agannex talks by AgAnnex

As a field marketer and sales coach at Hensall Co-op in Ailsa Craig, Ont., Meghan Scott has learned a lot about building relationships with growers, interns, summer students and co-workers. When it comes to cropping systems and making recommendations, there’s not always a perfect answer. That’s why relationships are so important. But it takes time to get to know people and to figure out the best means of communication. Meghan is still partial to meeting face-to-face and to a phone call over a text.   

There's no typical day in the life of Cathy Lennon. As the executive director of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, a "typical" day can be filled with different advocacy and lobbying activities, which can take place on a small family farm or in Queen's Park. This means she's had to hone her communication skills, her mental flexibility and agility, and her empathy. It's those qualities that have made her an Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture honouree for 2025.

In this episode of the Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture podcast series, Dr. Martine Boulianne shares insights from her career as a leader in veterinary science and agricultural research. As a professor at the Université de Montréal, she has mentored countless students and worked closely with industry to advance animal health, food safety, and sustainability. Martine reflects on her journey, her approach to leadership, and the evolving role of women in agriculture.

Fuelled by a passion for agriculture, Jolene MacEachern is an advocate for the family farm. She is the director of strategic projects in the faculty of agriculture at Dalhousie University and works to improve learning opportunities for students to set them up for success in the ag industry. MacEachern even took the unconventional path to acquire her dairy farm while balancing her career and a family. She's also an Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture honouree for 2025.

Emily Ford is a senior agronomist with Quattro Farms in Bow Island, Alta. Ford always knew she had a passion for agriculture, and spent her early career gaining new experiences at both ends of the country as she learned more about which environments she thrived in the most. Ultimately, Ford is driven by a passion for helping Canadians understand where their food comes from – and she executes this crucial advocacy through programming work with the Irvine Ag School, while also serving as a voice for producers through the Potato Growers of Alberta. She's also a Nuffield Scholar, and is the Canadian delegate for the Global Farmer Network Round Table.

Growing up on a grain and dairy farm, Candace Mitschke has always been involved in agriculture, but her career path has taken many turns. She’s worked in animal nutrition, hay exporting, functional food development, marketing and communications, crop insurance - and more - all of which eventually led to her role as executive director of SaskFSA (Farm Stewardship Association) and project lead for SaskDEN (Drainage Extension Network) in Saskatchewan. Mitschke is also a nominee of this year’s Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture (IWCA) award. 

Athyna Cambouris has played a pivotal role in paving the way for precision agriculture in Canada. As a research scientist at the Quebec Research and Development Centre for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, her work is driven by her goal to help farmers manage their crop production challenges. Athyna carries a passion for soil science and takes any opportunity to collaborate with farmers and other researchers. 

Blanket tariffs — like the proposed 25 per cent tariffs on all imports into the United States from Canada, set to come into place March 4 – affect every single industry. However, although the effects on almost all of Canada's industries are significant and negative, they're also all unique. Those who work in export commodities know that these complexities extend beyond consumer-level "buy Canadian" sentiment.

We're mostly all about tile talk here on Focus on Drainage. But today's guest is detailing an alternative to tile: mole drains. While not as common in North America as they are overseas, mole drains are a cheaper alternative to tile drainage. While they don't work in every soil type or topography, a practical use case for mole drains – even when combined with traditional tile drainage – isn't that hard to see, says Ghane.

Some drainage doubters have legitimate concerns about whether or not drainage would worsen the effects of drought conditions in fields where soil moisture is significantly lacking. Dr. Vinayak Shedekar of the Ohio State University agrees that drainage could potentially worsen field conditions in areas experiencing significant drought – like the one experienced by Ohio in the summer of 2024, when more than 20 counties were declared to be on a D4 drought condition, some even into November, resulting in a significant decrease in yield for grain crops across the interstate.

Denitrifying bioreactors are a key edge-of-field practice for removing excess nutrients from agricultural water before it enters our nation's waterways. But adoption of bioreactors is a tough sell, in part because it requires a less traditional ROI approach. Dr. Laura Christianson shares the details of how bioreactors work, what the ideal pairings are of edge-of-field practices and how they pay off in the long run – even in the less traditional senses.

Loralee Orr grew up on the farm. But as commercial leader for Corteva Canada, she’s also passionate about letting people of all ages know that one doesn’t have to grow up on the farm to find a fulfilling career in agriculture. In fact, Orr is passionate about introducing people to all of the diverse aspects of agriculture beyond primary production. Government relations, communications and the vast world of innovation are all spaces to watch, says Orr, and that’s why it’s important to invest in and nurture young talent and attract them to the diverse and exciting ag industry.

