Manitoba Beef Producers E-Newsletter: September 5/2025 by ManitobaBeefProducers

E-Newsletter

Hello September! The transition from summer to fall is underway across the province - watch for next week's newsletter with dates and locations of the upcoming MBP district meetings.

(Photo courtesy District 6 Director Brian English who took this photo in the RM of Riverdale.)

In this edition...

September 5, 2025

Reminder

Applications for consideration for The Environmental Stewardship Award due to MBP by December 12. All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. More details and the application form can be found by clicking the graphic.

Moving a cowherd towards optimum productivity: 2024 Productivity Benchmarks

Operating across a wide range of environmental conditions, genetic potential and management systems, the 64 COP Network benchmarks include: seven benchmark farms in British Columbia, 19 in Alberta, 15 in Saskatchewan, one in AlbertaSaskatchewan (producers contributing to this benchmark came from both provinces in similar ecoregions), five in Manitoba, three in Ontario, one in northwest Ontario-Manitoba (again with producers contributing from both provinces), seven in Quebec, and six in the Maritimes. Almost sixty-three per cent (40 of 64) of these farms are in the Prairies, where 89% of the Canadian beef cow herd is located.

Given the diversity of operations across the country, it is not surprising to see a wide range in productivity metrics. But which of these metrics actually drive profitability? What is worth focusing on and what is just noise?

We know that economies of scale is a major driver of cow-calf profitability with more of the larger herd sizes being profitable. But do these larger operations have better productivity metrics? Are producers with smaller herds able to offset this disadvantage by focusing on individual animal performance and efficiency?

What is the COP Network?

The Canadian Cow-calf Cost of Production Network (COP Network) uses standardized data collection which allows for comparison both within and between provinces, and internationally Since launching in 2021, the COP Network has collected data from over 235 producers contributing to 64 cow-calf benchmark farms that represent various production systems. Each benchmark is based on data from 3-7 producers. Data collection occurs every 5 years with annual indexing of input and output prices, as well as crop and forage yields, in subsequent years. Individual benchmark farm summaries can be found at: https://canfax.ca/resources/cost-ofproduction/cop-results.html

The average herd size in the COP Network is 202 beef cows, with a range from 24 to 950. There are more small and medium-sized farms with 28% having fewer than 100 cows, 28% managing between 100 to 200 cows, 30% with 200 to 300 cows, while only 14% have over 300 cows. This larger proportion of small-to-medium-sized farms aligns with national statistics. According to the 2021 Census of Agriculture, 95% of cow-calf operations have less than 250 beef cows.

Benchmarks by Herd Size

Productivity metrics were statistically different between the less than 200 cow herds and more than 200 cows for six metrics: cow

"It ain't what you know; but what you know that ain't so" ~ Mark Twain

to bull ratio, mature cow weight, calves alive after 24 hours per 100 cows exposed, calves weaned per 100 cows exposed, total live weight sold per cow, and weaning weight. However, the cow to bull ratio is the only metric that was higher for the larger herds, reported at 25:1. All the other five metrics were lower for the herds with more than 200 head indicating that larger herd size management was more focused on optimizing productivity, rather than maximizing productivity which can come at a higher cost.

Optimizing productivity is about efficient allocation and use of resources, recognizing trade-offs. It may be cost effective to move conception rates from 85% to 90%, but not to take them to 95%. Diminishing returns recognize that moving productivity incrementally higher can come at a different cost than the first incremental move. This means choices around things like mature cow weight will be more about matching the animals to the forage resources in your region rather than achieving a specific weight.

Productivity Metrics by

“Finding a balance between biggest and best: moving a cowherd toward optimum productivity.”

~ Aaron Berger, Nebraska Extension Educator

*Significant at 10% level; ** Significant at 5% level

In 1988, Dr. Rick Bourdon wrote a paper titled “Bovine Nirvana – From the Perspective of a Modeler and Purebred Breeder” where he presented the case that genetic selection should be toward the optimum for what a set of resources or environment could support. Dr. Bourdon stated, “to breed for optimum means to have a target insight beyond which you don’t want to go. If your goal is to maintain an optimum level for any trait, the evidence of your accomplishment is not visible change, but lack of it.” Identifying a window of optimum given a set of resources and then selecting cattle that hit the optimum target is the goal.

