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MFC meets with MAFRI regarding a NEW Forage Restoration Program
The Manitoba Forage Council has been meeting with MAFRI to discuss the implementation of a Forage Restoration program to re-establish forages that have been lost due to unprecedented flooding of 2011.
The objective of the Forage Restoration program is to develop and implement an extension program to assist farmers and ranchers to re-establish hay lands, pastures and farm infrastructure. The program would also include purchasing forage seeding equipment and making the equipment available to farmers.
Proposal:
This project would include an individual farm evaluation and the development of a whole farm plan including: hay and pasture plan, forage reestablishment, pasture system, fencing for optimum grazing and protection of riparian areas, and water systems to facilitate off sight watering of streams and lake shores. There would also be demonstration sites developed with these producers to showcase best management practices.
The program would run for two years. The first year the drier areas would be re-established, with further re-establishment of forage land in the second year. It may take longer then two years for some areas. The grazing clubs program would continue to work with these ranches following this project.
The Grazing Club Coordinator and technicians would work very closely with Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiative's Extension staff for the technical aspects and the delivery of the restoration program.
The purchase and management of specialized equipment for farms to reseed forages would be managed as part of the project and coordinated through the Grazing Clubs. The type of equipment to purchase would be determined, however, it could include specialized forage seeders, spreaders, packers, floaters.
Extension workshops, demonstrations and field days would be coordinated with new or established Grazing clubs across Manitoba to provide technical information on forage varieties, equipment, fencing options, watering systems, etc.
Cooperation with forage seed companies would be required to ensure the availability of recommended varieties of forage seed. For more information - Read the Restoration Project Proposal
MFC is hoping to hear from MAFRI in the near future and will keep you posted.
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Forage Restoration Questionnaire Results
The survey mentioned in the first article had 80 respondents.
The Manitoba Forage Council led an initiative to survey farmers and ranchers to obtain information regarding the extent of the flood damage to their operation and to determine their greatest needs. Results indicate that there are a total of 40,717 acres needing restoration (an average of 509 per farm). The greatest need or most urgent tasks were identified as:
- Access to forage seeding equipment
- Help with forage selection for re-establishment
- Hay and pasture management planning
- Fence reconstruction
- Land debris clean up
- Livestock facilities reconstruction
As noted the greatest need is in selecting the correct forage crop or variety. There is a significant investment required to establish a new forage crop. It is therefore very important to select the correct forage type and variety for your soil type, drainage and other agronomic conditions specific to your farm.
A second priority was having access to specialized forage seeding equipment. Many farms do not have this type of specialized equipment. The group identified zero till or sod seeders, Valmar applicators, and broadcast and air seeders.
Some of the Conservation Districts and existing Grazing Clubs currently have a limited amount of specialized equipment, however, the amount currently available would not meet the demand for forage restoration.
The MFC wants to thank those producers that participated in the completion of the forage restoration questionnaire
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AgriRecovery Program assists Producers  The 2011 Manitoba AgriRecovery Program initiated last year has been utilized by producers across the province. The following statistics have been provided by Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation and highlight the uptake of the program. 2011 Manitoba Forage Restoration Assistance Program (Deadline to apply was September 30, 2011) This program assists Manitoba forage producers to restore established tame forage and forage seed damaged by excess moisture in 2011. A $50 per acre payment will be made on qualifying acres. Payment occurs after the field is seeded back to a forage crop, beginning in spring 2012 as fields get seeded. Program activity: 640 applications with nearly 100,000 acres of forage destroyed. 2011 Manitoba Greenfeed Assistance Program (Deadline to apply was September 30, 2011) This program assists Manitoba producers affected by extended periods of excess moisture in 2011 to help mitigate the impacts of the disaster on livestock and cropland. Growing greenfeed provides an opportunity for feed production, increasing feed sources for Manitoba livestock producers, as well as utilizing soil moisture and providing soil cover to decrease risk of soil erosion. A $15 per acre payment was made on qualifying acres that were planted to greenfeed in 2011. Program activity: 1,140 applications paid on 188,000 acres for a total of $2.8 M. 2011 Manitoba Transportation Assistance Program (Deadline to apply is March 31, 2012 Contact: MAFRI GO Office) This program assists Manitoba livestock producers who are experiencing extraordinary transportation costs due to forage shortages caused by extreme moisture conditions. Program payments will be made based on a calculated need for assistance to transport feed to livestock or livestock to feed for distances greater than normally experienced due to forage shortages caused by excess moisture in 2011. Program activity to date: 40 claims for $124,000 (a number of applications are in process). 