What are the top issues on our Manitoba cattle producers' minds when it comes to the start of 2025?
The increase in livestock predation, mandatory livestock inspections in Manitoba, the large and damaging herds of elk across the province, and the Canada-U.S. trade relations all play a factor on net profits and market prices.
The trade relationship with the U.S. is crucial
"Our integrated beef system between Canada and the U.S. is very important, and we do not want to see a diminished relationship," says General Manager for Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP), Carson Callum.
"We have stakeholders at the national level in Ottawa and Washington, DC, emphasizing the impact on our integrated industry on both sides of the border. Our hope is that these tariffs do not come into place, even though they have been stated multiple times and delayed. If implemented, they will have a negative impact on both sides of the border. That will impact the whole overall supply chain of our integrated beef system. It will negatively impact us if they fully come into place like the President is indicating."
"And we're also leaning on relationships on our national end. With relationships at the state level, we're trying to drive home the importance to each state, especially the ones that we have major trade with on the beef side. Our integrated market is important, and they need to take that message into the administration in Washington," adds Callum.
Mandatory livestock inspection will be discussed at next week's AGM in Winnipeg
Callum says cases of theft or fraud related to cattle can be very costly and disruptive for the affected parties. It is also important that lenders, investors, and buyers are confident about ownership when undertaking livestock transactions in Manitoba.
Recent incidents of illegal activity involving Manitoba cattle have led to a renewed discussion about potentially expanding livestock inspection services.
The MBP Board of Directors feels it's important to have tools to help secure the livestock value chain in Manitoba and is investigating whether expanded local livestock inspection would help deter theft and fraud and instill more confidence.
They are seeking feedback from producers to gauge the level of support for expanded inspection.
There's been an increase in predatory packs
Manitoba cattle producers in the Lake of the Prairies area have been reporting on an increase in wolves preying on their cattle. In the Neepawa more reports are coming in about wolves and bears wreaking havoc in their herds.
"Livestock predation is a constant problem in our sector," says Callum, "and you know over the past number of years it's been cyclical depending on the predator and the amount of predation happening. But I agree with the fact that we're sharing more instances of wolf predation happening across the province."
So, what's driving wolves and bears further south? Callum says there are a variety of factors but they're still trying to get a handle on the bigger picture.
"Experts and folks within government wonder if it is changes in their habitat with more bush being pushed down. Is it their prey that's being impacted? It's hard to determine one specific factor, but definitely it's become an ever-increasing challenge from what we're seeing."
The added challenge is wolves clean up a kill site fairly thoroughly, leaving little evidence that an animal has been taken down. Compensation through insurance is at risk when the proof is lacking, so the producer can lose in two ways.
"It's just like any insurance provider, there is the burden of proof associated with it, regardless of if that's predation or any other sort of insurance program that you have. So that is a challenge, and we're encouraging government to look at new and novel strategies to compensate folks that lose animals," says Callum.
"It's all about mitigation, control, and ensuring there is adequate compensation, those are the kind of the three big areas," he adds. " And we're consistently bringing that message forward with government."
With technological advances, there are ways to help keep better track of cattle, including GPS tracking on collars or micro-chip inserts.
Please listen to more with Carson Callum below on this topic.
Trapping the wolves is one way to help mitigate the problem by reducing the pack size.
"I don't have the data in front of me to confirm the exact numbers," says Callum, "but it seems that fewer people are coming in to learn these important skills, especially when dealing with smart animals like wolves. We're losing this skill set repeatedly without it being replenished. However, the Manitoba Trappers Association is doing a great job of spreading the word and providing education and training for those interested. There are many younger individuals in the province looking to acquire these skills, which are valuable and necessary."
Large elk herds continue to damage pasture fencing and feed
Large elk herds are an added challenge across the province. The Manitoba Beef Producers are encouraging Manitoba's provincial wildlife branch to conduct more surveys in as many areas as possible and utilize their new drone technology.
"We need accurate numbers to respond appropriately and control the population. The growing elk herds not only damage feedstocks and haystacks but also raise concerns about disease transfer within our industry. It's crucial to have a good handle on the numbers to implement effective control measures," he says.
"It's a major issue, and we're hearing numerous reports about it this year. We're going to pressure the department to ensure they accurately count the numbers and develop a control strategy. This could involve changes to hunting tags, landowner rights, or other measures. In my mind, all options are on the table."
For more information on the upcoming Annual General Meeting on Feb 20-21, visit their website HERE!