It can take time to find your true strengths.

How far can you go if you truly challenge yourself?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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 latest episode of the Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture podcast series, we speak to Cheryle Warkentine, Co-Owner of Aletta Holsteins.

“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?’”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Today, we’re talking to our second 2023 honouree: Jacob Handsaker of Hands-On Tiling and Excavating. Nominated by Jeremy Mulholland, Jacob has been widely recognized by a number of other professionals in the field for his efforts to push the industry forward, especially in Iowa. Jeremy described Jacob as being on the front edge of critical water quality practices such as installing multiple saturated buffers on Iowa fields through the state’s batch and build program. In partnering with the ADMC, the Iowa Agricultural Water Alliance, the NRCS and the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, Jacob has installed upwards of 50 saturated buffers, proving that one can get serious business done while also focusing on conservation and water quality.

Ana Badea is a Manitoba-based research scientist for barley breeding and genetics, leading Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s (AAFC) largest two-row and hulless barley breeding program at the Brandon Research and Development Centre. Badea is also involved in the development and training of the next generation of researchers and agriculture professionals as an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba, where she helps guide graduate students as a co-supervisor and member of the advisory committee.

Welcome to our second edition of The GroundBreakers, our annual recognition program for contractors, advocates and water management professionals who go above and beyond to elevate the field of agricultural drainage.

Saskatchewan-based Heather Wilson is a research scientist and program leader in the vaccine formulation and delivery group at the Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization, or VIDO. She’s also an adjunct professor at the University of Saskatchewan in the department of veterinary microbiology and the school of public health.

In our first episode of the 2023 Influential Women in Canada Agriculture podcast series, we speak to Kelly Daynard, executive director of Farm and Food Care Ontario. In her long-time role as a public trust advocate, she shares meaningful stories and information with consumers to broaden their understanding of Canadian food and farming and the people behind it.

Almost all crops begin in the soil. Soil is a complex system and managing it is similarly complex, with no one-size-fits-all approach. But there are some commonalities. What are the biggest challenges and opportunities in soil management?

Biologicals are a hot topic these days, with several companies releasing new or updated bio products onto the market in recent years. But what are these products and how are they used?

When Karen Tanino was hired by the University of Saskatchewan’s college of agriculture and bioresources in 1988, she was only the second female faculty member. Now, Tanino is a professor of plant sciences at the university and leads or is involved in many other projects concerning a variety of crops, environmental conditions, and extension and outreach activities; her self-confidence and drive to figure things out and move forward, as well as the support of her male colleagues, have made her a force to be reckoned with in Canadian agriculture. 

Dr. Valarie Carney has been one of North America’s most respected poultry science leaders for nearly two decades. Based in Edmonton as the Poultry Innovation Partnership lead, she supports excellence in research and innovation in Canada’s poultry industry. She’s also served in leadership roles with many provincial, national and international poultry science organizations. What’s more, she helps train the next generation of poultry specialists through her work with graduate and undergraduate students at the University of Alberta.

Mary Ruth McDonald has always been interested in plants, which led her to the University of Guelph, the study of plant pathology, and an interest in crop protection. But it was a summer job as a pest management scout in Ontario’s Holland Marsh that clarified what she wanted to do with those interests. Between her work as an OMAFRA pest management specialist and as a professor in the department of plant agriculture at the University of Guelph, McDonald has spent almost her entire career focusing on vegetable cropping in the unique agricultural production conditions of the Holland Marsh, acting as a bridge between research and application in the field.

Manitobans Brett Sheffield and Matt Mroz have worked closely together since their days studying agriculture. Sheffield, who owns NextGen Drainage and Mroz, owner of Revasto Enterprises, pride themselves in continuously challenging themselves and their knowledge, knowing the alternative ways to do things and growing their businesses at sustainable rates. As part of the GroundBreakers series, they discuss where they see themselves in the industry and where they see drainage heading.

While Heather Watson didn’t grow up on a farm, most of her youth she was drawn to agriculture, nature and farming, whether it was through her part-time job at a local farm supply store or living near farmland. After initially obtaining her Master’s degree in English literature, Watson pivoted her focus to farm business management, establishing herself in Eastern Ontario – and never looked back. Now as executive director of Farm Management Canada, Watson focuses on promoting farmers’ leadership development and elevating the voices of traditionally underrepresented groups in farming.

