An update from Manitoba Beef Producers

June 5, 2020 mbbeef.ca

E-Newsletter

asset.

If you missed our webinar discussion about Western Livestock Price Insurance Program (WLPIP) basics, FAQs, common misconceptions and practical examples of different policies given COVID-19 uncertainty, please click on the above image to view the slide deck supplied by guest speaker Tyler Fulton.

CANADIAN

= AGRICULTURAL

= PARTNERSHIP LIVESTOCK PRICE INSURANCE PROGRAM Monitoba�

In these uncertain times,

livestock price insurance

reflects market volatility.

You can enrol today and

be ready to react. Choose

from a range of coverage

options every Tuesday,

Wednesday and Thursday,

to find the best fit for

your livestock operation.

Sign up is free with no

obligation to purchase a

policy.

Deadline to purchase

calf price insurance is

extended to June 18, 2020.

Protection at your

fingertips. Visit wlpip.ca

or call 1.844.782.5747

Canada

For reliable information and resources please visit:

For the latest Manitoba industry news:https://www.mbbeef.ca/news/covid-19-updates/

The Canadian Cattlemen's Association is collaborating with industry stakeholders and the Government of Canada to ensure both stable beef production and trade during and following the COVID-19 pandemic. https://www.cattle.ca/ccaresources/covid-19/

Restaurateur sees life for beef after COVID pandemic

Impossible Foods starting direct-to-consumer plant burger sale

DOJ Subpoenas Four Biggest Meatpackers in Antitrust Probe

information on Restoring Safe Services can be found at: https://manitoba.ca/asset_library/en/proactive/2020_2021/restoring-safe-services.pdf.

TESA Applications Due to MBP December 4

Manitoba Beef Producers is accepting applications for Manitoba’s Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) until Friday, December 4, 2020.

Since 1996, the Canadian Cattlemen Association’s (CCA) TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices, setting positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public.

At the provincial level, the winning operation receives recognition for its outstanding contributions, which in MBP’s case occurs in conjunction with its annual general meeting in February. All provincial award recipients then move forward to compete at the national level.

The national TESA recipient is announced in conjunction with the Canadian Beef Industry Conference and CCA Semi-Annual Meeting in August.

Each TESA nominee exemplifies significant innovation and attention to a wide range of environmental stewardship aspects of their farm operation. Such innovations extend beneficially to areas far beyond their land, including water, wildlife and air.

All beef cattle operations in Canada may apply. Producers can either be nominated by an individual or organization, or apply themselves. Nominees and applicants compete for one of the provincial awards based on their province of residence.

For more information and to access the application go to http://www.cattle.ca/sustainability/the-environmental-stewardship-award/, or contact MBP for a copy.

The form, along with all supporting documentation (such as letters of support, photos and/or videos), is to be submitted to Manitoba Beef Producers c/o 220-530 Century Street, Winnipeg, MB R3H 0Y4 by December 4, 2020. The application is to be emailed to info@mbbeef.ca . If you have questions, please contact the MBP office at 1-800-772-0458.

COVID-19: Manage Your Risk with AgriStability By Scott Dickson, CPA, CA Director of Livestock Services, MNP LLP

When I’m asked which COVID-19 programs are most applicable to cow/calf producers, my first response is: AgriStability. This might seem odd given AgriStability is not a COVID-19 program, but rather a general-purpose business risk management tool for all types of farming.

The problem is that in 2020, COVID-19 related risks are compounding upon regular ongoing risks that cow/calf operations have always faced. Some of the risks that may be specifically caused or impacted by COVID-19 are:

1. Suppliers going out of business and/or supply chain interruptions could result in a negativeimpact to production;

2. Customers being unable to pay for animals delivered could result in significant bad debt losses;

3. Limited access to markets, loss of processing capacity, and changes in consumer preferences asdiscretionary income levels drop due to mandatory workplace closures could all negativelyimpact prices.

4. Supply shortages could increase the cost of feed and other inputs.

AgriStability provides protection against losses relating to lost production and falling commodity prices, and rising input costs, including all the COVID-19 related factors outlined above. For 2020, the result may be a scenario where AgriStability benefits are easily triggered, and the resulting payments would likely be greater than the sum of all other specific COVID-19 support programs cow/calf operations would be eligible for. This doesn’t mean the COVID-19 programs should be ignored, and we do give a summary of the applicable ones below. It does mean that signing up for AgriStability by the now-extended deadline of July 3, 2020 needs to be a priority for all cow/calf producers.

