide, Cleanfarms continues to make responsible agricultural waste management accessible to farmers from coast to coast.
“We are extremely proud of how far Cleanfarms has come in the last 15 years and value our partnerships with industry and farmers across the country,” said Barry Friesen, Executive Director of Cleanfarms. “But we have a long way to go. We expect soon to see more of the ag plastics we recycle come right back for use on the farm as we continue to build a strong and resilient circular economy for agricultural plastics in Canada.”
Boyd Bergstrom, Chair of the Cleanfarms Board, added: “This milestone reflects the dedication of Cleanfarms staff, our board members’ vision, our partners, and most importantly, the farmers who participate. These achievements stem from our shared commitment to responsible stewardship. We’re excited to further improve sustainability through our agricultural plastics recycling and recovery programs.”
Cleanfarms extends its sincere thanks to all farmers, industry partners, and stakeholders who have supported its initiatives and helped drive the organization’s success in building a more sustainable future for Canadian agriculture.
Discover our 15-year journey!
About Cleanfarms
Cleanfarms is an agricultural industry stewardship organization that contributes to a healthier environment and a sustainable future by recovering and recycling agricultural and related industry plastics, packaging and products. It is funded by its members in the crop protection, seed, fertilizer, animal health medication, peat moss, animal bedding, feed, ag plastics, and maple tubing industries. Its team members are located in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec and the Maritimes.
Regions
Peace Region – Alberta & BC
Manitoba
Ontario
Newfoundland When September to November 2025 & Fall 2028
Keep this as a reminder to check Cleanfarms.ca to find the full list of collection events for September to November 2025. Managing these materials by taking them to a Cleanfarms collection event will help you maintain a healthy and safe workplace. For
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.
