MFGA eBulletin - June 2025

Photo credit: Nerbas Bros Angus

As the wildfire situation continues, our MFGA thoughts remain with all persons, properties, lands and communities dealing with wildfires in Manitoba and across Canada this month and for those possibly dealing with wildfires ahead in coming months. Our MFGA hopes and wishes go outward for the health and safety of all firefighters, first responders and service personnel as they battle forest and grassland fires in often challenging conditions.

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Big news rolled in yesterday with the announcement that MFGA has been named as one of three national finalists for Water Canada's 2025 Early Adopter/Innovation Partnership Award.

We are tremendously humbled and appreciative of such a wonderful honour bestowed on our farmer-led group around water, a major element of any agricultural operation, farm or industry. We thank our partners at Aquanty, who we work side by side on with the MFGA Aquanty Model for our nomination. We are grateful, to the extremes, to be a finalist. The award ceremony will be held in Toronto in October 2025.

Additionally, this month, 14 Manitoba MFGA network farms have voluntarily opened their farms to benchmark grassland bird populations that may be benefiting from the combination of soil-focused farm practices, water management and the intact natural habitats of wetlands and grasslands. MFGA just recently received the data from the previous two years of the annual survey and will be cobbling into a report over the summer. But please do know this:

There was bird abundance on all the MFGA network farms surveyed in the previous two years (13 farms over two years).
And possibly most importantly, this year, the combined acres of the fourteen farms from dairy, beef, grain, mixed, bison and sheep farms, their combined inventory of existing and intact grasslands and wetlands ( including some via previous easements) and their combined deeply-rooted principles around profitability and farming alongside nature would certainly position this pod of farmers as leaders of agricultural sustainability and profitability on significant tracts of private farm lands benefiting nature.

The costs of the annual bird survey are fully absorbed by MFGA and the inkind graciously provided by the farmers, the Important Bird Areas of Manitoba, Manitoba Government's Wildlife Branch and Birds Canada.

From MFGA's perspective, the national water award nomination and the expansion of MFGA network farms on our annual bird survey are exactly why we are doggedly determined to keep celebrating and promoting the leadership of the farmer demographic -often called the early adopters - where MFGA’s foremost interests lie.

Led by our MFGA Board, our MFGA farmer network represents the regenerative-focused farm crew that are motivated to continue to do the best and most profitable work they can alongside nature and the intact habitats of grasslands and wetlands found on their farms.

As MFGA continues to showcase the nature of our MFGA network farms, the leadership of our network of farmers continues naturally.

Muchos Grasses ALL,

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

MFGA named as national finalist in 2025 Water Canada Awards: Early Adopter/ Innovation Partnership Award

MFGA has been named as one of three finalists for Water Canada's Early Adopter/Innovation Partnership Award. This award recognizes a forward-thinking partnership between a municipality, corporation, or institution and a technology provider, highlighting their joint commitment to advancing Canada’s water industry.

By successfully integrating new technology into operations, the recipient demonstrates the potential for broader adoption and industry-wide impact. Celebrating the collaborative efforts that drive innovation, this award honours both the early adopter and the technology provider, showcasing their shared vision for a more sustainable, efficient, and resilient water sector in Canada.

MFGA was nominated by our MFGA Aquanty Model partners at Aquanty. The award winner will be announced at the Water Canada Awards, October 16, 2025 in Toronto. MFGA will have more news to share as we find out more information.

Read more: here

MFGA 2025 Green Gold calls First Cut Date

MFGA Green Gold coordinator Terra Bergen found 2025 to be a mixed bag as far as identifying the best first cut date of alfalfa for the 20 plus participating producers and those producers following along with the reports.

"This year's MFGA Green Gold program has proven both challenging and

rewarding for those with predicting optimal crops ready for first cut harvest." said Bergen. "A brief period of intense heat, followed by cool and rainy weather, fostered growth in western and central regions. In contrast, parts of the eastern region experienced dry and cooler conditions resulting in shorter crops for first cut harvest."

The recommended first cut alfalfa dates for MFGA's 2025 Green Gold Program based on highest Relative Feed Value on the field clips submitted were as follows:

Eastern Region: May 28

Western and Central Regions: Between June 9 to June 14 for the Western and Central.

