MFGA eBulletin - October 2025 | | credit: Guy Bouchard, Green Pastures Farm, Gardenton, MB | | From the Desk of the Executive Director | | |
credit: Diffusion of Innovation, Businessillustrator.com
I'm sure most of you have seen this illustration or a variation of it on social media. It is, indeed, well played effectively across numerous channels, presentations and contexts, particularly around technology and innovation.
When it comes to agriculture’s demographics, this illustration -for the most part- also rings true. For those farmers practicing and adapting regen ag principles tend to be considered Innovators, early adopters.
But we will say, mostly anecdotally based on our farmer intel, the early adopters are increasingly populated with members of the early majority who will make the leap across the supposed “chasm” to try certain things or practices that interest them. It can be one practice on one field or it can be a complete adoption of the six regen ag principles. Whatever the change, the risk these farmers feared is lessened within their own diligence, curiosity and pursuit to learn more by listening intently and seeing others succeed on a template that starts and ends at their own farms.
Additionally, thanks to programs like Manitoba Association of Watershed’s Prairie Watershed Climate Program delivered through the individual watersheds, farmers that previously may have been more comfortable in the late majority and not-interested-in change segments of the illustration are increasingly trying BMPs such as cover crops and rotational grazing that incorporate some key regen ag principles around soil and livestock.
And, we think that’s awesome.
Still, in our MFGA world of regen ag farmers, like-minded partners and groups, we have witnessed over and over that the key to regen ag farming isn’t telling farmers what group they are part of and how and what they should be farming.
Rather, the key is farmers talking to farmers, learning from other farmers, sharing what worked, why it worked, why it didn’t and how it was adapted or abandoned.
For anyone wondering or wanting to learn more about regenerative agriculture via farmer keynotes and farmer moderator and panels, fortified by an entire sold out trade show of experts and networking among your farmer peers throughout our day and half event, there is no better place than the MFGA Regen Ag Conference November 12-13, 2025 at the Vic Inn Brandon.
Wherever you may be on the illustration, please consider this your personal invite from MFGA to attend our event.
It will be great to see you there! Get your motor going, Early bird ends this week: October 20, register now at mfga.net
| |
Muchos Grasses ALL,
Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
| | Dr. Steven Frey (Aquanty), Mike Duguid (MFGA Chair), Duncan Morrison (MFGA ex director) and Dr. Andre Erler (Aquanty) celebrate MFGA Aquanty Model’s win at 16th annual Water Canada Awards October 16 in Toronto. | | |
MFGA Honoured with National Water Canada Award
Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association is the first-ever Water Canada Awards winner of the Early Adopter or Innovation Partnership award. The MFGA Aquanty Model created by Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association and Aquanty Inc., delivers Canada’s first digital twin of the Assiniboine Basin to help farmers and communities adapt to extreme weather.
Mike Duguid, MFGA chair, said the award is a huge honour for all MFGA board members and staff that have worked on the model over the years, showcasing the leadership ability of MFGA to work with farmers and farm groups to key in on water management via the model and forecasting tool as well as the important role and potential of forages and grasslands in future climate change scenarios and resilience, especially around water. Duguid tipped his hat to the outstanding ongoing partnership with Aquanty and the partnerships with Assiniboine West (AWWD), Pembina Valley (PVWD), Souris River and Redboine Watershed Districts as well as the Rolling River First Nations/AWWD and Swan Lake First Nations/PVWD collaborations as well as the original funders at AAFC and the Province of Manitoba.
| | |
Duncan Morrison, MFGA executive director, congratulates Hon. Mike Moyes, Minister of Environment and Climate Change on the Province’s launch of Manitoba’s Path to Net-Zero earlier this month at Fort Whyte Alive.
MFGA ZEROES IN ON PROVINCE’S NET ZERO PLANS FOR REGEN AG
The Manitoba government has unveiled Manitoba’s Path to Net Zero, a strategy guided by the Indigenous teachings of gathering manoomin (wild rice) – a bold plan to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen communities and build a resilient, low-carbon economy that benefits all Manitobans, Premier Wab Kinew and Environment and Climate Change Minister Mike Moyes announced earlier this month.
