PUBLISHED BY MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

MARCH 2015

Sustainability focus of new initiative Ron Kostyshyn couldn’t help feeling a little nostalgic while discussing the future of the beef industry in Manitoba. “I can go back to the days when my dad was farming and when my grandfather was farming,” the provincial agriculture, food and rural development minister said, addressing attendees of Manitoba Beef Producers’ 36th annual general meeting on Feb. 5. “Farming was a lifestyle. But today it’s business. And it’s big business.” And it was with that in mind that Kostyshyn announced $3.1 million in federal and provincial government funding to support research and education on sustainable beef production in Manitoba. To be led by Manitoba

CHAD SAXON

BRAD BROWN

The parties involved in the recently announced sustainable beef production initiative pose for a group picture. From left to right: Jim Lintott, chairman of the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association, Larry Maguire, MP for Brandon-Souris, MBP President Heinz Reimer, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn, Ramona Blyth, MBP director and project chairwoman and Ken Gross, Ducks Unlimited.

Beef Producers (MBP), in cooperation with the provincial and federal governments, Ducks Unlimited and the Manitoba Forage and Grasslands Association, the project will be developed over three years on two farms near Brandon.

“Manitoba’s beef producers are committed to managing the health and sustainability of their animals and the land,” Kostyshyn said in a news release. “Working together with a focus on farm-level research will create valuable information for producers

and result in the greatest benefits for the long-term future of the beef sector in Manitoba.” Key components of the partnership will include the launch of a research program focused on beef and grassland management, re-establishment of

demonstration farms and an educational centre that will share knowledge with farmers and other stakeholders, and the creation of an industry-led committee that will coordinate research and extension work. While the demonstration farms are to be aimed

at sharing knowledge about pasture management, feed efficiencies and herd health, they will strive to have a broader appeal as well. “We’re not just going to limit our options to beef and grass,” said Ramona Continued on page 2

Strong attendance for 36th AGM CHAD SAXON

BRAD BROWN

One of the largest crowds in years was in Brandon for the Manitoba Beef Producers Annual General Meeting.

world markets for beef and the business side of, well, business. When the annual general meeting itself got underway after lunch, MBP reported impressive financial results for 2014, with an actual deficit for the year of barely $33,000 compared to a projected deficit of over $116,000 and a seven per cent

increase in revenue when compared with 2013. The AGM concluded with the ratification and introduction of the MBP board of directors for 2015: Gord Adams (District 1), Dave Koslowsky (District 2), Peter Penner (District 3), Heinz Reimer (District 4), Ramona Blyth (District 5), Larry Wegner (District 6), Larry

Gerelus (District 7), Tom Teichroeb (District 8), Dianne Riding (District 9), Theresa Zuk (District 10), Caron Clarke (District 11), Bill Murray (District 12), Ben Fox (District 13) and Stan Foster (District 14). Twelve of the 14 positions will remain unchanged from 2014, with Adams replacing Ted

Artz in District 1 and Penner succeeding Cheryl McPherson in District 3. At the evening’s banquet, MBP president Heinz Reimer spoke glowingly of McPherson’s contributions to the organization, while Theresa Zuk fondly recalled Artz as a tireless advocate for District 1 and, with his Continued on page 3

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Let the good times roll! The positive vibes the Canadian cattle industry experienced in 2014 continued to be felt in full force when producers from across the province converged on Brandon Feb. 5-6 for the Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) 36th annual general meeting. Highlighted by the announcement from Manitoba agriculture, food and rural development minister Ron Kostyshyn of a $3.1 million research farm and educational facility, the two-day conference also brought producers, industry experts and government officials together to share ideas and information on how best to collectively advance the beef industry. The gathering opened with breakout sessions on the plethora of emerging

2

CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

Continued from page 1 know that our industry has shrunk over the years and Blyth, chairperson of the we need to grow it back. MBP’ farm research com- The demand for beef is inmittee. “One of the (ideas) creasing not just across our that was thrown out there province but across our was a forest farm so you country and around the can come out and pick an world ... and we’re looking apple off the tree or come at new ways to how we can pick some Saskatoons off better meet that (demand).” the bushes. We’re going to Larry Maguire, Memthink outside the box there ber of Parliament for Branis a reason for anybody and don-Souris, said new trade everybody to come out and agreements with places like have a look.” South Korea and the EuroIn addition to taking pean Union are making the lead role in delivering projects like this an ever-inthe project, MBP will con- creasing necessity. The latter tribute nearly $100,000 deal alone, for example, is per year in funding and estimated to be worth $600 in-kind support. million annually to Can“This is something adian beef producers. we’ve working on for quite “The big key here is that a few years, so we’re ex- we’ve done the hard work tremely pleased with the of making sure we’ve got provincial and federal gov- access to some of these ernments’ investment into places in the world ... so the future of the beef and we need to make sure that foraging industry in Mani- our research is in place so toba,” said MBP president that we’re competitive and Heinz Reimer. “This comes that we can access those at a critical time in our in- markets with the kind and dustry, as we’re looking to quality of product that they grow our industry. We all want,” said Maguire.

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RAMONA BLYTH - 1ST VICE-PRESIDENT

DISTRICT 6

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DISTRICT 11

DISTRICT 4

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PETER PENNER

HEINZ REIMER - PRESIDENT

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EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

GENERAL MANAGER

CATTLE COUNTRY EDITOR

Melinda German

Deb Walger Esther Reimer Chad Saxon

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3 CHAD SAXON

CHAD SAXON

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY

The Let’s Talk Tech Table proved to be very popular at the tradeshow.

Continued from page 1 disease prevention, with wildlife surveillance to end seemingly endless supply of by 2022-23 and true eradione liners, unafraid to tell it cation still a possibility for like it was. 2023-24. Following the afterThe business portion of noon’s ratification of the Day 1 concluded with sevboard members was an eral dozen new resolutions encouraging update from being debated. Dr. Allan Preston, who was A panel discussion to tasked in 2012 with eradi- open Day 2 brought togethcating bovine tuberculosis er presentations from Brett in livestock and wildlife in McRae of the Cattlemen’s and around Riding Moun- Young Leaders program, tain National Park. James Bradbury of Canada Preston reported no Beef and Trish Sahlstrom of positive TB tests in live- A&W Canada, followed by stock since 2008 or in a brief question and answer whitetail deer since 2009. period with the presenters. Though there was bovine And the conference endTB found in area elk in ed much the way it started 2014, Preston says sig- – amid much optimism, nificant progress has been through the concluding made thanks to multi-level presentations from a series cooperation and financial of national organizations. support – $2.35 million in Dr. Reynold Bergen of 2014-15 alone – from gov- the Beef Cattle Research ernment and industry or- Council advocated for the ganizations. value of research and the Looking to 2015-16, demonstrated need for Preston said the budget will more resources to conduct be redirected toward re- it with. Some of the BCRC’s search, risk reduction and recent initiatives included

Kristine Blair and Graham Tapley were announced as the winners of The Environmental Sustainability Award (TESA) at the Feb. 5 President’s Banquet. From left to right: MBP Director Caron Clarke, Kristine Blair, Graham Tapley and Tere Stykalo of award sponsor MNP. Blair and Tapley will now move on to the national TESA competition.

the development of a national beef strategy, a new website and a mobile app which Bergen hopes will help producers get more from their cattle. Casey Vander Ploeg of the National Cattle Feeders Association said his organization will continue working to implement a single care standard for feedlots that will apply to all animals, develop an emergency preparedness plan (currently being piloted in Alberta), modernize beef grading, and lobby for regulatory reform, among other initiatives. Brian Perillat from Canfax brought a more statistical look at the state of the

industry, noting that beef production has remained relatively steady across North America over the past 40 years despite a sizeable drop in overall herd numbers. And MBP Director Ramona Blyth, who also sits on the Canadian Cattleman’s Association board, reaffirmed that organization’s support for the fight against Country of Origin Labeling laws in the United States, improved access to emerging markets in places like Europe and Japan, the new National Beef Strategy, and increased BSE surveillance across Saskatchewan and Manitoba with the goal of moving

Canada to the negligible risk status in 2015-16. No question, there are still challenges facing beef producers in Manitoba and beyond: Labour shortages across the industry, the ongoing fight against COOL, a number of recent processing plant closures, and increased competition from other

meat industries – most notably pork, which is expected to out produce beef in 2015 for the first time since 1952. But, for two days in Brandon at least, you wouldn’t have had to work too hard to reach the consensus that, with a little luck, better days are most definitely ahead.

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CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

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Looking into the science of hormones MELINDA GERMAN

General Manager’s Column Whether you chose to use implants in your production model or not I think it is important for us all to understand the science behind hormones and the beef industry. Hormones are naturally occurring substances in all living things, including animals, humans, and plants. When I look up ‘growth

hormone’ in my medical dictionary I find the following definition: “a substance that stimulates growth ... that directly influences protein, carbohydrates, and lipid (fat) metabolism and controls rate of skeletal and visceral (any large internal organ) growth.” Hormonal growth implants can be used to

promote this growth, especially in animals that are deficient in natural hormones, such as castrated bull calves. The implants, which are placed in an area not used in food production like under the skin in the ear allow the animal to use feed nutrients better. So what does this mean? It translates into improved weight gains and a more efficient use of feed and water. This has a tremendous impact on the amount of resources used and the pounds of beef produced. Canfax statistics indicate that over a

Table 1

Nanograms of estrogen

Quantity of Food

Source

75 g

Beef non-implanted animal 1.1

75 g

Beef implanted animal

1.9

355 ml

Beer

15

75 g

Raw cabbage

2025

Amount of estrogen circulating in the human body

Nanograms of estrogen Adult men

136,000

Adult women

480,000

Source: Adapted from Alberta Beef Producers http://www.albertabeef.org/page/worried-about

In the end the choice to use specific products or not in your operation should be based on your individual marketing goals. period of 30 years, Canada has slaughtered 20 per cent fewer cattle but produced 11 per cent more beef. These significant improvements can be attributed to improvements or changes in practices such as animal genetics, feeding management and the use of hormones. So, more beef cattle fed for a shorter period of time means less feed and water used, reduced environmental impact and more food produced for people. As well, there is a welfare component, as one of the main reasons male bull calves are castrated is to reduce aggressive behaviour and to prevent fighting and possible injury to other animals. But what about human health? All drugs and additives used in Canada’s

livestock industry are approved for use by the Veterinary Drugs Directorate under Health Canada and have been reviewed for human and animal safety, and, random samples are taken from carcasses and tested for residues. Implant safety has also been reviewed by the World Health Organization and the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations and they have cited no concerns regarding the use and level of hormones in beef that would pose a risk to human health. As noted earlier hormones occur naturally and are present in plants and animals, so there is no product that can claim to be hormone free. To compare hormone levels in common foods and in our own bodies refer to the table 1. I have previously written about the importance of new markets opening up to Canadian producers, including those in Europe and Asia. All new markets provide opportunities for Manitoba producers and

producers across Canada. Some Canadian producers may choose to pursue Europe as a marketing alternative, which means no added hormones. There is demand for this product and with demand there will be supply from somewhere. In the end the choice to use specific products or not in your operation should be based on your individual marketing goals. There are many opportunities out there for individual producers to take advantage of and I encourage all producers to understand the science behind this and other issues. Your voice matters, so whether or not you choose one form of marketing over another you can still speak for your industry using the facts. For more information on the research and science around hormones and beef production I encourage you to visit the Beef Cattle Research Council website at www.beefresearch.ca or http://www.beefresearch. ca/blog/growth-promotants/

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March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY

5

New markets the focus of breakout session

Calvin Vaags

BRAD BROWN Beef producers in Canada are about to see the world like never before. That was the message from all corners on the opening morning of the Manitoba Beef Producers’ 36th annual general meeting, with previously unheard of access to new markets and new access to old markets popping up seemingly at will. The big one, to many, could be the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) between Canada and the European Union, which is expected to be ratified later this year. The European Union is the world’s largest importer of agricultural products and David MacDonald, with Agriculture and AgriFood Canada, suggested CETA could be more significant than the North American Free Trade Agreement, as Canadian markets will gain better

access to a population of over 500 million people with a combined GDP of $18 trillion. Specific to the Canadian beef industry, CETA will increase Canada’s duty-free export quotas to Europe by 65,000 tons, with an estimated economic benefit nationally upwards of $500 million. It will all come at a price though, as Canadian beef exports to Europe will be subject to EU regulations around how the beef is raised – hormone-free and 100 per cent in Canada, for example – slaughtered and cleaned. This, it was pointed out elsewhere during the AGM, could add 20 per cent or more to the cost of production for each animal a producer wishes to sell to the European market. All of which is to say simply that we can’t forget about other markets too, according to Calvin Vaags of True North Foods. Vaags has been working for several years to

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re-establish a federally inspected processing plant near Carman and believes the real potential for the average producer in Manitoba is across the Pacific Ocean rather than the Atlantic. While the recent ratification of the Canada-Korea Free Trade Agreement will see South Korean tariffs of 40 per cent or higher on imported Canadian beef eliminated by 2030, Vaags said cut China is ready for Canadian beef – and lots of it – right now. China, the world’s largest country with over 1.3 billion people, is seeing per-capita beef consumption rising dramatically while domestic cattle herds continue to shrink. And they’re not just looking for any old beef either, according to Vaags. While the focus in North America is on lean, lean, lean, the Chinese have grown an appetite for fattier cuts of beef, which has allowed Canadian exporters to establish a premium market for what has traditionally been viewed as a lower-value product. Regardless of where you hope to sell your beef, Tod

Wallace with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Development urged producers to remember that the game has changed. It’s no longer good enough, he said, for producers to simply expect to find a buyer for whatever they are producing. Instead, today the onus is on the producer to raise a product for which there is a demand. And, for producers who want to make the most of these new markets, that is going to require a more advanced understanding of their own costs of production – particularly as relates to markets that are demanding hormone-free and organic beef. Is it worth it? It’s a question without a clear answer. What may be worthwhile to one producer may not be to the next. Like MacDonald before him, Wallace urged producers to proceed with an equal mix of caution and optimism. “Do your homework,” said Wallace.