Remember that benchmarks are NOT based on who is the most productive. Benchmarks ARE based on who is the most profitable Therefore, benchmarks come from the Top 3rd performing farms not the average.

“Profitable cattle are usually productive, but productive cattle are not always profitable.”

~ Dr. Bob Taylor, Colorado State University

Benchmark farms with less than 200 head and those with more than 200 head were split into separate groups. Within each of these two groups a top third performing group was created.

Less than 200 Beef Cows

For herds with less than 200 beef cows, the top-third based on profitability did not have any performance metrics that where statistically significantly different from the bottom two-thirds.

*Significant at 10% level; ** Significant at 5% level

More than 200 Beef Cows

For herds with more than 200 beef cows, the top-third based on profitability only had two metrics that were statistically different than the bottom two-thirds: calf death loss from 24 hours old to weaning at 2% and number of calves weaned per 100 cows exposed at 89.

*Significant at 10%

** Significant at 5% level

What is worth focusing on?

Smaller herds, focused on individual animal performance, may benefit from a greater emphasis on cutting costs. Even if it comes with slightly reduced productivity, these actions can move the operation towards a more optimal allocation of resources.

Larger operations appear to tend to sacrifice conception rate and calf death loss to weaning, potentially in an effort to control costs The top-third most profitable farms made investments into these two areas that paid off. Making strategic and measured investments into these areas could support profitability.

Key Takeaway’s:

1. Compare your farm metrics with industry’s top-third benchmarks

2. Identify if you are over or under the optimal

3. Adjust your focus to include cost control or strategic investments

4. Continually monitor and adjust

Finding optimal can be difficult, as it usually means going a step too far, before coming back to the ‘sweet spot’ . Continual monitoring and adjustment are needed. Comparing your farm’s metrics to industry benchmarks can help identify if you are over or under the optimal presented by the top-third performing farms.

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Intake Launched for 2025-26 Canada-Manitoba Job Grant

(September 5, 2025 Province of Manitoba News Release) Intake is now open for the 2025-26 Canada-Manitoba Job Grant, which will provide $3.5 million this year to Manitoba businesses to train and enhance job skills for new and current workers, federal Jobs and Families Minister Patty Hajdu and Manitoba Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses announced today.

“A strong economy starts with a skilled workforce. The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant reflects the federal government’s commitment to helping Manitoba businesses grow, while supporting workers in building rewarding careers,” said Hajdu. “Through this program, the Government of Canada is ensuring employers can access the training they need to stay competitive while creating meaningful opportunities for individuals to succeed.”

“The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant is an important investment in Manitoba’s workers and good jobs to support the future of our province’s economy,” said Moses. “By helping businesses access the training needed to grow their skilled workforce, we are ensuring that Manitoba employers stay competitive, while also creating career opportunities for Manitoba workers to succeed.”

The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant is a cost-shared initiative funded through Manitoba’s Labour Market Transfer Agreement with the Government of Canada.

“The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant gave our team the opportunity to invest in training that strengthened our skills and deepened our impact,” said Michelle Kully, principal and CEO at Blueprint Inc. “With a significant majority of small businesses reporting skills gaps and many workers lacking access to training, programs like this are essential. We’re pleased to see it continue it’s a smart investment in Manitoba’s workforce and a meaningful boost for organizations like ours. It gave us the tools to work smarter, take on greater challenges, and show up even stronger for the organizations we support.”

Employers are eligible to receive up to $10,000 per employee and up to $100,000 per training project. Small employers with 100 or fewer employees can receive up to 75 per cent of eligible training costs, while larger employers can receive up to 50 per cent of training costs.

“The Canada-Manitoba Job Grant is one way we are supporting Manitoba businesses to meet business needs and boost economic growth through training and development to ensure a highly skilled workforce,” said Moses.