2011 Manitoba Forage Shortfall Assistance Program (Deadline to apply is March 31, 2012 Contact: MAFRI GO Office) This program assists Manitoba livestock producers who are experiencing extraordinary costs due to forage shortages caused by flooding or extreme moisture conditions in 2011 to maintain the feed requirement for their livestock herds. The program provides assistance to producers with shortfalls in the on-farm feed production required to maintain their livestock over the 2011/12 growing season and winter. Producers can receive $0.60/day per cow/calf pair to offset feed costs. Program activity to date: 240 applications paid for a total of $4.1 M. Back to top |
Executive Director Report
This report gives me an opportunity to update you on our MFC activity. With the winter months, it is the harvest season for Extension events and that has been the case with us. As many of you know we work very closely with MAFRI to focus on Forages. It all started with our 14th Annual "Manitoba Grazing School" in early December, this year located at the Victoria Inn in Winnipeg. There were 162 in attendance and the evaluations from participants were very positive. A comment that did come through loudly was a suggestion to move the location back to Brandon next year. For those of you unable to attend please see the proceeding posted on the MFC website. The Manitoba Forage Symposium immediately followed the Grazing School. Topics featured were forage production, marketing and research all focused on producing and marketing high quality forage. An objective of the Symposium this year was to tie in with the Dairy Farmers of Manitoba Annual General Meeting. You may have noticed a familiar face at the MFC booth at these events lately. Long time MAFRI Agricultural Representative John McGregor (now retired) has been working with MFC as an Extension Specialist. John has been hosting our MFC booth and has been writing topical forage production material for the MFC newsletter. In January MAFRI hosted Beef and Forage Week across the province and most recently we had our MFC booth at Ag Days and the Austin Beef and Forage Day. Thank you for stopping by our booth at these events. The main topic of discussion with many of you was forage establishment and restoration. Given the 2011 flood conditions and the wet fall of 2010 many stands have been totally destroyed or have lost the legume in the stand. In this newsletter we've tried to focus on re-establishment of forages and update you on the MFC efforts with MAFRI to develop a Forage Restoration program. It's been a busy winter of extension activity! On behalf of all of us at the MFC we hope you find the articles we've featured in this newsletter informative and helpful for your farm as you plan for the upcoming growing season. Brent McCannell |
Overseas Forage Exports - Manitoba Forage Council evaluates opportunities for Manitoba and Saskatchewan Forage Industry  "The growing interest in hay imports from countries such as Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Japan and China is a welcome development," says Manitoba Forage Marketer, Darren Chapman, "But only if we can get it there in a cost effective manner." Chapman is one of a group of Manitoba hay producers who banded together to promote their Manitoba hay via website (manitobaforagemarketers.ca), the World Dairy Expo and other communication pieces. The group primarily sells to the U.S. but knows there are opportunities abroad if shipping prices were more reasonable. This line of reasoning catalyzed the research study. The Manitoba Forage Council commissioned Tyrchniewicz Consulting to assess the Manitoba/Saskatchewan forage industry exports and evaluate the existing and potential transportation methods and their costs - including the Port of Churchill in Northern Manitoba. "We had hoped the Churchill Port would be able to play an important part in the development of an overseas export market," says Brent McCannell, Manitoba Forage Council's Executive Director, "but the study has proven otherwise." Athough Churchill is the closest salt water Port for the eastern Prairies and lowest freight costs when you're on water, there are many challenges with Churchill. Currently there is container traffic in the Hudson Bay region only, there are no container loading for overseas shipments, the shipping season is short (July-November) and insurance costs are quite high. With the proposed changes to the Canadian Wheat Board and the implication for Churchill there may be market opportunities to ship forages through Churchill in the future but not at the present time. Read Summary or Read complete report on MFC website. Back to top |
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Manitoba Grass Fed Beef Producer's
Association Update
Many consumers are embracing this niche market. The interest in grass fed beef continues to grow - creating some new opportunities for those interested in producing cattle strictly on grass. Jim Lintott and Bragi Simundsson, founders of the association have worked hard with Glenn Friesen, MAFRI Business Development Specialist to attract new members, develop a protocol, a logo and packaging labels. Corie Arbuckle was brought on board to design and manage the website, newsletters and their Facebook page.
