E-Newsletter District Meetings October 20 Carman - District 3 21 Austin - District 5 26 Winnipegosis - District 13 27 Rossburn - District 7 29 Melita - District 1
November 2 Ashern - District 11 3 Stonewall - District 9 4 Virtual - all districts (6�30 p.m.) REGISTER AT: mbbeef.ca/events
Meetings begin at 4:30 p.m.
Questions about what district you live in? Call 1-800-772-0458 or email: info@mbbeef.ca
NEWS AND HIGHLIGHTS Changes to NEXUS Interview Timeframe The federal government advised that starting April 1, 2027, applicants must schedule their NEXUS enrolment interview within two years of getting conditional approval. This changes the current five-year time limit back to the original two-year rule.
Still Time To Complete the Agroclimate Impact Reporter Survey Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada is still collecting AIR reports for September. We’re not just interested in hearing about negative conditions; we’re also interested in hearing if conditions are normal or even better than normal for the time of year. The information you provide is valuable and used in many by many. Your response will help accurately represent the impacts of weather in your region. The data collected from this survey will help inform recommendations for Livestock Tax Deferral and the Canadian Drought Monitor.
October 2, 2026
Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation Engagement Source: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/landmanagement/crown-land/ Manitoba Agriculture is asking for feedback on proposed changes to the Agricultural Crown Lands Program. These changes would update the Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits Regulation under The Crown Lands Act. In fall 2025, Manitoba Agriculture asked producers, Indigenous governments and organizations, industry partners, and the public for input through the ACL Program Review. This feedback helped shape the proposed changes. The changes focus on how leases are awarded, how much land one leaseholder can hold, and how modern leases can be renewed. Based on what we heard, the proposed changes would strengthen the Agricultural Crown Lands Program by: Improving How Leases Are Awarded: Moving from an auction-based process to an application-based process. This would give new and emerging producers a better chance to access land.
an Animal Unit Month limit so agricultural Crown lands are available to more producers and are not held by only a few large leaseholders. Allowing Modern Leases to Be Renewed: Allowing modern leases to be renewed for additional 15year terms, where requirements such as Treaty Land Entitlement and Duty to Consult are met. This would give producers more certainty for long-term planning. More information about these proposed changes can be found in the Manitoba Agriculture Crown Lands Lease and Permits Regulation Proposed Changes. How to Participate All Manitobans are invited to provide feedback on the proposed changes. Comments can be submitted through the Manitoba Regulatory Consultation Portal at http://reg.gov.mb.ca/home until October 2, 2026. Your feedback will help shape future updates to the regulation and improve the program. For more information, please contact Manitoba Agriculture at agcrownlands@gov.mb.ca.
Limiting Total Leaseholder Holdings: Bringing back
October 8 deadline to Apply for Disaster Financial Assistance for June 2026 Heavy Rains Manitoba has established a DFA program for the 2026 June Heavy Rains. • Program Announcement Date: July 10, 2026 • Deadline to request DFA: October 8, 2026 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. Apply for DFA • Deadline to submit invoices and event related expenses: July 12, 2027 You can also download the application form and print it, call to have one mailed to you, or visit your municipal office.
Manitoba Agriculture Information re: Protecting Livestock Sellers Against Payment Defaults Manitoba Agriculture has information on its website aimed at helping to protect livestock sellers against payment defaults. This information includes the following:
These timelines ensure fairness and allow Manitoba Agriculture to administer the regulation effectively.
For example, under provincial requirements, any person purchasing livestock must hold a valid Livestock Dealer or Agent Licence, unless the animals will be kept for at least 30 days. Licensed entities include: • Individual order buyers • Auction marts • Abattoirs that are not exclusively custom-slaughtering
New Livestock Dealers and Agents in 2026 New Livestock Dealers and Agents
Licensing Information
Licensed Dealers, Suspensions and Cancellations Licensed Livestock Dealers and Agents List Licence Suspensions and Cancellations For complete details, go to: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/other /dealer-and-agent-license/index.html
All licensed dealers and agents must be able to present a valid pocket licence upon request. Sellers should request to see this licence before proceeding with a sale. In addition, all advertisements to buy livestock must clearly indicate that the dealer is licensed and must include the licence number. Further, the Livestock Dealers and Agents Licensing Regulation is designed to protect livestock sellers against payment defaults. All licensed dealers are required to maintain a bond, with coverage amounts based on their annual sales volume. In the event of a default, sellers may submit a claim against the dealer’s bond to recover full or partial value of the livestock. Payment Requirements • Payment must be made no later than one day after price determination. • Allowing additional time constitutes credit extension, which may void bond protection. • If payment is made by cheque, the seller must deposit or cash the cheque within eight business days of price determination. • Failure to do so is considered an extension of credit. • If a cheque is returned NSF, the seller has seven business days to notify Manitoba Agriculture and initiate a bond claim.
