MFGA eBulletin - April 2022 |
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photo credit: Nerbas Bros Angus |
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From the Desk of the Executive Director |
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Really hoping that as much of that winter and early-spring 2022 snow and forecasted precipitation ahead seeps slowly into your fields, pastures and wetlands and lessens some of the impacts still resonating from last year’s dry conditions.
As you may be aware, Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) has played a critical role in helping our partners at Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW) successfully land an exciting and ambitious On Farm Climate Action Fund project from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada for Manitoba and Saskatchewan.
In the successful proposal, there was incredible support from agriculture groups and conservation interests. Curiosity around next steps in our two Prairie provinces is sky high. I can tell you that since that wonderful AAFC news was received there has been a great amount of team coordination and discussions led by the MAW leadership team with the AAFC and project team core partners. Expect more news soon.Things are definitely, definitely, definitely moving along.
As that takes shape, here at MFGA, we are extremely proud to unveil our incredible 2022-23 roster of MFGA’s corporate and bundled supporters. The bundled supporters are groups that have chosen to support MFGA at both annual corporate and conference event. We also have a roster of MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference-only supporters who will be profiled on our conference-only promotions.
All in all, folks, please do scan our lists and keep these awesome companies and organizations and their brands, services and products front of mind if you do need anything that any of our MFGA supporters offer. As a non-checkoff-collecting organization, this stream of generous corporate support is vitally critical to MFGA. We truly rely on our corporate supporters to help us be the best we can be. Thank you to every single organization and thank you to every single employee, supporter, partner, owner or member of all the groups listed below. And on the other side of the table, special thanks to Denice Girdner, our MFGA client relations lead, for the hard work toward making this year a success once again.
And finally, Happy Earth Day to all this weekend. Farmers that earn their farm profits from well-managed farm lands that boost soil health, sequester carbon, manage water and steward vital natural areas for biodiversity take a back seat to absolutely no one on Earth Day.
You are at front of the whole dang Earth Day parade. Thank you all for all you do. Hold your heads high.
Muchos Grasses,
Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
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It's not too late to sign up your field for Green Gold!
We have room for a few more fields in the MFGA's Green Gold Program. The hay fields should be mostly alfalfa, fairly new, and in good condition for testing through the May, June growing season until the first cut. If interested, please contact Terra, MFGA Green Gold Program Coordinator.
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Hay Situation & Price Update
With winter not letting go, the availability of hay for sale continues to be tight across Manitoba. With limited new listings on the three sites mentioned in the March Update, prices seem to be holding steady.
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Delay Spring Grazing
Two weeks ago, delaying when you would normally start grazing might have been an idea that you could consider. Read on...
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April 2022 Watershed Districts Regulation – Updated
An amendment to the Watershed Districts Regulation came into force on April 1, 2022, formalizing expansion of Pembina Valley and Redboine Watershed Districts (News Release). The amended regulation is available online. The below map shows 109 municipal members in The Watershed Districts Program.
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DUC & MFGA Partnership Project analyzing wetlands on farms and ranches for carbon capture
Hi-tech monitoring towers in Manitoba measuring benefits of nature-based climate solutions. New research conducted by Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) in southwest Manitoba will help landowners, industry and government understand carbon storage and greenhouse gas release from wetlands in two important agricultural landscapes. Read the full Media Release.
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AGvisorPRO helps MASC get closer to farmers
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Updates to the AgriRecovery program in Manitoba
The AgriRecovery Livestock Feed and Transportation Drought Assistance program application deadline has been extended to May 13, 2022, to allow time to obtain proof of payment for purchases made by April 15, 2022. Learn more about the complete program here.
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MFGA congratulates Bree Kelln on new position at University of Saskatchewan
Bree Kelln has been selected as the new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization Chair at the University of Saskatchewan. Kelln will be the first person to hold the new research chair position that was created to address a gap in forage research.
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After the seemingly long winter we have endured, spring kind of snuck in the back door on our calendars this year with not much fanfare. I must admit that I am still counting down the days until the springtime delights that warmer weather brings. These include ditching the winter clothes, the birds coming back to nest, snow melting and the first shots of green grass. Read the full blog here.
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Apply for Nuffield Canada Scholarship by June 30
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Internship available on Parliament Hill for Young Leader in Sustainable Agriculture
GreenPAC offers the Specialized Stream in Sustainable Agriculture for a young leader from the prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba) with an interest and background in agriculture. More details about the Parliamentary Internship for the Environment program found here and for applications go here. Deadline for applying: Sunday, May 1, 2022. Questions: internship@greenpac.ca.
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Industry Events
This event will provide trainees an opportunity to fine tune their networking / communication skills and engage with industry members and academics. Free in-person networking event (pre-registration required) June 6 evening at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights. More info here.
AIMday Circular Economy - June 9, 2022, Virtual - Pheedloop platform
Circular Economy is an important sector for Manitoba’s economy - essential for businesses, organizations and institutions to work together. Discussion will focus on Circular Economy industry challenges. To Register: Email JGaudet@MIAP.ca.
Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference - June 21-22, 2022, Calgary, AB
Canada's Farm Show - June 21-23, 2022. Regina, SK
Souris River Watershed District AGM - July 7, 2022
To attend the SRWD annual 2022 banquet, please contact either the Deloraine or Reston office to purchase tickets. Details here.
MFGA 2022 Regen Ag Conference - Nov 14-15, 2022, Brandon, Mb
Western Canada Conference - Dec 13-15, 2022, Edmonton, Ab
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We are proud to showcase our 2022/23 Annual Supporters!
Join these leaders who are some of the best of the best in the agriculture and conservation communities - sign up here!
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