Of special interest to MFGA audiences, the strategy includes sector-based opportunities around sustainable agriculture, including key initiatives around the advancement of regenerative agriculture and BMPs. For more information and to view the full roadmap, visit https://manitoba.ca/netzero/
| | MFGA 2025 REGEN AG CONFERENCE AND SUMMIT DRAWING BIG INTEREST WITH UPSWELL OF REGISTRATIONS; MFGA TRADE SHOW SOLD OUT, WAITING LIST IN PLACE | | |
Manitoba Organics Offers Next Day Deal for MFGA Conference Sponsors and Trade Show Booths
Manitoba Organics and Organic Grain Hub are hosting a trade show on Friday, November 14th, 2025, following the MFGA conference at the Victoria Inn in Brandon, MB.
Organizers are currently offering 20% off all sponsorship levels for anyone sponsoring or attending the MFGA Conference. This event will feature a variety of sponsorship and booth opportunities, providing excellent visibility and connection with stakeholders across the organic sector. Highlights include a farm panel featuring local organic farmers and a keynote presentation by Gary Zimmer. Please feel free to reach out to: hailey@manitobaorganics.com
| | |
MFGA Congratulates Scott Sinclair and Nicole Gaudette for senior postings at Manitoba Ag
The Province of Manitoba has appointed Scott Sinclair as the new Deputy Minister of Agriculture. Sinclair brings extensive leadership experience from roles across multiple departments, including Health, Infrastructure, and Crown Services, and is also a faculty member at the University of Manitoba’s Department of Political Studies. His expertise in policy, research, and public administration will help guide Manitoba’s agriculture sector toward continued growth and innovation.
Nicole Gaudette has also recently joined the Department of Agriculture as the new Assistant Deputy Minister of Agriculture Production, Innovation, and Resilience. Nicole was most recently Dean of Russ Edwards School of Agriculture and Environment at Assiniboine College in Brandon, Manitoba. Nicole holds a BA in psychology from the University of Regina, a BSc in human nutrition from the University of Manitoba, and a PhD in sensory science from Brock University, studying at the Cool Climate Oenology and Viticulture Institute. She remains an active learner and is currently pursuing a part-time MBA at the University of Alberta.
MFGA congratulates Scott and Nicole. We look forward to working with both department leaders soon.
| |
Manitoba Beef Producers Fall District Meetings Kick Off Across Province
MBP is a non-profit organization with a producer-elected board consisting of 14 directors, each representing producers in a specific region or district of the province. MBP works on behalf of approximately 6,000 local beef producers, including those in the cow-calf, backgrounding and finishing sectors.
The district meetings provide a valuable opportunity for face-to-face conversations between MBP’s directors, staff, producers and other stakeholders. Key district meeting components include overviews of MBP’s finances, its advocacy efforts, and updates on policies, issues and trends affecting the industry. And there is the opportunity for you to help guide MBP’s activities through formulating resolutions for potential debate at the 47th MBP Annual General Meeting in Brandon in February 2026.
https://mbbeef.ca/events/manitoba-beef-producers-fall-district-meetings/
| |
October Hay Situation & Price Update
After a dry start, late-season rain helped improve Manitoba’s hay and pasture conditions. This update covers regional yield results, current hay and straw prices, and how grain trends may shape feed costs heading into winter.
Read the full article here
| | |
Manitoba Agriculture StockTalk Webinar Series
Presentations and topics will cover Cattle Nutrition & Rations, Beef Cost of Production, Agri-Stability, Cattle Marketing, Beef and Forage Days Highlights, Ask the Vet, Forage Production & Management, Pasture Forage & Water Survey Results, Q&A speakers and Livestock & Forage Specialists. Please click on the link below in EVENTS Section, or scan the QR code to register for the 2025/26 StockTalk Webinar Series.
| | |
Green Beach Farm & Food: Leading Regenerative Innovation in Manitoba
In Strathclair, fifth-generation farmer Zack Koscielny of Green Beach Farm & Food is blending tradition with innovation to advance regenerative agriculture across the Prairies. His diversified, rotational-grazing operation demonstrates how soil health, livestock, and profitability can thrive together through adaptability and experimentation.
