MFGA eBulletin - December 2024

Photo Credit:

From the Desk of the Executive Director

These times are…well…. things are percolating, eh? 

 

Canada-USA relations, federal elections, interest rates and stock markets are all major factors for many of us with varying impacts on all of us, be it for the good or the bad of our respective interests.  



From MFGA’s perspective, like many of you, we are unsure. While our individual, personal preferences may be glass half full or glass half empty on the situations in front of us, no one has a clue what tomorrow will bring. And for those planning ahead, it represents a bit of a ripple on the waters. 

 

Though, we are also confident in what we have become and how we represent and work with our core supporters, partners, collaborators and audiences. MFGA brings the support and voices of our network of early adopter farmers to every single table we sit at. No matter how everything rolls out, this will continue. 

 

Thematically, perhaps the words of Super Bowl winning football coach Bill Belichick sum up our MFGA mindset in these times ahead: 

“What we can control is our performance and our execution, and that’s what we’re going to focus on.” 

 

That makes a lot of sense to us. Onward we go with gusto. 


And that with that , please allow me to please share three things that we do know for certain right this very moment: 


MFGA board and staff wishes you all and your families, co-workers, colleagues, organizations, departments and communities a very Merry Christmas and happy holiday season;  



MFGA board and staff thank you all so very much for your role in helping MFGA enjoy a wonderfully productive 2024;  

 

MFGA board and staff wishes you all the very best in 2025!  



Muchos Grasses ALL,

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

Grasses and Climate Resiliency

When we think of grasses we often think of lush green pastures or hay fields. What we may not think of are the complex system of roots beneath the soil surface. It is these roots that convert nutrients to forage, prevent the erosion of topsoil and store carbon (soil sequestration) in the ground.

Grasses and Climate Resiliency Article

Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership: Livestock Predator Prevention CLOSES SOON

The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is funding livestock predator prevention through the purchase of pre-approved equipment and guardian dogs. Application deadline of Dec. 20, 2024. Province of Manitoba | Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership

Program update related to invoicing and the upcoming 2025 Agricultural Crown Lands Leases and Permits auction. 

 Due to the recent postal disruption and resumption of services with Canada Post, 2025 ACL invoices will be delayed. Manitoba Agriculture has been closely monitoring the situation, including exploring alternative options for delivery. The department recognizes the impact the strike has on ensuring payments will be received by annual due dates of December 31 and will address concerns and adjust payment deadlines accordingly.    

 

In the meantime, Manitoba Agriculture invites clients to proactively sign up for electronic accounts to ensure they receive information about their invoices and other important communications. As a reminder, if lessees no longer require their leased lands, they must submit a surrender form to Real Estate Services Branch (RESB). The form must be received by January 1, 2025. Lessees can contact your local Farm Production Extension Specialist – Crown Lands (FPES-CL) to obtain a surrender form: Province of Manitoba | agriculture - Agricultural Crown Lands District Offices. More information is available on the webpage. 

West Interlake Watershed District Grazing Workshop with Steve Kenyon, Greener Pastures Ranching 

Greener Pastures Ranching is also pleased to present the Power of the Polyculture Tour 2024/2025 with Steve Kenyon; sponsored by Covers & Co. If you are interested in booking Steve’s tour or have any questions, please feel free to contact: media@greenerpasturesranching.com

December Hay Situation and Price Update

Warmer than average temperatures during the month of November and parts December have continued to stretched forage supplies.  

Hay Update

New Dean at Assiniboine College’s Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment

Assiniboine College has announced Dr. Nicole Gaudette, as the new Dean of the Russ Edwards School of Agriculture & Environment. Gaudette brings a robust background in post-secondary research, innovation, and policy development, which will be instrumental in furthering the School’s mission to advance learning opportunities in sustainable agriculture and environmental practices, as well being instrumental in the next phase of the Prairie Innovation Centre for Sustainable Agriculture project. https://assiniboine.net/community/news-events/news-assiniboine/edwards-school-assiniboine-welcomes-new-dean


2025 Industry Events 

Manitoba Beef & Forage Days - January 7 - Eriksdale, MB, January 8 - Austin, MB, January 9 - Roblin, MB

Details: Beef and Forage Technical Bulletin

WIWD Grazing Workshops with Steve Kenyon, Greener Pastures – January 15 – Portage la Prairie, January 16 – Ashern. Contact manager@wiwd.ca

Manitoba Ag Days - January 21-23, 2024 - Brandon, MB

KAP AGM - February 3-4, 2025 - Winnipeg, MB

Details to come: KAP

2024 Brokenhead River Agricultural Conference – February 4-5, 2025 -Beausejour,MB https://brokenheadag.ca/2024/10/agricultural-conference/

MB Sheep AGM - February 8, 2025 - MacGregor, MB

Details: Symposium & AGM | Manitoba Sheep

2025 Holistic Management Canada Conference - Feb 7 - 9, 2025 - Assiniboia, Saskatchewan

Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreational Centre, Event Details.

Sask Soil Health Conference - February 11-12, 2025 - Regina, SK

Register here: Soil Health Conference

Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop and Prairie Fire Summit - February 11-13, 2025 - Regina, SK

For details: Saskatchewan Prairie Conservation Action Plan (SK PCAP)

Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) 46th Annual General Meeting - February 20 and 21, 2025 – Winnipeg MB, Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre,1808 Wellington Ave Manitoba Beef Producers

Sustainability of Canadian Agriculture 2025 – March 4-6, 2025. Save the date.

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