MFGA eBulletin - JULY 2021 |
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photo credit: Arron Nerbas Angus |
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From the Desk of the Executive Director |
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It was great, welcome news in so many ways. But, still, there was still a very evident pulse of urgency and an underlying feeling of despair not too far off the event vibe. Yesterday, on a hot, muggy late afternoon, with a crowd of around 40 mostly beef producers, media and government types sheltered under the massive canopy of the CN Stage at The Forks in Winnipeg, The Hon. Marie_Claude Bibeau, Minister Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada - and on behalf of Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Hon. Ralph Eichler as well - announced funding for producers in Manitoba facing severe drought conditions.
From MFGA perspective, we think the announcements are a big step forward. Having the Federal Agriculture Minister travel to Manitoba, tour Interlake farms – including MFGA board member/MBP rep Mike Duguid’s farm in Camp Morton - organized by Manitoba ag groups Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) and Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and then make a funding announcement on behalf of the Canadian Agriculture Partnership with the Province of Manitoba that will start the disaster hay fund now is sweet indeed. This will start cash flow into the producers’ hands. The adjustment for field inspections from Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation (MASC) should make it easier for the drought-impacted annual crops to be salvaged for livestock feed.
The hardest part is the hurt this drought has put on our Manitoba producers. We also feel some areas: Interlake and Ste Rose/Parkland are hurting bad and we do hope they see priority releif from these newly-announced programs.
MFGA, along with Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), Manitoba Bison Association (MBA), Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA), and Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP), are warning that ongoing drought conditions pose a significant challenge to livestock, grain and forage producers. KAP has been coordinating the communications for the group and we are very grateful for the hard work of Brenna Mahoney, KAP’s new general manager and Graham Schellenberg, KAP’s communications lead. The intent of the collaboration is to provide producers with resources, information, and options on alternate crop use, stressing the importance of producers contacting MASC before proceeding.Throughout this campaign, we will run the communications developed by our drought collaboration team in concert with Manitoba Agriculture Resource Development (MARD) and Manitoba Agricultural Service Corporation (MASC).
We want to stress that all agriculture producers are facing these tough times together and respect toward each other is paramount. Everyone has to make a business decision based on the business of their own farm operations. For those feeling any compounding feelings or extra stress, please do not hesitate to speak to your family, neighbours or friends. The Manitoba Farm, Rural & Northern Support Services (MFRNSS) provides free, confidential telephone and online counselling to producers. MFRNSS is available 24/7 by calling 1-866-367-3276 or visiting www.supportline.ca.
Muchos Grasses All,
Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
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Federal AAFC Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau discusses announcement post-event with Craig Reise, KAP (white jacket); Tyler Fulton MBP (grey jacket) and Kevin Lamoureux, Winnipeg Liberal MP and emcee of event. |
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Relief coming to Manitoba producers affected by severe drought
Producers in Manitoba facing severe drought conditions can expect relief with several initiatives announced by federal Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau and Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Ralph Eichler. Read the full Canada/Manitoba News Release.
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MFGA Welcomes Hon. Ralph Eichler as MARD Minister
MFGA would like to welcome Hon. Ralph Eichler as Manitoba’s Minister Agriculture and Resource Development as a result of the recent Government of Manitoba cabinet announcements. At the same time, we would like to thank former Minister and MLA Blaine Pedersen for his excellent work at the helm of MARD. We wish MLA Pedersen the very best in all his future endeavours and thank him for his valuable leadership for the Manitoba agriculture industry.
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Farm Groups Stress Importance of Contacting MASC re: Drought-related Crop Decisions Prior to Any Actions
Ongoing drought conditions across Manitoba have a coalition of farm groups urging producers to know their options when making decisions about their crops. Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association, along with Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), Manitoba Bison Association (MBA), Manitoba Sheep Association (MSA), and Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) are warning that ongoing drought conditions pose a significant challenge to livestock, grain and forage producers. PLEASE CONTACT MASC REGARDING YOUR CROPS BEFORE ANY ACTIONS AND DECISIONS. Read more.
