MFGA eBulletin - January 2026

Photo credit: Nerbas Bros Angus

From the Desk of the Executive Director

The Chinese Zodiac tells us 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, an event that happens every sixty years that can amplify the Year of the Horse’s focus on energy, action and enthusiasm.

Those attributes seem to be a great fit for MFGA.

On the heels of our 2026 MFGA Board’s strategic planning session held recently in Portage at Manitoba Agriculture’s Food Development Centre; it appears we are set to march that path.

As we pound out our exact 2026 strategic plan and the language around it, this much is clear and reportable:

We plan to keep our focus squarely on the early adopters and regen ag farmers that have dominated our attention and actions in all our efforts over the past few years. We see a need for EGS markets, a much more fulsome water focus, a push upward for all farms providing biodiversity and retention of key natural habitats via regen ag mindsets led by the farmers in Manitoba and the Prairies.

We will remain vision-focused, mission-driven in MFGA's determination to bring our group and network of farmers to the front of projects, proposals and participation in areas of regen ag and farm land relevance.

As we focus on our MFGA network of regen ag and early adopter farmers, we will also ensure our doors are always open for those seeking to learn more about how our farmers are doing things and why. We will focus on those inside the MFGA tent while ensuring our tent has no walls for others to easily walk in.

As Canada strides into new times, market pressures and varying relationship temperatures with global partners, from a domestic lens, our MFGA network of farmers and others like them across the Prairies represent a low risk, high return of investment for governments, investors and agencies looking for healthy farms and the lands within these farms that produce crops, products and/or livestock with a direct emphasis on water management, biodiversity, intact habitats, soil health and community resilience.

Energy. Action. Enthusiasm.

Let’s ride hard in the Year of the Fire Horse.

Muchos Grasses ALL,

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

MFGA Board Executive Sees Youth Movement: They believe it is their time to lead and they are ready to do so

For the next two years, the MFGA Board executive will be led by MFGA chair Zack Koscielny (29) of Strathclair, MB; vice-chair Zach Grossart (30) from the outskirts of Brandon, MB, and finance chair Amber McNish (25) of Lyleton, MB.

The Millennial/Generational Z -born trio will benefit from the experience of recent MFGA chair and Wall of Fame inductee Mike Duguid, who will serve in the past chair role for one year. Duguid brings valuable experience on board governance and all MFGA matters to the MFGA executive committee.

Koscielny and Grossart grew up on well-respected mixed farms and families in their region and McNish comes from a beef and forage background and generational family farm operation in the far southwest corner of Manitoba. All have served on the MFGA Board as board of director producer reps.In other MFGA Board news, MFGA welcomed two new board members: regen ag farmer/market expert Brenda Tjaden of Birds Hill and RBC Relationship Manager, Commercial Financial Services – Agriculture & Agribusiness, Andrew Rolfe of Winnipeg. The board also accepted the transfer of Mark Schram from producer rep to Manitoba Beef Producers’ representative on the MFGA Board, replacing Duguid who terms off MBP in February.

Manitoba Ag launches new Greenhouse Gas Tool

Manitoba Agriculture has developed an interactive agricultural greenhouse gas (GHG) assessment tool for farmers. Housed within the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) platform, the tool is intuitive and easy to use, allowing farmers to learn about the different sources of emissions and quickly estimate annual GHG emissions from their

operations.

To use the tool, create an account at www.manitobaEFP.ca and begin

exploring Manitoba's Agricultural GHG Tool today! If you have any questions please contact Petra Loro at petra.loro@gov.mb.ca.

Andrea Brocklebank Appointed CEO of the Canadian Cattle Association

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC congratulates Executive Director Andrea Brocklebank on her selection as Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Cattle Association (CCA). Effective March 1, 2026, her appointment recognizes her strong leadership and ongoing contributions to Canada’s beef sector.

View more: here

Top 10 Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast Episodes to Revisit as We Celebrate Episode 100

The Canadian Beef Cattle Podcast has reached an exciting milestone with the release of Episode 100. To mark the occasion, this special compilation brings together standout insights, tips, and strategies from past episodes, offering practical advice for producers of all experience levels. From calving season preparation to herd management and sustainability, it’s a must-listen for anyone in the beef industry.

View more: here

The Ivey–CLC Conservation Leadership Course Is Back for 2026

Applications are now open for the next cohort of the Ivey–CLC Conservation Leadership Course, taking place April 20–24, 2026, in London, Ontario.

Designed specifically for leaders in Canada’s land conservation community, this intensive program equips participants with the strategic, organizational, and leadership skills needed to accelerate conservation impact. Through expert-led sessions, case studies, and peer learning, the course supports practitioners in navigating complex challenges, building resilient organizations, and leading with confidence.

View more: here

SaskSoil Names New Executive Director; Hosts annual conference

SaskSoil has announced Katelyn Duncan as new executive director. Katelyn brings an impressive background in agricultural leadership, advocacy, and program development. Her strategic vision and strong dedication to soil stewardship will guide SaskSoil into an exciting new chapter.

The 2026 SaskSoil Soil Health Conference will be held at TCU Place, February 11–12 in Saskatoon. This two-day event features producer-led sessions, practical soil health strategies, and leading voices in agriculture—all focused on tools you can use on your farm. View the agenda and register: here

Young Agarians Business Mentorship Network

The Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network provides new and next-generation farmers that have been in business 1 - 10 years with practical, personalized mentorship to help build strong, resilient farm businesses.

Applications are open for the 2026 Business Mentorship Network cohort - apply today. WEBSITE

EVENTS

Manitoba Ag Stock Talk Webinars: Feb.5, March 12 & April 9. Time:12:30 – 1:30 p.m. Register for StockTalk webinar:

https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_Hlm-PWqFSJelloMpy5H5zg

Please add the webinar series to your calendar once you are registered.

KAP Annual General Meeting 2026

February 3, 2026 · Delta Hotel, Winnipeg

Save the date for KAP’s AGM — a full day of updates, discussion, and connection across Manitoba agriculture.

Welcome Reception: February 2 · Delta Hotel

Hotel Rate: Book by January 19

Manitoba Beef Producers AGM

February 11-12, 2026

47th Annual General Meeting, at the Victoria Inn at 3550 Victoria Avenue in Brandon.

SaskSoil Soil Health Conference

February 11–12, 2026.

The 2026 SaskSoil Soil Health Conference at TCU Place, Saskatoon. View the agenda and register at SaskSoil.ca

Sustainability of Canadian Agriculture Conference – March 3–5, 2026 – Virtual

Learn more and register here

Advancing Women Conference West 2026 – 2026 – at Red Deer, AB

Learn more and register: here

The Regenerative Food Systems Investment Canada Summit, Winnipeg May 26-27th,

Learn more: here

Thank you to our 2025/26 Annual Supporters!

Corporate sponsors from our 2025/26 corporate campaign are included below and will continue to be profiled throughout the next year. MFGA thanks all of these awesome groups and we proudly profile your support of MFGA and our farmer network: if your company is interested, please sign up here

MFGA PLATINUM SUPPORTERS

MFGA GOLD SUPPORTERS

MFGA SILVER SUPPORTERS

MFGA BRONZE SUPPORTERS

NOT SUBSCRIBED? CLICK HERE