Jeremy Meiners might have been comfortable in lecture halls and research labs for the rest of his career – he obtained his PhD at Washington University at a time when he says many of its graduates were going into full-time academia careers. But Meiners pivoted and combined his passions of farming and design and joined AGREM, his father’s software company. 

Adam Fisher has a passion for doing things the right way. Since creating his first Ditch Doctor prototype, Fisher has made his life about just that. His goal with the Ditch Doctor, an excavator attachment used to create, restore and maintain ditches, is for it to become the “go-to” method for maintaining infrastructure. In this GroundBreakers episode, Fisher discusses why maintaining drainage infrastructure is so important – and the various challenges facing contractors, farmers and more. 

Award-winning farmer Lisa Mumm is a dedicated leader in the field of seed harvesting and seed policy. As a fourth-generation organic seed farmer, Lisa has a wealth of experience growing specialty seed crops. Her business, Mumm’s Sprouting Seeds, works with family farmers around the world to supply over 100 varieties of seeds for growing sprouts and microgreens. She is also the go-to to advocate for good governance of seeds to protect Canadian farmers and Canada’s global seed sovereignty.

Bruce Shewfelt, president of consultancy firm PBS Water Management, has spent his whole career focused on moving water – both away from areas that are too wet and into areas that are too dry.

From risky career moves and adversity in the workplace to the illness and death of a loved one, Lana Shaw has encountered many curve balls in her life, and credits her village of supportive people to help her get through the challenges she’s faced. Now, Shaw strives to pay that kindness forward in her current role the executive director and research manager of the South East Research Farm in Redvers, Sask. 

Some children develop an interest at a young age that quickly grows into an obsession and, eventually, a career. For Christine Noronha, growing up in Pakistan, that interest just happened to be insects. Now an entomologist with AAFC, she has devoted her life to the study of entomology, and knows that the smallest pests can have the biggest impact on yields, livelihoods and the environment. Beyond the bugs, Noronha is also passionate about guiding other students, particularly young women and people new to Canada, through their journeys in academia.

Welcome to the third episode in our 2022 Top 4 Under 40 series. These three episodes will feature conversations with the winners of Fruit & Vegetable’s recent contest, which sought to recognize the industry’s young trailblazers.

Welcome to the second episode in our 2022 Top 4 Under 40 series. These three episodes will feature conversations with the winners of Fruit & Vegetable’s recent contest, which sought to recognize the industry’s young trailblazers.

Welcome to the first episode in our second annual Top 4 Under 40 series. These three episodes will feature conversations with the winners of Fruit & Vegetable’s recent contest, which sought to recognize the industry’s young trailblazers.

Leona Staples, president of The Jungle Farm in Red Deer, Alta., is passionate about sharing the story of agriculture with everyone she meets. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Staples, along with her husband and three sons, would host more than 5,000 students through educational experiences, offering students unforgettable knowledge about how food is produced.

Life is full of difficult decisions – when to take a chance, when to take time off, when to go back to your roots, when to try something new. Andrea McKenna has tackled all of those tough decisions and more as a farm operator, advocate and mentor. Now, she tells her story outlining her journey from city living to farm operation and helping growers make more sustainable business decisions.

If you work with cereals in Ontario, odds are you’ve heard of Ellen Sparry – she’s a go-to person for cereals research and production questions, according to “Wheat Pete” Johnson. Sparry is the general manager of C&M Seeds in Palmerston, Ont., as well as wheat registration co-ordinator and performance test co-ordinator for the Ontario Cereal Crops Committee and chair of the newly formed Seeds Canada. Even beyond that, she’s a keen mentor and advocate for the importance of communication.

Professor Tina M. Widowski has spent more than 25 years investigating the factors that affect the well-being of poultry and livestock. Collaborating with academic leaders including Temple Grandin and Ian Duncan, her extensive research and authorship has included findings on growth, efficiency and mortality in broiler chickens, as well as alternative housing systems for chickens.

Simone Demers-Collins’ career has taken her from government and extension to independent consultation, but at the root of it has always been listening to the needs of the community around her. Now as a professional home economist, Simone also spends her time promoting food literacy in youth.

Crystal Mackay is an agriculture advocate, entrepreneur and much more. Currently the founder/CEO of Loft32, which works to elevate businesses, people and the conversations on food and farming, Mackay has been described as “doing the heavy lifting” of launching successful structures and programs in the ag industry for more than 30 years.

Welcome to the third episode in our Top 4 Under 40 series. These four episodes will feature conversations with the winners of Fruit & Vegetable’s recent contest, which sought to recognize the industry’s young trailblazers.