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2021 MFGA Regen Ag Conference Nov 15-17, 2021
By now, we hope you have locked down your calendar for our 2021 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference, Water for Generations, held in Brandon, MB, November 15-17, 2021. Just as we did in 2020, we are kicking off our Regenerative Ag Conference with a field our of South Glanton Farms (SGF) hosted by MFGA board members and renown regenerative agriculture producer Ryan Boyd at the Boyd family farm in Forrest, MB. We will run two groups of 25 attendees that will be coordinated and timed in ways to respect the COVID restrictions where only 25 persons can be in one private property field/yard. The two groups will not intermingle as they receive separate tours of Ryan and SGF farm hand Conner English’s adaptions and practices of regen ag at SGF. *UPDATE: Registration is now open!
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July Hay Situation & Price Update
Dry conditions continued to dominate the forecast across most of Manitoba during the first two weeks of July. The first week (July 5-11) saw small amounts of rainfall in the SW and NW corners of the province. During the second week (July 12-18) areas receiving rainfall expanded to include some of the Central area. This week (July 20-21) we have seen thundershowers roll thru Manitoba and some areas have again received varying amounts of rain. Read the full report here.
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Harvesting Ditch Hay
When conditions are as dry as they are across most of Manitoba, producers are scrambling to find forage to get their livestock thru this summer and into next spring. One way to help supplement this shortage may be to harvest ditches along roadways. Ditch hay, while not ideal, could provide additional tonnage to your winter feed supplies and be a cost effective alternative to your stockpiled forage if done correctly. Read on...
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Ducks Unlimited Canada Hay Tender Program land available for producers to hay
As Manitoba cattle producers continue to endure this dry year, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) is reaching out to producers about a small number of lands available via DUC’s Hay Tender Program to try and help producers facing shortfalls in their forage production. Read the details here.
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Manitoba Infrastructure: Low Precipitation and Water Levels Advisory
Manitoba Infrastructure is advising people of record-low precipitation levels in most Manitoba watersheds has led to well-below normal to record dry soil moisture in some locations.Flows and water levels are below normal to well-below normal in most southern and central Manitoba rivers and lakes with dry conditions forecast to continue until fall of 2021. Read more.
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Engaging Manitobans on Water Management
Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development (MARD) is leading the development of a Provincial Water Management Strategy for Manitoba. Take part in the engagement by August 13, 2021.
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Published May 2021, this recently completed University of Alberta study documents the management-based differences between Adaptive Multi-paddock grazing
(AMP) and n-AMP operators. Read on.
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MARD creates Ideas Board for agriculture industry
The Department of Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development has launched an ideas board through EngageMB to ask the agriculture industry for their ideas on how we can build relationships between producers and consumers to strengthen confidence in Manitoba’s agri-food industry. The ideas board will be open July 8-29, 2021. Participate here.
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Province provides almost $6 Million to Watershed Districts Program
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Survey for producers: Understanding the use of technology in agri-food sector
Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association and Communications Technology Council (ICTC) are conducting a survey to better understand the use of technology in Canada's agri-food sector and the labour market implications of new tech. Survey open until July 30, 2021.
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First recipient of the Alexander Cherban Agriculture Industry Development Program
The Manitoba government and the Manitoba 4-H Council have selected Agriculture in the Classroom as the first recipient of the Alexander Cherban Agriculture Industry Development Program, launched in 2020 to support activities that strengthen industry development and leadership in the agriculture and food industry. Read the full provincial news release.
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New Research Chair At USask Will Help Maximize Environmental, Economic Benefits Of Forage Crops
A new Beef Industry Integrated Forage Management and Utilization Chair will be established at the University of Saskatchewan (USask) to connect the study of soils, plants, animals, economics, and ecosystems to tap into forage crops’ full range of benefits. Funding for the research chair will be provided from a variety of sources. Continue Reading the BCRC article...
