NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS Manitoba Expands Flood Recovery Program to More Communities The Manitoba government is expanding eligibility under the one-time Manitoba Flood Recovery Program (MFRP) to provide additional support to residents in communities severely impacted by flooding from a series of major rainfall events in June ...
AgriStability Info for MB Producers Affected by Weather Events & Flooding To help MB producers impacted by significant early summer rains and resulting flooding in June and July, the governments of Canada and Manitoba have agreed to the following targeted AgriStability enhancements ...
Tree Check Month: Wood You Take Two Minutes to Protect Canada's Trees? This August, CFIA encourages Canadians to take part in Tree Check Month. This annual campaign reminds Canadians of the vital role they play in protecting local plants and trees and the importance of healthy trees to ...
August 7, 2026
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
Big trade questions are front and centre for Canadian beef right now CUSMA, Mercosur, and what Canada's place in global markets looks like in 2026 and beyond.
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That's why we're looking forward to having Gitane De Silva open CBIC as our keynote speaker. Gitane helped negotiate CUSMA. She represented Alberta in Washington during the first Trump Administration. She served as Canada's Consul General in Chicago. She's spent her career at the intersection of trade, energy, and international policy - and she knows how to cut through the complexity and tell it straight. She won't have all the political answers nobody does right now - but she'll give you the context to understand the landscape Canadian beef is operating in. And that matters.
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
Every ranch family has a future. Not every ranch family has a plan.
Succession planning is one of the most important conversations a ranch family can have, yet it is often the one that gets pushed to "after calving," "after haying," or "when the time is right." At CBIC 2026, join Trevor MacLean of MNP for a practical discussion on ranch succession planning and the realities facing farm and ranch families today. Whether you are planning your own retirement, working alongside the next generation, or waiting for clarity on what comes next, this session will provide practical insights and a framework for moving the conversation forward. Because succession planning isn't just about land, cattle, or paperwork.
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It's about people.
Retained Ownership: Balancing risk and reward in a small margin world The "why's" of retaining ownership of calves after weaning can be varied. Some producers always retain ownership; while others decide each fall, depending on feed availability and market prices. Is it a good fit for your operation? When is taking the risk of the market moving against you, worth it? And what are the ‘difference makers’ that can make it profitable? Regardless of your why, anyone who retains ownership knows that they must balance risk and reward, because they are entering a small margin world. The 2022-23 Canadian Cow-Calf Survey (CCCS) reported that 40% of respondents retained ownership. Reasons for retaining ownership were to sell into a different time period (54.4%) and to secure a higher price (48.9%). Other notable motivations include improving calf health (28.5%) and meeting buyer requirements (22.6%). A third of respondents selected "Other" motivations related to marketing strategies such as direct sale to consumers, grass-finish and sell into niche markets, breeding stock sales; genetic performance such as collecting data to observe and improve genetics; and operational practices such as increasing herd size and utilizing pasture and manure.
What is the COP Network? The Canadian Cow-calf Cost of Production Network (COP Network) uses standardized data collection which allows for comparison both within and between provinces, and internationally. Since launching in 2021, the COP Network has collected data from over 235 producers contributing to 64 cow-calf benchmark farms that represent various production systems. Each benchmark is based on data from 3-7 producers. Data collection occurs every 5 years with annual indexing of input and output prices, as well as crop and forage yields, in subsequent years. Individual benchmark farm summaries, can be found at: https://canfax.ca/resources/cost-ofproduction/cop-results.html
Among those who retained ownership, introducing feedstuffs was practiced by 63.2% of respondents nationally, followed by low-stress weaning (58.2%), vaccination after weaning (57.3%), bunk breaking calves (43.9%), dehorning and castration before weaning (41.8%), booster vaccines two weeks before weaning (34.3%) and introducing calves to water bowls (24%). Ten per cent of respondents selected "Other" practices such as deworming, treating lice, weighing at weaning, creep feed, and keeping heifers with cows longer to enhance epigenetic selection and improve grazing behaviour. Almost 60% of the CCCS respondents who retained ownership did so for more than 120 days.