Welcome to the third episode in our Top 4 Under 40 series. These four episodes will feature conversations with the winners of Fruit & Vegetable’s recent contest, which sought to recognize the industry’s young trailblazers.

Welcome to the second episode in our Top 4 Under 40 series. These four episodes will feature conversations with the winners of Fruit & Vegetable’s recent contest, which sought to recognize the industry’s young trailblazers.

Welcome to the first episode in our Top 4 Under 40 series. These four episodes will feature conversations with the winners of Fruit & Vegetable’s recent contest, which sought to recognize the industry’s young trailblazers.

In our last focus on future-proof farming, we speak with experts from Olds College and Purdue University about how drones, automation and data are changing the ag world, and what barriers exist that prevent adoption.

Digesters are widely regarded as a great way to repurpose farm waste into alternative energy sources, while also helping out in other areas – like cutting down on nutrient losses and producing on-farm resources like bedding. And although the demand for digesters is increasing, prices remain high, and farm operators want to know that their ROI will be strong.

As we continue our season focused on farming with the future in mind, we speak with farmers and industry leaders on how they've pivoted and coped throughout COVID-19 and what it's taught them about dealing with future disruptions down the line.

In our new season focused on farming with the future in mind, we look at what role landowners, producers and drainage professionals can play in keeping soil healthy, how different bodies can work together and why soil health matters in the long run.

By day, Kristen Phillips is a farmer, agronomist, and general manager of Manitoba Ag Days. But she’s also a wife and a mom, raising the fifth generation of farmers on her family’s land in Roseland, Man. In this episode of AgAnnex Talks, the sixth and final interview in our Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture series, Phillips shares what keeps her excited about agriculture, the profound advice she carries with her through her career, and her thoughts on the future of the Canadian industry.

Karen Schuett, co-founder and CEO of Livestock Water Recycling (LWR), is a highly regarded manure expert. Her Calgary-based agtech company has developed one of the global livestock industry’s most sought-after manure treatment innovations. In pursuing her work towards lagoon-free food, this visionary has received numerous awards.

Peggy Brekveld wears a lot of hats. She’s vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Agriculture, and her family operates Woodstar Farms, a dairy farm near Thunder Bay, Ont. She’s a graduate of the Rural Ontario Institute’s Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program (AALP), and is currently also vice-president of the Agricultural Adaptation Council. But, of all the things she’s done in the agriculture sector, Peggy believes that her work as an ag advocate is where she’s really made her mark.

Laura Van Eerd, a professor at the University of Guelph Ridgetown Campus, is well-known for her soil fertility research which influences agriculture, not only in the province, but nationally and internationally. Van Eerd shares what motivates her, some personal career highlights, and what she’s learned from mentors and her experiences along the way.

Dr. Barbara Cade-Menun, a research scientist with Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada, is a world leader in studying phosphorus cycling in water, soils and plants. She’s developed and refined investigative techniques that have become the preferred standard, and has received numerous important accolades in recognition of her work.

Dr. Karen Schwean-Lardner, an associate professor with the University of Saskatchewan's department of animal and poultry science, is one of the most highly regarded poultry scientists worldwide. She leads a research team that investigates the effects of management systems on the welfare and productivity of commercial poultry.

GMOs, pesticides, livestock health and safety: it can feel like farmers and consumers are speaking different languages when hot button issues are discussed. What creates this communication breakdown?

Do you have a succession plan? Bob Tosh, family enterprise advisor with MNP, says this question isn’t a good place to start when it comes to thinking about the succession planning process. In this episode, Tosh shares advice he has given throughout his years as an advisor and offers perspective to current and next-generation farmers engaging with the succession process. Doug Johnston, a fifth-generation grain and dairy producer, also shares his succession experience and offers some frank advice for fellow producers.

Labour shortages and misconceptions about farm work are some of the issues faced by Canadian agricultural producers. The Canadian Agriculture Human Resource Council reported in 2019 that the agriculture sector’s job-vacancy rate was the “highest of any major sector in the Canadian economy.”

Farming is considered one of the most hazardous occupations in Canada – according to the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association, more than 100 adults and children are victims in farm accidents every year in Canada.

Mental health in agriculture is a hot topic at the moment, and for good reason. Farmers are particularly vulnerable to developing anxiety and depression, and experiencing suicidal thoughts, due to the nature of farming. Isolation, uncertainty, market volatility, high risks – it's tough out there for farmers.