AgAnnex Talks

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.This episode is brought to you by The Water Table, a Prinsco education initiative which supports the GroundBreakers program. The GroundBreakers will be back in two weeks to bring you more stories from our class of 2023.

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.Special thanks to Corteva for its support of the IWCA program.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 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.

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.Badea was nominated as an IWCA recipient by Dean Dias, CEO at Cereals Canada, who, in addition to her leadership at AAFC, highlighted Badea’s innovative work to develop new malting, food and feed barley cultivars with high yield and strong disease resistance, as well as the various advocacy initiatives she works on within the industry.In this episode, Badea and Top Crop Manager West editor Derek Clouthier talk about her research, what drives her passion for agriculture and where she hopes to see the industry go in the future.Special thanks to Bayer, platinum sponsor of the 2023 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program, for sponsoring this series.

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.Nominated by Erin Gilchrist, Dr. Wilson’s nomination package focused on the reputation she’s been able to establish for her lab at VIDO, and the innovations she and her team have achieved together. She’s also helping guide others into the field and is described as a dedicated supervisor and mentor, having previously mentored or currently mentoring four post-doctoral fellows, four masters students, eight Ph D. Students, three technicians, four project students and a half-dozen summer students.In this episode, Heather and agriculture editor Bree Rody discuss her views on leadership and mentorship, gaining the confidence to navigate tough processes such as grant-writing and networking and why it's important to recognize one's own strengths and weaknesses.This episode is sponsored by John Deere. This series is sponsored by Bayer.

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.

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. Stefanie Croley, editorial director, agriculture, chats with Staples in this interview about the importance of creating connections between producers and consumers, and the struggle to balance motherhood and career, while still fulfilling your dreams. IWCA is a program created by the agriculture brands at Annex Business Media, designed to recognize women who make a difference in Canada’s ag industry and provide them with a platform to share their knowledge, triumphs and advice.Stay tuned as we bring you the rest of our 2021 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture. 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, platinum sponsor of the 2021 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program.

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.AgAnnex editor Bree Rody chats with McKenna in this episode of the IWCA series for AgAnnex Talks, discussing challenges, lessons learned and what the future holds for agriculture.IWCA is a program created by the agriculture brands at Annex Business Media, designed to recognize women who make a difference in Canada’s ag industry and provide them with a platform to share their knowledge, triumphs and advice.Stay tuned as we bring you the rest of our 2021 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture. 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, platinum sponsor of the 2021 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture program.