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It can take time to find your true strengths.
FCC's Aimée Ferré Stang shares how she's discovered, honed and grown her strengths in crucial, business-related skills since starting her career. And many skills, such as HR, marketing and other skills deemed more "soft" often are not taught in high school. But these skills often help farms succeed – from leading your teams to applying for a loan. Ferré Stang shares the skills she wish she learned when she was younger, how she learned to sell herself, and how she applies those skills to those she helps in her day-to-day work.
Special thanks to gold sponsor FCC for its continued support of the IWCA Program.
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How far can you go if you truly challenge yourself?
Bayer's Arvel Lawson shares her insights into her career, including how things changed when she internalized feedback. Having always thought of herself as a technical and science-based individual, Lawson found that when she channeled her curiosity into improving her people skills. She also discusses how she's formally and informally honed and improved her skills, what she's learned from her mentors and how people in all aspects of ag can learn from their relationships.
Special thanks to platinum sponsor Bayer for their continued support of Influential Women in Agriculture.
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Fourth-generation contractor Jesse Tait was born into the industry. But he's never rested on his laurels. Believing that "can't lives on won't street," Tait strives to help farmers better understand the long-term payoff of drainage, while contextualizing the work that goes into drainage.
In this episode, Tait shares his experiences not only with working as a contractor in Northern Ontario, where subsurface drainage remains relatively new, but also his perspectives on working with restrictions, learning on the go and bringing a collaborative approach to drainage.
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Based in Alberta, Kendra Donnelly is the president of Ki-Era Cattle and Consulting, a company that provides business development, administration and CFO services within the beef industry. Although Donnelly grew up on a feedlot operation, working with animals didn't come naturally and she didn't initially expect to build a career in agriculture.
In 2015, Kendra and her husband partnered with her parents as shareholders in a feedlot operation near Acme, Alberta - and that initial investment grew into multiple businesses. With a masters degree in business administration and a CPA accounting designation, she now acts as president for the consulting company for those businesses and leads a team of people with expertise in finance and accounting, human resources and business development and sustainability.
In this episode, Donnelly chats with agriculture editor Kaitlin Berger about her journey back to agriculture, her project with Tidewater Renewables to create an industry-leading, onsite bio-digestor technology and how she seeks to contribute positively to the perspective of agriculture within the local community. She speaks to how she manages self doubt in her career and the importance of gaining perspective from older and younger generations.
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For Kimberley Cathline, manager of the research program at the Horticultural & Environmental Sciences Innovation Centre (HESIC) at Niagara College, curiosity has long been a guiding force in her life. This has often resulted in her making decisions that some in her life have questioned. From travelling across the continent to California for her first job out of school to pursuing a graduate degree while balancing a family and full-time job, Cathline has repeatedly forged her own path.
In her conversation with agriculture editor Alex Barnard, Cathline discusses her nearly 20-year career in agricultural research, the importance of confidence and realizing you can do difficult things and remembering to be present in the moment.
Never miss an episode by subscribing to AgAnnex Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Special thanks to Bayer Crop Science Canada, platinum sponsor of the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program, for sponsoring this series.
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The need to feed the world through agriculture is only getting more demanding – but so is the need to preserve waterways and environmental health. The Agricultural Drainage Management Coalition (ADMC) focuses on driving collaboration between contractors, farmers and various agencies in order to serve meet those goals.
In this episode, we chat with ADMC executive director Keegan Kult at LICA's recent Water Management Forum to discuss the evolving approach to water management, success stories, positive examples of collaboration and more.
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Feed the world. Preserve the environment for everyone's enjoyment. Christine Brown, one of our 2024 IWCA honourees, views her mission in life to be one of stewardship. It's that steadfast belief that helps Brown feel like she's among family when she networks with her fellow manure extension associates, wherever they're from.
It didn't take Brown long to know she wanted to be in agriculture. Raised on a small dairy farm, Brown initially envisioned herself as an agricultural journalist – she didn't want to be involved in "widgets," but eventually found a love of conservation, soil and crops which led her to OMAFRA (now OMAFA), where she took on manure as a specialty. Her career has always offered a healthy balance of science and people. "I love the variety of activities that I get to be involved with, and that every day is different," she tells agriculture editor Bree Rody. She was part of the original team that developed the nutrient management software for OMAFA, was part of the local team that hosted the first-ever Ontario Manure Expo (as well as the first virtual Manure Expo). But her career has been defined just as much by the little things as it has been by the big things – like making a point of remembering a farmer's wife's name, or changing a tire in the field.
In Brown's interview, she discusses how her lifelong confidence helped her feel secure in a male-dominated field, what her mentors mean to her, the reality of balancing family and career, and why it's important to work in the field with the eyes of a child.
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In the second episode of our new miniseries, agri-ecosystem specialist Mitchell Timmerman of Manitoba Agriculture discusses the growing trend of subsurface drainage for the purpose of agricultural water management in Manitoba. What's driving the rise of drainage in an area previously thought to not need much? And, if you're in a new-to-drainage area, what are the seven key questions to ask before installing?