"We've quietly been expanding our business," says Jim Lintott, "we haven't been able to move too quickly since the production time can take up to 30 months. The flooding has not been too great for some of our producers. Poor quality pasture and hay makes it hard to have good weight gain and takes it longer to get to market."
Still the Association continues to gain momentum. They are selling AAA beef (in some cases) to restaurants; Fairmont, Fusion Grill, (and if you ate the dinner at Manitoba Grazing School at the Victoria Inn, you sampled some delicious inside round), Vita Health Stores, and in the summer, St. Norbert Market and Cramptons Market in Winnipeg as well as direct to customers. Two new producers have also joined the Association which will help increase production. If you would like to find out more about the Association - Check out their website and Like them on Facebook. manitobagrassfedbeef.ca
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Graziers of Year honoured at
Manitoba Grazing School
MFC is always proud to play a role in the coordination and delivery of the annual Manitoba Grazing School. This year three families were awarded Grazier of the Year at our Grazing School Conference. These producers were selected based upon their innovative ability, their land and herd management style and their tenacity when faced upon hurdles such as BSE, drought, flooding, etc.
Photo (left to right): Ryan & Sarah Boyd from Forrest, Sandra and Adolf Gut from Beausejour and Randy Tkachyk from Sundown, MB: Read about each of their farm operations. Boyd, Gut, Tkachyk.
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| Manitoba Forage Marketers moving Hay into U.S.
There continues to be very strong demand for hay this winter into the US. This strong market has been due to the severe drought in the southern US and the shortage of feed for beef cattle in Texas and other southern states. Manitoba Forage marketers have been aggressively moving hay into these markets utilizing vans and flat decks for transportation. Top quality Manitoba forage continues to be in demand for US Dairy farms into states like Wisconsin.
The market has also been influenced by a strong off shore demand into Middle East and Asian countries. California, Washington and some western Canadian forage growers are moving product into these markets. Forage inventories are tight however to check availability go the Manitoba Forage Marketers website manitobaforage.ca
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| Join the Society for Rangeland Management
The prairie landscape would not be quite the same without those characteristic tracts of pasture and grassland stretching across the horizon. Although, over 75% of the prairies in Canada have been cultivated, tame and native pastures keep playing an important role in Manitoba's economy. Everybody from the livestock producer, over the hay exporter to the hobby naturalist, has their own set of good reasons why sustainable use and management of rangeland ecosystems are important. If you are in any form involved with range or pasture management, the local chapter of the Society for Range Management may have something to offer to you. The Society for Range Management (SRM) is the professional society dedicated to supporting individuals who work with rangelands and have a commitment to their sustainable use. To find out more about a chapter near you contact: Nadia Mori, PAg, Prairie Parkland Chapter executive member at (306) 946-3219 or nadia.mori@gov.sk.ca.
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Canadian Forage & Grassland Association  Conference - well attended
Despite a hectic Christmas season, Manitoba industry, government and MFC representatives turned out for the two day event in Saskatoon. The board of CFGA is well represented with reps from provincial forage organizations as well as livestock organizations such as the Canadian Cattlemen's Assoc, Dairy Farmers of Canada. Ken Gross from Ducks Unlimited Canada represents both Ducks Unlimited and the Manitoba Forage Council and U.S. Hay Exporter - Darren Chapman of Virden, MB is on the CFGA's Exporter Committee.