Manitoba businesses can apply to receive workforce training support under the CanadaManitoba Job Grant

at www.gov.mb.ca/jec/busdev/financial/cmjg/in dex.html

Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries

(September 5, 2025 Prime Minister of Canada News Release) The global trade landscape is rapidly changing, as the United States fundamentally transforms all of its trading relationships. The effect is profound – displacing workers, disrupting supply chains, forcing companies to rethink where they source their materials and products, and causing uncertainty that is curbing investment. Canada has the best deal of any U.S. trading partner – yet we cannot rely on our most important trade relationship as we once did. We must build our strength at home.

Canada’s new government is building a new industrial strategy to meet this moment. This will transform our economy – from one of reliance on specific trade partners to one that is more resilient to global shocks, built on the solid foundation of strong Canadian industries, and bolstered by diverse international trade partners.

To these ends, the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, today announced a series of new, strategic measures for workers and businesses in those sectors most impacted by U.S. tariffs and trade disruptions. These initiatives will help workers acquire new skills and businesses retool their production and diversify their products, while spurring more domestic demand for Canadian businesses. As we build the economy of the future, we’re ensuring workers and industries can bridge to seize its opportunities.

Building on previously announced measures to help transform the Canadian steel and softwood lumber industries, the following new initiatives were announced today:

• A strong, confident workforce: The government will introduce a new

reskilling package for up to 50,000 workers, make Employment Insurance more flexible and with extended benefits, and launch a new digital jobs and training platform with privatesector partners to connect Canadians more quickly to careers.

• A new Strategic Response Fund: The government will invest $5 billion through a new fund with flexible terms to help firms in all sectors impacted by tariffs adapt, diversify, and grow, with support provided to industries by new Workforce Alliances to align training and workforce needs.

• A new Buy Canadian Policy: The government will introduce a new policy to ensure the federal government buys from Canadian suppliers, require local content when domestic suppliers are unavailable, extend this approach to all federal funding streams and Crown corporations, and provide a roadmap for provinces and municipalities to apply similar standards to their own procurement.

• Immediate liquidity relief: The government will expand Business Development Bank of Canada loans for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to $5 million, provide more flexible financing through the Large Enterprise Tariff Loan Facility, and give the auto sector flexibility by waiving 2026 model year vehicles from Electric Vehicle Availability Standard requirements and by launching an immediate 60-day review to reduce costs.

Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries

• Assisting Canada’s canola and agriculture producers: The government will introduce a new biofuel production incentive, with over $370 million for domestic producers to address immediate competitiveness challenges, amend Clean Fuel Regulations to support the domestic biofuels industry, temporarily increase the Advance Payments Program interest-free limit to $500,000 for canola advances, and provide increased funding for the AgriMarketing Program to support diversification into new markets of agricultural products.

• Regional Tariff Response Initiative: The government will expand support to SMEs to $1 billion over three years, with flexible terms, and increase new nonrepayable contributions to eligible businesses impacted by tariffs across all affected sectors, including agricultural and seafood.

The full list of measures is available here.

These new measures will help give industries and workers the tools they need to build a better future – one where Canada’s economy is less reliant on a single trading partner, built on the solid foundation of a strong Canadian market, robust Canadian demand, and diverse trade partnerships.

To drive that transformation, the government has launched the Major Projects Office to fasttrack nation-building projects, and will soon launch Canada’s Defence Industrial Strategy, Canada’s new Trade Diversification Strategy, and Build Canada Homes, a government entity that

will help double the pace of construction over the next decade. As Canada’s new government embarks on these missions, we are ensuring Canadian workers and builders have the tools they need to drive this transformation and thrive in it.

With economic uncertainty making it difficult for the private sector to invest, Canada must act now. That’s why the government is stepping in with the most comprehensive suite of trade resilience measures in Canadian history. By supporting our workers and industries, we will build Canada strong.

