MFGA E-Bulletin - February 2025

Photo Credit: Nerbas Bros. Angus

From the Desk of the Executive Director

As I’ve often stated, over and over and, well, over, MFGA must be collaborative to be our very best. Of course, there’s a whole other side to that organizational need in that it takes (at least) two to collaborate and sometimes despite the very best intentions of all, most, or some, the whole collaborative process can be a house of cards on shaky ground. Such is the day by day non-profit game.

However, great feelings of collaboration and partnership success are a motivating vessel. And when you see the partnership organizations or groups you enjoy working with and respect have success, you feel great for them. Early in 2025, here are some of the cool things we’ve seen our partners, colleagues and collaborators achieve and, as a group, we are sending our MFGA congrats to:

• SaskSoil and Holistic Management Canada for hosting back-to-back awesome regen ag -themed conferences last week/weekend  in Regina and Assiniboia, Saskatchewan respectively. The resulting buzz from both events is sky high and impressive! Well done!
• Western Canada Grazing and Soil Health Conference held in Mid-December 2024 in Edmonton. Great show!
• Manitoba Association of Watersheds Districts for their extension of the Prairie Watersheds Climate Project via AAFC’s OFCAF.
• Colin Hornby, named as Keystone Ag Producers (KAP)’s new general manager and to KAP for hosting a successful 2025 AGM.
• Food Water Wellness Foundation out of Alberta for their work with ranchers and farmers on Alberta Living Labs and Weston Family Foundation projects. Watch for more soon!
• Manitoba Beef Producers for their AGM and conference that starts today in Winnipeg where the province’s next TESA winner will be announced.
• Hon. Ron Kostyshyn, Manitoba Agriculture Minister for reopening two Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) Service Centres in Shoal Lake and Virden,
• Hon. Mike Moyes – recently named Manitoba’s Minister of Environment and Climate Change
• Harvest Moon Society for hosting another successful Agrarian After Dark event earlier this month in Winnipeg
• Shawn Cabak and Craig Linde for recent senior position postings at Manitoba Agriculture
• Brokenhead Ag Society and Austin Beef and Forage Day for their respective successful events.
• Manitoba Habitat Conservancy for moving in to a new office in the heart of Winnipeg’s Exchange District.

As you can see MFGA has a lot of people and groups to cheer for. And, as we push forward on MFGA’s vision and mission, we wish every single one the very best and applaud their efforts. 

We think it’s the way MFGA needs to do things, especially in these crazy times for all.

Muchos Grasses ALL,

Duncan Morrison, MFGA Executive Director

MFGA Condolences: Bill Campbell

“It was with great sadness that we learned the news that our former President, Bill Campbell, passed away on January 19, 2025. Bill was a cornerstone of Manitoba's agricultural community. His dedication and commitment to advocating for Manitoba farmers was second to none and he exemplified what it means to truly care. Anyone who knew or met Bill would agree that his passion and desire to make change was second to none. We'll all miss you dearly.” - Special Message from Keystone Agricultural Producers

The Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI) Ag Policy Brief: Navigating Trade Uncertainty

On February 1st, President Trump launched a trade war by imposing a 25 per cent tariff on imports from Canada, except for energy, which would face a 10 per cent tariff. A few days later, Prime Minister Trudeau and President Trump announced a 30-day delay on the tariffs. While postponed, the threat remains and underscores the need for a strong domestic response to better insulate Canada’s agri-food sector from potential tariffs.

Read the full Ag Policy Brief here

From Grass to Cow Pies to Grass

Healthy pastures rely on a thriving ecosystem—including dung beetles, flies, earthworms, and microbes—to break down manure and cycle nutrients back into the soil. When dung pats remain on the surface too long, they can smother plant growth and reduce available grazing areas.

Learn more about the role of dung insects in pasture health: Read the full article here.

MFGA salutes the work of Wendy Bulloch

Longtime MFGA contractor/governance expert Wendy Bulloch, principal of Building Up Consultancy, has advised MFGA that effective January 31, 2025, she will be stepping away from her contracted roles with MFGA. 

Over the last eight years, Bulloch keyed in on MFGA board training, policies and bylaws, leaving a solid board governance structure in place that will serve MFGA well in the years to come. Bulloch also was a presence at the MFGA annual conference, taking the lead on the conference trade show and MFGA corporate campaign last year with expertise, excellence and success.

On behalf of MFGA board of directors and staff, we wish you all the very best, Wendy and thank you sincerely for all your great work.



Manitoba Government Announces Cabinet Changes

The Manitoba government has updated its cabinet to strengthen its commitment to education and environmental priorities, Premier Wab Kinew announced.

New Appointments:

• Tracy Schmidt – Minister of Education and Early Childhood Learning
• Mike Moyes – Minister of Environment and Climate Change

Read more: Click here

February 2025 Hay Situation and Price Update

As colder temperatures persist, livestock require more energy to maintain body temperature. Cattle can consume up to 30 per cent more forage in cold weather, potentially depleting hay supplies faster than expected. Current hay prices remain steady, with some fluctuations in dairy-quality alfalfa and straw prices. Producers looking to buy or sell hay can check listings on Kijiji, Manitoba Hay Listing, and Manitoba Hay and Feed Buy/Sell.

Read the full update, including current hay prices and market trends: Click here.

Graduate Student Video Competition – Share Your Research!

Attention MSc and PhD candidates in agriculture! Here’s your chance to showcase your research in a 3-minute video competition at the Sustainability of Canadian Agriculture Conference (March 4-6, 2025).

