Coles Ag, Author at Manitoba Crop Alliance

Manitoba Crop Alliance awards 2025-26 high school bursaries

Coles Ag on July 20, 2026

July 20, 2026 (Carman, MB) – Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) has awarded six graduating high school students from Manitoba with bursaries valued at $1,000 each. The six bursary recipients are Austin Dubyts from Stockton, Katie Gulak from Gilbert Plains, Aiden Brunel from Ste. Rose du Lac, Keira Duguid from Gimli, Julie McMahon from Inwood, and Ella Prejet from Notre Dame de Lourdes.

“Every year, I’m impressed by the quality of our bursary applicants and this year’s recipients are no exception,” says MCA chair Jonothan Hodson. “I look forward to seeing the valuable contributions they will make to our industry. The future of Manitoba agriculture is in great hands.”

MCA established these bursaries to assist graduating high school students within the province of Manitoba who are planning on continuing their education at a Canadian college or university in a field that will benefit the agriculture sector. MCA also awards annual bursaries valued at $2,000 each to post-secondary students enrolled in agricultural programs within the province of Manitoba. The application period for 2026-27 post-secondary bursaries will open in October.

For more information about the MCA bursary program and to learn more about the recipients, visit mbcropalliance.ca.

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For more information, please contact:

Cole Christensen
Communications Manager
Manitoba Crop Alliance
403-589-3529
cole@mbcropalliance.ca

About Manitoba Crop Alliance:
MCA represents more than 7,700 farmer members who grow wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and flax in Manitoba. MCA puts its farmer members first and strives to continuously improve their competitiveness and profitability by focusing on four main areas: research, agronomy, market development and access, and communications. By investing in these key areas, MCA ensures wheat, barley, corn, sunflower and flax remain sustainable production choices for Manitoba farmers. For more information, visit mbcropalliance.ca.

Meet Manitoba Crop Alliance’s 2025-26 high school bursary recipients

Coles Ag on July 20, 2026

MCA_2025-26 HS Bursary Recipients Graphic_X

Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is proud to support agriculture’s next generation. MCA’s bursary program is designed to assist with the financial needs of students pursuing education in a field that will benefit the agriculture sector.

Six graduating high school students from Manitoba have been awarded with bursaries valued at $1,000 each. The six bursary recipients are Austin Dubyts from Stockton, Katie Gulak from Gilbert Plains, Aiden Brunel from Ste. Rose du Lac, Keira Duguid from Gimli, Julie McMahon from Inwood, and Ella Prejet from Notre Dame de Lourdes.

To qualify for these bursaries, applicants did not need to be continuing into an agriculture-specific program. However, they did need to clearly articulate how their continued studies would help them benefit the agriculture industry.

Congratulations to all the recipients!

Learn more about this year’s recipients

Riley Anderson, corn crop committee

Coles Ag on July 6, 2026

Riley Anderson farms with his wife, Lashonda, west of Morris, MB. He is fifth generation on his father’s side and sixth on his mother’s. The family operation includes his parents, Joe and Pat; his sister Kara, who is an owner; and her husband, Caleb, who helps during harvest. Riley’s sister Cheyenne also works on the farm, while sisters Kaylie and Tessa help during busy seasons. His friend Tim is also an essential part of the operation. Together, they grow corn, soybeans, wheat and oats.

What motivated you to get into farming?

“It’s in my blood,” my dad always says, and we joke about that. I loved driving tractor and riding with my grandpa and uncle when I was little. From a very young age, my parents knew farming was in my future.

What is one of your favourite parts of farming?

I absolutely love planting season. That’s when we put the crop in the ground, and it’s when the highest level of attention to detail and precision is needed. It’s intense, because that’s what sets up the rest of the season. If we don’t do a good job planting, we’re going to have very little to harvest at the end of the year.

What motivated you to get involved with Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA)?

