November 13, 2019 

KAP condolences
The executive, board, and staff of Keystone Agricultural Producers wishes to convey our condolences to the family of Cam Henry on his passing. Cam was one of the original directors of KAP. The funeral for Mr. Henry will take place on November 18 in Oak River.
 
Nutrient management guidelines
Provincial restrictions on the application nutrients came into effect on November 10. Producers who may wish to apply for a variance are asked to email mmpregistration@gov.mb.ca or phone 204-945-8321 to discuss their specific situation. A formal variance request must be provided in writing through a professional agrologist or certified crop advisor and signed by the producer. You will be required to provide livestock operation information, the legal location of the proposed spread field(s), proposed volume and rate of manure to be applied, proposed application dates, soil nutrient levels, and the description of risk mitigation measures in place to mitigate manure escape.
 
KAP 2019 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 – deadline extended
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 of your time to complete an on-line survey. This will help us understand where your challenges are so we can plan training to help. Click here to access the survey.
We are hoping to receive 200 responses to this survey. Please take the time to complete the survey and forward it on to other members for their input. The deadline is November 15. If you have any questions, please contact our HR Consultant, Janice Goldsborough at 204-471-6530 or Janice.goldsborough@kap.ca
 
Special bonus offer for KAP members
KAP Members can save up to an extra 70% discount store wide when you show your Mark’s card.  There will be a store wide public sale starting on Friday November 15th.  As a sign of appreciation for past support, Mark’s is allowing KAP Members to shop one day early on Thursday November 14th for best selection!  Sale available at all Mark’s stores.
 
KAP in the news
Farmers are seeking support
Worries begin for how 2019’s wet conditions could impact 2020
MASC wants payments to farmers out quickly to aid cash flow
Carbon tax raises grain drying costs: farmers
Manitoba farmers need manure spreading flexibility this fall
 
Harvest challenges FAQ’s
Given the challenges Manitoba producers are facing when it comes to the 2019 harvest, MASC has developed a frequently asked questions document for producers. Producers are also encouraged to contact their local MASC insurance office or visit masc.mb.ca. For the FAQ document, click here.
 
Beneficial Management Practice funding
Ag Action Manitoba provides funding that helps farmers implement and adopt beneficial management practices on their farm identified in their Environmental Farm Plan. Farmers qualify for Beneficial Management Practice funding with a valid Statement of Completion. To learn more about the funding available for farmers, click here.
 
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.
 
MCGA job posting
The Manitoba Canola Growers Association is hiring a Canola Learning Centre Coordinator. The CLC coordinator will have responsibility for the Canola Learning Centre, support for summer learning group presentations, and will serve as support staff for projects and events. The application deadline is November 29. To learn more and to apply, click here.
 
MWBGA director nominations
Interested in becoming a director with Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association? We are seeking members to stand for election to the board of directors. There are four positions up for election, each holding a four-year term. The nomination period opens November 1, 2019 and ends at 4:30 pm CST on November 30, 2019. To learn more about the process and the responsibilities of a director, click here.
 
MWBGA annual meeting resolutions
Are you interested in submitting a resolution to MWBGA’s 2020 Annual General Meeting? Please submit resolutions to MWBGA’s office by December 1, 2019 at 4:30 CST.  Resolutions can be faxed to (204) 745-6122 or emailed to pam@mbwheatandbarley.ca. For information on past resolutions or resolution templates, click here.
 
Get a 2020 Advance Payment Program cash advance with Manitoba Corn Growers
Attention Fall Rye & Winter Wheat Farmers: you can now apply for a 2020 program year cash advance on your seeded winter wheat and fall rye crops with the Manitoba Corn Growers Association. Funds can be advanced in as a little as 2 to 3 business days once the application process is completed. Farmers can also still apply for a 2019 advance. Cash advances are available on over 35 crop kinds, including the major crops such as wheat, canola, soybeans and grain corn. Take advantage of lower interest rates to improve cash flow and allow you to implement your farm’s marketing strategy with an Advance Payments Program cash advance with the Manitoba Corn Growers. For more information, click here. Manitoba Corn Growers Association is an official administer of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Advance Payments Program (APP).
 
Producer Malt Academy
Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association is partnering with the Canadian Malting Barley Technical Centre to host the first-ever Manitoba Producer Malt Academy on December 5 and 6. MWBGA members in good standing are eligible. To learn more about the event or to register, email Kate Menold at kate@mbwheatandbarley.ca.
 
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.
 
Farmland Ownership Study – participants needed
Hannah Bihun, a master’s student from the University of Manitoba, is conducting research on how farmland changing hands affects rural communities and farmers. If you are currently farming, Hannah and her team would be interested in interviewing you, and it would take approximately 60-90 minutes. To learn more or to set up an interview, contact Hannah at umbihunh@myumanitoba.ca.
 
Breakfast on the Farm with Santa
On November 30, the Farm and Food Discovery Centre is hosting Breakfast on the Farm with Santa, and opportunity to explore the farm, take a picture with Santa, and enjoy a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast. Admission is $5.25, and $3.50 for those under the age of 5. Pre-registration is required by emailing ffdc@umanitoba.ca or call 204-883-2524.
 
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.
 
Farm Safety Tip from the Manitoba Farm Safety Program
Remember to remove any ice or snow from your tractor pedals before getting going. A foot slip could lead to a serious incident.
 
Featured KAP member benefits – write off 2019 medical expenses
KAP members that enroll in the KAP Private Health Services Plan (PHSP) before the end of the year will be able to write off all their medical expenses for 2019 up to the limits allowed under your PHSP account. The program is available for sole proprietorships, partnerships and corporation, and is CRA approved. All health expenses eligible under CRA can be written off including glasses, contacts, laser eye surgery, dental including braces and dental implants, vaccines, medications and a host of other expenses.  In addition, if a health insurance plan is in place, the PHSP can provide a top-up by reimbursing eligible expenses over and above the insurance coverage maximums, for any co-pay amounts, deductibles and numerous expenses not covered by insurance. There is no medical evidence required and there are no age restrictions. Owners and employees receive 100% non-taxable reimbursement of their eligible expenses and the business receives a 100% tax deduction for these eligible medical expenses. In addition, KAP members receive $50 discount off the one-time $300 enrollment fee.  For an information package or questions, e-mail kapbenefits@hubinternational.com or call 1-866-527-0123 ext 2.
 
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