PUBLISHED BY MANITOBA BEEF PRODUCERS

OCTOBER 2018

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New MBFI GM Page 10

President's column

Page 2

New drug regulations

Page 14

BY RON FRIESEN

Manitoba cattle pro-ducers are being told to develop close relationships with their local veterinar-ians because of new federal regulations governing anti-biotics for livestock.

Health Canada says all medically important anti-microbials (MIAs) can only be bought with a prescrip-tion from a licensed veteri-narian, starting December 1, 2018.

The change affects about 340 antimicrobial drug products, according to Health Canada.

That means livestock producers will no longer be able to buy certain MIAs over the counter, as they do now. They will need a pre-scription to buy virtually any livestock antibiotic.

And that means pro-ducers will need formal rela-tionships with veterinarians to have animals examined and drugs prescribed.

The Manitoba Veteri-nary Medical Association, which sets the rules under which vets act, calls them Veterinarian Client Patient Relationship (VCPRs).

After December 1, producers who do not have VCPRs may not be able to get prescriptions for live-stock antibiotics when they need them.

Most producers who deal regularly with vet-erinarians in effect already have VCPRs and shouldn’t notice much difference, says

Dr. Dale Douma, a public health epidemiologist with the Manitoba Chief Veteri-nary Office.

But producers who sel-dom deal with veterinarians could be in a bind.

“If you have a producer out there who has never used a prescription drug be-fore, for them it might be a bit of a new process,” Dou-ma said.

For that reason, he urged producers who do not deal regularly with vet-erinarians to start the pro-cess toward a VCPR imme-diately.

“There’s no reason to hesitate to pick up the phone and call your vet of choice, explain who you are and what your concerns are, and get that relationship in place now, just like most other producers already have,” Douma said. “I rec-ommend doing that pro-actively instead of waiting until you have some urgent need. That’s when the tran-sition may not be quite as smooth.”

The new policy does not apply to certain antimi-crobials such as ionophores, which includes rumensin. Prescriptions will not be required for them. But pro-ducers used to picking up a bottle of penicillin or tetra-cycline at a local farm sup-ply store to treat common infections such as foot rot or pink eye will now need a prescription. And for that they need a VCPR.

 Page 3

BY ANNE COTE

Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives celebrated the official opening of its Brookdale Farm learning centre on Aug. 21 with a full roster of elected officials and agriculture leaders on hand.

MBFI’s Brookdale Farm, located 11 km north of Bran-don, is the result of a collaborative effort between Manitoba Beef Producers, Manitoba Agriculture, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Associa-tion. In addition, its close association with industry partners and academic researchers from three Manitoba universities and two colleges has earned Brookdale Farm the distinc-tion of being a centre of practical agricultural innovation for livestock and forage crops according to representatives from the four supporting organizations.

Aside from grand opening greetings from the provin-cial government, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture Ralph Eichler, on behalf of Federal Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Lawrence MacAuley, announced a $2.85 million five-year funding commitment to MBFI. That commitment is supported by both the federal and provincial govern-ments.

“This demonstrates our governments’ commitment to beef and forage producers,” Eichler said. He noted that graz-ing projects such as those at MBFI highlight the importance of managing livestock and feed over dry periods such as

those experienced by livestock producers across the prairies over the past two growing seasons.

The $2.85 million is in addition to the $1.5 million and $2.5 million previously announced through the Growing Forward 2 program over the past few years.

Guests attending the grand opening of the MBFI learn-ing centre also had an opportunity to hop onto the farm’s hay wagon and tour several of the research fields including two alfalfa fields and several stands of corn. Along the way they discovered some of the unique ways researchers have positioned the equipment they need. In one spot there’s a roughed-out cattle run leading up to a weigh scale where cattle are weighed without being herded into the barn area. In another, a solar powered instrument provides measure-ments for runoffs of phosphorus or nitrogen under specific conditions.

This project highlighted the contribution Brookdale Farm research has on the environment and delicate eco-systems. Kim Wolfe from Manitoba Agriculture, leads this project which measures the health of still freshwater wet-lands on the farm. A complementary project is being led by Patsy Michels who is evaluating nitrogen and phosphorous runoff losses from fields under different weather and appli-cation conditions.

Yet another project underway at Brookdale Farm is aimed at discovering the optimum amount of phosphorus fertilizer to apply to a field. Page 3

MBFI Learning Centre officially opens

Producers urged to form relationships with local vets

RM of Elton Coun. Cameron Hales (from far left), Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Bob Sopuck, MBFI Chair Ramona Blyth, Manitoba Minister of Agriculture Ralph Eichler and Brandon Mayor Rick Chrest cut the ribbon on Aug. 21 to officially open the MBFI Learning Centre. (Photo by Keith Borkowsky)

October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY2

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Gord Adams

DISTRICT 13BEN FOX R.M. of Shell River, Shellmouth,Hillsburg, Boulton, Grandview, Gilbert Plains, Ethelbert, Mossey River, Dauphin, LGD Park

COMMUNICATIONS COORDINATORKeith Borkowsky

OFFICE ASSISTANTTanya Michalsky

DESIGNED BYTrinda Jocelyn

CATTLE COUNTRY EDITORKeith Borkowsky

BEEF PRODUCTION SPECIALISTKate Cummings

FINANCEDeb Walger

POLICY ANALYSTMaureen Cousins

DISTRICT 14JADE DELAURIER R.M. of Minitonas, Swan River, Mountain, The Pas

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Brian LemonGENERAL MANAGER

DISTRICT 1 GORD ADAMS - VICE-PRESIDENT R.M. of Albert, Cameron, Whitewater, Edward, Brenda, Winchester, Morton

DISTRICT 2 NANCY HOWATT R.M. of Riverside, Strathcona, Argyle, Lorne, Turtle Mountain, Roblin, Louise, Pembina

DISTRICT 3 PETER PENNER - TREASURER R.M. of Portage la Prairie, Cartier, Grey, MacDonald, Dufferin, Thompson, Roland, Morris, Stanley, Rhineland, Montcalm

DISTRICT 4 ROB KERDA R.M. of Richot, Ste. Anne, Hanover, De Salaberry, La Broquerie, Franklin, Stuartburn, Piney, LGD Reynolds

DISTRICT 5 RAMONA BLYTH R.M. of Elton, North Cypress, North Norfolk, Cornwallis, Oakland, South Cypress, Victoria, South Norfolk

DISTRICT 6 LARRY WEGNER R.M. of Wallace, Woodworth, Daly, Pipestone, Sifton, Whitehead, Glenwood

DISTRICT 7 LARRY GERELUS R.M. of Russell, Silver Creek, Rossburn, Ellice, Birtle, Shoal Lake, Strathclair, Archie, Miniota, Hamiota, Blanshard

DISTRICT 8 TOM TEICHROEB - PRESIDENT R.M. of Harrison, Clanwilliam, Rosedale, Glenella, Saskatchewan, Odanah, Minto, Langford, Lansdowne, Westbourne, LGD Park

DISTRICT 9 DIANNE RIDING - SECRETARY R.M. of Woodlands, Rockwood, St. Andrews, Rosser, St. Francis Xavier, Springfield, Tache, Whitemouth, Lac du Bonnet, Brokenhead, St. Clements, LGD of Alexander, Pinawa

DISTRICT 10 MIKE DUGUID R.M. of Bifrost, Gimli, Fisher, Armstrong

DISTRICT 11 ROBERT METNER R.M. of Siglunes, Grahamdale, Eriksdale, Coldwell, St. Laurent

DISTRICT 12 KRIS KRISTJANSON - 2ND VICE-PRESIDENT R.M. of Lawrence, Ochre River, Ste. Rose, McCreary, Alonsa

New Manitoba Beef Producers President tackles challenges

New MBP Vice-Presidents named by board

Having recently been elected president of Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) it is my privilege to write this ar-ticle. I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself. I am Tom Teichroeb and I have been the Dis-trict 8 Director for approximately four and a half years. I own and operate a ranch near Langruth with my wife, Michelle, and our two daughters, Madison and Regan. We have a cow/calf operation and produce our own feed stuffs. We custom background our calves, typically mar-keting them in March of the following year. Replacement heifers have been kept from our own herd for the last number of years. It has been my pleasure to contribute to the beef industry in Manitoba as a MBP director and I look forward to the new challenges and opportunities the position of president will bring.

I would like to recognize and thank past-president Ben Fox for his contributions to MBP. As many will be aware, Ben resigned as president of MBP to pursue his interest in becoming an elected official at the federal level. On behalf of the board of directors and staff, it con-tinues to be our privilege to work with Ben in his role as District 13 director. His passion, knowledge and contri-bution to MBP is exemplary. We extend our best wishes to Ben, his wife, Linda, and their family in their future endeavors.

Once again, the year has gone by quickly and winter will be soon be upon us. It is in my nature to be an eter-nal optimist and I sincerely hope that winter will reward us with an adequate amount of precipitation and snow-fall to replenish all our diminished or vanishing water and feed resources. I am well aware of the very difficult year many producers have endured and that feed and adequate water supplies are scarce due to the drought conditions. MBP directors and staff continue to work tirelessly on behalf of producers to lobby governments to find sustainable and bankable solutions to manage this crisis and there have been some recent developments in this area. We are aware that the best solutions will not only provide short term relief but also long-term options as well.

To help manage the aforementioned drought con-ditions, the Manitoba government announced in late August that it has made Crown land leases, Wildlife Management Areas, as well as normally restricted areas around the Shoal Lake area in the Interlake region avail-able for both haying and grazing this fall. The Nature

Conservancy of Canada has also made some lands avail-able for grazing and winter feed use and they are encour-aging producers to capitalize on those opportunities.

In mid-September the provincial government an-nounced that it was modifying the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Areas Beneficial Management Prac-tice under the Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance pro-gram to help with water source development for farms and ranches. Cost-shared funding will now be available for actions such as drilling new or deepening existing wells and to build new or rehabilitate existing dugouts. MBP believes there is strong value in this initiative as the beef industry needs both short and long-term strategies to ensure that its water needs are being met, especially if we head into a drought cycle. Discussions will continue with the province about water-related needs for the cattle industry.

Producers are encouraged to seek out additional feed sources such as wild hay and straw (wheat, barley, corn, canola, beans, etc.) to help with roughage requirements. Negotiating with neighboring grain producers may glean economically viable options for additional feed. It is of-ten more affordable and efficient to purchase high energy and high-protein feeds like grains, DDGs and other high energy feed. This is especially important when hauling feed long distances becomes a significant economic con-sideration or in some cases cost prohibitive.

Business Risk Management Programs (BRMs) are useful tools and options to help manage risk. It is im-portant, especially while navigating drought conditions this year, to consider participating in these programs. I am enrolled in AgriStability, I have accessed the West-ern Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) and I participate in the pasture and forage insurance programs offered through the Manitoba Agricultural Services Cor-poration. I feel that managing risk is essential for my operation because it gives me the peace of mind that I protect my investments.