MCA was looking for a delegate, and a friend of mine who was on the committee called and asked if I would join. I did, and I’ve enjoyed my time here so far. I enjoy connecting with other farmers, and corn is an interesting crop in Manitoba. Traditionally, you either grow it and love growing it, or you don’t. It’s always good to meet with other people who are passionate about growing a crop I enjoy. I also think it’s very important to be part of planning where our research dollars are spent.

What does your role on the corn crop committee involve?

The No. 1 job of the corn crop committee is deciding where our check-off dollars go and how best to spend them. We strive to be good stewards of farmers’ money. Second, because corn is more of a special crop in Manitoba, part of the role is spreading knowledge and skills on how to grow corn effectively. As one of the other delegates says, it’s about spreading the love for corn.

Is there a project or area of work you’re especially proud of being part of as a delegate?

The biggest accomplishment is hiring an agronomist in residence for special crops at the University of Manitoba, Loveleen Dhillon. That’s a pretty big deal for corn and other special crops in the province. It increases capacity for corn-specific research in Manitoba.

Is there anything you’d like farmer members to know about the work MCA is doing?

MCA strives to spend every dollar to benefit Manitoba farmers. It’s for farmers at large, not just a few.

Why do you think other people should get involved with MCA?

With the amount of dollars coming in through the check-off, it’s a lot of money. We need as many smart, wise minds around the table as possible to decide how those dollars are spent. The more people involved who have a passion for moving agriculture forward, the better the ideas and research will be.

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of your farm?

Growing more nutritious crops that have demand around the world, and bigger crops in the future as I learn how to be a better manager of my soil. I want to become a student of my soil and learn how to maximize its potential and leave my farm in a better position than my ancestors left it for me.

Do you have any hobbies outside of farming?

In the winter, I’m really into ice fishing. It gets me out of the house. In the summer, I enjoy going to sporting events. I’m a big football fan. My wife and I have also recently gotten into watching dirt track stock car racing.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve received that’s stuck with you?

Always buy good land and don’t buy bad land. Also, surround yourself with people who are smarter than you. I try to put myself in rooms where I’m not the most knowledgeable person, so I can keep learning.

What’s your go-to field meal during busy seasons?

Whatever gets sent out to the field. We used to always get sandwiches because my dad loves them, but he had some health issues a few years ago which has changed how we eat on the farm. Now we get more hot meals or low-carb options and try to eat healthy in the field instead of grabbing something quick from a gas station. My mom makes a teriyaki chicken dish with a bit of rice and vegetables mixed in. It’s so good.

What’s one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

I was homeschooled from Kindergarten to Grade 12.

If you weren’t farming, what do you think you’d be doing?

I used to say I’d be coaching football, but I know I’m not good enough at that and probably wouldn’t make any money at it. I’d likely be working in the ag industry, maybe as a sales agronomist or in a role that involves connecting with people.

Manitoba Crop Alliance opens nominations for delegate positions on crop committees

Coles Ag on July 2, 2026

July 2, 2026 (Carman, MB) – Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) is now accepting nominations from farmer members to serve as delegates on its four crop committees.

“Our delegates determine how farmer check-off dollars are invested, shaping the future of Manitoba farms and guiding the direction of the industry,” says MCA CEO Pam de Rocquigny.

“Our unique governance structure ensures a strong voice for each crop type we represent and enables a cross-commodity, whole farm approach to issues on behalf of our farmer members.”

MCA delegates work towards strengthening the mandate of research, agronomy, market development and access, and communication and advocacy initiatives within each of the four crop committees: corn, flax, sunflower, and wheat and barley. They also receive personal growth opportunities, such as the chance to network with fellow farmers, researchers and industry stakeholders, while gaining a deeper understanding of all the crop industries MCA represents.

This nomination period, there are four open positions on each of the corn, flax and sunflower committees, as well as five open positions on the wheat and barley committee.

“No matter how long you’ve been farming, where in the province you farm or which of our crop types you grow, you can contribute and make a difference,” says de Rocquigny. “No previous experience is required, as our staff and existing delegates will ensure new delegates have all the tools and information they need to excel in the role.”

