E-Newsletter
NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS
Applications Open for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Youth Employment and Skills Program
AAFC’s Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) encourages agriculture and agri-food employers to hire youth aged 15 to 30 for work experience and skill development opportunities,..
CRTC eliminates fees to make it easier to switch Internet and cellphone plans
The Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission is removing fees that make it harder for Canadians to change or cancel Internet and cellphone plans...
Watch out for AI-generated government impersonators
Artificial intelligence (AI) is giving fraudsters powerful new tools to deceive. Scammers are using AI to impersonate government officials, politicians, and other high-profile leaders with ...
Free Course: Working Safely With Wildlife and Insects
Workers who work with or near wildlife and insects need to be aware of zoonotic diseases. These are diseases that are transmitted between animals and people, such as Lyme ...
Manitoba Agriculture List of New Livestock Dealers and Agents in 2026
Links to Manitoba Agriculture list of new livestock dealers and agents in 2026, as well as the licensed livestock dealers and agents list, and the list of cancelled licences.
New Livestock Dealers and Agents
Licensed Livestock Dealers and Agents List Licence Suspensions and Cancellations
News Release
March 13, 2026
Discover Agriculture in the City
Face painting and a food fight – look out!
Winnipeg, MB – On Sunday, March 15, Outlet Collection Winnipeg will once again host Discover Agriculture in the City, a free event celebrating local food, local farms, and the people who bring it all to our tables.
Did you know that Canada’s agriculture and agri-food system generated $149 2 billion (around 7%) of Canada's gross domestic product (GDP) in 2024 and employs 2.3 million people, providing 1 in 9 jobs in Canada? Manitoba’s agriculture and agri-food sector generates $18.7 billion in sales, employing over 34,000 people in Manitoba.
Discover Agriculture in the City is an annual showcase of the best of Manitoba agriculture and the agrifood sector. This year, you can find us in the southwest corner of the mall, near Under Armour.
The free event kicks off at 11:00 am with a range of interactive exhibits and the opportunity to meet Manitoba farmers until 6:00 pm. Don’t miss our photobooth and face painters in the afternoon from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm. Hands-on displays include spinning the Wheel of Chicken and playing some agriculture trivia
At 11:00 am, the University of Manitoba Food Fight will showcase innovative food products developed by students, who will pitch their creations to a panel of expert judges.
Throughout the day, Manitoba farm advocacy and research groups will be on hand to share fascinating agricultural facts, exciting giveaways, and delicious recipes featuring locally sourced Manitoba ingredients. Don’t miss this opportunity to learn more about where your food comes from and the massive benefit that Manitoba agriculture provides to our economy.
For more information, please visit the Discover Agriculture in the City website
Have Your Say: Veterinary Services District Model
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn has announced the formation of the Veterinary Services District Working Group. The working group will evaluate the current Veterinary Services Districts and Veterinary Services Commission model in Manitoba and provide an Options Report to the Minister of Agriculture.
The working group invites public input on the current model and proposed changes to it.
How You Can Participate
Your input is essential to this process. You can participate in the following ways:
Submit Written Feedback
o Written submissions can be sent to: vetdistricts2026@gov.mb.ca
Attend an In-Person Meeting (all scheduled 1:303:30 p.m.)
Souris: Wednesday, March 18, 2026
Souris Glennwood Memorial Centre, 39 - 3rd Avenue
Dauphin: Wednesday, March 25, 2026
Aspen Lodge in Credit Union Place, 200 -1st Street SE
Morden: Wednesday, April 8, 2026
MCC Room, Morden Access Centre, 111- D Gilmour Street
Neepawa: Wednesday, April 15, 2026
CE Room United - Anglican Church, 475 Mountain Avenue
Online Survey: Engagement on Rural Veterinary Medical Services
The deadline to share your feedback through the EngageMB survey is May 1, 2026. Your input will help shape future improvements to the program.
Questions? Email vetdistricts2026@gov.mb.ca
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.
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.
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.
CADA Position on Drone Pesticide Application
Canadian farmers are eager to adopt drones as a safer, smarter tool for crop protection. Every year, growers face tight spraying windows, wet soils, rough terrain, and concerns for operator safety. Drones can solve these challenges — but Canadian regulations have not yet caught up. The Canadian Agricultural Drone Association (CADA) takes the following position with respect to the use of drones for application of pesticides.
• Farmers need it:
Drones reduce crop trampling and soil compaction, improve timeliness in the field, and reduce costs.
• Remotely Piloted Aircraft are aircraft:
A product applied by plane or helicopter should be safe — or safer — when applied by a remotely piloted aircraft / drone.
• Science supports it:
Initial OECD and AAFC research aligns with common sense and will confirm that drones produce lower drift and residue compared to manned aircraft.
• Industry is behind it:
Crop protection companies, commodity groups, and researchers are prepared to back this change.
• Global peers are ahead: Farmers around the world already benefit – especially in the United States, but Canada is falling behind.
• Current reality:
Off-label use is already occurring, leaving new adopters isolated without manufacturer guidance or peer networks — a situation that regulation should address, not ignore.
• Not toys, farm tools:
Agricultural drones - whether for imaging, spraying or spreading – should be considered equivalent to other essential agricultural implements in terms of insurance, taxation, and government policy.
CADA takes the position that pest control product labels already approved for aerial application already apply equally to drones. In the longer term, labels should default to allowing drone application unless explicitly prohibited.
Recognizing drones as a legitimate aerial tool will provide farmers with safe, regulated access backed by manufacturer guidance and peer support — while protecting consumers and the public through clear, science-based regulation rather than the regulatory vacuum that exists today.
Contact: Markus Weber, President Canadian Agricultural Drone Association 4707 39 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 2N6 president@canagdrones.ca
