AG e-news October 26, 2020
News and events from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences – to subscribe/unsubscribe, email agfoodsci@umanitoba.ca.
UPCOMING EVENTS
(FYI – Faculty events are also listed in our Events Calendar – https://eventscalendar.umanitoba.ca/site/fafs/)
Did you miss last week’s Faculty Seminar “From grain to grazing: the intermediate wheatgrass potential” featuring Emma McGeough, Animal Science, Doug Cattani, Plant Science, and Francis Zvomuya, Soil Science? You can watch the recording online at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSUy_4VXAHo&feature=youtu.be
Monday, October 26 – Following the University of Manitoba Café Scientifique at 7 pm on “Parenting During the Pandemic” which is viewable at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SoRezVbtkA, the Manitoba Association of Home Economists is hosting a “Chew on That Chat”, a MAHE member-only conversation on the topic to discuss the implications on the work they do, to share ideas of how to implement some of this new information or just to discuss ideas and opportunities around that theme. Myrna Grahn is the facilitator. Please let the MAHE Office know (mahe@mahe.ca) if you are attending their session by 3 pm on October 26.
Thursday, October 29 – The Arthur V. Mauro Institute for Peace & Justice at St. Paul’s College and the University of Manitoba Peace and Conflict Studies Graduate Programs in collaboration with Rotary District 5550 World Peace Partners and the Conflict and Resilience Research Institute of Canada present “A Conversation with Nobel Laureate Professor Mohammad Yunus” at 900 am CDT. The father of Microcredit and Social Business will engage in a timely conversation about Economic Justice during and in the aftermath of COVID-19. Watch on Facebook Live https://www.facebook.com/events/394871045028613/ or via Zoom https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88992678819?pwd=eHdaci9wLzlCYVR2eGl1dkNPbFlzUT09 Meeting ID: 889 9267 8819 Passcode: DyP9WW
Thursday, October 29 – The Advanced Plant Science Seminar Series takes place at 3:00 pm with a presentation from Kenny So, PhD student, on the topic “Exploring genetic variation of cruciferin content in Brassica napus”. To watch, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/5798741171786204942.
November – The Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association is offering the entire 2020 MFGA Regen Ag Conference online free of charge every Thursday night throughout the month of November. Internationally-recognized keynote presentations are scheduled for MFGA’s month-long celebration of Regenerative Agriculture in Manitoba. Each keynote speaker will include a very strong Manitoba profile into their presentations and be available for a facilitated Q & A session. MFGA will also showcase regenerative agriculture during the presentations through Manitoba-based regen ag topics and producers. It will also include a virtual trade show. Learn more and register at https://www.mfga.net/regen-ag-conference.
Tuesday, November 3 – The Entomology Seminar Series features Emily Hanuschuk, Department of Entomology, University of Manitoba, on “The effects of human-driven landscape change on wild bee communities in southern Manitoba”. Chatting and announcements start at 10:00 am, seminars start at 10:10 am. Zoom meeting instructions are emailed just prior to the event. To be added to the mailing list, contact Kateryn Rochon at kateryn.rochon@umanitoba.ca.
Wednesday, November 4 – There will be a Soil Science Seminar featuring Masoud Goharrokhi, Department of Soil Science, on the topic “Lake Winnipeg Sediment Budget: Big lens to track terrestrial sediment” at 12:30 pm. Please contact Lynda Closson (lynda.closson@umanitoba.ca) for information on how to connect.
Thursday, November 5 – The Advanced Plant Science Seminar Series takes place at 3:00 pm with a presentation from Dr. Muthu Bagavathiannan, Associate Professor, Weed Science and Agronomy, Department of Soil and Crop Sciences, Texas A&M University, on the topic “Integrated Weed Management in the Era of Herbicide Resistance”. To watch, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/7654956493007090446.
Tuesday, November 10 – Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development is hosting a virtual Learn and Lead Seminar on “Fundraising and the Board”. Experts will share current statistics and trends in the Canadian fund development sector; best practices and insights into traditional and virtual fundraising strategies; and innovative concepts to consider related to donor stewardship, data management, and responsible fund development planning post COVID- 19. More details and registration at https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/industry-leadership/index.html.
Tuesday, November 17 – The Entomology Seminar Series features Dr. Don Henne, Department of Natural Resources Management, Lakehead University, on “Zombie ants, zebra chips, and oakworms: reflections on a career in entomology…so far”. Chatting and announcements start at 10:00 am, seminars start at 10:10 am. Zoom meeting instructions are emailed just prior to the event. To be added to the mailing list, contact Kateryn Rochon at kateryn.rochon@umanitoba.ca.
