UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA, FACULTY OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD SCIENCES umanitoba.ca/afs 1

Faculty of Agriculturaland Food Sciences

Last September, the University of Manitoba issued its annual fall enrolment report. Not only was the University’s total enrolment up nearly 3% (which, at 28,795, makes the campus Manitoba’s “third largest city”), the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences reported one of the highest faculty increases in year-over-year enrolment.

In fact, in the past decade the Faculty’s enrolment has steadily grown from 334 undergraduate students in 2003 to the current year’s total of 518 students (355 degree and 163 diploma). The Faculty also has 220 students pursuing graduate degrees.

Today’s AggiesIn 2013, the Faculty’s student body is incredibly diverse. A survey of the

Faculty’s introductory degree course in fall 2012 revealed that 25% of respondents identified themselves as international students. This increased “internationalization” of the student population enriches and broadens the student experience. As well, our students continue to engage in outward-bound exchanges and service opportunities in Europe, Africa and Central America.

Today’s students are increasingly urban, with only 20% of first year degree students indicating they come from a farm. Diploma students are more likely to come from, and return to, family farming operations

but many diploma graduates report they will be working in the agribusiness industry.

Of the Faculty’s four degree programs, Agribusiness and Food Science are options that attract the highest number of students. Enrolment in the two-year Diploma in

Agriculture has also rebounded in recent years, with one of the largest graduating classes in years expected at Diploma Convocation this spring.

Preparing for the FutureThanks to the generosity of private and industry donors, students in the Faculty can access over $500,000 in undergraduate and graduate scholarships, bursaries and fellowships.

Our strong connection with our industry partners, many of them alumni themselves, translates into strong employment opportunities for students. Relevant summer jobs provide valuable experiential learning and often lead to fulfilling full-time careers for graduates.

Faculty Numbers on the Rise

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First, may I say a big “thank you” for your continuing and enthusiastic support of the Faculty. Your belief in us and what we do is vital validation of our activities.

As you know the Faculty faces both challenges and opportunities as we transition through the first quarter of the 21st century. But while our primary focus will remain upon supporting agriculture and food production in Manitoba and Canada, we cannot ignore the international context of our work. Without international collaborations in both

education and research we will not serve well either our students or the community of our alumni, most of who do or will operate within this global context.

It is for this reason that I spend significant time traveling, searching for new, and renewing established, international collaborations. So, in this February alone, I have traveled to Ukraine as part of a mission organized by the Canadian Bureau for International Education for workshops and discussions with Rectors from Ukrainian universities and visits to a number of their (agricultural) universities. I also accepted an invitation from the Association of

Public and Land-grant Universities to a meeting of Deans of US Agriculture Faculties in Washington DC, to present on our educational process and strategy and to seek closer academic collaboration. Like all such projects only time and effort will reveal which of the many possible collaborations will be mutually beneficial and sustainable. It is all part of realizing our vision: “To nourish the World, without costing the Earth.”

Michael TrevanDean, Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences

Dean’s Message

Dr. Trevan addressing the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences senior management team in Kiev, Ukraine, with Canadian colleagues

Last fall, the University of Manitoba welcomed over 100 international undergraduate and graduate students to campus as part of the joint initiative Science Without Borders Scholarship Program sponsored by the government of Brazil.

The Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences is hosting 13 of the Brazilian students. The one-year study period is divided into three parts and includes language training if needed, academic courses, and research or industry placement.

Brazilian Science Students Visit

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Dr. Emma McGeough was appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science in March 2013 in the area of grassland agriculture. Emma received her Ph.D. at University College Dublin and Teagasc Grange Beef Research Centre, Ireland, and worked as a post doctoral visiting fellow with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB. Her research interests are in forage-based livestock production, greenhouse gas mitigation and life cycle assessment.

Dr. Claudia Narvaez was appointed Assistant Professor in the Department of Food Science in January 2013 in the area of food safety. Claudia received her Ph.D. at Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas, and worked as a post doctoral visiting fellow with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lacombe, AB. Her research interests are in food microbiology and in pre-harvest intervention to reduce food contamination.

Warm WelcomesDr. Martin Scanlon, Food Science, will serve as the Chair of the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) for a three-year term effective January 1, 2013. Martin replaces Dr. Don Flaten, Soil Science, who served as Chair since 2008. Christine Rawluk, M.Sc., has returned to serve NCLE once again as the Research Development Coordinator.

Fond FarewellsNeil Holliday, Entomology, retired from the Faculty in June 2012 after 35 years, serving as Head of the Department for 17 years. He was appointed Professor Emeritus last July.

Gary Crow, Animal Science, retired from the Faculty in August 2012 after 31 years of service. Gary served as Associate Head in the Department for 11 years. He was appointed Senior Scholar last September.

