MFGA eBulletin - November 2024 | |
Photo Credit: Dean Stewart, Howling Pro Audio Visual Productions | |
From the Desk of the Executive Director | |
Well. I think the whole thing went extremely well.
That thing, of course, was our seventh annual MFGA Regenerative Agriculture that we hosted for two agenda-packed days November 12-13, 2024 in Brandon, Manitoba.
There are countless bouquets, thanks and kudos due to our board, staff, keynotes, panelists, trade shows, partners and sponsors. Their respective and cumulative contributions and commitments to this event this year – and years passed - are simply nothing less than magnificent.
That properly said, without a doubt, the biggest MFGA thanks are due to the delegates that attend. Those are the folks that put aside their farm or office work for a couple of days to be at our event, be it first time attendees or those on a seven year run.
This year, we registered more than 275 – mostly farmers - with attendees from partnerships, industry, academia and government departments well represented. A special nod of thanks within that number to Manitoba Association of Watershed Districts who brought 25 farmers as a group-package deal to showcase regenerative farming and keynotes, and to Holistic Management Canada for organizing an awesome afternoon session and planning the youth programming.
Absolutely outstanding and equally humbling.
With huge thanks to all of you that attended, trade-showed, supported, planned, staffed and keynoted at our 2024 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference, MFGA is walking even more purposely today, our steps boosted by your incredible support. Thank you all, immensely. You are awesome!
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Muchos Grasses ALL,
Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director
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Two MFGA Board Stalwarts Headed for MFGA Wall of Fame
Lawrence Knockaert, a dairy farmer from Bruxelles, Manitoba, and Shauna Breault, a regenerative agriculture rancher from Toutes Aides, Manitoba, have been inducted into the MFGA Wall of Fame. Read More.
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Knockaert and Nerbas Term off MFGA Board; Mark Schram added to MFGA Board
MFGA Board members Lawrence Knockaert and Arron Nerbas have each fulfilled their full terms on the MFGA Board. These will be sizable shoes to fill, they each left a boatload of personal contributions, business sense and farming insights that were incredibly valuable to the organization. MFGA wishes them both the very best in their future associations and endeavors.
Recently, the MFGA Board voted to accept Mark Schram of Cartwright, MB to the MFGA Board roster. Welcome and congratulations Mark, we sincerely appreciate your commitment to MFGA.
If you are thinking of joining the MFGA Board of Directors reach out to any MFGA board member or Duncan Morrison, executive director.
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Manitoba Government Continues Making Agricultural Crown Land Leases More Affordable for Producers
As highlighted in this week's Throne Speech, the Manitoba government is freezing the scheduled rental rate for agricultural Crown land (ACL) forage leases for the 2025 growing season to ensure ACL leases remain affordable for Manitoba cattle producers.
"Freezing the 2025 forage lease and permit rates to match the 2024 rate will provide support to Manitoba producers," said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn recently. "We are also extending the timeline for producers to submit an appraisal report and apply for improvement costs to leased land for leases expiring this year."
Read more.
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Winter Feed Supplies A Good News Story
There’s no shortage of livestock feed across the Prairies but producers are urged to test feed to ensure quality this year. Read here.
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Reduced Dependance on Nitrogen
When we look at regenerative agriculture, one of the benefits that many practitioners realize is a reduced dependence on fertilizers, with the major one being nitrogen (N). Read on..
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StockTalk 2024-2025
Manitoba Agriculture is offering a series of interesting livestock and forage presentations, packed with information and featuring innovative leading experts, aimed at helping Manitoba beef producers best manage their cattle operations. Find out the latest news on research and production for beef and forage management by participating in these virtual sessions.
Date & Time: Dec 12, Jan 16, Feb 23, Mar 13 - 12:30 pm
To register, click here.
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Manitoba Association of Watershed District’s 2024's The Current magazine
The Current 2024, features articles from Manitoba watershed districts and stakeholders, updates on projects and initiatives, and a glimpse into the organization's strategic plan.
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Did you attend our 2024 MFGA Conference? Send us your feedback!!!
MFGA will be posting the entire conference online in near future.
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U of M LEAP project looking for farmers to jump on board
A multi-disciplinary group of agricultural researchers from the University of Manitoba are looking for farmers to collaborate with on landscape surveys to document the innovative ways farmers are leading the way in sustainable agriculture, biodiversity, and reducing GHG emissions. This is a great opportunity to use real world data to inform policy and future research. For more information, please visit: https://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/leap
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Microbes Matter During Pasture Restoration
The selection of the appropriate alfalfa variety can significantly impact the rejuvenation of a pasture by producers. Read on..
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The SK and MB Native Seed Collaboration
The SK and MB Native Seed Collaborative is a new initiative formed by a diverse group of native seed producers and users. The group meets three to four times per year and shares information related to all aspects of prairie restoration including such things as existing seed supply and demand, effective seed collection, cleaning, and storage. The goal of the collaborative is to increase the availability of locally adapted native plant seeds, through contracts, shared resources, and potentially seed exchanges. If you or someone from your organization would like to participate in the discussions, please reach out to: prairieseedcollaborative@gmail.com
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Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program: Carbon Sequestration and Grassland Resilience (RALP) Intake OPEN
The Resilient Agricultural Landscape Program (RALP) aims to support beneficial management practices on farms, including agroforestry and grasslands and grazing management, for primary producers in Manitoba, Association of Manitoba Community Pastures, Agricultural Crown Land forage lease holders, and Indigenous communities.
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ACC Soil Health Initiative
MFGA is partnering with a Soil Health Initiative coordinated by Assiniboine College. The initiative includes many farm-based organizations across western Canada is made possible through funding from the Weston Family Foundation. The purpose is to continue to advance soil health in all the ways that make practical sense for the unique circumstances on each farm. Learn more: soilhealthnetwork.ca
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Industry Events
Manitoba Association of Watersheds Conference - Dec 2-4, 2024 - Brandon, MB Spearheading Success: Innovation in Watershed Management
Details here: Manitoba Watersheds Conference
Dairy Farmers of Manitoba 16th Annual Manitoba Dairy Conference (MDC) -December 4-6, 2024 – Winnipeg, Victoria Inn - DFM
2024 Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing - Dec 10-12, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta
Registration Open: www.absoilgrazing.com/ for dates and details.
Manitoba Ag Days - January 21-23, 2024 - Brandon, MB
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
Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) 46 th Annual General Meeting - February 20 and 21, 2025 – Winnipeg MB, Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre,1808 Wellington Ave Manitoba Beef Producers
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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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