High Performance Forage Workshop

A three-day intensive training workshop on seed selection, multi-species forage establishment, quality and production improvement, and harvest/storage optimization.

Overview:
The Canadian Forage and Grassland Association has developed a three-day intensive training workshop to be offered to interested parties across Canada. As the recognized
national forage organization, the CFGA strives to develop further resources to support the production and marketability of Canada’s forage industry. This workshop will provide an in-person opportunity for agronomists and technical teams to further develop their knowledge of forage performance to better support producers and growers across Canada. In Manitoba, this workshop will be open to agriculture and environmental staff, agrologists, and other industry professionals to attend.

Details:
This workshop will take place on March 5th-7th, 2024, at the University of Manitoba in Winnipeg.

Led by Dr. Dan Undersander from the University of Wisconsin, with support by senior subject matter experts, attendees will be walked through a comprehensive, detailed
agenda over three days. Day 1 starts off with seed genetics, selection, and gene flow before breaking into the specifics of alfalfa, clover, and legume growth. Day 2 covers the forage life cycle, including establishment, quality definitions, cutting techniques, as well as pest and disease management. Day 3 concludes the in-depth training with harvest and various preservation techniques, as well as touching on contract harvesting. Discussion groups throughout each day will allow for theoretical knowledge application for attendees’ respective situations in workshoping opportunities. 

Attendees are expected to participate throughout the workshop, with continuing education units (CEUs) available for Certified Crop Advisors (CCAs) upon completion.

WORKSHOP AGENDA
(Subject to change)

Day 1 – March 5th
12:45 pm - 1:00 pm Welcome, Orientation and Overview
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Genetics, Variety Testing and Variety Selection
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Seed and Seed Production/ Gene flow in Alfalfa Seed Production
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm BREAK
3:30 pm - 4:00 pm Clovers Growth and Development
4:00 pm - 5:30 pm Legume Growth and Development
5:30 pm - 5:45 pm Wrap Discussion  

Day 2 – March 6th
8:00 am - 9:00 am Grass Growth and Development
9:00 am - 10:00 am Soils, Fertility and Manure Management
10:00 am - 10:30 am BREAK
10:30 am - 11:00 am Alfalfa in Rotations
11:00 am - 12:15 pm Establishment
12:15 pm - 1:00 pm LUNCH
1:00 pm - 2:00 pm Quality Terms and Definitions
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Cutting Management
3:00 pm - 3:30 pm BREAK
3:30 pm - 4:15 pm Insect Management
4:15 pm - 5:00 pm Weed Management
5:00 pm - 5:30 pm Disease Management
5:30 pm - 5:45 pm Wrap Discussion

Day 3 – March 7th
8:00 am - 9:00 am Mowing and Field Drying
9:00 am - 10:00 am Silage Preservation
10:00 am - 10:15 am BREAK
10:15 am - 11:15 am Hay Preservation
11:15 am - 12:15 pm Contract Harvesting
12:15 pm - 12:30 pm Wrap Discussion
12:30 pm - 12:45 pm Closing Comment

Registration link coming soon, if you have questions contact Emma at [email protected].