The Manitoba government had previously set out lofty goals to grow the beef to pre-BSE numbers. I’m ex-cited and privileged to be able to work towards achieving this goal. I feel that one of the most important elements in growing the herd is youth retention and succession. It is essential that the Manitoba government and MBP continue to work together as leaders to advance the beef industry by developing affordable options, bankable pro-grams and a regulatory climate that will encourage many new and young producers to invest in the beef industry. There is no doubt that with respect to growing the beef herd, the resolve of beef producers is being tested once again. I am confident that we will succeed. Resiliency has carried us through many challenges. I encourage beef producers to ignore the rhetoric that says “we can’t do this” or “we can’t survive that” and simply to choose to say “we can and we will.” This is my focus and I am sure most of you feel the same way.

Predation issues will continue to be at the top of MBP’s agenda. Producers have incurred significant eco-nomic losses over many years due to predation. It is ex-tremely important that we continue to advocate for and help develop a permanent and sustainable wildlife man-agement program. This will not only minimize economic losses for established producers but will also encourage future producers to enter the beef industry and ultimate-ly contribute to growing our provincial herd.

Finally, I would like to remind everyone that the MBP district meetings will take place in October and No-vember. I encourage everyone to take ownership of your industry and help grow and improve the beef industry by attending district meetings. Not only is it great chance to become engaged and be a leader for your industry but it is an excellent opportunity to collaborate with other producers over a great meal. And of course, MBP’s 40th Annual General Meeting will be held February 7-8 at the Victoria Inn in Brandon. I invite you to be part of this important meeting and help us shape your beef industry. It is a fantastic event where you can learn more about the work and mandate of MBP. We hope to see you there.

Please feel free to contact me or a MBP staff member if you have questions or concerns regarding the work of MBP. Until next time, I wish you well and I thank you, the producer, for your ongoing support.

Kind regards, Tom Teichroeb

TOM TEICHROEBPresident's Column

Tom Teichroeb has been elected President of the Manitoba Beef Pro-ducers by the Manitoba Beef Pro-ducers Board of Directors during its meeting on Aug. 28. He had been serving at the helm on an interim basis since Aug. 7, when Ben Fox stepped down as President. Teichroeb remains the representative of District 8, and Fox will continue to serve on the Board as District 13 director.

In other Board changes, District 1 representative Gord Adams was elected to serve as Vice-President. Adams has been a beef producer for

more than 30 years, based six kilome-tres from Deloraine. He now oper-ates a cow/calf and backgrounding operation with approximately 300 head of cattle. In the past, he has also farmed grain. Adams has now served on the MBP Board of Direc-tors for 3.5 years.

District 12’s Kris Kristjanson is the new Second Vice-President. With his new role, Kristjanson of Ochre River now joins the Board’s Executive Committee. Kristjanson has been an active beef producer for nearly 30 years, starting when he was

14. He has 420 bred cows, primar-ily Simmentals bred with Charolais bulls, on his cow/calf operation 12 kilometres south of Ochre River, He also produces grain. This is Krist-janson's first year on MBP's board of directors. Away from MBP, Kristjan-son is vice-chair of the Turtle River Watershed Conservation District and sits on the Central Plains Feeder Co-op board.

The Manitoba Beef Producers Board of Directors offers congratu-lations to all serving in new roles within the organization. Kris Kristjanson

October 2018 CATTLE COUNTRY 3

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MBFI facility enhances outreach

Drug purchases affected by new rules

Page 1This project is also investigating the best time to apply fer-tilizer to get the best crop results with the least amount of cash and effort.

Researchers riding along with the guests on the wagon field tour provided an overview of what was going on in the different areas and answered questions. One producer pointed out the alfalfa in one plot was awfully thin. And it was. The researcher admitted that field was not produc-tive but the conditions that led to the crop failure would be shared at the end of the project so farmers could avoid a similar outcome. Eliminating the fertilizing regimen that was used on that field under dry conditions may someday save a producer faced with the same growing conditions time, money and a lot of stress.

In his opening remarks, Eichler told the audience at the grand opening the federal and provincial governments believed funding the research projects at MBFI was a worthwhile investment due to the large monetary contri-bution the industry makes to the provinces. In Manitoba alone, he said, beef production brought $540 million into the economy and the industry is expanding. Beef herds grew by three per cent last year and heifer herds increased in number by two per cent. Eichler emphasized that, with improved methods of forage and grassland man-agement, livestock numbers will continue to rise and all livestock industries and their spin off businesses will thrive because of it.

Dauphin-Swan River-Neepawa MP Robert (Bob) Sopuck emphasized the importance of agriculture produc-tion education, not just for farmers, but for urban and non-farming rural populations as well.

He said a recent Twitter interaction showed him first-hand that an announcement or comment about livestock of any kind can unleash a maelstrom of opinion both good and bad, but often misinformed.

This experience highlighted the importance of pro-ducers and science researchers connecting with consumers by listening to their concerns and providing them with ven-ues such as the MBFI Learning Centre where they can get honest, science-based answers to their concerns.

According to MBFI President Ramona Blyth, the MBFI learning centre will provide farmers with the best information on how to manage their forage lands and in-troduce student groups and the general public to the ways livestock can be a part of a healthy ecosystem in a comfort-able non-threatening environment,

“We now have the ability to provide a comfortable learning environment in the MBFI Learning Centre that

can be paired with hands on learning from MBFI research-ers in our fields to represent a valuable experiential experi-ence,” Blyth said. The primary goal of the MBFI learning centre now is to explain the balance between livestock and grassland health, she added.

Blyth said research at the centre currently focuses on innovation, herd management, land productivity, envi-ronmental effects and benefits of grazing, and other tech-nological advancements which may support profitability, sustainability and value-added opportunities in the future. She added that it’s important to note the sustainability of the centre is due to the support that it’s received from all of its partners.

Duncan Morrison, MBFI Communications, expand-ed on Blyth’s statement citing existing relationships with Manitoba’s universities and colleges. He says MBFI will be looking for ways to invite students in educational facilities and people from all walks of life to come out to the learn-ing centre.

Morrison said the new facility has a 2,200 square foot classroom which includes internet access and audio-visual equipment for distance learning, as well as a food

preparation area for hands on learning. The next step in the development of the centre is to incorporate offices and an interpretive gallery.

Blyth said Brookdale Farm will provide hands on learning for local post-secondary students as well. The mechanics course at Assiniboine Community College where students are tasked with keeping MBFI vehicles and machinery in running order under the supervision of their instructors is just one example. She said there will also be collaborations between agriculture students and the centre’s researchers through Brandon Uni-versity, where students spend time helping document research projects.

The centre has recently purchased a mobile lab trailer which will be used to get to more remote locations to con-duct field work where distance is often an impediment to research.

Blyth said the early success of the Brookdale Farm Learning Centre is due to the support and passion that the partners have shown for the project. “We have to thank everyone who has helped turn this idea into a reality,” she concluded.

Page 1In an open letter to all clients of veterinary services,

the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association says, “Dis-pensing or prescribing a prescription product requires the existence of a VCPR.”

The MVMA says a VCPR exists when the vet has:•  Assumed responsibility to diagnose and treat ani-

mals if the producer agrees to follow the vet’s instructions.• Seen the animals at least once in the past 12 months.• Offered emergency coverage for follow-up if treat-

ments do not work.A VCPR does not have to be a written agreement. It’s

simply an understanding that the vet knows the producer, understands how the operation is run and is confident the producer will follow his advice, said Reynold Bergen, sci-ence director for the Beef Cattle Research Council in Cal-gary.

“Some producers are going to have a valid VCPR al-ready,” Bergen said. “If they’ve worked with the same vet for years, the vet understands the operation, understands the animals and visits often enough so the producer can take responsibility for what the vet is recommending - that ef-fectively is a VCPR.

“For many large producers, that would be the case. For them, nothing would really change.”

For the others, now’s the time to start developing a re-lationship with your vet before December 1, said Bergen.

“I suspect there’s going to be a lot of producers who will be meeting their vet for the first time and there’s prob-ably a lot of good things that will come out of those visits.”

The new measures by Health Canada are aimed at tackling antimicrobial resistance (AMR), in which anti-

biotics used to treat bacterial infections in humans are no longer effective.

Concerns are expressed that the overuse of antibiot-ics in food-producing animals could result in AMR, which could then affect humans. Health Canada estimates over 70 per cent of MIAs in Canada is given to livestock.

“These changes are being made to ensure antibiotics are used responsibly in an effort to slow the development of bacteria that are resistant to antibiotics,” a Health Canada spokesperson said in an email to Cattle Country. “The aim is to ensure that current available antibiotics remain effec-tive for generations to come.”

The new regulations should help reassure consumers that antibiotics in livestock are being used properly, Bergen said.

“These rule changes, as much adjustment as this is going to be, will help public and consumer confidence in terms of assuring both consumers and the public at large that there are safeguards in place to ensure responsible an-

timicrobial use,” he said.Douma said the new rules aren’t as big a deal as they

might seem. All they do is allow Health Canada to add some more products to the list of MIAs that already require prescriptions. Some have expressed concern that the new measures will increase drug prices, since there will be fewer sellers and more controls.

“There’s certainly the opportunity for drug prices to go up,” said Bergen.

But Douma said it’s too early to tell and might in fact work the other way.

“As more product is moving through clinics, that should make it easier to reduce the cost at those places be-cause they will have some increased volume.”

PROJECT LEAD ORGANIZATION PROJECT TITLE

Kim Wolfe MB Agriculture

• Wetland Health Assessments: Riparian health assessments of lentic wetlands at the Brookdale Farm

• Shelterbelts for MBFI Sites: Demonstration of different shelterbelt designs for improved extensive grazing systems and biodiversity

• Operation Pollinator: Establishment of pollinator habitat on different sites at the Brookdale Farm

Ray Bittner MB Agriculture • Alfalfa Phosphorus Ramp Demonstration, for determining optimum fertility levels

Luke Bainard AAFC - Swift Current• Use of multispecies annual forage crops to promote

healthy soil microbial communities and improve forage yield and sustainability

Shawn Cabak/ Mitch Timmerman MB Agriculture • MBFI Extensive Wintering Project: Extended Grazing

and Extensive Wintering Project

Pam Iwanchysko MB Agriculture• Planned Grazing Demonstration: Measuring the

impact of planned grazing on forage, soil and cattle health and productivity

Terence McGonigle Brandon University • Experimental evaluation of microbial biomass as an indicator of soil health under forage management

Patsy Michiels AAFC - Bdn • Evaluation of regional predictive relationships for N and P runoff loss at the field scale

Rafael Otfinowski U of W • Response of rangeland ecosystems to extreme drought

October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY4

www.mbbeef.ca

BRIAN LEMONGeneral Manager’s Column

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I have been reminded a couple of times over the past couple of weeks about the interesting challenge we have in the office to do the best we can to advance this wonderful industry, to advocate for its producers, and to set it up to hope-fully grow and have a long and successful future. The reminders came in a cou-ple of different contexts, including a meeting with Minister of Agriculture Ralph Eichler to discuss the drought conditions, a reply we are preparing to respond to the province’s carbon-pricing regimes, and as we continue to meet to pull together the speak-ers for our up-coming 40th anniversary AGM.

