MFGA eBulletin - October 2017
From the Desk of MFGA Executive Director
    These are hectic and heady times for Manitoba Forage and Grasslands Association (MFGA) as we continue to work toward and promote the economic prosperity and environmental benefits of forages, grasslands, cover crops and healthy soils.
   What's been additionally great about this fall season so far is by and large we are hearing from a lot of the producers all throughout our MFGA loop and other various Manitoba ag networks that most folks had great crops this year. Knock on wood for the crops still standing out there but please accept our heartiest congratulations to all of you and your families for the hard work you all have done on Harvest 2017. Additionally, a solid Manitoba harvest means further congrats are in order to the entire agricultural support industry from trucking firms to seed companies to researchers and farm hands and on and on....nicely done, all. 
    As far as other things at MFGA go, we're hustling and always looking for ways to bring value back to our supporters. This month, we connected on a really cool opportunity for those of you with the travel bug to visit Spain and Portugal with a group of like-minded souls from Alberta that you can read about below and decide accordingly. Sounds like a great way to break up winter! And on the more serious side of things, our colleagues at Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) are coordinating a response to the federal government around the proposed business tax changes. The connection to KAP's effort for you to have your voice heard is also posted below in our MFGA ebulletin. MFGA is a member of KAP, please dive right in. It's a very good opportunity to have your voice heard as part of the larger Manitoba farm community. 
    Speaking of winter, if you would please lock down the date of February 9, 2018 on your calendar, we'd love to have you attend our MFGA AGM which will be held again this year in conjunction with the Manitoba Beef Producers AGM in Brandon. More information on that gathering as well as all the news you need to know around the conferences, meetings, consultations, networking, planning, workshops and proposals we've been working on will be coming your way soon.
Muchos Grasses all,
Duncan Morrison , 
MFGA Executive Director   
Manitoba Producers: Let your voice be heard on the proposed tax changes to private corporations
Keystone Agricultural Producers (MFGA is a member of KAP) has sent letters to all Manitoba members of Parliament outlining concerns with the proposed changes and the consultation timelines and is working with the Canadian Federation of Agriculture. If you are not happy with Ottawa's proposed tax policy changes on private corporations, let your voice be heard!
1) Fill in this form and KAP will send  this letter to the Minister of Finance and Prime Minister on your behalf. 
2) Add your name to the petition on the CFA website
Read the recent Winnipeg Free Press article - Tax Changes a Real Threat to Farmers
October Hay Situation & Price Update
Dry conditions this year have limited hay production with very few areas reporting that a final cut will be taken after the Critical Harvest Period, which has just been completed. Long term averages show that we normally accumulate less than 50 GDD's between now and the end of November. Producers considering taking a final cut of their alfalfa shouldn't be too concerned with winter kill due to nutrient draw down because of re-growth after cutting. Read the full Update...
Travel with like-minded people and experience
Spain and Portugal's amazing landscapes, vibrant agricultural scenes and storied history and culture  
MFGA has partnered with Foothills Forage & Grazing Association to offer a two-week agricultural-influenced tour of Spain and Portugal!  Enjoy this amazing trip hassle-free via the comforts of a luxury motor coach tour while enjoying new friendships and the unique sights and experiences provided by the people, producers and agricultural industries of Spain and Portugal. Hurry! Deposit due Oct 30, 2017.
  Price includes: Airfare, luxury motor coach, English speaking guide,
all entrance & tour fees, 26 meals, 14 nights in 3 & 4 star hotels.
Call (403) 270-7044 or toll free 1-844-370-7044 for more information.
Ambitious plans to make Manitoba the lamb production capital
READ ABOUT the very real growth opportunity that lies ahead for the Manitoba sheep industry: Counting the sheep, but not to sleep: Septuagenarian Steinbach-area farmer the linchpin in ambitious plan to make Manitoba the lamb-production capital of Canada The Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA) , member and supporter of MFGA, represents over 400 sheep and lamb producers (both commercial and purebred producers) across the province and actively initiates, supports and conducts programs and activities designed to stimulate and improve the well being of all segments of the sheep industry in Manitoba.