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CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

Thank you to all who attended AGM HEINZ REIMER

MBP President Moovin’ Along Thank you to all who attended the MBP Annual General Meeting Feb. 5-6 in Brandon where our theme was Focus on The Future. There was lot of discussion on new market opportunities and initiatives that can move our industry forward. If you are out talking with any of our sponsors and tradeshow participants, say a big thank you. Their support throughout the year is much appreciated. We were also pleased by the announcement that the provincial and federal governments will provide $3.1 million to support applied research and develop information and resources focused on

sustainable beef production. MBP will play a lead role in the project and we are excited about what the future holds. We would like to thank both governments as well as all of the partners involved in this initiative which has been years in the making. As this time I would like to welcome two new directors to our board. Gord Adams is the new director in District 1 while Peter Penner is now the director for District 3. Thank you Ted Artz and Cheryl McPherson for your past terms and friendship (missed but not forgotten). While March is here calving is going on for some and others will

start soon. It is also time to look at purchasing your forage and crop insurance for the coming crop year. As finances get tighter for governments it is getting more important for producers to protect themselves. Just recently the federal government announced changes to Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements (DFAA), which is the province’s threshold for eligibility for federal disaster assistance. This means the province will be more responsible for more of the costs of disasters before the federal government will help. Under the new formula the federal government pays 90 per cent of the costs but that won’t kick in until Manitoba’s costs reach $20 million. The previous amount was $6.5 million so you can see how the change will cost our province a lot

more if there is another flood disaster. I strongly urge all producers to look into the combination of livestock price insurance and forage and crop insurance. These are bankable risk management tools in case of another disaster. MBP directors and staff had a busy 2014 and looking ahead to 2015 there are many issues that will keep us busy. Some examples: • Continued work on the water management and flood files; • Beef and forage research strategy; • Lobbying government on effective programs for predator control and many, many more. I would like to congratulate Kristine Blair and Graham Tapley of Langruth on being named The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) winners. They have made

Bull Sale

l a u n n A h t 5 1

an incredible commitWe are just waiting for ment to the environ- spring to ‘Keep Moovin’ ment and sustainability, Along.’ not only in their farming practices, but in many areas of their lives. Kristine and Graham will represent Manitoba at the national level this August at the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association semi-annual meeting in Winnipeg.

Dr. Allan Preston

TB Update Dr. Allan Preston provided an update on the efforts to eradicate Bovine Tuberculosis in the Riding Mountain Area during the MBP AGM. Preston said Manitoba is winning the battle but there is still a significant challenge ahead before the disease is completely gone.

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7

Producers encouraged to raise a little hell BRAD BROWN “Raise a little hell, raise a little hell, raise a little hell ... “ Dan Ohler bounced around the stage, singing lines from Trooper’s classic rock radio staple, and people laughed. He sang again, this time trying to inspire a mass singalong, and they laughed some more. It was exactly what Ohler wanted as he began his keynote address at the Manitoba Beef Producers’ 36th annual general meeting, but he was also laying down a challenge. If you don’t like what you’ve got, as the song says, why don’t you change it? And if you know there’s something wrong, why don’t you right it? Ohler – a beef producer from Alberta and selfprofessed PhD, or Pretty Happy Dude – closed down the opening night of the conference with a presentation about taking control of your circumstances, instead of letting your circumstances control you. His speech focused on his hometown of Sangudo, Alta., a little over an hour northwest of Edmonton. Like more than a few small towns across Canada, Sangudo was dying. Young people were leaving. The high school was closing. Businesses were shutting down. And low cattle prices weren’t helping anything at

Your community is a direct reflection of you.” Dan Ohler all in the farming town of about 350 people. To see the place in 2005, Sangudo’s centennial celebration may as well have been a eulogy, with lots to look back on and seemingly little to look forward to. So in 2006, a group of concerned citizens got together to figure out how to keep the community intact. In 2007 they formed the Sangudo Community Development Council, with the goal of enhancing and promoting the quality of life and economic development for residents of Sangudo and area. In 2008 Sangudo received support from the

Alberta Recreation and Parks Association when it was chosen as an ACE (Active, Creative, Engaged) Community. And on June 20, 2009, with financial support from a group called Let Them Be Kids, over 200 volunteers came together to build a playground and beach volleyball court, finish Phase 1 of a skateboard park, restore the local sports grounds and undertake a general community beautification project. In essence, they rewrote history. Sangudo, then known as Deep Creek, was founded in 1905. The “About Us” page on its current website

starts with the events of 2006. Of course as one thing leads to another, that wasn’t the end of Sangudo’s success story either. On May 7, 2010, the Sangudo Opportunity Development Co-op (SODC) was formed to support would-be entrepreneurs in the Sangudo area. In its first 18 months alone, the Coop raised $400,000 in local support for two new businesses. And it was from the experience of the SODC that Ohler wanted Manitoba beef producers to learn. Create a vision, he said, for what your own business

Diamond W CHAROLAIS 13th Annual Bull Sale

Thursday, March 19, 2015 • 1:00 p.m. Valley Livestock, Minitonas, MB

40 Charolais Yearling Bulls 15 Red and Black Angus Yearling and Two Year Old Bulls

Sound, semen tested and delivery available Bulls and People You Can Count On View the catalogue online at www.bylivestock.com or for more information contact:

DIAMOND W CHAROLAIS

Ivan, Ethel & Orland Walker Box 235 Hudson Bay, SK S0E 0Y0 T 306.865.3953 C 306.865.6539 [email protected] Sale Manager: BY LIVESTOCK 305.584.7937 • [email protected] Helge By 306.536.4261 Candace By 306.536.3374

www.mbbeef.ca

and the beef industry in Manitoba as a whole should look like in five years, in 10 years and in 20 years. Then take accountability for seeing those goals through and use your leadership skills to make them happen.

Your community is a direct reflection of you, said Ohler, and it’s up to you to be a catalyst for innovation, change and action. Even if sometimes that means raising a little hell on your own.

We have been using TT bulls & offspring of TT bulls the last 11 years!

cigar •TT cows raise 31 More pounds calf than CC cows. Do the Math: 200 cows X 31 lbs X 2.80 = $17,360 more Proft for you! •Feed saving on steer $70-$80 and yield higher grades for a greater return. •Each TT cow on average will raise 2 more calves per lifetime than CC cows.

Your largest source for TT bulls in Manitoba!

McKay Ranches M Kay Family c

(204) 352-4343 Glenella, MB.

8

CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

Outcome of resolutions session at TH MBP’s 36 Annual General Meeting The following 39 resolutions were presented for debate at MBP’s 36th Annual General Meeting on February 5 in Brandon. The resolutions were carried at MBP’s 2014 fall district meetings, reviewed by MBP’s Resolutions Committee, deemed to be in order and then categorized for debate at the AGM. In instances where the resolutions were identical or very similar in content and intent, they were combined for debate. There were also three late resolutions provided to MBP following the district meetings. Those were deemed to be in order and debated at the AGM. Of the 39 resolutions presented for debate, 28 were carried, 10 defeated and one withdrawn. The complete outcome of the resolutions debate follows.

Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby governments to ensure that lands held by third parties that are suitable for agriculture, but that have been idled, remain available to producers for these purposes. Mover: Ron Batho Seconder: Michael Decock Outcome: DEFEATED

Origin: District 8

5. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to provide a better brand registry system that is more accessible to the public and which includes clearer guidelines on acceptable brands that will minimize ineffective brandings and negative animal welfare consequences. Mover: Hugh Blair Seconder: Tom Teichroeb Outcome: CARRIED

A. ASSURANCE FUND C. BOVINE Origin: District 3 TUBERCULOSIS 1. Whereas increases to Origin: District 7 livestock dealer bond levels and the current status quo are not acceptable. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers continue to investigate dealer assurance programming. Mover: Art Petkau Seconder: Gerry Simonson Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 8

2. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers pursue the dealer assurance program to protect producers from dealer defaults with a mandatory levy on all livestock transactions and the fund should be managed by Manitoba Beef Producers. Mover: Tom Teichroeb Seconder: Allen Kopeechuk Outcome: DEFEATED

B. PRODUCTION MANAGEMENT Origin: District 1

3. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship to provide agricultural landowners, whose primary income is from agriculture production, with an annual elk and/ or moose hunting licence on their property. Mover: Ted Artz Seconder: Caron Clarke Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 6

4. Whereas there are concerns that valuable agricultural land is being purchased by private and public interests and permanently removed from agricultural production, but is left in a state that it could still be used for that purpose.

6. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby for compensation for livestock abortions sustained as a result of the bovine TB testing process. Mover: Glen Campbell Seconder: Ray Armbruster Outcome: DEFEATED

Origin: District 8

7. Whereas producers in the Riding Mountain Eradication Area are testing their animals for bovine tuberculosis and their actions are benefiting the Canadian beef industry. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the federal and provincial governments to provide proper compensation for the time to muster animals and the loss of animal production due to testing of their livestock for bovine tuberculosis and that the rate be $16/head. Mover: Dane Guignion Seconder: Glen Campbell Outcome: CARRIED

D. DOMESTIC AGRICULTURE POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

Origin: Nearly identical resolutions came forward in Districts 1 and 8 on the following matter and therefore they were combined for debate. 8. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the provincial and federal governments to expand the needs-based forage feed assistance program to include the entire province to assist producers impacted by the 2014 excess moisture crisis. Mover: Larry Gerelus Seconder: Randy Bjarnarson Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 1

9. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba in regards to excess moisture deductibles in areas declared disasters, and the increase in deductibles be waived for the year following the disaster. Mover: Ted Artz Seconder: Dave Koslowsky Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 2

10. Whereas certain circumstances require efficient and prompt animal health treatment and animal welfare could be compromised, and Whereas the safety of the producer can be at risk when tagging mature animals. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to ensure reasonable enforcement of CCIA tags when transporting animals to vet clinics for routine or emergency procedures and then returning to the herd of origin, and to provide a venue to hear the concerns from producers to ensure continued support for traceability systems. Mover: Dave Koslowsky Seconder: Don Guilford Outcome: CARRIED unanimously

Origin: District 4

Origin: District 6

14. Whereas there are concerns around the enforcement and compliance policies of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA). Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers pursue with the CFIA and other federal officials the need for a third party appeal process for producers who have concerns related to enforcement and compliance policies administered by the CFIA. Mover: Larry Wegner Seconder: Ben Fox Outcome: CARRIED unanimously

Origin: District 6

15. Whereas a significant number of producers who lease agricultural Crown lands have been affected by flooding and excess moisture conditions in recent years; and Whereas in order to retain their leases producers are expected to continue making payments on the lands, even though they may not be usable. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to review agricultural Crown land policies to ensure that affected producers retain the right to use these lands, at a reduced rental rate, until such time as normal production resumes, and then normal rental rates resume. Mover: Ron Batho Seconder: Michael Decock Outcome: CARRIED

11. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers continue to work with the provincial and federal governments to reopen previously closed markets, as well as the opening of new international markets that will continue to benefit the Canadian and Origin: District 8 Manitoba beef industry. 16. Be it resolved that Mover: Heinz Reimer Manitoba Beef Producers Seconder: Don Winnicky lobby Manitoba Public InOutcome: CARRIED surance for cost effective and/ or reduced rates and prompt Origin: District 4 settlements for commercial 12. Be it resolved that trucks hauling livestock and Manitoba Beef Producers ensure independent, third lobby the Manitoba Agricul- party arbitrators to settle distural Services Corporation putes. and other lending institu- Mover: Tony Atkinson tions to review and imple- Seconder: Tom Teichroeb ment new policies on loans Outcome: CARRIED for breeding stock to encourage more uptake by using Origin: District 8 current prices instead of a 17. Whereas many ru5-year average. ral wells are contaminated Mover: Heinz Reimer with nitrates and other comSeconder: Richard Carr pounds; and Outcome: CARRIED Whereas there are rural municipalities that cannot Origin: District 4 access water and it must be 13. Be it resolved that hauled in at the owner’s exManitoba Beef Producers pense; and lobby the Canadian Food Whereas many rural resiInspection Agency to allow dents do not have access to the import of all forms of safe, good quality water for straw into Manitoba from the both human and livestock United States. consumption. Mover: Don Winnicky Be it resolved that ManiSeconder: Heinz Reimer toba Beef Producers lobby Outcome: CARRIED the federal and provincial

www.mbbeef.ca

governments for infrastructure dollars for the development of rural water systems. Mover: Tom Teichroeb Seconder: Randy Bjarnarson Outcome: DEFEATED Origin: The following resolution was a combination of two separate resolutions arising from Districts 10 and 11 that were very similar in the topic being addressed. 18. Whereas the Manitoba Trappers program and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation compensation programs are not effective in eliminating problem wolves and providing compensation due to the requirement of a carcass as proof of loss. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba and Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation for a $300 incentive for trappers and hunters to deal with wolves in problem areas; and Be it further resolved that the timeline for trappers be extended to address the problem wolves in defined areas. Mover: Glen Metner Seconder: Bill Finney Outcome: CARRIED unanimously

Origin: District 11

19. Whereas the current compensation provided by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) for predator-slashed calves does not reflect the true costs associated with supplies, medicine and labour involved in the treatment of the calves when administered by the producer. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby MASC to pay the producer all reasonable costs associated with treating predatorslashed calves. Mover: Glen Metner Seconder: Ken McKay Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 11.