In Memoriam Dr. Lucien Lacroix passed away on March 3, 2013. Lucien joined the Department of Plant Science in 1961, working in the areas of vegetable crops and horticulture, and retired in 1989.

Lorne Buchanan passed away on January 26, 2013. Lorne joined the Department of Agricultural Engineering in 1965, with a focus on materials handling, power and machinery, and retired in 1990.

Allan Chambers passed away on October 21, 2012. Allan was a diploma lecturer and served as Assistant Director for the School of Agriculture from 1991-1994.

The University of Manitoba approved the Internationally Educated Agrologists Post-Baccalaureate Diploma Program (IEAP) in September 2012. Launched as a pilot program through the Province of Manitoba in 2007, the IEAP program integrates foreign-trained agrologists into the Manitoba agriculture sector through a one-year program of coursework and work experience.

Partners with the University of Manitoba in establishing this program included Manitoba Labour and Immigration and Manitoba Institute of Agrologists.

As of August 2012, 46 students have participated in the IEAP program, with 90% of those still employed in the industry. Students to date have come from 23 different countries.

IEAP Program Made Official

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Bruce D. Campbell Farm & Food Discovery Centre Offers Unique Visitor Experience

Over 8,000 visitors from urban and rural schools, local community groups, seniors centres and families have walked through the doors of the Bruce D. Campbell Farm & Food Discovery Centre in its first 16 months of operation.

The Discovery Centre, located at the Glenlea Research Station just south of Winnipeg, will be welcoming some new exhibits this spring. One exhibit focuses on the human body and how the food we eat provides important vitamins and nutrients to make us healthy and strong. Another exhibit highlights the change in crops grown in Manitoba due to improved crop cultivars and changes in climatic patterns. Come check out the new displays!

The Discovery Centre is also now a certified food handling facility. This certification means that cooking demonstrations can be held in either of the Centre’s two kitchens.

A certified food handler is also on staff, making the Centre an excellent option for food-based workshops and demonstrations. The multi-purpose room is available to rent for a variety of events.

Hours of Operation

Tuesday to Saturday, 10 am - 4 pm

Admission

Adults − $5.00 +GSTYouth, Students, Seniors − $3.50 +GSTChildren under 6 − FREEGroups of 10+ − $3.50 +GST

Contact Information

Phone − (204) 883-2524Email − ffdc@ad.umanitoba.caWebsite −www.ffdc.ca

2013 Spring & Summer Events Apr 20 • Worm & Backyard Composting

May 4 • Made In Manitoba Breakfast

May 25 • Gardening Made Easy

June 22 • Geocaching 101

July 6 • Bugs Workshop, Ladybug Release

July 17 • Family Fun Day

July 26 & Aug 6 • Ice Cream Making

Aug 15 • Family Fun Day

Aug 21 • Canning Workshop

Aug 24 • Kitchen Garden Day

Peter Jones’ Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Nutrition and Functional Foods was recently renewed for another seven years, with $1.4 million, to continue his groundbreaking investigations into which bioactive materials make for good ingredients in functional foods.

Peter is the director of the Richardson Centre for Functional Foods and Nutracueticals.

Much of his research involves plant sterols, which are natural components found in plants and known to lower cholesterol. His efforts have led to the international marketing of edible spreads containing plant sterols that reduce heart disease risk by up to 20 per cent.

Peter is also studying lipid-lowering actions related to nutrition before and after giving birth and to weight loss.

Innovating Foods for Health

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Rick Holley, Food Science, continues to provide his expertise on safe food handling and the challenges processors and regulators face. In 2012, Rick provided over 130 media interviews, including a segment on CBC’s investigative consumer program Marketplace. He has advised numerous companies and organizations, and was named to the new Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Scientific Advisory Committee for Risk-based Inspection Oversight Framework.

Food Safety Expert in Demand

When second year diploma student Brett Sheffield took to the stage in Calgary last May for the final round of the 2012 Student Entrepreneur National Competition, he was actually just beginning a great adventure that would take him to the New York Stock Exchange and the experience of a lifetime.

Brett, the owner of both Sheffield Farms and Stay Fit Health Club in Pilot Mound, MB, prevailed over five other top student entrepreneurs from across Canada at the event sponsored by Advancing Canadian Entrepreneurship (ACE). The finalists presented their business outlines and achievements to a judging panel made up of industry leaders and CEOs.

Brett walked away with the $10,000 top prize and the opportunity to represent Canada at Global Student Entrepreneur Awards Global Finals in New York in November 2012. The event is the world’s premier competition for students running revenue-generating businesses.

