MFGA eBulletin - October 2024 | |
Photo Credit: Nerbas Bros. Angus | |
From the Desk of the Executive Director | |
In 2018, MFGA was one of the first producer-led groups in Canada – and, perhaps, the first in Manitoba – to embrace, recognize and advocate for regenerative agriculture with an official corporate position.
MFGA’s position was carefully scripted by the MFGA Board of the time to showcase the interest and potential for a paradigm shift from yield-first to profit-based practices, values and outcomes around “farmer-led, farmgate by farmgate, profitable, farmed by nature, grassroots based, soil-boosting farm practices” that showcase farmer innovation, flexibility and adaptability.
It was also deliberately scripted for MFGA to host our own regen ag conference, a visionary door-opening thought at the time that now has us accelerating toward Year Seven of our annual regenerative agriculture conference with a tsunami of momentum and the incredible privilege of hosting farmers, ag interests, conservation groups, Indigenous representation and industry stakeholders under the same roof, enjoying the same vibes and networking with and learning from each other.
As a result, MFGA’s regen ag interests remain primarily focused on showcasing the great work of farmers by farmers, especially practices led by the early adopters via peer-to-peer interactions and presentations. Concurrently, led by corporate buy-in from agricultural titans such as General Mills, McCains and Cargill and endorsed by financial leaders such as the Royal Bank of Canada, interest among the supply chains and consumers has accelerated alongside the federal government’s focus on carbon and biodiversity on Canada’s Prairies.
This is why gatherings like our 2024 conference are so important for those of you who consider yourselves early adopters or soil-health focused and all of those who are determined to learn more before committing to anything. That is the role of the conference: to listen, to learn, to network and to connect.
Just as importantly, perhaps with a bit of help via the farmer first drum beat of MFGA and other like-minded groups and organizers such as Sask Soil, Food Water Wellness Foundation, DUC Grazing Clubs, Understanding Ag and Holistic Management Canada, the way you farm is being presented and recognized as vital components of a healthy agriculture system that provides incredible and natural benefits back to society.
And, that’s an amazing thing to be part of.
See you on November 12-13 in Brandon!!! EARLY BIRD CLOSES TODAY!!
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Muchos Grasses ALL,
Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
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Pictured above (l-r): Robert Loiselle (St. Boniface), Diljeet Brar (Burrows) Mike Moroz (River Heights), Mike Duguid, MFGA chair, Carla Compton (Tuxedo), Mike Moyes (Riel), Logan Oxenham (Kirkfield Park). | |
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Manitoba MLAs Tour MFGA Chair’s Farm
Taking advantage of a NDP government caucus meeting in Gimli, an appreciation and awareness of the Interlake area, and an open invite from Mike Duguid, MFGA chair at a previous joint meeting with Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Agriculture Minister, MLA Robert Loiselle organized a group of five fellow NDP MLA colleagues to recently tour the Duguid family farm near Gimli last month.
According to Duguid, the hour-long tour went very well. He was especially pleased the group represented ridings within the City of Winnipeg and that they prompted great discussions around regen ag, farmer profitability and on-farm practices.
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MFGA 2024 Grazing Day: A Wonderfully Awesome, Grass-filled Day At NBA
Grass, grazing, genetics, drones, fencing and watering systems all shared the spotlight at MFGA Grazing Day 2024, hosted by Nerbas Bros Angus September 19, 2024.
More than 60 attendees jammed into trucks to take part in the You-drive tour that also included presentations from hosts Arron and Shane Nerbas (NBA), Cheryl and Trevor Branvold (GBT Angus), Jagger Thomas (JL Ranch), Neil Thorsteinson (Rangeward) and Karston Penner (Sunstream Solar). Kudos and thanks to the Shellmouth crew led by Cynthia Nerbas that put together such an amazing and delicious lunch.
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Canada Strengthens Protection Of Freshwater With Launch Of Standalone Canada Water Agency
MFGA was among the crowd of stakeholders, government and Indigenous leaders that gathered at The Forks on a brisk mid-October morning to hear the Honourable Steven Guilbault, Minister of Environment and Climate Change Canada, announce the establishment of the Canada Water Agency as a standalone federal entity to be headquartered in Winnipeg. Special thanks and congratulations are also due to Parliamentary Secretary Terry Duguid who was instrumental in Winnipeg’s place as headquarters.
MFGA has engaged and supported the creation of the Canada Water Agency since announced last year. At this time, the focus is on data collection and coordination of a data agency that will strengthen freshwater management in Canada – which on paper seems a perfect fit for the MFGA Aquanty model. In coming times, the voice of farmers will be sought and necessary to be added to a myriad of plans, partnerships and ambitions that support the restoration and protection of fresh water in Canada funded by the historic $650 million investment outlined in Budget 2023. MFGA hopes to be very active on that front when that time comes.