Wednesday, November 18 – There will be a Soil Science Seminar featuring Dr. Adrian Unc, School of Science and the Environment, Memorial University of Newfoundland, topic TBA at 12:30 pm. Please contact Lynda Closson (lynda.closson@umanitoba.ca) for information on how to connect.
Wednesday, November 18 – The UM Café Scientifique will feature members of the Faculty in the presentation “Eating the Whole Grains in Canada’s Food Guide” at 7:00 pm. Jim House, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, will moderate, and panellists include Carla Taylor and Peter Zahradka from the Canadian Centre for Agri-Food Research in Health and Medicine, along with Getty Stewart, professional home economists. More details at http://umanitoba.ca/research/cafe-scientifique. The viewing link will be available closer to the date. (Manitoba Association of Home Economists will also again offer their “Chew on That Chat” post-event discussion – contact mahe@mahe.ca to let them know you plan to attend.)
Thursday, November 19 – The Advanced Plant Science Seminar Series takes place at 3:00 pm with a presentation from Uzzal Liton, PhD student, on the topic “Genetic and transcriptomic analysis of pre-harvest sprouting resistance in Canadian red spring wheat”. To watch, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/1105177820973508622.
November 24-25 – The virtual two-day Advancing Women in Agriculture Conference has over 35 speakers and costs just $250 (plus tax) per person. Get details and register at https://www.advancingwomenconference.ca/2020virtual/.
Wednesday, November 25 – The next Faculty Seminar will take place at 3:30 pm and will feature Mario Tenuta, Soil Science, John Heard, Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, and Jennifer Sabourin, Antara Ag, on the topic ” The 4R Nutrient Stewardship Framework in the Research-Outreach-Advising Continuum”. Viewing link coming soon.
Thursday, November 26 – The Advanced Plant Science Seminar Series takes place at 3:00 pm with a presentation from Dr. Malcolm Morrison, Research Scientist, Crop Physiology/Crop Phenomics, Ottawa RDC, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, on the topic “The Lost Art of Crop Physiology”. To watch, register at https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/3506319901013183502.
Tuesday, December 1 – The Entomology Seminar Series features Dr. Paul Galpern, Department of Biological Sciences, University of Calgary, on “The merits of messy fields: linking landscape complexity and beneficial arthropods in Alberta croplands”. Chatting and announcements start at 10:00 am, seminars start at 10:10 am. Zoom meeting instructions are emailed just prior to the event. To be added to the mailing list, contact Kateryn Rochon at kateryn.rochon@umanitoba.ca.
Wednesday, December 2 – There will be a Soil Science Seminar featuring Claudia Quilesfogel-Esparza, Department of Soil Science, on the topic “Using sensors to measure corn canopy.” at 12:30 pm. Please contact Lynda Closson (lynda.closson@umanitoba.ca) for information on how to connect.
December 8-10 – The Agricultural Excellence Conference (AgEx) is the only event in Canada dedicated exclusively to bringing farm management enthusiasts together to build their business acumen. This year’s theme, Prosperity with Purpose, is about taking a proactive approach to farm business management – to build the confidence and underlying capacity to weather any storm and seize opportunities, positioning the farm for continued success. Registration is free – visit https://www.agexcellenceconference.ca/.
Wednesday, December 9 – The Virtual Learning for Life series, a free weekly lecture program aimed at UM alumni and friends, will feature Dr. Carla Taylor, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. Register for the series at https://fall2020vlfl.eventbrite.ca/.
Friday, December 11 – Save the date! The 25th Annual Fields on Wheels Conference is themed “Celebrating Achievement and Building Resilience in Agricultural Food Systems” and will take the form of a FREE webinar from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm. Details coming soon.
December 16-17 – The Manitoba Agronomists Conference 2020 is themed “Farm Health: The Agronomist’s Role”. CCA (Certified Crop Advisor) and CCSC (Certified Crop Science Consultant) CEUs (continuing education credits) are available for registered participants. Early Bird registration rate is $185 until November 27. Regular registration rate is $225 and registration deadline is December 11. Full program and registration at www.manitobaagronomistsconference.ca. Faculty, graduate students and agronomic consultants are encouraged to submit posters. See deadlines and submission details at https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/afs/agronomists_conf/posters.html.
