MFGA eBulletin - May 2024

Photo Credit: Nerbas Angus Bros.

From the Desk of the Executive Director

Our MFGA thoughts are with all the evacuees and communities facing the threat of wildfires in north west Manitoba near The Pas, Cranberry Portage and Flin Flon as well as all across Western Canada. We tip our hats with MFGA respect and gratitude to those battling these fires now and the inevitable ones ahead. Thank you.

On a much brighter note, we’ve been completely humbled by the show of support of those in our 2024 MFGA Corporate Campaign and we would like to express our sincere thanks to all MFGA supporters that stepped forward this year to help MFGA do our very best work. Commitments continue to roll in, we are humbled to profile the groups and feature the logos of those that have and continue to make MFGA a relevant, farmer-led organization.

We are extremely gracious for your continued support. For those new to MFGA, thank you immensely. We are motivated by your support.

Muchos Grasses ALL,

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

Reducing Dirt in Hay

Soil contamination in pocket gopher-infested fields can pose a significant concern for growers, who may not be aware of it until trying to balance a ration with infested forage. Read more.

MFGA Hosts Quick Hit Survey: Food Water Wellness Foundation and Nature United seek Producer Perspectives and Different Management Practices

Nobody knows your farm operation better than you do. Here in Canada, the federal government and multinational food companies are investing hundreds of millions of dollars to support BMPs on Canadian farms. Your feedback and experience matter. Get your voice heard now by taking our 5 to 10 minute survey on Facebook Messenger.

MFGA BOARD OF DIRECTORS ROSTER 2024-25

(* denotes new board member)

MFGA finalized the MFGA Executive and Board Roster at our April 2024 Meeting. The 2024-25 MFGA Board Roster is as follows:

Michael Duguid, Chair, Arnes, MB (Manitoba Beef Producers)

Zack Koscielny, Vice Chair, Strathclair, MB

Sean Smith, Finance Chair, Clanwilliam, MB

Lawrence Knockaert, Past Chair, Bruxelles, MB (Dairy Farmers of Manitoba)

Amber McNish, Pierson, MB

Arron Nerbas, Shellmouth, MB

Chelsi Beernaert, Hartney, MB

Guy Bouchard, Vita, MB

Harold Bosma, Grunthal, MB (Manitoba Sheep Association)

Jacques Saquet, Laurier, MB (Manitoba Bison Association)

*Paul Gregory, Fisher Branch, MB

Peter Tokar, Swan River MB

*Zach Grossart, Brandon, MB

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

Soil Health Academy: Gavelin Farms an Outdoor Classroom for Growing Profits, Resilience in Face of Drought

 If drought relief doesn't fall from above, grow it from below. That's how one Saskatchewan farm has managed to not only survive, but thrive, during the past five years. Recently, the non-profit Soil Health Academy (SHA) announced that Gavelin Farms will host their three-day school, June 25-27 in McCord to show other farmers how to do the same.

“Across the landscape of 2000 acres of pasture and hay ground, 2000 acres of cash crops, and 200 acres of carefully curated cover crops, the Gavelin family has implemented regenerative practices that have led to improved profits and resiliency through protracted periods of drought,” said Michael Thiele, a regenerative farming consultant and instructor for the upcoming school. Learn more.

2024 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference Gets Boost From Holistic Management Canada

A fulsome farm family focus will be featured at the 2024 Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association (MFGA) Regenerative Agriculture Conference thanks to a recent partnership between Holistic Management Canada (HMC) and MFGA that will see some of the family-based trademarks of a HMC conference at the annual and well-attended MFGA conference. Registration opened earlier this week online at MFGA.net. Full Release.

Anti-predation program introduced in Manitoba

The Livestock Predation Prevention Program, funded by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, is a provincial policy implemented by the federal and Manitoba governments. Read More.

WECM Online Business Plan Development Workshop series: June 5 - July 10, 2024

MWAF is once again offering a 75% subsidy towards the registration cost of the Women's Enterprise Centre Manitoba's upcoming Business Plan Development Workshop that begins in June. It's not too late to register here.

After registering, contact MWAF at programs@mwaf.ca to apply for the subsidy.

Industry Events

ARBI LiDAR Webinar - June 5, 2024

Assiniboine River Basin Initiative’s introductory webinar on LiDAR. For more details, click here

SSGA 111th AGM & Convention - June 9 - 11, 2024 - Swift Current, SK

Details for registration, click here.

Livestock and Forage Centre of Excellence Field Day & Saskatchewan Forage Council AGM - June 18, 2024 - Clavet, SK

Check SFC website for details.

Regenerative Farming & Ranching On The Prairies - June 25-27, 2024 - McCord, SK

For details or register, click here.

Canada's Farm Show - June 18-20, 2024 - Regina, Sk

Canada's Farm Show (CFS) is a major agricultural event in North America to showcase the latest equipment and technology. More Details.

Ag In Motion - July 16-18, 2024 - Saskatoon, Sk

Ag in Motion is the largest outdoor farm expo in Western Canada, showcasing the latest advancements in agricultural technology and equipment. More details.

KAP Classic 16th Annual Golf Tournament - July 31, 2024 - St. Andrews, MB

Location: Larters Golf Course, more details at KAP

Dairy Farmers of Manitoba’s (DFM) golf tournament - August 7, 2024 - Quarry Oaks, Ste. Anne, MB

DFM (dairyfarmersmb.ca)

CCA Semi-Annual Meeting – August 2024 – Saskatoon, Sk 

Canadian Cattle Association

Canadian Beef Industry Conference - August 19-22, 2024 - Saskatoon, Sk

To register: CBIC 2024

Agriculture Enlightened 2024 - Nov 7, 2024, in Winnipeg, MB

Details here: Agriculture Enlightened Conference

MFGA 2024 Regenerative Agriculture Conference - REGISTRATION OPEN!!!! NOV 12-13, 2024 - Sign up now for early bird savings and block your hotel rooms.

Manitoba Farm Women’s Conference - Nov 18, 2024 - Winnipeg, MB

Details here: mfwc

2024 Western Canada Conference on Soil Health and Grazing - Dec 10-12, 2024, Edmonton, Alberta

www.absoilgrazing.com/ for dates and details

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!