Rotimi Aluko, professor, University of Manitoba

Coles Ag on June 8, 2026

Connect with Rotimi on LinkedIn.
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

MCA_AoA Headers WHOLE FARM

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

MCA_AoA Headers CEREALS

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 such as tan spot do occur in Manitoba, such as in 2024. But to really answer this question, we need to dig into some western Canadian 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.

  1. The impact of fungicide and herbicide timing on foliar disease severity, and barley productivity and quality
  2. Evaluation of disease, yield and economics associated with fungicide timing in Canadian Western Red Spring wheat

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 or 5 leaf) did not lower upper canopy disease incidence and severity compared to the check (no treatment or herbicide only). It was also found that the foliar fungicide treatment at herbicide timing didn’t improve crop yield compared to the untreated or herbicide only check. This ultimately led to an economic loss. In both studies, researchers found that foliar fungicide application timings for cereal leaf diseases should be aimed at protecting the upper canopy and yield-contributing leaves.

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 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)

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

Table of Contents

 

  • 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

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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.

Strengthening Collaboration for Manitoba Farmers

Coles Ag on April 15, 2026

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On Apr. 14, leaders from Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA), Manitoba Canola Growers Association (MCGA) and Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG) came together for a joint meeting focused on collaboration and strategic alignment. The session provided an opportunity to strengthen relationships and explore how our organizations can better work together in support of our farmer members and Manitoba’s agriculture industry.

A common thread throughout the day was the importance of clear, consistent communication between organizations, with government and, most importantly, with farmers. Discussions explored shared priorities in research, innovation and extension, emphasizing the need to communicate results in ways that are practical and accessible.

Participants also reflected on how communication shapes each organization’s value proposition and impact, particularly as expectations around return on investment continue to evolve. Advocacy alignment further reinforced the power of co-ordinated messaging and engagement.

This meeting reflects a shared commitment to ongoing dialogue and collaboration among all three organizations. By strengthening communication and working together with intention, MCA, MCGA and MPSG are better positioned to deliver meaningful outcomes and support Manitoba farmers well into the future.

Introducing Year Three of MCA’s Strategic Plan

Coles Ag on April 2, 2026

The third and final year of MCA’s 2024-27 strategic plan has begun! New Step Goals have been developed and strategy execution is ongoing. MCA directors and staff worked collaboratively to make the updated strategic plan. Below is the breakdown of year three.

Big Goal Tweaks

There was one tweak to the wording of Big Goal #3. The wording change aligns better with the intent of the Big Goal and leaves space for the Big Goal to be robust and meet organizational needs. 

  • Big Goal #3: Inspire areas for bold investment that facilitate historic initiatives.

New Step Goals

  • Nine new Step Goals were developed spanning all Big Goals. Many of the new Step Goals build on the outcomes from year two of the plan.
  • All the Step Goals were developed to complete the Big Goals and ensure MCA continues its positive impact as an organization.

Below is MCA’s strategic plan for 2026-27. Stay tuned for more information regarding MCA’s strategic plan on our website and in our publications!

 

MCA Strategic Plan – Year Two Wrap Up

Coles Ag on April 2, 2026

Another successful year for strategy execution is in the books for Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA)! In 2025-26, MCA completed year two of its 2024-2027 strategic plan, building on the successes of year one and setting a strong foundation for year three. MCA staff have been working hard over the last year to achieve the organizational vision laid out by MCA’s directors and delegates.

First, let’s take a step back and review the structure of MCA’s strategic plan. The three-year strategic plan was developed to deliberately steer MCA’s future and make sure Manitoba farming becomes more productive and sustainable. The strategic plan consists of three Big Goals, which will be achieved over the three-year period. Each Big Goal has three corresponding Step Goals. Step Goals are developed annually, and when executed, move us closer to completing Big Goals and fulfilling the vision of MCA. Below is a recap of the 2025-26 strategic plan, including successes, challenges and learnings.

General Wins

To ensure that MCA’s strategic plan moved off the shelf, MCA has evolved its strategy execution process to meet organizational needs. The adapted execution process deliberately creates space for strategy execution in staff members’ schedules, allowing progress on Step Goals to be made. The process was tailored to MCA staff needs, resulting in greater resource use efficiency and allocation of staff time.