Note: It was agreed to withdraw Resolution 20 as the delegates believed this specific concern was adequately addressed by Resolution 19. 20. Whereas the current compensation provided by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) for wolf-slashed calves does not reflect the true costs associated with supplies, medicine and labour involved in the treatment of the calves when administered by the producer. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby MASC to pay the producer all

reasonable costs associated with treating wolf-slashed calves. Outcome: WITHDRAWN

Origin: District 11

21. Be it resolved that the Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to stop the relocation of problem animals from one place to another. Mover: Glen Metner Seconder: Caron Clarke Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 13

22. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers continue to lobby the Government of Manitoba for the removal of the 10 per cent deductible on predation claims. Mover: Ben Fox Seconder: Glen Metner Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 10

23. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the federal and provincial governments to enable packers to reduce the costs associated with the removal and disposal of Specified Risk Materials to ensure the viability of the packing industry in Manitoba. Mover: Theresa Zuk Seconder: Ben Fox Outcome: CARRIED

E. WATER MANAGEMENT Origin: District 5

24. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers support organizations involved in long-term water management strategies that support enhanced agricultural practices. Mover: Ramona Blyth Seconder: Heinz Reimer Outcome: CARRIED Note: An identical resolution was carried as follows in Districts 9 and 10 and so the issue was only debated once. 25. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to construct an outlet on Lake Manitoba to match the daily inflow from the Portage Diversion, in order to stop the negative impacts on beef and forage production and the rural economy in Manitoba. Mover: Fred deLaroque Seconder: Bill Finney Outcome: CARRIED Note: An identical resolution was carried as follows in Districts 9 and 11 and so the issue was only debated once. 26. Whereas the Government of Manitoba prevented water from leaving the Shoal

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY lakes areas, thus increasing water levels to the point of flooding roads and making them impassable. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to open provincial roads 415 and 416 to alleviate the devastation on the rural economy. Mover: Fred deLaroque Seconder: Dianne Riding Outcome: CARRIED

Mover: Dane Guignion Seconder: Dave Matthews Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 11

G. MISCELLANEOUS Origin: District 2

27. Whereas the Government of Manitoba has put forward two committees to review the Lake Manitoba levels and have accepted their own recommendations to maintain the lake level at 810 to 812 feet asl.  Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to honour their own recommended operating range for Lake Manitoba of 810 to 812 feet asl. Mover: Caron Clarke Seconder: Glen Metner Outcome: CARRIED

Origin: District 14

30. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the federal and provincial governments to provide the RFID tags at no cost. Mover: Stan Foster Seconder: Ramona Blyth Outcome: DEFEATED

H. MANITOBA CATTLE to be a safe practice in some ENHANCEMENT unspecified areas of ManiCOUNCIL toba; and Origin: District 10 Whereas Manitoba Con34. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to ensure that a forensic audit will be conducted on the financial affairs of the Manitoba Cattle Enhancement Council and that the results be made public. Mover: Theresa Zuk Seconder: Stewart Tataryn Outcome: CARRIED

31. Be it resolved Manitoba Beef Producers take a serious, proactive, longterm approach to ensure a healthy slaughter plant capacity in Manitoba and Canada. Mover: Bill Acheson Seconder: Dave Koslowsky Outcome: DEFEATED

I. OPERATIONAL Origin: District 13

Origin: District 5

36. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers’ Annual General Meeting be open to members in good standing. Mover: Ramona Blyth Seconder: Heinz Reimer Outcome: DEFEATED

32. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers acknowledge support to all organizations and businesses in form of visual recognition that are promoting and selling Manitoba Origin: District 11 and/or Canadian beef. 28. Be it resolved that Mover: Ramona Blyth Manitoba Beef Producers Seconder: Heinz Reimer lobby the Government of Outcome: DEFEATED Manitoba to lower the level of the Shoal lakes with a con- Origin: District 10 trolled drain. 33. Be it resolved that Mover: Fred deLaroque Manitoba Beef ProducSeconder: Stewart Tataryn ers lobby the Government Outcome: CARRIED of Manitoba to impose a minimum fine for the first F. TRACEABILITY offences for convictions Origin: District 14 related to cattle theft and/ 29. Be it resolved that or the intentional destrucManitoba Beef Producers tion of cattle to $2,500 per support research around new animal. technology related to perma- Mover: Theresa Zuk nent forms of animal identi- Seconder: Heinz Reimer fication. Outcome: DEFEATED

35. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers investigate moving to a one day Annual General Meeting. Mover: Ben Fox Seconder: Caron Clarke Outcome: DEFEATED

Origin: District 5

J. LATE RESOLUTIONS

37. Whereas night lighting is a dangerous practice that poses a real danger to cattle producers and their cattle; and Whereas the 2014 Manitoba Hunting Guide states “Status Indians may not discharge a rifle or shotgun at night where it is dangerous to do so.”; and Whereas the above statement indicates that Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship deems night lighting and the discharge of rifles and shotguns at night

servation and Water Stewardship has failed to define safe or unsafe night hunting areas of Manitoba. Be it resolved Manitoba Beef Producers shall lobby Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship to produce and make public a map that clearly displays those areas of Manitoba in which Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship deems night lighting to be a safe practice; and Be it further resolved MBP shall request Manitoba Conservation and Water Stewardship produce a list of those jurisdictions in Canada that consider the discharge of rifles and shotguns at night (night lighting) to be a safe hunting practice. 39. Whereas Manitoba Mover: Fred Tait Hydro is either constructSeconder: Heinz Reimer ing new transmission lines Outcome: CARRIED (Bipole III) or in the process of finalizing routes 38. Whereas numerous for new transmission lines acts and regulations govern (proposed Manitobalivestock production in Can- Minnesota Transmission ada, including ones setting Project), lines and towers out specific environmen- that will traverse valuable tal policies and procedures agricultural lands used for around manure manage- livestock, forage and crop ment; and production; and Whereas when it comes Whereas Manitoba’s to environmental regu- agricultural producers delations there is a lack of serve meaningful assuranccontinuity around specific es from the Government parameters between the of Manitoba and Manitoba Prairie provinces, such as Hydro that the construcstocking densities, or the tion and ongoing maintevariation in what consti- nance of these lines will not tutes an animal unit in Al- result in adverse impacts berta (one cow, two feed to their operations, such cattle) versus Saskatchewan as biosecurity risks, im(one cow, 1.5 feeder cattle) pediments to production, versus Manitoba (0.8 beef reduced land values and cow, 1.3 feeder cattle); and potential liability issues, Whereas differences among other factors; and

Kick Off to Spring Bull Sale March 23, 2015

l

2pm Grande Clairiere Hall

SimAngus

Simmenta

between these three provinces around similar types of environmental regulations means Manitoba producers can incur significant added costs to meet the province’s regulatory requirements compared to their counterparts in Alberta and Saskatchewan, and Whereas having a level playing field on the regulatory side is important to the competitiveness of all beef producers. Be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba to work toward the harmonization of regulations for the western provinces to ensure Manitoba’s beef industry remains competitive. Mover: Ben Fox Seconder: Richard Carr Outcome: CARRIED

75 Bulls

Angus

Whereas agricultural producers believe that Manitoba Hydro and its agents should be engaging in ongoing two-way discussions with affected producers about potential transmission line routing and tower placement to ensure the least possible disruption to their livestock and other agricultural operations; and Whereas all Manitoba agricultural producers are entitled to fair compensation, either when hydro transmission lines and towers cross their land or when their land is expropriated for such projects. Therefore be it resolved that Manitoba Beef Producers lobby the Government of Manitoba and Manitoba Hydro to provide detailed assurances that the following will be made available to all agricultural producers: ongoing and substantive two-way discussions about transmission line routes and tower placements; fair compensation, either for line and tower placement on producers’ land or in the event of expropriation; a choice of payment methods; access to an independent appeal process producers can use if they are not satisfied with decisions around line and tower routing placement or in relation to compensation or expropriation payments; and, an ongoing mechanism to address any concerns that may arise as lines and towers are built, put into use and maintained. Mover: Dane Guignion Seconder: Don Winnicky Outcome: CARRIED

Pleasant Dawn Charolais 13th Annual Bull Sale

Saturday, March 21, 2015 • 2:00 p.m. Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB

58 YEARLING POLLED BULLS

7/8 Remmington Lock n Load X LFE Hot Topic

PB

3/4 Mr HOC Broker X Wheatland 786T

SooLine Motive 9016 X Prairielane 033 4075 6008

Online bidding available at www.DLMS.ca

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r 2015! New fo20 Commercial Open

Call for more information or a catalogue or or view it online at

PB Red Maple Lake Fully Loaded 2032 X Red Six Mile Sakic 832S

Hartney, MB (204) 858-2086

a Gerry & Lind Family Bertholet &

www.pleasantdawn.com

Pleasant Dawn Charolais Tully, Arlene, Trent & Ashley, Kevin & Suzanne Hatch Box 40, Oak Lake, MB R0M 1P0 Tully Ph/fax: 204.855.2402 Cell 204.748.7595 Trent 204.855.3078 Cell 204.721.3078 • [email protected]

Heifers sired by Maple Lake Bulls

Check out videos onlne

www.MapkeLakeStockFarms.com

Gerry (204) 741-0340 [email protected] Andrea (204) 483-0319 [email protected]

www.mbbeef.ca

9

Sale Manager: 305.584.7937 • www.bylivestock.com Helge By 306.536.4261 Candace By 306.536.3374

10 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

AGM panel discussion proves lively A&W Canada found an unlikely ally on Day 2 of the Manitoba Beef Producers’ 36th annual general meeting: A beef producer from Manitoba. With A&W vice-president of purchasing and distribution Trish Sahlstrom under fire over the company’s ongoing “Better Beef ” marketing campaign, Brett McRae of Mar Mac Farms near Brandon tried his best to calm the uprising. “We need to stop fighting amongst ourselves,” said McRae, a fifth-generation farmer who was representing the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders mentorship program. Earlier in the panel discussion, McRae had given a presentation on the need for new ways of thinking in the cattle industry. “We need to work together to produce beef that is going to meet consumer demand,” he said. “And if there’s a demand for natural beef then we need to find a way to do that.”

McRae’s voice was in the clear minority though as Sahlstrom attempted to explain and defend A&W’s “Better Beef ” marketing campaign, which launched in Sept. 2013 and promotes the company’s decision to source only beef that is raised without hormones, steroids or antibiotics. It has paid off for A&W’s bottom line, with same-store sales up 6.3 per cent overall in 2014 compared to 2013, but at a price. The decision has also forced Canada’s second-largest quick-service hamburger chain to purchase more of its beef from Montana and Australia, as they are unable to find enough beef in Canada that is raised to their specifications. Sahlstrom said consumers surprised the company when surveys in 2011 and 2013 overwhelmingly showed that they valued beef raised without hormones, steroids or antibiotics more than anything else. And so, in contrast with their competitors

CHAD SAXON

BRAD BROWN

From left to right: Brett McRae, James Bradbury and Trish Sahlstrom were the speakers for the panel discussion “The Changing Face of Canada’s Beef Industry and the Opportunities it Presents,” at the MBP AGM on Feb. 6.

who were already shedding market share, A&W simply decided to give the people what they wanted. Unsurprisingly, the response to her presentation – which was heavier on nostalgia than substance at times – made the minus 30 windchill outside seem downright tropical. Sahlstrom heard from several producers who

HUNTER CHAROLAIS Bull Sale

proudly declared that they will never buy a Teen Burger again. She heard that A&W’s marketing was misleading consumers into believing that the company’s new burgers were somehow healthier than its old ones. That cabbage, for example, naturally contains 1,000 times the estrogen of implanted beef. And that A&W is putting an entire industry at risk for its own financial gain. Sahlstrom replied that the company was simply responding to consumer demand and had to word their advertising in the customers’ own language, adding that A&W is not making any scientific

Thursday, April 2, 2015

1:30 p.m. DST • At the farm, Roblin, MB

MARCH

2015 Spring Sale Schedule

40 5

YEARLING BULLS TWO YEAR OLDS

• Most are Polled • Some Red Factor

APRIL

• Complete Performance Data Available • Bulls can be viewed any time Contact us for more information or a catalogue

HUNTER CHAROLAIS

A Charolais family operation for over 30 years Doug & Marianne, Jim & Amy, Michael Hunter Box 569, Roblin, MB R0L 1P0 • 204-937-2531 Cell: Doug 204-937-7737 Michael 204-247-0301

Sale Manager: 305.584.7937

Helge By 306.536.4261 Candace By 306.536.3374 [email protected] www.bylivestock.com

claims about the quality of their beef. In other words, it’s nothing personal. Just business. Pointing to the looming implementation of the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, which will require cattle exports from Canada to Europe be raised without hormones, steroids or antibiotics anyway, Sahlstrom concluded by saying that A&W would still prefer to buy all of its beef in Canada and suggested the next move is really up to the country’s beef producers. “There is no reason why Canada can’t provide more than enough beef to meet our needs,” she said.

Joining McRae and Sahlstrom on the panel was James Bradbury, global brand officer with Canada Beef Inc. With an extensive sales and marketing background in the food and beverage industry, Bradbury emphasized that consumers, more than ever, want to know what they are eating and where it came from. In making that information available, Canada Beef is working to build a brand that customers can feel loyalty toward and advocate for. The end goal, he said, is to promote the premium aspects of beef so that one day soon people will be able to sit down and have a conversation about beef in the same way they already do about a glass of wine.

Tuesday, March 3

Regular Sale

9AM

Thursday, March 5

Regular Sale

9AM

Friday, March 6

Cattleman’s Connection Bull Sale

1PM

Tuesday, March 10

Regular Sale

9AM

Thursday, March 12

Regular Sale

9AM

Tuesday, March 17

Regular Sale

9AM

Thursday, March 19

Regular Sale

9AM

Tuesday, March 24

Presort Sale

9:30AM

Thursday, March 26

Regular Sale

9AM

Thursday, March 26

Bred Cow Sale

11AM

Tuesday, March 31

Regular Sale

9AM

Saturday, April 4

Great Spirit Bison Sale

12Noon

Tuesday, April 7

Regular Sale

9AM

Tuesday, April 21

Regular Sale

9AM

Tuesday, April 28

Regular Sale

9AM

April - August will be Tuesday sales only starting at 9AM. Presorts MUST be booked in advance. Bred cow sales must be pre-booked and in by NOON on Wednesday prior. Age verification papers must be dropped off with cattle.

View the catalogue & video online at www.huntercharolais.com www.mbbeef.ca

Heartland Livestock Services

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY 11

Two Manitoba producers among Cattlemen’s Young Leaders finalists Two Manitoba residents are among the 24 finalists for the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL) program mentorship positions in 2015. It was announced in a media release that the semifinalists were selected from a pool of nearly 70 applicants, a response which CYL Program Coordinator Jolene Noble said reflects the ongoing popularity of the youth mentorship program. “The program continues to grow due in no small part to the quality of our graduates and their enthusiasm for the program and our industry. CYL alumni have done an excellent job promoting the program to their peers and encouraging youth to apply,” she said. “With each year and new set of applicants, I am even more impressed with the calibre of individuals in the Canadian beef industry.” The 24 semi-finalists were selected based on their online applications which were evaluated by a panel of judges. The finalists will be selected at the CYL Spring Forum which will be held from March 26-28, 2015 in Saskatoon.

