Manitoba Beef Producers E-Newsletter: February 20/2026 by ManitobaBeefProducers

E-Newsletter

The Fat Boy Burger is more than just a burger - it’s an experience. Preferably a warm and cozy one sitting in a window booth, surrounded by the sights, sounds and smells from a family-owned greasy-spoon diner. There’s something nostalgic about it. Good energy, great atmosphere and a really satisfying burger."- Chef Anna Hymers, MBP Food Expert

Our next episode of Great Tastes drops March 6 featuring one of Manitoba's most iconic menu items!

NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS

Manitoba Delegation Joins Team

Canada Trade Mission to Mexico

Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation

Minister Jamie Moses is in Mexico this week with Indigenous leaders and Manitoba businesses, as part of the Manitoba delegation ...

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders

Applications for the 2026-27 program year are OPEN!

Canadian Cattle Young Leaders welcomes young people ages 18-35 across Canada, involved in various aspects of the beef supply chain, to be paired with an industry leader in their speciﬁc area of interest for a nine-month mentorship.

Minister Sidhu strengthens trade and economic partnerships in Singapore and Vietnam

The Honourable Maninder Sidhu, Minister of International Trade, concluded his visit to Singapore and Vietnam, which showcased Canadian capabilities across key sectors and ...

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 Chief Executive Officer.

Providing credible assurance for the production, processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada.

CRSB Launches CRSB Certified Producer Incentive

February 18, 2026, Calgary AB – The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB) is pleased to launch the CRSB Certified Producer Incentive, a new initiative to recognize and reward beef producers who have taken the time and made the investment to become certified.

The goal of this incentive is to advance CRSB Certified program objectives by supporting beef farmer and rancher certification to CRSB’s Sustainable Beef Production Standard and help enable responsible beef sourcing through certified supply chains.

In its first year (2026), all beef producers who keep their certification up to date as of June 30, 2026, or were CRSB Certified between January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, and have completed allrelated eligibility requirements for our program, will receive an incentive payment of $400.

The incentive program will continue annually, with future annual incentive payments based on CRSB Certified beef sold. Any future payments will be calculated based on available funds and distributed evenly among all eligible beef producers.

To receive the incentive, a beef producer must meet the following eligibility criteria:

• Become certified and/or maintain existing certification between January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, evidenced by a valid certificate from a CRSB-approved Certification Body.

• Have completed all CRSB Certified Qualifying Cattle Requirements.

The payments are expected to be distributed by October 2026.

“The CRSB Certified Producer Incentive is an important step for the program and serves as a thank you from the CRSB and its supply chain partners that the investments beef producers have made to become certified do not go unnoticed. Rewarding producers for their commitment to sustainable practices will continue to move our industry forward and enable us to communicate that to Canadians,” says Ryan Beierbach, Chair of the CRSB and Saskatchewan rancher.

Learn more about the CRSB Certified program and other incentives available for certified producers at https://crsbcertified.ca.

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About CRSB Certified

The CRSB Certified program is a voluntary tool that recognizes the practices of farmers and ranchers to raise cattle responsibly and encourage continuous improvement through a robust third party verified system. It provides credible assurances for the production processing and sourcing of beef through certified supply chains in Canada. CRSB Certified™ is a program of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef (CRSB).

For more information, contact:

Andrea White Director, Marketing and Stakeholder Relations

Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef whitea@cattle.ca 431.373.5380

Quotes:

I am excited to see the CRSB launch this producer incentive. It rewards all CRSB Certified beef producers for the great work they are doing on the ground to continually make improvements for the land, the animals and our communities. This incentive complements other rewards already offered by CRSB program partners, and the recognition from the beef supply chain shows they value the commitment to all aspects of sustainability.

~ Don Badour, Chair of the CRSB Framework Committee and beef farmer from Ontario.

“We’re proud of the role Cargill has played in supporting producers who chose to become CRSB Certified, and we’re encouraged to see this incentive continue to grow through the leadership of the CRSB and its partners. Recognizing producers for their commitment to more sustainable practices helps strengthen our supply chains and the industry at-large. We'll continue to invest in ways to support ranchers and advance sustainable beef production in Canada.”

