October 30, 2019

2019 KAP Member Survey
At KAP, we want to better understand who our members are and what they identify as their priorities. Our KAP 2019 Member Survey will allow you to comment on what we're doing, what you want us to do, and where we can improve. To take the survey, click here.
 
Human Resource training survey
KAP has partnered with Food and Beverage Manitoba to provide coordinated human resource training that helps to meet the needs of farmers across the province. To ensure we provide training that meets your needs and uses money in the best way possible, we are asking you to take 10 minutes to complete an on-line survey. This will help us understand where your challenges are so we can plan training that meets your needs. Click here to access the survey. We are hoping to receive 200 responses, so please forward this on to other members for their input once you have completed it. If you have any questions, please contact our HR Consultant, Janice Goldsborough at 204-471-6530 or janice.goldsborough@kap.ca

AgriHR toolkit
The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) has developed the AgriHR toolkit, helping producers navigate the difficult process of finding good people to work on their farm. The farm labour shortage has been identified as one of the greatest risks in agriculture today. The AgriHR toolkit includes guides, templates, resources and the critical questions that you need to ask and answer about your business. To access the toolkit, click here and use discount code KAP2019 to access a one-year subscription for free (only applies to KAP members).
 
Young Farmer focus group
Are you a farmer who is under 40 years of age or know of someone who is? We are interested in hearing from you! KAP is conducting a group meeting to discuss how it may better support young farmers. The meeting will likely last a couple of hours and you will receive $75 for your time. If you are interested, please send your name and telephone number (or that of a young farmer you know) to sandra.hanusic@kap.ca. This is a unique opportunity to have your voice heard about the future directions of KAP.
 
Seed Royalty Survey results
In conjunction with the Agricultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan and the Alberta Federation of Agriculture, KAP consulted with producers on the two proposed seed royalty models under consideration by the federal government. More than 1000 producers weighed in, and conclusively said that they do not support the two seed royalty models under consideration. To read our news release and the results of the survey, click here.
 
KAP in the news
Six resolutions passed at KAP fall Advisory Council meeting
Canola looms large at KAP meeting
Carbon costs affecting grain drying for Prairie farmers
Prairie farm groups release results of seed royalty survey
Farm groups release seed survey results
Prairie farmers not in favour of proposed royalty systems
Producers don’t like seed royalty proposals: survey
Survey finds little appetite for seed royalties
 
Prairie Fruit Growers AGM
The Prairie Fruit Growers Association will be holding their annual Berry Conference and AGM on Saturday, November 23 at Canad Inns Fort Garry. For further information or registration details, please contact Angie Cormier at pfgalocal@gmail.com or 204-324-5058.
 
The Rise and Fall of United Grain Growers book
For much of the twentieth century, United Grain Growers was one of the major forces in Canadian agriculture. At its peak, more than 800 UGG elevators dotted the Canadian prairies and the company had become a part of western Canada’s cultural psyche. By 2001, then known as Agricore United, it was the largest grain company on the Prairies. Paul D. Earl, a professor with the University of Manitoba, has wrote a book entitled “The Rise and Fall of United Grain Growers”, a look behind the UGG’s central role in the growth and transformation of the western grain industry at a critical period. To buy the book, click here. The book launch will take place at McNally Robinson Grant Park on November 4 at 7:30pm.
 
Manitoba Protein Advantage
Manitoba Agriculture has launched a new protein section on its website to inform stakeholders about the progress and opportunities surrounding the Manitoba Protein Advantage Strategy. Global demand for plan and animal protein is increasing, providing economic opportunity for farmers, processors, and communities across the province. To learn more, click here.
 
MWBGA job posting
The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association is seeking a full-time Agronomy Extension Specialist. The person working in this position would be responsible for the development, coordination and extension of agronomic information and research results to MWBGA members. The deadline for applications is November 8. If you would like to learn more about this position, click here.
 
EFP workshops
Environmental Farm Plans (EFP) are an essential part of farm operations, and is a voluntary, confidential self-assessment of a producer’s operation. EFP identifies agri-environmental assets and risks in order to develop an action plan to address risks and must be renewed every five years to remain valid. Workshops are planned across the province between October and December. To learn more or to register for an upcoming workshop, click here.
 
Manitoba Canola Growers job posting
The Manitoba Canola Grower Association (MCGA) is the provincial association representing 7,500 canola farmers in Manitoba and is committed to maximizing net income for canola farmers through sustainable production. MCGA is seeking a Marketing & Research Administrator to take on this dynamic and multi-faceted role that will contribute to their business. This is a full-time position supervised by the Canola Eat Well Director and reporting to the Executive Director. To learn more, click here.
 
Canola Discovery Forum
On November 13 and 14, the Canola Council of Canada is hosting the Canola Discovery Forum at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg. The theme of this year’s event is “integrated pest management”, and will feature guest speakers focused on agronomy, crop production and innovation, technology, and policy development. The cost to attend is $425 and is done online. To register or to find more information about the event, click here.
 
Manitoba Crop Report – October 29
Crop losses are expected for yet-unharvested cereals and flax in much of the province. Muddy, rutted fields are the norm across the province, particularly for soybean harvest. Many producers are waiting for wet ground to freeze over to support machinery traffic and reduce compaction. Overall estimated harvest is 85% complete, below the three-year average of 94% for the fourth week of October. To read the full crop report, click here. 
 
Farm Safety Tip from the Manitoba Farm Safety Program
In extremely wet conditions, there is a high risk of getting stuck. Remember that when pulling out equipment it is best to use a recovery strap or rope. They are light, stretchable, do not have any metal hardware and are designed to absorb the jerking motion of pulling. The continued stretch builds up tension which aids in smooth pulling. Click here for other tips to help stay safe when extracting stuck equipment.
 
Featured KAP member benefits
KAP members receive preferred group rates of $60/year for a single insured or $144/year for couple/family on Allianz/Cooperators travel health insurance. There are no medical questions required on the application. To learn more, call 1-866-527-0123 ext. 1 or email kapbenefits@hubinternational.com and mention that you are part of KAP.
 
Manitoba Farmers’ Voice
Published four times a year, Manitoba Farmers’ Voice tells the stories and profiles the people that are vital to agriculture in our province. If you would like to subscribe, email Joey at joey.dearborn@kap.ca