Still in the running from Manitba are Breanna Anderson of Swan River and Wilco van Meijl of Brandon. The other 2015 CYL semi-finalists are: Alberta: Benjamin Campbell, Black Diamond; Robert Dixon, Vermillion; Jodi Flaig, Two Hills; Kaleen Harris, Lethbridge; Brett Hassard, Medicine Hat; Elizabeth Homerosky, Calgary; James Jenkins, Okotoks; Angela Kumlin, Duchess; Jacob Onyschuk, Legal; Penny Patton, Athabasca; Ceanna Tannas, Water Valley; Josephine Verhallen, Spruce Grove; Byron Whitford, Lethbridge and Brittany Wiese, Bentley. Saskatchewan: Kyra Edwards, Edam; Breeanna Kelln, Duval; Shane Klepak, Melfort and Brandon Sparrow, Vanscoy. Ontario: Sara Parkinson, Hillsburgh; Bethany Storey, Guelph and Brendan Zettler, Teeswater. Nova Scotia: Ellen Crane, Truro. After final selection, CYL candidates will be paired with a mentor for a nine month mentorship in their area of interest. In

the past, the program has seen a wide range of focus areas. These range from production focusses such as extended grazing seasons, nutrition and embryo work to marketing and trade to industry policy to advocacy. The mentors are handpicked to best suit each individual CYL and set them up for a very successful and productive year. CYLs gain knowledge in their area of interest, exposure to the CCA and its provincial members, an expanded network and personal growth. The CYL program is a national youth initiative of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). It provides industry-specific training and mentorship opportunities to young producers. CYL participants have the opportunity to explore a potential career choice or involvement with a provincial/national producer organization, while gaining the expertise and business acumen necessary to sustain the cattle industry into the future. Visit www.cattlemensyoungleaders.com for more information.

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the market leader when weaning weight counts! February 14 March 20 March 21 March 24 March 25 March 27 March 28 March 31 April 2 April 4 April 4

Denbie Ranch and Guests Bull Sale Family Tradition Bull Sale Pleasant Dawn Charolais Bull Sale Steppler Farms Charolais Bull Sale HTA & Guest Charolais Bull Sale Winn Man Farms Charolais Bull Sale Tee M Jay Charolais Bull Sale Prairie Distinction Charolais Bull Sale Hunter Charolais Bull Sale Cattlemen’s Classic Bull Sale Manitoba Bull Test Station Sale

St. Rose, MB at the farm, Dropmore, MB Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB at the farm, Miami, MB Beautiful Plains Ag Complex, Neepawa, MB at the farm, Winnipegosis, MB Ashern, MB Beautiful Plains Ag Complex, Neepawa, MB at the farm, Roblin, MB Heartland Livestock, Virden, MB Douglas, MB

www.mbbeef.ca

Manitoba Charolais Association President I Shawn Airey Vice President I Hans Myhre 2nd Vice I Jeff Cavers Secretary/Treasurer I Rae Trimble-Olsen CAA Director I Andre Steppler

WWW.CHAROLAISBANNER.COM/MCA/ Find a local MB Charolais Breeder by viewing our website!

12 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

Free expert advice at home that’s not too good to be true: webinars for beef producers TRACY HERBERT Beef Extension Coordinator, Beef Cattle Research Council

Going to conferences and field days are some of the best ways to learn and think more about new ideas and tools that could make things easier or more profitable on your ranch. It’s also an opportunity to ask experts questions, and get advice that helps you make informed decisions for your operation. If you hear about a conference you’re interested in, I certainly recommend making the effort to attend it if you can. But often times, you just can’t get to seminars. Sometimes there’s too much work to be done at home, it’s too far or pricey to make the trip, the

weather is bad, or an unexpected breakdown, cow trouble or something else causes you to miss out. Rather than having to spend the time and money to go to the conference, it would be nice if a seminar came to you once in a while, wouldn’t it? That’s what a ‘webinar’ is – a seminar delivered over the internet. On webinars, you listen to a live presentation on your computer, tablet or smartphone, and can ask the person questions, all without ever having to leave the yard. There’s lots of webinars available for beef producers, and nearly all of them are free.

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) hosts one webinar per month from November to April with an interesting speaker that covers a different topic each time. For example, a past webinar was “Boosting the calf-crop percentage in your beef herd” with Dr. John Campbell from the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. Each BCRC webinar lasts about an hour, is held during the evenings, and is free of charge thanks to guest speakers who volunteer their time and expertise, and with funding by the National Check-off and Canada’s Beef Science Cluster. The webinars are also recorded, so if you

register but happen to miss it, you’ll get an email a couple of days later with a link to watch the recording, plus links to good resources you can use to learn even more about the topic. Webinars are very easy to register for, join and participate in. You will need access to a fast and reliable internet connection to see and hear the presentation. For audio, you’re given the choice between using speakers or listening over the phone. Keep an eye out for webinars this winter and give one a try. You’ll get free, credible information from a beef industry expert on animal health, feed efficiency, genomics, forages,

food safety or environmental stewardship. There’s no sense in passing that up. To find the details on BCRC’s next webinar, and recordings of past BCRC webinars, visit www.beefresearch. ca and look under ‘Resources’.

5 things to know about BCRC webinars

1. No one can see or hear you. When you log into a webinar for the first time, you might be surprised to see the presenter’s face on your screen in addition to hearing his or her voice. That might make you wonder, can they see me? Should I be quiet? No. By default, audience

members’ webcams are not turned on, microphones are on mute, and other audience members don’t know that you’re signed on. If you’d like to make a comment or ask a question, there is a chat box to type into. 2. Interested in the presentation but aren’t available at the time it’s being held? Register anyway! Webinars are often recorded. By registering, you will receive an email with the link you need to watch it on your own time. Attending the live event in more interesting because it gives you the opportunity to interact and ask questions. 3. Sign in 5-10 minutes early. Your computer might need to download some software before it can open the webinar. That can take a few minutes, so it’s best to sign in early so you don’t miss a thing. 4. Don’t have high speed internet? Don’t let that stop you. Consider calling a neighbor that does and watch the webinar together, or call your regional ag office to ask whether arranging a group viewing is possible. That way you’ll have the added bonus of being able to chat with your friends and neighbors about what you heard after the presentation too. 5. Share your feedback and what you want to learn about next. Most webinars, including BCRC’s, will ask you to fill out a short survey afterward. That feedback is very helpful to the organizer. It helps them to do an even better job of the next one, and to choose the topics that are most meaningful and useful to you.

Actual feedback after a BCRC webinar:

• I find these webinars very good. I don’t have to waste time travelling to seminars. Saves on fuel and time. I can be involved on my time after chores are done. I don’t have to leave home when I need to be close by to look after things. Always willing to learn more. This is a great way to make it happen. - Jason, producer from SK • Thank you for the wonderful presentation of information. As a first time webinar attendee, you made the process to attend very easy and simple to follow. - Teresa, producer from SK

www.mbbeef.ca

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY 13

BSE case stirs up bad memories RICK WRIGHT The Bottom Line “Once bitten twice shy” is the old saying that I thought of when I got the first call about the recent BSE case in Alberta. The thought of another BSE case caused a chill down my spine and made the hair on the back of my neck stand up! The first thing I did was check the futures markets to see how the industry was reacting. Some of my colleagues thought that if there was bad news for the industry, the livestock futures would drop. I adopted the opposite approach. If there was any chance of the border closing, the markets should have jumped the limit, especially in the far away months. The reasoning was that there is currently a shortage of cattle in the USA, and they are buying every animal they can get their hands on. If the border was in danger of closing that would magnify the cattle shortage, and the speculators would go crazy buying positions, anticipating even greater shortages in the future. I was happy to see that there was no extraordinary activity on the futures market. I called a couple of the major trucking companies to see if any of the American feeders that have cattle on feed in Manitoba and Saskatchewan had made any inquiries about moving their inventory south earlier than scheduled. Nothing out of the ordinary was reported. Finally, I called a number of the auctions in progress to get a read on the markets. All reported normal market demand with continued support from south of border. Some individual feeders in Canada put their buying on hold, but that only lasted for the day. The end result was that there was very little disruption in the market. Most of the anxiety was the result of the sensationalism by the media. The Canadian media was the worst offender, trying to rehash the 2003 news story of the year. The fact is the latest case is not much different than the infected cow found in February of 2011. As long as we continue to test we will find isolated cases. The

good news story is that the meat from the animal did not get into the food chain and there was no danger of any human consuming any part of the animal. In my opinion, Canada should be praised for their continued vigilance on the surveillance of the Canadian herd. We should not be penalized for being transparent in our findings. We are doing the right thing to ensure that Canadians and our international customers have safe and wholesome beef products. “Case 19,” as the cow is being referred to, should not affect Canadian status as “controlled risk,” but could delay Canada’s movement to “negligible risk” status in the near future. This means that countries that follow the OIE standards should continue to allow imports of Canadian beef products. South Korea was the first to temporarily suspend imports from Canada; they imported 2,700 tonnes of Canadian beef last year, almost double from the previous year. Indonesia also announced that it has suspended the importation of nonedible by-products

It is extremely important that Canada maintains its infrastructure in both the feeding and processing sectors. If we don’t, we may face the scenario where we are forced to sell our feeders to the USA at whatever price the market will bear. from Canada, which includes bone meal. Although we are enjoying record cattle prices, and short-term markets look very positive for the next 12 months, I am concerned about the longterm sustainability of the Canadian beef industry. It will be early 2017 before we see any increase in the overall beef production and the number of feeder cattle available in the United States. In the interim, producers on both sides of the border will start to rebuild herds by retaining heifers and reducing the number of cows they cull. This in turn will short the supply of feeder cattle and slaughter cattle, creating an even stronger demand for the available inventory. If the dollar was to drop to 75 cents it would be very hard to control the flow of feeder cattle to the USA. Currently, it is very

hard for cattle feeders to compete with the American orders, due to the low exchange rate. Canadian cattle are currently very attractive to the American feedlot industry. Some of the Canadian feedlots have switched to custom feeding for out-of-province investors, rather than take the risk of owning the inventory. The majority of these custom backgrounded cattle will have retained ownership and will be finished south of border. Others who own the cattle face small profit margins and high risk for the returns. With all of the regulations in Canada, it costs considerably more to process cattle at a Canadian plant versus an American plant. Processors on both sides of the border have been struggling to show consistent profits for a long time. If we continue to send more feeder cattle south over

the next few years, we could risk losing more of our domestic processing industry due to shortages of fed cattle and cull cows. Eighty per cent of Canada’s packing industry is in western Canada, with the majority at two major plants, neither of which is running at capacity. If either one of those two plants were to close, there would be more long-term damage to the Canadian industry than the BSE crisis created. It is extremely important that Canada maintains its infrastructure in both the feeding and processing sectors. If we don’t, we may face the scenario where we are forced to sell our feeders to the USA at whatever price the market will bear, and then purchase our own beef back at whatever price they decide to charge. There is no doubt that the favorable exchange

rate has created a much needed boost in the Canadian cattle industry. It introduced a renewed enthusiasm in the industry and has producers feeling more comfortable about investing in the future of the business. We need for it to last for at least the next year to help recoup some of the losses from the 2003 BSE crisis. However, if the current export situation was to continue for an extended period of time, the long-term effects might overshadow the short-term benefits. How we manage this potential situation will be a challenge for industry and its many think -tanks and industry associations. Regardless, we need to be proactive on this matter rather than reactive. Until next time, Rick

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14 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

Preventing pneumonia in your calves JEANNETTE GREAVES

DR. TANYA ANDERSON, DVM The Vet Corner

Treating large numbers of young calves for pneumonia and scours is every producer’s nightmare, especially when calf prices are high. Farm labour shortages also exacerbate a problem that is best prevented. But, as herd size has increased, prevention isn’t as easy or straight forward as one might think. Colostrum, though a calf’s best friend, can be a nemesis as we struggle to vaccinate young calves against respiratory disease. These maternal antibodies from the cow are especially effective for the prevention of scours and septicemia (infection in the blood that spread throughout the body) but often fail to provide adequate protection against pneumonia. Boosting colostral immunity by vaccinating cows pre-calving did lessen the severity of but did not prevent pneumonia outbreaks in young calves. Vaccination of young calves with products shown to be very effective in a feedlot situation also failed to

minimize disease in many herds. The immune stimulation from these vaccines was blocked by the maternal antibodies in the colostrum. Delaying vaccination until two months of age when colostrum immunity had begun to wane was also not an option since calves got sick prior to this time. Until recently, the only “for sure” option for pneumonia management in young calves was administration of a long-acting antibiotic during an outbreak. Not an easy feat as anyone pushing young calves through a chute can attest. Over the years, researchers have learned how complex the immune system is and how different body organs respond to infections. Respiratory disease enters the body through the nose, mouth and lungs. In fact, many of the viruses that cause pneumonia (IBR, PI3, BRSV) have evolved to be able to cause infection in the colder sinuses of the nasal cavities. The common pneumonia causing bacteria

(Mannheimia hemolytica, Pasteurella multocida and Histophilus somnus) are often “normally” present in the throat region, ready to cause disease after viral invasion. Recently, vaccines have been developed to provide direct protection in the nose and lungs through the stimulation of cell-mediated immunity and the development of IgA antibody. If you are experiencing problems with pneumonia in young calves, talk with your veterinarian. Control

programs vary slightly depending on the calf age when getting sick. Intranasal vaccines against both viral and bacterial pathogens are now available and well tested under natural challenge situations in the veal industry. Immunity is enhanced within 48 hours of intranasal vaccination – the viral vaccine up one nostril, the bacterial vaccine up the other. The convenience of administration shortly after birth while tagging and other processing is done makes

this protocol easy to implement. Boosters are given at pasture turnout using a 4-way viral with bacterial components in addition to the routine Clostridial (Blackleg) vaccines. Processing is repeated at weaning and feedlot entry. Keep in mind that vaccinating calves does not mean that you should stop vaccinating the cows. Boosting colostral immunity is still important and your cows require protection against abortion (BVD,

IBR). And, for those folks that “don’t want to vaccinate to pad the pockets of the feedlot operators”, this program provides benefits to your pocketbook, minimizes death losses and treatment costs through the summer and maximizes weaning weights. Think of vaccination as an important component of whole herd biosecurity. Let’s work together to promote the beef industry and produce a wholesome product for the consumer.