Both are important. Both need to be given consideration as we try to advance the sector and do the best for beef pro-ducers in Manitoba. It is critical that we keep an eye on the long-term viability

and opportunities for our sector - everyone in this sector has a wish that this sector grows, sustains itself and has a long and bright future. This said, everyone also has their short-term challenges that cause con-cern and potentially also threaten their long term. Short and long term are both important and are both linked.

As we drafted the letter to the Minister to explain how the 2018 drought conditions are causing feed shortages, leading to feed affordabil-ity issues and how water is critically short, these are all short-term priorities and need to be addressed. But then as we draft the response to the provincial plan to implement a made-in-Manitoba Output-based pricing system for carbon, we are certainly looking at the longer term and how it is important that the province consider

and reward our produc-ers for the environmental benefits derived from our pastures and grasslands.

One of the first times we heard from Minster Eichler in his role as our new Minister of Agricul-ture, he announced that it was his government’s goal to grow our herd to its pre-BSE numbers. This was very exciting for us to hear, and it is great to have a government that is sup-portive of growing our in-dustry. This is a long-term goal. While I fully accept that in politics, a four-year strategy is typically a long-term one, focussed on be-ing re-elected, the strategy to grow our herd is a much longer-term objective and

it was very nice to see the Minister and his depart-ment get engaged in such an exciting and ambitious long-term goal. The stark reality of this long-term goal is that we have to look after the short term as well to make sure that our cur-rent producers are viable, profitable and supported – to be in a position to even consider the longer term. It is important to look after the short-term if we want to have any chance at a bright future.

As producers you all understand this on your farms and ranches. You all understand the balance required to look after the short-term while invest-ing in future years. The most simplistic examples are your fall cull. Easy to maximize your short-term profits with one cull strate-gy, as opposed to thinking about your longer-term

herd plan and choosing a different cull strategy that looks to future years; thus giving up a bit today and investing it in a plan for the future. Another example is the care you take with your pastures and graz-ing management. Easy to graze without a regard for future re-growth, but you know that you’ll need that pasture again next year, so you take care to manage it in a way to invests in fu-ture years.

In the office we are asked to do a similar bal-ance. We take our role seriously as the represen-tatives of Manitoba’s beef producers and we con-tinually look at trying to strike the right balance of short- and long-term pri-orities to focus our time and effort. It would be easy to argue every short-term-and-immediate concern, and not have a regard for the longer-term growth of the sector, or conversely to ignore the current chal-lenges and only focus on the long-term promise of a brighter future. The MBP staff, under the guid-ance and direction of your

board of directors, try to strike the right balance be-tween looking after today and investing in tomorrow.

All this leads me to thinking about our up-coming fall District Meet-ings, and the chance to speak with producer-members to hear from you all and to get a sense from you about how we’ve been doing over the past year. District meetings are where staff and the MBP board begin the process of setting priorities for the upcoming year. The meet-ings all include a formal resolutions debate where members in good stand-ing are able to have their voice heard and to shape the mix of resolutions to be considered at the AGM. These meetings are also your chance to let us know which short-and-long-term priorities you believe are most important. Dis-trict meetings are your chance to input into which priorities we focus on, on your behalf… which short-term priorities we need to have addressed, and where we should be making longer-term in-vestments in the future of our sector. District meet-ings are where MBP mem-bers are able to provide their input. Those produc-ers who have chosen to exercise their right to re-fund their check-off, have chosen to forfeit their MBP membership, and thus have given up their right to speak, make reso-lutions, vote, and shape our future. That said, we encourage them to come out and listen in and hear what we are doing on be-have of all producers – in-cluding those who choose not to be members.

This year, with a focus on our future, MBP has reached out to our youth, through the Manitoba 4-H clubs (although all teens and young produc-ers are certainly welcome) to invite youth producers to attend and take part in the district meetings. We look forward to having them attend, listen and take part in discussions.

I look forward to my opportunity to meet with all of you, and to our dis-cussions, and I hope to see you at your district meeting this fall to dis-cuss your thoughts as to whether or not we have the right mix of short-and-long-term priorities.

Looking at short term, long term and District Meetings

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BY MANITOBA AGRICULTURE, CHIEF VETERINARY OFFICE BRANCH

In August 2018, bovine anaplasmo-sis was detected in south-eastern Mani-toba. The three reported cases in 2017 were also from south-eastern Manito-ba. Bovine anaplasmosis is a bacterial disease that attacks the red blood cells of cattle but has no impact on human health or food safety. The last reported case of bovine anaplasmosis in Mani-toba prior to last year was in 2013.

In 2014, bovine anaplasmosis be-came a federally immediately notifi-able disease, following a change at the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. As a result, the federal government is no longer involved in controlling the dis-ease, import testing requirements have been removed, and cows purchased from infected areas of North America are no longer tested before entering Canada. The current approach to man-age bovine anaplasmosis in Manitoba is a collaboration between Manitoba Ag-riculture and the Manitoba Beef Pro-ducers, supported by motions made by the MBP board of directors in 2017.

What causes bovine anaplasmosis? Anaplasmosis primarily causes

disease in cattle, however other domes-tic and wild ruminants can be infected. The bacteria (Anaplasmosis marginale) lives in red blood cells and is spread when blood is exchanged between ani-mals, which might be through bites from an infected tick or other pest, or through human-caused contamination, such as using the same needle on more than one animal or not properly clean-ing equipment that would come into contact with blood, such as taggers.

In Manitoba, wood ticks most com-monly spread anaplasmosis. Large bit-ing insects such as horseflies may also transfer the bacteria on their mouth-parts from one animal to another, but do not actually carry the disease itself.

The use of blood-contaminated equipment - such as needles, ear tag-gers, tattooing instruments, dehorning equipment and castration equipment - is also a significant risk that can spread anaplasmosis within a herd.

What does bovine anaplasmosis look like?

Anaplasmosis destroys red blood

cells in the animal, causing anemia. Af-fected animals appear weak, pale, and jaundiced with a high fever. Less spe-cific signs include poor appetite and a sudden, severe drop in milk produc-tion.

The age of the animal can affect the severity of symptoms. Animals under one year of age rarely exhibit clinical signs, but can develop the infection. Between the ages of one and two, ani-mals develop moderate to severe clini-cal signs. Older animals develop severe disease that is often fatal. Survivors may remain carriers for life and act as reservoirs of the bacteria for future in-fections.

Carrier animals are important be-cause they increase the risk of other animals becoming infected, but do not seem sick. Carrier animals pose no health threat to humans and can enter the food chain, so they can be shipped direct to slaughter. A healthy-looking carrier animal that is sold as breeding stock can cause the disease to spread to previously uninfected herds. Carrier animals cannot be treated to eliminate the disease and will remain infected for life.

What should I do if I suspect anaplasmosis?

In a suspect case, have your herd veterinarian examine your cattle and submit appropriate samples, such as an EDTA-tube blood sample, to Veterinary Diagnostic Services to confirm a posi-tive diagnosis.

If positive animals are identified in your herd, you should work with you herd veterinarian to develop a herd health plan to manage this dis-ease. It is recommended that infected animals should not be sold as replace-ment animals, to protect the health of the broader industry. The Office of the Chief Veterinary Officer is available to provide technical advice and may pro-vide assistance with initial diagnostics if required.

What can be done to prevent the spread of bovine anaplasmosis?

Producers are encouraged to dis-cuss anaplasmosis and prevention with their herd veterinarian, which might include: • limiting animal exposure to infect-

ed ticks with the routine use of a

tick prevention product, ensuring withdrawal times are followed for any treated animals destined for slaughter;

• controlling the tick population through pasture management, such as adequate fencing to keep out ticks’ wildlife hosts and removal of brush and long grass; and

• limiting human-caused introduc-tion and spread of the disease through effective biosecurity. Effective biosecurity measures in-

clude: • test new animals for anaplasmosis

prior to introduction to your herd particularly if they are coming from states or areas of the province where the disease has occurred before, ask about the herd’s health history before purchase;

• cleaning and disinfecting blood-contaminated tools and equipment between individual animals to lim-it spread within a herd, including dehorning tools, castration equip-ment, ear taggers, and tattooing in-struments; and

• reducing risk of transmission with-in the herd by using only single-use needles and examination gloves during pregnancy-checking for each animal.

What are the treatment options for anaplasmosis?

Treatment may be attempted in the early stages of the disease and to address severe clinical signs. This can improve the health of the animal so that it can be salvaged for slaugh-ter, helping to reduce financial loss to the producer.

Infected animals with clinical symptoms can be treated with a tetracy-cline antibiotic, but this does not “cure” the animal and will not prevent it from becoming a carrier animal. This should only be done in consultation with your herd veterinarian. In Canada, the use of tetracyclines to treat or control anaplas-mosis is an extra-label drug use, which requires a prescription from your herd veterinarian.

Carrier animals will remain in-fected for life and cannot be treated to eliminate the disease. Can vaccines prevent anaplasmosis?

No vaccine has been approved for use in Canada. Some vaccines based on a live form of a related organism have been used in different parts of the world, but there have been nu-merous reports of adverse effects. It is also not clear if this live vaccine would protect against the strains found in North America.

Bovine anaplasmosis in Manitoba

2018

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Presorts MUST be booked in advance. Bred cow sales must be pre-booked and in by NOON on Wednesday prior.

Age verification papers must be dropped off with cattle.

OCTO

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HeartlandLivestock Services

Presorts MUST be booked in advance. Bred cow sales must be pre-booked and in by NOON on Wednesday prior.

Age verification papers must be dropped off with cattle.