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Boyd and Elizondo: From Fireside Chat to Forrest Chat
The MFGA 2024 Regenerative Agriculture Conference’s Fireside chat promises to be provocative and informative as old friends and colleagues Ryan Boyd and Jim Elizondo take the stage to discuss grazing and everything else at the conference. In conjunction with the MFGA conference and in partnership with Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Grazing Clubs, Boyd and Elizondo will be hosting a two-day workshop in Forrest, MB following the conference. MFGA conference delegates will receive a $25 discount if they wish to attend.
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MFGA AGM 2023-24 Successfully Held: Meeting Highlights
The MFGA Board gathered late in September for the annual general meeting 2023-24 fiscal year.
After MFGA finance lead Chris Yuzdepski outlined MFGA’s positive financial status, MFGA Chair Michael Duguid’s report emphasized and congratulated the board and staff on MFGA’s positive financial position and positive brand. Duguid stipulated that MFGA is recognized and respected by many across various organizations and government agencies. Duguid also saluted the MFGA Board of Directors as diversified and broad in its knowledge of Regen Agriculture.
Duncan Morrison, MFGA executive director, reported MFGA continues meeting strategic plan goals via the four pillars of MFGA revenue streams: Conference, Memberships, Corporate Support and Project/Fee for Service administration. Morrison’s report included organizational highlights of high retention and incredible appreciation for corporate supporters and project partners; working with Manitoba Association of Watersheds Prairie Watersheds Climate Project; MFGA Aquanty, and a continued driving focus on the early adopter demographic and regen ag soil health benefits and practices of MFGA network farms. Morrison also thanked the board and staff for their support and contributions to and for MFGA and reinforced the MFGA brand and organization as well known and well regarded.
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CAPI: Agri-Food risk Report Phase 1
Canadian agriculture and food is a sector with many things going right for it. It is a major economic contributor, with products that have a lower environmental footprint at a time when Canada’s role in global food security is increasingly clear. Those fundamentals drive a lot of optimism in the sector. But, and it is a big but, no matter how good the fundamentals are, it is hard to get past the significant headwinds facing the sector.
That is why CAPI undertook a national, cross value-chain survey to inform our the Agri-Food Risk Report Phase 1. This initial survey provided a snapshot that highlighted a sense of optimism in the face of significant risk.
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October 2024 PVWD-MAW PWCP TOUR A Great Success
On October 10, Pembina Valley Watershed District hosted a UDRIVE tour in the beautiful Pembina Valley to showcase three MAW PWCP farms and farmers utilizing bale grazing, rotational grazing and organic fertilizers.
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October Hay Situation & Price Update
Rainfall accumulation in most areas has exceeded 100% of normal precipitation since May 1. Soil moisture in the top 0 - 30 cm shows on Oct 6, 2024 relative to field capacity although variable across agro-Manitoba the majority of area is showing optimal soil moisture conditions at the surface depths. It should be noted that the dry areas are expanding as lack of fall moisture continues. Click here.
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What Do We Want To Grow In Our Pastures?
There are basic guidelines and advice for a pasture mix, but questions abound.
Read more.
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Launch of the AgMatters Podcast
KAP has officially launched AgMatters Podcast, check listen.
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YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHsVfMYBw_4
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Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0vkZRtzIezja1y4cOgWHyD?si=18d6ee519c8c4df1
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Government of Canada announces funding to advance sustainable farming practices in the organic sector
Investing in organic farming research is crucial for promoting sustainable practices, addressing sector challenges, and ensuring the growth and competitiveness of Canadian organic products. Read More.
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Industry Events
Saskatchewan Advisory Meeting on Forage Crops, - November 7, 2024, Saskatoon, SK
Location and Details: TBA
Agriculture Enlightened 2024 - Nov 7, 2024, in Winnipeg, MB
Details here: Agriculture Enlightened Conference
MFGA 2024 Regenerative Agriculture Conference - Early Bird Registration Open!!!! NOV 12-13, 2024 - Sign up now for early bird savings and block your hotel rooms.
National Advancing Women Conference - November 17-19, 2024 - Niagara Falls, ON
Details here: Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference
Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference - Nov 18, 2024 - Winnipeg, MB
Details here: mfwc
Manitoba Association of Watersheds Conference - Spearheading Success: Innovation in Watershed Management – Dec 2-4, 2024 - Brandon, MB
Details here: Manitoba Watersheds Conference
2024 Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing - Dec 10-12, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta
Registration Open: www.absoilgrazing.com/ for dates and details.
KAP AGM - February 3-4, 2025 - Winnipeg, MB
Details to come.
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
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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!
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