The nomination period will close at 4:30 p.m. CDT on Oct. 1, 2026. For more information on the nomination or election process – including eligibility requirements, responsibilities of a delegate, time requirements and how to submit a nomination form – visit our website or contact us by email at hello@mbcropalliance.ca or phone at 204-745-6661.

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For more information, please contact:

Pam de Rocquigny
Chief Executive Officer
204-745-6661
pam@mbcropalliance.ca

Rotimi Aluko, professor, University of Manitoba

Coles Ag on June 8, 2026

Connect with Rotimi on LinkedIn.

Rotimi Aluko is a professor at the University of Manitoba (UM) in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, as well as director of the Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research. Originally from Nigeria, he completed his undergraduate and master’s degrees in biochemistry there before earning a PhD in food science at the University of Guelph. He moved to Winnipeg in 2001, where he lives with his wife. Their two children are grown; one lives in Winnipeg and the other is in Alberta.

Where did you work before UM?

I’ve been here for 25 years, but before UM I worked as a research scientist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) in Saskatoon.

What got you interested in becoming a professor?

From my undergraduate days I was fascinated by my professors, how they taught, carried themselves and were respected in society. I worked as a scientist with AAFC after my PhD, but I was always on the lookout for a professorial position. It had been a longtime goal, so when the opportunity came up, I took it.

Tell us a bit about what you’re working on at UM.

If I’m not teaching, I’m usually giving feedback on various documents. This includes grant applications, student theses and manuscripts, and preparing documents that highlight the centre’s activities.

In one of our current research projects, “Genotype and environment effects on sunflower and new sunflower protein study,” co-funded by Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), we are looking at genotype versus environment effects on sunflower seed protein content and quality.

This project has two main objectives. First, we are quantifying chlorogenic acid, the compound that causes sunflower protein to turn greenish during aqueous processing. That colour isn’t always desirable in food products, so we are screening different varieties to identify those with lower levels of chlorogenic acid. We are also screening different growing environments to see if that affects the chlorogenic acid content. If we can identify varieties with low chlorogenic acid, they could be recommended to farmers, assuming all other aspects of the seed are acceptable.

Second, we are looking at protein quality. Proteins are made up of units called amino acids, and the quality of the protein is determined by the amino acids present that the human body cannot synthesize on its own. We are developing a rapid system to measure essential amino acids, which determine protein quality. The goal is to identify sunflower varieties and growing locations that result in higher-quality protein for use in the food industry.

What can you say about the value of farmers providing funding and support to your organization?

It’s invaluable. This research would not be possible without the financial support and collaboration of farmers and MCA. Beyond funding, farmers also provide the seeds to do the work. That level of support allows us to generate results that can be applied back to the industry.

How does that farmer funding and support directly benefit farmers?

The goal of this project is to identify sunflower varieties that produce high-quality protein with a desirable colour for food use. That creates stronger demand from the food industry, especially with growing interest in plant-based products. If successful, this will give Manitoba farmers an advantage by producing seeds that are more valuable in the marketplace and can improve returns.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I am a history buff. I like to learn about history by relaxing and watching documentaries.

What gets you most excited about your work?

When we get results that meet our objectives and lead to useful outcomes, whether for the food industry or farmers, that’s what excites me. It shows the time and investment in the research is making a real impact.

What are you excited about for the future of agriculture?

I am excited about the growing emphasis on plant-based foods. The cultivation of crops is sustainable, and the current emphasis on using more plant products in our food system is highly encouraging because it points to a more sustainable future for food, agriculture and human nutrition.

What is your favourite food or meal?

As a Nigerian, my favourite food is Jollof rice. It is a specialty rice dish with a unique preparation, and I think it’s traditionally made in Nigeria and Ghana. It’s a wonderful dish with many different versions: spicy or not spicy, with vegetables, meat or fish.

Connect with Rotimi on LinkedIn.

