E-Newsletter
MBP thanks the producers, guest speakers, trade show exhibitors, sponsors, the elected and government officials and the many other groups who attended the 47th AGM and made the event a great success. Read the recap on page 3.
NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
MASC Pilots New Satellite-Based Forage Insurance Project For 2026 Crop Year
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation is piloting a new approach to offering forage insurance for the 2026 crop year, aimed at reducing reporting requirements and improving production estimates for Manitoba forage producers ...
Canada strengthens support for agricultural exports with a new market diversification program
On February 10, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food announced the launch of the new $75 million AgriMarketing Program: ...
Manitoba Government Expands Agri Food Trade ties with Asia-Pacific through Hong Kong Partnership
The Manitoba government has exchanged letters of co-operation with the Hong Kong-Canada Business Association (HKCBA) and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council (HKTDC), ..
Manitoba Government Launches Grocery Study, Targets Predatory Pricing
The Manitoba government is launching a provincial grocery study to identify new ways to reduce food costs and improve affordability for Manitobans, ...
Manitoba Beef Producers Held Successful 47th Annual General Meeting
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) 47th Annual General Meeting took place in Brandon on February 11-12
MBP’s Executive for 2026-27 includes President
Arvid Nottveit, Vice-President Byron Falk, Past
Tyler Fewings, District 1
Mark Schram, District 2
Andre Steppler, District 3
Byron Falk, District 4
Steven Manns, District 5
Brian English, District 6
Tyler Fulton, District 7
President Matthew Atkinson, Treasurer Tyler Fewings and Secretary Matthew Goudie.
The incoming board of directors for 2026-27 was ratified as follows:
Matthew Atkinson, District 8
Trevor Sund, District 9
Adam Dmyterko, District 10
Arvid Nottveit, District 11
Mike Brown, District 12
Matthew Goudie, District 13
Dale Cazakoff, District 14
During the AGM federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Heath MacDonald and Manitoba Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn announced that Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation will be piloting a new approach to offering forage insurance for the 2026 crop year, aimed at reducing reporting requirements and improving production estimates for Manitoba forage producers through satellite-based technology
MBP has long advocated for more effective and efficient business risk management tools for the beef industry to use Evaluating new technologies such as this that could help simplify the administrative burden in forage insurance offerings is a great step forward and we thank governments and MASC for advancing this important pilot project.
Resolutions debate involved a discussion about wildlife-related matters, focused on concerns about growing populations of elk and deer in agroManitoba and damages they are creating to feed and to infrastructure such as fences. A resolution was passed calling for improved risk mitigation strategies related to this, as well as for changes to the Wildlife Damage Compensation for Crop Damage program to increase the level of compensation for extended grazing forages so that
it is more reflective of the costs producers incur related to the loss of feeding resources.
There were industry updates from Canada Beef, the National Cattle Feeders’ Association and the Canadian Cattle Association, as well as the market update from Canfax. Updates were also provided on the review of the Beef Code of Practice, on the work MBP is undertaking on the livestock inspection services file, and on proposed federal changes to traceability regulations, which are currently on hold. There was a calving workshop featuring Clover, the life-size calving simulator. Guest speakers included Brett Gardiner discussing mental health-related matters and John Haskell on the topic of investing in yourself.
Retiring directors Mike Duguid (District 10) and Mark Good (District 12) were recognized for their years of service on behalf of Manitoba’s beef industry. The recipients of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) were Connor and Kyla English of English Ranching Ltd., and Brian and Leanne English of Melody Acres Beef. And there was recognition of Dennis Laycraft, outgoing Executive Vice-President of the Canadian Cattle Association by former MBP director and a past CCA president, Martin Unrau.
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NEWS RELEASE
McDonald’s Canada and Cargill Further Champion Youth Leadership in Beef Sustainability through partnership with the CRSB
Calgary, AB – February 9, 2026 – The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is proud to announce support from McDonald’s Canada and Cargill for its CRSB Council Youth Position, reinforcing their commitment to sustainability and amplifying the voices of young leaders in the Canadian beef industry. The position, an Ex-Officio (non-voting) role established in 2025, was added to the CRSB Council to ensure youth perspectives are represented and embedded in our approaches to beef sustainability now and in the future. This financial support for the position provided by McDonald’s Canada and Cargill will enable full participation in CRSB Council, member and other events for the next three years.
