E-Newsletter
MBP visited Crystal City and Neepawa (pictured) during the second week of district meetings and we thank everyone who attended the sessions. Next up: Ste. Rose du Lac (District 12, October 27) and Swan River (District 14, October 28). Please click here to register in advance. (Photo credit: Maureen Cousins/MBP)
NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Safely Dispose of Unwanted Pesticides & Old Livestock/Equine Medications
This October
Manitoba farmers will be able to safely dispose of unwanted agricultural pesticides and obsolete livestock/equine medications through Cleanfarms’ free drop-off program running from October 27 to 31, 2025.
Manitoba Stewardship Program Plan Renewal & Potential Expansion re: Ag Plastics
Cleanfarms’ draft Stewardship Program Plan (SPP) for designated ag plastics is now available for comment. The Cleanfarms’ draft Stewardship Program Plan (SPP) recommends the designation of ...
Canada Water Agency advances efforts to restore and protect Lake Winnipeg
MP Terry Duguid, on behalf of the Honourable Julie Dabrusin, Minister of Environment and Climate Change and the Minister responsible for the Canada Water Agency, announced ...
Investing across Canada
to build safe
and strong communities
The Government of Canada is delivering over $82.3 million to Manitoba this year to create communities that are stronger and more connected.
Manitoba Government Extends Rent Freeze for Agricultural Crown Lands
(October 8, 2025 Province of Manitoba media release) The Manitoba government is extending the rent freeze for Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL) forage leases into the 2026 growing season, continuing its commitment to making life more affordable for producers, Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced today.
“Manitoba producers are the backbone of the provincial economy and our government is committed to keeping life affordable for the hard-working Manitobans who put food on our tables,” said Kostyshyn. “Continuing this rent freeze provides financial stability for producers and reflects our commitment to affordability.”
The current rate of $3.66 per animal unit months remains the lowest ACL rental rate in Western Canada.
“This announcement is a relief for Crown land users and gives us some certainty after a year of severe challenges,” said Brent Benson, cattle producer. “From extreme weather to the uncertainty of trade markets and feed supplies, some producers struggled to keep their family ranches operational without having to make decisions that could affect their sustainability or viability. We look forward to working with the Manitoba government as we move toward a system of fair and predictable rental rates as well as policies that encourage young producers to enter the industry, an important component to ensuring the long-term sustainability of the family ranch.”
The ACL program supports approximately 1,750 leaseholders across Manitoba who rely on Crown lands for grazing, haying and cropping activities. These lands are a vital public asset, supporting the livestock sector, advancing sustainable land use, and respecting treaty and Indigenous rights, the minister noted.
“Alongside the rate freeze, the Manitoba government has launched the first phase of a public engagement process to help shape the future of the ACL program. Through an online survey on EngageMB, Manitobans can provide feedback on three areas: lease allocation methods, limits on the total amount of land a single leaseholder can hold, and renewal options for modern leases.
Manitoba Beef Producers appreciates the consultations about various aspects of the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing Program to ensure it is responsive to the needs of the cattle sector,” said Matthew Atkinson, president, Manitoba Beef Producers. “We strongly encourage beef producers to make their views known during this important engagement process as it will help shape the future of the program.”
This survey represents the first phase of public engagement in the ACL program review. Feedback gathered will help inform proposed regulatory updates and program improvements. Further consultation with stakeholders, including leaseholders and Indigenous communities, will follow before final decisions are made, the minister said.
Feedback collected through the survey and consultations will inform final program adjustments and regulatory updates, anticipated for implementation in 2027, the minister added.
Manitobans interested in sharing their views are encouraged to visit https://engagemb.ca/ag-crown-lands to complete the survey by Nov. 24.
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 General Manager.
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 Beef Producers Request Termination of the Canada-UK Continuity Agreement
October 23, 2025
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) calls for the Government of Canada to initiate the termination of the Canada-UK Continuity Agreement, following the tabling of the UK Accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) legislation.
In July 2023, the Government of Canada announced the accession of the UK to the CPTPP agreement. CCA, our provincial members, and beef producers across the country urged Canada to “say no to a bad deal”. Since then, the UK has not made any effort to address the non-tariff barriers that are keeping Canadian beef out of the UK market At the same time, UK beef imports into the Canadian market have increased from $16.6 million in 2023 to $42.5 million in 2024.
