In today’s episode, we chat with Mary-Jane about upcoming events and projects that are coming to MBFI in 2026 and then we move into a discussion about the different annual forage production approaches used in the 2025 growing season. Our discussion also touched on the multiyear MBFI Cropping Project that is looking at using annual forage intercrops to build soil health. This project was discussed in Episode #40 all the way back in September of 2023.

This episode looks at the 4-5 approaches MBFI uses to grow forages. As we dig in, we examine yield data, feed quality results, the impact of soil variability to MBFI’s crop trials and the impact fertility has had in the trial plots. Much of this information is looking at the differences between monocrops and polycrop trials implemented at MBFI.

Mary-Jane also talks about some of the biggest challenges in implementing cropping trials and have she and the MBFI team have worked to either overcome these or switch the focus of the project to work within their parameters and context.

We would like to take a moment to thank Imperial Seeds, FP Genetics, Northstar Seeds, and Secan who have been project sponsors for the 2025 project year.

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