Celebrate October being Chili Month with the taste of Canadian beef!
As the temperatures drop, there’s nothing better than a big, hearty bowl of chili to warm you up. Our friends at Canada Beef have several chili recipes to choose from and some creative uses for leftovers. Try out this Classic Beef Chili recipe for your next meal! For the full recipe visit: https://canadabeef.ca/recipes/classicbeef-chili/
Have Your Say - Help Shape the Future of Livestock Traceability
The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA) wants to hear directly from you about your experience with livestock traceability and information systems. CCIA has established a CLTS Task Force to better understand the business needs, experiences and priorities of producers and other industry stakeholders. As part of this work, we are inviting CLTS account holders to participate in our Livestock Traceability Survey. The goal is to better understand what you need from future livestock traceability systems and how these systems can provide greater value to the people who use them. The survey asks about areas such as:
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Mobile functionality and automated reporting
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Data privacy, security, governance and sharing
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Tools, reports and information that could provide greater value to your operation
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Priorities for future investment in livestock traceability systems
The survey is open from September 25 to November 25, 2026 and takes approximately 20–25 minutes to complete. Complete the survey online: Shaping the Future of Livestock Traceability Survey Whether you use CLTS daily, occasionally, or primarily interact with other livestock information systems, your experience and perspective are important. The feedback received will help CCIA better understand the needs of users and inform the work of the CLTS Task Force and future discussions about livestock traceability systems in Canada.
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Your current reporting experience and challenges
Please take the time to have your say and help shape the future of livestock traceability.
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Duplicate data entry and reporting burden
Thank you for your participation.
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Ease of use and opportunities to simplify reporting
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Integration with other livestock management and information systems
This survey is being distributed by MBP on behalf of The Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA), a not-for-profit, industry-initiated and led organization committed to serving the species groups we represent. As a Responsible Administrator of Canada’s animal identification and traceability program, we manage the traceability of beef cattle, bison and sheep. CCIA is led by a Board of Directors representing livestock organizations across Canada, including livestock producers, auction markets, livestock dealers, feedlots, veterinarians and processors. CCIA owns, manages and maintains the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS), a secure national database that allows clients and industry stakeholders to record and track animal identification. We also administer and distribute approved and pre-approved livestock tags and applicators for the species we represent.
#25-4 September 2026
Competitive Feed Costs: What Sets High-Profit Farms Apart? Winter feed is one of the biggest costs on a cow-calf operation— but the cheapest feed program isn't necessarily the most profitable one. The 2025 Canadian Cow-calf Cost of Production (COP) Network benchmarks show just how much feed costs can vary. Winter feed costs ranged from approximately $331 to $1,171 per cow across benchmark farms. The most profitable third averaged $536 per cow, compared with $676 across all benchmark farms. Winter feed costs are influenced by management decision, the amount of feed required and the cost of producing, purchasing and feeding it. The goal is not to get every operation to $536 per cow -- it is to understand why your cost is where it is and whether the dollars you spend on feed are generating the production and profit needed for your operation.
What does my winter feed actually cost? Comparing feed costs between the most profitable third of benchmark farms (based on medium-term profits) and the overall average shows that the difference is spread across multiple aspects: feed type, days fed, daily cost, feed waste, cost of forage production, and machinery/labour. Metric Approximate feed costs per cow ($/cow/year) Days on feed (# of days) Daily feed costs ($/cow/day)
Range 331-1171 60-250 1.68-9.96
What is the COP Network? The Canadian Cow-calf Cost of Production Network (COP Network) uses standardized data collection which allows for comparison both within and between provinces, and internationally. The COP Network has collected data from over 200 producers contributing to 60 cow-calf benchmark farms that represent various management systems. Each benchmark is based on data from 3-7 producers. Data collection occurs every 5 years with annual indexing of input and output prices, as well as crop and forage yields, in subsequent years. Individual benchmark farm summaries, can be found at: https://canfax.ca/resources/cost-ofproduction/cop-results.html
Average 676 194 3.62
Top 3rd 536 186 3.17
Top 3rd vs. Avg -21% -4% -12%
Estimated feed costs per cow were 21% lower in the most profitable third of benchmark farms. But these farms did not achieve that difference simply by feeding for 21% fewer days. In fact, their feeding period was only 4% shorter. A larger difference came from the cost per head per day, which was 12%
lower. That points to several management questions: How many days are my cows actually being fed? What does it cost me per cow per day? Where is feed being lost? And am I producing forage at a competitive cost?
Feed type alone does not explain cost differences There is no single feed type that guarantees a low-cost feeding program. When feed costs were compared across benchmark farms using different combinations of annual forages, hay, and silage as their primary winter feed source, both low-cost and high-cost farms were found in every feeding category. This suggests that management is often more important than feed type itself. A feeding strategy that performs well on one operation may be less competitive on another depending on climate, forage productivity, equipment requirements, labour availability, and land resources.