There are several different retained ownership strategies. Weaned calves can be: (1) dry lotted or fed on pasture at a moderate rate of gain (2 lbs/day) for a short period of time (<100 days). This shifts income into the next year, avoiding the fall run; (2) dry lotted for a medium term (100-140 days) with a relatively low rate of gain (1.8 lbs/day) targeting the grasser market in the spring; (3) dry lotted for a full six-months aiming to sell to a finishing feedlot in the spring; and (4) retaining ownership with the intent of going to grass as yearlings, then selling, targeting the September market. Within the COP Network half of the benchmark farms retained ownership to some degree. This is slightly higher than the national average. The COP Network data had four distinct groups: 50-99 days (13 farms), 100-140 days (9 farms), 180-208 days (4 farms) and yearling grassers (6 farms), corresponding to each of the four strategies outlined above.
Price risk One of the goals of producers retaining ownership was to sell into a different time period, with ideally higher prices. However, it must be remembered that retaining ownership has both market risk and performance risk associated with it. The objective is to have enough of a price rally overall and more pounds to sell offsetting the price slide that comes with heavier weights. Revenue was 6% higher for the top-third performing operations versus the average. This was driven primarily from a heavier sale weight - with the top-third averaging $3.29/lb at 844 lbs compared to the average at $3.33/lb at 777 lbs (based on 2024 data - prices have moved significantly since then). Animal performance was the main driver.
Performance is the difference maker It is not surprising that the top-third most profitable benchmarks had more head, more days on feed/pasture, more pounds gained and a higher average daily gain. All these animal performance metrics were statistically different1 between the top-third and bottom two-third groups. All of the yearling grasser and three of the four long-day backgrounding operations were in the top-third. Total Range Average Top 3rd Top 3rd vs. Avg # head retained 19-711 165 257 56% Days on feed 45-295 123 154 +25% Days on pasture 0-145 24 49 +104% Placement weight 445-638 536 526 -2% Sale weight 615-1196 777 844 +9% Lbs gained 82-627 241 317 +32% Average daily gain 0.37-3.37 2.02 2.18 +8%
Environmental conditions and genetic ability of calves influence average daily gain in any retained ownership program and can have a big impact on profitability even when feed and cattle prices remain constant. ~Dillon Feuz and John Wagner
Spreading overhead costs to another enterprise OR marketing feed Some producers retain ownership because they are trying to utilize existing overheads on the operation to generate additional revenue. This allows them to spread their overhead costs across more pounds sold. Another common goal is to market feed through cattle and this can be successfully achieved. However, 1
Significant at 1% level.
it's important to note that you cannot outrun a high-cost structure by retaining ownership. To be competitive when adding more pounds there needs to be a competitive cost structure to begin with. The top-third operations had lower costs in every aspect with cash costs 10% lower than average, depreciation 13% lower and opportunity costs 20% lower than the average. When evaluating an enterprise like retained ownership, it is important to put a value on the animals transferred from the cow-calf enterprise to the retained ownership enterprise at the time of weaning. This allows producers to assess if they are achieving their objective. Metric ($/head sold) Animal Transfers Cash Costs Depreciation Opportunity Costs Total Costs
Range
Average $2,271 $609 $250 $336
Top 3rd $2,147 $548 $217 $269
Top 3rd vs. Avg -5.5% -10% -13% -20%
$1,619-2,874 $639-721 $24-713 $117-768 $2,759-4,649
$3,466
$3,181
-8%
Revenue
$1,769-3,191
$2,591
$2,738
+6%
*
Profit
Range
Average
-1,343 to +499 -1,671 to +85 -1,945 to -213
-285 -536 -872
Top 3rd +44 -173 -443
Top 3rd vs. Avg +15% +32% +51%
*** *** ***
Short-Term Medium-Term Long-Term
Statistical Significance **
*Significant at 10% level; ** Significant at 5% level, *** Significant at 1% level
Profitability required both controlling costs and revenue gains When the benchmark farms are divided into three equally sized groups based on medium-term profit, total costs dropped 15% from the low- to medium-profit group and by another 5% from the medium- to high-profit. Meanwhile, the total revenue increased 4% and 7%, between groups, contributing to an increase in medium-term profit. Medium-term profit, which accounts for cash and depreciation costs, is used because these are the costs needed to continue operating When looking at just cash costs, only the top-third group is profitable showing there is both price and performance risk associated with retained ownership. Overall, it was the difference in cash costs that drove the total cost advantage with the top-third growing their cash cost advantage compared to the bottom two-thirds from 2% in 2021 to an 10% difference in 2024. Feed and interest costs, which vary during the feeding period, can impact margins.
