Kristen brings a lifelong passion for agriculture to her role as Manitoba Agriculture’s Livestock and Forage Extension Specialist in Beausejour. Before stepping into extension work, she supported producers as a Livestock Nutritionist and as an Environmental Farm Plan Program Officer. She holds both an Animal Science degree and a Master of Agriculture from the University of Manitoba.
Growing up on a cow‑calf farm in the Interlake shaped Kristen’s love for the industry, and she still lends a hand on the family farm whenever she can. These days, she balances her professional life with the joyful chaos of raising two daughters—often found shuttling them between activities.
In today's episode, Kristen shares the ins and outs of the Manitoba Pasture Forage and Water Quality Survey. To start with, we talk about the history of the Pasture Forage and Water Survey Conducted by MB Ag, and where the idea for this survey began.
The survey addressed declining water quality in dry regions of the province and some of the subsequent impacts that low water levels have on cattle and cattle performance. Kristen shares some of these impacts with us, as well as what was noticed between the years studied.
Kristen shares information about the water quality testing first. This conversation includes what the testing encompassed, some of the biggest impacts to water quality, sulphate levels and their impact on copper availability. We also talk about some of the best management practices that helped maintain or improve water quality.
Turning to the forage side of the survey, we chat about the testing of forage and what it was tested for, as well as any surprising results from the forage survey.
We wrap up with talking about what this survey concludes for producers and why this information is important to share.
To find out more information, you can visit:
2024 & 2025 Survey Results YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USAPEzrGJXU
Manitoba Ag Beef and Forage Technical Bulletin 17th Edition (May 2025)
https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/livestock/pubs/beef-forage-technical-bulletin-may-2025.pdf
Manitoba Agriculture's general toll-free inquiry line: 1-844-769-6224
The research programs and daily operations at MBFI would not be possible without the funding from the Province of Manitoba, Government of Canada, and Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, as well as the partnership with Manitoba Agriculture, Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC).
We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!
Instagram: @MBBeefandForage
Facebook: @MBBeefandForage
X (Twitter): @MBBeefandForage
Website: www.mbfi.ca
Email address: information@mbfi.ca
Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011