THE KELMAR STORY THE KELMAR STORY Kelmar is a family owned company that brings fifty years of farming to its Meats, Bakery & Bistro shops and the customers serve in company Winnipeg, Manitoba. In years the mid Kelly’s father & mother onshops an oldand homestead five Kelmar is a they family owned that brings fifty of 50’s farming to its Meats, Bakerysettled & Bistro the miles north of Douglas, was thereInthat grew up tofather farm &with his family. was a veryfive selfcustomers they serve inManitoba. Winnipeg,It Manitoba. theKelly mid 50’s Kelly’s mother settled The on anfarm old homestead sufficient farm growingManitoba. grain andItraising livestock to include; milk cows, cows,The hogs & was chickens. miles north of Douglas, was there that Kelly grew up to farm with beef his family. farm a very selfsufficient farm growing grain and raising livestock to include; milk cows, beef cows, hogs & chickens.

In 1983 Kelly & MaryAnn were married and continued the farming business to eventually buy the family homestead and In 1983 Kelly &ofMaryAnn were married up andon continued theisfarming to eventually buy the family homestead andhave. The raise a family their own. Growing the farm one ofbusiness the greatest experiences a person will ever raise a family of their own. Growing up on the one is ofgrown the greatest experiences a person everthe have. The family the freedom of living in the country & seeing howfarm theirisfood in a natural environment haswill given Penner freedom of education living in thenecessary country & seeing how their is grown in athe natural has giventhey the Penner grassroots to choose highfood quality food for 2500environment weekly customers serve. family the grassroots education necessary to choose high quality food for the 2500 weekly customers they serve.

In 1994, KELLY & MARYANN created “KELMAR”, a company that has grown from a farming & agri-services business in In 1994, KELLY & MARYANN created “KELMAR”, a company that has grown from a farming & agri-services business in Western Manitoba to Kelmar Meats, Bakery & 925 Bistro & Lounge, (employing 40 people) all located at 925 Headmaster Western Manitoba to Kelmar Meats, Bakery & 925 Bistro & Lounge, (employing 40 people) all located at 925 Headmaster &&Lagimodiere inWinnipeg WinnipegManitoba. Manitoba. www.kelmarmeatsandbakery.com , www.925bistroandlounge.com Lagimodiere in www.kelmarmeatsandbakery.com , www.925bistroandlounge.com The for Kelmar KelmarMeats Meatsbegan began several years through the BSE in Canada. vision for the beef The vision vision for several years agoago through the BSE crisis crisis in Canada. Kelly’s Kelly’s vision for the beef industry Manitobawas wastotocreate create a fully traceable to plate company that bring couldthe bring the highest industry in in Manitoba a fully traceable gategate to plate company that could highest quality ofquality beef &of beef & other productstotoitsitscustomers. customers. Choosing Certified Angus Beef program with Toledo Foodservice has other livestock livestock products Choosing the the Certified Angus Beef program with Toledo Foodservice has brought the food along withwith the the great tastetaste of theofCertified AngusAngus Beef toBeef our shops. brought foodsafety safety&&traceability, traceability, along great the Certified to our shops. www.certifiedangusbeef.com www.certifiedangusbeef.com We look look forward forward to thethe freshness andand highest quality Manitoba & Western Canadian raised products. We are We are We tobringing bringingyou you freshness highest quality Manitoba & Western Canadian raised products. proud of of our our farming and look forward to bringing the farm to your table ortable comeorvisit us at Kelmar proud farmingbackground background and look forward to bringing the farm to dinner your dinner come visit us at&Kelmar & 925 Bistro & Lounge. THE PENNER FAMILY 925 Bistro & Lounge. THE PENNER FAMILY

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March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY 15

BodyConditionScoring.ca launches A new webpage offers a fresh look at the importance of monitoring the nutrition of beef cows and the role body condition plays in overall productivity and profit. “The importance of maintaining cows’ fat cover at an optimal level is underrated,” said Karin Schmid of the Alberta Beef Producers. “Many producers don’t realize how much thin or over-fat cows hurt their bottom lines, and how easy and effective body condition scoring is when figuring out how to adjust rations and keep cows in the right condition.” The webpage, www. b o dycondit ions cor ing . ca, features an interactive tool which makes the value of maintaining cows at the right body condition abundantly clear in terms of reproductive performance, calf health, weaning weights and other important aspects of production. It also includes an engaging four minute video that shows examples of cows in various condition, and explains how to quickly and easily measure fat cover.

The nutritional information available will help producers decide how to manage their rations once they have an accurate measure of their cows’ condition to get and keep their animals in the right condition. Recognizing that internet access is still a barrier in

some regions, all of the webpage’s content will be available on USB data sticks. Producers needing to access the information offline can pick up a USB stick at some industry events or through a direct request to the Beef Cattle Research Council.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Beef Cattle Research Council, Alberta Beef Producers, Farm and Food Care Saskatchewan, the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture. Funding was provided by

Alberta’s Growing Forward 2 Livestock Welfare Delivery Agent Program. Growing Forward 2 is a federal-provincial-territorial government initiative to drive an innovative, competitive and profitable Canadian agriculture and agri-food sector.

th 47 Annual

The groups expect that the new, easily accessible and user-friendly resources will not only lead to improved bottom lines for cow-calf producers, but also prevent animal welfare concerns during cold winter months.

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SSaturday, t d April A il 18, 18 2015 LUNDAR Sale: 1:00 p.m.

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The bodyconditionscoring webpage

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16 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

Cattle thrive on managed grassland Changes are taking place at the Freeman Property near Killarney. This large expanse of grassland habitat is being rejuvenated and redeveloped to improve its value as wildlife habitat and pasture. A  grazing system is now in place on  the property to help achieve this goal. This  rotational grazing system has a stocking rate that works for the producer and works to meet  wildlife habitat requirements.  These changes help show that cattle and wildlife can co-exist and thrive with proper management, according to Tom Moran, a Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation (MHHC) field representative.  “There hadn’t been cattle on the property for several years and the fences were in poor shape,” said Moran. “We wanted to bring it back into production. If MHHC, as a conservation organization, can help demonstrate that making a living from the land and providing wildlife and habitat benefits are compatible then we all benefit,” added Moran.  The 960 acre Freeman Property, located about three miles west of Killarney, was bequeathed to the

MHHC in 1995 by the late Harvey Wayne Freeman, with the condition that it be maintained as wildlife habitat in perpetuity.  The property contains, native prairie, riparian habitat along the Long River, bluffs, wetlands and tame pasture.  The MHHC, working in partnership with the Boyd family of Killarney, have developed a rotational grazing system covering about 600 acres of the property. An additional 200 acres is hayed by another producer. The project involved repair of existing fences and installation of the new sections needed to create four paddocks for the rotational grazing system. As well, a water pipeline provides an alternative watering source in the paddocks. This helps keep cattle out of the creeks and sloughs. The Turtle Mountain Conservation District provided assistance with the installation of a solar pump. There are several benefits to the management changes, according to Moran who said, “We wanted to get some animal impact on the land instead of simply cutting hay and removing it. With a  grazing system, the cattle are

impacting the area and cycling the nutrients right there.” To achieve this objective, the MHHC put out a call for proposals hoping to attract a progressive cattle producer to rent the pasture and implement sustainable land practises that would also benefit wildlife habitat. Dale Boyd, his son Carson and their families were selected and they have now implemented a rotational grazing system. The system in place here sees the cattle turned out to pasture in the first paddock at the beginning of June each year.  They are moved through each paddock twice during the grazing season rather than left in a single pasture season-long. Cattle are removed from the area by mid-October. Cattle are allowed access for only a limited period of time before being moved to the next paddock, according to Boyd. “We leave them about ten days a paddock for the first round.” It also allows the manure to spread out helping to fertilize the pasture. When cattle are grazed at proper stocking levels it can be good for the land, Boyd points out.  “When you rotational graze the

MAUREEN COUSINS

BILL STILWELL

paddocks are allowed to rest,” he said. They place 80 cow-calf pairs in the system each season. “It’s not heavily grazed and there is plenty of cover left behind for wildlife habitat going into the fall and winter,” Boyd noted. At the end of the growing season there is still plenty of grass in each paddock to provide habitat for deer, rabbits, grouse and other wildlife. Cattle grazing using appropriate stocking rates  is beneficial.  The prairies evolved under grazing by herds of bison that once roamed the Great Plains prior to European settlement. Like the bison, cattle nip the grass off, which stimulates it to grow thick-

er and more productive during the growing season. Manure fertilizes the soil, which in turn increases the nutrient value of the grass. The pasture is thicker and healthier now making it more valuable as nesting cover for ducks and other ground nesting birds.  Since beginning to graze the Freeman property, the Boyds have noticed lots of wildlife. For example, last fall his son Carson spotted plenty of deer here. “It isn’t unusual to see sharp-tailed grouse or Hungarian partridges,” Boyd noted. “When the paddocks are lightly grazed and then left idle for periods of time, they go into the fall and winter with

15th Annual

Cattleman’s Classic Multi-Breed Sale Saturday, April 4, 2015

Heartland Livestock 1:30 p.m. Virden, MB

Selling approximately 80 bulls: 55 Charolais, 10 Herefords, 15 Angus POWERFUL 2YEAR OLDS THICK BEEFY YEARLINGS

Large selection of red factor charolais bulls

Brought to you by these respectable cattlemen: Tri N Charolais - Mervin & Jesse Nykoliation at 204-838-2107 or 851-3391 LEJ Charolais - Jim & Rae Olson at 204-252-3115 CattleLac Charolais Ranch - Tyler Wilkinson at 204-448-2181 New Horizon Angus - Kiern Doetzel at 306-336-2245 Bremner Charolais - Jack Bremner 204-572-4268 Sunny Ridge Stock Farm - Ken Hopcraft 204-725-6213 Twin View Herefords - Ken & Ernie Macdonald 204-365-7426 or 204-759-2188

Watch the sale and bid online at www.dlms.ca

Our bulls are affordable. Featuring sons of the 2012 Agribition Champion Charolais bull.

View catalogue online at www.trincharolais.com or to request a catalogue contact Mervin or Jesse at 204-838-2107 or 851-3391 or [email protected] www.mbbeef.ca

more cover than season long grazing, and this provides cover and habitat for all types of wildlife.” MHHC owns a number of parcels of land and have grazing and haying agreements  with  producers   on many of them. For more information on MHHC programs contact Tom Moran in Boissevain at 204-305-0276 or visit the Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation website at www.mhhc.mb.ca.

CAMPBELL LIMOUSIN Homegrown Bull Sale Tuesday, April 7, 2015 1:30 p.m.

at the farm 3.5 miles North of Minto and 1.75 miles East (Lunch at Noon)

One of the most complete groups of yearling Limousin bulls in Manitoba.

BULLS SIRED BY: IVY Xterminator Amaglen Umpire Man JYF 61X GHR Zane EXLR Total Control Bulls can be viewed at: www.wrightauction.ca Auctioneer: Wright Auction Service Boissevain, Manitoba 204-534-2502

Contact

Bill Campbell

204-776-2322 (res) 204-724-6218 (cell)

[email protected]

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY 17

Defining what is sustainable beef As a selected participant of the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association’s (CCA) Cattlemen Young Leaders (CYL) program I have had the opportunity to be mentored this year by Jeffrey FitzpatrickStilwell, Senior Manager of Sustainability for McDonald’s Canada. As the focus of my mentorship is on sustainability of the beef industry, I have been privileged to be part of the timely discussions about “what is sustainable beef?” by McDonald’s. McDonalds purchases 67 million pounds of Canadian beef that has been raised on more than 5,000 Canadian farms each year. And they have chosen Canada for the site of their pilot project for sourcing verified sustainable beef. McDonald’s has a history of making sustainable sourcing a priority for their global quick service chain. In 2010 they asked WWF to assess the sustainability of their commodity sources. They discovered that the greatest global impact on sustainability was from palm oil procurement. This was largely due to deforestation and loss of habitat that can come with unsustainable harvesting. The Roundtable for Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO), formed in 2004, assists producers in using sustainable harvesting methods and awards premium prices to those that produce it in a sustainable manner. McDonald’s now buys only from suppliers of palm oil who are RSPO members. Similarly, more than 15 per cent of the drip coffee, and 100 per cent of the espresso-based beverages served at McDonald’s stores in Canada is Rainforest Alliance Certified., They have also made great strides with

other menu ingredients; 100 per cent of the fish used has been certified by the Marine Stewardship Council. However, for beef and chicken there is no existing structure for “sustainable sourcing” in place! Sustainability is not just about environmental protection. It’s also responsible for supporting local communities and ensuring economic stability. However, since livestock production, especially beef, is an extremely diverse and multifaceted industry, the first phase of this project will focus on the environmental pillar of sustainability only with plans to expand the breadth of the project in the future. McDonald’s is a member of both of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) which was formed in 2013 and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (GRSB). Both organizations are working to identify sustainable practices in beef cattle systems. The CRSB has recruited Deloitte to complete an assessment of the sustainability of the current Canadian beef industry which will help to identify indicators of sustainability specific to Canada. For more information see: http://crsb.ca/wp-content/ uploads/2014/04/SummaryAssessmentProject_concept-1.pdf To help move this process forward McDonald’s has developed a pilot project for verifying sustainable beef to help themselves, and the CRSB, learn how to measure, verify and communicate to consumers the sustainability efforts of the industry as a whole. McDonald’s has invited a diverse group of experts to work on an advisory board. One of the members is Melinda German, General Manager of Manitoba Beef

Producers. McDonald’s has chosen to conduct this pilot project in Canada as we have many tools in place that can help with the verification process like Verified Beef Production and a paramount tracking system with tools like BIXS that can trace an animal through its life. In addition, Canada’s industry has strong leadership like the CCA, CRSB and has invested in the development of our next generation with programs like CYL. McDonald’s will support other processes in other countries with the ultimate goal of sourcing verified sustainable beef globally. I believe it should be a point of pride that this global corporation saw Canada as the best place to begin a project on beef sustainability because of the success and already environmentally sound system we already have in place here in Canada. • What sustainable beef could mean for Canada? McDonald’s serves more than 2.5 million customers every day in Canada alone. It’s exciting as a member of the beef industry that a group with such influence is collaborating with the beef industry to promote how we raise our beef and to raise consumer confidence in our industry. This could also mean access to new markets by being the first country to have a verification process for sustainable beef in a global marketplace. And it will

JEANNETTE GREAVES

KRISTINE BLAIR

also give us a chance to look »» We follow animal and maintain a reclosely at our industry and transportation record of pharmaceuour own operations to see quirements under the tical, herbicide and where we can improve our Health of Animal Regpesticide use. management systems, reulations. The CRSB will decord keeping and progress to • Food cide what is a reasonable continue to be competitive in »» Our operation is VBP means for a producer to this global market. registered and/or we demonstrate that they Understandably sustainare capable of demon- possess these indicators of able beef production looks strating compliance sustainability on their opdifferent across our country with the VBP pro- eration. and even across our provgram. Although the McDonince, ex. Pipestone vs. Inter- • People and Community ald’s pilot and the work lake. But the goal of CRSB »» We support our local of the CRSB are separate, is to develop indicators that community; they both view this as an will enable each producer, »» We abide by work opportunity to commudespite their location, to place health and safe nicate more broadly with demonstrate achievements. regulations. the general public regardSome examples of poten- • Efficiency and Innovation ing the sustainability of the tial indicators: »» We make efforts to im- beef industry in Canada, • Natural Resources prove feed efficiency; sustainable farms, sustain»» We take measures to »» We follow all label di- able feedlots, sustainable decrease soil erosion, rections and/ or vet- processors and sustainable nutrient runoff and erinary prescriptions retailers. protect riparian health; » » We take measures to increase biodiversity. • Animal Care »» We follow the National th Beef Code of Practice;

STEPPLER FARMS 4th Annual Bull Sale

Tuesday, March 24th, 2015

HAMCO CATTLE CO. 7

1

Annual

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Saturday March 21, 2015

At the farm, South of Glenboro, MB 1:00 p.m.