Open Farm Day was a big day for agriculture awareness
Manitoba Open Farm Day organizers announced that nearly 7,300 people took part in the annual event held September 17, 2017. Reports from the 46 host sites that promoted agriculture awareness, including Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives, were that visitors from Winnipeg, Portage La Prairie, Brandon, and North Dakota had travelled to the host sites in rural areas. 
MASC LMPP
Producer Events & News
Creating Connections - Low Stress Cattle HandlingOct 16, 2017 in Brandon, MB
Learn techniques on low-stress cattle handling that helps them to adapt to new environments.
Helping Canada Grow - Oct 18, 2017 at U of M, 66 Dafoe Road
Mr. Ian Affleck, Executive Director, Plant Biotechnology with Croplife Canada will will focus on how plant science technologies help the Canadian economy grow, protect the environment and contribute to Canadian communities.
Women's Low Stress Cattle Handling WorkshopOct 19, 2017 at MBFI Brookdale Research Farm
include an intro to the Creating Connections Program and classroom training followed by a hands-on session in MBFI's cattle handling facility where participants can put training into practice. Cost: $25, includes lunch.
Low Stress Cattle Handling WorkshopOct 27, 2017 at MBFI Brookdale Research Farm
include an intro to the Creating Connections Program and classroom training followed by a hands-on session in MBFI's cattle handling facility where participants can put training into practice. Cost: $25, includes lunch.
8th Annual CFGA Conference  -  Nov 14-16, 2017 in Guelph, ON
Anyone who has a stake in the Canadian forage and grassland industries will not want to miss this year's conference to: learn about new forage practices; network with colleagues; discover new research on forage and grasslands and how to improve environmental practices. Check out who the speakers are at this year's event.
Manitoba Sheep Association's AGM - Nov 18, 2017 in Portage la Prairie, MB
Mark your calendars and watch for further details.
Grain Farmers First Aid Course Nov 20 & 21, 2017 in Carman, MB
Offered by St John Ambulance and Farm Safety Program and runs from 8am to 5pm on both days, lunch is provided. Follow the link for info or to book online by Nov 15. Contact: Keith, (204) 293-9646.
Western Canada Conference on Soil Health & Grazing -  Dec 5-7, 2017 in Edmonton, AB 
The Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing theme will be Profit Above, Wealth Below. Speakers includes soil health practitioner Gabe Brown, Richard Teague, Jim Gerrish, Dr. Allen Williams and more! Learn more. 
MBFI Extensive Winter Grazing Tour  -  Dec 7, 2017 - time and date  tentative
Want to finds ways to extend your grazing season? Come out to MBFI's extensive winter grazing tour to see different methods to extend your grazing season like, swath grazing, standing corn grazing, bale grazing, etc. Time and date will be confirmed - watch for more info!
Manitoba Ag Days - Mark these dates! - Jan 16-18, 2018 in Brandon, MB 
The Manitoba Ag Days show, held at the Keystone Centre in Brandon, is an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology, and equipment that attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and the United States of America.
2018 MFGA AGMFeb 9, 2018 in Brandon, MB 
A 7am breakfast meeting, our AGM is held in conjunction with the MBP AGM. Stay tuned for further details. Coffee and pastries will be served.
Spain & Portugal Agriculture TourFeb 11-25, 2018 in Spain & Portugal!
Travel with like-minded people and experience Spain and Portugal's amazing landscapes, vibrant agricultural scenes and storied history and culture! View the full itinerary and find the Booking Form here - hurry! Deposit Due October 30.
Manitoba Farm Safety Tip of the Week 
All farms, large or small, need to consider WCB (Worker's Compensation Board), coverage. We never expect a tragedy to happen to us, but statistics support that farming is a high-risk occupation. Are you prepared if something happens to a friend or loved one on your farm?
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