National survey for farm women
Farm women across Canada are eligible to take part in a national survey to help understand the experience of farm women.
Farm Management Canada and CentricEngine Inc. are conducting research to provide a baseline for understanding the roles, status, barriers and opportunities to support women involved in farming.
The Census of Agriculture reports about one third of farms have a woman as a primary decision maker, either as sole proprietor or in a partnership.
All those who complete the survey will be entered into a draw to win $500.
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The survey can be completed at api.legerweb.com/womeninfarming.
Cereals Canada appointments
Cereals Canada board of directors appointed a new board chair, executive committee, and five new members during its board meeting in Winnipeg.
Jennifer Marchand was elected to the position of chair, previously serving as a director and vice-chair for two years.
Marchand replaces Todd Hames, who will remain on the board as a director.
Brett Halstead of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission has been elected vice-chair, Gregg Fotheringham as secretary and Adam Dyck as treasurer.
Five new board members were also elected:
- Boris Michaleski, producer representative, Manitoba Crop Alliance
- Chris Legge, industry representative, Syngenta
- Tyler Groenveld, industry representative, Corteva
- Ramzy Yelda, producer representative, Producteurs de grains du Québec
- Josh Boersen, producer representative, Grain Farmers of Ontario
Manitoba Outstanding Young Farmers
Richard and Kristy-Layne Carr of Rich Lane Farms located in Marchand were named Manitoba’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2022.
The winners were announced at the Manitoba regional event held in Brandon June 15-16.
Rich Lane Farms began in 2006 when Kristy-Layne’s 4H beef herd was brought from Portage la Prairie to La Broquerie.
They milk 55 Holstein cows in a double eight parlour. They also run 60 Black Angus beef cows. The majority of the feed for both herds is homegrown, which includes silage corn, alfalfa, millet, forage oats and ryegrass.
The couple are active on social media and in 2021 they started a YouTube channel, The Big Small Farmer.
The other two nominees recognized for this year’s event are:
- Tyson Martens, Seven Stones Inc., Kola
- Harley Siemens, Rosenort
Canada’s Outstanding Young Farmers for 2022 will be chosen at the national event in Saskatoon Nov. 23-27.
Ag scholarship winners
Seven students are recipients of the 2022 Pathways to Agri-Food Scholarships, sponsored by the Canadian Agri-Business Education Foundation.
The $2,500 scholarships are awarded to students entering or pursuing an agricultural or agri-food related program at a Canadian college, university or technical institution.
This year’s recipients are Annalise Steadman from Victoria, Seanna Wengryn from Edmonton, Mariah Maurer from Grenfell, Sask., Emily Robb from Brandon, Emily Bieman from Belgrave, Ont., Devin Keenan from Cleveland, Que., and Jill Lockerby from Hamilton, P.E.I.
Applicants were assessed on their leadership attributes, and written or video response to the question: “Equity, diversity, and inclusion are issues and opportunities that are important to the agriculture and agri-food sectors. Describe why these topics are crucial to address, and outline one concrete action our industry can take to be more equitable, diverse and inclusive.”
More information is at cabef.org.
New scientific officer
Dr. Nancy Tout has been hired as the first chief scientific officer at the Global Institute for Food Security at the University of Saskatchewan.
Tout’s previous experience was with Results Driven Agriculture Research in Alberta, where she was responsible for developing and delivering research funding programs.
She also spent 21years at Syngenta Canada as part of a team of scientists developing agricultural innovation projects.
Tout has received national and global recognition, including as a Female Food Hero through CropLife International.
At GIFSs, she will be responsible for strategic leadership and oversight of the institute’s science programs and technology platforms.
FPCC appointments
The federal government announced three reappointments to the Farm Products Council of Canada, which oversees the national supply management agencies for poultry and eggs, and supervises national promotion and research agencies for farm products.
The new appointments are:
- Brian Douglas, chair (2018 – present) reappointed for a four-year term.
- Ron Bonnett, vice-chair (2019–present) reappointed for a term ending Dec. 4.
- Morgan Moore, member (2019–present) reappointed for a two-year term.