The objectives of this CRSB Council youth position are to provide a platform for youth to actively participate in and contribute youth perspectives to the CRSB; to learn from, engage and collaborate with the multi-stakeholder representatives on the CRSB Council, and to provide youth governance experience and mentorship opportunities The first candidate, Laura Buss, was recommended through a nomination process in coordination with the Canadian Cattle Youth Council
"I am thrilled to represent youth in the beef industry on a council that brings together such diverse perspectives from across the sector, says Laura Buss. The funding support to travel and meet with CRSB members in-person is particularly exciting, as I've learned that these face-to-face collaborations are where the most impactful work happens."
“This partnership reflects our shared vision of continuous improvement and collaboration,” said Ryan Beierbach, CRSB Chair and beef farmer from SK, who participated in the Canadian Cattle Young Leaders program as part of his beef industry leadership journey. “Empowering youth and providing them a voice is important to ensure sustainability remains a priority for generations to come.”
“Youth engagement is critical to driving innovation and long-term sustainability in Canadian beef,” said Sam Hamam, Head of Supply Chain for McDonald’s Canada “By supporting this position, we’re investing in the next generation of leaders who will help shape a resilient and sustainable beef industry.”
“A resilient beef supply chain depends on collaboration across generations,” said Kristine Tapley, Director of Sustainability, Food North America – Customer Engagement at Cargill. “Supporting youth leadership through the CRSB helps strengthen the long-term sustainability of Canadian beef and contributes to building a more food-secure world.”
The Youth Councillor, appointed annually for up to a three-year term, will actively participate in CRSB Council discussions and bring forward youth perspectives, will serve as a liaison between the CRSB and the Canadian Cattle Youth Council (CCYC), will co-chair at least one CRSB Council meeting per year, and contribute thought leadership across the Canadian beef industry and in youth networks.
For more information about CRSB and its sustainability initiatives, visit crsb.ca. - 30 -
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) crsb.ca 180-6815 8th Street NE, Calgary AB. T2E 7H7
info@crsb.ca
For more information, contact:
Andrea White
Director, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef whitea@cattle.ca 431.373.5380
About the CRSB
The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) advances, measures and communicates sustainability in the Canadian beef value chain in collaboration with its multi-stakeholder membership. It drives continuous improvement through science-based sustainability performance measurement and goals, a voluntary 3rd party sustainability certification program (CRSB Certified), and projects and initiatives aligned with strategic goals. Learn more at crsb.ca
The CertifiedSustainableBeefFramework , known as CRSB Certified, provides credible assurances for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada. Learn more at crsbcertified.ca.
About McDonald’s Canada
In 1967, Canada welcomed the first McDonald's restaurant to Richmond, British Columbia. Today, McDonald's Restaurants of Canada Limited has become part of the Canadian fabric, with McDonald’s restaurants serving nearly two million guests every day and employing almost 100,00 people across Canada. More than 90 per cent of McDonald's 1,500 Canadian restaurants are locally owned and operated by independent franchisees, with the remaining restaurants corporately owned and operated by McDonald’s Restaurants of Canada Limited. Of the almost $2 billion spent on food and paper by McDonald’s restaurants, over 80 per cent is purchased from suppliers in Canada.
For more information on McDonald's Canada, visit mcdonalds.ca
About Cargill
Cargill is committed to providing food and agricultural solutions to nourish the world in a safe, responsible, and sustainable way. Sitting at the heart of the supply chain, we partner with farmers and customers to source, make and deliver products that are vital for living. Our 155,000 team members including our 8,000 colleagues in Canada innovate with purpose, providing customers with life’s essentials so businesses can grow, communities prosper, and consumers live well. With over 160 years of experience as a family company, we look ahead while remaining true to our values. We put people first. We reach higher. We do the right thing today and for generations to come. For more information, visit Cargill.com and our News Center.
Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) crsb.ca 180-6815 8th Street NE, Calgary AB. T2E 7H7
info@crsb.ca
Laura Busss, M.Sc. Agriculture
CRSB Council Youth Representative
Laura grew up on a cow-calf farm north of Westlock, Alberta, and developed a passion for cattle at an early age. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Alberta, followed by a Master of Science in Animal Biosciences from the University of Guelph, where she focused her graduate studies research on gut development and antibiotic use in dairy calves.
She currently works as a research project manager with TELUS Agriculture, where she collaborates with feedlot crews, managers, veterinarians, and consultants to advance scientific research in feedlot production. She also serves as a director with the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association to support local producers and connect them to sustainable forage and grazing practices.
