E-Newsletter
NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Manitoba Flood Recovery Program Launched for Hardest-Hit Communities
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure is advising municipalities, residents, businesses and farmers affected by severe rainfall and flooding in June that financial assistance is available through Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA) programs ...
Flood Situation and Manitoba's Private Well Testing Subsidy Program
The MB government’s Private Well Testing Subsidy Program provides a once-a-year subsidy to private well and cistern owners to encourage testing of their private water supply for harmful ...
FPT Ministers of Ag advance shared vision for Next Policy Framework
Federal, provincial and territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture concluded their annual conference July 17. Their shared commitment to building a competitive, innovative and resilient agriculture and agri-food sector was reaffirmed, while also ...
EMILI marks 10 years of ag innovation with new federal support
As producers face rising costs, unpredictable weather and a competitive global market, practical technology can help farms become more productive, sustainable and resilient, while supporting Canada’s long-term food security...
FCC ready to support customers affected by severe weather on Prairies
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) is offering support for customers in Alberta, Manitoba and Saskatchewan facing financial pressure due to flooding, as well as delayed field operations caused by severe weather...
Regulatory Amendments to Make It Easier for Cattle Processors to Compete
The Hon. Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, announced that the Canadian Food Inspection Agency has pre-published proposed regulatory amendments ..
Government of Canada takes action to
News Release
Canadian Beef Industry Encouraged by Proposed Regulatory Amendments to Improve Competitiveness
July 14, 2026 — Ottawa, Ontario
The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) and the Canadian Meat Council (CMC) are encouraged to see Canada Gazette 1 Part I, Volume 160, Number 28: Regulations Amending Certain Regulations Relating to Harmonization of the Enhanced Feed Ban published on July 11, 2026 which includes long-sought updates to Canada’s specified risk material (SRM) requirements This proposed regulation will benefit Canada’s beef industry by saving millions annually and improving our competitiveness with the United States.
Since 2021, when Canada obtained its bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) negligible risk status, CCA and CMC have been working with the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) officials to review Canada’s SRM requirements. Through years of sustained advocacy, CCA and CMC helped establish an industry-government working group to advance the review and move the regulatory process forward. The Canada Gazette 1 publication is the next step, which will include a 60-day consultation period with stakeholders.
“The draft regulations are a positive sign of removing BSE-era requirements and a meaningful step towards removing unnecessary burden without risking food safety. Together with industry partners and government officials, we have worked tirelessly to see the Canada Gazette process start as soon as possible this is good news for our industry and our competitiveness and CCA looks forward to engaging in the consultation process along with our members and stakeholders,” says Andrea Brocklebank, Co-Chair of the Industry Working Group and CCA Chief Executive Officer.
“The publication of these draft regulations is an important milestone for Canada’s red meat processing sector. For years, processors have been operating under SRM requirements that no longer reflect Canada’s negligible BSE risk status and place our industry at a competitive disadvantage compared to the United States. These proposed changes represent a sciencebased approach that maintains Canada’s strong food safety system while reducing unnecessary costs for processors. The CMC appreciates the collaboration between industry and government and looks forward to participating in the consultation process to help finalize these important regulatory updates,” said Kyle Larkin, President & CEO of the Canadian Meat Council.
Canada's specified risk material (SRM) requirements impose significant costs on the beef processing sector. The additional costs associated with SRM removal and disposal are estimated to range from C$62 to C$320 per metric tonne, with an average cost of approximately C$167 per metric tonne. Collectively, these requirements cost the Canadian meat industry an estimated C$31.7 million annually.
These costs stem from Canada's more extensive SRM requirements, which have remained in place despite Canada and the United States both holding negligible BSE risk status. Canada currently requires the removal and disposal of approximately 57 kilograms of SRM per carcass,
News Release
compared to just 3 kilograms in the United States. The proposed regulatory amendments would better align Canada's requirements with current science and those of the United States, helping reduce unnecessary processing costs while maintaining Canada's strong food safety standards.
CCA and CMC will consult with members and stakeholders and will be submitting comments during the Canada Gazette period.
About the Canadian Meat Council: The Canadian Meat Council (CMC) is the national voice of Canada’s federally licensed red meat industry, representing packers, processors, and suppliers across the beef, pork, veal, lamb, and bison sectors. For more than a century, CMC has championed policies that strengthen the industry’s global competitiveness, from securing market access at home and abroad to advancing a modern, evidence-based regulatory environment. CMC members take pride in delivering world-class, high-quality, safe food to consumers both at home and in markets around the world. Recognized as a trusted authority and voice on red meat-related issues, CMC works closely with government and stakeholders to support high standards in food safety, animal welfare, and sustainability, while delivering value and advocacy for its growing membership. For more information, visit www.meatcouncil.ca
About the Canadian Cattle Association: The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA) is the national voice, through our provincial members, of Canada’s 60,000 beef farms and feedlots. Founded by producers and led by a producer-elected board of directors, CCA works to address issues that concern Canada’s beef producers. For more information, visit www.cattle.ca
For media inquiries, please contact:
Julia Pennella, Communications Manager Canadian Meat Council julia@meatcouncil.ca
Tina Zakowsky, Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association 403-451-0931 | zakowskyt@cattle.ca
The Halifax Statement
A world-leading agriculture, agri-food and agri-based products sector that is competitive, innovative, resilient and drives economic growth.