MAR

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Thurs., Feb 1 Butcher Sale 9:00 am; Bred Cow Sale 1:00 pm Tues., Feb 6 Feeder Sale 9:00 amThurs., Feb 8 Butcher Sale 9:00 amTues., Feb 13 Presort Sale 9:30 amThurs., Feb 15 Butcher Sale 9:00 am Bred Cow Sale 1:00 pm Tues., Feb 20 Feeder Sale 9:00 amThurs., Feb 22 Butcher Sale 9:00 amTues., Feb 27 Presort Sale 9:30 amFri., Mar 2 Cattleman’s Connection Bull Sale 1:00 pmTues., Mar 6 Feeder Sale 9:00 amTues., Mar 13 Presort Sale 9:30 amThurs., Mar 15 Bred Cow Sale 1:00 pmTues., Mar 20 Feeder Sale 9:00 amTues., Mar 27 Feeder Sale 9:00 am

Tues Oct. 2 Presort Calf Sale 9:30 a.m.Thurs Oct. 4 Butcher Sale 9 a.m.Tues Oct. 9 Presort Calf Sale 9:30 a.m.Thurs Oct. 11 Butcher Sale 9 a.m.Tues Oct. 16 Presale Calf Sale Angus Influence 9:30 a.m.Thurs Oct. 18 Butcher Sale 9 a.m.Tues Oct. 23 Presort Calf Sale 9:30 a.m.Thurs Oct. 25 Butcher Sale 9 a.m.Tues Oct. 30 Presort Calf Hereford Influence 9:30 a.m.Thurs Nov. 1 Butcher Sale 9 a.m.Tues Nov. 6 Presort Calf Sale Angus Influence 9:30 a.m.Thurs Nov. 8 Butcher Sale 9 a.m. Bred Cow Sale 1 p.m.Tues Nov. 13 Presort Calf Sale 9:30 a.m.Thurs Nov. 15 Butcher Sale 9 a.m. Bred Cow Sale 1 p.m.Tues Nov. 20 Presort Calf Sale 9:30 a.m.Thurs Nov. 22 Butcher Sale 9 a.m.Tues Nov. 27 Presort Calf Sale 9:30 a.m.Thurs Nov. 29 Butcher Sale 9 a.m. Bred Cow Sale 1 p.m.

October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY6

www.mbbeef.ca

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MAUREEN COUSINSPolicy Analyst

Manitoba Beef Pro-ducers (MBP) welcomes news that some tools are being provided to assist local cattle producers ad-versely affected by this year’s abnormally dry and drought conditions.

A lack of moisture, particularly in southern Manitoba, has resulted in poor pasture conditions, reduced forage yields, and, concerns about dugouts and wells being too low headed into winter or dry-ing up altogether. Produc-ers have been working to source feed supplies, and taking steps to deal with water shortages, including moving cattle to alternate water sources, hauling wa-ter, rehabilitating existing dugouts and wells or dig-ging new ones altogether.

As well, with winter looming some producers have been making difficult decisions about whether to temporarily downsize cattle numbers so their breeding herd matches the size of their feed sup-ply and the availability of water resources.

To that end MBP has been reaching out to the provincial and federal gov-ernments, outlining these concerns and discussing possible strategies to help affected cattle producers. The focus of MBP’s com-ments have been on pro-ducers’ concerns related to feed availability and af-fordability, water supplies, as well as whether the federal Livestock Tax De-ferral Provision would be triggered to assist produc-ers looking at downsizing their breeding herds.

There have been sev-

eral developments on this front since late August that should prove ben-eficial to affected beef producers. These relate to making additional Crown lands available for haying and grazing, a program to help producers with water needs, and making the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision available.

“These are all impor-tant developments. We appreciate the initiatives being provided by both governments to help cattle producers deal with these challenging conditions and move forward,” MBP President Tom Teichroeb stated.

“We share a com-mon goal of growing Manitoba’s beef herd so it’s important we have an ar-ray of tools and resources producers can use to help achieve that. These range from having bankable business risk management programs, to tax planning initiatives, to being able to access cost-shared fund-ing to implement benefi-cial management practices that will enhance resilien-cy on our farms and ranch-es, such as ensuring we have water resources in times of drought,” added Teichroeb.

Haying and Grazing Available on Crown Land

Manitoba livestock producers are temporar-ily being allowed to cut hay and graze animals on Crown land not normally designated for agricultural use.

“Pastures and forage crops in parts of Manitoba have been greatly affected by low levels of rain and

dry soils this summer,” said Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler in an Au-gust 24 news release. “By providing producers with additional options, such as access to Crown land, we are easing the burden on farmers who are see-ing low yields on forage crops.”

This initiative will be administered through the Agricultural Crown Lands Leasing program, with permits issued. Livestock must be re-moved when the natu-rally existing forage is exhausted or by October 31, 2018. Baled hay must be removed by November 15, 2018.

“With many beef producers facing poor pasture conditions and a shortage of feed, having the ability to graze and hay these Crown lands is both necessary and wel-comed,” said Teichroeb. “Cattle grazing inside these wildlife manage-ment areas can deliver important conservation benefits as well as be an important strategy dur-ing times of feed short-ages.”

The provincial gov-ernment also noted that producers with AgriIn-surance contracts who intend to put their crop to alternate use must contact the Manitoba Ag-ricultural Services Cor-poration (MASC) office to arrange for a field ap-praisal prior to harvest-ing the crop.

The province is ad-vising insured produc-ers to check with MASC about their 2018 forage insurance coverage levels under the AgriInsurance program, which insures

hay and pasture produc-tion and establishment against potential losses. Also, the Western Live-stock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) gives producers the option to purchase price insur-ance year-round for their feeder and fed cattle. See www.wlpip.ca for details.

For more informa-tion producers can either call their local Manitoba Agriculture office, the department toll-free at 1-844-769-6224, or go to www.gov.mb.ca/agricul-ture. Other tools (such as the hay listing and other resources for manag-ing during challenging production conditions) can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/l ives to ck/b e e f / index .html#resources.

Assistance With Water Resources

On September 14 the Manitoba govern-ment announced produc-ers can now access 50:50 cost-shared funding to assist with water source development.

Through Ag Action Manitoba – Assurance: Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) new eligible costs under the Managing Livestock Access to Riparian Ar-eas BMP include wa-ter source development related to wells. This includes: drilling new or deepening existing wells, test hole drilling, screening, casing, well caps, etc.; water pumps and required plumbing components; and, pro-fessional and contractor fees. There is also assis-tance related to dugouts, including: constructing new or rehabilitating ex-isting dugouts, test hole drilling, etc.; and, pro-fessional and contractor fees.

There is a funding

cap of $10,000 for this BMP, i.e. 50 per cent of a $20,000 project. Appli-cations for several BMPs will be accepted by the province on a continual basis throughout the fall.

Producers who wish to access this BMP fund-ing must complete an En-vironmental Farm Plan (EFP). However, they do not have to have their valid EFP Statement of Completion at the time they apply for this BMP funding. Producers will only need a valid EFP Statement of Completion at the time they submit their claim for reim-bursement. Producers have until Feb. 15, 2019, to submit their EFP State-ment of Completion.

To learn more about how to get an EFP, visit https://www.gov.mb.ca/a g r i c u l t u r e / e nv i r o n -ment/environmenta l -farm-plan/.

Approved applica-tions for reimbursement will be retroactive for eli-gible expenses incurred any time after Aug. 9, 2018 (the date of the ini-tial announcement of the BMP catalogue).

“Manitoba Agricul-ture supports our live-stock sector across the province, and we recog-nize that many areas are feeling the effects of the hot, dry summer,” said Minister Eichler.  “Effec-tive management of both surface and groundwater sources used for livestock production is essential for ensuring the health and longevity of the live-stock, pastures and asso-ciated water sources.”

Livestock Tax Deferral Provision

MBP had also con-tacted federal Agricul-ture Minister Lawrence MacAulay requesting the swift triggering the Live-stock Tax Deferral Provi-

sion (LTDP) in regions of Manitoba hard hit by this year’s abnormally dry conditions and drought.

On September 14 the federal government an-nounced the list of des-ignated regions for 2018 under the LTDP, 63 of which are in Manitoba. See box on page 7 for complete list.

According to the federal government, “The livestock tax deferral pro-visions allow livestock producers in prescribed drought, flood or excess moisture regions to defer a portion of their 2018 sale proceeds of breeding livestock until 2019 to help replenish the herd. The cost of replacing the animals in 2019 will off-set the deferred income, thereby reducing the tax burden associated with the original sale. Produc-ers in those regions can request the tax deferral when filing their 2018 in-come tax returns.”

“This year’s growing conditions across several provinces have brought many challenges to Cana-dian livestock producers. The Government has pri-oritized the approval of the Livestock Tax defer-ral to give farmers more certainty about their fi-nancial situation and help them keep their business-es strong,” said Minister MacAulay.

According to infor-mation from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, the LTDP works as fol-lows:

To defer income, the breeding herd must have been reduced by at least 15 per cent.

Where the breeding herd has been reduced by at least 15 per cent, but less than 30 per cent, 30 per cent of income from net sales can be deferred.

Where the breeding herd has been reduced by 30 per cent or more, 90 per cent of income from net sales can be deferred.

In a year in which a region has been pre-scribed, income from live-stock sales are deferred to the next tax year when the income may be at least partially offset by the cost of reacquiring breeding animals, thus reducing the potential tax burden. In the case of consecu-tive years of drought or excess moisture and flood

Page 7

Government Activities Update: Initiatives to help producers with dry and drought conditions

October 2018 CATTLE COUNTRY 7

www.mbbeef.ca

ATTEND YOUR MBP DISTRICT MEETINGMeet with MBP representatives and fellow beef producers to discuss the timely beef issues affecting your district and industry. Elections will be held in odd numbered

districts. All meetings will begin at 6 p.m. with beef on a bun being served.

CALL 1-800-772-0458 OR EMAILINFO@MBBEEF.CA FOR FULL DETAILS

*Director Retiring

DISTRICT DIRECTOR DATE LOCATION ADDRESS

District 11 Robert Metner Oct-22 Ashern Legion 3 Main St. East, Ashern

District 9 Dianne Riding Oct-23 South Interlake Rockwood Ag Society (Red Barn) PR #236 & Rockwood Road, Stonewall

District 4 Robert Kerda Oct-25 Grunthal Livestock Auction Mart 28121 PR #205, Grunthal

District 10 Mike Duguid Oct-29 Arborg-Bifrost Community Centre 409 Recreation Centre, Arborg

District 3 Peter Penner Oct-30 Carman Legion Auxiliary Hall 28 – 1st St. NW, Carman

District 2 Nancy Howatt Nov-01 Baldur Memorial Hall 142 First St., Baldur

District 5 Ramona Blyth* Nov-02 Austin Community Hall 44 – 2nd Ave., Austin

District 14 Jade Delaurier Nov-05 Swan River Elks Hall 112 – 5th Ave. South, Swan River

District 12 Kris Kristjanson Nov-06 Ste. Rose Jolly Club 638 – 1st Ave. SW, Ste. Rose du Lac

District 13 Ben Fox* Nov-07 Parkland Recreation Complex, Curler’s Lounge 200 – 1st St. SE, Dauphin

District 7 Larry Gerelus* Nov-08 Shoal Lake Community Hall 315 The Drive, Shoal Lake

District 1 Gord Adams Nov-13 Mountview Centre 111 South Railway Ave., Deloraine

District 8 Tom Teichroeb Nov-14 Arden Community Hall 411 Saskatchewan Ave., Arden

District 6 Larry Wegner Nov-15 Oak Lake Community Hall 474 Cameron Street West, Oak Lake

For on-farm appraisal of livestock or marketing information, callHAROLD UNRAU - Manager/Field Rep.1-204-434-6519 office or 204-871-0250 cell204-434-9367 fax Box 71 Grunthal, Manitoba R0A 0R0

www.grunthallivestock.com g_lam@hotmail.ca

GRUNTHAL LIVESTOCK AUCTION MART

Regular sales every Tuesday at 9:00 a.m.

