I hope you are all well, your harvest done and happy with your season. We are full out on our 2022 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference, super happy with our progress to put on the best conference possible for you.

The latest Manitoba Agriculture crop report indicates that many of the corn for silage fields have dried down too much to go for silage and therefore may be taken as grain corn. Although there have been some challenges due to frequent rains, generally speaking it has been a good year for forages throughout most of Manitoba with forage yields/supplies adequate to above. Read on...

In late January 2023, Arron Nerbas of the family-run Nerbas Bros Angus and MFGA board member, will present at the 2023 BCBC conference. The conference theme is ‘Challenging Traditions’ with a programme designed to challenge thinking and promote discussion around how the industry can compete in the global marketplace. The event will also showcase how genetics and breeding practices can drive sustainability with sessions covering dairy and beef specialisms.

On October 14, approximately 35 representatives from Manitoba Association of Watersheds (MAW), Saskatchewan Association of Watersheds (SAW), Dairy Farmers of Manitoba and Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association toured three farms in the Minnedosa area to learn more around three BMPs – cover crops, rotational grazing and nutrient management – specifically targeted in the AAFC’s On Farm Climate Action Fund via the PWCP. Sean Smith, Clanman Jerseys; Anna/Haydn Donahoe, Malarky Farms; and Zack Koscielny, Green Beach Farm and Food each showcased their farm operations, offering insights and on-field experiences to the tour attendees. Applications are now open for producers on the PWCP. For more information on the PWCP, including an excellent webinar on program details, visit the MAW or SAW website.

Be wary of four-legged road hazards: MFGA board member okay after collision with steer

Roaming wildlife can be a road hazard - especially at this time of year - and so can rogue cattle. MFGA was greatly relieved after MFGA Board Member Shauna Breault – who ranches with husband Clayton and family in the Ste. Rose area - escaped without injury following a collision with a wayward steer on the way home from a mid-October meeting in Ashern around crown lands. The family vehicle that Shauna was driving caught fire and was totalled in the collision. Thankfully and fortunately, despite losing some personal belongings, Shauna was unhurt and unscathed. For the rest of us, Shauna’s experience isa jolting reminder around the potential for animal hazards along rural highways, especially at night.

An exciting milestone for the western dairy industry has recently been announced. All five western provincial Boards that form the Western Milk Pool (WMP) have unanimously agreed to support a new modernized governance model for working together. This new partnership approach between BC Milk, BC Dairy, Alberta Milk, SaskMilk, and Dairy Farmers of Manitoba will align the resources and expertise of the organizations under one WMP and provide a more organized, unified voice for western dairy farmers in discussions at the national table and with all dairy stakeholders. Read the announcement here.

Safely dispose of unwanted or obsolete agricultural pesticides and livestock/equine medications - at no charge! Cleanfarms is coming to Manitoba Oct 24-28. Take your unwanteds to the Redfern Farm Services Rivers location on Friday, Oct. 28 between 9am and 4pm. For other locations, visit the Cleanfarms website.

The new Online Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) has been launched. The EFP is modern, efficient and easy for producers to use. The system has updated and streamlined content and several features that allow producers to customize EFP workbooks to specific farm operations. More info on the website.

Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) has recently announced that Manitoba producers will receive higher Excess Moisture Insurance (EMI) coverage levels as part of the AgriInsurance program for the 2023 crop year. Producers have until November 30 to make changes to their EMI coverage for 2023 by contacting their MASC Service Centre. For more information on Excess Moisture Insurance, please visit masc.mb.ca. Read the news release here.

Manitoba Agriculture has recently hired three Livestock and Forage Extension Specialists to be located in Killarney, Arborg and Beausejour.are very knowledgeable and keen to work with producers. The new specialists provide more capacity for Manitoba Agriculture to work with organizations like the MFGA and producers across the province. Read more about the new hires here.

The orange metal box sitting on the grazing land near Shellmouth didn’t come cheap. But Arron Nerbas says it’s already more than paid for itself in terms of additional forage production and enhanced environmental services. The “box” in question is a Range Ward Power Grazer, one of three owned by Nerbas Bros. Angus — a purebred and commercial cattle operation that has built itself on forage-centric genetics and regenerative agriculture practices. Read the full MB Cooperator article here.

FCC wants to connect you with growth-minded peers from across Canada to share aspirations, challenges and goals, and support each other’s business successes through virtual meetings and facilitated discussions. For more information and to apply for one of FCC’s next Peer Groups in the agriculture or food & beverage categories, go here.

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is accepting applications until Friday, December 9, 2022 for consideration for The Environmental Stewardship Award (TESA). Since 1996, TESA has recognized producers who go above and beyond standard industry conservation practices and set positive examples for other cattle producers and the general public. More details here.

Register at mbbeef.ca or call 1-800-772-0458.

Find out more on how to feed your cattle successfully and at a low cost. $20 per person. To reserve a spot, call Mb Ag at 204-648-3965.

This conference will discuss several aspects of the globalization of agri-food research and innovation and includes a reception open to parliamentarians, government officials and key stakeholders. Registration is now open.

Our 1.5 day conference will feature North American keynote speakers and local producer panels. We have outlined a fantastic Day One agenda on Carbon; Day Two will focus on Healthy Soils, Healthy People. Held at the Victoria Inn, this is a do not miss event - get registered!

The next MWAF online AgChat session has come back with thunder. The Chair is Jennifer Marchand, AVP & Government Relations Leader for Cargill. The topic will be “Surprise! You don’t need to know it all”. Jennifer will talk about her journey as a recovering perfectionist and the magic that can happen when you start to accept failure as growth. Register here.

Watch their site for details.

Held at CanadInns Polo Park, this year's theme is Building Resilient Watersheds and ocuses on climate resiliency at the watershed level. Visit their site.

This 15th annual conference is held at the Winnipeg Victoria Inn. More details here.

Two great conferences come together: Western Canada Conference on Soil Health & Western Canadian Grazing Conference, titled "Soil & Grazing: Biology Not Geology"and held at the Double Tree Hilton. Early bird pricing until October 31. Full conference details here.

Save the date for the first Sustainable Animal Protein Summit hosted by Manitoba Agriculture on December 15, 2022 in Winnipeg. Contact mbproteinadvantage@gov.mb.ca with any questions.

GBFW is run by a small committee of producers with a mandate to provide agricultural education to our communities. More information about the conference here.

Back to in-person, this annual event is an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology, and equipment that attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and the United States of America. Held at the Keystone Centre. Details here.

SAW Annual Conference - Jan 31 to Feb 1, 2023, Saskatoon, SK

Watch the SAW website for details.

Held at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Winnipeg, the Manitoba Beef Producer's AGM will feature topical breakout sessions, panel discussions, resolutions debate, and an opportunity to interact with our fellow beef producers, other members of the value chain, and government officials. Watch for details here.

The XXV International Grasslands Congress - May 14-19, 2023, Covington, KY USA 

The theme is “Grasslands for Soil, Animal, and Human Health". A Call for Presentations deadline is August 15, and producers should consider attending and taking part in Congress, pre-congress tours etc. Additional details here.

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!