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MFGA eBulletin - January 2020
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From the Desk of MFGA Executive Director
MFGA kicked off 2020 with a Board of Directors-succession-boom as we met earlier this month to welcome and confirm our new chair, Larry Wegner; our new vice chair, Lawrence Knockaert; and then saluted our former chair, Darren Chapman as he moved into a senior advisory role as MFGA past chair. On behalf of MFGA, I'd like to introduce Larry and Lawrence and their new roles. Both Larry and Lawrence have dedicated a ton of hours and significant commitments to MFGA and they both are true testaments to the quality of leadership a board succession plan can realize. On that front, special thanks to Wendy Bulloch of Building Up Consultancy for helping guide our board activity and processes over the last few years. It truly makes a world of difference.
I'd also be doing MFGA a huge disservice if I did not mention how fantastic it was to work closely with and on behalf of MFGA with Darren Chapman during his time at the helm of our organization. An extremely successful producer, Darren brought that producer-first mindset right into our board meetings and as a well-respected ambassador for MFGA out and about at events and gatherings. Thank you, Darren. As well, a special thank you to your wife Laura and your family for the vast amounts of volunteer time that you put forward on MFGA's behalf. It is and always will be sincerely appreciated.
At that same meeting, we heard from Ryan Boyd, our finance chair, about the numbers crunching on our 2019 Regenerative Agriculture Forum which has quickly accelerated as MFGA's marquee event for producer outreach and education while serving as our regenerative agriculture flagship event, our primary membership drive and a major funding source on our MFGA calendar. Once again, MFGA punched above our weight class in 2019 with positive numbers toward our bottom line and we have all of our members, supporters, partners and sponsors to thank for that. These outcomes are a very valuable momentum boost as we head into our annual
2020 Corporate Support Drive & Campaign in the next few weeks.
2020 promises to be a very exciting year for MFGA. Already, our calendar is buzzing - which is great - and we are particularly excited about our
2020 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference in November. We will have really exciting news on that front as the early stages of 2020 take shape for all of us. Wishing all of you in our MFGA loops a somewhat belated and super happy and prosperous 2020. We look forward to a great year with your support!
Muchos grasses,
Duncan Morrison,
MFGA Executive Director
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New MFGA Chairperson Announced
Virden's Larry Wegner was recently announced as the new Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) chairperson. Wegner, a longtime member of the Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) Board of Directors, succeeds fellow Virden-area producer Darren Chapman at the helm of the grass and forage producer group. Chapman will remain on the MFGA executive as past chair along with MFGA finance chair Ryan Boyd. Lawrence Knockaert of Bruxelles begins his first term as MFGA vice-chair. One other move on the MFGA 2020 Board of Directors roster saw Jacques Saquet of Laurier confirmed as Manitoba Bison Association representative on the MFGA Board.
The 2020/21 MFGA Board of Directors:
Producer Representatives: Larry Wegner (Chair - Virden), Ryan Boyd (Finance Chair - Forrest), Andrea Hamilton (Glenboro), Kristelle Harper (Brandon), Shauna Breault (Ste Rose), Matt Van Steelandt (Melita), Arron Nerbas (Shellmouth)
Appointed Commodity Groups or Associations/Members: Lawrence Knockaert (Vice-Chair - Bruxelles), Dairy Farmers of Manitoba; Mike Duguid, Manitoba Beef Producers; Darren Chapman (Past Chair - Virden), Manitoba Hay Exporters; Colin Hunter, Manitoba Sheep Producers; Jacques Saquet, Manitoba Bison Association
Ex-Officio Board Members: Mae Elsinger, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada; Charlotte Crawley, Ducks Unlimited Canada; Pam Iwanchysko, Manitoba Agriculture; Dr. Emma McGeough, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, University of Manitoba.
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Water and Soil highlight MFGA's Ag Action CAP Projects
Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) is ripping into the brand new decade via two Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (MARD) and federal Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP) projects with major focus on water and soil on producer lands.
Read the full MFGA media release.
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MASC activates Hay Disaster Benefit for 2019
Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) is notifying producers the Hay Disaster Benefit (HDB) has been activated and associated payments will begin shortly. The estimated payout for 2019 is in excess of $5 million on approximately 1,500 claims, announced Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen.
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Cattle and cold temperatures
A recent Alberta Agriculture news release provided a good reminder of ways to lessen the stress created by cold snaps in the weather. With forage shortages across a lot of Manitoba, many producers are relying on straw to meet some of the nutritional needs of their herds. This article looks at some of those concerns and how to address them as temperatures drop below the critical -20 C threshold. Start by adjusting rations to meet requirements, as there is a limit to the amount of heat cattle can produce by digesting feed. It is a natural response for animals to eat more feed when it gets cold. Provide extra hay or silage along with extra grain. Feed intake changes when the temperature drops below -20 C.
Read on...