Fast forward six months (of intense preparation and practice), and Brett was travelling to New York City where he would once again make it to the final round.

Brett ended up capturing third place out of a field of 30 international top student business owners, the culmination of an incredible journey that had its roots in the Diploma of Agriculture’s farm management planning project and his own fledgling agricultural operation.

Brett began with an 170-acre grain farm in 2008, which he expanded to a 1700-acre operation with a projected revenue of $2 million in 2013. He also purchased the struggling fitness club in his hometown, and turned it into a profitable 24-hour operation.

His future plans include starting a second research-based farm aimed at creating and researching innovative products for the next generation. He has also given back by mentoring a Grade 6 class of inner-city children and advising the University of Manitoba ENACTUS group, a club focused on entrepreneurial student activities to empower communities.

Student Entrepreneur Takes on the World

Brett Sheffield, winner of the ACE Student Entrepreneur National Competition trophy

Get Your Faculty FixStay up-to-date with Faculty news and events with the bi-weekly e-newsletter AG e-news by signing up at agfoodsci@umanitoba.ca. Archived issues can be found at www.manitoba.ca/afs/AG_e-news/

The Faculty can also be found on Twitter at@UM_agfoodsci

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Thank you to the people who alone or as part of an organization or corporation have pledged to put their money to work for the Faculty. This money has made a big difference to the Faculty - it has helped students cover the cost of their tuition and books, paid for new research equipment, refurbished classrooms and laboratories, and sent students on field trips.

As a donor, you can tell us how you would like your gift directed - to scholarships and bursaries, to special funds like the Bruce D. Campbell Farm & Food Discovery Centre, the Centennial Entrance Scholarship, the Agriculture and Food Sciences Student Experience Fund or to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences Endowment Fund, which provides teaching and other resources for the Faculty.

If you would like to make a donation, visit the Philanthropy website at umanitoba.ca/admin/dev_adv/, call (204) 474-9195 or 1-800-330-8066 or email philanthropy@umanitoba.ca.

Individuals

David G. and Alana AbbottBruce and Lesley CampbellJohn M. ChangRobert S. ChapmanCharles D. DyckRev. Keith S. and Denise M. FraserTamila J. FraserCandace R. Grier and Louis GuimondProf. Ernest and Elma HiebertDr. Jesse R. and Ann C. J. IngallsAlexander F. and Frieda JanzenMyrna KraftJohn W. and Mary KroekerMargaret J. Martin and S. Lorne Martin

(estate)Bruce E. PeloquinLeonard J. and Carol PennerRonald G. PettittCarolyn J. and Lawrence J. PorhownikGeza and Trudi Racz Wilbert & Sharon RonaldDr. Gabriel L. RoyRichard and Joan RuePatricia A. and Dr. E. Maitland SundmarkThuraya WeedonNorval C. and Ivy Young

Organizations

BMO Financial GroupCanadian Association of Agri-RetailersCanadian Dairy CommissionCanadian Wheat Board on behalf of

western Canadian farmersManitoba’s Credit UnionsCroplife Canada - Manitoba CouncilFarm Credit CanadaIndustrial Investments Ltd.Keystone Agricultural ProducersManitoba Ag DaysManitoba Agricultural Representatives

Assoc. (Dissolved)Manitoba Egg ProducersManitoba Hatchery AssociationManitoba Hog and Poultry DaysManitoba Institute of Agrologists Wpg

BranchManitoba Pork CouncilManitoba Swine SeminarMonsanto Canada Inc.Noventis Credit Union - GimliLandmark Feeds Inc.Pallister Farm Ltd.Pioneer Hi-Bred LimitedStarbuck Credit UnionSteinbach Credit Union Ltd.Syngenta Crop Protection Canada, Inc.

Thanks to the Calgary-based agricultural retailer Agrium Inc., a new bursary was set up last year in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences with the goal of attracting Aboriginal students to the agribusiness industry.

The Agrium Inc. Aboriginal Student Bursaries provide two Aboriginal undergraduate students (Status, Non-Status, Métis or Inuit ) enrolled in either the Degree or Diploma program with $2,000 each per year to support their studies in agriculture.

The selection committee has the discretion to renew the bursary for a maximum of three additional years after it is first awarded if a student continues to meet the criteria. The first two bursaries were awarded in the 2012-2013 academic year.

Our Donors

New Bursary Aimed at Aboriginal Students

List includes donors who made a gift or payment of $500+ to Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences affiliated funds. Information provided by Philanthropy for the period of January 1, 2012 to December 31, 2012.

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StaffBrian Amiro, Soil Science, was named a Fellow of the Canadian Society of Agricultural and Forest Meteorology for advancing micrometeorology and the biogeophysical sciences.