STAFF AND STUDENT NEWS
We were sad to learn of the passing of Dr. Kenneth Clark, retired professor in the Department of Plant Science on September 10 – https://news.umanitoba.ca/in-memoriam-dr-kenneth-clark-plant-scientist/
Jim House, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, was named to lead the development of a new Protein Research Strategy and the establishment of a research chair to advance the Manitoba Protein Advantage strategy – https://news.umanitoba.ca/um-professor-tapped-to-lead-protein-research-strategy/.
The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences launched the Manitoba Agriculture and Food Knowledge Exchange (MAKE) website, a resource which shares current research by Faculty scientists and their collaborators. Read the UM Today story here https://news.umanitoba.ca/new-site-promotes-manitoba-agriculture-and-food-research/ or visit the site at http://umanitoba.ca/agricultural-food-sciences/make.
Don Flaten, Soil Science, has been named recipient of the Dr. and Mrs. Ralph Campbell Outreach Award. Read more about Don’s dedication to sharing knowledge with students, producers and the industry – https://news.umanitoba.ca/a-lifetime-of-outreach-and-community-engagement/.
Speaking of Don, you may recall that 2019 was the 350th anniversary of the discovery of P, and Don (and others) were engaged through the American Society of Agronomy and the Soil Science Society of America in some communications around it. Don participated in two podcasts, one of which garnered over 18,000 hits! “What are the sources of phosphorus for crops” – https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2019/09/15/what-are-sources-of-phosphorus-for-crops/ and “Ten things we can do to manage P better” – https://soilsmatter.wordpress.com/2019/09/15/ten-things-we-can-do-to-manage-phosphorus-better/.
Additionally, the Journal of Environmental Quality special section which Don guest edited (https://acsess.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/toc/15372537/2019/48/5) had two of the four most read articles published in JEQ over the last year, and one of those top four articles on options for improved P cycling and use in agriculture included two co-authors from our own Faculty, Joanne Thiessen-Martens and Francis Zvomuya.
The late Frank Shefrin (BSA/34) was a key architect in the United Nations’ World Food Programme, which received the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. Hersh Shefrin shared his uncle’s story – https://news.umanitoba.ca/forbes-imperative-messages-from-the-world-food-programmes-nobel-peace-prize-remembering-frank-shefrins-role/.
Michele Rogalsky, School of Agriculture, served as a leadership panellist during the Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture Summit organized by AgAnnex on October 20. The summit featured roundtable-style sessions with advice and real-life experiences on leadership, communication and balance working in agriculture.
Martin Scanlon, Dean, was the moderator of a panel entitled “Skills Required on the Farms of the Future” as part of “Connected Farms”, the second episode in CityAge’s The Future of Food series held on October 15. To learn more about this series, visit https://www.cityage.com/food.
Joyce Slater, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, reports that the FANLit (Food and Nutrition Literacy) knowledge portal has additional content developed by FAFS alumni who are now Manitoba Human Ecology teachers: two new ‘Cooking in the Classroom without a Kitchen’ lessons, plus a new module – Critical Thinking about Food and Nutrition on Social Media . See new resources at www.fanlit.org.
Carla D’Andreamatteo, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences sessional instructor, was involved with the Manitoba Egg Farmers’ Eggstravaganza Virtual Family Week October 6-10 conducting a live social media cooking session with her daughter along with an “ask the dietitian” Q&A. You can watch the recording at https://www.instagram.com/tv/CGBd2BqAO5U/?igshid=x5t65lu6qr16.
IN THE NEWS
Annemieke Farenhorst, Associate Dean (Research), was quoted in the article “New website to MAKE agriculture research engaging” in the Manitoban (October 20) – https://www.themanitoban.com/2020/10/new-website-to-make-agriculture-research-engaging/40631/.