Furthermore, MCA’s annual Step Goals were developed with the organization’s scope of work, capacity and expertise in mind. This made the 2025-26 Step Goals impactful and created a clear pathway forward for completion.

Step-Goal-Specific Wins

Big Goal #1: Innovate our communications program to increase awareness and engagement with our farmer members.

Step Goal #1: Identify opportunities for innovation within our communications program that will drive engagement and awareness among our farmer members.

  • Strong MCA staff and farmer participation resulted in important learnings about the impact of our current communication initiatives and future engagement opportunities with our farmer members. Through one-on-one interviews between MCA staff and farmer members, a clear understanding of communication needs and persisting gaps was established. Farmer members’ stories drove the learnings for Step Goal #1 and provided invaluable insights that will be carried forward across Big Goal #1.
  • Win: Connecting with farmer members to build two communication initiatives that build trust and engagement in MCA, while addressing communication gaps outlined by members. Stay tuned for the new initiatives!

Step Goal #2: Prioritize and implement communications innovations.

  • Step Goal #2 was not completed in 2025-26. Step Goal #2 depended on completion of Step Goal #1, which required more time and resources than anticipated.

Step Goal #3: Develop a framework for assessing the success of communication innovations.

  • Step Goal #3 was not completed in 2025-26. Step Goal #3 depended on completion of Step Goal #1, which required more time and resources than anticipated

Big Goal #2: Strengthen research capacity for the benefit of Manitoba farmers

Step Goal #4: Secure new research partnerships with Manitoba post-secondary institutions.

  • Securing new research partnerships is essential to ensure impactful research is conducted on behalf of Manitoba farmers. Multiple roadblocks arose when engaging in new research partnerships, leading this Step Goal to be suspended.
  • Win: Step Goal learnings and resources were applied to other strategic activities, enabling the successful execution of other Step Goals.

Step Goal #5: Actively engage in strategic plant breeding programs in Manitoba.

  • Due to changes in partners’ capacity and Step Goal requirements moving outside the scope of MCA’s circle of control, this Step Goal was suspended.
  • Win: Early recognition of Step Goal roadblocks led to MCA resources being allocated to fulfill other aspects of the strategic plan.

Step Goal #6: Assess current fulfillment of MCA research priorities to identify and address gaps.

  • MCA conducted a fulsome audit of our current fulfillment of research priorities for all crop types and the whole farm program. The assessment reviewed all research projects funded by MCA since 2016 and categorized the research priorities they fit. This assessment highlighted current gaps in priority fulfillment and areas where significant research has occurred.
  • Win: Findings were shared with MCA crop committees and the board of directors, providing insights into overall and crop-specific priority fulfillment trends. These findings will help guide future project funding efforts to enhance MCA’s impact and responsiveness to evolving producer needs.

Big Goal #3: Explore areas for bold investment that facilitates historic progress.

Step Goal #7: Develop and execute a targeted advocacy plan focused on research investment.

  • MCA succeeded in the development of a targeted advocacy plan to ensure Manitoba farmers’ research and innovation needs are met.
  • Win: Advocacy plan was implemented and execution has already begun!

Step Goal #8: Identify areas of investment that advance the management skills and knowledge of our farmer members.

  • To fulfill Step Goal #8, MCA created the Roots to Results Webinar Series, which provided a deeper understanding of farm business management skills that are valued by our farmer members. The series accomplished this by hosting webinars featuring recognized industry experts who discussed management skills that can have a real impact on the farm.
  • Win: The series successfully provided in-depth knowledge of topics such as grain marketing, farm finances, crop insurance and tax strategies. Wrap-up articles can be found here and webinars are available on the MCA YouTube channel.

Step Goal #9: Identify opportunities for leadership training investment in our farmer members.

  • To fulfill Step Goal #9, MCA hosted the LeaderShift Insight program for farmer members. This in-person program took place in mid-December and covered multiple topics, including the “human” side of agriculture, performing better under pressure, farm transitioning, business planning and improved self and social awareness.
  • Win: Participants built leadership skills that they took back to their farms and communities.

