E-Newsletter
2026-27 SCHOLARSHIPS
Manitoba Beef Producers is pleased to make available six $1,000 scholarships for MBP members or their children attending a university, college, other post-secondary institution or pursuing trades training. Preference will be given to those students pursuing a field of study related to agriculture or to those acquiring a skilled trade or pursuing a career that would be beneficial to the rural economy.
This application process is for students who will be undertaking post-secondary studies or trades training in the 2026-27 academic year. The deadline to apply is 4:30 p.m. on Friday, June 19, 2026.
NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Insurance Bureau of Canada Offers Guidance for MB Flood Victims
In response to recent severe weather and flooding in Manitoba, Insurance Bureau of Canada (IBC) is sharing key insurance information and tips for affected residents. IBC has also launched its Virtual Community Assistance Mobile Pavilion (V‐CAMP) helpline, providing real-time, one-to-one support and guidance. Those with general insurance questions are encouraged to contact IBC's Consumer Information Centre at 1-844-2ask-IBC."
Manitoba Spring Flood Bulletin #6
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure’s Hydrologic Forecast Centre advises that significant rainfall has occurred across portions of Manitoba over the past several days, resulting in localized flooding, rapid rises on rivers and streams and saturated ground conditions in some regions. The Centre will continue to monitor weather forecasts, river conditions and precipitation trends and will provide updated flood information as conditions warrant. The most recent flooding information is available at www.manitoba.ca/flooding and additional information is available at www.mbready.manitoba.ca/. For information on road closures, visit https://www.manitoba511.ca/.
MB Advises of Highway WashoutsCheck Conditions Before Travel
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure (MTI) advises that several highways in affected regions of the province have experienced washouts due to heavy rainfall and flooding…. Manitobans should be aware of a significant presence of provincial staff and emergency response personnel working in several affected areas across the province, with support and equipment from Manitoba Hydro. Before travelling, drivers should check current highway conditions at https://manitoba511.ca/ or by calling 511.
MPI Encourages Customers With Storm Damaged Vehicles to Open Claims
This week has brought major weather events to our province. MPI has updated its processes to ensure we are fully responsive to our customers’ needs at this time. MPI is asking customers to open their claims in different ways, depending on the type of damage that has occurred.
SPEAKER SPOTLIGHT
Big trade questions are front and centre for Canadian beef right nowCUSMA, Mercosur, and what Canada's place in global markets looks like in 2026 and beyond.
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 answersnobody does right now - but she'll give you the context to understand the landscape Canadian beef is operating in. And that matters.
Flood/Disaster Preparedness and DFA Program 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 When Applying for the Disaster Financial Assistance Program
Premier Wab Kinew has indicated that the provincial government will be triggering the Disaster Financial Assistance Program to assist Manitobans affected by the two recent major storm events.
If you have experienced flooding and/or are incurring damages and expenses related to these events which may be eligible for Disaster Financial Assistance 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.
Flood/Disaster Preparedness and DFA Program Information For
Producers
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.
Prime Minister Launches National Food Security Strategy
On June 11th the Prime Minister, Mark Carney, launched Canada’s first-ever National Food Security Strategy. Backed by more than $3 billion in investments over ten years, this strategy will break open the market for independent retailers, boost domestic food production, and build a stronger, more independent, and more affordable food system for all Canadians. The strategy has four objectives: Spur grocery store competition and create more choice for Canadians; boost domestic food production across Canada; grow fruits and vegetables year-round; and, cut red tape across the agricultural supply chain.
See: National Food Security Strategy
News Release
Beef Cattle Traceability Task Force is Established;
Immediately Assessing Opportunities and Barriers to Traceability
June 9, 2026
Calgary, AB — The Canadian Cattle Association (CCA), National Cattle Feeders’ Association (NCFA) and Canadian Beef Breeds Council (CBBC) are pleased to announce that the Traceability Task Force has been established The task force will begin work immediately, exploring opportunities and barriers for beef cattle traceability.
