MFGA
Manitoba Forage & Grassland eBulletin
July 24, 2014

Harvesting Hay Late 

Usually the major decision at haying is at what stage should you cut? This year, for most of the province, producers have had a tough time getting the first cut of hay off many of the fields. A number of producers are looking at getting their first cut off in the best possible condition and considering the option of taking a final cut. There are a number of management practices that can help reduce the risk of further losses.
Read more on good management practices when dealing with harvesting hay late.

Hay Price Update  

With parts of the province somewhat behind with first cut, John McGregor, MFGA Extension Support, did a quick survey of some of the MAFRD Forage Specialists.
Click here for a summary of their expertise.

Learn more about how to determine the price of standing hay.

Flood Update  

The Manitoba government has declared a provincial state of emergency to allow action that will prevent harm or damage to the safety, health or welfare of Manitobans, and to property and the environment. Keep current with the flood situation in Manitoba with these provincial resource links.   

Read the July 24 Summer Flood Bulletin.

View up-to-date flood information.

Alfalfa Brown Root Rot Survey   

In 2006, alfalfa fields in Manitoba were surveyed for Alfalfa Brown Root Rot (ABRR) and the disease was present but at a very low level.  

The ABRR fungus is slow-growing and prefers cool soil temperatures (less than 15 C). Symptoms may not become visible until after the third winter due to slow disease development. The fungus rots plant roots mostly in the spring and fall and can severely weaken plants and contribute to winter kill. Stunted and dead plants appear in two- to three-year-old stands with brown sunken lesions on taproots. Infected plants may start to grow in the spring, then stop growing and die because the tap root has rotted off. The fungus also causes disease in other perennial forage legumes and winter wheat. 

Because the disease has been present, Vikram Bisht, Pathologist with MAFRD, is planning to survey alfalfa fields in 2014 to see what the prevalence of the disease is in Manitoba and are asking for your assistance in identifying fields. If you have an alfalfa field that shows similar symptoms as shown in the photo, you are asked to contact Vikram at Vikram.Bisht@gov.mb.ca.

For more information on Alfalfa Brown Root Rot click here

Industry Events 


Industry Links &
News Releases
MFGA on the Move
MFGA has been "on the move" in July working with various organizations for the benefit of our producers:
- Lake Winnipeg Foundation meeting re: funding and grant project language   
- KAP General Council Meeting in Brandon 
- Planning conference calls for the upcoming Livestock & Forage Symposium this December in Portage 

A Warm Welcome to Pam Iwanchysko, MAFRD

MFGA would like to welcome Pam Iwanchysko as our new MAFRD representative. Pam is a member of the North Parkland Go Team and is the Forage specialist with the Farm Production Extension team in the Dauphin office. She has been active in the forage sector for a number of years in Manitoba and has served as a member on numerous committees, conferences and workshops relating to forage and livestock production.

Preventing Bloat When Pasturing Alfalfa  

Several principles can go a long ways to preventing unnecessary deaths when turning cattle out into leguminous pastures. Read the full Manitoba Co-operator article on how producers can take steps to reduce bloat risk through management and preventive products.

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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