The Manitoba Forage Council (MFC) is a non-profit organization comprised of producers, agri-business and extension leaders who are dedicated to the development and promotion of a sustainable hay, forage and livestock industry and the protection of our most valuable resources  – our land, waterways, and wildlife diversity.

For the past 25 years, the Council has been proactive in initiating, coordinating and administering projects and extension activities and communication materials to educate those in the forge and grassland and livestock industry. A strong focus has been on the dissemination of project results and beneficial practices that can be incorporated  into farm operations to improve the land, the health of the livestock and adjacent waterways. The benefits of forages and grasslands to the herds, flocks and wildlife, not too mention the environment are substancial. Reduced nutrient run off, enriched soil, carbon capture, conservation of bio diversity, improved water holding capacity to name a few.

The Manitoba Forage Council has also been a key player in the development of the Manitoba Forage Marketers Group – producers who export hay to US and locally; the Manitoba Grass Fed Beef Association – producers who produce beef for this niche market; and the Manitoba Grazing Clubs – like minded beef producers who confer and learn from seminars regarding the management of their farm operation. The MFC also played a leadership role in the formation of our national association – the Canadian Forage & Grassland Association.

We continue to promote the importance of good forage and grassland management for maximum productivity and for the envirnonmental benefits it provides the earth and all of us in it.

Our Vision

Vibrant, sustainable grasslands and forage crops that contribute positively to healthy, diverse, sustainable communities of plants, animals and humans living together in harmony on the various landscapes.

Our Mission

To promote the advantages of forages and grasslands and their good management for the benefit of farmers, the environment and society.

Our Goals

• To provide a forum for the exchange of ideas, philosophies and research findings for all those involved in the industry;
• To initiate and support programs and policies to improve the Manitoba forage industry;
• To promote the use of forages in crop rotations and in fragile soils to improve the sustainability of Manitoba agriculture and the quality of the soil and water resource; and
• To assist in the identification of constraints in the Manitoba forage industry and to initiate action through research, industry action or the development of government policy.

Our Actions

• Provide administrative support for many different extension activities including: conferences, seminars and tours;
• Initiate and support forage research and adaptation trials in partnership with other organizations;
• Promote Manitoba products on trade missions;
• Lobby on behalf of the industry as requested by members; and
• Provide a quarterly newsletter and a website to keep the membership informed about forage related issues in Manitoba.