Parkland Crop Diversity Foundation Diversification Centre Teff Trials with James Frey

James Frey works with Manitoba Agriculture as an Applied Diversification Specialist, based in Roblin.  He collaborates with Parkland Crop Diversification Foundation to conduct small-plot research trials for a broad range of field and forage crops.  Previously, he worked in Northeast Asia with on-farm development projects.  James is always looking for ways to strengthen farm resiliency and is especially interested in crop-livestock systems.  Find him on X (Twitter) at @jamesfrey21, or email him at james.frey@gov.mb.ca.

In this episode we are talking with James Frey about the Teff trials he is implementing at the Parkland Crop Diversity Foundation Diversification Centre.

Teff is a warm season grass, native to Northeast Africa, where it is used primarily as a grain crop.  The very small seeds are threshed out, ground and used for human consumption.  It was first introduced in North America as feed for race horses.  In Manitoba, the use of teff is leaning more towards forage production, but grain could also be harvested with modifications to a combine.

Currently being used in small plot trials and some small acre field trials. James believes that, “This specific tool of teff could be used for a very specific use where having high protein feed, a very high TDN feed, a very parable feed is going to be used.”

James shares information about seeding rates, depth and crop yield and goes over some quick economics for producers who are interested in using teff in their feeding program.  James also shares some advantages and disadvantages of growing teff.

Several articles were used for the research for this episode, please follow the links below to find more information, or email James at james.frey@gov.mb.ca, visit mbdiversificationsentres.ca, follow James on X (Twitter) @james.frey21 or call him at 204-247-0346.

References:

Article: Teff a Promising Forage in Dry Year, Gord Leathers, Sept. 12, 2022. Retrieved Jan. 17, 2024 https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/teff-a-promising-forage-in-dry-year/

Article: Manitoba trials forage grass from Africa, Melissa Jeffers-Bezan, Sept. 22, 2022. Retrieved Jan. 17, 2024

https://www.canadiancattlemen.ca/crops/forages/manitoba-trials-forage-grass-from-africa/

Article: African forage grass shows early promise, Don Norman, Aug. 16, 2022. Retrieved Jan. 17, 2024

https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/african-forage-grass-shows-early-promise/

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).

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