MFGA eBulletin - August 8, 2016
Pre-Conference Tour Announced for 7th Annual CFGA Conference 
This year's exciting line-up of conference events is designed to recognize the important role of Canadian forage and grassland managers in providing significant environmental and economic benefits to Canadians and it starts with the optional Nov 15 pre-conference tour
- SG&R FARMS is a 2,000-acre grain and 300-head cow-calf operation where MFGA's Ryan Boyd has been rotational grazing for more than 10 years. He is now in his fourth year of diverse annual forage mixtures to see what fits best into his grazing system. The Manitoba Beef Producers recently awarded Ryan and his family with the 2016 Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA) for Manitoba
MBFI RESEARCH FARM is a centre of agricultural innovation, engaging in science-based research to benefit valuable ecosystems, improve producer profitability, and build social awareness around the beef and forage industries. It is a collaboration between Manitoba Ag, MBP, DUCs and MFGA, with direction from stakeholders in the advancement of the Manitoba beef and forage industry. *photo: courtesy MBF
THE CONFERENCE will also include an exhibition, a full line-up of speakers, several virtual farm tours, and the CFGA awards banquet. View these links for further detail:
Nominate a candidate for the 2016 CFGA Leadership Award - due Oct 28.
Early bird registration  - register before Sep 30 and save $75!
Reserve Exhibit Space - first come, first serve.
Sponsorship Opportunities - an opportunity to be seen as an industry leader
Call for Student Poster Abstracts -  300 word abstract submitted by Sep 15
View the conference website for the preliminary program, reserving your hotel, and more.
MFGA subscribers, we want your number!
...the number of forage & grassland acres you farm, that is. Help us showcase the vital role Manitoba producers play in Canada's $5 billion dollar forage industry by answering this 3-question survey. All participants are entered into a draw for a FREE MFGA golf shirt.

Understand Wet Hay
The last week of July saw some very good progress with haying across Manitoba. Most areas are reporting above average yields with average quality. There are reports of first and second cut alfalfa that was cut earlier, where quality is expected to be lower due to rained-on swaths or late maturity due to rainy conditions. With the conditions we've had for harvesting hay this year, there have been situations where hay may have been baled prematurely as rainstorms approach. Forages that are put up at less than ideal moisture can heat, affecting the quality of forage. Understanding how and what happens to the quality of forage when hay heats won't prevent it from happening but it can help with managing forages when they are harvested under less than ideal conditions. Learn more...
MFGA part of Manitoba Agriculture Industry Consultations
Dave Koslowsky, MFGA Board Chair, was pleased to be part of consultations hosted by Manitoba Agriculture held in both Winnipeg and Portage la Prairie. Discussions centred around industry strengths as well as opportunities for improvement and growth. Read the Manitoba Agriculture news release.
Ag Minister Eichler attends the McDonalds Production Day Tour
The first McDonald's Production Day Tour was held July 26th at MBFI's Brookdale Research Farm, l
ocated 18 km north of Brandon, offering producers and researchers an extensive look at the facilities and to learn more about the various research projects underway. Just under 100 people took part in the day long tour that included a UAV demo. MBFI has posted a selection of photos here.
L to R: Ag Minister Ralph Eichler, MBP President Heinz Reimer, MFGA Board Chair Dave Koslowsky
Alfalfa Management in Seeding Year
During the year of establishment, alfalfa seedlings need a high level of energy reserves in order to persist through the winter. For spring seeding which are made without a companion crop, two harvests can generally be made the first year, provided there are adequate rainfall and optimum levels of soil nutrients. For production, consider forage quality when selecting a harvest schedule. Most harvest schedule decisions include date of cut, stage of maturity, interval between cuts, and cutting height. The interval between the stage of maturity, yield, forage quality, and persistence is frequently used to decide when to harvest alfalfa.  Read on...
Density Key to Maintaining the Best Round Bale Shape
When making round bales, producers should always run at the highest density possible for the crop and conditions. This will give the best bale shape, reduce the number of bales to be handled and provide the best package for long-term storage. Variable core density gives another level of flexibility to adjust to changing crops and conditions: you can keep the outer shell dense for better weathering, yet soften the core for easier feeding.

Attention Southwest Manitoba agricultural producers
The Rural Development Institute at Brandon University is conducting a study entitled " Rural Innovation in Manitoba: Reducing barriers to commercialization and growing capacity in the Agri-Food sector" and aims to learn more about the challenges and barriers facing businesses in the region. This online survey is specifically for SW Manitoba, bordered approximately by RMNP to the North and to Neepawa and Pilot Mound to the East and takes 15-30 minutes to complete. Questions, here: richardsgi@brandonu.ca or call 204-571-8554.
Residue-burning authorization now required
Manitoba Agriculture says producers need authorization to burn crop residues from August 1 to November 15. Daily authorizations are issued by 11:00 a.m., based on weather and smoke dispersion conditions. Night burning continues to be banned year-round. In addition, a burning permit is required at all times in the RMs of Rosser, Headingley, St. François Xavier, Cartier, Macdonald, Ritchot, Taché, Springfield, East St. Paul and West St. Paul. For more information, call toll free at 1-800-265-1233, or visit the Manitoba Agriculture website.
Industry Events
Inaugural Canadian Beef Industry Conferenc e -  Aug 9-11 in Calgary, Alberta
Supporting the National Beef Strategy, the conference provides a forum for industry engagement and learning opportunities across the beef supply chain. Keynote address by Arlene Dickinson, CEO of Venture Communications and former venture capitalist on CBC's Dragon's Den. Register before June 15 for early bird pricing. 
Grazing Club Event Aug 9 in Brandon, MB
Interested in improving pasture management and forage production? Are you concerned about the decline in pollinators? Ever heard of Quorum Sensing Technology? Attend the Brian Harper and Brandon Research Station Tour.
Open Gate: D & G Hicks Ranch Day -  Aug 12 in Ninga, MB
Come and be a part of this on-the-ground learning day and help strengthen your local foodshed. Because we all have a stake in the way our food is grown. Advanced registration is CAN$50 per person (includes lunch) with a 50% discount for students.
Holistic Management Open Gate Field Day Aug 22 in Dauphin, MB
Mark your calendars! More information to follow. Questions, contact Pam Iwanchysko, pamela.iwanchysko@gov.mb.ca.
Manitoba Open Farm Day -  September 18, 2016 on farms across Manitoba
There are a record number of Manitoba farms, rural ag museums and more registered as Hosts for Open Farm Day - 48 in total! When you visit a host farm, you can see share stories, demonstrations, take tours, enjoy recreational activities, and learn more about the many Manitoba farm operations and products. 
7th Annual CFGA Conference -  Nov 15-17 in Winnipeg, MB
Held at the Hotel Fairmont, the overall theme for the conference is Grass and Green in 2016 to recognize the important role of Canadian forage and grassland managers in providing significant environmental and economic benefits to Canadians from coast to coast. For more information, contact the Conference Coordinator.
Manitoba Agriculture ad about the Growing Innovation program and application deadline.
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