Experts from the production and export side of the forage industry presented their thoughts on how improvements can be made and the challenges and opportunities facing the industry.
Jim Lintott, MFC Chair and Executive Director Brent McCannell participated in the round table hosted by CFGA. "Participants were really engaged and there were a great deal of good ideas generated at it," says Jim.
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Alfalfa Winterkill Management
Due to the lack of snowfall this winter many forage producers are expressing concern with the survival of their alfalfa stands. Predicting cold damage is difficult because soil temperatures are often warmer than air temperatures. Alfalfa will tolerate soil temperatures as low as minus 12 C. Presently throughout Manitoba, soil probes that monitor soil temperatures within the top 2 inches are showing that for most areas of the province soil temperatures have only dropped to a low of -6.5 C during the cold snap towards the end of January. The exception is in the Carberry area where soil temperatures have reached -10 in December and then again in late January. During the first week of February soil temperature have once again risen to -1.5 to -1.8 indicating that there is still enough snow cover to provide some insulating of the soil. To better understand the factors that contribute to winterkill and how to access the damage read the report.
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Become a member of MFC For only $50 per year you receive:
- 4 electronic newsletters per year
- Notification via e-mail and/or mail of all upcoming meetings
- Significant discounts to conferences
- Lobbying power for issues that are of importance to you - For e.g. FORAGE RESTORATION of your land
- The invitation to suggest research topics
- Communication of research results via our website newsletter and FREE publications
We hope you will support us and send your $50 to MFC @
303-141 Wellington Crescent Winnipeg MB R3M 3X3
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Friends of Forage & Grassland Sponsors
For only $250 per year you can support the Manitoba Forage Council and be promoted in the sidebar of each and every newsletter. As well, you will be profiled on the home page of the MFC site and on our sponsor page. Please contact Corie at communications@mbforagecouncil.mb.ca for more information.
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MASC Updates its AgriInsurance Forage Programs for 2012
With spring just around the corner, the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) has rolled out a few changes to its AgriInsurance program to better serve Manitoba forage growers. Coverage for the Forage Establishment program has increased in 2012 to $35 and $70 per acre, up from the previous $30 and $60 per acre levels. Coverage for the Forage Restoration benefit has also been raised to $70 per acre, up from the previous $60 per acre. The deadline to file a claim for Tame Hay insurance was revised to September 30 (previously November 30), and is now the same deadline as for filing a Native Hay insurance or Forage Restoration claim. Late claim charges will apply after September 30.
Remember that if your harvested forage or greenfeed is damaged by excess moisture or flooding before it can be removed from the field, such losses are claimable. If field conditions are too wet to remove bales from the field and the bales are damaged by wildlife, you may also be eligible for Wildlife Damage Compensation.
For more information, contact your MASC Insurance agent or visit www.masc.mb.ca.
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Upcoming Events
View these and more events on the MFC website
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Feb 21-22nd: Western Canadian Holistic Management Conference
Location: Yorkton, Saskatchewan
Description: Healthy Land, Healthy People, Healthy Profits
Gallagher Centre, Yorkton, SK Read more:
Feb 23 - 25th: Growing Local Conference, Winnipeg. Celebrating 5 years as Manitoba's premiere food security event, Growing Local will once again bring together consumers, farmers, traditional harvesters and everyone in between for 3 inspired days of learning and sharing. This year's conference, being held at the Marlborough Hotel in Winnipeg, offers a great lineup of workshops, networking opportunities and displays, and a special Thursday evening event with guest speaker Winona LaDuke. Growing Local Conference
March 9th & 10th: Direct Farm Marketing Conference, Gimli, MB. Explore new marketing concepts, market trends and great ideas to take home for your farmers' market, agri-food or agritourism venture! Direct Farm Marketing Conference
April 24th & 25th: Capturing Opportunities 2012: The Local Living Economy, Keystone Centre in Brandon. Capturing Opportunities inspires businesses, individuals and communities; celebrates the achievements of entrepreneurs, youth and communities; engages Manitobans to learn from each other; and connects people to ideas and resources. - Capturing Opportunities
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