AgAnnex Talks AgAnnex

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.
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.

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.

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.

“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.  

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.