The most important thing to understand about AgriStability is how much your revenue needs to drop before AgriStability triggers the 30% margin drop and starts to pay benefits. Across all sectors of agriculture in Canada, the answer to that question ranges between less than 2% up to about 40%, depending on the type of farm and cost structure. For cow/calf producers specifically, the revenue drop to trigger a payment is probably in the range of 20% to 35%, again, dependent on cost structure. That reflects a relatively wide range, so it is important for each producer to do their homework to determine where they fit on that revenue drop spectrum. Any eligible cost increases would also favorably impact triggering AgriStability benefits.

One final factor to consider is the message we’re hearing from Ottawa in relation to its COVID-19 response. Federal Agriculture Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau has repeatedly encouraged producers to take advantage of existing federal programs like AgriStability. Historically, eligibility for government ad

hoc payments made during times of crisis has been tied to enrollment in the AgriStability program, which may well be the case this year.

MNP has been working closely with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association to propose additional improvements to the AgriStability program including removal of the $3 million funding cap, removal of the Reference Margin Limit (nationally), accessing the AgriRecovery program designed for disasters, and increasing the coverage up from 70%. If any of these proposals are adopted as part of the government’s COVID-19 response, it may add further benefit for cow/calf producers.

Here’s the bottom line: if you’ve opted not to participate in the AgriStability program in the past, it’s time to give it another look. The AgriStability enrolment deadline for the 2020 program year has been extended without penalty, from April 30 to July 3, 2020. With the added COVID-19 factors coming into play for the 2020 year, cow/calf producers who are not currently enrolled in the AgriStability program should sign up to ensure they benefit from proper risk management.

Aside from AgriStability, other COVID-19 government programs have been recently updated to expand access to agricultural producers, so these are also worth considering. Programs applicable to cow/calf producers include the Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy, the Temporary Wage Subsidy, Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the Canada Emergency Business Account, as well as increased access to financing through BDC and FCC.

Due to the ever-evolving benefits, credits and support payments as part of the government's response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the information provided above is subject to change at any time. If you have any questions or concerns about AgriStability or what to do next with any of these programs, contact one of our local Manitoba beef industry advisors:

Tere Stykalo, CPA, CGA DauphinTere.stykalo@mnp.ca 204-638-67677

Jennifer Christensen, CPA, CGA Portage la PrairieJennifer.christensen@mnp.ca 204-239-2755

Peter Manness, P.Ag BrandonPeter.manness@mnp.ca 204-571-7717

Interim payment for AgriStability 2020 Raised to 75% for Manitoba Producers(Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada information) To apply for an Interim Payment, you must be a participant in AgriStability for the 2020 program year. See the Interim Guide for further details.

• The Interim Payment is an advanceon your final 2020 AgriStabilitybenefit.

• For the 2020 program year, thegovernments of Canada andManitoba, Nova Scotia and NewBrunswick have agreed to increasethe interim payment rate from 50%to 75% of estimated final benefits.

• If you receive an Interim Payment, youmust submit a final 2020 application bythe deadline so your final AgriStabilitybenefit can be calculated. If you do notsubmit the final 2020 application bythe deadline, you will be required torepay any benefits you receivedthrough the 2020 Interim Payment.

• Deadline: March 31, 2021

These forms and guide are to be used by program participants in Manitoba, Newfoundland and LLabrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Yukon.

• 2020 AgriStability Program Interim Payment Application Guide

• 2020 AgriStability Interim Payment Application

• Schedule 1 -Additional Information

• Schedule 2 -Worksheet for 2019 Reference Margin

For additional information, see also: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/canadian-agricultural-partnership/business-risk-management-programs/agri-stability.html

Province Increasing Investment to $5.7 Million for Canada-Manitoba Job Grants In 2020-21 (June 3, 2020 Government of Manitoba News Release) The province is making an increased investment of $5.7 million in the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant program this year to better assist businesses with staff training costs as they recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, Economic Development and Training Minister Ralph Eichler announced.

“A skilled and trained workforce is always critical, and employers are telling us it is more important than ever as they face business challenges resulting from COVID-19. We have increased the budgeted amount for this program to assist with the recovery,” said Eichler. “Small and medium-sized businesses have been hit especially hard by the pandemic, and this program supports training that will help them recover, rebuild and adjust to new economic realities.”

The province’s $5.7-million investment for 2020-21 is an increase of $2 million from 2019-20. The program allows employers to apply for up to $10,000 for each of their employees, to a maximum grant of $100,000. Eligible costs include:

• tuition fees;• textbooks, software and other required

materials;• exam fees; and• travel costs for the training of individuals in

northern and remote communities.

Applications are now available for Canada-Manitoba Job Grants for 2020-21. The application deadline is July 3.

Many of Manitoba’s small businesses are adjusting their operations quickly as they look toward a post-pandemic reality,”said Jonathan Alward, Prairie region director, Canadian Federation of Independent Business. This funding is a welcome tool to retrain staff and to help businesses adapt.”

