Choose the gentle conditioning of rubber chevron-intermeshing rolls that save the delicate leaves, steel chevron-intermeshing rolls for winter forage or long-stem and cane grasses, or New Holland's LeaningEdge™ flail conditioning system for fast drying of grass hay. For more information, see your New Holland dealer, the hay and forage experts.  

In 2014, the Manitoba Agricultural Services Corporation (MASC) introduced a suite of new forage options to it's AgriInsurance programming. Livestock and hay producers may select between:
Basic Hay Insurance: provides low cost coverage for production shortfalls on all acres of eligible hay types.

Select Hay Insurance: maximum protection for production shortfalls or quality losses. The Harvest Flood Option provides coverage on coarse hay if a producer is unable to harvest due to wet conditions at harvest time.

The Hay Disaster Benefit provides increased claim payments to producers enrolled in Select Hay Insurance or Basic Hay Insurance when there is a severe disaster.
Read more detail on MASC's Insurance Options for Forages or visit www.masc.mb.ca.

MFGA Vice Chair Henry Nelson and Chair Jim Lintott attend Ag Days

   "Manitoba's agriculture sector is soaring to new heights, which is the theme of today's celebration," said Minister Kostyshyn.  "We are highlighting the creativity, innovation and adaptability of our province's farmers, food processors and many others who are turning ideas into opportunities."

   Canadian Prairie Garden Purees, located in Portage la Prairie, uses a new processing technique to transform fresh Manitoba-grown produce into healthy, preservative-free purees that are sold to consumers and other food processors.  As recent winners of the Manitoba Food Processors Association's Manitoba TASTE Award for best new product, CEO Kelly Beaulieu spoke about what it takes to turn an innovative idea into a successful business.

   "Bringing innovation from concept to a commercial world-class business is ?tremendously hard work but we have had some wonderful people who got behind our dream and helped us achieve it," said Beaulieu.  "We have had the critical supports we needed, including advice, seed funding and encouragement, to achieve success.  Our company is achieving international recognition, which is proof Manitoba can compete in the global business arena."
   Three Manitoba chefs participated in a friendly competition at today's event to create a new dessert using at least one of these purees.  The participating chefs were Justin Bohemier, Brad Gray and MJ Feeke, who was represented by Natasha Hudek and Amirah Mansilla.
   An aerial drone was also on display during the event to highlight how this technology can be used on Manitoba farms.  Drones can give farmers a birds-eye view of field conditions, crop development and their livestock herds.
   "Whether it's auto-steer and GPS guidance that help us farm more efficiently, or new monitoring technology like drones that give us real-time data about our crops, farmers are always eager to adopt new technology and innovative practices to benefit our operations," said Dan Mazier, president, Keystone Agricultural Producers.  "We also know that a strong food-processing industry in Manitoba is an important market for our crops, fruits and vegetables, and livestock.  Farmers love to see companies like Canadian Prairie Garden Purees finding success through innovation."
   The minister noted there are many opportunities throughout the year to learn more about agriculture and connect with farmers.  Host farms are currently being recruited for Open Farm Day, an annual event which will take place on Sunday, Sept. 20.  More information will be posted at www.openfarmday.ca in the coming months.
   In 2005, a unanimous all-party resolution was passed by the legislative assembly to create an annual Agriculture Awareness Day to promote greater awareness of the contributions agriculture makes to this province and the important role the agriculture industry plays as a key driver of the Manitoba economy.   Last year, the Manitoba government also introduced legislation to formalize the recognition of Agriculture Awareness Day as part of the Farm and Food Awareness Act.
   For more information on Manitoba's agricultural programs and services, follow the Twitter account at www.twitter.com/MBGovAg. For more information about Canadian Prairie Garden Purees, visit www.canadianprairiegarden.com.