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Cereal forages for spring planting
For many areas in Manitoba, 2019 was tough on forages. A slow start to the spring, record dry conditions, and a wet fall have left many wondering what spring 2020 will bring. When forages go into winter with good root reserves and enough material to trap snow for insulation, they usually get a good start in the spring and provide adequate production with the right conditions. Unfortunately, in many areas the lack of production forced producers to take every blade of grass, leaving many hay and pasture fields in questionable condition for the start of 2020. In addition, the present forage shortage may force many to turn cattle out on pasture at the first sign of green, compiling the stress on forages.
Read on...
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Manitoba Protein Challenge
This spring, Manitoba entrepreneurs and businesses will have their first opportunity to compete in the inaugural Manitoba Protein Challenge. This challenge is for: someone that has been working on developing a protein product and are nearing completion, one that has been in retail for a year or less, businesses that have an existing product line that has sources of protein, or a new flavour that is in the development stages.
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Province proclaims Watershed District Act
Manitoba has proclaimed The Watershed District Act and registered two new regulations that will formalize a watershed-based approach to watershed management in the province, while supporting the goals of the Made-in-Manitoba Climate and Green Plan, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen and Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard announced
Read the full Gov't of Manitoba News Release.
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Manitoba Farm Safety Program: Farm Safety Tip
Livestock waterers need to be monitored and tested regularly as they have the potential to shock you or your animals due to internal wire malfunctions. If you notice your livestock avoiding the drinker, they could be receiving a shock when they go to take a drink. Turn the power off and investigate to check whether it requires repair.
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Producer Events & News
This show is an annual three-day exposition of agriculture production expertise, technology and equipment that attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and the United States of America. Held at the Keystone Centre, the speaking program will take place throughout the three-day event in the FCC and MNP theatres. Stop by the MFGA Booth and say hi - Booth #1338 in MNP Hall.
Mb Agriculture is hosting a breakfast session at the 2020 Ag Days from 7:30-9:30 am in Salon B. This session will feature a panel demonstrating the Hemp and CBD value chain and sharing their experiences in developing the Hemp Sector in western Canada, specifically, the process for identifying and evaluating opportunities, lessons learned, and address opportunities. RSVP by Jan 20 to Laurie.Crowe@gov.mb.ca or 204-761-0551.
Holistic Management gives you the tools to care for your people, improve your land and be profitable. Tuition for this course is $1695/couple or $1000/person.
Registration for the 2020 KAP AGM is now available. The
2020 KAP AGM will focus on Manitoba's 150th anniversary, serving as a celebration of the contribution that farmers have made towards our province. Keynote speaker is John Ibbitson, an award-winning journalist and best-selling author. The agenda includes panels on emerging farm issues, and the final day includes a hands-on ecological goods and services workshop.
Held at the Victoria Inn, this meeting is an opportunity for beef producers or those in the feedlot sector to engage with MBP directors and fellow producers, debate issues that affect your bottom line, and debate topics which will impact the future of your industry. Early Bird special before Jan 7, 2020: $85 (includes banquet).
Sustainable Grain will host this two-day regenerative educational workshop focussed on the health of your soil - with a mindfulness component for clarity and stress reduction. Alongside learning about the importance of economics and ecology in growing food, this workshop will include amazing food, time for networking, reflection, and fun with new friends.
This 2-day conference is limited to 75 people and registration closes on Jan 20. Meet experts and Influencers face to face, expand your knowledge, and network!
Forage seed growers, researchers, extension staff and agribusinesses will congregate at the Fantasyland Hotel which is attached to the West Edmonton Mall. The goal of this conference is to unite the industry throughout Canada and increase awareness and interest in forage seed production. With the current challenges in Canadian grain markets, we have a great opportunity to increase awareness of the benefits of incorporating forage seed crops into any cropping system.
Visit the MBFI website to watch for details.
Attend this conference to: gain new insight from women across Canada; tweak your skills to better communicate, manage your finances, advocate and lead; recognize stress and integrate self-care into your daily routine; build your network and community by meeting women as passionate about agriculture as you are.
Register online. Discounts before Jan 4, 2020.
Attend the largest organic trade show in Western Canada to learn more about environmentally friendly farming practices. During 2 days of conference presentations, you will learn about building soil fertility, managing weeds, the latest cultivation and seeding equipment along with other cross cutting issues such as building biodiversity and responding to a changing climate. Early-bird registration until Jan 30.
Save the Date! Join the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association in Kamloops BC. Watch the CFGA website for details.
Save these dates for this 3rd annual event which will include top notch speakers, a trade show and more. Held entirely at the Victoria Inn, Brandon. Details to follow.
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Our 2020/21 Supporter Campaign is underway.
For more info or to signup,
go here.
THANK YOU TO THESE 2019/20 MFGA SUPPORTERS!!
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MFGA GOLD SUPPORTERS
MFGA SILVER SUPPORTERS
MFGA BRONZE SUPPORTERS
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