Manitoba Forage & Grassland eBulletin
June 23, 2014

Alfalfa Weevil Starting to Cause Problems 

Alfalfa Weevils posed a serious problem for producers in the province last year, and now the insect is starting to be seen south of Steinbach and in the Elm Creek area. "On Tuesday, June 17, at the Provincial Hay and Silage Day in Steinbach, I was looking in the demo field near Fredensfeld and there was a lot of damage to the upper canopy caused by the alfalfa weevil larva," said John McGregor, MFGA Extension. Research shows the insect can reduce the quality and hay yield by 50% with alfalfa being the main crop affected and as a result, farmers should be diligent when monitoring their fields.  Read more about weevil damage and prevention methods.

120 Attend the Hay & Silage Day in Steinbach, MB  

 

Top notch presentations, in-field presentations, industry displays and equipment demonstrations were offered at the 2nd Annual Hay & Silage Day, held in Steinbach, MB through the efforts of MFGA and MAFRD.

Presentations: How to Harvest High Quality Hay; Fertility for Optimum Alfalfa Production; The Economics of Hay and Silage Storage; Putting up High Quality Silage; Effective Fibre, High Potassium Storage: Effect on Rumen PH. 

Field demonstration: How to Measure Alfalfa Quality using PEAQ and Hay Quality Differences. 

Infield demonstration: Numerous pieces of hay cutting equipment and an evaluation of the pros and cons of each piece by Dr. Dan Undersander (photo above). 

Hay & Silage Days are held in various parts of the province annually. Presentation summaries will be supplied in our July eBulletin. View 2013 presentation summaries.

Commission for Environmental Cooperation BMP Project   

It is a well-known fact that diverse pressures exist on the grasslands and forages (native and/or tame) of the central plains of North America. To help producers deal with these pressures, the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association (MFGA) along with the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association, Saskatchewan Forage Council and the Chinook Applied Research Association in Alberta have entered into an 18-month agreement with the Commission of Environmental Cooperation (CEC). 

Managing Sheep on Pasture   

Forages supply approximately 80 percent of the yearly nutritional requirements for sheep. Their performance and the profitability of your operation rely heavily on how well you manage your forages and your pastures. It requires attention to stocking rates, adequate rest for the forages, variety selection, weed control and fertility. To learn more about basic practices that can help you optimize both the productivity of your animals and the pastures they graze, 

Big Bluestem Manitoba's Official Grass

MFGA is giving the province of Manitoba full marks for the recent selection of big bluestem as Manitoba's official grass.
Read the full media release here. 

MFGA
Industry Events & Announcements
 
 
 
 

MFGA on the Move
This spring, MFGA has been "on the move" working with various organizations for the benefit of our producers: 
- MASC Meeting in Portage la Prairie
- 4-H, 
Youth Project Meeting in Brandon 
- Wynn Agricultural Investment Management Ltd. Meeting
- MFGA Board Meeting 
- Manitoba Eco-Sites Project Committee Conference Calls 
- Invasive Species Council of Manitoba Annual Meeting
- Commission for Environmental Cooperation (CEC) BMP Project Conference Calls 
- Grassland Accord and Membership discussion papers drafted and under review 
- Ducks Unlimited, Brandon Meeting and Producer participant on CEC BMP Project 
- MFGA communications team met to plan and synergize outreach and communications efforts
- Lake Winnipeg Foundation meeting set for July 7 re: funding and grant project language
- News Release distributed: Big Bluestem Manitoba's Official Grass 

Farewell to MFGA Board Member Glenn Friesen   

Glenn Friesen has been temporarily reassigned to other duties with MAFRD, and as a result, will no longer be an advisor the MFGA board. Although Glenn's new role allows him to continued involvement in strengthening Manitoba's forage and livestock industry, it will be in a more targeted way. "I have enjoyed participating on the MFGA board and various committees over the past 11 years, and witnessing the growth of the association through eight executive directors," says Glenn. "I look forward to working actively with MFGA in the future, and seeing you all again as our paths cross along the way." A sincere thank you to Glenn from MFGA for his ongoing assistance, hard work and expertise over the years. He will certainly be missed at the Board table.

Successful 2014 Green Gold Program 

The Green Gold program has concluded for 2014 and was brought to you by the MFGA through the financial support of its sponsors. Please take this opportunity to thank and encourage them to support in 2015. Program information and reports are available here.

Ducks Unlimited Canada Offering Forage for Tender   

Each year, Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) offers over 3,000 acres to Manitoba producers for haying opportunities. All revenue generated from the tendering of these lands is reinvested into conservation programs in the province. Tenders close at noon on July 11, 2014.

New Publications on Sustainable Ag  

Recent book and journal publications span LCA (Life Cycle Assessment) for ruminant production, whole farm nutrient budgets for dairy, feeding strategies for reducing methane emissions from cattle, and microbial communities in livestock systems. 

From the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment

The Accessibility for Manitobans Act 

The purpose of The Accessibility for Manitobans Actis to prevent and remove barriers that affect persons with disabilities. The legislation, which became law on December 5, 2013, will be implemented through the introduction of standards in five areas: customer service, information and communication, transportation, employment and the built environment. 

MFGA Requests Your Consent  

Canada's anti-spam law will come into force on July 1, 2014. You are receiving MFGA electronic messages on important updates, announcements and information on the forage and grassland industry because you have expressed interest in the MFGA or because someone has forwarded your contact information. You may unsubscribe from our communications at any time by clicking on the link at the top of this email, otherwise we will assume your consent to continue receiving our messages.

The MFGA eBulletin is published by the Manitoba Forage & Grassland Association (MFGA).  Articles in this publication do not imply endorsement by MFGA. 
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