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.
 
New provincial cabinet
KAP wishes to extend our congratulations to the new and re-appointed Manitoba cabinet ministers after today’s announcement. We look forward to meeting with and working collaboratively with new Agriculture and Resource Development Minister Blaine Pedersen, new Conservation and Climate Minister Sarah Guillemard, and the entire Pallister government on the issues that matter most to Manitoba farmers. We also wish to share our deep thanks and best wishes to former Agriculture Minister Ralph Eichler and former Sustainable Development Minister Rochelle Squires for their efforts and for the constructive working relationship we shared as they both move on to new portfolios in government. 
 
Federal election results
KAP extends our congratulations to Prime Minister Trudeau for winning the most seats across the country, and we want to congratulate the MP’s elected across our province, including former KAP President Dan Mazier. Our hope is that under a minority government, all parties will focus more attention on the issues facing agriculture in Canada given the diversity of political voices that will be seated in the House of Commons. We look forward to meeting with the new MP’s and those who were re-elected, as well as the new Agriculture Minister in the weeks to come on the issues we raised over the course of this campaign
 
KAP in the news
KAP President invites Trudeau to visit Western Canada
Ag sector to take up their cause with new minority federal government
Manitoba farmer struggling with wet crops after snowstorm
Laying a foundation for protein in Manitoba
Candidates tackle key issues
 
KAP Advisory Council
The next KAP Advisory Council meeting will take place Friday, October 25 from 9:30am until 3:30pm at the Victoria Inn in Brandon. Guest speakers include Dr. Ryan Cardwell from the University of Manitoba and Bruce Burnett from MarketsFarm, who will each focus on different aspects of the Canada-China trade dispute over canola. There will also be an opportunity to meet with agriculture students from Assiniboine Community College, who have been invited to join the meeting for the day.
 
Grain dryer concerns
Are you experiencing delays in getting a grain dryer set up on your farm? Please let us know at the KAP office or at the upcoming Advisory Council meeting so that we can pass your concerns along to the provincial government, particularly given this year’s wet harvest. For information on requirements for purchasing and installing a grain dryer, click here.
 
Safe and low stress cattle handling workshop
On October 29, the Manitoba Farm Safety Program is hosting a safe and low stress cattle handling workshop, geared towards anyone who works with cattle (farm owner, farm workers, and farm families). The workshop is a blend of theory and hands-on training with cattle. Participants will learn how low stress cattle handling benefits animal welfare and worker safety, how to assess and improve the safety of cattle handling facilities, and how to improve communication within your team to increase efficiency and lower stress. Participants are required to bring CSA approved safety footwear (if you want the opportunity to interact with cattle). The cost is $35 and includes a beef-on-a-bun lunch and coffee break. To register or to find more information about the event, click here.
 
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 22
Snowmelt has resulted in ditches and waterways full of water, causing overland flooding in parts of the Central and Eastern regions. Soybean and corn crops are standing better than expected from the heavy snowfall, except for the Westlake and Western Interlake regions. Overall harvest progress is 77% complete which is below the three-year average of 88% for the third 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