Related product

• Backgrounder: Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries

More specifics related to the agriculture sector from the backgrounder:

Assisting Canada’s canola and agriculture producers

In the immediate term, introduce new biofuel production incentives, providing more than $370 million over 2 years to assist domestic producers and restructure their value chains: Canadian biofuel producers are at risk due to new changes in U.S. subsidies and policy. As a result of these changes, many Canadian facilities are idling or shutting down. The loss of this sector would deepen Canada’s reliance on imports from the United States and dampen demand for domestic agricultural feedstocks like canola.

Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries

To level the playing field and support Canada’s biofuels sector, the Government intends to make targeted amendments to the Clean Fuel Regulations, to introduce a time-limited production incentive for renewable diesel and biodiesel producers and work with provinces and territories to explore complementary measures.

The Clean Fuel Regulations require producers and importers of gasoline and diesel used in Canada to reduce the carbon intensity of these fuels by, for example, supplying low-carbon fuels. The government intends to amend the Clean Fuel Regulations to strengthen the resiliency and support the development of Canada’s low-carbon fuel sector, while maintaining the Regulations’ primary focus on lowering carbon emissions. Only targeted amendments that advance this objective will be considered at this time. The Biofuels Production Incentive is a time-limited program that will provide over $370 million over two years to support the stability and resiliency of domestic producers of biodiesel and renewable diesel. This incentive will be provided on a per litre basis to Canadian producers of biodiesel and renewable diesel and will be available from January 2026 to December 2027 for up to 300 million litres per facility. Natural Resources Canada will provide more details about the program in the coming weeks. The Government will also work closely with provinces and territories to explore a more comprehensive approach that ensures not only a stable, but a thriving, domestic low-carbon fuels industry now and in the future.

Increase loan limits for Canola producers to $500,000 and invest in AgriMarketing and trade diversification measures: Canada’s

agriculture sector depends heavily on trade, with exports accounting for over half of total production value. But recent geopolitical instability, shifting trade policies, and evolving consumer demands have disrupted key sectors like grain, fish and seafood. These challenges highlight the risks of overreliance on a few major exports and the urgent need to diversify to support long-term growth. To address this, the Government is strengthening AAFC’s AgriMarketing Program. AgriMarketing supports targeted activities to promote Canadian agrifood products as safe, sustainable, and high quality, building Canada’s reputation abroad. It funds trade missions, international exhibitions, market research, branding campaigns, exporter training and advocacy to reduce trade barriers and seize new opportunities at home and abroad. The Government is investing an additional $75 million over five years, starting in 2026-27 to expand the program into highgrowth areas such as Africa, the Middle East, and the Indo-Pacific. This expansion will support sectors most affected by trade barriers, like canola, and aligns with Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, shifting focus beyond traditional trade partners like the U.S. and China. For canola producers, this means enhanced resources to promote the unique quality, versatility and sustainably of Canadian canola products, helping them stand out in competitive new markets and build resilient export pathways.

Advance Payments Program (APP): The Advance Payments Program (APP), delivered by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) provides Canadian farmers, including canola producers, with low-interest cash advances of up to 50% of the expected market value of eligible products. It helps farmers manage cash flow, avoid high-interest debt and market

Prime Minister Carney launches new measures to protect, build, and transform Canadian strategic industries

strategically. Producers can access up to $1 million in advances, with a portion interestfree, typically $100,000, which was increased to $250,000 in March 2025. To respond to ongoing trade uncertainty, especially affecting canola producers, who represent 41% of APP users, the Government is temporarily doubling the interest-free portion for canola advances. For the remainder of the 2025 program year and

the 2026 program year, the interest-free limit will rise to $500,000. These enhancements follow the 2019 response and reflect continued federal support for producers navigating global volatility. This expanded support will give canola producers greater financial flexibility to manage risk, invest in their operations and remain competitive in uncertain markets.

Province Warns Against Potential Text Message Phishing Scams

(Province of Manitoba News Release) The Manitoba government is warning Manitobans about fraudulent text messages involving provincial fine payments and tax credits, which are part of a phishing scam.