Click here for more information: Sustainability of Canadian Agriculture 2025



Incentive Available to Manitoba Beef Producers

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) is offering a $500 incentive to beef cattle producers who implement systems for herd data collection through the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program. VBP+ supports beneficial management practices related to animal care, biosecurity, environmental stewardship, and food safety, while also providing proof of adherence to industry standards.

Learn more about the VBP+ incentive program here.

BCRC Forage Cost of Production Calculator

Do you know the true cost of producing your forage? The BCRC Forage Cost of Production Calculator helps beef producers estimate cash, depreciation, and opportunity costs for both perennial and annual forage crops.

Read more and access the calculator: BeefResearch.ca

Building Soil Health with Bale Grazing

Maintaining and improving soil health is a cornerstone of Regenerative Agriculture. One effective strategy? Bale Grazing—a winter feeding method that not only nourishes livestock but also enhances soil fertility, increases organic matter, and improves water infiltration.

➡️ Read the full article on the benefits of bale grazing: The Basics of Bale Grazing

KAP announces hiring of new General Manager

Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) is excited to welcome Colin Hornby as their new General Manager.

After an extensive recruitment process, KAP’s Board of Directors selected Colin Hornby to lead the organization. Hornby has been with KAP since 2022 as Manager of Communications & Stakeholder Relations, bringing experience from both provincial and federal government roles, as well as a background in human resource management.

View the full article here.

Manitoba Government to Reopen Two MASC Offices

The Manitoba government has announced the reopening of two Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) Service Centres in Shoal Lake and Virden, improving access to essential agricultural programs and services for producers.

“We heard from producers loud and clear—they wanted in-person service back,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn.

For more information on the re-opened MASC offices visit www.masc.mb.ca.

2025 AgriInsurance Program Announced at Manitoba Ag Days

The 2025 AgriInsurance program was unveiled at Manitoba Ag Days, bringing lower premium rates and expanded coverage for Manitoba farmers.

Key updates for 2025:

• Birdsfoot trefoil added as an eligible crop under Forage Establishment Insurance
• Expanded boundaries for grain corn insurance
• Increased Wildlife Damage Compensation, raising the maximum claim value from $3,000 to $7,000 per animal

“With over 90 percent of Manitoba’s annual crop acres enrolled, AgriInsurance remains a vital risk management tool for producers,” said Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn.

Read the full announcement here



SCAP Funding for Predator Resistant Fence Construction –Application Deadline next week

The Province of Manitoba is now accepting applications for the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (SCAP) Predator Resistant Fence Construction Program. This initiative provides funding for eligible agricultural producers to build predator-resistant fencing and enhance livestock protection.

Application Deadline: February 27, 2025, at 11:59 PM

For full program details and to apply, click here.

Industry Events

Manitoba Beef Producers’ (MBP) 46th Annual General Meeting - February 20 and 21, 2025 – Winnipeg MB, Victoria Inn Hotel & Convention Centre,1808 Wellington Ave Manitoba Beef Producers

2025 Annual T.K. Cheung Lecture in Animal Science – February 25, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB

Cattle’s Role in Sustainable Food Systems

February 25, 2025 | 11:30 AM - 12:45 PM

219 Animal Science Building, 12 Dafoe Road, University of Manitoba

Join us in person or register for a livestream.

🎟️ Click Here to Register for a Livestream Link

Sustainability of Canadian Agriculture 2025 Virtual Conference - March 4-6, 2025, Winnipeg, MB

Join researchers, producers, and industry leaders to explore innovative approaches to agricultural sustainability in Canada. 

Learn More

The Annual Ted Poyser Memorial Lecture in Soil Health – March 5, 2025 – 12:00 noon – 1:00 pm featuring Dr. Laura Van Erd, Professor of Sustainable Soil Management, University of Guelph: Linking Soil Health to Crop Yield and Resiliency based on BMPs: Can it be done? Can it be scaled? Join virtually (QR code on postcard above) or in person at Room 219, Animal Science Building, University of Manitoba.

AgriWebinars on AgriStability & AgriInvest – March 12 & 19, 2025 – Online

Join Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) for two free webinars on AgriStability and AgriInvest, including program changes under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.

Session 1: AgriStability – March 12, 2025 | ⏰ 11 AM CST

Session 2: AgriInvest – March 19, 2025 | ⏰ 11 AM CST

Learn about program updates, deadlines, coverage notices, and more. Attendees can submit questions in advance or during the live sessions.

🎟️ Register Here

SK PCAP: Prairie’s Got the Goods Week – March 10-14

Prairie's Got the Goods Week will be taking place March 10th to 14th, 2025. These webinars will be taking place at 12:00pm MT (local time for Saskatchewan and Alberta). More details about each webinar are on the way! 

View more here excellent catch!

Advancing Women Conference – March 10-12, 2025 – Calgary, AB

Empowering women in agriculture with expert insights on mental health, leadership, and workplace psychology.

March 10-12, 2025 | 📍 Hyatt Regency, Calgary

Special Sunday Session – March 9, 2025 | 1:00 - 5:00 PM

Boots on the Ground: Helping at the Next Level with Lauren Van Ewyk

🎟️ Register Here

2025 Manitoba Sustainable Protein Research Symposium - July 7, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB

Bridging Borders: Innovating Protein for a Global Future, RBC Convention Centre, Winnipeg, MB. Email: mbprotein@umanitoba.ca or website at

www.mbprotein.ca

Soils for our Future 2025 Conference – July 20-25th, 2025 – Winnipeg, MB

 “A Gathering of Global to Local Perspectives” at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Contact for info/sponsorship: soils2025@mbsoils.ca



2025 MFGA Regenerative Agriculture Conference – SAVE THE DATES: NOVEMBER 12-14, 2025, VICTORIA INN AND CONVENTION CENTER, BRANDON, MB. More info to follow soon!

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