~ Kristine Tapley, Cargill Sustainability Director

“Through our partnership with CRSB we are committed to continuing our support for the ranchers and families investing in maintaining their certification in the CRSB certified beef program. The commitment each ranch dedicates to sustainability for the Canadian supply chain is extremely important to the future of our industry. On behalf of our foodservice customers and the entire staff at Intercity Packers & MacGregors Meat and Seafood thank you for all your efforts in raising high quality beef raised to CRSB standards.”

~ Jamie Mitchell, InterCity Packers and MacGregors Meat and Seafood

“Certified producers are the foundation of a strong, resilient and responsible beef supply chain. The CRSB Certified Producer Incentive is a meaningful way for all of us across the supply chain to recognize the time, investment, and leadership producers demonstrate every day. Their commitment to continuous improvement enables credible, sustainable sourcing and helps us meet the expectations of Canadian consumers. We’re proud to support the CRSB and the producers driving this progress.”

~ Sam Hamam, Head of Supply Chain, McDonald’s Canada

“CRSB Certified producers demonstrate global-leading industry sustainability practices right here in Canada. The CRSB Certified Producer Incentive ensures that every qualifying producer receives a guaranteed minimum financial reward for their ongoing engagement and commitment to maintaining their CRSB Certification. Many of the producers who pioneered the CRSB Certified program will benefit from these incentive payments, and have established a strong base from which the CRSB Certified program can grow. As a Canadian restaurant group proudly serving CRSB Certified beef to guests across the country, we are thrilled to see the CRSB provide this direct incentive for producers.”

~ Carl Dean, Executive Vice President Business Development – Cactus Restaurants Ltd.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

CRSB Certified Producer Incentive

About the Incentive

Do I need to apply for the incentive?

No. There is no application required for the incentive. You will automatically receive the incentive payment if you have successfully completed all the eligibility requirements.

What do I need to do to ensure I receive the incentive?

To receive the incentive payment, a producer must meet the following criteria:

1. Become certified between January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, and/or keep existing certification up to date as of June 30, 2026, evidenced by a valid certificate from a CRSB-approved Certification Body.

2. Complete all the CRSB Certified Qualifying Cattle Requirements.

What type of operations are eligible?

All active beef production operations (cow-calf, backgrounder, feedlot) certified to the CRSB Sustainable Beef Production Standard are eligible.

How much is the payment?

In the first year (2025-26), the CRSB Certified Producer Incentive will recognize all beef producer operations who have become certified, renewed and/or maintained their existing certification between the period January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, and have completed all qualifying cattle requirements with an incentive payment of $400.

What is the timeframe for certification to be eligible for the incentive?

To receive the incentive payment, a producer must become certified and/or maintain their existing certification between the period of January 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026, evidenced by a valid CRSB Certified certificate from a CRSB-approved Certification Body.

Starting July 1, 2026, the eligibility timeframe will be annual: becoming certified and/or maintaining existing certification between July 1 to June 30 of each year.

Can I still receive the incentive if I am certified in 2026?

Yes. Any operation that is certified since January 1, 2025, renews and/or maintains their certification as of June 30, 2026, and has completed all eligibility requirements, is eligible to receive the incentive.

When can I expect my payment?

The first incentive payments for the period January 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026, are expected to be distributed by October 2026.

Will Cargill’s per head Qualifying Cattle Credits for qualifying cattle continue in addition to this incentive payment?

Yes. Cargill will continue to pay producers for qualifying cattle via their Qualifying Cattle Credit. For details, click here: Partnership & Collaboration | Cargill

Does the CRSB Certified Producer Incentive replace the Cargill Recognition Credit?

Yes. The Cargill Recognition Credit was established to recognize the upfront investment that many Canadian producers had made to become CRSB Certified, even when they weren’t guaranteed a clear, financial payback for their effort at that time. Its aim was to acknowledge producers for the upfront investment, regardless of where their cattle were processed. The Cargill Recognition Credit was provided in collaboration with the CRSB, with the intention that this CRSB Certified Producer Incentive would replace it.

Is this a top-up payment like the Cargill Recognition Credit?

No. Every producer who meets all eligibility criteria will receive the full $400 for the 2025/2026 CRSB Certified Producer Incentive year.

What if my cattle don’t go to Cargill – can I still get the incentive?