2024 Retained Ownership Cost vs. Revenue 5000
Market returns
4000
Total costs
MT-Profit
5% decrease
$/head
3000 2000
7% increase
4% increase
1000 0 -1000 -2000 Low Profit
Medium Profit
High Profit
Remember that benchmarks are NOT based on who is the most productive. Benchmarks ARE based on who is the most profitable. Therefore, benchmarks come from the Top 3rd performing farms (based on Medium-Term profit) not the average.
Margins and leverage It should be remembered that retained ownership is a margin business. The cattle cycle acts like an accordion, with leverage shifting up and down the supply chain at different phases. There are times when the cow-calf producer has leverage, when the calf crop is relatively small compared to demand. This increases calf values and squeezes margins for later stages such as backgrounding and feedlots. When supplies are more plentiful, or more evenly matched with demand, the incentive for retained ownership is driven by where there is cheaper cost of gain - backgrounding, yearling grassers or in the feedlot. Dillon Feuz and John Wagner observe that "Profits can be made, or losses incurred, in both relatively highprice and relatively low-price years with retained ownership, depending on the price differentials." Of course, if these price differentials were known in advance there would be no price risk. The feeder futures and projected prices provide insights. But it should be remembered that the purpose of forecasting is not to tell the future, but rather to plan for it.
Key Takeaways: • • • •
You cannot outrun a high-cost structure by retaining ownership. To be competitive when adding more pounds there needs to be a competitive cost structure to begin with. Top-third, based on medium-term profit, had more days on feed, more pounds gained and slightly heavier ADG. Performance is key in making retained ownership profitable. Top-third, based on medium-term profit, had lower costs in every category (cash, depreciation and opportunity costs) and higher revenues. The cattle cycle shifts leverage up and down the supply chain. At times there are large margins in retaining ownership and other times are slim. Price risk associated with retaining ownership needs to be understood to avoid being caught off guard.
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Miscellaneous Contact Information and Helpful Websites for Dealing with an Emergency Last updated July 3, 2026 by Manitoba Beef Producers
Manitoba Beef Producers 220-530 Century Street Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 Phone: 204-772-4542 Toll Free: 1-800-772-0458 Fax: 204-774-3264 http://www.mbbeef.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaBeefProducers https://twitter.com/ManitobaBeef https://www.instagram.com/manitobabeef/
General Flood and Disaster Information FLOOD INFORMATION FOR PRODUCERS Are you prepared for possible flooding? The following is some information from the provincial government to help you get organized in the event of an emergency such as a flood.
A reminder about individual responsibilities during an emergency: Step 1: – Producers/Individuals are the first point of responsibility to deal with their own emergency situation. Step 2: – If individuals cannot provide appropriate response to their emergency situation, their local municipality is the first point of contact for emergency-related information and assistance. Step 3: – If the local municipality cannot handle the situation, that municipality will contact Emergencies Measures Organization (EMO) for assistance. If EMO requires Manitoba Agriculture’s assistance, they will assign an issue to our emergency coordinator. Producers who need to transport livestock to an alternate area are encouraged to book a transport company immediately to ensure service. Below are some useful links related to flooding (forecasts, river and lake levels, etc.), tips for evacuation, Disaster Financial Assistance, etc. • Flood Information • Which Level of Government Do I Contact? • Animal Emergency Supply Kit
• • • • • • • • •
Caring for Livestock During an Evacuation Evacuation Checklist Preparing a Beef Farm for Flood Conditions in Rural Manitoba Managing Dead Livestock During and After Flooding Returning Home Disaster Financial Assistance and Farmers DFA Program Changes for Farmers Manitoba Red Cross Contact Information and Helpful Websites for Dealing with an Emergency