Callum Morrison, Plant Science PhD student, was interviewed by a number of media outlets:
-in the article “Survey looks for those who’ve grown cover crops – or haven’t” in the Manitoba Co-operator (October 20) – https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/survey-looks-for-those-whove-grown-cover-crops-or-havent/
-in the article “Prairie Cover Crops Research” in the Toronto Star (October 16) – https://www.thestar.com/news/canada/2020/10/16/prairie-cover-crops-research.html
-in the article “Cover crop use on the prairies not well known” in the Western Producer (October 15) – https://www.producer.com/2020/10/cover-crop-use-on-the-prairies-not-well-known/
-on CBC Radio Noon (October 15) – https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-101-radio-noon-manitoba/clip/15803982-cover-crops-becoming-popular-farmers-looking-long-term
Ashlyn Scott, B.Sc. Agriculture (Animal Systems) and one of our Fall 2020 graduates was profiled in the UM Today story (October 22) titled “Meet the graduating class of Fall 2020” – https://news.umanitoba.ca/meet-the-graduating-class-of-fall-2020/
Alum Colin Penner, Kristine and Graham Tapley, along with Yvonne Lawley and Doug Cattani, Plant Science, and Kim Ominski, Animal Science, were featured in the Winnipeg Free Press article “Harvesting uncertainty” (October 16) – behind WFP paywall at https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/business/agriculture/harvesting-uncertaintyreaping-and-reflecting-572770411.html.
Jim House, Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, was featured in the article “Research critical to successful protein strategy” in the Manitoba Co-operator (October 13) – https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/research-critical-to-successful-protein-strategy/.
Jess Nicksy, Soil Science MSc student, was featured in the article “Urban waste shows promise as fertilizer” in the Manitoba Co-operator (October 12) – https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/urban-waste-shows-promise-as-fertilizer/.
Megan Bourns, recent Soil Science MSc grad, and Don Flaten were featured in the article “A special K soybean problem” in Top Crop Manager (October 12) – https://www.topcropmanager.com/a-special-k-soybean-problem/.
Chengbo Yang, Animal Science, authored the article “The Role of Essential Oils in Gut Health” in Better Pork (October 2020) – https://www.betterfarming.com/flippingbook/better-pork/2020/october/index.html#40.
Chengbo was also quoted in the article “Essential oils blend shows promise as antibiotic alternative” in the online magazine FeedStrategy (October 14) – https://www.feedstrategy.com/animal-feed-additives/essential-oils-blend-shows-promise-as-antibiotic-alternative/
Chengbo’s research was also highlighted in the American Society of Animal Science blog post “Interpretive Summary: Microencapsulated organic acids and essential oils in weaned piglets” (September 17) – https://www.asas.org/taking-stock/blog-post/taking-stock/2020/09/17/interpretive-summary-effects-of-a-microencapsulated-formula-of-organic-acids-and-essential-oils-in-weaned-piglets.
Rob Duncan, Plant Science, was quoted in the article “Prairie breeders explore heat-tolerance rating” in the Western Producer (October 1) – https://www.producer.com/2020/10/prairie-breeders-explore-heat-tolerance-rating/.
PUBLICATIONS
Choi, J.*, Wang, L., Liu, S.*, Lu, P.*, Liu, H.*, Lahaye, L., Santin, E., Liu, S., Nyachoti, M., YANG, C. (2020). Effects of a microencapsulated formula of organic acids and essential oils on nutrient absorption, immunity, gut barrier function, and abundance of enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli F4 in weaned piglets challenged with E. coli F4. Journal of Animal Science, 98 (9): 1-13. skaa259.
Helbig, M., J.M. Waddington, P. Alekseychik, B. AMIRO, and 53 others. 2020. The biophysical climate mitigation potential of boreal peatlands during the growing season. Environ. Res. Lett. 15, 104004.
GENERAL NEWS
PhD student Callum Morrison and Yvonne Lawley, Plant Science, have launched the 2020 Prairie Cover Crop Survey. Participants do not need to have grown a cover crop in 2020 to take part. They welcome participants who are thinking of using cover crops as well as those who grew a cover crop. The 2020 survey will be live from October 1st, 2020 – February 1st, 2021. To find out more and / or to take the survey go to https://sites.google.com/view/prairiecovercropsurvey/home.
The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences invites applications for a tenured appointment as Head, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences, effective January 1, 2021. Deadline to apply: Oct 30. https://viprecprod.ad.umanitoba.ca/DEFAULT.ASPX?REQ_ID=12796.
The Student Initiative Fund has been established by students in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, to support undergraduate student activities. Faculty employees may apply to SIF for student related matters with the support of an undergraduate student. Application deadline is October 30 – see more details and application form at https://umanitoba.ca/faculties/afs/student/studentinitiativefund.html.
The 8th Native Prairie Restoration/Reclamation Workshop will be a virtual workshop, taking place February 1-5, 2021. The week-long event will include oral presentations, trade show, panel discussion, topic-focused networking sessions and a poster session. Their call for Poster Presentation Abstracts is now open. Deadline for abstracts is December 4. See more details at https://www.pcap-sk.org/upcoming-events/nprrw2021.