This week, members of the public reported receiving texts from a sender claiming to be Manitoba Justice and demanding payment for outstanding fines for provincial offences including speeding tickets and traffic violations. Manitoba Justice currently does not send payment requests or any official communications via text. Anyone with concerns about outstanding fines or questions about methods of communications should contact Manitoba Justice directly or visit: www.gov.mb.ca/justice/tickets/index.html

Other recipients have recently received a text asking them to finalize their Homeowners Affordability Tax Credit (HATC) by clicking a link. Manitoba Finance does not verify or finalize tax credits or benefits via text message. For information about HATC, visit www.gov.mb.ca/finance/tao/hatc.html

Manitobans who receive these types of texts should not respond or click on any links within the message and should avoid providing any personal information. Recipients can report suspicious messages to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre at https://antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm.

CRTC takes action to help protect Canadians from service outages, launches public consultation

(September 4, 2025 Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) News Release)

The CRTC is taking action to help make telecommunications and broadcasting services more reliable for Canadians.

Service outages, even if they are short, are highly disruptive and can seriously impact Canadians’ lives. Outages can have harmful effects on people, especially when they cannot connect to emergency services in times of need. To help lessen the impact of outages and further protect Canadians, the CRTC is announcing three key actions.

First, following a robust public consultation, the CRTC is issuing a decision to establish final reporting requirements for Internet and cellphone service providers for major outages. This will ensure that public safety and government authorities are informed about major outages, so they can better support Canadians and help providers restore services more quickly.

Second, the CRTC is launching a public consultation to consider new requirements and standards for how service providers design and operate their networks. These measures aim to help make Internet and cellphone networks more resilient, reduce outages, and support providers to manage them better.

Third, the CRTC is launching a public consultation to look at additional consumer protections to help ensure Canadians have the information they need during an outage. These measures include ensuring customers receive meaningful and timely updates, as well as refunds or bill credits after an outage.

The CRTC is welcoming comments on both consultations. Interested persons can participate by:

• filling out the online form on improving service reliability and on consumer protections during an outage;

• sharing views on the CRTC Conversations platform on improving service reliability and on consumer protections during an outage;

• writing to the Secretary General, CRTC, Gatineau, Quebec K1A 0N2;

• sending a fax to 819-994-0218; or

• filing a link to a sign language video using the online form on improving service reliability and on consumer protections during an outage.

All comments will form part of the public record and will inform the CRTC’s decisions.

Today’s announcements follow a number of recent actions the CRTC has taken to help protect Canadians. To find out more, check out the CRTC’s Consumer Protections Action Plan

Quote

“Canadians need reliable Internet, phone, and television services. Disruptions to these services can have harmful effects, especially in emergency situations. Today’s actions will help reduce outages and introduce new ways to further help protect Canadians.”

Vicky

Eatrides, Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, CRTC

CRTC takes action to help protect Canadians from service outages, launches public consultation

Quick facts

• The CRTC is an independent quasijudicial tribunal that regulates the Canadian communications sector in the public interest. The CRTC holds public consultations on telecommunications and broadcasting matters and makes decisions based on the public record.

• The CRTC, other government authorities, and service providers all play a role in preventing and managing service outages. This includes federal departments like Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada and Public Safety Canada, as well as provincial and territorial emergency management organizations, and 9-1-1 call centres.

• Key information about today’s actions is available in American Sign Language

(ASL) and Langue des signes québécoise (LSQ).

• First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples and organizations requiring assistance submitting comments, including oral interventions, can contact the CRTC’s Indigenous Relations Team

Agroclimate Impact Reporter Producer Survey

Now Open for Month of August

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is still collecting reports for the August Agroclimate Impact Reporter. If you have already completed the survey, thank you! We’re not just interested in hearing about extraordinary conditions; we’re also interested in hearing if conditions are normal for the time of year.

Your response will help accurately represent the impacts of weather in your region. The data collected from this survey will help inform

recommendations for Livestock Tax Deferral, and the Canadian Drought Monitor.

English

French

To view previous Agroclimate Impact maps, follow this link. Or see some of the other resources we produce on the AAFC Weather and Drought home page. Thank you for your participation!

Special Intake for Cost-Shared Funding for Livestock Water Supply

The Manitoba government has opened a special intake for livestock water supply development. The high-level program details that follow are from the Manitoba Agriculture website.