“We are calling on all Parliamentarians to stand up for Canadian beef producers,” said Tyler Fulton, President of CCA. “In these uncertain geopolitical times, we need every opportunity to diversify our markets.”
Given the Government’s recent tabling of the UK Accession legislation, CCA is requesting the Canadian Government to terminate the Continuity Agreement subject to Article VVII (4) for failing to meet commitments under Article IV (4) and Chapter 5 SPS. The continuity agreement between Canada and the UK was set up as a bridge after Brexit with a commitment to conclude negotiations on a formal bilateral agreement within three years of the trade continuity agreement (TCA), which came into force April 1, 2021. As the UK walked away from bilateral negotiations, we are calling on the Government of Canada to terminate the TCA and ensure bilateral negations can begin again, where our barriers can be properly addressed.
The UK’s non-tariff barriers are not compliant with the World Trade Organization (WTO), who ruled against the EU Hormone Ban in December 1997, which the UK continues to apply to Canada In addition, the UK refuses to recognize full systems approval for our meat hygiene system, which is recognized as world class. Within the continuity agreement, the chapter on Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS) maintains each Party’s right to take the SPS measures necessary to protect against risks to food safety, animal or plant life or health, while requirement that such measures be science-based, transparent, and applied only to the extent necessary to protect human, animal or plant life, so as not to create unnecessary and unjustifiable SPS-related trade restrictions.
Canada and the UK also committed, through parallel exchanges of letters, to work together on issues of relevance to trade in the meat sector and for biotechnology products with a view to facilitate trade, yet there has been no progress made on
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
addressing any of the meat issues and ensuring meaningful trade access. Following the Prime Ministers’ announcement to set up a technical working group to address market access issues, there has been no indication of progress.
CCA continues to offer our support to the Government of Canada to reach the best trade deals possible for Canadian beef producers and all Canadians. The pathway for economic growth and trade diversification is through meaningful, rules-based trade Particularly with the UK, this means terminating the Continuity Agreement and restarting bilateral trade negotiations.
At a time when the government is looking to diversify trade, we should focus our trade negotiations towards working with allies to find solutions that benefit both of our economies.
Quick facts:
• Canadian beef exports into UK: There have been no Canadian beef exports to the United Kingdom in 2024 or to date in 2025.
• UK imports into Canada, include a percentage over the last few years: The value of UK beef imports into Canada rose from $16.6 million in 2023 to $42.5 million in 2024, a 156% year-over-year increase. From January to August 2025, imports totalled $32.2 million, up 19% from the same period in 2024.
For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
2025 Collection Events for Unwanted Pesticides and Old Livestock/Equine
October
27 to October 31
Collection events run from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
ALTONA
Tues., Oct. 28th
GJ Chemical Co. Junction of Hwy 30 & Rd. 9 N (204) 324-8090
ARBORG
Mon., Oct. 27th
Nutrien Ag Solutions 55 Main St. S (204) 376-5990
BALDUR
Tues., Oct. 28th
Pembina Co-op 121 2nd St. S (204) 535-2598
BEAUSEJOUR
Thurs., Oct. 30th
Nutrien Ag Solutions 73010 Rd. 40 off Hwy 44 (204) 268-3497
BIRTLE
Thurs., Oct. 30th
Twin Valley Co-op 66 Hwy 83 S (204) 842-3388
BRUNKILD
Mon., Oct. 27th
MK Agro
3062 Rd. 39 NW (204) 736-4769
DAUPHIN
Tues., Oct. 28th
Dauphin Co-op Agro 601 Whitmore Ave. E (204) 622-6080
DELORAINE
Fri., Oct. 31st
Nutrien Ag Solutions Junction of Hwy 3 & Broadway St. S (204) 747-2877
• Next collection events in this region in 2028.
DOUGLAS
Wed., Oct. 29th
Heritage Co-op -
Brandon Agro Centre South on Rd. 100 W, 8 miles E of Brandon on Hwy 1 (204) 763-8998
GLADSTONE
Fri., Oct. 31st Parrish & Heimbecker 64084 Rd. 64 W (204) 385-2139
GUNTON
Tues., Oct. 28th
Paterson Grain - Crop Inputs
89113 PTH 7 (204) 886-3401
Safely dispose of unwanted pesticides or livestock/equine meds at a Cleanfarms collection event – no charge!
