MFGA eBulletin - January 2024

MFGA eBulletin - January 2025

Photo Credit: Nerbas Bros. Angus

From the Desk of the Executive Director

While today’s temperatures may seem mild for mid-January, forecasts next week seem to hint the ol' Manitoba Ag Days annual cold snap of frigid temps during the show's run may be back again for another year.

That's a good enough reason to take the trip to Brandon, get inside the warmth of the Keystone Center, check out everything and huddle up for chats with friends and colleagues. As always, MFGA will have our booth on site (1338 MNP Hall) and we are delighted to see Nerbas Bros Angus’s Arron Nerbas, our recently termed off MFGA board member and owner & operator, The E Butchery on Main in Russel, MB, on a speaker panel “Produced on the Prairies”.

Arron will be joined on that panel by Steve Langston, a video contractor MFGA often uses, who will also be doing a separate keynote address around his own absolute mission to showcase the fine lifestyle available in small rural communities. Check them both out if you get a chance.

But while the speakers, booths, products and services merge with the farmers and producers taking in this gigantic annual event as the heartbeat of the event and the organizing committee, led by General Manager Kristen Phillips, serves as the event’s brain trust, the Manitoba government and Manitoba Agriculture department are the event’s backbone.

Regardless of what party is in power, over the years, Manitoba Ag Days represents a great opportunity for the provincial government and Manitoba Agriculture leaders to reinforce agriculture’s importance and future priorities, key funding and direction for the next year.

This year is no different as The Honourable Wab Kinew, Premier of Manitoba, The Honourable Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Agriculture and David Beaudin, Manitoba Metis Federation Minister of Agriculture and Education take the MNP Theatre stage at 11:15 am on Tuesday to share their vision, goals, programs and potential announcements for 2025.

It’s never a bad idea to get your information straight from the source, especially when you have a chance.

Manitoba Ag Days offers that too. Just stay warm and safe on your travels.

Muchos Grasses ALL,

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

Certification’s winding road

Champions of regenerative agriculture have well-established talking points on cost-management and ecological goods and services when they pitch the management philosophy.

They might note reduced input costs, healthier and therefore more productive soil, less erosion or more beef raised per acre without strain on the land. They might mention gains in biodiversity, soil microbiology and organic matter.

If potential converts were looking for a better price because they farm regeneratively, however, the conversation usually gets a little thornier. Read Miranda Leybourne’s Western Producer feature; Learn More

MFGA 2024 Conference featured on: Think Outside The Fence Podcast

Episode Title: 2024 MFGA Conference Highlights

Kick off 2025 with the Think Outside The Fence Podcast, as hosts Amy Fawcett and Arron Nerbas recap the 2024 Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association Conference! Dive into the key takeaways and memorable moments from an outstanding lineup of speakers, brought to you by MFGA and their incredible sponsors.

Listen to the podcast here: Podcast Link

HMC: Tools, Courses and Conference Aim To Help Make Decisions Aligned with Your Values

As we step into 2025, recommit to a holistic approach in land management. Align every decision you make with your values to enhance your land’s vitality and strengthen your business. Explore Holistic Management’s tools and courses to support better decision-making in 2025.

Learn More and Register

Manitoba Beef Producers Annual General Meeting

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) 46th Annual General will be held at the Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba, February 20-21, 2025.

MBP represents approximately 6,000 Manitoba beef producers involved in various aspects of the industry, including the cow-calf, backgrounding and finishing sectors. MBP'S mission is to represent producers through communications, advocacy, research, and education—within the industry and to governments, consumers and others, to improve prosperity and ensure a sustainable future for Manitoba’s producers. Beef production is Manitoba’s single largest livestock commodity in terms of the number of individual farm operations, and the industry is a key player in our province’s economy, as well as in providing valuable ecosystem services.

Learn more and register here.

Learn how to transition your farm and take Your KAP Membership to New Heights

Are you going to Manitoba Ag Days next week in Brandon? KAP is setting up at our usual booth spot (#695) in the Brandon Curling Club to chat with producers about their concerns and priorities and to promote the benefits producers can access as a member of KAP. KAP will also be doing a prize draw to win a free drone for anyone who signs up. Don’t miss KAP’s farm transition workshop as well, taking place January 23 from 9-11am in the Assembly Hall. Get Tickets Here

Supply Chain Manitoba survey

Supply Chain Manitoba, in collaboration with Supply Chain Canada-Saskatchewan, is seeking input from Manitoba and Saskatchewan businesses and organizations on the current state and issues, opportunities related to circularity and the circular economy. Probe Research is conducting the survey, and all participants who complete the survey will have the chance to win a $250 Visa gift card. See below for more information!

Learn More

Keystone Agricultural Producers Annual General Meeting

Join us on February 4, 2025, at the Delta Hotel in Winnipeg for KAP’s Annual General Meeting. This year’s event will focus on key agricultural issues and how we can collaborate to overcome challenges.

Secure your spot by registering today. Be sure to check out the meeting agenda for all the details and book your hotel room by January 20, 2025, to take advantage of our discounted rate. Book your stay here.

Industry Events

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

Learn More

Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Seminar - January 29, 2025 - Winnipeg, MB

Join Dr. Jason Gibbs for an engaging seminar on the hidden world of bees.

📅 January 29, 2025 | ⏰ 3:30 PM

📍 University of Manitoba, Agriculture Building

Free to attend!

Agrarian After Dark - February 1, 2025 6pm - Winnipeg, MB

Join us for an evening connecting rural producers and urban consumers in the local food and fiber community.

🎟️ Get Tickets Here

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

Don’t miss the Welcome Reception on February 3, 2025, at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights.

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

Prince of Wales Cultural and Recreational Centre, Event Details.

Manitoba Sheep Association Symposium & AGM - February 8, 2025, 6pm - Macgregor, MB

Join us for an evening of industry updates, engaging discussions, and connections within the sheep farming community.

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

11th Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop & Prairie Fire Summit 2025 - February 11-13, 2025 - Atlas Hotel, Regina, SK

🎟️ Register Now

📜 View the Draft Programs

Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) 46 th 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 Virtual Conference - March 4-6, 2025, Winnipeg, MB

Join researchers, producers, and industry leaders to explore innovative approaches to agricultural sustainability in Canada.

Learn More

Thank you to our 2024/25 Annual Supporters!

It's never too late to join these 2024/25 leaders who are some of the best of the best in the agriculture and conservation communities - sign up here!

MFGA PLATINUM SUPPORTERS

MFGA GOLD SUPPORTERS

MFGA SILVER SUPPORTERS

MFGA BRONZE SUPPORTERS

NOT SUBSCRIBED? CLICK HERE