Your source for Elite Angus Genetics!

1:00 p.m. at the Steppler Farms Sale Barn 6 miles west of Miami and 1 1/2 miles south

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CASH ADVANCE FORMS AVAILABLE ONLINE at: www.manitobalivestock.com Cash Advance Program Applies to: • Manitoba Cattle, Goat, Bison and Sheep Producers • Saskatchewan Cattle, Goat, Bison and Sheep Producers • Alberta Sheep, Bison and Goat Producers • British Columbia Bison and Goat Producers • Quebec, PE, YK, NB, NL & NS Bison Producers

Call: 1-866-869-4008 to start your application** Manitoba Livestock Cash Advance Inc.

*Per applicant, includes all APP Programs. Subject to Credit Approval

Online bidding available at www.Cattleinmotion.com

STEPPLER FARMS LTD. Andre & Katie Steppler 204.435.2463 cell 204.750.1951 Dan & Pat Steppler 204.435.2021 Sale Manager: 305.584.7937 • www.bylivestock.com Helge By 306.536.4261 Candace By 306.536.3374

www.mbbeef.ca

Selling 65 Red & 45 Black Angus Yearling Bulls Selling 25 Red & 6 Black Angus 2 Year old Bulls 3 3 3 3 3 3 3

Many are AI sired Bulls semen tested & tested BVD PI negative Bulls on home performance test - data available Developed on a high forage TMR ration Selected from a 530 cow herd Free delivery & free board till May 1 Delayed payment plan available

Please join us for lunch 12:00 p.m. on Sale Day For more information or catalogues view us on line at hamcocattleco.com or contact us Dr. David Hamilton (204) 822-3054 (204) 325-3635 cell

Albert, Glen & Larissa Hamilton (204) 827-2358 (204) 526-0705 cell [email protected]

18 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

P.E.I. trip a great experience for TESA winners 2014 was an exciting year for us at Rich Lane Farms. In February, we were named The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) winners for Manitoba at the Manitoba Beef Producers AGM in Brandon. We were incredibly honoured to be chosen for our efforts to keep our land and water healthy through such practices as exclusion fencing of riparian areas, rotational grazing, and bale grazing. In using these practices, we have seen tremendous benefits in improved water quality, improved soil structure and fertility as well as increased biodiversity. Our motivation for environmental stewardship is not to win

awards but we were definitely excited to find out that as the Manitoba winners, we would be attending the 2014 Semi-Annual Meeting for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association for the national Environmental Stewardship Award. Even better was finding out that the meeting was being held in Prince-Edward Island, where neither my husband nor I had visited before! The fun began even before we reached PEI as we spotted some cowboy hats at a restaurant in Toronto airport waiting for our connecting flight. Low and behold, it turned out to be the Saskatchewan and Alberta winners also waiting for the same flight.

TRUSTED DEALER

7L Cattle Equipment Bill Jackson PH: 204 813 0098 www.arrowcattlequip.com Livestock handling made easy and safer

Over the next few days, we were introduced to the other Provincial winners and we enjoyed our time getting to know them and “talk cows” as all beef producers tend to do when we get together. We attended some of the CCA meetings that were open to the public and it was an eye opener to listen to the topics being discussed on the National industry level. So often it is easy for us just to stay focussed on our own farm and we don’t always think of the bigger picture. The highlight for me was the tour and entertainment evening that had been planned by the PEI Cattle Producers. The tour began at the Cows Creamery where we witnessed (and sampled) their award winning icecream being made, learned about their cheeses and how their whimsical t-shirts are made. The next stop was the Avonlea Village; a wonderful re-creation of L.M. Montgomery’s fictional world. No Cattlemen’s tour would be complete without a farm tour, so we

KRISTY LAYNE CARR

KRISTY LAYNE CARR

As part of being named the winners of the 2014 TESA Award, Richard and Kristy Layne Carr received a trip to the CCA semi-annual meeting in P.E.I.

stopped at the Wilsim’s who showed us around their indoor feedlot overlooking the ocean. It was also interesting to hear about the strict requirements regarding potato rotations as Islanders are increasingly concerned about the amount of land lost each year to erosion. Supper was served on an authentic fishing boat that was also used for tours during the off-season. The menu included Island mussels, salads, lobster and steak. After the boat tour, we headed off to a “kitchen party” (music in the park) where there

was more food served (hake/haddock, clams, and fresh Island produce). The evening finished off with a wine and cheese tour at the world famous “Around the Sea Rotating House”, which is available to rent on your next trip to PEI! The hospitality was amazing and we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves touring all the best that PEI has to offer. In the end, the winners of the The Environmental Stewardship Award were Sean and Tanya McGrath of Round Rock Ranching out of Vermillion, AB. They employ a number of

LIMOUSIN

stewardship practices such as bale grazing, portable wind fences, fuel efficient vehicles and participate in several recycling programs. Another stewardship goal is the continued education of the public and the McGrath’s have participated on several public forums and use technologies such as YouTube and Twitter. Although we weren’t selected as the National winners, we are so thankful that we were part of such an amazing experience and were fortunate to meet some truly fantastic people from our farming community.

Amaglen Limousin

204-246-2312 www.amaglenlimousin.ca Bulls for sale on farm & at Douglas Bull Test Station

THE NATURAL GENETIC ADVANTAGE FROM BIRTH TO PLATE

Campbell Limousin

204-776-2322 Email: [email protected] 10th Annual Homegrown Bull Sale April 7th

700 HEAD COW/CALF

250 HEAD COW/CALF

Connor Bros Ltd

Using Limousin bulls on our black cows gave us calving ease and a cross breeding advantage. Our ranch was able to sell market topping 1000 pound grass yearlings in late July.

Craig and Lorna Marr

2013 MB Commercial Breeder of the Year

HANNA, ALBERTA

500 HEAD BLACK COW HERD Gord Kozroski 2013 SK Commercial Breeder of the Year

GULL LAKE, SK

We use quiet Limousin bulls for the big beefy calves with great hair and hip. They have been our terminal cross for over 20 years and the calves are vigourous at birth, do well in the feedlot, and have great carcass yield.

SILVER RIDGE, MB

Year after year, we buy Limousin bulls because they give us great calves that we get a premium for. Raising superior calves is why we farm.

www.mbbeef.ca

Jaymarandy Limousin 204-937-4980 Len www.jaymarandy.com Western Gateway Bull Sale April 13, Ste. Rose

L&S Limousin Acres

204-838-2198 Bulls Sell April 4th at Douglas Bull Test Station

L.G. Limousin

204-851-0399 cell 204-748-3728 home Cochrane Stock Farms Private treaty sales on farm 204-855-2191 Darby 204-573-6529 Cell www.cochranestockfarms.com Maplehurst Farms 204-274-2490 Bob Cherway Limousin 204-274-2634 Ken Bulls for sale on farm 204-736-2878 www.cherwaylimousin.ca Red & Black Polled Bulls Roaring River Limousin & Females for sale 204-734-4797 2 Yr. Old Bulls for sale Diamond T Limousin on farm on farm 204-838-2019 Email: Triple R Limousin [email protected] 204-685-2628 Red & Black Polled Bulls Custom built panels, bunk for sale on farm feeders, etc. Open House & Private Treaty Bull Sale April 11th Hockridge Farms 204-648-6333 Brad 204-648-5222 Glen Find us on Facebook www.hockridgefarms.ca www.facebook.com/pages/ManitobaBulls for sale on farm Limousin-Association/572198599475105 see you @ 2015 MLA Summer Show, June 28th, Treherne, MB

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY 19

How Will Climate Change Affect My Big Mac Meal®?

What is going on?

Regardless of the pros and cons of quick-service restaurant fare, the Big Mac Meal is an unqualified commercial success. It is also the end-point of a significant portion of agricultural products that emanate from the Canadian prairies. For established food processors, three primary considerations govern business viability. Their manufacturing plant must be efficient, their product must be safe, and it must meet the exacting quality demands laid down by customers such as the quick-service industry. All three considerations will be affected by climate change and extreme weather that impact the producers of potatoes, canola, wheat and beef and their food processor partners who serve that sector. It is therefore highly unlikely that the Big Mac Meal of 2050 will be unaffected by a changing climate To be assured of highquality outputs, food processors demand high-quality inputs. Perhaps more importantly, processors demand consistency in the quality or process performance of those agricultural inputs. Variability in properties of agricultural commodities due to climate change poses significant challenges to the food processing industry. To maintain quality uniformity in a global industry, the quick-service cooked frozen French fry should taste the same in Shanghai as it

Too hot, too cold, too wet, too dry – potato tubers get stressed very easily. Tubers respond to physiological stresses by producing sugars. Unfortunately, sugars in potato strips diminish the appearance of the finished fry, and the processor can only do so much in the manufacturing plant to get those sugars out. A number of options exist for the quick-service buyer of fries from the climate-challenged processor: lower quality standards and risk losing customers, or lose customers because meals must be higher priced to offset the costs of rejected loads of tubers. A third pro-active option is through potato breeding programs, where cultivars tolerant to abiotic stress will be targeted while maintaining other fry quality traits. The capacity to sort strips based on composition at line speeds is an additional technological response to agriculture’s 2050 climate challenges. Food safety will also be increasingly challenged by the effects of climate change and extreme weather events. The old allies of food safety in meat processing plants chilled process lines and copious emanations of wash water - will be harder to find as rising prices for refrigeration and potable water force processors into reconfiguring long-held manufacturing practices. Innovative reductions in water usage and the re-use of grey water streams for non-critical process tasks where food safety is not compromised are certainties

50 50

4

40 40

Series1 Series2

30 30

20 20

2

10 10

0 -10

10 2004 2005 30 70 2009 2010 90 2006 502007 2008 2011 1102012 2003

130 2013

Price of off-peak electricity in cents per kWh

What is coming up, and does it matter?

6

60 60

energy

does in Chicago. Potatoes, along with canola oil, make up more than 99 per cent of a quick-service French fry. But, potatoes are particularly susceptible to quality changes brought about by variation in growing conditions.

70 70

150

time

Figure 1: Energy and water prices from power-stressed Ontario and water-stressed Southern California1. As climate change reduces water supplies and increases energy costs, Canadian food processing facilities will have to cope with increased manufacturing costs. Exacerbating the problem is the high power cost of pumping water to regions that undergo periodic water stress. DLMS INTERNET SALES EVERY THURSDAY AT www.dlms.ca - Call our office to list your cattle! Monday, March 2

Butcher Sale

9AM

Friday, March 6

Bred Cow Sale & C/C Sale

11:30AM

Wednesday, March 4 Monday, March 9

Wednesday, March 11

March

This article is one in a series of articles that make up “Moving Toward Prairie Agriculture 2050”. Experts in their field, contributors were challenged to describe what agriculture on the prairies will look like 35 years from now, following a framework of questions around What’s going on? What’s coming up? Does it matter? and What is being done? The full greenpaper is available at http://ncle.ca.

8

80

Sunday, March 15

Monday, March 16

Wednesday, March 18 Thusday, March 19

Saturday, March 21 Monday, March 23

Wednesday, March 25 Friday, March 27

Monday, March 30

Presort Feeder Sale

Wednesday, April 15 Monday, April 20

Wednesday, April 22 Friday, April 24

Monday, April 27

Wednesday, April 29 Thursday, April 30

9AM

10AM

Butcher Sale

9AM

Sheep Sale

12 NOON

Regular Feeder Sale Pleasant Dawn Charolais Bull Sale

9AM

Butcher Sale

9AM

Bred Cow Sale & C/C Sale

11:30AM

Presort Feeder Sale Butcher Sale

Cattlemen’s Classic Bull Sale

Monday, April 13

9AM

Rebels of the West Simmental Bull Sale

Saturday, April 4

Wednesday, April 8

www.mbbeef.ca

Butcher Sale

Regualr Feeder Sale

Monday, April 6

The greenpaper “Moving Toward Prairie Agriculture 2050” was prepared for the Alberta Institute of Agrologists and supported by the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment, University of Manitoba. The opinions expressed are those of the authors.

Regular Feeder Sale

Wednesday, April 1 Wednesday, April 1

April

Martin Scanlon is Associate Dean (Research), Chair of the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment and a Professor in the Department of Food Science at the University of Manitoba. His research focuses on understanding changes in the properties of agricultural materials during the processing operations that convert them into food.