FPT Meeting Hosted By Province Preps for Federal - Provincial Agriculture Minister Meetings

Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Minister of Manitoba Agriculture, and senior Manitoba Agriculture staff recently hosted a well-attended industry engagement session in preparation for the Federal/Provincial/Territorial (FPT) Ministers of Agriculture meeting.

As a non-check-off, farmer-led group MFGA was particularly interested and shared feedback on key discussion topics that have been included in the 2025 Minister meeting agenda including the Path Forward to the Next Policy Framework and sustainability.

Mike Duguid, MFGA Chair, (left), and Hon. Ron Kostyshyn share a chat at Manitoba Legislative Building earlier this spring.

MFGA Bird Survey 2025 Underway at 14 Manitoba Regen Ag Farms: Grasslands and Grassland Birds a Key Benchmark for MFGA farmer network

Mike Duguid, MFGA chair, paints a clear picture of why he feels the annual MFGA bird survey is so important.

“We all know and hear of the doom and gloom around grassland birds and the decline of grasslands across Manitoba. And it is alarming from several points of view, including the wider lens on our entire system. If we are losing birds, what’s our big picture perspective,” said Duguid. “But this is a good story to tell and one that MFGA is proud to tell. 14 profitable farms from wide range of operations within MFGA’s network of farms want benchmarks around bird populations, specifically how the birds are interacting with or responding to the farming practices on their farms. Farmers are leading this survey on our farmlands and MFGA is making it happen.”

This year’s survey will hit the farm fields in June. The 2025 survey will again feature the strong partnership between the Manitoba Important Bird Areas program (MB IBA) and MFGA, with leadership and expertise from Manitoba Wildlife Branch’s Tim Poole who will collate data and provide MFGA with bird reports. On the Manitoba IBA side, five of the MFGA farms in the MFGA survey have been named “Conservation Champions” by Manitoba IBA for their farm’s work and benefits to Prairie bird populations. Over the summer, MFGA will be producing a report for public audiences from previous 2023-2024 surveys.

2025 MFGA Bird Survey Farms (* denotes IBA Conservation Champion)

*Zack Koscielny, Mixed Farm, Strathclair, MB

*Sean Smith, Dairy, Clanwilliam,MB

*Chelsi Beernaert, Grain, Hartney, MB

*Jacques Saquet, Bison, Laurent, MB

*Arron Nerbas, Forage/Beef, Shellmouth, MB

Mike Duguid, Mixed Farm, Arnes, MB

Mark Schram, Forage/Beef, Cartwright, MB

Amber McNish, Forage/Beef, Lyleton, MB

Guy Bouchard, Sheep, Vita, MB

Zach Grossart, Organic Grain/Beef, Brandon Hills, MB

Harold Bosma, Sheep, Grunthal, MB

Robert Guimond, Dairy, Woodmore, MB

Lawrence Knockaert, Dairy, Bruxelles, MB

Don Guilford, Forage/Beef, Crystal City, MB

New University of Manitoba Research Chair Named to Advance Beef Production Sustainability

The Beef Cattle Research Council has developed research chair positions in partnership with key research institutions and matching industry and government funders with the goal of ensuring long-term research capacity and maintained momentum in priority areas. Following is an announcement of the latest research chair position.

Read more: here

Major Keynote Announcement: Common Ground Movie’s Rick Clark at Eighth Annual MFGA Regenerative Ag Conference November 12–13, 2025, Victoria Inn Conference Center, Brandon

Early Bird Registration (NO FEE INCREASE FROM LAST YEAR!) is now open. To check out speaker bios, sponsorship and tradeshow opportunities, or to register and book accommodations, visit: Register Here

Nuffield Scholarship Deadline – June 30, 2025

MFGA encourages producers to apply for the 2026 Nuffield Canada Scholarship—an opportunity for mid-career individuals to explore global agricultural topics through 10 weeks of international travel and study.

The $20,000 scholarship is open to Canadians involved in any area of agriculture. Learn more and apply by June 30 at www.nuffield.ca

Manitoba Government Extends Deadline for Agricultural Supports

The Manitoba government, in partnership with the federal government, has extended the enrollment deadline for the 2025 AgriStability program from April 30 to July 31, 2025, giving producers additional time to manage market disruptions and protect their farm margins. AgriStability, part of the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP), helps farmers manage income risk due to production loss or market decline.