Monday, October 15 & 19Sheep, Goats and Holstein Calves

Saturday, November 3Horse and Tack Sale

We now offer pre-sort sales for larger groups of cattle.Call Harold for more information.

Check out our Market Report

online UPDATED WEEKLY

Page 6conditions, producers may defer sales income to the first year in which the region is no longer pre-scribed.

Prescribed regions are designated, on the advice of the Minister of AAFC to the Minister of Finance, when forage yields are less than 50 per cent of the long-term average as a result of drought or flooding in a particular year.

Once all forage yield information has been finalized a final list of prescribed regions, in-cluding previously an-nounced regions, is usu-ally made in December.

For informa-tion about the LTDP see: http://www.agr.g c . c a / e n g / p r o g r a m s -and-ser vices/drought-w a t c h / l i v e s t o c k - t a x -d e f e r r a l - p r o v i s i o n / ? id=1463574780220

Agroclimate Impact Reporter

Data is a key tool used by governments to examine the effects of scenarios such as droughts and floods on agriculture, and also to decide whether assis-tance such as compen-

sation will be offered. Farmers and ranchers can help provide information about such impacts to the federal government by using the Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR).

During the grow-ing season a network of producer volunteers pro-vides monthly informa-tion about the impact of weather and climate on their farms and ranches through the AIR on-line survey tool. AIR is managed through the National Agroclimate Information Service of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC). There are regular sur-veys, as well as the op-portunity to report one-time or interim impacts to your operation.

Survey questions cover the impact of weather and climate on specific agricultural con-cerns. Topics covered in-clude: pasture/rangeland condition; crop/hay qual-ity; groundwater supply; surface water supply; wa-ter quality; crop stage; in-frastructure loss/damage; field access; feed supply; and, soil erosion.

Survey results are an-alyzed and posted on the

federal Drought Watch website (www.agr.gc.ca/air), providing a series of agroclimate impact maps each month of the grow-ing season.

As AAFC explains, “The AIR network pro-vides valuable and reli-able data that are mapped and used in the assess-ment and development of policies and programs including AgriRecov-ery and the Livestock Tax Deferral Provision, which can provide assis-tance to the industry dur-ing extreme weather and climate conditions and events.”

For more informa-tion about AIR and how to enrol to complete the surveys go to www.agr.gc.ca/air. All information collected through the surveys is confidential. The network consists of 300-plus producers from the Prairie provinces and the Peace River region of British Columbia and more producers are en-couraged to participate.

1. Alexander2. Argyle3. Armstrong4. Bifrost-Riverton5. Boissevain-Morton6. Brenda-Waskada7. Brokenhead8. Cartier9. Cartwright-Roblin10. Coldwell11. De Salaberry12. Deloraine-Winchester13. Division No. 18, Unorganized,

East Part14. Dufferin15. Elton16. Emerson-Franklin17. Fisher18. Gimli19. Glenboro-SouthCypress20. Grahamdale21. Grassland22. Grey23. Hanover24. Headingley25. Killarney - Turtle Mountain26. La Broquerie27. Lorne28. Louise29. Macdonald30. Montcalm31. Morris

32. Norfolk-Treherne33. North Cypress-Langford34. North Norfolk35. Oakland-Wawanesa36. Pembina37. Piney38. Portage la Prairie39. Prairie Lakes40. Rhineland41. Ritchot42. Rockwood43. Roland44. Rosser45. Souris-Glenwood46. Springfield47. St. Andrews48. St. Clements49. St. François Xavier50. St. Laurent51. Stanley52. Ste. Anne53. Stuartburn54. Taché55. Thompson56. Two Borders57. Victoria58. West Interlake59. West St. Paul60. WestLake-Gladstone61. Whitehead62. City of Winnipeg63. Woodlands

Designated Municipalities in Manitoba – 2018 Livestock Tax Deferral

Regions designated for tax deferral relief

Ag. ADM recognized for MB-Japan relationsPROVINCE OF MANITOBA

Dori Gingera-Beauchemin, deputy minister for Mani-toba Agriculture, is being recognized for her work on Manitoba–Japan relations at an awards ceremony hosted by Consul-General Shigenobu Kobayashi on behalf of the Japan Foreign Ministry tomorrow in Winnipeg, Agricul-ture Minister Ralph Eichler announced today.

“Our government is beyond proud of the work that Dori does on a daily basis, showcasing the agriculture in-dustry across the province, across the country and around the world,” Eichler said. “This award, bestowed by the peo-ple of Japan, shows the work Dori does not only impacts Manitoba producers, but producers across the country and around the world.”

The Foreign Minister’s Commendations are awarded to individuals and groups with outstanding achievements in international fields, in order to acknowledge their contri-butions to the promotion of friendship between Japan and other countries. The commendations also help inform the Japanese public about the activities of the recipients.

Gingera-Beauchemin was recognized for being a critical player in the creation of the 4-H Manitoba– Japan Homestay program. Since 1987, 726 Japanese students and chaperones have been hosted by Manitoba 4-H fami-lies and enjoyed authentic Manitoba summer experiences including community events, outdoor recreation and host families’ cultural traditions. To date, nearly 200 Manitoba students and their chaperones have travelled to Japan every second year for a two-week homestay, which includes tours

of agricultural and other cultural sites. “We are so glad that Dori is being recognized for a

project she believes so passionately in,” said Carlie Whetter, president of the Manitoba 4-H Council. “She has been a champion of the Manitoba–Japan Homestay program over the course of 30 plus years, and shares her understanding and respect for the Japanese culture with those around her.”

Gingera-Beauchemin joined Manitoba Agriculture as an assistant agricultural representative summer student. In 1979, she joined the department full-time as a 4-H and youth specialist in Beausejour and in 1984, became the chief of the Manitoba 4-H Program. Since 1993, Gingera-Beauchemin has held a number of senior level positions within the department and has been the deputy minister for Manitoba Agriculture since March 2013.

October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY8

www.mbbeef.ca

Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is proposing amendments to the Health of Animals Regulations to strengthen the livestock traceability system byreducing the time it takes to trace livestock.

CFIA intends to use animal identification, premisesidentification (PID) and animal movement data submittedby livestock operators to the Canadian Livestock Tracking System (CLTS) database to improve information accuracy and availability in the event of an emergency.

Do you own or care

for livestock?

1 CONTACT YOUR LOCAL PREMISES REGISTRY to confirm or acquire a valid PID for your livestock site E: traceability@gov.mb.ca | T: 1-204-945-7684

2 CONTACT US to confirm or acquire a CLTS database account and enter your valid PID number into it

Prepare in TWO STEPS

Check out our refreshed website at canadaid.ca

October 2018 CATTLE COUNTRY 9

www.mbbeef.ca

MANITOBA ANGUSupcoming eventsMAA FALL GELD SHOW WITH AGEX October 23 - 27

Brandon, MB

NATIONAL ANGUS SHOW October 25

MANITOBA ANGUS ASSOCIATION AGM November 30 Brandon, MB - in conjunction with the Keystone Klassic

Manitoba Angus AssociationP: 1-888-622-6487 • F: 204-725-3597

mandi.mbangus@gmail.com

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is seeking to fill three positions on its board of directors during its 2018 fall district meetings which kick off later this month.

The retiring directors are Ramona Blyth, District 5; Larry Gerelus, District 7; and, Ben Fox, District 13.

The first of 14 meetings kicks off Oct. 22 as MBP members gather at the Ashern Legion. See the complete district meeting schedule on page 7.

MBP President Tom Teichroeb encourages interest-ed beef producers to think about running for one of the three director vacancies.

“MBP’s board of directors undertakes a lot of important work on behalf of the province’s beef in-dustry, including the cow/calf, backgrounding and finishing sectors,” Teichroeb says. “It is important that we have strong representation from all these sec-tors around MBP’s board table to help inform our decision making on behalf of our fellow beef pro-ducers. This is especially important as we seek to grow our industry.”

Teichroeb adds that MBP directors not only have the opportunity to represent beef producers’ interests

within the province, but also nationally. For example, MBP directors participate on the boards of organiza-tions such as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Ca-nadian Cattle Identification Agency, and the Beef Cattle Research Council, among others.

“MBP’s board and staff work on a wide range of topics, including business risk management programs, wildlife management, livestock traceability, sustainabil-ity initiatives, trade, research, water management and many, many more,” notes Teichroeb. “By working to-gether we are creating a stronger industry for producers.”

MBP members interested in becoming a director and learning more about the position should contact their local director or the MBP office. Current directors’ contact information can be found at http://www.mbbeef.ca/about-mbp/board-and-staff/ or call 1-800-772-0458.

Along with the director elections in odd-numbered

districts, the meetings will include a look back at MBP’s finances for the past year, as well as review of some of the association’s activities on behalf of members. Other topics, such as pending changes to prescription require-ments and the need for producers to have a valid client patient relationship with their veterinarian will also be discussed.

“The district meetings are extremely valuable for MBP, providing us with direct input and ideas from farmers and ranchers about matters affecting their op-erations,” MBP General Manager Brian Lemon said. “We strongly urge producers to attend the meetings and to have their say in the future of MBP. I look forward to hearing from and speaking with all those in attendance.”

All meetings begin at 6 p.m., with a free beef on a bun supper. For more information please go to mbbeef.ca or contact the MBP office at 1-800-772-0458.

MBP district meetings begin October 22Vacancies in three districts as three directors set to retire

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October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY10

www.mbbeef.ca

We will be hosting a pasture tour featuring Edie Creek Angus genetics, bale grazing sites, and our planned grazing system which has helped keep us grazing through this drought. Call Jonathan for directions. 204-471-4696

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2018 Fall Package Available Now

For Cow-Calf Producers!

BY DUNCAN MORRISON

Manitoba Beef and Forage Initiatives (MBFI) bolted into the busy fall season with a surge of great news announce-ments.

Firstly, the long-awaited grand opening of the MBFI Learning Centre in late August at the MBFI Brookdale site provided a great stage for the Canada and Mani-toba governments to announce that they are investing $2.85 million over the next five years at MBFI to support the sustainable growth of the livestock sector. The buzz around the Learn-ing Centre and the gov-ernments’ funding an-nouncement had barely subsided when MBFI announced the hiring of Mary-Jane Orr as the new MBFI general man-ager.

