The Bean Report

The Bean Report – December 15, 2020

DECEMBER 15, 2020

2020 On-Farm Network Results

MPSG’s On-Farm Network (OFN) is a network of on-farm research related to pulse and soybean crops. It is fully funded and directed by Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers.

All research in this network is based on three important principles:

  1. Participatory – Conducted on-farm with farmers
  2. Precise – Produces data that are unbiased, accurate and robust
  3. Proactive – Delivers results to guide management decisions, aiming to improve the productivity and profitability of the farm operation.

The overall goal is to test new products and practices for pulse and soybean production while empowering farmers to conduct simple, reliable research on their farm.

In 2020, 56 OFN trials were conducted across Manitoba investigating 16 different research questions through various trial types.

Normally, this is the time of year where we would be hosting the On-Farm Network appreciation dinner to share the results of this research with participants. In lieu of an in-person meeting, we’ve created the 2020 On-Farm Network Results Series.

Begin with the introduction video for a growing season overview and a quick stats refresher, then dive into the results videos for each crop by trial type. Along with these summary videos, single-site reports for each trial are available in the On-Farm Network Database, now updated with 2020 reports. Sort and filter by crop, year, trial type and region in Manitoba to find results applicable to your farm. After nine years of operation, this database has a lot of information on pulse and soybean production.

New to the single-site reports this year is an economic calculation, providing the basic profitability for each trial. The goal of including economics in these reports is to answer the question, “did the increase in yield pay for the extra cost of the treatment?”

We hope you enjoy browsing through these results. We’re excited to share them. If you have any questions, or if you would like to discuss any of these results further, please reach out to us.

MPSG Market, Policy and Communications Update

  • Business risk management remains a relevant issue for Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers. The association has been participating in conversations on the topic through the groups that are taking the lead on this file. Keystone Ag Producers are hosting calls and developing strategies with the interests of Manitoba’s farmers in mind. On a national level, Grain Growers of Canada, as well as the Canadian Federation of Agriculture are putting together responses to the federal government’s proposed changes to AgriStability. Ottawa is waiting for support from the prairie provinces and we’re hoping this comes soon.
  • The Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops (CRSC) has begun drafting a code of practice that will allow participating farmers to demonstrate their environmental stewardship with the hope of increasing market access, building market confidence and enhancing public trust. The code is called Responsible Grain and it’s currently in draft form. The CRSC is seeking farmer input. Visit responsiblegrain.ca to get involved in the consultations.
  • The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is modernizing its Seeds Act and MPSG is participating in those consultations. Revisions to the Act will center around optimizing how new crop varieties get registered and updating the rules surrounding the sale and distribution of seed. While they may seem related, this initiative is not directly connected to the in-progress, yet somewhat stalled, value creation consultations related to seed royalties.
  • MPSG hopes you’re enjoying the latest Pulse Beat magazine, as well as the Working for You wall calendar, which, if you didn’t already know this, is full of useful crop production information and dates.
  • Registration has opened for MPSG’s annual general meeting that will occur at 8:00 a.m., Feb. 10, 2021.
  • While MPSG keeps an eye on what’s happening in Ottawa, our commitment is to supporting Manitoba’s pulse and soybean farmers, with the most up-to-date and relevant crop production and market information.

Wishing all of you and your families a safe and happy holiday season!

Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Premiere Pulse Virtual Series

Join SPG each Tuesday morning for seven weeks as they cover important topics for each pulse crop, and also for pulse markets. Sessions occur Tuesday mornings from 9:30 – 11:30 AM.

February 2, 2021 – Peas
– View the full session agenda here.
– Register for the session here.

February 9, 2021 – Chickpeas
– View the full session agenda here.
– Register for the session here.

February 23, 2021 – Soybeans
– View the full session agenda here.
– Register for the session here.

March 2, 2021 – Pulse Market Outlooks
– View the full session agenda here.
– Register for the session here.

March 9, 2021 – Dry Beans
– View the full session agenda here.
– Register for the session here.

March 16, 2021 – Faba Beans
– View the full session agenda here.
– Register for the session here.

March 23, 2021 – Lentils
– View the full session agenda here.
– Register for the session here.