From the Desk of MFGA Executive Director

   WELL.....WE DID IT!!! Actually, we all did it: It being the first-ever MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference and WE being the MFGA board and staff, the conference attendees, speakers, supporters, partners, display merchants and organizations. And what a show it was for us to host. Thank you to all, robustly and sincerely. From a footprint perspective, we put approximately 270 people in conference chairs at our fullest moments, while our social media impressions on "the twitter" totalled more than 17,000 for the month of November. When coupled with Ducks Unlimited Canada's Grazing Clubs on either end of the conference, it was pretty heady times for Regenerative Agriculture in southwest Manitoba. On top of the conference's excellent speaker line-up and awesome camaraderie, add a great banquet meal from the Manitoba Bison Association and exciting announcements about a new General Mills program around a soil health academy, the Canadian Forage and Grassland Association's Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Program and MFGA's Aquanty Project model being accessible to all via an online portal and...well, wasn't that a shindig!!!! Thank you ALL!!!! As we head into the festive season and turn our attentions to 2019, we at MFGA are sure happy to have you in our network, we are incredibly grateful for your support, and we wish you and your families the best of the holidays and a prosperous and productive 2019.  

   Muchos grasses all! 

   Duncan Morrison,  MFGA Executive Director   

MFGA Chairperson returns for 2019 

Virden's Darren Chapman helms Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association for next year 

Virden's Darren Chapman was returned as Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) chairperson at the November 2018 MFGA Annual General Meeting held in Brandon recently. Chapman will helm the organization through 2019. MFGA Finance Chair Ryan Boyd will return for another term on the MFGA Board Executive while Larry Wegner of Virden continues as MFGA Vice-Chair. Longtime MFGA board member, past chair and 2018 Canadian Forage and Grassland Association Leadership Award winner Dave Koslowsky concluded his valuable years of service at MFGA. Koslowsky was replaced as a producer representative on the MFGA Board by Arron Nerbas of Shellmouth, MB. MFGA welcomes Arron to the fold and thanks Dave for his many years of valuable service and leadership. Manitoba Beef Producers also provided a new representative in Mike Duguid from the Interlake area, replacing southwest Manitoba's Gord Adams as MBP's MFGA rep.

THE 2018/2019 MFGA BOARD MEMBERS  (new 2019 members in  red ) :
Producer Representatives: Larry Wegner( Vice Chair-Virden), Ryan Boyd (Finance Chair-Forrest), Andrea Hamilton (Glenboro), Kristelle Harper (Brandon), Shauna Breault (Ste Rose du lac), Matt Van Steelandt (Melita), Arron Nerbas (Shellmouth).  

MFGA Board Member Dave Koslowsky Wins National CFGA Leadership Award!

Dave Koslowsky, past MFGA chair (l) and Cedric MacLeod, CFGA executive director

Manitoba producer and MFGA Board Member Dave Koslowsky recently received the 2018 Canadian Forage & Grassland (CFGA) Leadership Award - an award with national prominence given each year at the CFGA Conference to recognize and encourage significant leadership in the forage and grassland sector. 

Read the full CFGA media release here.

New Western Livestock Price Insurance Program Payment Option for Manitoba Producers

Manitoba livestock producers can now defer their policy premiums for up to 30 days after the policy expires. Previously only available in Alberta, this new payment option gives Manitoba producers the same flexibility for settling accounts. Set up a WLPIP account, purchase a WLPIP policy and defer your premium payments for the entire length of the policy - up to 30 days after it expires! WLPIP policies for feeder cattle, fed cattle and hogs are available year-round. The next purchase dates for WLPIP calf policies are from February 5, 2019 to May 30, 2019. More information here or read the media bulletin. 

Feeding straw to your livestock

MFGA's monthly Hay Situation and Price Report shows that hay and straw prices are up from previous years and although higher prices may be a concern, the biggest challenge may be the availability of feed. To meet this limited supply, producers are culling and/or looking at lower quality forage sources such as straw supplemented with grain and a protein source to meet their cattle's needs. Be aware of various resources on how best to utilize straw in beef rations. Before embarking on any changes to your feeding program it is advisable to have all your forages tested and then to work with your nutritionist or give your local Manitoba Agriculture Livestock Specialist a call and ask for assistance in putting together a feeding program for the coming winter. Read on....

Plan your forage program now for 2019

Fall and winter is a good time to reflect on pasture planning and pasture monitoring strategies. Using cows to harvest the grass is the economic basis for cow-calf production and feed typically make up the largest component of annual cow costs. Producers can minimize annual feed costs by managing for maximum grazing with minimal use of hay and supplemental feed to seasonally overcome lack of forage quantity and/or quality. In many cases, it's feasible to reduce annual cow costs with a combination of better grazing management and reduced hay use. For areas that can be looked at to minimize annual feed costs, read on....

December Hay Situation and Price Update

John McGregor, MFGA Hay Expert, spoke with Manitoba Agriculture livestock staff, forage producers and industry personnel to get their impression of hay prices and the hay situation. Read the report here.