Manitoba's business community has demonstrated incredible resilience amid COVID-19, an unprecedented challenge that has forced a shift away from the notion of business as usual and has required many businesses to pivot to remain operational,”said Chuck Davidson, president and CEO, Manitoba Chambers of Commerce. Now, more than ever, our province's employers need access to a skilled workforce, and this grant program can help them upgrade employees’skills.”

Since mid-March, Manitoba Economic Development and Training has held stakeholder roundtables twice per week to address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic with more than 35 regional and strategic partners, sector councils, industry associations, economic development agencies and chambers of commerce.

Eichler noted that department staff are available to help companies complete grant applications, develop training plans to meet their business goals, and develop or improve their human resource plans.

More information and an updated application form for the Canada-Manitoba Job Grant program can be found at www.gov.mb.ca/wd/ites/is/cjg.html.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html.

The province will fully distribute the $120-million fund, which will be equally divided between the successful applicants. Individual amounts will be determined by the total number of participants.

The $120 million is substantial and will have a meaningful impact on the lives of many Manitobans,”said John Graham of the Retail Council of Canada. The process of including public and private-sector unions and other private-sector associations in these discussions should be recognized and we appreciate the government’s sincere efforts to facilitate consensus around the eligibility criteria for the risk recognition program.”

Manitoba's child-care sector has been an essential part of our province's response to this unprecedented public health crisis, providing necessary care to the children of workers on the frontline fighting this pandemic,said Jodie Kehl, executive director, Manitoba Child Care Association. We appreciate the province recognizing that our early childhood educators, child-care assistants and home-based providers have been exposed to greater risk during this time and providing them with this important payment.”

The province thanks the following groups for participating in the consultation and confidential voting process:

• Abilities Manitoba,• Business Council of

Manitoba,• Canadian Federation

of Independent Grocers,

• Canadian Federation of Independent Business,

• Christian Labour Association of Canada,

• Canadian Union of Public Employees,

• Manitoba Association of Health Care Professionals,

• Manitoba Chamber of Commerce,

• Manitoba Child Care Association Inc.,

•

•

Manitoba Nurses Union,Manitoba Government and General Employees’ Union,

• Retail Council of Manitoba,

• UNIFOR,• United Food and

Commercial Workers, and

• Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce.

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html

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Stakeholder Consultation Determines $120-Million Risk Recognition Program for Manitobans(June 2, 2020 Government of Manitoba News Release) Based on the consensus of a stakeholder consultation group, the Manitoba government will be distributing $120 million to recognize the risks taken by front-line workers during the COVID-19 pandemic, Premier Brian Pallister announced.

Manitoba was the first province to commit to collaborating with the federal government on a cost-sharing program to recognixe front-line workers who put their own health at risk to keep others safe and provide crucial services during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Pallister. “Our government wanted to hear from Manitobans who they thought was most in most need of this financial assistance, so we consulted the business community, trade and labour unions and essential services to shape the program and determine which positions should be eligible.”

In mid-May, the province announced the $120-million Manitoba Risk Recognition Program and formed a working group with 15 unions, business community leaders and critical service providers to submit feedback that

informed five proposals and vote on the final program. Stakeholders selected a program that will provide a one-time, income-tested payment to eligible low-income front-line workers, with consideration given to the added risk due to COVID-19 and interaction with the public including clients, patients and inmates. Eligible public- and private-sector positions include the areas of health care, social services, justice, transportation and essential retail, food and beverage.

I want to thank these organizations, representing more than Manitoba 17,000 businesses and 110,000 workers, for providing valuable input and reaching a consensus on how best to administer risk recognition payments,”said Pallister. Based on their feedback, we will implement a program to recognize and thank workers who played a key role in our provincial pandemic response efforts and made sacrifices in their professional and personal lives to protect all Manitobans, especially those most vulnerable.”

Eligible categories include store shelf stockers, retail salespersons, cashiers, cooks, security guards, light-duty cleaners in retail facilities, early childhood educators, licensed home-based child-care providers, family

violence shelter workers, social workers, nurses and nurse practitioners, paramedics, health-care aides, community services workers (including personal care homes, home care, public health, mental health and addictions), direct service workers for adults and children with disabilities, law enforcement (including Winnipeg Police Service, Brandon Police Service and RCMP), correctional officers, long-distance truck drivers and bus drivers.

The payment is available to workers employed on a part-time or full-time basis from March 20 the start of the provincial state of emergency)until May 29, who either worked a minimum 200 cumulative hours (or would have worked that amount but were required to self-isolate under public health orders). An employee’s total pre-tax employment income during the eligibility period must be less than $6,250 ($2,500 per month for 2.5 months) and they cannot be enrolled in the Canada Emergency Response Benefit (CERB).