Yes. The CRSB Certified Producer Incentive was established to reward all producers who have made the upfront investment to become certified, even if they aren’t guaranteed a clear, financial reward for that effort from the sale of CRSB Certified beef. Producers can qualify for the CRSB Certified Producer Incentive regardless of where their cattle are processed.

About CRSB Certification

How do I get CRSB Certified?

Select the CRSB-approved Certification Body of your Choice. Contact them directly to get started.

Learn more about the process on our website here.

How do I know if I have an active certificate?

Upon certification you receive a certificate from your Certification Body. The expiration

date of the certificate is displayed on the certificate. Your certificate must be active as of June 30, 2026, to receive the CRSB Certified Producer Incentive.

*Note:AlloperationscertifiedbyVerifiedBeefProductionPlus(VBP+)arealsocertifiedto theCRSBCertifiedprogramatthesametime.YourVBP+certificateisalsoyourCRSB certificate.

How far in advance do I need to complete my on-farm verification audit to ensure my certification is valid as of June 30, 2026?

A valid certificate is required to be eligible to receive the incentive payment. Check with your Certification Body to determine the appropriate lead time to ensure your certification is valid as of June 30, 2026

What if my certification is up for renewal in 2026?

A valid certificate as of June 30, 2026, is required to receive the CRSB Certified Producer Incentive payment. Check with your Certification Body to determine the appropriate lead time to ensure your certification is valid as of June 30, 2026.

CRSB Certified Qualifying Cattle and Incentive Requirements

I am already certified. Why are there other requirements?

The CRSB Certified program not only certifies farming and ranching operations to the Sustainable Beef Production Standard; it also certifies primary processing facilities, and its Chain of Custody system tracks cattle and beef through the supply chain. This assurance system enables CRSB Claims and use of the CRSB Certified logo in the consumer marketplace, with the aim of building consumer trust in the production of Canadian beef. Enabling these claims requires steps to be taken by participants across the supply chain. For cattle to qualify for certified supply chains, producers must meet the CRSB Certified Qualifying Cattle Requirements.

Why do I have to provide consent to share my operation’s information with CCIA?

Your operation’s contact and certification status information is required for the Chain of Custody system to identify active certified operations and cattle that qualify for CRSB Claims from those operations.

The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) is the sole live cattle tracking system (outside of Quebec) for the CRSB Certified program.

What information is shared with this consent?

The Certification Body shares the following information with the Chain of Custody provider:

• Operation information: Operation Name, Contact Name, Email, Mailing address

• Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) ID

• Certification date, Audit type, certification status change / de-certification date

Why do I have to submit birth dates or age verify my animals?

CRSB Certified claims rely on cattle moving through CRSB Certified operations from birth up to and including the primary processor.

Birth dates provide the starting point for the certified supply chain.

Beef must be from animals with documented records, which must include animal identification (RFID tag) and birth date (age verification) evidence from a CRSB-approved live cattle chain of custody verifier

Birthdates can be submitted either for individual animals (actual birth date) or as a group (birthing start date).

Why do I have to submit cattle move-ins?

Cattle movements keep the certified supply chain flowing.

Move-ins show that cattle moved through only applicable CRSB Certified Operations.

Can I verify if I have consented to sharing information?

Yes. If you have consented, your contact information will appear under the “CRSB Client Information” section in your Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) account.

If you do not see it there, you have not provided written consent, or the information from the certification body does not match your CLTS information. You can add your consent at any time or verify the accuracy of your information by requesting through your Certification Body.

This QR code provides a short explainer video to check your status.

If you have any other questions, reach out to us anytime at info@crsbcertified.ca.

Information sheet Brandon dispatchable capacity

Project overview

Our 2025 Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) road map has identified that peak demand for electricity by 2029/2030 will exceed our capacity, and we will need approximately 1760 megawatts (MW) of added capacity by 2035. Included in the recommended development plan is 750 MW of capacity from combustion turbines.

The 2025 IRP road map identified that dispatchable capacity resources will be an essential part of meeting demand in the next decade, especially during Manitoba’s coldest winter days. Dispatchable resources can be started, stopped, and adjusted quickly, allowing Manitoba Hydro to respond to rapid changes in system conditions and ensure electricity is available when customers need it most.

