Scientific instruments sit in a field.

Communication part of the job for Agriculture Canada scientists

The department says producer engagement, field demonstrations and making data available online are expected of its researchers

In addition to the science, researchers also have another role — sharing their findings and knowledge with people in the ag sector and the public.

A man in a blue shirt wearing rubber boots walks in a lush green pasture with black and white dairy cattle.

Canadian agriculture extension called too ‘top down’

A University of Guelph professor says knowledge transfer is too ‘top down’ and requires a more collaborative approach

Canada is a global leader in agricultural science with world class experts in crop production and livestock husbandry. However, when it comes to transferring that scientific knowledge to Canadian farmers, there’s ample room for improvement.


Agriculture experts with North Dakota State University speak with groups of farmers at events such as this one at the Langdon research and extension centre.

North Dakota still relies on face-to-face extension

Despite its small size, Burke County, North Dakota, has a full-time agricultural extension agent. Any farmer in the county who needs help with a disease in their spring wheat crop or has a problem with their cattle herd can call Dan Folske and ask for assistance.



A man stands in the middle of a pea crop plot speaking into a microphone to an unseen audience.

Is agriculture extension working in Canada?

Land grant universities mainly handle extension work in the United States; in Canada, it’s described as more of a ‘mish-mash’

Canada’s system of getting the latest and most useful information to farmers is very different from what happens in the United States.