The Priorities
Driving Economic Growth and Competitiveness
by building domestic capacity and improving productivity and profitability.
Guiding Principles
Flexibility, Responsiveness, and Collective Action
The framework will create conditions for success by having the flexibility to adapt to emerging needs and diversity across the country, while also providing the basis for long-term planning and advancing collective outcomes.
Diversifying markets and increasing trade by seizing new, and enhancing existing, opportunities in a complex and evolving global environment.
Advancing science, research and innovation through strategic investment and coordinated action. Enhancing sector resilience by improving the ability across the value chain to anticipate, withstand and adapt to disruptions and risks.
Respect Roles and Obligations
Governments will act in accordance with the sharing of constitutional powers and international trade obligations will be respected.
Collaboration and Coordination
Meaningful crossgovernment, stakeholder and partner collaboration will leverage innovation, expertise, pan-Canadian capacity and provincial and territorial strengths to support effective programs and initiatives, as well as improved regulatory clarity.
Equity, Inclusivity, and Accessibility
Build on relationships in a meaningful way with Indigenous Peoples and consider the needs of underrepresented groups to support sector diversity and participation.
Efficient Administration
Administrative processes are streamlined to improve program delivery, support effective results reporting and enhance client experience.
Accountability and Results
In order to maximize the benefits of shared investments and achieve measurable results, public funds will be managed responsibly while maintaining flexibility of program design and management.
Driving Economic Growth and Competitiveness
▶ Increase productivity, profitability and scale by supporting the adoption and integration of tools, technologies, equipment and business practices.
▶ Strengthen the sector’s ability to attract, develop and retain labour and talent, as well as support new entrants and succession planning.
▶ Support business modernization and investment to enhance domestic capacity, growth, diversification and value-added processing.
▶ Build sector capacity and advance inclusive growth.
▶ Improve product quality and consistency to strengthen commercial readiness and competitiveness.
Diversifying Markets and Increasing Trade
▶ Build on local, domestic and international market development efforts to expand opportunities and further strengthen Canada’s food systems.
▶ Advance diversification of sectors, products, participants and markets, and unlock opportunities for all in the domestic and global marketplace.
▶ Support market readiness and capacity to ensure Canadian companies are well-positioned for growth and success.
▶ Enhance coordination and collaboration across both orders of government to strengthen trade promotion and advocacy.
Advancing Science, Research and Innovation
▶ Strengthen science and research capacity and partnerships across the sector.
▶ Expand digital agriculture by supporting the development, demonstration and validation of new tools and technologies, including artificial intelligence, and enabling data-informed decision-making.
▶ Accelerate product innovation through research, development and testing of new or adapted products.
▶ Support knowledge transfer to advance the adoption and scaling of research outcomes, technologies and best practices.
▶ Advance inclusive research pathways.
Enhancing Sector Resilience
▶ Recognize the value of diverse risk management approaches in supporting the sector.
▶ Advance proactive risk management and climate adaptation.
▶ Enable sector prosperity and environmental stewardship through sustainable resource management, biodiversity and ecosystem services and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
▶ Strengthen public trust and market confidence by enhancing food safety, transparency and assurance systems.
▶ Enhance disease surveillance, prevention, control and collaboration to safeguard plant health and animal health and welfare, including efforts to reduce antimicrobial resistance.
▶ Improve value-chain preparedness and continuity through strong emergency planning and support reliable infrastructure.
▶ Promote workplace safety, health and well-being.
▶ Continue to improve BRM programs to be responsive and equitable to support producers to manage risks beyond their control.
Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup
Press release - July 7, 2026
Neepawa Manitoba is hosting the 19th Annual Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup weekend.
96 Junior Beef Producers will gather in Neepawa, Manitoba for the event takes place at the Stride Exhibition Grounds, Neepawa Manitoba.
Juniors age 6-25 from Manitoba, Northern Ontario and SE Saskatchewan will compete in competitions like Judging, Showmanship, Grooming, Graphic Design, Art, Photography, and Sales Talk to name a few.
The weekend starts off with an Ag Challenge involving life learning skills, then on to the Educational Workshops on Carcass Evaluation, Cattle Handling, Farm Safety, Podcasting and Leadership.
Saturday will focus on Judging Cattle, Sheep and other classes. The Senior and Intermediate Members will be competing for a spot on the Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup Agribition Judging Team. Pee Wee and Juniors will be learning basic skills like halter making, Showmanship, grooming etc.
The afternoon on Saturday will focus on Team Grooming and Team Judging and usually the highlight of the weekend is the Cookoff Competition. The team members will work together to prepare a meal for the judges using Steaks. Along with the presentation is the extravagant costumes and unique recipes.