Importance of Documentation to File Disaster Financial Assistance Program Claims If you do experience flooding and are incurring damages and expenses related to that which may be eligible for a Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) program it is important that you: • Take pictures of all damaged property and items before you dispose of anything. • Keep track of all your disaster-related repairs and activities including: o Labour and equipment hours. o Materials used, including quantities. o Specific types of equipment used, including make, model, year, horsepower and attachments. o Receipts, invoices and other documents you need to support your DFA claim. • Keep all receipts, invoices and any other documents for disaster related expenses as they are required in order to support your DFA claim. Invoices submitted to Manitoba EMO must be accompanied by the corresponding proof of payment (e.g. credit/debit slip, cancelled cheque) in order to be considered for eligibility. Active DFA Programs in Manitoba Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) programs may be established when a natural disaster occurs and has the following: a defined start and end date, a disruption of essential goods and services, damages to vital infrastructure, widespread damage to property or the environment, and significant financial burden. The following events have an established DFA Program: 2026 June Heavy Rains Manitoba has established a DFA program for the 2026 June Heavy Rains. • Program Announcement Date: June 11, 2026 • Deadline to request DFA: September 9, 2026 Primary residences, farms, businesses and non-profit organizations Primary residences, farms, businesses and non-profit organizations with impacts related to the heavy rains may apply to the DFA program. Insurable damages are not eligible for DFA. Secondary properties such as cottages are never eligible for DFA. In addition, DFA does not assist with loss of income, revenue, wages, market share or opportunity. Refer to the DFA webpage for more details. Apply for DFA NOTE: The deadline to submit invoices and event related expenses: June 11, 2027
Disaster Financial Assistance and Manitoba Emergency Measures Organization 1-888-267-8298 (toll-free) Phone: (204) 945-3050 Fax: (204) 945-4929 1525 - 405 Broadway Winnipeg, Manitoba R3C 3L6 Email: emo@gov.mb.ca Email for Disaster Financial Assistance: dfa@gov.mb.ca https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/index.html https://www.gov.mb.ca/emo/funding/dfa/index.html
Tips for preparing for a flood Site with numerous information sheets, such as an evacuation checklist, preparing for flood conditions in rural Manitoba, advice on how to secure hazardous materials, etc. http://www.gov.mb.ca/flooding/preparations.html Tips for preparing a beef farm for flood conditions in rural Manitoba http://www.gov.mb.ca/asset_library/en/spring_outlook/preparing_beef_farm.pdf Manitoba Hay Listing Service https://web31.gov.mb.ca/haylistclntextrnl Flooding and Well Water Safety www.manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/spring_outlook/wellwater_safety_factsheet.pdf
Other General Government and Agency Information Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Water Information and Flood Conditions This site has detailed information about flood forecasts, flood conditions, river levels/flow plots, lakes information, operation of flood control structures, etc. https://www.gov.mb.ca/mit/floodinfo/#daily_flood_sheets Toll free number: 1-855-415-4530 Email: hydrologic@gov.mb.ca Road Conditions and Closures https://www.manitoba511.ca/ https://x.com/MBGovRoads Government of Manitoba Citizens Inquiry Line: 1-866-626-4862 (toll-free) https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaGovernment https://x.com/MBGov https://www.instagram.com/manitobagov/ Manitoba Hydro Emergency Information 1-888-624-9376 (toll-free) https://www.hydro.mb.ca/safety/emergency/
https://www.hydro.mb.ca/outages/ https://www.facebook.com/ManitobaHydro https://twitter.com/manitobahydro https://www.instagram.com/manitobahydro/ https://www.hydro.mb.ca/safety/pdfs/emergency_preparedness_handbook.pdf
Manitoba Agriculture Services Corporation Service Centre Contact Information https://www.masc.mb.ca/contact/ Manitoba municipalities/local governments contact info www.gov.mb.ca/mr/contactus/pubs/mod.pdf Manitoba Public Insurance 1-800-665-2410 https://www.mpi.mb.ca/ https://www.facebook.com/mpidrive/ https://www.instagram.com/mpidrive/
Coping with Stress and Anxiety The scale and scope of flooding can be challenging for affected families. Help is available: • Shared Health’s Mental Health and Wellness Resource Finder can help you find supports to manage stress and anxiety. • Manitoba Farm Rural and Northern Support Services offers free, confidential counselling for anyone who lives on a Manitoba farm or in a rural or Northern community. 1-866-367-3276 (1-866-FORFARM) (toll-free); • Klinic Community Health Centre offers a 24-hour crisis line 204-786-8686 in Winnipeg or 1-888-3223019 (toll-free). • Managing Personal Stress During a Flood • Health Links-Info Santé can help find resources through local regional health authorities or community mental-health services offices at 1-888-315-9257 (toll-free). • Suicide Crisis Helpline Similar Types of Resources Do More Agriculture Foundation https://www.domore.ag/ Farm Credit Canada Rooted in Strength https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/community/wellness.html Canadian Agricultural Safety Association https://casa-acsa.ca/en/mental-health/