The full list of eligible positions and organizations is available at https://manitoba.ca/covid19/infomanitobans/mrrp.html. Online applications will be accepted starting Wednesday, June 3. The application deadline is June 18 and the province will issue payments via direct deposit once it verifies applications.

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Ease farmer stress using business management to help manage risk and uncertainty

a Use terms familiar to farmers like risk management to encourage business planning

Make risk management and scenario planning tools more available and accessible

c. Provide step-by-stepresources to help farmersuse business managementon their farms

d. Incorporate mental healthinto emergency planning

e Research medium and long-term effects of business management on mental health

RECOMMENDATION #4:

Advocate for farmer-specific mental health services

Identify gaps in programming and resources

available to farmers in

each region

Promote successful

programs to make them more widely available

Coordinate a nation-wide

approach Create programming

to target demographics

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FARM MANAGEMENT CANADA

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services for accessible, affordable

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Farm Management Canada's Healthy Minds, Healthy Farms report offers

recommendations lo improve business services and farmers' mental health. fmc-gac.com Dl'JI

New supports for Canadians with disabilities to address challenges related to COVID-19The Government of Canada is providing support to help people with disabilities deal with the extra expenses they are facing during the COVID 19 pandemic. This support includes a one-time payment to certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit, a new National Workplace Accessibility Stream through the Opportunities Fund for Persons with Disabilities, and new investments through the Accessible Technology Program.

One-time payment for persons with disabilitiesA special one-time payment of $600 will be automatically provided to individuals who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit as of June 1, 2020. The payment will be provided to eligible Canadians without an application or attestation. It will be non-taxable.

Seniors who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit and are eligible for the Old Age Security (OAS) pension and/or the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) will have their payments adjusted accordingly. Seniors who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit and eligible for the OAS pension will receive a payment of $300, in addition to the special COVID-19 one-time OAS pension payment of $300. Those who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit and are eligible for the GIS will receive a payment of $100, in addition to the combined $500 from the special COVID-19 one-time OAS pension and GIS payments. With this new support and these special payments announced last month, all seniors who are certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit will receive a total of $600.

For certificate holders of the Disability Tax Credit who are under the age of 18, the special payment will be made to the individual who is considered primarily responsible for the care and upbringing of the child for the purposes of the Canada Child Benefit. In cases of shared custody, each parent will receive $300. Where a child who is a certificate holder of the Disability Tax Credit is maintained by an agency and the Children’s Special Allowances are paid for that child, the special payment will be made to that agency.

National Workplace Accessibility Stream of the Opportunities Fund for Persons with DisabilitiesThis new stream will provide additional funding to help Canadians with disabilities and their employers to improve workplace accessibility and access to jobs in response to COVID-19. Some of the activities supported by this fund will include:

• Setting up accessible and effective work-from-home measures

• Expanding online training opportunities• Creating inclusive workplaces, whether virtual or

physical• Connecting people with disabilities and employers• Training for in-demand jobs• Wage subsidies

New projects from the Accessible Technology ProgramThe Accessible Technology Program is part of the Government of Canada’s Innovation and Skills Plan, a multi-year strategy to create well-paying jobs for middle class Canadians. The most recent call for proposals from businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and research institutes closed in January 2020. In total, 20 projects from across Canada have received funding since the beginning of the program, including these five new projects that are currently receiving funding:

• $557,725 for the Canadian National Institute for theBlind to create accessible payment terminals forindividuals with sight loss

• $106,425 for the University of Laval to develop an armsupport that will allow Canadians with disabilities touse standard technology

• $199,850 for the Regional Health Authority B,operating as Horizon Health Network, to develop asystem that allows Canadians with neurologicalconditions to interact with technology for a longerperiod of time

• $251,088 for Ryerson University to develop aprototype that will allow individuals with speechdisabilities to navigate images to reply to written orspoken messages

• $70,307 for the Secret Study Projects to developextended expression software with voice and Braillecontrols

The technologies established through these projects will help Canadians with disabilities participate more fully in the digital economy, improving quality of life and opportunities for success.

Adjustments to COVID-19 Test Site Locations in Rural Manitoba

The Manitoba government announced on June 3 that community testing sites in Dauphin and Swan River have moved to new locations and have revised hours of operation.

In Dauphin, a drive-thru testing site is now located in the parking lot at the Dauphin Community Health Services Building, 625 Third St. SW and will be open Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Swan River drive-thru testing site has been relocated to the parking lot at the Swan Valley Primary Care Centre, 1000 Main St. and is open Monday to Friday, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

For a full list of community testing sites and their hours of operation, visit: www.gov.mb.ca/covid19/locations.html .

A comprehensive list of Manitoba government COVID-19 measures can be found at:https://manitoba.ca/bg/2020/04/covid19.html .

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