A potential merger between five of the province's ag commodity groups received lots of attention last week at the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg.

Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG) is one of the group's involved in the talks. The group held its AGM at the conference last Wednesday. The other organizations involved include the Manitoba Corn Growers, Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers, The Manitoba Flax Growers, and the National Sunflower Association of Canada.

MPSG Outgoing Chair Jason Voth says they had some good discussion.

"With the amalgamation, if it goes ahead or not, and I really hope that it does because I think that's the right route, even if it doesn't, we've learned a lot about working together and some self awareness on some of our grassroots communication with our farmers and how it can be improved."

It was recently announced that starting March 1, 2018, MPSG will be administering operations and programming for the Manitoba Flax Growers Association. Flax Growers has been without a home since the recent closure of the Flax Council of Canada's Winnipeg office.

Voth expects soybean acres to remain flat at around 2.3 million this upcoming growing season, noting prices probably won't be able to support more growth in the short term.

(L-R) New MPSG Chair John Preun recognizes outgoing directors Jason Voth and Albert Turski for their years of service.