Every feeding day has a cost: know what it costs to extend grazing Every additional day of feeding increases the need for forage. As a result, farms with shorter feeding periods tend to have a cost advantage. However, a shorter feeding season or longer grazing period does not automatically translate in lower costs. In year-round or extended-grazing systems, feed costs may be relatively low in years with favourable growing conditions. However, when drought or other adverse weather conditions reduce grass availability and annual forage production, those operations may face a sudden need for additional feed and a longer feeding period than planned. Securing feed supplies during a widespread feed shortage can be expensive, and in some cases may forced herd reductions. This highlights an important trade-off between efficiency and resilience. Extended-grazing systems can offer cost-savings opportunities, but they may also be more vulnerable to forage shortfalls if contingency plans are not in place. Building flexibility into the operation through feed reserves, alternative forage sources, or drought management plans can help manage this risk. Does extending the grazing season cost less than providing harvested feed? Ask yourself: • • • •
What does it cost to graze a cow for one additional day? What does it cost to feed her for one additional day? What forage will be available if grazing is extended? What is the risk if pasture conditions deteriorate?
The cheapest option may not be the lowest-risk option for your operation.
Daily cost is important Lower-cost farms are not simply shortening the feeding season. The top third farms averaged $3.17 per cow per day, compared with $3.62 across all benchmark farms—a difference of 45 cents per cow per day. That may sound small, but over 186 feeding days it represents roughly $84 per cow. On a 200-cow herd, that is approximately $16,800. The question is: Where could 45 cents per cow per day come from? • • • • • • • • •
lower-cost homegrown forage better forage utilization less storage loss less feed waste controlling machinery cost feed testing ration balancing for gestation stage fewer purchased inputs more efficient feeding methods
Where is your hay going? Feed that never reaches the cow is still a cost. Measure losses from storage and feeding before assuming you need to produce or buy more feed. If you put 100 bales into storage, how many pounds of that forage actually make it into the cows?
The lowest feed cost isn't always the goal Feed is one of the largest expenses on most cow-calf operations, but lower feed costs do not necessarily lead to higher profits. Reproductive performance, weaning weights, labour efficiency, land and capital costs, debt structure, and marketing decisions also influence profitability. While controlling feed costs is important, the objective is not to achieve the lowest feed cost possible. In some cases, spending more on feed may support higher productivity or better use of available resources, resulting in stronger overall financial performance.
$1,200 $1,000 $800 $600 $400 $200 $0
BC-1 MB-4 QC-7 SK-5 QC-2 SK-10 MT-2 BC-2 ON-2 QC-6 QC-4 AB-4 ONMB-1 MT-1 ON-3 ON-1 LL_02 MT-3 QC-3 BC-7 AB-1 AB-5 BC-3 SK-6 SK-13 BC-5 BC-4 AB-12 AB-11 AB-8 SK-9 LL_06 SK-12 AB-13 BC-6 QC-5 MB-2 AB-14 LL_01 SK-1b AB-9 SK-8b SK-7 SK-8a AB-2 LL_05 MB-1 SK-3 AB-10 QC-1 AB-3 MB-3 LL_03 SKAB-1 SK-1a LL_04 SK-11a SK-4 SK-11b AB-6
Approximate Feed Cost per Cow per Year
$1,400
Low Profit
Medium Profit
High Profit
Source: Canfax Research Services, COP Network
Figure 1. Lower feed cost does not always mean higher profit A $500 feed bill isn't necessarily better than a $600 feed bill. Figure 1 shows that some of the most profitable benchmark farms had feed costs that were similar to, or even higher than, those of lower- and
medium- profit farms. Likewise, some farms with relatively low feed costs did not rank among the most profitable. If the additional $100 in feed produces more pounds of calf weaned, improves pregnancy rates, reduces cow losses or allows better use of inexpensive homegrown forage, the higher feed cost may generate a better return. The real question is not “How low can I get my feed cost?” but “What am I getting for each dollar I spend?”
Know your numbers
Before cutting feed costs, ask:
Before changing your feeding program, calculate:
Is my feed cost high? Why?
1. Feed cost per cow Total winter feed cost ÷ cows fed
Too many feeding days? → Look at grazing season, calving date, pasture utilization.
2. Days fed Actual days cows receive harvested or purchased feed 3. Feed cost per day Feed cost per cow ÷ days fed
Then ask: Are any of these numbers limiting my profitability?
High cost per day? → Look at forage cost, machinery, purchased feed and feeding losses. High feed cost but strong production? → Look at return on the additional feed dollar. Low feed cost but poor reproductive performance or weaning weights? → Don't cut further. Investigate whether underfeeding is costing more elsewhere.