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KAP Summer Advisory Council meeting
Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) Summer Advisory Council meeting will take place via Zoom on July 28, 2021, at 9:00 a.m. KAP policy is developed by farmers and commodity group members representing all agricultural commodities and all regions of Manitoba. Delegates will debate resolutions to shape KAP policy on a variety of key issues. The virtual meeting allows KAP to bring in speakers from far and wide, host interactive debate and allow time for socializing. Click here to learn more and register.
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Industry Events
Webinar: Experiencing Drought Stress? Ask The Experts - July 27, 2021
The BCRC is putting together a panel of nutrition and animal health experts to answer your drought-related nutrition questions. Questions will be answered live during the webinar. 7pm MST Start. Details & Registration here.
DUC Grazing Tour - July 29, 2021, Circle H Farms
Come learn how to build resilience through improved grazing management with Brian, Sonja and Kristelle Harper. 1pm start. Location: 3 miles (4.8km) west of Brandon on #1 hwy; Turn north on road 112 to first entrance on right hand side. RSVP to Michael, text: 204-365-6334, e: mthiele567@gmail.com. Directions from Brian: 204-724-0936. Note: Out of province attendees should have proof of full vaccination.
MFGA Regen Ag Farm Tour - Aug 5, 2021, South Glanton Farms
Topics include: Total Grazing & one year results; Defining optimal recovery period; Setting up pasture pipeline and fencing to enable ultra high stock density grazing; Crop residue; chaff grazing and low; cost wintering options for the cowherd; Drought Management. 1-5pm start. Tour fee: $50, includes deposit for 2021 Regen Ag Conference. Limited spots, two separate groups, detailed directions and registration here.
Saskatchewan Forage Council Pasture Tour 2021 - Aug 10, 2021, Francis area
Topics to include water quality and delivery, grazing management, salinity and plant ID and invasive species. 9am start. Limited space, register by July 31, 2021.
EFP Workshops - July, August and September
Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of every farm operation. Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development is hosting EFP workshops to guide producers through the EFP workbook. Register for a workshop.
2021 Canadian Beef Industry Virtual Conference - Aug 31-Sept 2, 2021
Theme "A Whole New World 2021: Globally, Nationally, Locally. Featuring keynotes including Kim Cornish, Alberta Food Water Wellness Foundation presenting on FWWF work on GHG/Carbon on pastures and grasslands. Register here.
Introduction to Holistic Management - Oct 4-Nov 8, 2021, Mondays
Live online classes, recorded for later viewing, from 6:00-7:30pm MST. Discover how to manage your farm or ranch for the triple bottom line (social, environmental, and financial sustainability). Learn how to improve your ability to observe, understand, and make decisions through our Holistic Goal Setting and Decision Testing Framework. Scholarships available. Register by Oct 4 here.
MFGA 2021 Regen Ag Conference - Nov 15-17, 2021, Brandon, Mb
Lock down your calendar right now for our 2021 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference, held November 15-17, 2021, Victoria Inn, Brandon, MB. The theme is Water for Generations and we have secured a number of top-notch keynote speakers and producer panels including international, national and local experts, all of them focusing on regenerative agriculture and helping us all understand the great potential of working with the land to help improve your farm operations and the health of your farm lands. Registration is open - go here!!
Agricultural Excellence Conference - Nov 24-26, 2021, Virtual
AgEx is the only event in Canada dedicated exclusively to bringing farm management enthusiasts together to build their business acumen. This year's theme, The Challenge of Change, is about acknowledging that change can be difficult and also provide immense opportunity - learning how to confront change with confidence is the key. Conference-goers will come away from AgEx equipped with the information, tools and practical skills to prosper change. Register here.
Prairie Organics: Think Whole Farm 2022 Conference - Feb 8-9, 2022, Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB
A two-day conference, tradeshow and organic ingredients event that strives to help farmers increase their understanding of the science of organic agriculture while providing practical farmer-tested solutions to improve the economic and environmental health of the farm ecosystem. More here.
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We are proud to showcase our 2021/22 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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