Restrictions on Winter Application of Nutrients

As of Nov. 10, provincial legislation prohibits the application of nitrogen and phosphorus until April 10, 2019. Nutrient sources containing nitrogen and/or phosphorus include synthetic fertilizer and livestock manure. The winter spreading restrictions are in place as the application of nutrients onto frozen or snow-covered soils results in an increased risk of nutrient runoff. Nutrient runoff to waterways contributes directly to algal blooms in Lake Winnipeg and elsewhere.  Read more...

Travel this winter on one of these amazing Agricultural Tours!

MFGA has once again partnered with Leader Tours to offer these three  agricultural-influenced tours and the opportunity to  travel with like-minded people !  

Sit back and enjoy these trips hassle-free while developing new friendships and the unique sights and experiences provided by the people, producers and agricultural industries of each region. Itineraries and pricing are found on each link. 

New Zealand: February 24 to March 16, 2019

Argentina: March 5 to 19, 2019

Grazing Club Regenerative Ag Workshop -  Dec 10, 2019 at MBFI Learning Center 
Derek and Tannis farm at Minton, Sk.  Derek and Tannis Axten,  the fourth generation on the family farm, have focused their efforts on improving soil health through intercrops, cover crops and compost products. Time: 10am - 3pm; Registration $25, incl lunch. Derek and Tannis Axten are the 2017 Canadian Outstanding Young Farmers. 

Mb Conservation District Assoc Annual Meeting - Dec 10 & 11, 2019 in Brandon, Mb

Learn about changes coming to drainage licensing, funding opportunities with the new Conservation Trust, success stories in boosting

Prairie Livestock Expo -  Dec 12, 2019 at Victoria Inn, Winnipeg, MB

A multi-species livestock show - over 140 exhibits! Canada's largest pork quality competition, new & evolving technologies, Expert presentations for today's producers. Free admission / free parking / door prizes.

Build farm business success - Dec 13 & 14, 2019 in Winnipeg

Special two-day event from FCC, featuring some of Canada's top experts in agriculture business.

Manitoba Beef & Forage Week - Jan 14 to 18, 2019 in communities across Manitoba

Mark your calendar! The Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association Manitoba, Beef Producers, and Manitoba Agriculture are hosting beef and forage seminars in your local community. View ad above for dates and locations

Manitoba Ag Days - Jan 22 to 24, 2019 in Brandon, MB 

This show is an exposition of agricultural production expertise, technology, and equipment that attracts exhibitors and visitors from across Canada and the United States of America and includes the most relevant, up to date, informational speakers available. Mb Ag Days has been approved for 24.5 CEU Credits this year.

Manitoba Beef Producers AGM and Conference - Feb 7 & 8, 2019 in Brandon, MB

Held at the Victoria Inn Hotel and Convention Centre in Brandon, this year's theme is "Proud Past, Promising Future" and will include a look back at MBP's 40 years representing beef producers and a look ahead to the sector's future.

Prairie Conservation & Endangered Species Conf -  Feb 19 to 21, 2019 in Winnipeg, MB

Whether you're a researcher, producer, or prairie professional, join your fellow experts in exploring the latest information, research, and trends in the conservation of "Working Landscapes." Registration is open, save $50 with the Early Bird rates! Details on hotel, agenda and registration here or call Kelly Forgala, 204-257-5205.

Agriculture Tour: New Zealand -  Feb 24 to March 16, 2019 in NZ!

MFGA and Leader Tours have partnered to offer this agricultural-influenced tours and the opportunity to travel with like-minded people!Experience New Zealand's sublime forests, mountains, lakes, beaches and fiords that have made NZ one of the best destinations on Earth.

Agriculture Tour: Argentina -  March 5 to 19, 2019 in Argentina!

MFGA and Leader Tours have partnered to offer this agricultural-influenced tours and the opportunity to travel with like-minded people! In addition to spectacular tourist stops, the trip will include ExpoAgro, the worlds greatest machinery demonstration exhibition. Features: Sit back and enjoy these trips hassle-free while developing new friendships and the unique sights and experiences provided by the people, producers and agricultural industries of each region. Call (403) 270-7044 or toll free 1-844-370-7044 for more information.

Holistic Grazing Planning - Tuesdays, Jan 29 - March 5, 2019, Online
Time: 1pm-2pm MST (also recorded for later viewing) Scholarship Deadline: Jan 22, 2019 Registration Deadline: Jan 29, 2019 Instructor: Holistic Management Certified Educator, Ralph Tate. 

Holistic Financial Planning -  Tuesdays, March 12 - April 16, 2019, Online 

Time: 1pm-2pm MST (also recorded for later viewing) Scholarship Deadline: March 5, 2019 Registration Deadline: March 12, 2019 Instructor: Holistic Management Certified Educator, Phil Metzger.

Western Canada Soil Health & Grazing - 

December 10-12, 2019,  Edmonton, AB

Save the Date! More details to follow.