Laura lives south of Longview, Alberta, where she enjoys spending time with friends and working with horses. She is passionate about advocating for the beef sector and is excited to collaborate with industry leaders while representing the youth perspective on the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef.
Laura was appointed to the CRSB Council Youth Position in September 2025.
"I am thrilled to represent youth in the beef industry on a council that brings together such diverse perspectives from across the sector. The funding support to travel and meet with CRSB members in-person is particularly exciting, as I've learned that these face-to-face collaborations are where the most impactful work happens."
Birds, bees, and beef cattle: Short documentary Homes on the Range reaches Canadians’ screens
The Public and Stakeholder Engagement (PSE) program released its newest short documentary, Homes on the Range, on World Wildlife Day in September 2025. Produced by Story Brokers Media House, the film explores the important role of Canadian beef producers in wildlife conservation, both as a result of the grazing practices they already implement on their farms, as well as the ways they go above and beyond to attract wildlife. The film highlights Manitoba ranchers Trevor and Melissa Atchison for their work with the Manitoba Burrowing Owl Recovery Program to install artificial nest burrows in their pastures and other efforts to preserve riparian areas. Homes on the Range was also recently selected for the Winnipeg Real to Reel Film Festival, reaching an urban Manitoban audience.
THANK YOU TO THE EVENT SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS FOR SUPPORTING #AGM47.
Understanding the Proposed New Traceability Rules
Health of Animals Act.
There is significant misinformation being shared on social media regarding the proposed changes to traceability regulations under the The Canadian Cattle Association worked with provincial associations and other industry associations to provide input to ensure the regulations follow the Cattle Implementation Plan which was developed and endorsed by the cattle industry.
CCA will continue to work with provincial members, other beef industry associations and governments to ensure any proposed changes work for producers. We called for and achieved a pause to address the concerns that we are hearing.
The proposed regulatory changes honour the intent of the Cattle Implementation Plan, which was developed by the beef industry and was updated in 2016.
Traceability data is protected by privacy legislation. A premises identification (PID) number allows anonymized reporting: no producer name, business name or location is provided with each transaction. Associated information is only visible to select individuals in certain circumstances.
There is no proposed requirement to report cattle movement within a cattle operation.
Proposed NEW Requirements for Producers
A premises identification (PID) number obtained from your provincial government (currently mandatory in some but not all provinces)
Must include your PID number when: Purchasing approved indicators (tags) Reporting information related to identification of cattle and their movement
Report the arrival of cattle (i.e., move-in reporting) within 7 days If moving cattle to graze at community pasture or comingled grazing, producers will be required to report group movement for departure and return
No Proposed Changes to Current Regulations
Cattle must be tagged before leaving the site of origin
Report tag retirement when animals are slaughtered, exported or die
Understanding the Proposed Traceability Regulations
IDENTIFYING CATTLE
Identifying cattle—general
Premises where cattle are located
Animals must be identified before leaving site of origin. No change
Identifying cattle— receiving cattle without indicators (tags)
Identifying cattle when cattle lose an indicator
Tagging site
Receiver (arriving) but not a tagging site
Premises where cattle are located
PREMISES IDENTIFICATION
Identifying premises
MOVEMENT REPORTING
Movement within a cattle operation
Movement off and on to grazing without comingling
Movement off and on to comingled grazing or community pasture
Movement to another cattle operation
Movement to assembly or auction
Movement to slaughter
Cattle must be tagged with indicator linked to the originating site.
Cattle must be tagged with indicator linked to the originating PID and reported.
Re-identified cattle must be recorded. Re-identified cattle must be reported.
Cattle with lost indicators must have indicator replaced and be recorded.
Premises owner No requirements
Cattle with a lost indicator must have indicator replaced and be reported.
A PID must be reported when purchasing tags or reporting information to CLTS.
Premises owner No requirements No requirements
Premises owner No requirements No requirements
Premises owner (returning and departing) No requirements
Shipper (departing) No requirements
Receiver (arriving) No requirements
Shipper (departing) No requirements
Assembly or auction No requirements
Shipper (departing) No requirements
Abattoir
No requirements
Departing premises owner reports group movement for departure, and returning premises owner reports group movement for return.
No requirement to report. Provide PID to transporter.
Report move-in event, including animal indicators, within 7 days.