For full details, including a link to the application form, see: https://www.gov.mb.ca/scap/climatechange/sustai nableagr/livestock-water-supply.html

The “Frequently Asked Questions” document about the program is also provided in this edition of the enewsletter.

BMP 4700: 2025

• Own land where the project will be executed or have permission from the landowner to execute the project.

• Have a Manitoba Premises Identification number.

• Have a valid Statement of Completion for an Environmental Farm Plan at time of project claim.

Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, firstserved basis until available funding is allocated. Program guidelines are new for this intake. Please review carefully to ensure eligibility before applying.

The 2025 Special Intake: Livestock Water Supply intake supports livestock producers in accessing new or expanding existing water supplies during prolonged periods of dry conditions.

Intake Information

The intake for this program is currently open; funding requests will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis from August 21, 2025, until available funding has been allocated.

Eligible Applicants

This intake is exclusively for livestock producers in specific areas impacted by dry conditions. To be eligible, livestock producers must:

• Manage agricultural land used to produce agricultural products. Hobby farms are not eligible.

The land location(s) for the project must be within a Municipality, Northern Affairs Community or First Nation within a Designated Region as identified by AAFC's 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Provision. A list of Designated Regions is available on AAFC's website. If you are unsure of your eligibility, please contact us at agriculture@gov.mb.ca or 1-800-8114411.

Beneficial Management Practice (BMP) Summary Establish new or expand existing water supply for agricultural use by installing infrastructure.

• Wells: drilling new or deepening/extending existing, plus test hole drilling, screening, casing, well caps, etc.

• Dugouts: constructing new or rehabilitating existing dugouts.

• Associated components and actions: purchase and installation of pipe, plumbing and electrical, trenching, earthworks, etc.

• Permanent pipeline development: pipelines below the frost line OR shallow/above ground pipelines (pipelines above the frost line) that can be winterized, pipe, plumbing materials, trenching, earthworks, etc.

Eligible Expenses

The following type of expenses are eligible for funding:

• Incremental Personal Labour

• Incremental Personal Equipment Use

• Subcontracted Services

Special Intake for Cost-Shared Funding for Livestock Water Supply

• Professional Fees

• Capital Assets and Equipment

• Equipment Rental

• Materials and Supplies

Review the Program Guide for complete details on eligible and ineligible expenses.

Project Timeline

• All projects shall start April 1, 2025, or later.

• Project activities and all reports must be completed by December 12, 2025.

Cost Share Funding

• BMP 4700 has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and a BMP funding cap of $15,000 per applicant.

• Producers that were previously approved for Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba - BMP 4700 are eligible for up to an additional $15,000 under the 2025 Special IntakeLivestock Water Supply for new projects.

Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba Program BMP 4700:

2025 Special Intake

–

Livestock Water Supply

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Who is eligible?

A. This intake is for livestock producers experiencing water supply shortages caused by dry conditions in specific eligible areas across agri-Manitoba.

The land location(s) for the project must be within a Municipality, Northern Affairs Community or First Nation within a Designated Region as identified by AAFC’s 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Provision. A list of Designated Regions is available on AAFC’s website.

If you are unsure of your eligibility, contact us at agriculture@gov.mb.ca or 1-800-811-4411.

Q. How do I apply?

A: Application forms and program details can be found on the Special Intake webpage at BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake. Applications are accepted on a first come, first serve basis, reviewed weekly and subject to the eligibility of submitted expenses and available funding. For eligibility criteria, refer to the BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply Program Guide

Q. What is the cost share and cap?

BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply has a cost share ratio of 50 per cent government, 50 per cent applicant, and a BMP funding cap of $15,000 per applicant.

Q. Can I apply more than once?

Eligible applicants may submit one (1) application for this intake, which may include multiple locations or projects within the same application. Regardless of the number of locations included in an application, the total funding cap will remain at $15,000.