HOLLAND
Mon., Oct. 27th
Nutrien Ag Solutions Junction of Hwy 2 & Centreville Rd. (204) 723-2423
INGLIS
Wed., Oct. 29th
Prairie Giants Crop Supply
2 km E of Hwy 83 on PR 366 (204) 564-2293
MEADOWS
Wed., Oct. 29th
Ag Advantage Ltd. 68156 Rd. 6 W (204) 322-5351
MINTO
Thurs., Oct. 30th
Pembina Co-op 210 S Railway St. (204) 776-2353
• For collection dates in other regions, visit: cleanfarms.ca/materials/unwanted-pesticides-animal-meds/
PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE
Thurs., Oct. 30th
Portage AgriSales Portage 38149 Hwy 1 W (204) 857-7838
RIVERS
Fri., Oct. 31st
Redfern Farm Services 101 2nd Ave. (204) 328-5325
ST. CLAUDE
Wed., Oct. 29th R-Way AG 38084 PTH 2 (204) 379-2582
STEINBACH
Fri., Oct. 31st
Clearview Co-op - Steinbach Agro Centre
33124 Rd. 39 N (Corner of Rd. 39 N & Hwy 12 N), Between Steinbach and Blumenort (204) 326-9921
SWAN RIVER
Mon., Oct. 27th
New Era Ag 520 3rd Ave. S (204) 734-6222
Partner
Summer Interns — 2026
Location: Calgary
Overview:
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
October 2025
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice of Canada’s 60,000 beef producers. Founded by producers and led by a producer-elected Board, CCA works to address issues of concern to Canada’s beef producers.
The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) is Canada’s industry-led funding agency for beef, cattle and forage research The BCRC is committed to delivering and supporting initiatives that effectively accelerate the development and uptake of research findings and outcomes by industry.
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is a division of CCA. The CRSB is a collaborative, multi-stakeholder initiative focused on advancing environmental, social and economic sustainability in the Canadian beef industry. It has over 100 members representing the beef value chain and beyond.
Canfax provides expert analysis of markets and trends in the ever-changing North American beef industry. Canfax Research Services (CRS) provides industry with statistical information and economic analysis, focusing on both the Canadian and global beef markets. CRS Analysis supports a variety of industry activities including annual business planning, results and performance analysis, priority setting and policy evaluation.
CCA, BCRC, CRSB, and Canfax/CRS are each looking for a talented, self-motivated individual to participate in our CCA Summer Intern Program. There are a total of four internships available.
Job Description:
These internship positions provide a unique opportunity for students interested in the Canadian beef industry across a broad range of topics including (but not limited to) public policy, research, sustainability, communications, and advocacy. Interns will have the opportunity to engage directly with CCA and divisions staff, board members, councils, and key industry stakeholders to help overcome challenges and advance priorities important to the Canadian beef industry Students are also encouraged to propose summer projects for consideration.
Canadian Cattle Association internship
Responsibilities:
• Assist with youth program delivery (Canadian Cattle Young Leaders & Canadian Cattle Youth Council), including activities at the 2026 Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Winnipeg, Manitoba
• Assist in communicating about advocacy efforts and policy enactment (social media, stakeholder outreach, media management, website maintenance, etc.)
• Assist with the development of communication updates to member organizations
Head Office #180, 6815 – 8th Street NE
Calgary, Alberta
T2E 7H7
Phone: (403) 275-8558
Email: contact@cattle.ca
• Observe association meetings (board, committees, working groups)
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance CCA activities
Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) internship
Responsibilities:
Ottawa Office
#1101, 350 Sparks St.
Ottawa, Ontario
K1R 7S8
Phone: (613) 233-9375
• Support BCRC knowledge mobilization efforts including website and social media content development and maintenance
• Assist with event preparation and development
• Support scientific and special topic reviews in a wide variety of areas
• Assist in BCRC’s research evaluation processes
• Perform other duties as assigned
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) internship
Responsibilities:
• Assist with event preparation and delivery
• Support program and project development, delivery and reporting
• Support communications activities
• Conduct literature reviews
• Assist with administrative tasks
• Perform other duties as assigned
Canfax/Canfax Research Services (CRS) internship
Responsibilities:
• Database management, statistical analysis, and model development in Excel
• Conduct literature reviews on a wide variety of topics
• Write fact sheets and blog articles
• Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
• Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate studies
• Applicants should be enrolled in an agriculture or associated program, have beef production experience, and/or an expressed interest in pursuing a career in the Canadian beef industry
• Must be available for the duration of the internship April through August
• Must have excellent research, writing, and communication skills
• Must be able to work in CCA’s Calgary office
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
Please send cover letters and resumes to Sherin at chopras@cattle.ca with the subject line: CCA Summer Intern and indicate on your cover letter which specific internship(s) you are interested in. Candidates can apply to more than one internship. The deadline for applications is November 14, 2025
We thank all candidates for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
Canadian Cattle Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: CCA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CCA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Canada.