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Sabine Banniza, professor at the Crop Development Centre at the University of Saskatchewan and strategic research chair in pulse crop pathology, has spent over twenty years specializing in research on diseases in pulse crops. With a long-time passion for safe and sustainable food production, she's made significant contributions to Canada's status as the principal exporter of pulses.
Through leading research teams and providing training through the Crop Diagnostic School, Banniza continuously invests in mentorship and passing her knowledge to the next generation. She encourages young people to strive for excellence in their work and to build a strong group of people to mentor and support them.
In this interview, Banniza shares her thoughts on mentorship, leadership and delegating responsibilities. She remembers difficult challenges she's faced. She also speaks to her experience as the first female professor at the Crop Development Centre and the changing landscape for women in agriculture.
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Welcome to our new podcast miniseries, Focus on Drainage. In this four-episode miniseries, we speak to experts from different aspects of the agricultural drainage and water management sector to discuss evolving trends and innovation in the field of water management. Contractors, educators, advocates and government experts weigh in on how to evaluate drainage decisions for your operation, how to work with contractors and what to know about drainage and conservation.
In our first episode, we chat with Iowa's Chris Hay. Hay, now an independent consultant focused on agricultural water management, has a background in both academia and extension, including with Iowa State University and the Iowa Soybean Association. With much of his experience focused on both irrigation and subsurface drainage, it makes sense that Hay's career eventually began to also focus on drainage water recycling (DWR). Hay shares what the benefits are of DWR, both from a yield perspective and an environmental perspective, what conditions favor DWR, and what the future holds in terms of costs and subsidization.
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In our latest episode of the Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture podcast series, we speak to Cheryle Warkentine, Co-Owner of Aletta Holsteins.
Warkentine has been a driving force in modernizing and expanding her family’s farm, which includes dairy cattle, hogs, and laying hens.
Her innovative approach and dedication to sustainable farming practices have significantly enhanced the efficiency and productivity of the operation.
Beyond the farm, Warkentine is a pillar of her community. She manages sports teams, serves on her church’s leadership team, and initiates various volunteer programs, demonstrating her commitment to giving back.
In this episode of AgAnnex Talks, Warkentine, one of the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture, speaks with Canadian Poultry editor Brett Ruffell about her journey in agriculture, the challenges and rewards of running a diversified farm, the importance of innovation, and her extensive community involvement.
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“Just the other day, I was looking at third-party certification for polyethylene drainage tubing, and wondering, ‘What does a master’s in sociology and a certificate in conflict mediation have anything to do with what I’m doing?’”
Mel Luymes, who holds several advocacy and organization roles in Ontario agriculture including executive director of the Land Improvement Contractors of Ontario (LICO) has spent most of her life chasing diverse challenges, always aiming to reshape her own perceptions and enable lifelong learning. From growing up on a farm to pursuing an education in the humanities and now spending her days alternating between fields, offices and meeting many, many different kinds of people, Luymes views her career as a journey with no discernable end point, but rather continuous evolution.
In this discussion with agriculture editor Bree Rody, Luymes discusses how she transfers skills from one role to another, how she learned to stand tall when she’s one of the only women in the room and what she’s appreciated about the various friends, allies and mentors she’s encountered throughout her career.
Special thanks to Bayer Crop Science Canada, platinum sponsor of the 2024 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program, for sponsoring this series.
Never miss an episode by subscribing to AgAnnex Talks on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
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For our inaugural episode, we had the pleasure of speaking with Liz Robertson, the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA). With over 20 years of experience, Robertson has been instrumental in building and leading Canada's largest network of farm business professionals. Her dedication has provided continuous learning and networking opportunities for advisors, enhancing their ability to serve the complex needs of Canada’s farm families.
Throughout the interview, Robertson shares some of her proudest achievements and innovations in farm advisory services. She discusses the significant growth of CAFA under her leadership, with membership surpassing 600 professionals who regularly convene to exchange insights and learn from expert speakers. Listeners will gain insights into Robertson’s vision for the future of farming and her strategies for attracting and training a diverse range of professionals. Join us as we delve into her journey and influential role in shaping the future of farm advisory services.
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Niagara Falls might not be the obvious venue for a late February trip, but each year Ontario's fruit and vegetable industry converges on the tourist hotspot for the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Convention (OFVC). Featuring a plethora of educational sessions, craft cider and beer competitions, a lively trade show, and much more, OFVC is the event for those looking for the latest, top-of-mind topics in fruit and vegetable production. One thing the pandemic put into perspective was the value of conversations held at events like this. Whether at a booth, between sessions, or during happy hour, having a casual chat is a great way to learn what other people in the industry are thinking, considering, or trying.