To help address this need, Manitoba Hydro is exploring the potential development of additional combustion turbine units at the Brandon generating station. Initially fuelled by natural gas, these turbines would provide a reliable, dispatchable capacity resource that can be developed relatively quickly. Based on current planning modeling and economics, the turbines would be expected to operate infrequently, primarily to meet peak demand and provide backup during droughts, extreme weather, or other system contingencies.

Manitoba Hydro is also seeking turbines with dual‑fuel capability or adaptability to alternative fuels, such as hydrogen, to support long‑term flexibility. IRP modeling consistently identified combustion turbines as a feasible option but no final decision was made with the recommended development plan.

Purpose

The purpose of the Brandon Dispatchable Capacity project is to generate electricity on demand for Manitoba Hydro’s overall system when needed and to increase natural gas reliability and capacity for the southwest Manitoba gas distribution system. As part of the project, Manitoba Hydro is proposing to construct two natural gas pipelines in a common right of way.

Project scope

The current scope of the Brandon Dispatchable Capacity Project is focused on early‑stage planning and evaluation to support Manitoba Hydro’s long‑term electricity capacity needs. No final decisions have been made to develop this resource option.

The scope currently includes:

• Planning and preliminary design for the potential development of combustion turbine units located on Manitoba Hydro owned land adjacent to the existing Brandon generating station.

• Electrical Transmission and Distribution equipment upgrades.

• Planning and routing studies for an approximately 30‑kilometre underground natural gas corridor that would include:

• A 24‑inch diameter non‑odourized natural gas pipeline to deliver fuel from TC Energy’s Canadian Mainline to the Brandon generating station site; and

• A 12‑inch diameter odourized natural gas pipeline intended to enhance reliability and capacity of the Brandon and southwest Manitoba gas distribution system.

Brandon dispatchable capacity

Combustion turbines Information sheet

IRP modeling has identified that dispatchable capacity resources will be an important part of meeting demand in the next decade. Combustion turbine dispatchable capacity resources:

• Are low cost, dispatchable, and quick to develop.

• Can operate infrequently to meet peak demand or during emergencies.

• Support Manitoba Hydro’s goals for a net zero grid by 2035 and a net zero economy by 2050.

• Can help backstop intermittent Indigenous majority owned wind generation projects.

Round 1 engagement

We are planning to select a preferred route that will travel from TC Energy’s Canadian Mainline at Moore Park to the Brandon generating station and the Brandon and southwest Manitoba gas distribution system. We have developed alternative route options and are seeking feedback, please see map below.

We are undertaking an engagement process to share project information, address concerns, and gather feedback to assist in determining a preferred route for the project.

Image 1. Map of alternative route options for the Brandon dispatchable capacity project.

Brandon dispatchable capacity

Information sheet

Regulatory requirements

The Brandon Dispatchable Capacity project is subject to a number of approvals including a Major New Facilities Review by the Public Utilities Board, a Notice of Alteration on the existing Environment Act Licence for the Brandon generating station (2497 R), and a new Environment Act Licence for the natural gas pipeline right of way. Portions of the project may also be subject to regulatory review under the Federal Impact Assessment Act.

Timeline

Combustion turbine units:

• Engagement: January 2026– June 2026

• File notice of alteration for regulatory review: Summer 2026

• Licensing decision: Late 2027

• Combustion turbine unit construction start, if notice of alteration approved: Early 2028

• Target in service date: Summer 2030

New natural gas pipeline right-of-way:

• Round 1 engagement: January – March 2026

• Round 2 engagement: May – July 2026

• File environmental assessment report for regulatory review: Fall 2026

• Licensing decision: estimated Spring 2028

• Gas pipelines construction start, if licence approved: Summer 2028

• Target in service date: Summer 2030

The schedule is tenative and subject to change.

Contact us for related inquiries

How to participate

Our Round 1 engagement to identify and evaluate alternative route options for the natural gas pipelines is now underway. We encourage you to ask questions, voice your concerns, and share feedback with us to help inform our routing and plans. Check out our current engagement opportunities:

Online survey and feedback portal

Go to www.hydro.mb.ca/community/ engagement/brandon-dispatchable-capacity to take the online survey and use the interactive feedback portal to share your feedback about the project. These will both be available on our webpage until March 31, 2026