Q. If I have already completed a water supply project, am I eligible?

A: Any projects for water supply occurring after April 1, 2025, are eligible. Producers that were previously approved for Sustainable Agriculture Manitoba BMP 4700 Water Supply are eligible for up to an additional $15,000 under the 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply for new projects

Q. When do I have to complete my project by?

A: Projects must be completed and claims submitted by December 12, 2025.

Q. Do I need a valid Environmental Farm Plan Statement of Completion?

A: You may submit an application without a valid Statement of Completion; however, you will be required to have one when you submit the claim to be reimbursed. To complete your Environmental Farm Plan, please visit https://online.manitobaefp.ca/

Q. Are confined livestock operations eligible?

A: Yes. All livestock operations in need of water are eligible to apply provided they are located within the eligible areas.

Q. Do I have to dig a dugout to a specific size?

A: All dugout work, including new construction or rehabilitation of an existing location, should follow the Dugout Construction Guidelines. See Appendix A below.

Q. Can I drill a new well in my yard?

A: Drilling a well in a farmyard is eligible if it will be used for watering livestock and is the most cost-efficient means of doing so.

Q. Do I need any permits?

A: Applicants must meet all regulatory requirements. This may include:

- a water rights license from Environment and Climate Change, which is required for all livestock operations extracting more than 25,000 litres (25m3 or 5,499 Imperial gallons) per day. If developing a new water source, a permit must be obtained in advance of work beginning.

- approvals from the rural municipality or Crown.

- any other standards or approvals as required by law.

- For details on regulatory requirements, please visit: Licensing, Regulation and Policy, Manitoba government Groundwater and Wells, Manitoba government Drainage & Water Control, Manitoba government

Q. Can I pipe water from an existing water source into a dugout that has run dry?

A: No. Piping or hauling from a water source (well, dugout or wetland) into a dugout that has run dry is not eligible. However, piping from a water source to an alternate watering system is eligible.

Q. How deep does the pipeline need to be?

A: Shallow or above-ground pipelines (including those above the frost line) that cannot be winterized are ineligible. Projects must be for permanent solutions only. Summer pasture pipelines permanently installed underground and those which are able to be winterized before freezing, are eligible.

Q. Can I apply for a project on a pasture that I rent?

A: Yes. Either the landowner or renter can apply. If the renter applies, they must identify the landowner and provide contact information as part of the project description. This includes pasture on Crown Land.

Q. If I have more questions, who can I contact?

A: Livestock producers can call the toll-free line 1-800-811-4411 or send an email to Sustainable CAP - Program Administration at agriculture@gov.mb.ca

Other related information

- Dugout Construction Guideline – see Appendix A below

- Program Guide

- Program Webpage

- Eligible Designated Regions - AAFC 2025 Livestock Tax Deferral Provision

- Licensing, Regulation and Policy, Manitoba government

- Groundwater and Wells, Manitoba government

- Drainage & Water Control, Manitoba government

Appendix A

Livestock Dugout Construction Guidelines

- Exclusion fencing is recommended but not required:

• Exclusion fencing ensures that livestock are restricted from direct access to the dugout, protecting against manure contaminated runoff and drowning.

• Exclusion fencing should be a minimum of 15m (50’) from the edge of the dugout.

- Dugout location:

• The dugout should be far enough away from any stream, river or creek as to not compromise bank stability or impact the riparian area.

- Dugout construction:

• End slopes and side slopes should be no steeper than 1.5:1.

• Dugout edge should be stabilized (by excavator) during construction.

- Dugout sizing:

• In order to build resilience into your farm, dugouts should be sized for drought proof standards by accounting for more than one season’s worth of water.

• Dimensions can be calculated using this Dugout Volume Calculator

- Alternate water system components:

• Troughs / tanks should supply a minimum of one day’s water usage based on 15 imp gal/ head/day

Dealing with Dry Conditions: Livestock Hay and Feed Options

Crown Lands Options to Assist with Feed Shortages

Producers facing feed shortages due to poor hay production are encouraged to explore all available options including assessing the economic viability of harvesting hay on marginal Crown land. With calf prices at record highs, optimizing feeding strategies is essential to avoid sacrificing valuable weight gain.

