MBFI’s 2019 Events Target Producers and Public

MBFI Field Day and Open Farm Day highlight 2019 MBFI event season

Brookdale, Mb (August 2nd, 2019) – After basking in the proud, feel-good moments of opening the new Manitoba Beef and Forages Initiatives (MBFI) Learning Centre at the Brookdale site late last summer, event planning at MBFI has certainly hit the ground running in 2019.

In fact, no less than 20 events spanning public field days to industry meetings will be held across the three research farms that comprise MBFI between June and November of this year. As one familiar with MBFI might guess, the freshly-minted MBFI Learning Centre at Brookdale site will be the main venue for the bulk of those events.

“The MBFI Learning Centre definitely helps us showcase the fact that MBFI is a place to work with and learn from for all our audiences,” said Mary-Jane Orr, MBFI’s general manager. “The MBFI Learning Centre gives MBFI the opportunity to host events in a gem of a venue where we can highlight the research being here, work with producers, and all stakeholders to foster growth and understanding of sustainable beef production in Manitoba.”

MBFI is a not for profit organization in partnership with Manitoba Beef Producers, Ducks Unlimited Canada, the Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association, and Manitoba Agriculture. Orr said the core partners are leaders of many of the 2019 events, kicked-off by Manitoba Hay & Silage Day on June 20th where attendees learned more about harvesting high quality hay and silage, costs of production, along with watching live infield demonstrations with new hay and silage equipment. The Manitoba Livestock Tour also stopped in at MBFI on its second day, August 1st, featuring information on consumer trends in beef consumption, MB weather station data, and ways to use Cow Cams on the farm. The Ducks Unlimited Canada’s Grazing Clubs have also locked down a number of dates for events. Another exciting element of the Learning Centre is the diversity of industry group meetings and tours coming through the facility, including a MERCK producer tour from Quebec and a three-day Soil Health Academy booked in July.  

While enthusiastic about all events on the 2019 slate, Orr admits that she is particularly excited about two scheduled events: The MBFI Field Day on August 10, 2019 and the return of Open Farm Day on September 15, 2019 to MBFI. The Open Farm Day at MBFI will feature a complimentary beef on bun lunch, hay ride tours, and family fun learning about beef cattle production in Manitoba. 

The August 10th Field Day will be focused on showcasing research and a producer perspective in livestock integration with diverse cropping systems. The day will feature guest speaker Dr. Jillian Bainard a AAFC Swift Current researcher and cover crop expert regarding her ongoing research program. Attendees will also hear from Scott Beaton, Brett McRae, and Clayton Robins sharing their experiences on the opportunities and challenges in growing intercrops and grazing polycultures.

“MBFI is collaborating with world class researchers to lead demonstration and research efforts to enhance production efficiencies and productivity by balancing livestock needs with landscape stewardship,” explained Orr. “And these two events are representative as to how MBFI is working for producers and their bottom line at MBFI Field Day on August 10, and for the public and consumers on Open Farm Day by fostering growth and understanding of sustainable beef production.”

A complete list of MBFI events and registration details are available at www.mbfi.ca/events

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For More Information: Mary-Jane Orr, General Manager, MBFI, 431-255-0011, mary.jane.orr@mbfi.ca