From the Desk of the Executive Director |
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Well, here we go folks!! Less than two weeks until our 2020 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference and things are really rounding into shape nicely. Each evening will feature a globally-renowned keynote, followed by a 20-minute Q&A session and then a Manitoba-focused panel to connect all the dots between what we just heard and what's going on in Manitoba and the Prairie Region. We plan to supplement that agenda with short videos from MFGA, our platinum sponsors and Made-in-Manitoba Minutes from prominent Manitobans working in and near our soil health and producer focus. Registration has been booming lately and so too has our virtual trade show, which really speaks to the incredible support of all of our industry supporters. You - as producers - are important to them and they in return want to support your events while showcasing their products and services.
On other key things, MFGA is moving swiftly in a number of ways. By the time we start our conference, we will have held our MFGA AGM which will be a COVID-19-influenced con call. At that meeting, we will celebrate the term of Darren Chapman, who has been a steady hand at the MFGA helm serving as chair for two years before wrapping up his term in the role of Past Chair. Darren has been the ultimate pro, and you will not find a more producer-first mind out there. He is a proud producer and he is proud of his profession. And MFGA benefitted greatly from both. Thank you, Darren.
And in the nice surprise category, received a cheque from Cam Hamilton out Glenboro way wrapping up loose ends around the Mixed Grass Prairie Stewardship organization. Cam advised the monies had been dormant as the group went into a pause in activity and they all felt MFGA would be able to put it to good use. The only caveat was to promote the values of grasslands and healthy soils. We will definitely do that, Cam!
I do urge all of you interested in our conference to register as soon as possible. We are expecting big attendance and we are all set up to deliver on ZOOM with a very expanded attendance reach. However, the sooner you get your passcode, the easier it will be. Register now and save us and you the frantic rush! Stay healthy all, see you soon.
Muchos Grasses,
Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
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Lock Down your November Thursday Nights - Meet our Four Conference Speakers |
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November 5:
Diana Rodgers
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November 12:
Nicole Masters
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November 19:
Mark Shepard
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About the Conference:
MFGA is offering the entire 2020 MFGA Regen Ag Conference online every Thursday night throughout the month of November. Internationally-recognized keynote presentations are scheduled for MFGA's month-long celebration of Regenerative Agriculture in Manitoba. Each keynote speaker will include a very strong Manitoba profile into their presentations and be available for a facilitated Q&A session. MFGA will also showcase regenerative agriculture during the presentations through Manitoba-based regen ag topics and producers.
November 5: Diana Rodgers, "Sacred Cow" Presentation
November 12: Nicole Masters, "Turning on the Biological Soil-Gut System"
November 19: Mark Shepard, "Making the Most of the Water Resources on Your Farm"
November 26: Ryan Boyd, "Grazing Ruminants: a Resilient Long-term Solution to Agriculture Productivity and Profitability"
Registration:
There is no charge to register online for one or all of four concurrent Thursday nights in November. Attendees will be given the opportunity to become MFGA members and/or donate to MFGA upon registration and/or during each session.
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October Hay Situation & Price Update
As we move into the middle of October the Manitoba Crop report indicates that for most areas of the province the forage harvest is drawing to a close as producers move to get the last remaining bales of hay and straw off the field and into their winter feeding areas. Pastures for the most part are finished but some areas are reporting cattle being moved to stockpiled grass area or supplementing cattle on pasture. Read on...
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Getting more out of your hay
Shorter days and cooler temperatures signals winter is on its way and hay feeding season will soon be in full swing. Feed is one of the greatest variable costs that influence profitability. These costs can account for 40-60 percent of a cattle operation’s budget. When it comes to the availability and the price of hay, anything you do to reduce waste during storage and feeding will have a positive economic impact on the operation. Read on...
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MBP Virtual District Meetings on now
MBP's virtual district meetings are underway. Find yours and join Manitoba Beef Producer representatives and fellow beef producers to discuss issues affecting your district and industry. View the full schedule and register here.
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Management of designated agricultural plastics waste
Manitoba Conservation & Climate plans to implement a fully regulated program for agricultural plastics (ex. grain bags, plastic twine) under authority of Manitoba’s Packaging and Printed Paper Regulation. Cleanfarms Inc. has been tasked to consult with agricultural producer groups and to develop a plan for the management of designated agricultural plastics waste. This draft program plan is nearly complete and will be submitted to the Minister of Conservation & Climate on or around November 30, 2020. Learn more about the process and timelines here.
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Online ag and food production employment portal
AAFC's Step up to the plate - Help feed Canadians is an online employment portal to help Canadians find agriculture and food production job sites across the country, as well as provide information on skills and training. Job seekers can easily sort job sites and resources by their province, territory or nationwide. Learn more.
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MHHC balances agriculture and conservation
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New Agricultural Crown Land Credit supports beef producers affected by dry conditions
The province is helping position the Manitoba beef industry for success through a number of new and ongoing measures, including a one-time rent credit for agricultural Crown land leaseholders and enhanced risk management tools, Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen announced. Read the full Government of Manitoba release.
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Changes needed to protect farms, animals
KAP president Bill Campbell recently authored an op-ed that was published in the Winnipeg Free Press on the issue of rural crime and protestors in agriculture operations. Many of the items Campbell highlights in the article are relevant to rural Manitobans. Read the full KAP Op-ed here.
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Do More Ag Community Fund
The Do More Ag Community Fund is accepting applications to bring mental health training to your community. Click here for application details.
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New site promotes Manitoba agriculture and food research
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BMP applications reopening
The provincial government will be reopening applications for beneficial management practices (BMP) funding under Ag Action Manitoba effective November 4. The application deadline for this year’s intake is December 4. More information on available funding found here.
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Industry Events
Combating Invasive Weed Species - Webinar - October 28, 2020
This Beef Cattle Research Council webinar will cover tips for dealing with invasive weed control for different regions across Canada. Register here.
EFP workshops – Fall 2020
Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. Click here for dates and times and to register.
KAP webinars - Online
KAP webinars are focused on topics beneficial to farmers and the agriculture sector, posted free of charge on KAP's YouTube page.
Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Workshops - Online - Fall 2020
These workshops will guide producers through the EFP workbook to help assess and identify the environmental assets and risks on their farm operations and develop an action plan to address the identified risks. Register here.
MFGA Regenerative Ag Month - Online - Four Thursdays in November
MSA District Meeting - Zoom Meeting - Nov 5, 2020
This meeting provides an opportunity for the Manitoba Sheep Association to give a brief update, for members to raise any suggestions for resolutions as well as for any needed elections to take place. Register on their website.
Saskatchewan Soil Health & Grazing Summit - TO BE RESCHEDULED
With the many challenges around face-to-face activities, projected to last well into 2021, the Soil & Health Grazing Summit has been postponed to wait for conditions that will support their vision for this conference. Follow Saskatchewan Forage Council for more info.
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We are proud to showcase our 2020/21 Annual Supporters!
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