In this episode of AgAnnex Talks, Fruit & Vegetable editor Alex Barnard spoke with:
Amanda Tracey, vegetable crop specialist for tomato, pepper, eggplant, sugarbeet and table beets, OMAFRA, about how grower concerns drive session topics at OFVC, as well as Phytophthora capsici;Ray Janssen, Eastern Canada sales representative, Gowan Canada, about the company's latest miticide, Magister;Nicole De Long, director of business and client development, Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, about the newly licensed HW624 pear and the Centre's partnership with the Greenhouse Technology Network;Note: Nicole mentions a session given by Alexandra, who is Alexandra Grygorczyk, research scientist, sensory and consumer services, Vineland Research and Innovation CentreRita Sterne, project manager, Greenhouse Technology Network, about the GTN and the role it plays in bringing new technologies to growers.Never miss an episode by subscribing to AgAnnex Talks on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Support for this episode provided by Gowan Canada.
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Host Bree Rody catches up with Hamilton Economic Development's Tyson McMann, Business Development Consultant – Agri-Food and Food & Beverage, to discuss the importance of agriculture to the roots – and present – of the city of Hamilton. From the unique geographic and economic factors that lead to big opportunities, to challenges unique to the region, McMann also shares how you can get involved with and support agriculture business, products and the community in Hamilton.
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Karen Della Campbell came to agriculture from a non-traditional path. During the course of her travels and studies to become a midwife, she and her then-boyfriend, now-husband lived in Eugene, Ore., and were surrounded by farms and market gardens – which she had never seen in southern Ontario in the 1990s. When they returned to Ontario, they opened their own market garden, selling through the Guelph Farmers Market, which led them to Hillsburgh, Ont.'s Everdale Farm, a former free school, once the land they were farming traded hands.
Since then, Campbell and her team have developed Everdale into a community hub, with a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program, harvest parties, food security projects, connections with local food banks and youth groups, internships to educate others on sustainable agriculture, sharing the space with Indigenous and LGBTQ groups, and much more. Over the past 25+ years, Everdale – and Campbell – have become an example of ethos in practice: embodying and spreading the type of agriculture, social values, programs and charitable initiatives they want to see in the world.
In this episode of the 2023 IWCA podcast series, Campbell chats with AgAnnex editor Alex Barnard about pacing yourself, building connections and relationships, and letting your values guide your actions.
Never miss an episode by subscribing to AgAnnex Talks on Apple Podcasts, Google Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.
Special thanks to Bayer Crop Science Canada, platinum sponsor of the 2023 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program, for sponsoring this series.
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Our final GroundBreakers episode profiles Dr. Gary Sands of the University of Minnesota. Considered a leading educator in the field of drainage and water management, Dr. Sands is also known for his powerful collaboration skills. He’s led a series of drainage design workshops that have been a model for other extension drainage schools; he led the development of the annual Drainage Research Forum, which is now in its twenty-first year. His nominator, Chris, described his research work as game-changing, and having led to significant scientific advancements.
This episode is sponsored by The Water Table, a Prinsco education initiative.
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Widely recognized as a leader and innovator in regenerative soil management, Judith has led and co-led a number of national projects, including the Living Laboratories Atlantic Canada project. She’s an active advocate for the Living Lab concept, and beyond her research, has mentored two summer students every summer for the past decade, and also serves as an adjunct professor at Dalhousie and Laval Universities.
In this conversation, Nyiraneza discusses how her young life in Rwanda, which brought her an inherent appreciation for agriculture combined with an aptitude for science, led her toward that specific discipline in her academic career. She also shares why she is so passionate about the Living Lab concept and how it can benefit all Canadians – not just those within the ag space. And, she gives insights into what skills make her a strong leader and teammate, and shares her thoughts on the need for more gender balance in the agricultural research space.
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Chris Hay never wanted to go into agriculture at first – "that's what Dad did," he says. But a fascination with water management led him down the path of agricultural irrigation and drainage. After spending some time in the "ivory tower" of academia, Hay later turned to extension work and then parlayed that into his role with the Iowa Soybean Association, where he balances his loves of research, education and working up-close and personal with farmers. A problem-solver by nature, Hay discusses his passion for the work, the role and the results.
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Ontario-based Darby McGrath has been involved in agriculture since she was a teenager: first through working on tree fruit farms in the Niagara region, through her several roles with Vineland Research and Innovation Centre, as an adjunct professor with the University of Waterloo and Brock University, and as a board member of Local Enhancement & Appreciation of Forests non-profit organization.
Nominated by Vineland plant breeding research scientist Rachael LeBlanc, McGrath stood out for her research accomplishments in horticulture and her leadership capabilities. While McGrath is fairly new to her role as vice-president of research and development at Vineland, LeBlanc highlighted her "genuine willingness and enthusiasm to learn and grow with those around her" as evidence of her being the ideal fit for the job.
In this episode, McGrath chats with agriculture editor Alex Barnard about recognizing the victories – small and large – of yourself and others, the importance of failure in innovation and research, and trying to slow down to enjoy the journey.
Special thanks to Bayer Crop Science Canada, platinum sponsor of the 2023 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program, for sponsoring this series.
- Se mer
