Manitoba Bulletin
Commodity Group Partnerships and Collaborations
Maximizing your check-off dollars for membership learning opportunities
Being cautious and fiscally responsible in stretching check-off funds for maximum effect is a priority for the Manitoba Canola Growers (MCGA). The goal is to leverage each dollar two to three times, at a minimum.
“Collaboration and partnerships are a key strategy for MCGA,” says Roberta Galbraith, grower engagement and extension manager. “Leveraging grower dollars for the most impactful learning events while balancing the individual commodity voice is a win-win for everyone.”
In the planning process, MCGA is also cognizant of the value of your time away from the farm and we strive to be as efficient as possible. Collaborating with other organizations for larger events, such as CropConnect and Crops-A-Palooza, where multiple crops are showcased, makes sense and does exceedingly well in meeting both financial and time-management goals.
All of the following events are designed with growers in mind and are in keeping with MCGA’s mission statement to “maximize net income for canola farmers through sustainable production.”
| Event | Number of organizations collaborating | Leverage ratio (MCGA contribution ratio) |
|---|---|---|
| CropConnect 2018* | 8 | 7:1 |
| canoLAB/soyLAB 2018 | 3 | 3:1 |
| Crops-A-Palooza* | 7 | 5:1 |
| *Sponsorship also supported these events. | ||
CropConnect Conference
The annual two-day CropConnect Conference, which began in 2013, brings together farmers, suppliers and commodity groups. Topics cover new technologies, environmental issues, agronomy, farm management practices and advocacy. A trade-show with crop-specific information runs in conjunction with the conference. Last year this popular event sold out with 800 participants each day.
Manitoba Canola Growers Association, Manitoba Corn Growers Association, Manitoba Flax Growers Association, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, Manitoba Oat Growers Association, Manitoba Seed Growers Association, the National Sunflower Association of Canada, Winter Cereals Manitoba and Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association make up the host committee.
The event also includes each participating organization’s annual general meeting (AGM). The MCGA AGM is February 14 at 7:30 a.m. in the Wellington Room at the host hotel, Winnipeg’s Victoria Inn. While there is no charge to attend the annual meetings, event passes and banquet tickets must be purchased. Young (under 46) or beginning farmers can apply for funding under the Ag Action Manitoba Program. For more information and registration, go to cropconnectconference.ca.
Crops-A-Palooza
After two summers of hosting canola-PALOOZA, a one-day, hands-on, in-field learning event, six other commodity groups joined Manitoba Canola Growers to host a new version of the event. Manitoba Canola Growers and Manitoba Corn Growers, Manitoba Flax Growers, Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers, National Sunflower Association of Canada and Manitoba Oat Growers, along with the Canola Council of Canada, hosted the first annual Crops-A-Palooza at AAFC Portage la Prairie on July 25, 2018.
Close to 400 people attended this free, family-friendly day with a wide variety of interactive stations manned by industry research and agronomy extension professionals. There are no set presentation times. Attendees go at their own pace, choosing stations applicable to them, spending as much as they want at each one. This casual come-and-go style is a great fit for farmers at a busy time of year. Topics covered varied from insect, weed and disease management to fertilizer, soil, safety, crop grading and even farm-to-food conversations. This past year included a kids corner with Agriculture in the Classroom-Manitoba.
Combine College
CanoLAB, a diagnostic workshop with live plants and insects, began in 2012. This partnership with the Canola Council of Canada (CCC) and Assiniboine Community College took place each March, initially in Brandon and then Dauphin as well. The event was open to farmers, retail agronomists, company representatives or anyone in the industry looking for hands-on education.
Participants rotated through different sessions on canola production topics led by Western Canada’s top researchers and extension professionals. In 2018, Manitoba Canola Growers co-hosted canoLAB/soyLAB with the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers to cover both crops and maximize grower investment even further. The fee was $125 with a reduced rate for farmers who were members of the grower groups.
This March, canoLAB will be replaced by Combine College with a focus on harvest loss management and storage. Manitoba Canola Growers partners for this event will be the CCC, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers and Manitoba Corn Growers Association. It will take place at the Keystone Centre in Brandon. Every type of combine will be there with qualified technicians/engineers to help you set your machine for maximum results. Representatives from Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute (PAMI) will also be in attendance. Cost to attend will be $75, with farmers receiving a rebate of $25 per membership in each grower organization.
Ag Days and Canola Day
Canola Day is the first morning of Manitoba Ag Days in Brandon. Canola Day programming and expenses are covered by MCGA and CCC, with Ag Days providing the space.
Learn to Lead
Manitoba Canola Growers also recognizes the importance of leadership throughout the province, regardless of where farmers might serve – whether it be a commodity board, in municipal politics or any local board within their community. The Canola Leadership Conference began in 2013 to fill a void where opportunities for such training was previously filled by organizations like Manitoba Pool or United Grain Growers. To date 100 young farmers have been through the program. The next conference titled Learn to Lead will be held February 27 & 28 in Brandon. The cost is covered by MCGA through funding and sponsorship. If you, or anyone you know, would be interested please contact Roberta Galbraith, grower engagement and extension manager, at 204-874-2387 or roberta@canolagrowers.com.
Mark Your Calendars
Manitoba Ag Days
Keystone Centre | Brandon, Man.
January 22-24, 2019
agdays.com
CropConnect
Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre Winnipeg, Man.
February 13-14, 2019
cropconnectconference.ca
MCGA Annual General Meeting
Victoria Inn Hotel & Conference Centre Winnipeg, Man.
February 14, 2019
Hot breakfast served at 7:00 am
Meeting starts at 7:30 am
Learn to Lead
Victoria Inn | Brandon, Man.
February 27 & 28, 2019
Combine College
Keystone Centre | Brandon, Man.
March 20, 2019
Crops-a-Palooza
Canada-Manitoba Crop Diversification Centre (CMCDC)
Carberry, Man. – July 24, 2019
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