October 2025
Job Posting: Summer Intern
Canfax & Canfax Research Services
A division of Canadian Cattle Association #180, 6815 - 8th St NE Calgary, AB T2E 7H7
Em: crs@canfax.ca
Tel: (403) 275-5110 Fax: (403) 275-6943
Canfax, is Canada’s source for cattle market information. Providing expert analysis of market trends in the North American beef industry for over fifty years. Canfax Research Services (CRS) provides the Canadian beef industry with statistical and market information on the domestic and global beef trends. Economic analysis is utilized for marketing, research, policy and investment decisions supporting strategy and business plan development as well as performance measurement. CRS monitors data sources from national statistics and develops new economic models to and evaluate the impact of management decisions on cost of production.
We are looking for a talented, self-motivated individual to participate in our Summer Intern Program, starting Monday May 4, 2026
Job Description
The Summer Intern Program is a unique opportunity for students interested in the Canadian beef industry across a broad range of topics. The successful candidate will be involved in collaborating on research projects in the areas of productivity, sustainability, and markets as they relate to the Canadian beef industry.
Responsibilities:
• Covering staff vacation: feeder market analyst (radio report, data entry and analysis), member and database coordinator (website, report template)
• Cost of production indexing
• Conduct literature reviews on a wide variety of topics
• Write fact sheets and blog articles
• Perform other duties as assigned
Qualifications:
• Applicants must be enrolled in undergraduate, graduate, or post-graduate studies
• Applicants should be enrolled in an agriculture or associated program, have beef production experience, and/or an expressed interest in pursuing a career in the Canadian beef industry
• Must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and be available for the duration of the internship
• Must have excellent research, writing and communication skills
• Must be able to work in CCA’s Calgary office
Please send your resume and cover letter, by Monday November 24th to:
Brenna Grant, M.Sc. P.Ag.
Executive Director, Canfax Research Services
180, 6815 - 8th Street NE Calgary, AB T2E 7H7
Ph: (403) 275-5110 or Em: grantb@canfax.ca
The Canadian Cattlemen’s Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer and Prohibits Discrimination and Harassment of Any Kind: CCA is committed to the principle of equal employment opportunity for all employees and to providing employees with a work environment free of discrimination and harassment. All employment decisions at CCA are based on business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, colour, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, sex (including pregnancy), age, physical, mental or sensory disability, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, marital, civil union or domestic partnership status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, family or parental status, or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Canada.
2025-2026 StockTalk Webinar Series
Manitoba Agriculture is offering a series of interesting livestock and forage presentations, packed with information and featuring innovative leading specialists, aimed at helping Manitoba beef producers best manage their cattle operations. Find out the latest news on research and production for beef and forage management by participating in these virtual sessions.
Date(s): Nov.13, Dec.11, Jan.8, Feb.5, March 12 & April 9
Time: 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Place: Your computer, smartphone or tablet
Register for StockTalk webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HlmPWqFSJelloMpy5H5zg
Please add the webinar series to your calendar once you are registered.
Presentations and topics will cover Cattle Nutrition & Rations, Beef Cost of Production, Agri-Stability, Cattle Marketing, Beef and Forage Days Highlights, Ask the Vet, Forage Production & Management, Pasture Forage & Water Survey Results & a chance to ask questions to the speakers and Livestock & Forage Specialists.
For more information, call Manitoba Agriculture 1-844-769-6224
Or visit our website at manitoba.ca/agriculture/online-resources/stock-talk.html
Stretching Feed Supplies to Feed
Your Herd
• Cow nutrition and feeding alternatives – ration balancing, planning for a successful winter feeding program and how to minimize costs for feeding your beef cattle at a time when feedstuffs are at a premium. Livestock Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture.
• If hay is not available what are your options – different feeds and feed options. Livestock Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture.
• Doing the math on different ways to feed beef cattle – Farm Management Specialist, Manitoba Agriculture.
Workshop
Coffee and snacks will be available.
Advance registration is not required. Everyone is welcome to attend.