No requirements to report. Provide PID to transporter.
Report group movement or arrival “sighting” within 7 days.
No requirements
Report arrival (move-in event), death or slaughter within 7 days.
Contract Part-Time Project Manager
Livestock Inspection Services
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is the exclusive voice of the beef industry in Manitoba. It represents roughly 6,000 beef producers across the province. Based in Winnipeg, MBP is a non-profit organization with four staff and a producer-elected board consisting of 14 district directors, each representing cattle producers in a specific region of Manitoba.
MBP’s mission is to represent all Manitoba beef producers through communication, advocacy, research, and education within the industry to governments, consumers and others; to improve prosperity; and to ensure a sustainable future. Funded by producers through the collection of a cattle check-off, MBP is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for the province’s beef industry for the benefit of our beef producer members and all Manitobans.
THE ROLE:
Manitoba Beef Producers’ membership has given direction to see an expanded livestock inspection service implemented in the province. The contract Project Manager will lead the coordination of this effort with direction provided by the multi-stakeholder Manitoba Livestock Inspection Services Working Group (MLISWG). The development and implementation of a mandatory identification inspection system for cattle in Manitoba will help facilitate livestock tracking and help mitigate potential financial losses to producers and other stakeholders related to theft and fraud.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ACTIVITIES:
• Lead in the development and coordination of the Strategic Plan for implementation.
• Responsible for the planning, implementation, and tracking of specific short-term and long-term goals for the project, which have a beginning, an end and specified deliverables.
• Working with the proponents, provide input into the development of modernized legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks to support expanded inspection services.
• Assist in the creation and provision of tools needed to support expanded inspection, such as information management systems like digital manifests, communications strategies to inform producers and other stakeholders about the implementation of expanded inspection (including its value to the beef industry), etc.
• Liaise with other stakeholders on matters such as the creation of a Manitoba-based RCMP Livestock Investigation Unit, the modernization of the provincial brand registry system, etc
• Coordinate meetings for the MLISWG to ensure the project remains on track.
QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION:
• Postsecondary education in agriculture, preferably animal science, or a suitable combination of education and experience;
• Strong understanding of the agriculture/agri-food sector, including beef production;
• Understanding of beef industry supply chain;
• Knowledge of legislative and regulatory processes, including the ability to review and analyze legislation and regulations is a definite asset;
• Experience in writing documents for government and industry an asset;
• Strong oral and written communication skills and attention to detail are essential;
• Skilled in writing and editing research or project reports, including financial reporting;
• High comfort level for public speaking and giving presentations;
• Ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment;
• Experience with organizing and participating in trade shows, extension events, etc.;
• Experience in dealing with producers and the general public;
• Strong technical abilities, i.e. experience with Microsoft Office suite, virtual meeting platforms, etc.;
• Able to build solid relationships with teammates, project partners and other specialists by fostering teamwork, partnership and collaboration in virtual or face-to-face settings.
• A highly motivated self-starter able to work both in a self-directed manner, and as part of a small team.
• Valid driver’s license.
Note: Some occasional travel is required, mostly within Manitoba. Occasional evening work may be required.
COMPENSATION:
This position will be a contracted, part-time term position for 24 months. Compensation will be determined in the interview process.
REPORTING STRUCTURE:
The term position of Project Manager-Livestock Inspection reports to MBP’s General Manager.
2025-2026 StockTalk Webinar Series
Manitoba Agriculture is offering a series of interesting livestock and forage presentations, packed with information and featuring innovative leading specialists, aimed at helping Manitoba beef producers best manage their cattle operations. Find out the latest news on research and production for beef and forage management by participating in these virtual sessions.
Date(s):
Time:
Place: March 12 & April 9 12:30 – 1:30 p.m.
Your computer, smartphone or tablet
Register for StockTalk webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_HlmPWqFSJelloMpy5H5zg
Please add the webinar series to your calendar once you are registered.
Presentations and topics will cover Cattle Nutrition & Rations, Beef Cost of Production, Agri-Stability, Cattle Marketing, Beef and Forage Days Highlights, Ask the Vet, Forage Production & Management, Pasture Forage & Water Survey Results & a chance to ask questions to the speakers and Livestock & Forage Specialists.
For more information, call Manitoba Agriculture 1-844-769-6224
Or visit our website at manitoba.ca/agriculture/online-resources/stock-talk.html
