Investing in the next generation of agriculture and food sciences leaders
How Manitoba Pork’s decades-long partnership with the University of Manitoba continues to shape the future of food
For more than half a century, Manitoba Pork has been investing in the next generation of agricultural leaders at the University of Manitoba (UM), helping students gain the skills, confidence, and curiosity to make their mark in one of the province’s most vital industries.
Building a stronger future for agriculture and food sciences
That connection between classroom learning and real-world experience lies at the heart of Manitoba Pork’s support. The organization has contributed over $2.2 million to UM since 1989, supporting both research and community engagement.
Working closely with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, Manitoba Pork has helped advance innovative swine research and enhance outreach efforts through the Bruce D. Campbell Farm and Food Discovery Centre (FFDC), a hands-on interpretive centre where visitors of all ages can learn about how food is grown, raised and made in Canada.
“Over the years, our relationship with UM has deepened,” says Susan Riese [BHEcol/02], Director, Public Relations, Communications and Learnings at Manitoba Pork. “We guest lecture, host meet-and-greets for graduate students, support career fairs, communicate with researchers and have even developed curriculum-based swine-specific programming for K-12 students in collaboration with the staff at FFDC. It’s all about helping students build connections that will serve them well after graduation.”
In 2024, UM’s food science and technology program broke the global top 100 on the prestigious ShankhaiRanking. The subject ranks second in Canada, up from sixth last year, and 45th worldwide making it UM’s highest-ranking subject nationally and globally.
Supporting student success
In addition to research and community engagement, funds are also allocated to Manitoba Pork’s suite of awards and bursaries, which recognize academic achievement and provide financial support to those pursuing degrees and diplomas in Agriculture, Food Sciences and Human Nutritional Sciences. To date, 93 students have received over $81,000.
“I am so honoured to have received the Manitoba Pork Council Prize for my achievements in Human Nutritional Sciences,” says UM alum Megan Burnett [BSc(HNS)/23, MAHN/25]. “Receiving this award made an enormous difference in my life. It gave me that extra little encouragement to apply for my master’s and reassured me that I’m doing the right thing and that I’m good at it.”
In 2026, the organization has committed to doubling the value of these awards, deepening its commitment to students who are passionate about shaping the future of sustainable food systems.
Inspiring curiosity and career discovery
“Our hope is that these awards not only help offset the cost of education but also spark curiosity about the many careers available in agriculture, especially within the swine sector,” says Riese. “Sometimes students enter a program with one idea of what their future might look like, but these opportunities can open their eyes to entirely new paths.”
Riese knows firsthand the power of education to transform a career trajectory. After earning her degree in Human Nutritional Sciences from UM, she learned about a job opening at Manitoba Pork from a fellow student and decided to take a chance.
“Landing that job over 22 years ago was really a case of preparation meeting opportunity and a healthy dose of determination,” says Riese. “The communications and teamwork skills I developed during my time at UM have served me every day since.”
“When I first started university, I didn’t even know you could study human nutritional sciences. Through my major and graduate studies, I got to explore community nutrition and the impacts that food and access to food have on health and well-being,” says Burnett. “I believe in lifelong learning, and I think an award or scholarship like the ones provided by Manitoba Pork can really help motivate students to take a chance on a subject they don’t know much about and end up getting a masters degree like me.”
Meeting the growing demand for skilled graduates
As the agricultural sector continues to evolve – becoming more technology-driven, globally competitive, and focused on sustainability – the need for skilled professionals has never been greater. Manitoba Pork sees its partnership with UM as essential to cultivating that next generation of innovators.
“The future of agriculture depends on passionate, curious, well-trained graduates ready to meet the challenges ahead,” says Riese. “There are more jobs out there than there are graduates to fill them, and that’s an opportunity. By investing in students, we’re investing in the future of food, farming, and our communities.”
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