The Task Force will focus on traceability to support disease and emergency preparedness and response for beef cattle. The task force’s mandate is to first define the outcomes a traceability system must meet to protect industry and serve producers Subsequently the task force is mandated to propose a clear, practical traceability framework for beef cattle that meets those outcomes In their work, the task force will consider if outcomes are best achieved through regulatory requirements, an industry-led approach, or a combination of both.
The ultimate outcome for the task force is to recommend a clear industry policy position on traceability Their recommendation will provide a clear, complete plan for industry and government, explaining the purpose, scope and success factors, along with an industry-led implementation road map.
The task force members who have been jointly appointed by CCA, NCFA, and CBBC, are actively involved in the Canadian beef industry, and collectively represent the entire beef cattle supply chain from cow-calf and seedstock producers, to backgrounders and feedlots. The task force members are:
Matthew Atkinson, MB
Matt Bowman, ON
Aden Culberson, NB
Brianna Elliot, AB
Keith Gregory, AB
Bree Kelln, SK
Alex Kulchar, BC
Chad Meunier, AB
Ken Schaus, ON
David Sibbald, AB
Jeff Smith, AB
Ryan Thompson, SK
John Vaags, MB
Jeff Yorga, SK
Each task force member will act in an independent individual capacity, not on behalf of any organization they may work for or be affiliated with.
“The Traceability Task Force has been established to meet the needs of Canada’s beef industry on the specific topic of traceability. The task force has been mandated with providing recommendations and guidelines for a simple, feasible and cost-effective
News Release
traceability system,” says Tyler Fulton, CCA President. “We are confident that through representation from across the country and across the beef supply chain, the task force will bring forward a producer-led traceability solution that producers will embrace for its practicality and feasibility,” he adds.
“Strengthening traceability across Canada’s beef supply chain is critical to supporting rapid response in the event of a disease outbreak or emergency, while maintaining market access and confidence in Canadian beef at home and abroad,” says Brad Deleeuw, NCFA Chair. “Through the Traceability Task Force, we have an opportunity to develop producer-led recommendations that are practical and cost-effective, while ensuring any improvements are beneficial for the entire beef sector.”
CCA, NCFA, and CBBC will share updates as the task force reaches milestones throughout the process.
For further information, contact:
Tina Zakowsky
Gina Devlin Communications Manager Communications Manager Canadian Cattle Association National Cattle Feeders’ Association 403-451-0931 403-250-2509 ext. 204 zakowskyt@cattle.ca gdevlin@cattlefeeders.ca
Beef Cattle Code of Practice
The public comment period for the Beef Code of Practice update is already halfway complete and producer input is needed in these final weeks.
The Beef Code sets the national on-farm standard of care for beef cattle in Canada and has been around since 1981.
Producers are encouraged to take 20–30 minutes to submit comments before the June 12 deadline to help ensure strong producer input in shaping the direction of onfarm animal welfare in our sector for the next decade.
Click Here to Participate in the Public Comment Period
What Updates are in the Draft Beef Code?
Updated areas in the draft Beef Code, among others, include:
• Enhanced requirements to provide pain control for painful procedures (castrating, disbudding/dehorning, branding) for all ages of cattle and a requirement to provide pain control for assisted difficult calvings, for both cow and calf.
• New requirements to monitor cattle more frequently during heat waves/high humidity and during adverse cold weather to promptly assist cattle not coping, and to provide shelter (natural or man-made) from high winds during cold weather.
The Canadian Cattle Association has prepared a high-level summary of the draft Beef Code This summary is intended to highlight key areas of change and support initial review; however, it is not exhaustive. Producers are encouraged to review the full draft Code and provide comments.
Draft Beef Code English French
Producer Summary of Draft Beef Code
Content English French
Considerations for Providing Feedback:
Here are some sample questions to guide your feedback as you review the content:
• Are the standards workable on your operation?
• How the Code applies across different production systems
• Are there areas that may need clarification or adjustment
• What is working well and should remain unchanged
• New sections on mud & moisture and nonambulatory cattle, and expanded section on weaning.
Visit the Canadian Cattle Association website at www.cattle.ca/beef-code to explore frequently asked questions, access additional resources, and request a recording of the Public Comment Period webinar for producers.
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.