The 13-Year Lag: Why Today’s Wheat Breeding Success Depends on Yesterday’s Investment

Coles Ag on June 8, 2026

Wheat varieties are performing better than ever, but a “slow drip” of budget cuts means the next generation of innovation is at a critical crossroads.

Wheat varieties that deliver high yields, exceptional quality and strong disease packages are available in abundant choice to Manitoba farmers. This choice and performance are thanks to an often-overlooked wheat breeding innovation system.

“Wheat is one of my favourite crops to grow; it can withstand whatever the year throws at it,” says Jocelyn Velestuk, chair of the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC). “In past decades that hasn’t always been the case.”

There’s lots of variables driving the success of wheat in Western Canada, but Velestuk is adamant that the foundation of that success is our wheat breeding programs. “We can’t take that system for granted and right now, it’s at risk,” she says.

While the varieties available today are excellent, the process of plant breeding means those successes are built on efforts made over 10 years ago. The average time from initial cross to commercialization for a wheat variety is 13 years. Wheat breeding is a long-term process and takes stable investment.

The CWRC has been studying the current plant breeding system and has identified some significant gaps and risks, which are outlined in a report that was released in February 2026.

“Our largest breeding program has seen a slow drip of budget cuts going back nearly two decades,” Velestuk says, referencing the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) wheat breeding program. “The latest budget cuts exasperate an already compromised system. It’s really clear that the status quo is not an option.”

A perfect storm

The long cycle of plant breeding and the budget cuts at Canada’s largest breeding program have prompted significant concern. In the past 20 years, there have been two significant government funding cuts:

2012 Deficit Reduction Action Plan (DRAP) saw the AAFC budget cut by 12 per cent and resulted in closures of several stations and an overall loss of 60,000 plots.
2025 Comprehensive Expenditure Review (CER) will see a 15 per cent cut at AAFC within the next three years, with $112 million cut in 2026-27. Closures of research stations and job losses were recently announced.

These cuts create three distinct eras of funding for plant breeding: The pre-DRAP era when AAFC breeding programs were well funded resulted in the top varieties planted today. The post-DRAP era saw fewer crosses and fewer plots; the results of this era are just starting to be seen now. Looking forward to the post-CER era, the impact on the AAFC breeding program is unclear.

When you place the crossing dates of top performing varieties within the eras of AAFC funding, it creates a concerning reality: all of today’s most popular varieties were crossed in the pre-DRAP era.

“So far, our breeding programs are meeting the needs of farmers, but how long will we keep up performance when we’ve experienced such a drain of funding in our biggest program?” Velestuk says.

“CWRC is taking the lead on behalf of farmers to secure the future of wheat in Canada. Discussions are underway with AAFC, and we’re engaging stakeholders in finding a path forward that meets farmers’ needs.”

To learn more and read the CWRC’s full report on the Wheat Breeding Innovation System, visit wheatresearch.ca.

I think I have hard water, should I be adding AMS to my herbicide spray mix?

Coles Ag on June 2, 2026

By Ashley Ammeter, Whole Farm Specialist, Manitoba Crop Alliance

Water quality can play a significant role in pesticide performance, but it’s a consideration that often flies under our radar until a herbicide application doesn’t work as well as we hoped. If you suspect hard water, adding ammonium sulphate (AMS) could the right call, but first it’s important to know what’s actually in your water.

Start by testing your water

The first step in managing potential spray water issues is to test your water. While it’s generally good practice to test your water quality, it’s even more important if you suspect that poor water quality is affecting the performance of your herbicides. Agricultural spray water analyses are offered by many accredited agricultural laboratories, such as AGVISE Laboratories, A&L Canada Laboratories, Central Testing Laboratory and Horizon Lab.

Once you have a water quality test, Sprayers 101 has a helpful article on how to make sense of your water quality test results.

Why is hard water a problem?

Hard water contains high levels of positively charged minerals such as calcium (Ca²⁺), magnesium (Mg²⁺) and others. These minerals bind to herbicide molecules, preventing them from being absorbed by the plant and reducing efficacy.