Sam Markell, professor, North Dakota State University

Coles Ag on March 31, 2026

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Sam Markell is a professor and extension plant pathologist at North Dakota State University (NDSU). He was born in rural Minnesota and lived on a small farm until he was 10 before moving to Minneapolis. After graduating high school, he came to NDSU to play football and study engineering. He played football for four years but changed majors multiple times before falling in love with science. He earned a bachelor’s degree in biology with a minor in chemistry, followed by a master’s degree in plant pathology, before completing his PhD at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Markell lives in Fargo, N.D., with his wife. They have twin daughters attending NDSU and a son in high school.

Where did you work before NDSU?

I was a research specialist while I was a student at the University of Arkansas, but this was my first job after graduating with my PhD in 2007.

What got you interested in this area of work?

When I was in college I had multiple majors. I was in engineering, then history and social sciences education. I bounced around until I found an ecology class. I loved the systems approach, and from there, plant pathology was a natural step. The science side really got me interested, and science for a purpose is a big part of why I’m a plant pathologist.

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

My work is seasonal. Winter is meeting season, where we travel to grower and industry events to share research results. We also focus on writing for publications and extension. In the spring, we plan research projects, deciding what to plant and where. Most of our work evaluates the tools farmers use to manage diseases, whether that’s genetics or new chemicals. Summer is a mix of field research and monitoring how those tools are performing, along with communication and travel. In the fall, we focus on data analysis, writing and we usually propose new research before the cycle repeats and we go back into meeting season.

A project we’re working on, “Determination of rust virulence in sunflower,” is co-funded by Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA). Rust can significantly reduce yield. We’ve seen losses as high as 80 per cent, although that’s rare. More commonly, losses of 10 to 30 per cent can occur. We manage rust through fungicides and scouting, and genetic resistance. Our hope is that farmers can plant a hybrid resistant to rust and not have to worry. However, the challenge is that the pathogen can evolve to overcome the genetic resistance, making the hybrid susceptible to the new pathogen “race.” This is similar to how antibiotic resistance occurs to human pathogens and diseases.

This project looks at the rust pathogen across the north-central U.S. Great Plains, which is the same population across Manitoba. We’re studying its variability to determine which resistance genes are useful against rust in our region. We’re also looking at how the pathogen populations are related in other regions of North America. The goal is to monitor changes and ensure our genetic resistance remains effective. The last survey was done in 2012, so this is long overdue.

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

Farmers know the areas they need help. Funding is a direct way of telling scientists what’s important and what we need to deliver. It also means farmers influence the direction of the science. When farmers and researchers work closely together, both sides get better. Developing that relationship is critical. Farmer funding also helps leverage additional support by showing the government how important the work is to farmers.

How does that farmer funding and support directly benefit farmers?

Farmers are good at identifying projects that will bring value. By funding research, they help ensure the work delivers the results they need. Because I’m in extension, I’m also able to share those results through meetings, presentations and articles. That communication piece is important.

I’m always impressed with how engaged the farming community is. Every farmer is running a complex business, yet they take the time to stay informed and influence agriculture in different ways. I really admire and appreciate that.

How do you spend your time outside of work?

I play musical instruments, including mandolin, guitar and Irish bouzouki, which is like a large mandolin. I also work out. Sports have always been a big part of my life. We recently started curling in a league, which has been humbling getting crushed by high school kids, and I enjoy mountain biking when I can.

What is the best part about your job?

Communicating with farmers and researchers. It’s connecting with people where my work can make a difference. I enjoy presenting, writing and putting together extension articles and alerts.

What are you excited about for the future of agriculture?

There’s a significant generational shift happening in both farming and science. My graduate students bring different skill sets and new ways of communicating. They’re part of the social media generation and I think will do a better job getting messages out. Farmers are changing in similar ways. The next generation will adapt quickly as agriculture evolves. It’s exciting to see younger farmers asking new kinds of questions.

To learn more about Sam Markell, visit NDSU’s website.

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