Manage the Cost, Not Just the Feed • • • • •
Know your cost per cow per day. This shows where your feeding program is competitive— and where it isn't. Count feeding days. Every additional day has a cost, but compare that cost with the cost and risk of extending grazing. Look for losses. Storage, feeding, machinery and forage production all affect the cost of the feed that actually reaches the cow. Don't chase the lowest feed bill. The goal is to get the most pounds of calf and reproductive performance from each feed dollar. Benchmark your own farm. Compare your numbers over time and against similar operations before making a major change.
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Age verification IN THE CLTS What is age verification? Age verification is the process of validating an animal’s age. Recording a birth date is one component of that process. If an animal's age is in question, dentition is considered the most accurate method of age determination. Producers can voluntarily record the birth date of an animal that was born on their farm and identified with an approved CCIA indicator (tag) in the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) to support age verification.
FLAG: Enter birth date information before 12 months. The CLTS flags birth date information entered or modified after twelve months. It was introduced in 2022 by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) for the BSE Program and updated in 2026 from 9 months to 12 months. Birth dates can only be entered by the herd of origin. Birth dates may be used at slaughter to determine whether an animal is under 30 months of age. Being under or over 30 months may affect the animal’s value. Late entry or modification after twelve months trigger a pop-up window notification in the CLTS and is noted when a report is generated.
Age Verification is not mandatory. Age verification is not mandatory to report as it is not regulated data in Canada. Some specialty beef cattle programs require that animals are age verified to qualify. Producers can voluntarily record birth date information in the CLTS database.
How do I enter a birth date? To enter a birth date, you must have a CLTS database account. To set up and activate a CLTS account, contact CCIA: Phone: 1‑877‑909‑2333 Email: info@canadaid.ca If you do not have access to a computer or the internet, you may authorize a third party to submit information on your behalf. Third-party options may include a neighbour, relative, or local veterinary office. Contact CCIA by phone or email to receive a list of approved webservice providers from our Client Support Team.
How can I confirm that an animal I have purchased is age verified? How do I create a birth date certificate? After an animal’s birth date is recorded in the CLTS database, a birth date certificate can be created. The certificate is generated using the CCIA tag/indicator number.
There are two options: Search for a birth date using the animal’s identification number(s). Generate a birth date certificate. The CLTS database allows users to generate a birth date certificate for any livestock with a recorded birth date. To provide confidence in the birth dates recorded in the system, if a birth date is entered or modified after the animal is twelve months of age, a flag will appear on the tag history and the birth date certificate. Once an animal has left the farm of origin and ownership has changed, a new owner cannot enter or modify the animal's birth date in the CLTS database. Only the herd of origin (where the animal was born) can submit a birth date in the CLTS database.
CLTS Birth Date Flag Changing from 9 to 12 Months to Better Reflect On-Farm Realities Effective October 1, 2026, the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) birth date flag will change from 9 months to 12 months (365 days), providing producers with additional time to enter or update birth date information before a flag is applied. Existing records flagged under the previous nine-month threshold will have the flag removed if the birth date was entered within 12 months. This is a one-time update to align existing records with the new 12-month threshold. Going forward, once a record is flagged, the flag cannot be removed. The flag was introduced in 2022 at the request of the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s (CFIA) BSE Program. Following industry feedback, the threshold is being updated to better reflect on-farm production and record-keeping realities. Producers can voluntarily record the birth date of animals born on their farm and identified with an approved CCIA indicator to support age verification. Age verification is not mandatory, and birth date information is not mandatory regulated reporting in Canada. What does the birth date flag actually mean? Beginning October 1, if a birth date is entered or modified more than 12 months after the animal’s reported date of birth, the CLTS will flag the record. This flag will appear in the animal’s tag history and on its birth certificate. Importantly, the flag does not mean the producer has done something wrong, is non-compliant, or that the birth date is considered inaccurate. It is a transparency and data-integrity indicator showing that the birth date was entered or changed after the established 12-month threshold. A flag does not require any additional verification steps from the producer. CCIA or CFIA will not automatically contact a producer to verify the birth date simply because a flag appears on the record. For example, if an older cow loses a tag and the producer re-tags the animal and enters an accurate birth date, the record may be flagged because the information was entered after 12 months. The flag itself does not indicate that the birth date is incorrect. Why does the timing of birth date information matter? Birth date information may be used at slaughter to help determine whether an animal is under 30 months of age, which may affect the animal's value. If an animal's age is in question, dentition is considered the most accurate method of age determination. If you choose to record birth date information in the CLTS, enter it before the animal reaches 12 months of age to avoid the birth date flag. See the accompanying infographic ‘Age Verification in the CLTS’ for more information on birth date reporting, birth certificates and age verification. If you have further questions, please contact CCIA at 1-877-909-2333 or info@canadaid.ca.
MBP Accepting Applications for The Environmental Stewardship Award 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.