Processors demand consistency in the quality or process performance of those agricultural inputs. Price of Tier 1 water in US cents per cubic metre

National Centre for Livestock and the Environment, University of Manitoba

in all future processing plans. An example is one meat processor who has reduced water usage from 3,700 litres per head in 2010 to 2,800 litres per head one year later. One area where extreme weather can directly affect consumer health is not in the meat patty; this undergoes a rigorous heat treatment at the restaurant before the bun is loaded. Rather, the food safety threat arises from lettuce shreds that enhance the burger’s textural contrasts. The intense precipitation of extreme weather events can ballistically launch soil-borne organisms such as Listeria and transfer them to the growing lettuce. With no option for heat treatment, these minor components in the meal may pose tomorrow’s food safety threat. Finally, plant efficiency can also be challenged by climate and extreme weather effects. Manufacturing plants that are able to meet the standards of the quick-service industry rely on uninterrupted supplies of potable water and reliable power; they run on large volumes and tight margins. Reducing these inputs is a target for all processors, and some have cited aggressive reductions for 2020 through a variety of innovative strategies and new technology introductions. In addition, since much of the Big Mac Meal relies on tightly integrated frozen and refrigerated distribution chains, extreme weather events could significantly disrupt the supply and quality of the Meal’s components after they have left the process plant. Sensitivity to weather events is exacerbated because these tightly-controlled chains have been purged of the vast majority of previous inefficiencies. To conclude, one can expect the effects of climate change and extreme weather to affect the viability of food processors meeting the demands of urban customers far from the Prairies. Elevated carbon dioxide levels may change more in the Big Mac Meal than just the carbonation level in the soda.

2015 Spring Sale Schedule

MARTIN SCANLON

Pen of 5 Replacement Heifer Sale CLOSED EASTER MONDAY

10AM 9AM 9AM 1PM

Butcher/ Feeder Sale

9AM

Presort Feeder Sale

10AM

Butcher Sale

Butcher Sale Regular Sale

Bred Cow & C/C Sale Butcher Sale

Regular Feeder Sale Sheep Sale

Heartland Livestock Services

9AM

9AM 9AM

11:30AM 9AM

9AM

12 NOON

20 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

Producers give opinion on research and extension

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) supports beef industry research and the extension of the results to Manitobans, in particular beef producers. By communicating with producers, MBP directors and staff can use their best judgment to help select research priorities that will benefit producers in the province. That’s why we went to you, the producers, for direct insights into which areas of research you believe would produce the biggest dividends for your operation and the larger beef industry. In October and November 2014, a 10 question survey was handed out at all 14 MBP district meetings. The purpose was to get a general idea of how Manitoba beef producers view research and extension priorities. By no means was the survey all-encompassing and the results were gathered from only a small (161 completed surveys) representative portion of the thousands of beef producers in the province. It does however give a great broad-spectrum view of where producers’ priorities lie and MBP thanks all those who participated. The survey asked individuals to rank their answers in order of importance and those rankings were converted into their average importance relative to the other answers. As you can see from the accompanying graphs, there were a wide variety of rankings indicating that all of the topics have some varying degree of significance to producers.

Broad research areas - Question 1

The first question asked about broad research areas and preferred areas of focus. Economics and profitability was of highest relative importance (70 per cent) to producers followed closely by nutrition and feed efficiency (67 per cent), animal health and welfare (59 per cent) and forage and grassland productivity (55 per

cent). Beef cattle production is a business and the highest costs are usually associated with forage supply and unhealthy or unproductive cattle. It follows that these areas of research would be extremely important to beef producers. Environmental sustainability (44 per cent) and beef quality (45 per cent) were also deemed reasonably important.

Specifics of each research area Questions 2-6

The next five questions delved into more detail about each of these research areas (except beef quality). When it comes to environmental sustainability the principal priority producers have is water quality (70 per cent), followed by manure management strategies (45 per cent), nutrient build up and/or run-off (45 per cent), and maintaining biodiversity (34 per cent). Reducing greenhouse gas emissions lagged far behind on the priority list (4 per cent). In terms of economics and profitability, farm management strategies to reduce costs (73 per cent) and farm level marketing techniques (47 per cent) were viewed as the most important research and extension areas to producers. Research on the different aspects of animal health and welfare had relatively similar importance across the board. Pain mitigation (9 per cent) and transportation (15 per cent) lagged but not drastically behind the rest of the topics which were: handling techniques to reduce stress (41 per cent), parasite control (37 per cent), disease surveillance (36 per cent), biosecurity (36 per cent) and needleless injections (24 per cent). Grasslands and forages are an important resource in cow-calf production which is likely why producers placed considerable value on research geared toward extended grazing techniques (62 per cent), improving

nutritional value in forages (57 per cent) and selecting forage varieties suitable for distinct soil types (55 per cent). Research on fertilizer use, either commercial or manure, was less important in comparison (26 per cent). In terms of nutrition and feed efficiency research, on average the highest ranked sector was cow nutrition especially during the winter (69 per cent), followed by improving feed efficiency or residual feed intake (61 per cent). Feeding methods, for example, extended grazing or creep feeding, and mineral supplementation had an average relative importance of 38 per cent and 34 per cent respectively.

Fact sheets – Question 7

Question seven related to what part of a fact sheet, summarizing research results, would be most valuable to you. A combination of quick statistics, a written description of the study and results, graphs, and pictures of how the project was completed all had quite similar average relative importance (31-45 per cent).

Receiving study results - Question 8

This question asked, ‘What is the best way for you to learn about study results?’. Cattle Country is obviously well regarded and valuable to many producers as its relative importance was higher than the rest of the options (59 per cent). In general, producers would also like to go to a farm site to see the research in action (42 per cent). The importance of the other avenues of communication ranged from 5-31 per cent.

Receiving the results of applied research (40 per cent), seeing how the research was accomplished (40 per cent) and going to a related workshop (33 per cent) were also important features of a demonstration.

Open-ended – Question 10

from genomics, meeting the European market, attracting new producers, increased research collaboration and educating consumers, to name a few. Some of the topics mentioned are covered in other areas of this Cattle Country issue and will continue to be addressed in future issues.

The last question on the survey asked, ‘What other Getting the types of research or exten- answers… sion questions are relevant to Beef cattle research anyour farm or ranch?’ There swers the questions that are were 17 astute answers to raised every day on cattle this question that ranged operations around the

province. For example, ‘how can I save money on feed costs without compromising the health of my cattle?’ By doing this type of survey MBP is better able to understand which questions are raised most often and can then set out to research them and share the results through extension. If you are interested in more information or have an opinion you’d like to share about this survey, please don’t hesitate to contact MBP. Again, our thanks to all that participated in the survey!

For Sale:

13 Bulls Red & Black Angus

at Douglas Bull Test Station Sat. April 4, 2015 28 Bulls on RFI feed efficiency trial at Art Petkau, Morden (Grow Safe) likely the only place you’ll find feed efficiency tested bulls

HERD BULLS:

Prairielane 7093 9115 --top gainer at Douglas 2014 & 2013 Blue Gentian Black Spear 332T --top gaining group at Douglas 2014 currently top gaining group at Douglas MVF Upward 216W SAV 004 Traveler 7069 --full brother to SAV 004 Density 4336 noted for excellent females

Research demonstration Question 9

According to producers, seeing new technology and equipment in action was an important feature of a visit to a demonstration of applied research (69 per cent).

“WE STRIVE FOR PERFORMANCE EFFICIENCY” Norman Bednar 1-204-425-3401, cell 1-204-380-2551 Neil & Dorothy, Alexandrea Bednar 1-204-425-7940

www.mbbeef.ca

CHAD SAXON

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY 21

RETIREMENT GIFT

CATTLEX LTD.

• CATTLEX offers a complete Order-Buying service and covers all Manitoba and Eastern Saskatchewan Auction Marts. • CATTLEX buys ALL classes of cattle direct from producers. • CATTLEX is interested in purchasing large or small consignments of Feeder Cattle, Finished Cattle, Cows and Bulls.

CALL 1-800-772-0458 FOR REMOVAL FROM MAILING LIST OR ADDRESS CHANGE.

Retiring District 1 Director Ted Artz was presented with his Manitoba Beef Producers belt buckle during the annual MBP President’s Banquet Feb. 5 in Brandon. Artz is retiring after five years as a director and was honoured at the meeting by District 10 Director Theresa Zuk. Cheryl McPherson, who has retired as the director of District 3, was not able to attend the banquet but was recognized for her service by MBP President Heinz Reimer.

For more information and pricing, contact any of the Cattlex buyers: Andy Drake (204) 764-2471, 867-0099 cell Jay Jackson (204) 223-4006 Gord Ransom (204) 534-7630

Clive Bond (204) 483-0229 Ken Drake (204) 724-0091

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THIS AD SPONSORED BY SAC AND THE FOLLOWING MANITOBA SALERS BREEDERS: Richard & Gill Grudeski

GRUDESKI SALERS Box 9 Vista, MB R0J 2E0 T:204-859-2899 [email protected]

Ken & Wendy Sweetland

SWEETLAND SUPER SIX SALERS Box 84 Lundar, MB R0C 1Y0 T:204-762-5512 [email protected]

www.sweetlandsalers.com David Wright

ALL WRIGHT FARMS Box 1210 Carberry, MB R0K 0H0 T:204-466-2684

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22 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

BRM programs to be examined MAUREEN COUSINS MBP Policy Analyst

www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture and at local MAFRD GO Offices when the meeting dates and locations are finalized. MBP has been requesting improvements to BRM programs to ensure they are responsive to producers’ needs and will be participating in the consultation process. If you have an issue or idea you would like to see brought forward, contact the MBP office at 1-800-772-0458. MBP is encouraging beef producers to participate. Some of the recent AgriInsurance program changes will also be of interest to beef producers. Key among them is changing the escalating deductible for coarse hay to a flat 20 per cent for the Harvest Flood Option, which was one of the new program features introduced for forage producers in 2014. Prior to this change being made the deductible was to individualize over time - increasing 10 per cent for every claim year, and decreasing 10 per cent (to a minimum of 20 per cent) for each non-claim year. March 31 is the last day to apply for the Harvest Flood Option. For those considering forage insurance, MASC has an online forage insurance calculator: http://www.masc. mb.ca/masc.nsf/calculator_ forages.html As well, the Pasture Days Insurance Pilot Program will again be offered to 90 producers, including up to 20 in the Dauphin and Neepawa MASC insurance areas. It provides insurance coverage for livestock producers for losses sustained due to weather-related grazing shortfalls during the summer pasture period. Interested producers must have an active AgriInsurance contract, but do not have Pasture selected for insurance in combination with Forage Insurance; and have a minimum total of 30 ‘Animal Units’ (AU) of eligible livestock types on pasture.

A new provincial task force to examine business risk management programs and changes to AgriInsurance programs, some of which will affect beef producers, were unveiled in conjunction with Ag Days in January in Brandon. Bill Uruski will chair the five-member Agriculture Risk Management Review Task Force that will examine existing programs and policies used to help producers recover from climate-related challenges like flooding. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) will also be represented, along with a financial institution and farmers. “Manitoba’s farmers have told us existing agricultural programs can’t adequately address these climate-related challenges, especially as they become more common,” said Agriculture, Food and Rural Development Minister Ron Kostyshyn in a January 21 news release. “We are following through on our commitment to review existing programs and consider options that will be more predictable, comprehensive and sustainable for farmers and governments.” The Task Force will hold public consultations starting this spring, although they had not been announced by press time. Issues to be examined include: • evaluating the effectiveness of current risk management tools, including production insurance, to help manage and recover from climate-related challenges; • identifying gaps in existing policies and programs; • recommending options to improve farmers’ ability to manage climate-related risks; and • identifying ways to shift government support from ad hoc assistance to planned and predictable Price Insurance Program Deadline programs. The Western Livestock Information about consultations will be available at Price Insurance Program

(WLPIP) for cattle (fed, feeder and calf) and hogs provides producers with a means of protecting against market risks. May 28 is the final date for purchasing a calf policy under WLPIP for this year. Policies are available yearround for fed cattle and feeder cattle. For more information, contact your local MASC office or call 1-844-782-5747.

GF2 Deadline Reminders

Participating in the Verified Beef Production Program? Then you may be eligible for up to $12,000 in funding for food safety on-farm, biosecurity and traceability initiatives. This year’s deadlines to apply for funding under the GF2 Growing Assurance – Food Safety On-Farm program are May 1, Aug. 1 and Nov. 1. Applications are assessed on a competitive basis until the program is fully subscribed. Examples of BMPs available to eligible producers

include: neck extension for chutes, single animal scale, first audit for Verified Beef, beef herd medical treatment software, quarantine pen for incoming or returning animals, compost site for dead stock management, RFID reading equipment and software and Carrying case and/ or docking station for RFID equipment. For complete details visit: http://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/food-safety/at-thefarm/growing-assurancefood-safety-on-farm.html If you are interested in participating in a VBP Program workshop, please contact the MBP office at 1-800772-0458.

Rebates are for school taxes paid on farmland only, not those paid on farm residences or buildings. The maximum rebate is $5,000 for any taxpayer, which includes all related persons of that taxpayer. Note: this excludes children, parents, siblings or other individuals connected by a blood relationship. However, it does include your spouse or commonlaw partner any corporation controlled by either of you, whether solely or jointly. This also includes any other corporation controlled by that first corporation, whether directly or indirectly. For more informaFarmland School Tax tion see: http://www.masc. Rebate (FSTR) mb.ca/masc.nsf/program_ If you are applying for farmland_school_tax_rethe Farmland School Tax bate.html Rebate for the 2014 property tax year your application Seniors School Tax must be received by Mani- Rebate toba Agricultural Services The Manitoba govCorporation by March 31. ernment also offers a

What’s New for 2015 - MASC Insurance Claim Notification Deadline for Basic Hay, Select Hay and Enhanced Quality Option (under Forage Insurance) as well as for Greenfeed

The deadline for registering a claim without a late fee is September 30. The final deadline for registering a claim is  November 30 (changed from the following March 31). Claims filed after September 30, but by November 30, are subject to a late fee.

Notice of Disposition of Grain Used for Feed

The AgriInsurance Contract requires that a producer provide MASC with 10 days of notice before any insured production of hay, greenfeed, or silage corn is used for feed, or is sold or disposed of in any manner. The 10 day notice period has been extended to insured grain production that is used for feed. If the notice is not provided, MASC may deny or adjust the claim as deemed appropriate.