Orr will oversee all aspects of the three MBFI research and demonstra-tion sites near Brandon at Brookdale Farm, First Street Pasture and John-son Farm, as well as the new MBFI Learning Cen-tre. MBFI is a partner-ship between Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers, Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association.

“The competition for our general manager’s position was really in-tense and we congratulate all the candidates who interviewed for the posi-tion,” said Ramona Blyth, MBFI chair. “Mary-Jane’s areas of expertise and experience were a really great fit for MBFI. We are thrilled to have Mary-Jane on board.”

Orr comes from a background of mixed

farming, growing up on a small cow-calf operation near Carberry. Through-out Orr’s career, she has had strong interests in the intersection of ag-ricultural industry and environmental steward-ship, including recent work with David Rourke in Minto, MB to initiate development of an on-farm research & learning hub, targeting regenera-tive practices for annual crop production with livestock integration. Orr also gained Manito-ba agricultural industry perspective working as a Nutrient Management Specialist based in La Broquerie for Hylife Ltd.

“I am elated to be joining the team at MBFI, and truly honoured to have the opportunity to build on a framework created by dedicated partners and outstand-ing staff,” said Orr. “I am looking forward to en-gaging with producers, the research community, and Manitoba extension specialists to drive in-novation through dem-onstration, applied, and peer-reviewed research to meet challenges facing Manitoba producers.”

Academically, Orr received a Doctor of Philosophy, Department of Agronomy (Soil Mi-crobiology), from Pur-due University, West Lafayette, Indiana after graduating with Bachelor of Science, with honors, Major in Botany from Brandon University. Orr also worked as a postdoc-toral associate at Purdue University on sustainable bioenergy and conserva-tion cropping systems before returning to Man-itoba. The vast potential

of the MBFI Learning Centre hit very close to home for the well-edu-cated Orr.

“The multi-use space in the newly opened Learning Center is es-pecially exciting for the promotion of education in beef cattle and for-age production across diverse groups and all ages,” said Orr. “I am ea-ger to be a part of MBFI’s unique role as a centre of agricultural innovation and to facilitate its mis-

sion of building social awareness, benefiting ecosystems, and improv-ing producer profitabil-ity.”

MBFI currently has 27 research projects un-derway led by research-ers and staff from Mani-toba Agriculture, the University of Manitoba, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Brandon University and The Uni-versity of Winnipeg.

Blyth said the hir-ing of the MBFI general manager was a priority for the organization as it now heads into year four of operations, exten-

sion, and research at the three MBFI sites. Blyth acknowledged the work and support of past MBFI general managers Me-linda German, Carollyne Kehler, Tod Wallace and Shawn Cabak in helping position MBFI for the times ahead. Blyth also had kind words for MBFI senior staffers Kristelle Harper, Leah Rodvang and Warren Boles for their hard work and lead-ership, especially during the hiring process. Blyth said Orr’s familiarity with Manitoba producers combined with Orr’s pro-fessional expertise, re-

search background, and academic resume will bode well for MBFI.

“Basically, Mary-Jane’s ability, education and personality check off all the key boxes within our MBFI priority ar-eas,” said Blyth. “On top of that, we believe Mary-Jane will be a valuable mentor to our staff, in-cluding our summer stu-dents. MBFI takes great pride in giving Manitoba students that are pursu-ing agricultural careers a great place to further and enhance their careers in the forage and livestock sector.”

MBFI hires new general manager

Mary-Jane Orr has been hired as MBFI's new general manager. (Photo by MBFI)

October 2018 CATTLE COUNTRY 11

www.mbbeef.caMASC_CattleCountry_10x5.indd 1 2018-09-04 11:46 AM

Fall feeder market stronger than expected

Make the most of corn grazing season

Cattle producers are pleasantly surprised and some-what relieved that the fall feeder cattle markets have opened stronger than predicted. As of the middle of Sep-tember there has been a light offering of calves fresh off the cow to really test the market. The electronic sales of calves for deferred delivery have been strong to date as some feedlots are trying to lock up a percentage of their inventory early.

The prospect of cheap corn in the USA has put some optimism into the cattle prices. A projected yield of 181 bushels to the acre of corn means that corn prices could stay around the $3.50 per bushel which is very attractive to the cattle feeding industry. Despite the fact that there are over 500 thousand more calves in the USA this year, the demand on both sides of the border has opened very strong.

With the big losses on the 2018 spring inventory, I have maintained that the cattle feeders would use more discipline when buying the calves this fall. I still think that prediction will be true when the big numbers come to town in mid-October and November. Using $3.50 corn and the current prices on the calves sold to date, the break-even prices for fed cattle would be in the low $1.20s live in US funds. Despite an increase in the live cattle futures, the current market does not support that level.

Prices for 400 to 600 pound steer calves in Manitoba in mid-September were 10 to 16 cents per pound higher than last year. Heifer calves have been the big surprise at 12 to 18 cents higher on the same weight class. The spread between heifers and steers is currently 25 cents per pound. I expect that spread to increase as total numbers on of-

fer increase during the fall run. Mid-September saw the Canadian dollar at 77.50 cents, three and half cents lower than last year. Interest from the American buyers has been stronger this fall, and they will certainly be the floor price for the heifer calves in Manitoba.

All indications are that the majority of producers who sell in the fall will sell the majority of their calves. To date we have seen an unusual amount of pee wee calves (280 to 400 pounds) delivered to the markets. Most years the pro-ducers will keep those calves until spring, but the shortage of hay probably means both the cow and calf are coming to market.

Yearling prices increased in September due to in-creased interest from Ontario and Quebec buyers. As pre-dicted, the volume of cash yearlings available to purchase has been small, and the supply and demand factor has kicked in. Yearling prices in Manitoba are averaging 6 to 8 cents higher than last year at this time. The yearlings are making the grass landers a profit, and this has made them more willing purchasers this fall.

Butcher cow prices continue to drop; packers are making far better profits harvesting fed cattle thus re-ducing the number of cows processed each week. Mid-September cows were the lowest price since 2016. Fall

rains in some areas have extended pastures resulting in smaller than normal volumes of cows being delivered to the markets in September. This would indicate that the biggest volume of cull cows is yet to come this fall, which will probably push cull cow prices lower than the seasonal lows of September and early October.

Bred cow prices are expected to be lower this year in Manitoba. This will probably result in a number of older bred and later calving cows being sent to the butcher sales rather than paying the additional costs of marketing them in a bred cow sale. Already, we have seen a number of bred heifers being marketed as feeder cattle. Breeders have a sense that demand at premium prices will be hard to find as producers scramble to get enough feed and straw to get their existing inventory through winter.

The on-feed reports from both sides of the border showed an increase in the number of cattle placed on feed in August. In the USA, cattle placed on feed were up 6% from last year, following the trend of increased placements throughout the year. In Western Canada, cattle placed on feed were up 19%. Some of the increase was due to drought conditions causing yearlings to come in early. As of September 1, there were 100,000 more cattle on feed in Western Canada than last year.

Custom feeders in Manitoba report that the majority of their pens have been booked for the fall. This is good news, as it indicates demand for Manitoba calves from out-of-province feedlots. This out-of-province demand and availability to background locally is critical to a strong market in Manitoba this fall.

Until next time, Rick

RICK WRIGHTThe Bottom Line

BEEF CATTLE RESEARCH COUNCIL

Corn grazing is becoming more popular across Cana-da because producers can grow more biomass on less land. If you are planning on grazing corn this winter, here are five tips to help you make the most of the corn grazing season:

Ease cattle into grazing cornIf this is the first time you are grazing corn, it may take

some time for cattle to realize what they are supposed to do with the tall stalks. It is a good idea to slowly transition cattle from summer pasture to fall corn grazing. Regardless of how familiar they are with grazing, the rumen also takes some time to adapt to the new feed source. One way to do this is to provide access to only a couple days’ worth of feed and also supply cattle with an alternative feed source such as a bale of hay to help them through the transition period.

Limit cows to three-to-four days of feedInevitably when cattle are turned out, they will eat the

best (more palatable) parts of the plant first, which is the cob. If cows are allowed access too much corn there can be problems with rumen acidosis. Research conducted at the Western Beef Development Centre suggests limiting cattle

to three-to-four days worth of feed and providing a fibre source (low quality hay or straw) to help mitigate the risk of acidosis.

Protect cattle from the elementsCattle can graze through the winter as long as they

have access to water or loose snow and shelter. If you don’t have a natural tree line or shelter belt on your winter grazing pasture, it is important to provide cattle with a man-made wind break. Energy needs increase as winter temperatures drop. Every degree Fahrenheit below cows’ lower critical temperature increases their energy requirements (TDN) by one per cent, so animals may need to be supplemented or will eat more and therefore consume the three-to-four days of feed you’ve limited them to more quickly as tempera-tures drop below their lower critical temperature.

Cattle’s lower critical temperature (LCT) is the tem-perature at which the maintenance requirements of the animal increase to the point that their performance is nega-tively affected. LCT varies due to a variety of things; for ex-ample, a cow maintained at a body condition score (BCS) of 3.0 and has a dry winter hair coat has a lower LCT than thin or wet cows with summer hair coats. Thin cows (BCS

of 1.0 – 2.0) typically have a LCT of approximately -17C, whereas cows in ideal condition (BCS of 3.0) have a LCT of approximately -25C.

Feed test, feed test, feed testIn most cases corn is able to exceed the nutrient re-

quirements of cattle in the first two trimesters of pregnancy, but it is still important to feed test to determine if the cows’ requirements will be met by grazing corn alone or if ad-ditional supplementation (protein) should be provided. Testing corn for mycotoxins is also recommended. Since corn is grazed standing, it is recommended to do a feed and mycotoxin test a couple weeks before grazing so that it is a close representation of what the cattle will actually be graz-ing. Download the BCRC feed testing fact sheet at: http://www.beefresearch.ca/files/pdf/1%20Feed-Testing%20BCRC%20Fact%20Sheet.pdf

Have a plan BEven with the best plans in place weather conditions

such as too much snow, lack of frost, or even too much rain can put an end to corn grazing. Make sure you have an alternative winter feed in case you are forced to pull cows from the corn early.

October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY12

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BY CHRISTINE RAWLUKNational Centre for Livestock and the Environment, University of Manitoba

Emily Boonstra is the newest student to join the beef production systems research team with the University of Manitoba’s National Centre for Live-stock and the Environ-ment. Emily obtained her Agriculture Diploma from the School of Ag-riculture in 2015, going on to earn a degree in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, grad-uating this spring with a major in Animal Systems. Now she is taking her ed-ucation one step further – branching into research as a master’s student.

