Mae Elsinger, M.Sc., P.Ag.

Image Mae Elsinger
Range and Pasture Biologist

Understanding how grazing systems affect pastures and grasslands; understanding the establishment and suitability of forages; health assessment methods and management practices for pastures and native grasslands; restoration of grasslands and pollinator habitat.

Current research and/or projects

Recently I have contributed to research in forage species and mixtures, revegetation, and grazing systems effects on plants and soils. New projects will involve comparing land management practices on perennial landscapes by way of assessing rangeland and pasture health indicators, characterizing potential productivity, and sampling soil organic matter and microbiota. This aligns with two of our Science Sector Strategies: Agro-Ecosystems and Landscapes, and Farm Animals Production Systems. I am part of the Agricultural Ecology Unit at Brandon Research and Development Center.

Research and/or project statements

As a rangeland and pasture specialist, I contribute my understanding of native plants and tame forages, and of grazing system effects on plants and plant communities. I lend knowledge and experience for agricultural research and demonstration projects in Manitoba that require the planting and management of perennial vegetation. I designed and implemented native plantings targeted at increasing native bee diversity and abundance, at several locations in western Manitoba. I then evaluated their efficacy, cost, and logistical considerations.

Our most significant project currently is Living Labs Manitoba. The component that I will be working on is understanding what land management practices in perennial landscapes (wetlands, riparian areas, woodlands, pastures, and grasslands) offer the greatest opportunity for soil carbon sequestration. We hope to find out if aboveground ecosystem health indicators (e.g. range and pasture health assessment) are also indicative of better soil carbon sequestration and stocks.

I aid western Canadian scientists in extending the geography of their rangeland and pasture research into Manitoba, by providing field support for their soil and vegetation sampling needs.

 

Professional activities / interests

My interests are in observing and understanding grazing systems, forages, pasture ecosystems, native grassland ecosystems, and leafy spurge (an invasive perennial plant).  

I am a member of the Society for Range Management, Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association, Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists, and Manitoba Institute of Agrologists.

Education and awards

B.Sc. (Distinction) Environmental and Conservation Science: Land Remediation, Reclamation and Conservation. University of Alberta. 2001

M.Sc. Land Remediation and Reclamation. University of Alberta. 2009.

John Cross Memorial Scholarship. University of Alberta. 2000.

John Cross Memorial Scholarship. University of Alberta. 2001.

MFGA Wall of Fame. 2022.

Key publications

(2020) AC Saltlander: a salt tolerant forage for Western Canada. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. Kayter, C; Houston, B; Elsinger, M; Svendsen, E; Thiessen. R; Bruhjell, D; Sager, S; and A. Iwaasa.

(2018) Manitoba’s Rangeland Plant Communities of the Aspen Parkland and Assiniboine Delta Rangeland Ecoregions - A First Approximation. Pyle, L., Elsinger, M., and K. LaForge. Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association https://www.mfga.net/plant-communities-guide

(2018) Field Guide to Selected Native Forages for the Canadian Prairie Grasslands. LaForge, K., M. Elsinger, B. Bristol, B. Houston, M. Schellenberg, D. Ostrander, R. Antonowitsch, and E. Svendsen. Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. http://www.publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.851156/publication.html

(2017) Range and Pasture Health Assessment Workbook; Whidden, R. (ed.); Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association https://www.mfga.net/range-pasture-workbook

(2014) Grazing Response Index: a simple and effective assessment of Grazing Management – K LaForge, M Elsinger, C Kayter (AAFC Factsheet) http://publications.gc.ca/site/eng/9.700147/publication.html

(2018) Manitoba Range and Pasture Health Assessment Initiative: Rangeland Ecoregion and Ecosite information, assessment workbooks, and rangeland plant community guides to facilitate the dissemination of a Range and Pasture Health Assessment Method for Manitoba. https://www.mfga.net/rangeland-pasture-health

Research facility

2701 Grand Valley Road, P.O. Box 1000A
Brandon, MB R7A 5Y3
Canada

Affiliations

I am a member of the Society for Range Management, Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association, Manitoba Association of Plant Biologists, and Manitoba Institute of Agrologists.

Language

English