For more information, visit www.gov.mb.ca/tariffresponse/index.html#agricultural-supports

EVENTS

Soil Health Academy’s Enhancing Regeneration Through Collaboration – June 24–26, 2025 – Russell, MB

Join this unique learning experience focused on a practical and profitable approach to regenerative practices for farmers and ranchers interested in collaborating with neighboring operations. Learn how the six principles of soil health can improve productivity, reduce input costs, and build a more resilient farming system.

For more information, visit www.SoilHealthAcademy.org

Northwest Manitoba Pasture Tour – June 23, 2025 – Ste Rose, MB

Hosted by Manitoba Agriculture, this full-day tour will explore summer pasture and forage management, including solar watering systems, cover cropping, and alfalfa weevil monitoring for hay production. Includes lunch, supper, and bus transport. Registration is $40, payable to Intermountain Watershed District. Pre-registration required by June 20, 2025. Call 1-844-769-6224 to register.

Penrice & Chastko Grazing School – July 5 & 6, 2025 – near Shoal Lake, MB

Two-day hands-on grazing workshop near Shoal Lake, MB, focused on regenerative practices, fencing, grazing tools, stock density, and ecological monitoring. Instructors Dana Penrice and Ted Chastko bring years of practical grazing knowledge. Includes lunch both days, Saturday supper, and flexible accommodations. Family-friendly with a kids program. Flexible fee (suggested value $350). Email: danapenrice@gmail.com or register here

2025 Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Symposium - July 7, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB

Bridging Borders: Innovating Protein for a Global Future, RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB. Email: mbprotein@umanitoba.ca or website at

www.mbprotein.ca

2025 All Canada Sheep Classic - July 10th - 12th, 2025 - Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB

The 2025 All Canada Sheep Classic is coming to the Keystone Centre this summer, bringing together sheep producers to Brandon from coast to coast.

Learn more and buy your tickets here

Manitoba Diversification Centres: Extending Ag-Innovations for Sustainable Agronomic Solutions -2025 Annual Field Days: WADO (Melita) July 17; PESAI (Arborg) July 30; PCDF (Roblin) August 5; MCDC (Carberry) August 6

Learning events featuring producers, researchers and agricultural professionals; all focused on ensuring Manitoba producers are equipped with the knowledge and tools to grow the best food and feed crops possible: mbdiversificationcentres.ca

Soils for our Future 2025 Conference – July 20-25th, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB

“A Gathering of Global to Local Perspectives” at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Contact for info/sponsorship: soils2025@mbsoils.ca

KAP's Campbell Classic Golf Tournament - July 24, 2025 -at Larters at St. Andrews Golf & Country Club

Complete information on registration and the schedule for the day are available on their website at: https://www.kap.ca/events/2025-kap-golf-tournament/

Dairy Farmers of Manitoba’s (DFM) golf tournament -July 30, 2025 - Quarry Oaks in Steinbach.

Registration: (Sponsorship & golfer registration) online: https://tinyurl.com/dfmgolf2025

Manitoba 4R Day at Innovation Farms – August 6, 2025 – Grosse Isle, MB

Join EMILI for a field tour on Manitoba 4R Day to see sustainable 4R practices in action, including Right Source, Right Rate, Right Time, and Right Place. Celebrate the 9th anniversary of Manitoba 4R Day and the importance of nutrient stewardship for a sustainable agricultural industry. A catered lunch will follow the field tour.

Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM CDT

Location: EMILI – Innovation Farms, Road 1E, Grosse Isle, MB

Buy your tickets: here

Saskatchewan Forage Council Pasture Tour - August 6th, 2025- southwest Saskatchewan

Watch the SFC website and eNews for specific locations and more information in the coming months

2025 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference – ALL KEYNOTES ANNOUNCED, EARLY BIRD AND TRADE SHOW BOOTHS NOW OPEN!! NOVEMBER 12-13, 2025, VICTORIA INN AND CONVENTION CENTER, BRANDON, MB. MFGA.NET

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