Wildlife Management Areas (WMAs)

 WMAs and wildlife-coded parcels are currently available for casual haying and grazing permits, based on habitat management plans. Each year, agriculture and wildlife teams work together to align these permits with ecological objectives, ensuring responsible use of the land.

 As of July 31, 2025, some WMA parcels remain available for casual permit.

 WMAs are one tool in our broader response to feed shortages. While not a complete solution, they can provide valuable support to some producers during challenging conditions.

Agricultural Crown Lands (ACL)

 Standard Agricultural Crown Land parcels are available for casual permit.

 ACL permits are managed to support agricultural use while maintaining land health and productivity. Casual use of ACL parcels is facilitated through a permit system that allows short-term access for haying and grazing, providing flexibility for producers responding to feed shortages.

Interested producers can:

1) Refer to Manitoba’s Wildlife Management Area Map to locate WMAs.

2) Contact the local Agricultural Crown Lands Farm Production Extension Specialists for available parcels.

Resources

Managing Dry Conditions and Drought information on managing crops and livestock, farm management calculators, financial assistance programs, monitoring and seasonal reports and mental health and wellness resources.

Hay Listing information on hay for sale and to list hay available for purchase

Livestock Webpage information on what’s new, resources and upcoming events.

Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) information on insurance and program assistance. Contact your MB Agriculture / MASC Service Centre for program details, including recently announced support measures to aid Manitoba’s livestock producers affected by drought conditions.

Seasonal Reports seasonal updates that pertain to crop and forage production.

Weather Conditions and Reports year round data from over 100 weather stations across agro-Manitoba that monitor air temperature, relative humidity, barometric pressure, precipitation, wind speed and direction, solar radiation, soil temperature, and soil moisture.

Contact Us

For more information, contact the department: Online: www.manitoba.ca/agriculture

Email: agriculture@gov.mb.ca

Phone: 1-844-769-6224

Feed testing resources

You cannot manage what you don’t measure. Feed testing is critically important to ensure your herd’s nutritional requirements are being met to support production. Feed testing and ration balancing also helps prevent costly overfeeding. Check out this resource from the Beef Cattle Research Council:

https://www.beefresearch.ca/blog/feed-testinga-tool-for-better-returns/

When faced with reduced supplies of good quality hay due drought, many producers seek alternative feeds for their livestock. While these alternative feed sources can offer flexibility, feed testing and advice from a livestock nutritionist is recommended to ensure nutritional requirements of the type of cattle being fed are met. Check out the following resource from the Beef Cattle Research Council for considerations when using alternative feeds:

https://www.beefresearch.ca/topics/alternative -feeds/

Alternative or non-conventional feeds can be an economical means for beef cattle producers to supplement forage and grain inventories.

However, due to variability in the supply, nutrient composition and quality of these feed ingredients, there can be pitfalls if not properly managed. Have a listen to this episode of the Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast for tips on making use of different alternative feeds:

https://open.spotify.com/episode/0hsfECxYMsb 0ta0JHwon67?go=1&sp_cid=a2b2ebaa1e65940f def68f683c932de9&utm_source=embed_player _p&utm_medium=desktop&nd=1&dlsi=adc2a2 537f324cf6

New to feed testing and ration balancing? Feed testing and ration balancing are good practice normally but are even more important in times of feed shortages and when making use of alternative feed sources. The following link is your one stop shop for information and instructions on feed testing including how to take and submit a sample, and how to interpret the results:

https://www.beefresearch.ca/tools/feedtesting-analysis-for-beef-cattle/

When considering salvaging crops for feed, beef producers need to consider accessibility, availability, yield, transport costs, potential antinutritional factors or other animal health impacts, and feed quality. The value of crops for livestock feeds calculator was developed to help beef producers work with their neighbors to determine a value for salvaged crops.

https://view.officeapps.live.com/op/view.aspx?s rc=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.beefresearch.ca%2Fc ontent%2Fuploads%2F2022%2F04%2FValue_of _Crop_for_Feed_locked.xlsx&wdOrigin=BROWS ELINK

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