Adding Land for Excess Moisture Insurance (EMI) Coverage

Rented land must be added to your AgriInsurance Contract by March 31

Forage Insurance Program 

The suite of forage insurance programs continue to provide more benefits and options for producers at a lower premium cost. You can choose Select Hay Insurance, which provides production and quality guarantees for five separate types of hay (no offsetting between types for claim or coverage purposes); or Basic Hay Insurance, which provides lower-cost, whole-farm production coverage for all hay types combined. Additional options are available, such as the Harvest Flood Option (the inability to harvest coarse hay due to excess moisture and flooding) and the Enhanced Quality Option (which provides a higher Relative Feed Value guarantee for alfalfa under Select Hay Insurance). Also

Distributed by: Dr.K’s Specialty Products www.mbseasalt.com

Requirement to Incorporate Seed for Forage Establishment Insurance

In order to be eligible for Forage Establishment Insurance, forage seed must be incorporated into the soil by mechanical means. An inspection may be completed to verify incorporation.

Winter Wheat and Fall Rye Reseeding/Overseeding Policy Change

When winter wheat is overseeded with spring wheat, the crop will be insurable as feed wheat; and when winter wheat or fall rye is overseeded with another crop type, the crop will be insurable as mixed grain, provided the insured producer has feed wheat and mixed grain selected for insurance. In both cases, only the premium associated with the overseeded crop will be charged. There will be no premium or reseeding benefit on the original winter wheat or fall rye crop.

Called “Healthy Hay” in Europe (www.sainfoin.eu)

Just like natural sea salt and minerals are better for human health than those which are industrially refined, so are they for your animals.

AVAILABLE AT THESE RETAILERS: Steads Farm Supply- Boissevain,MB-204-534-3236 Silver Creek Bison- Binscarth,MB-204-532-2174 Firdale Feed and Farm- Austin,MB Emile Paradis- Ste Rose du Lac, MB-204-447-3332 Kaljent Ag- Teulon,MB-204.886.2180 K&A Feeds- Eriksdale,MB-203.739.5381

included, at no extra cost, is the Hay Disaster Benefit, which provides additional compensation to a producer who has a claim when there is a severe province-wide forage shortfall.

ORGANIC SAINFOIN SEED

Finally a natural, unrefined salt and natural conditioner is available to the Canadian market. Redmond salt is a 100% natural mineral mined from an ancient seabed in central Utah, containing over 60 naturally occurring crystallized trace minerals.

OMRI listed for organic livestock production.

Source: http://www.masc.mb.ca/masc.nsf/insurance.html

in order to be eligible for EMI coverage in that year. Rented land added after March 31 will continue to be eligible for AgriInsurance coverage for seeded crops and for Hail Insurance, but not for EMI. Land that is purchased by an insured producer on or before June 30 is eligible for EMI, based on proof of purchase being provided to MASC. Contact your Insurance Agent for further details.

New Livestock Mineral

Seniors School Tax Rebate of up to $235 for eligible seniors. Eligibility requirements are as follows: • You or your spouse/ common-law partner must be 65 years of age or older by the end of the year (December 31, 2014); • You or your spouse or common-law partner must own your home; • You and your spouse or common-law partner must live in your home; • You and your spouse or common-law partner must be a resident of Manitoba; and • Your property taxes must not be in arrears. The deadline to apply for your 2014 rebate is March 31, 2015. For more information and to get an application visit: http://www.gov. mb.ca/finance/tao/sstrebate.html Or call 1-855-893-8266.

The story of Canadian agriculture is one of success, promise, challenge and determination. We know, because we live it every day.

Sainfoin is an ancient, non-bloating, nutritious, low input, perennial legume loved by all animals. Recent research from Utah State University indicates both better meat flavour and nutrition from sainfoin supplemented forage.

Be proud. Champion our industry. Share your story, hear others and learn more at www.AgMoreThanEver.ca.

MBP is a proud champion of this cause

www.mbbeef.ca

CONTACT

www.primegrains.com John Husband • (306)739-2900 [email protected]

March 2015 CATTLE COUNTRY 23

Bring nutrition month into the office ADRIANA BARROS, PHEC. Great Tastes of Manitoba Each year Nutrition Month is celebrated throughout Canada in the month of March. This month is initiated by Dietitians of Canada working to help remind us all the importance of healthy eating and the positive impact nutrition has on our health and well-being. This year their campaign is focused on helping Canadians eat well at work. Eating 9 to 5, is their slogan. Let’s discuss why healthy eating is important, the state of Manitoba adults’ chronic disease rates and list strategies for

creating a supportive and healthy environment at the workplace. Adults spend most of their waking hours at their place of employment, including the daily commute; your job can keep one away from home for approximately 10-15 hours a day. Most work environments are sedentary, caused by sitting at a desk, gathered around meeting tables and even spent sitting for lunch and snack breaks; this results in a high level of inactivity for most of the day. Maintaining a diet

outlined by Canada’s Food Guide and regular activity are essential steps toward optimal health, resulting in an increase of healthy employees. Employers and their employees would mutually benefit from maintaining an adequate healthy workplace environment resulting in higher productivity rates and optimized concentration. Work environments that encourage healthy living also diminish insurance costs by lowering nutrition related chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, blood pressure or heart disease. This means less sick days may be taken and employees are energized and feeling healthy. According to Statistics Canada every seven

SANTA FE STEAK SALAD • 1 lb flank steak RUB: • 1/4 tsp EACH salt, pepper, garlic powder and chili powder • 1 tsp brown sugar • 1 tbsp canola oil SALAD: • 4 cup mixed salad greens • 1/2 cup EACH black beans and corn • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved • 1/2 large English cucumber, chopped • 1-2 avocado, chopped • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled • 1/4 cup dry-roasted peanuts, roughly chopped • Optional garnish: corn chips

PEANUT LIME DRESSING: • 1/2 cup canola oil • 2 tbsp smooth peanut butter • juice of 1 lime • 1/4 tsp minced garlic • 1 minced garlic • 1 tbsp honey • Salt and pepper

Add all dressing ingredients and blend together, set dressing aside.

DIRECTIONS: Incorporate rub ingredients and sprinkle evenly on both sides of the steak, drizzle with oil and set aside in the refrigerator to marinade 4 hours minimum to 12 hours maximum.

Combine all salad ingredients together, dress salad with dressing and top with barbecued flank steak strips. Garnish with corn chips and a lime wedge.

1 in 2 men & 1 in 3 women living in Canada will develop heart disease in their lifetime; 85% of hospitalized patients survive the event

Beef Producers of Manitoba Call Now: 1-204-275-1109 or 1-888-505-2611 Extended Health Care

An estimated 50,000 Canadians suffer a stoke each year; 85% survive the initial event

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LINK ATTEN DNA Insurance www.dnainsurance.ca [email protected]

Recipe developed and written by Adriana Barros PHEc

For

Stroke:

Critical Ilness Insurance

Place marinated flank steak on medium heat grill; sear each side until the internal temperature reaches 145˚F or (63˚C). Allow the steak to rest 5-10 minutes, slice against the grain into strips.

New

Cancer:

Heart Disease:

These numbers can improve as a whole across Canada. Thanks to an increased focus in public awareness paired with educational programs available throughout Canadian provinces there has been a change for the better. A change in healthy eating and maintaining regular physical activity, has resulted in Canadians reaching lowered death rates caused by cardiovascular disease by more than 75 per cent in the past 60 years. Hooray! But, we aren’t finished yet, due to lifestyle trends and constant challenges present when choosing the foods we eat; the fight isn’t over. Heart disease and strokes are two of the three causes of death in Canada. (Heart and Stroke Foundation, 2014). Let try to win this battle

A tasty Santa Fe Steak Salad with a zesty peanut lime dressing

DID YOU KNOW?

1 in 2.2 men & 1 in 2.4 women living in Canada will develop cancer during their lifetime; 63% will survive for at least 5 years

minutes a Canadian dies from heart disease or stroke (Heart and Stroke Manitoba). In the year 2011/2012, 27.8 per cent of all Manitobans over the age of 20 years old were diagnosed with hypertension (high blood pressure). People living in the Northern Health Region showed significantly higher incidences of hypertension when compared to Manitoba overall. Figures from the same year, 20011/2012 shows that 7.9 per cent of Manitobans aged one and older was living with diabetes. People living with diabetes increased steadily from 5.2 per cent in 2000/2001 to a staggering 7.9 per cent in 2011/2012 Manitoba Health’s Health Information Management, 2012-2013).

Works Cited

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Fill out and fax to: 1-204-269-1081 or mail: DNA Insurance 404-35-2855 Pembina Hwy Winnipeg MB R3T 5K2 www.mbbeef.ca

by focusing on improving our nutrition this month. By narrowing in on making change at the place we all spend long hours, here are a few ways employers and employees can be innovative and promote a healthy lifestyle within the office: • Start a wellness committee in the office to organize planned group activities; • Set up a corporate rate gym pass to a local fitness club; • Insurance benefits with access to dieticians or nutritionists; • Organize office marathons, charity walks or tournaments; • Set up office sports teams i.e. baseball, soccer or hockey; • Organize a monthly potluck lunch where each colleague brings a homemade dish from a healthy lunch menu created by a health champion at the office; • Encourage walking around indoors or outdoors during a portion of the lunch hour; • Organize family fun days, an event that brings colleagues and their families together by putting on an outdoor park lunch or excursions to a local family friendly attraction like the zoo or a water park; • Celebrate an office birthday or holiday with a casual day or a vegetable or fruit tray rather than cakes or candy. Remember that behavioural changes are achieved when there is community support. This month is Nutrition Month, so be mindful of your dietary habits during work hours and help improve your health as well as the health of your coworkers. This month Manitoba Beef is sharing a healthy Santa Fe Steak Salad recipe that can be easily packed away for weekly lunches! Remember to store the homemade salad dressing on the side! Happy Nutrition Month and thanks for reading. Heart and Stroke Foundation. (2014). 2014 Report on the Health of Canadians. Heart and Stroke Manitoba. (n.d.). Statistics. Retrieved January 28, 2015, from Heart and Stroke Foundation: http://www. he ar t andst roke.mb.c a/ s ite / c . l g L SI VO y Gp F / b.3661109/k.34F4/Statistics.htm Manitoba Health’s Health Information Management. (2012-2013). Annual Statistics. Winnipeg: Manitoba Health.

24 CATTLE COUNTRY March 2015

THANK YOU TO OUR GENEROUS AGM SPONSORS EVENT FUNDING PROVIDED BY

DIAMOND LUNCH SPONSOR

PRESIDENT’S BANQUET SPONSORS

DIAMOND SPONSORS

THE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP AWARD SPONSOR

BANQUET BEEF SPONSOR Cargill Meat Solutions and Cargill Animal Nutrition

BANQUET COCKTAIL SPONSOR

BREAKOUT SESSIONS SPONSOR

COFFEE SPONSORS Enns Brothers Sterling Truck and Trailer Sales Ltd.

GOLD SPONSORS Alert Agri Distributors Inc./P. Quintaine & Sons Ltd. DNA Insurance EMF Nutrition Kane Veterinary Supplies & Allflex Canada Landmark Feeds MacDon Industries Ltd. Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation Manitoba Charolais Association Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation Manitoba Hereford Association Mazergroup

Twin Bridge Farms Ltd.

Ron, Carol, Ross, Gail, Owen & Aaron Birch Ron & Carol 403-792-2123 Aaron 403-485-5518 Lomond, AB [email protected] www.tbfarms.ca

Keriness Cattle Company Ltd. Kert Ness - 403-860-4634 [email protected] Joe Ness - 403-852-7332 Airdrie, AB [email protected]

Fir River Livestock

Merck Animal Health The AgriPost The Victoria Inn Zoetis 730 CKDM 880 CKLQ

Prairie Livestock TD Canada Trust Agriculture Services The Hartford

SILVER SPONSORS Canadian Cattle Identification Agency Cattlex Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Ducks Unlimited Canada Hamiota Feedlot Ltd. Manitoba Angus Association

Stone Gate Farm & V&V Farms Ltd.

O'Faelan Farms Inc. Ron Whalen 902-651-2006 Vernon River, PEI [email protected] www.ofaelanfarms.ca

Carroll Creek Cattle Company Jason Hurst 519-881-7929 Durham, ON [email protected]

Foursquare Gelbvieh

BRONZE SPONSORS Aikins Law Allen Leigh Security & Communication Ltd. CattleMax Software Cattle Track Technologies CIBC Murray Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram Westman Paddock Drilling Ltd. Sunrise Credit Union

Darrell & Leila Hickman 780-581-0077 Vermilion, AB [email protected] Vern & Vivienne Pancoast 403-548-6678 Redcliff, AB [email protected]

Davidson Gelbvieh & Lonesome Dove Ranch

Vernon & Eileen Davidson 306-625-3755 [email protected] www.davidsongelbvieh.com Ross & Tara Davidson & Family 306-625-3513 [email protected] www.davidsonlonesomedoveranch.com

Gelbvieh Alliance Sale Group Gelbvieh Stock Exchange Sale Group Prairie Kirk Hurlburt - 306-222-8210

Roger & Kim Sayer 403-875-8418 Carstairs, AB [email protected]

Dave Hrebeniuk - 306-865-6603 Darcy, Renee, Colt & Kenzie Hrebeniuk - 306-865-7859 Hudson Bay, SK Gelbvieh Association of [email protected] Alberta/BC www.gelbviehworld.com c/o Merv Tuplin - 780-450-1280 Edmonton, AB [email protected]

Don Okell - 403-793-4549 [email protected] www.jentygelbviehs.com Gary or Nolan Pahl - 403-977-2057 [email protected] www.towerviewranch.com

Eastern Canadian Gelbvieh Assoc. c/o Laurie Hurst Durham, ON 519-369-1763 [email protected] www.go-gelbvieh.com

CANADIAN GELBVIEH ASSOCIATION www.mbbeef.ca

[email protected] Chad Nicholas 306-436-7300 [email protected] Ian Thackeray 306-861-7687 [email protected]

Man-Sask Gelbvieh Assoc.

c/o Lee Wirgau - 204-278-3255 Narcisse, MB [email protected]

5160 Skyline Way NE, Calgary, Alberta T2E 6V1 Ph: 403.250.8640 • Fax: 403.291.5624 Email: [email protected] • www.gelbvieh.ca