Sunday August 2nd is our cattle show day with 120 head of All Breeds of Beef Cattle along with a big number of commercial females. Showmanship begins at 10 am and the show begins at 2pm with two rings going at once
The highlight of the weekend is the Parade of Champion 4-H heifers and the SUPREME CHAMPION FEMALE. To round off the weekend will be the awards banquet and supper.
Anyone who is interested in the Beef Industry and Juniors that are the Future of the Beef Industry is invited to come out and watch the enthusiasm and dedication they have to our industry.
Visit our Facebook page Manitoba Youth Beef Roundup or website www.mbyouthbeefroundup.weebly.com for updates
Disaster Financial Assistance Launched for 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 nonprofit organizations
Primary residences, farms, businesses and nonprofit 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.
Community Engagement Sessions: EMO staff will be available to answer your questions about DFA. View the schedule.
Apply for DFA
• Deadline to submit invoices and event related expenses: June 11, 2027
Frequently Asked Questions
AAFC Collecting Agroclimate Impact Reports for June
We are now collecting AIR reports for June.
For much of the country conditions have been cooler and wetter than normal. While this has brought significant drought relief, many areas are now struggling with saturated soils and standing water and flooding. In BC, hot dry conditions have increase the extent and severity of drought.
Help Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada verify the impacts of these conditions in your region. Please respond to one of the links below: English French
As always, please consider sharing these links with your colleagues and networks.
During these extreme weather events knowing the severity and extent of the impacts is vitally important in ensuring producers get the assistance that they need.
To get added to the email reminders, all you need to do is send a quick email to droughtwatch@agr.gc.ca with AIR Reporter in the subject line.
To learn more about AIR, follow this link.
To view previous Agroclimate Impact maps, follow this link. Or see some of the other resources we produce on the AAFC Weather and Drought home page. Thank you for your participation!
Disaster Financial Assistance Facts
Agricultural claim eligibility (for private sector agricultural claims)
When a natural disaster occurs, the Manitoba government may declare the event eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance (DFA). Through the DFA program, the Manitoba government provides financial support for uninsurable losses to basic and essential property to help Manitobans in their recovery from natural disasters.
Who is eligible?
• Farms generating yearly gross revenues of up to $15 million.
What DFA offers?
• Up to a maximum of $3M in response and recovery costs.
• A deductible of $2,500 or 20%, whichever is greater, is applied to all claims.
• Assistance is capped at the lesser of the cost of restoring function; replacing an asset; or the assessed value of land or structures.
Eligible DFA costs but are not limited to:
• Clean up and removal of debris
• Repair and restoration of essential buildings and restoration of damaged pens and corrals
• Harvested and stored crops
• Livestock losses and livestock fencing
• Limited silting, field erosion cuts and cleaning of filed ditches
• Repairs to permanent pre-existing dikes protecting productive farmland
• Emergency feed purchases where access to feed has been temporarily interrupted by the disaster (maximum 30 days)
• Evacuation of livestock like pasture rentals and boarding and transportation costs
• Mental health support
• Financial counselling
• Evacuation costs are eligible for registered evacuees under a mandatory evacuation order
• Sudden and substantial erosion that poses a threat may be eligible
Ineligible costs include but are not limited to:
• Costs related to dry conditions
• Insurable losses (e.g. damaged property or items that could have been insured at the time of the disaster)
• Costs recoverable from any other government program
• Loss of income and opportunity (e.g. reduced crop yield or loss of value of livestock due to early sale)
• Inconveniences and normal operating costs
• Upgrading existing facilities
• Damage that is a normal risk of trade, occupation or enterprise (e.g. losses related to drought or crops remaining on the field late in the season)
• Inability to seed (Farmers have the option to purchase Excess Moisture Insurance to cover this)
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:
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/
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.
It's about people.
Applications for The Environmental Stewardship Award
Due to MBP by December 18, 2026
Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 18, 2026 for consideration for the local awarding of The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA).
Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. As stewards of a vast portion of the Canadian landscape, Canada’s beef cattle producers play a significant role in protecting and enhancing the environment. They continuously strive to improve existing stewardship conservation practices to create a sustainable future – always farming for tomorrow.
At the local level, a producer receives provincial recognition for their outstanding environmental contributions. In Manitoba, this occurs in conjunction with MBP’s annual general meeting in February. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete for national recognition from the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). The national TESA recipient is announced during the CCA’s semi-annual meeting held in mid-summer or early fall.
Each nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects in their farm or ranch operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.
How to Nominate
All beef cattle operations in Canada are eligible to apply for consideration for TESA. Interested producers can either nominate themselves, or be nominated by another individual or an organization. All methods are equally encouraged. More details and the application form can be found at: TESA Information
Note: If you are a producer who is considering self-nomination, MBP can provide you with guidance and suggestions on completing the application process.
The completed application form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba Beef Producers by email to info@mbbeef.ca no later than Friday, December 18, 2026. If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 204-772-4542.