Glyphosate (e.g., Roundup) is commonly associated with hard water antagonism, but hard water can reduce the efficacy of all weak acid herbicides (found in Groups 1, 2, 4, 6, 9, 10, 14, 19 and 27).

How much hardness is too much depends on the herbicide, rate and water volume you’re using. For glyphosate, Bayer suggests a hardness limit of up to 700 ppm, when using higher rates or lower water volumes.

Should you add AMS?

If you have hard water but don’t have access to an alternate water source, adding AMS is an effective strategy.

When added to spray water before your herbicide, the negatively charged sulphate ions in AMS tie up the hard water cations before they can antagonize the herbicide. To calculate how much AMS to use, Sprayers 101 has a helpful calculator, but many agriculture labs that offer spray water tests will include AMS recommendations in your test results, and herbicide labels or the Manitoba Agriculture Guide to Field Crop Protection often include water quality recommendations.

In some cases, reducing water volumes and/or increasing your herbicide rate can help counteract the effects of hard water, but always make sure to stay within label guidelines.

Other water quality issues to be aware of

Along with hardness, there are a few other water quality factors to keep on your radar:

Dirty water (turbidity): Particles of soil and organic matter can bind herbicides and reduce performance. Clean water is particularly important for herbicides that are known to strongly bind to soil, such as glyphosate and diquat (e.g., Reglone).
Bicarbonates: Bicarbonate ions can inhibit herbicides, particularly the Group 1 “dims,” including clethodim (e.g., Select, Centurion) and tralkoxydim (e.g., Achieve) and the Group 4 herbicides MCPA amine and 2,4-D amine.
pH (acidity or alkalinity): The pH of your spray water can impact pesticide solubility and breakdown. Unless recommended on the product label, it is generally not advised to adjust the pH of your spray solution. For those interested in learning more, Sprayers 101 has a helpful article.

My last piece of advice: always read and follow the directions on your pesticide label. While they can be long and unwieldy, the pesticide label includes key details on how to use your herbicide safely and effectively.

Learn more

Does applying a fungicide at herbicide timing to control cereal leaf spot diseases in wheat and barley provide a yield boost?

Coles Ag on June 2, 2026

By Andrew Hector, Agronomy Extension Specialist – Cereal Crops, Manitoba Crop Alliance

This question comes up regularly which makes sense. Early season outbreaks of fungal leaf spot diseases like Tan Spot do occur in Manitoba, such as in 2024. To answer this question, we need to dig into the research.

There have been a few studies done in Western Canada over the last 15 years investigating this very practice in both wheat and barley.

In both these studies fungicide application timings were evaluated on their impact on leaf spot disease severity, overall crop yield, and economic returns of the practice. In both studies, it was found that a foliar fungicide application at herbicide timing (2-3 leaf) did not lower upper canopy disease incidence and severity compared to the check (no treatment or herbicide only).

For barley, the western Canadian study found that the half rate foliar fungicide treatment at herbicide timing provided only a small increase in crop yield compared to the herbicide only check. The study examining spring wheat’s response to early season fungicide found that fungicide application at herbicide did not significantly improve crop yield compared to the untreated check. Across both studies, researchers concluded that fungicide timing for leaf diseases should focus on protecting the upper canopy, particularly the leaves that contribute most to yield.

There has also been some research on this topic out of North Dakota. Andrew Friskop from North Dakota State University recently compiled replicated foliar fungicide timing trial data from 2008-2024. He evaluated the yield response based on “disease risk” scenarios determined by previous crop, variety resistance, tillage, environmental conditions and disease onset.

Figure 1. NDSU disease risk categories for development of residue-borne foliar diseases.

His finding suggests that under moderate and high-risk scenarios, (where wheat was grown on wheat stubble, a susceptible variety was planted and the disease [tan spot] was established early and firmly in the crop), a fungicide application at tillering could provide a small benefit of 2.2 – 3.7 bu/ac. In basically all other production scenarios he found that a foliar fungicide application at tillering would provide very little yield response.