Read more: Better Farming – September 2025
| | Keystone Ag Producers Fall District Meetings Schedule: Visit: KAP.ca for more info | | |
Farmers invited to comment on potential changes to ag plastics recycling in Manitoba
Manitoba farmers have been able to use a permanent, province-wide program to recycle grain bags and twine since 2021. Grain bag and twine recycling has been made available pursuant to Manitoba’s Packaging and Printed Paper Stewardship Regulation through Cleanfarms’ Stewardship Program Plan for Designated Ag Plastics (the SPP). Pleease review the proposed changes here. Written comments will be accepted until November 25, 2025 to members@cleanfarms.ca.
| | |
Save the Date: MB New Entrant Engagement Session — November 6, 2025
Young Agrarians (YA) invites new and young farmer stakeholders to join their second New Entrant Engagement Session on November 6, 2025, from 1:30–3:30 p.m. at KAP, 601-386 Broadway (with virtual participation available). The event will focus on strategies to support new entrants in Manitoba’s agriculture sector and gather feedback on YA’s draft New Farmer Policy Brief.
Learn more: youngagrarians.org
| |
Apply Now: Province of Manitoba 2025 Livestock Water Supply Intake
The BMP 4700: 2025 Special Intake – Livestock Water Supply program is now open, helping livestock producers develop or expand water sources during prolonged dry conditions. This year’s intake includes new eligible areas and expenses, such as aeration systems for dugouts. Funding is available on a first-come, first-served basis until all funds are allocated. Learn more
| |
Rent Freeze Extended for Agricultural Crown Lands
The Manitoba government has extended the rent freeze for Agricultural Crown Lands forage leases into 2026, keeping the lowest rate in Western Canada at $3.66 per animal unit month. Producers can share feedback on the program through a public survey by Nov. 24 at engagemb.ca/ag-crown-lands.
| | |
EVENTS
MBP Fall District Meetings: Learn dates and locations: here
Agriculture Enlightened 2025 – October 23, 2025 – at Delta Hotel, Winnipeg
learn more and register here
Ag Ex Show – October 29–November 1, 2025 – at Brandon, MB
learn more and get tickets here
Young Agrarians: MB New Entrant Engagement Session – November 6, 2025 – at KAP, 601-386 Broadway (virtual option available)
learn more here
Manitoba Agriculture: Stretching Feed Supplies for Your Beef Herd – November 6, 2025 – at Poplarfield Community Centre, Poplarfield, MB
learn more by calling 204-768-0534
2025 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference – AGENDA AND ALL KEYNOTES ANNOUNCED, EARLY BIRD OPEN UNTIL OCT 20, TRADE SHOW SOLD OUT!!!NOVEMBER 12-13, 2025, VICTORIA INN AND CONVENTION CENTER, BRANDON, MB. MFGA.NET
KAP’s Annual District Meetings: Nov 13 – Dec 18, 2025! These meetings are held across the province and represent your chance to connect with fellow producers, share your perspective, and help guide KAP’s work. here
Manitoba Ag Stock Talk Webinars: Nov.13, Dec.11, Jan.8, 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.
Manitoba Organic Alliance: Organic Grain Hub Trade Show 2025 – November 14, 2025 – at Victoria Inn, Brandon, MB
learn more and get tickets here. As a special offer, Sponsors and Trade show booths at the MFGA conference receive a 20% discount to stay for MB Organic trade show at same venue, one day later. contact hailey@manitobaorganics.com
AgEx: Agricultural Excellence Conference 2025 – November 18–19, 2025 – at Radisson Hotel Winnipeg Downtown
learn more and get tickets here
AWC East 2025: Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference – November 23, 2025 – at Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls, ON
learn more and get tickets here
Manitoba Association of Watershed Districts Conference – December 1-3, 2025 – at Keystone Centre, Brandon, MB
learn more and get tickets here
Manitoba Agronomists’ Conference – December 10–11, 2025 – at University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB
learn more and get tickets 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
| | | | |