Raised on a dairy and grain farm in the south Interlake region, she hadn’t thought much about beef cattle – that is until a year ago when

she spent the summer as part of the beef research team gaining first-hand experience working with professors Kim Ominski, Argenis Rodas-González, Emma McGeough, as well as technicians and gradu-ate students on the team.

Student experience – summer research assistant

“I learned about so many aspects of beef pro-duction as I got to work on a number of different research trials,” Boonstra said. “I was involved in a trial measuring methane emissions as well as a joint US-Canada project assess-ing the impacts of feeding and vaccination practices on carcass quality.” 

It was during this time that Emily learned about the International Livestock Congress, an annual event held in conjunction with the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in Texas, and the opportunity to receive funding to attend through the Student Travel

Fellowship Program. Argenis attended the

2011 Canadian Chapter of the Livestock Congress as a PhD student at Texas Tech, and found it to be in-valuable for learning about Canadian beef. As a result, when he received notice of the student travel pro-gram, he encouraged Emily and the other students on the team to apply. Argenis is an assistant professor in meat science and food safety whose research and teaching emphasize the ap-plication of post-mortem technologies to improve the value of carcasses and meat cuts, as well as how cattle production prac-tices affect carcasses and meat quality.

Emily completed the online application form, seeing the Congress as an opportunity to learn more about the beef industry at a global level and to meet students from other coun-tries. Her application was successful – she was chosen

as one of only two students from Canada and 12 world-wide to attend the Congress and the Houston Livestock Show & Rodeo in February 2018.

Student experience – the International

Livestock CongressOpen to senior under-

graduate and graduate stu-dents around the world, the student travel award covers all costs for attending the Congress as well as admis-sion to the rodeo events, including big-name music concerts. For two days the students were front-and-centre participants at the Congress where global leaders from the livestock and meat industries dis-cussed science-based strat-egies for including meat as part of a nutritional diet and U.S. and global trade opportunities. “There was so much to learn, and we eagerly took it all in, but we were also active con-tributors to the discussion,” Boonstra said. “And as an unexpected bonus, three nights in a row we went to amazing shows – Garth Brooks, Blake Shelton, Lit-tle Big Town – all included as part of our award!”

The sponsor of this student award, the Interna-tional Stockmen’s Educa-tional Foundation, defines recipients like Emily as “ag-riculture’s best and bright-est students from domestic and international agricul-tural colleges and universi-ties” where these students are “the future leaders of the beef industry.”

Spending three full

days with the 11 other se-lected students, hearing about what they are learn-ing and how they are con-tributing to the beef indus-try through their studies, was the final push Emily needed to decide that re-search would be her next step toward being a future industry leader.

“I hope that this article encourages more students to apply to be sponsored to attend the ILC – it was such an amazing experience to enjoy with some incredibly talented students!” Em-ily Boonstra said, 2018 ILC Student Fellowship recipi-ent and newest master’s stu-dent with the beef systems research program.

Making a difference through student research

Emily begins her master’s research project with Kim Ominski this fall, where she will deter-mine the environmental footprint of removing pro-ductivity-enhancing tech-nologies such as implants, β-adrenergic-agonists, ionophores, and melenges-trol acetate, or MGA, from Canadian beef production as part of a larger project that includes assessing the economic impact for the Canadian beef industry.

This assessment is nec-

essary to provide science-based information that considers the impacts of market expansion in this area which Canadian pro-ducers can use in making informed decisions about production changes to meet this emerging demand, and which consumers can draw on to make informed deci-

sions about food purchases. The overall project

includes three master’s stu-dents and numerous un-dergraduate summer stu-dents.

Not one to pass up an opportunity, at the time this article was submitted Emily was living and working on a dairy farm in Denmark as part of a pilot student exchange partnership be-tween Holstein Canada and Dansk Holstein.

Funding for this new research is provided by the Beef Cattle Industry Sci-ence Cluster, a partnership between Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) and the Beef Cattle Re-search Council (BCRC).

The 2019 International Livestock Congress takes place February 27-29. If you are a senior undergraduate or graduate student, con-sider applying (http://www.theisef.com/travel-fellow-ship-application-1.html).

Experiences that make a student want to become a researcher

Emily Boonstra has joined the beef production systems research team at the University of Manitoba's National Centre for Livestock and the Environment. (Photo Submitted)

Funding for this new research is provided by

the Beef Cattle Industry Science Cluster

October 2018 CATTLE COUNTRY 13

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Tips for successful braisingBY ELISABETH HARMS

Fall is here! The leaves are falling and the air is crisper. For me, fall means Thanksgiving and the be-ginning of warm and cozy dinners. As the weather changes, we begin to cook differently. We cook meals that can be braised for long periods of time, creating rich and flavourful sauces. We make roasts that result in warm and crispy crusts. We roast potatoes that become the perfect side dish to these meals. These meals are satisfying. There are lots of different ways to incorporate beef into our menus, using these tech-niques.

The braising method of cooking is great if you want to cook something for a long period of time with minimal work. When deciding on what cut of beef to braise, you want to choose something that will benefit the most from this method of cooking. Ideally, you want a tough-er cut of meat that has a good amount of fat. Both the length of time and the temperature will result in a tender and juicy piece of meat. When shopping, look for beef shank, short ribs, or a brisket.

Beef shank comes from the lower front of the cow. This particular cut of meat is very well marbled; unlikely to dry out during the cooking process. It is a great option for stewing, as the fat present in the meat will also provide a lot of fla-vour to the rest of the dish. When preparing your meat for the stew, trim the meat from the bone and cut into rough cubes. The following recipe will be featured on Great Tastes of Manitoba, on CTV this fall.

Short ribs are also perfect for braising. These ribs come from higher up on the rib cage. The lower ribs create the ten-der prime rib roast, while short ribs are fattier and tougher. Once braised, the

short ribs will fall off the bone. If you are feeding a crowd, you will want to en-sure enough meat for all; at the very least buy two ribs per person. It will reduce considerably throughout cooking.

The brisket is a great choice to braise. It is a rather large piece of meat that I would recommend cooking if you have to feed a large group of people. It comes from the shoulder and chest of the cow and is one complete muscle. The reason it is so tough is be-cause it supports up to 60 per cent of the weight of the animal. The brisket is lean, so requires a little bit of ex-tra attention. I love to cook brisket in a slow cooker, but it is more popular smoked. Brisket was also featured on Great Tastes of Manitoba this fall. Check out the website to see the recipe, along with ideas for your leftovers (http://www.greattastesmb.ca/).

When preparing your meat, make sure you season it well before you brown it. Seasoning with salt and pepper is always the best way. You can always enhance your flavours by adding chili powder, cayenne, or gar-lic powder. Browning is an important first step to the braising process. This will create caramelization on all surfaces of the meat and will make a tastier fi-nal product. One other important step is to ensure there is enough liquid with the meat to achieve that tenderness. When cooking your brisket, if you choose to use a slow cooker, make sure your meat is mostly submerged in the cooking liquid, so it will become so tender it falls apart. Both beef shank and short ribs are well marbled. This combination of fat and liq-uid will help make sure the meat does not dry out dur-ing the cooking process. Following these tips ensure that your braise is a great and tasty success.

1. Combine rub ingredients in small bowl.2. Once meat is prepared, toss meat with the rub. You will have to do this in batches.3. Preheat oven to 375F. Heat large cast iron casserole over medium heat. Add canola oil.4. Sear meat in batches until golden brown. Once they are finished, remove from the casserole and con-

tinue until all meat is done. This should take about 20 minutes.5. Add the vegetables to the pot once the meat is finished. Stir them around and sauté until the onions are

soft and the potatoes should be starting to brown. This will take about 10 minutes.6. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant – this will only take about 1 minute.7. Add the wine and beef stock, along with the rosemary, bay leaves and tomato paste.8. Bring the pot to a continuous boil (it needs to keep boiling even after you stir it).9. Cover the pot with foil and then put the lid on (this helps keep the moisture inside). Transfer to the

oven and reduce the oven temperature to 350F and let cook for 2 hours.10. After about 2 hours, check on the stew. Make sure there is still liquid in the pot. If it looks a little low,

you can add another cup of liquid (water/wine/stock).11. Continue to cook for another 30 min-1 hour. Start checking it after 30-45 minutes. By this time, the

vegetables and meat should both be knife and fork tender.

Courtesy Of

Ingredients:3 lbs bone-in beef shank, cut and trimmed to 1½ piecesRub:2 tbsp flour1 tbsp paprika1 tsp cumin1 tsp garlic powder1 tsp dried oregano½ tsp cayenne pepperSalt and pepper to taste

1 large onion, about ½ inch chop3 carrots, peeled and chopped3-4 medium potatoes, peeled and chopped into ~ 1 inch pieces2-3 sprigs fresh rosemary4 garlic cloves, minced1 cup red wine2 cups beef broth4 tbsp tomato paste2 bay leaves4 tbsp canola oil

South American Beef Shank StewSERVINGS: 4PREP TIME: 45 minCOOK TIME: 2.5-3 hours

October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY14

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YOUR SOURCE FOR ANGUS AND SIMMENTAL GENETICS

Miles, Bonnie & Jared GlasmanRussell, Manitoba204 773-3279 Miles cell 204 773-6275 Jared cell 204 796-0999mjsimmentalangus@gmail.comwww.mjsimmentalangus.com

SAVETHE

DATEMBP’s 40th Annual General Meeting takes place Feb. 7 & 8, 2019 at the Victoria Inn in Brandon, MB. PLAN TO ATTEND!Email info@mbbeef.ca for details.

Feb 7 & 8Celebrating 40 years

DR. TANYA ANDERSON, DVMThe Vet Corner

What if the feedlot that buys your calves in the fall was able to trace them back to your farm via their CCIA tags or through sales records? Does that thought create a sense of dread or even anger or does it open the doors to new marketing opportunity and profits?

The beef industry is the least vertically integrated of all the Canadian livestock sectors and while there are benefits, there are disad-vantages. While the sector promotes “Farm to plate” continuity, the relationship between the cow/calf pro-ducer, feedlot and proces-

sor remains disjointed and harms all these sub-sectors.

In many ways, the buck passing starts when the calf hits the ground. It is not that cow/calf producers are to blame while others “down the line” are guilt-free but if the end-product (market animal) doesn’t get started right as a calf, then everyone down the chain and ultimately the whole industry is impacted.

Quality genetics cre-ate superior beef – carcass yield, marbling, tenderness scores. But quality genetics at the cow/calf level must also focus on economically important but competing

traits like fertility and lon-gevity (feet, udder, eyes, disease hardiness). Bull and replacement heifer selection needs to be tai-lored to your end goals and multiple breeding fields are needed to meet market de-mands as well as maintain herd fertility. Keep in mind the importance of genetics when addressing calving ease, calf vigour at birth and immunity. The bull is liter-ally half your herd so spend wisely and consider options such as artificial insemina-tion and sexed semen to rapidly improve your herd genetics.