Figure 2. Summary of yield response by disease risk level for early season fungicide application.

The Fence Post: Spring/Summer 2026

Coles Ag on May 4, 2026

Download The Fence Post: Spring/Summer 2026 (pdf)

Message from the Chair: Adapting through change
Message from the CEO: Turning metrics into meaning for Manitoba farmers
What’s new at MCA
Five Questions with Surjit Bawa
Cover: Future food
2026 Annual Report Summary
Market Development
Farm Management
Research and Production

Amanda Ellis, flax crop committee

Coles Ag on April 20, 2026

Amanda Ellis farms near Wawanesa, MB, with her husband Simon and his family at Ellis Seeds. The Ellis family has farmed the homestead where Amanda and Simon now live since 1919, and the operation continues to run with support from both sides of the family and close friends. They grow wheat, oats, soybeans, peas, flax and canola.

What motivated you to get into farming?

I fell into farming with my husband’s family to fill a need. I came from a business and finance background and started by taking on some casual bookkeeping for the farm. I enjoyed being part of the farming work and, over time, became more involved in the day-to-day operations.

I’ve always enjoyed working with numbers, being outdoors and being part of something that contributes to our communities. This role allows me to do all those things. One of my favourite parts of farming is the constant learning.

What motivated you to get involved with Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA)?

I wanted to better understand the research, market development and advocacy work that supports our industry. I was encouraged by a previous delegate to get involved, and there’s a great opportunity to learn from the people you work with on the committees.

What does your role on the flax crop committee involve?

We review research priorities, explore challenges and opportunities facing the flax sector, and help recommend how funding is invested to support farmers.

How has being a delegate benefited you?

Being a delegate has given me a broader perspective on the industry. I’ve learned more about the challenges and opportunities facing farmers through the people involved, including both farmers and staff. One of the best parts is working with other farmers and industry representatives who are passionate about agriculture.

Is there a project or area of work you’re especially proud of being part of as a delegate?

I enjoyed attending the 2025 Flax Forum, where stakeholders from across the flax industry gathered to discuss opportunities, challenges and the sector’s economic impact on the Canadian economy.

Is there anything you’d like farmer members to know about the work MCA is doing?

From my perspective, MCA has created real value for individual farmers and the industry. It has been a strong advocate, pushing for research and market development that directly benefit farmers. For individual farmers, that means better resources, learning opportunities and a stronger voice. For the industry, it helps keep us competitive and innovative.

Why do you think other people should get involved with MCA?

Getting involved is a great way to contribute to the future of agriculture, learn more about the industry and ensure farmers’ perspectives are represented in decision-making.

What are you most excited about when it comes to the future of your farm?

I’m excited about how the farm brings our team together and about watching the business continue to evolve.

Do you have any hobbies outside of farming?

I like hiking, paddleboarding, kayaking, camping, gardening, cross-country skiing, curling, knitting, reading and playing games with my family: cards, board games, video games, you name it.

What is a good piece of advice you’ve received that’s stuck with you?

Be present whenever possible and tell yourself every morning, “I will make today a good day.” The day might not go as planned, but you tried.

If you weren’t farming, what do you think you’d be doing?

I’d likely still be in the finance industry, with a focus on ag finance and merging the two fields. That’s a world I enjoy, listening to people’s dreams for their future and coming up with a plan to help make that a reality.

Who or what inspires you?

There have been many people throughout my life who have inspired me. A college teacher with a broad range of experience and knowledge who was clearly teaching because he genuinely loved it. My manager in lending at the credit union, who showed me what leadership with compassion and trust looks like. My husband and his ability to see everything as a challenge with a solution, to work tirelessly when needed and to recognize when it’s time to rest. My kids, who see the world through a lens of curiosity and creativity. My parents, who devoted themselves to their community and family and showed me the value of giving time to others. And the people I meet in the ag industry, who are pushing through challenges to make things happen every day.

Learn more about Amanda or connect with her at ellisseeds.com.