Manitoba Forage & Grassland Industry Strategic Plan

This plan was developed to provide direction to the forage and grassland industry.

2010 Manitoba Hay Day

This one day conference was held in Brandon, MB on February 17, 2010.

Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference Speakers

Bring in two speakers for the October 2008 conference in Brandon, MB.

Extension Materials

Develop forage and grassland extension materials for Manitoba conditions.

Manitoba Forage Variety Testing

MAFRI, MFC and MB Forage Seed Association provide growers unbiased information on new forages varieties by evaluating them at three different sites. Information is published in the Seed Manitoba Guide that is distributed in December.

Western Canada Brush Management Manual

Develop a state-of-the-art production manual on the current technology to manage brush in Western Canada. The project is being authored by a number of experts from across Western Canada.

Best Management Practices to optimize the use of oats for swath-grazing to extend the grazing season

This two-year project will analyze and communicate suitable methods for using oats for swath-grazing. This practice will reduce confinement feeding of cattle, which in turn will reduce winter feeding costs and manure concentration in feedlot pens. Read more.

Grass Fed Beef Model

Develop a user friendly software program to allow individual producers to determine their cost of production for grass finishing beef animals.

Grass Fed Beef Information Workshop / Tour

Practical training event to provide technical information about selection strategies for sourcing cattle suitable for grass finishing.

Portable Watering System for Sustainable Management of Integrated Livestock Systems

Demonstate to producers that portable cattle waterers are a practical means to prevent nutrient buildup around stationary waterers.

2006 Manitoba Forage Symposium, March 21-22, MacDon Showcase Bldg., Winnipeg, MB.

This year’s Symposium had a split-focus – the first day focused on silage production and the second day on hay quality and profitability. As well, the large MacDon Showcase building also afforded the opportunity for a demonstration clinic on the large commercial equipment.

2006 Beef and Forage Week, January 23-27, 2006

Seminars were held during the month of January in Holland, Eriksdale, Ste. Rose du Lac, Vita/Rosa, Teulon and Southwestern Manitoba.

Fact Sheets

Develop a number of agricultural/environmental fact sheets to assist producers with their farm operation.

The Manitoba Forage & Grassland Reference Manual.

Develop a current collection of information sheets and publications packaged in a three ring binder and CD ROM.

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Program Projects

The objective for Agriculture and Agri-Food’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Mitigation Program is to “raise awareness and promote adoption of management practices that reduce GHG emissions or increase carbon sequestration”. MFC distributes this program throughout Manitoba. A Manitoba committee reviews all applications and sends their recommendations to the Beef Commodity Coordinator for final approval. There are four funding sections including grazing clubs, regional demonstrations, tours/seminars and provincial seminars and support.

Manitoba Sheep Value Chain Development

Assess the value chain of the Manitoba Sheep industry and determine new methods for consistent delivery. Identify marketing opportunities.

Pocket Gopher Control

A three year study evaluated the effectiveness of four types of traps in Manitoba.

2006 Western Canadian Alfalfa Training Seminar

This Seminar provided agronomists, producers and extension representatives with valuable alfalfa production methods.

Forage Fed Beef Marketing/Value Chain

Examine the potential to develop a value chain for a niche beef product – namely forage finished beef.

Forage Fed Beef – “Healthy CLA beef” A Niche Market for Producers?

Previous studies have shown that wild game contains a high level of conjugated linoleic acids (CLA’s) and such is the case with cattle slaughtered directly off pasture. The downside of slaughtering cattle directly off pasture, however, is the resulting lower carcass grade and the “wild” taste some consumers find unpalatable. On the flip side, when cattle are finished solely on grain, the CLA level in the meat drops significantly.

The objective of Dr. Scott’s research project was to develop a feeding regime that would
maintain the CLA nutritional attributes of pasture-fed beef and have the carcass grade at the same level as cattle finished with grain.

Establishment of Perennial Native Grass Species in the Black Soil Zone of Manitoba and Saskatchewan.

The project aimed to successfully establish six representative sites of native plants in the Black Soil Zone.

2nd Annual Provincial Grazing Tour, July 25 & 26, 2006 — Southwestern Manitoba

This year the tour will stop at several locations around SW Manitoba. We have three great keynote speakers: Trevor Atchison, a producer just like you, who will share his views on what the cost of education has done for the sustainability of their operation. As well, Glen Duizer, MAFRI’s new provincial veterinarian, will speak to bale grazing to break disease cycles and improve herd health and productivity, and Rick Wright who will speak about the market outlook.

Grazing Clubs

The creation of Grazing Clubs throughout the province to help producers with grazing and livestock management and forage production.

Manitoba Forage Crop Variety Trials

To provide Manitoba producers with objective information of growth and yield characteristics of new forage and forage seed cultivars as they enter the market place.

Manitoba Grazing Club Promotion and Support

Hold formal classroom sessions and pasture walks for farmers interested in grazing management as it affects soil and water health and landscape productivity.

2010 Beef & Forage Days

Assist with conference costs for Beef & Forage Days.

2009 Fred Provenza Workshop

A course to teach your animals how to adapt to their environment.

Provincial Conferences

Provide current informaiton to beef and forage producers by holding five major technology transfer events throughout Manitoba.