Colostrum manage-ment is critical. In a nut-shell, if a calf does not re-ceive adequate colostrum within the first six hours of

life, its lifetime productivity is negatively impacted.

Colostrum provides fat as a quick energy source, antibodies to fight disease, hormones and special-ized proteins to stimulate growth and influence re-productive maturity as well as white blood cells from the cow to teach the calf ’s immune system how to work. Fresh colostrum from the calf ’s own well-vaccinated mother is the best drug available.

Studies show that 30 per cent of beef calves in well-managed beef herds in Western Canada will not receive adequate colos-trum. Those calves will not meet their genetic potential. Those calves will be less likely to properly respond to vaccination, deworming and antibiotic treatment yet will be the group to be given the most drugs to keep them alive until wean-ing when the buck can be passed.

The new Medically Important Antimicrobial regulations effective later this year drive home the importance of having a functional immune system. Antibiotics will not work if the immune system is weak. Colostrum manage-ment is critical as well as disease resistance through nutrition and vaccination. Antibiotics should never be considered a crutch to compensate for poor man-agement practices such as failure to vaccinate or pre-vent navel ill, pneumonia

or scours. Every antibiotic exposure that a calf has in-creases the risk for drug re-sistance.

Quality genetics and optimal colostrum man-agement start with qual-ity cow care. Thin cows or those that are malnour-ished produce poorer qual-ity and lower quantities of colostrum.

This year’s challenging drought conditions with limited pasture, poor hay yields as well as the contin-ued shortage of Vitamin A and E have created condi-tions that are ripe for a calv-ing season disaster in herds that have failed to plan. Unfortunately, based on the body condition of cows this fall, many herds are not pre-pared for the winter and the upcoming calving season.

Malnutrition during pregnancy has been shown to lead to “weak calf” syn-drome that is extremely frustrating to treat as death losses are high despite in-tensive supportive treat-ment. Prevention through good nutrition and ration

planning is critical. Protein and energy levels must be adequate and fresh vitamin and mineral mixes offered. Consult a nutritionist and have feed tested and rations balanced to ensure no defi-ciencies exist while control-ling feed costs by utilizing available feedstuffs.

Traceability isn’t just about federally reportable disease outbreaks or con-sumer advocacy programs. It should also be about im-proving the health of the beef industry by having all sectors remain account-able for their actions. No vaccine or antibiotic will control disease if all cyl-inders are not firing in the calf ’s own immune system. Start building that im-munity through genetics, nutrition, disease preven-tion and calving manage-ment. Calves with strong immune systems, quality genetics and judicious use of antibiotics will give your herd a good reputation and will ensure your calves claim the top dollar at the fall sale.

Attention to details will pay off The beef industry is the

least vertically integrated of all the Canadian

livestock sectors and while there are benefits,

there are disadvantages.-Dr. Tanya Anderson

October 2018 CATTLE COUNTRY 15

www.mbbeef.ca

Q.  I don’t have my normal feed supply this year. Can you suggest ideas that will stretch the hay that I’ve made?

A. Cows have an amazing ability to eat a wide variety of diets, other than simple hay rations. This ability can allow managers to hold down the cost of feed and main-tain cows in good condi-tion, but with this change more ration planning and monitoring is required

Lower quality forages and/or a combination of straw is usually the first op-tion, but they do not have sufficient levels of nutri-ents. If they are combined with grains, by-products, protein supplements and mineral/vitamin pre-mixes, they can meet the nutrient needs. Animals need all the basic nutrients to maintain good health, body condition, high re-productive rates and desir-able weaning weights. The nutritional requirements of beef herds change as the animals move through different physical stages. The general nutritional requirements of the breed-ing herd are listed here:

Contact your lo-cal  Manitoba Agriculture Office  for ration formula-tion services. All rations must be balanced for pro-tein, energy, vitamins and minerals.Meeting Nutrition Needs

Feeding higher quan-tities of low quality for-age can cause issues. The intake of lower quality roughage will be restrict-ed by the fibrous texture of the feed. This can be a problem, particularly when beef cows increase their intake in response to cold temperatures. Rumen

compaction may occur if the livestock is only fed straw and no readily avail-able energy and/or protein supply for the rumen mi-crobes.

During cold periods, the energy component of the ration needs to in-crease by about 15 to 20 per cent, as the tempera-ture goes to minus 20 de-grees Celsius or lower. In the last trimester of pregnancy, the cows’ nu-trient needs also rise sig-nificantly. It is important to provide higher quality feed, in either the form of good quality alfalfa hay or more protein and energy supplements. 

Using Supplements  Adding additional

protein and/or energy to feed is an option to in-crease intake and digest-ibility of poor quality feeds. In selecting the most eco-nomical option, a cost per pound of crude protein or TDN should be calcu-lated to make direct com-parisons.    Manitoba Ag-riculture has a web-based program called  “Feed-plan” to assist you with the calculations.    When you are sourcing cheaper feed

grains, be aware of weed seeds and/or toxins, such as ergot.

Another option is to use ammoniated straw, which will cost about $15 to $20 per 1,000 pound bale. This can increase protein to seven or eight per cent and also improve digestibility and intake. Liquid molasses costs about $9 per 455 kilogram bale (1,000 pound bale).  If it is distributed evenly throughout the bale, add-ing molasses may increase protein by 1.6 per cent on a 455 kilogram (1,000

pound) straw bale, from five to 6.6 per cent. It can increase the energy from 49 to 51.3 per cent.

Other options for supplementing feed in-clude corn cracks, pea flour and oat hulls. These will all work in beef cow rations, but they need to be formulated correctly. Contact your local  Mani-toba Agriculture Office for help with this and ensure nutritional needs are be-ing met. 

Ration possibilitiesVarious types of

feed rations can be uti-lized as seen in Table 2.    These are based on a 1,400 lb. cow with a body condition score (BCS) of three out of five. The table lists the approxi-mate feed required pre-calving for herd calving in March.

  For a cost compari-son on the different ration options, visit the  Mani-toba Agriculture website and look up the online calculator Beef Cow-Calf Production Costs 2018.

How Manitoba Agriculture can help

If you are short of roughage, Manitoba Agri-culture staff can help you formulate and develop cow rations with lower quality roughage and grains (pelleted or raw). Table 2 gives you an idea of the amount of feed you will need on hand for the winter feeding period. It is important to err on the side of caution because the rations listed are for a cow in average body condition with a score of three out of

five. If pasture conditions have been less than ideal, cows may begin the winter feeding period in poorer body condition. Animals with a body condition of two out of five or lower need special attention.    It will take higher energy and better quality feeds just to maintain and/or increase the condition of these cows.  As well, these cows should be segregated from those in better con-dition to reduce competi-tion for feed.

Even more impor-tant, when you are utiliz-

ing alternative feeds or are having trouble maintain-ing BCS in your animals, ensure you are providing fresh good quality water to your herd. It reduces the chronic dehydration cattle face in the winter and can help stimulate higher feed intakes. Us-ing snow for animal hy-dration is only acceptable for non-lactating animals in good body condition under perfect conditions (loose snow and high quality feed).    Snow that has crusted will not allow adequate intake and ani-mals need supplemental water sources.  Providing sufficient levels of good

quality water is a basic management change that can greatly improve your herd.

You need to know what is in your feed and water to ensure correct, economical supplements for your animals. Book values are helpful as gen-eral guidelines, but if there is a lack of feed or poor BCS, it is even more criti-cal to use actual numbers from feed and water analy-sis to balance feed rations. Trace minerals are an issue in Manitoba and a simple mineral supplement can help.

For information on animal condition and

health, be sure to talk to your veterinarian.

We want to hear from you!

For the next issue of Cattle Country, a Mani-toba Agriculture forage or livestock specialist will an-swer a selected question. Send your questions to Ray.Bittner@gov.mb.ca by October 1, 2018.

The StockTalk Q&A Feature for Cattle Country is brought to you by Mani-toba Agriculture. Our for-age and livestock team, who have a combined 230 years of agronomy experi-ence, are here to help make your cattle operation suc-cessful. Contact us today.

StockTalk Q&A Feature brought to you by Manitoba Agriculture

Class   Total Digestible Nutrients%

Crude Protein%

Cal-cium% Phosphorus%

Mid Gestation 50-53 7 0.20 0.20Late Gestation  58 9 0.28 0.23

Lactating 60-65 11-12 0.30 0.26Replacement

Heifers 60-65 8-10 0.30 0.22

Breeding Bulls  48-50 7-8 0.26 0.20Yearling Bulls 55-60 7-8 0.23 0.23

Table 1. Nutritional requirements of the breeding herd11Nutritional requirement varies with body weight, frame size, predicted average daily gain (ADG) and stage of production.

Pre Calving - Cows  #1 #2 #3 #4 #5 #6 #7 #8

Feed Type Ration - Feed Per Day (lbs based on 1400 lbs cow)Alfalfa Hay - - - - - - - -

Alfalfa Grass Hay 35 - - - 16 - 10 -

Grass Hay - - - - - - - -Barley Straw - 17 19 23 - 23 15 23

Barley Greenfeed - - - - 19 - - -

Corn Silage - - 47 - - - 32 -Barley Silage - 48 - - - - - -Barley Grain - - - 11 - 10 - -32% Feedlot

Suppl. - 0.5 0.5 1 - - - -

32% Liquid Suppl. - - - - - 2.9 - -

20% Grain Pellets - - - - - - - 14

1:1 Mineral 0.12 - - - - - - -2:1 Mineral - 0.06 0.06 0.06 0.12 0.2 0.2 0.06Limestone - - - - - 0.2 - 0.2Blue Salt 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07

Table 2. Differing wintering ration options for gestating beef cows weighting 1400* lbs* Add five to 10 per cent for waste, depending on feeding method

Manitoba AgricultureLivestock Extension Specialists

Shawn Cabak ............Portage la Prairie ....204-239-3353Ray Bittner.................Ashern ......................204-768-0010Peter Petrash ............Vita ............................204-425-5054 Elizabeth Nernberg ..Roblin ........................204-247-0087 Kathleen Walsh ........Swan River ...............204-734-3417 Jane Thornton ..........Souris ........................204-483-2153Tim Clarke ..................Ashern ......................204-768-0534Pam Iwanchysko ......Dauphin ....................204-648-3965Linda Fox....................Ste. Rose du Lac .....204-447-7376

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How to register for webinars or LIVE workshop

• To sign up to attend a webinar or the LIVE workshop, please contact Melissa Atchison or email at verifiedbeefmanitoba@gmail.com • Alternate times and days can be arranged based on producer demand.

October 2018CATTLE COUNTRY16

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