Gary Crow, Animal Science, received the 2011-2012 Teaching Award of Merit from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture for excellence in teaching.

Martin Entz, Plant Science, was honoured by Organic Connections with the “Organic Hero” award for his contribution to the organic community.

Annemieke Farenhorst, Soil Science, and Pat MacKay, Senior Scholar in Entomology, were presented with Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medals, in recognition of their valuable contributions to their community.

Don Flaten, Soil Science, received the 2012 Pork Industry Education Award from the Manitoba Pork Council for his outstanding contributions to raising public awareness of the environmental sustainability of agriculture.

Neil Holliday, Entomology, was named Professor Emeritus for distinguished service to the University of Manitoba. Neil was also awarded a Fellowship of the Entomological Society of Canada, given to members who have made a major contribution to the advancement of entomology.

Digvir Jayas, vice-president (research and international) and distinguished

professor in Biosystems Engineering, was named a Fellow of the Indian Society of Agricultural Engineers for his contributions to global grain storage research and profession of agricultural engineering.

David Levin, Biosystems Engineering, was awarded the Life Sciences Association of Manitoba Award for Outstanding Leadership in Research, for demonstrating exemplary vision and leadership in life science research in Manitoba.

Martin Scanlon, Food Science, was presented with the George Scott Blair Award by the AACC International - Rheology Division. He is the first Canadian to receive the award, given for exceptional ability in rheology/texture research related to cereal-based products.

Dr. James S. Townsend, retired Biosystems Engineering professor, received the Maple Leaf Award for his service to the Canadian Society for Bioengineering in recognition of leadership in the profession.

StudentsCaroline Halde, Ph.D. candidate in Plant Science, received the Student Research Award 2012 from Western Ag Innovations.

Sally Parsonage and Jolene Rutter, M.Sc. students in Soil Science, received the 2012 Alexander Graham Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship from the National Science and Engineering Council.

Accolades

Ed Tyrchniewicz, Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, was inducted into the Manitoba Agricultural Hall of Fame in July 2012. He, along with late Agricultural Engineering professor Herb Lapp and Faculty alumnus Hayden Tolton (BSA/49), join the ranks of others that have made a significant and lasting contribution to agriculture in Manitoba during their lifetime.

Bishwo Bandhu Pokharel and Mitch Rey, M.Sc. students in Animal Science, received the International Stockmen’s Educational Foundation Travel Fellowship to attend the International Livestock Congress in Denver, CO.

Kristen Podolsky, M.Sc. student in Plant Science, received the Organic Crop Improvement Association Research & Education Graduate Scholarship.

Victoria Tkachuk, M.Sc. student in Animal Science, received the Graduate Student Teaching Award of Merit from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture for excellence in teaching.

Hall of Fame President Bill Anderson (BSA/69) congratulates Ed Tyrchniewicz

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E.J. Fontaine, aboriginal entrepreneur, and Owen Jones, feed industry business leader, received the 2012 Certificates of Merit from the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at last year’s graduation ceremonies in recognition of their contributions to Manitoba’s agricultural community.

E.J. Fontaine is a member of the Sagkeeng First Nation and graduated from the Diploma in Agriculture program in 1987. He has become a recognized leader in the Aboriginal community and the community at large through his professional experience, community involvement and business ventures such as Anishinabek Consultants Inc., Anish Corporation and AMIK.ca.

Owen Jones received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 1972. In 1984, he founded Canadian Bio-Systems Inc. which manufactures

a wide range of products utilized in feed, food, industrial and environmental applications. Through his company, Owen has been a strong supporter of graduate student training and Faculty fundraising initiatives.

Kerry Green (DipAg/83) and Geoff Gyles (BSA/79) were the winners of the prestigious Innovation Award from the Ernest C. Manning Awards Foundation. Kerry and Geoff are the founders of Wolf Trax, which in the 1990s developed DDP Micronutrients, a system that features a patented technology called dry dispersible powder (DDP). They formulated DDP to coat and stick to each granule of macronutrient fertilizer in a blend. This results in even, blanket-like coverage of micronutrients across a field, and also allows plants both immediate and delayed uptake of micronutrients.

2013 ReunionsDon’t miss your chance to catch up with your classmates!

• Class of 1963 - Diploma - will be celebrating its 50th reunion on May 4-5 in Winnipeg. Contact Harvey Dann at harvey@alertagri.ca or (701) 213-8246.

• Classes of 1950/1951 - Diploma - will be celebrating on June 12 in Brandon. Contact Paul Maguet at pmmaguet@hotmail.com or (204) 261-7674.

• Class of 1963 - Degree - will be celebrating its 50th reunion on September 27-29 in Winnipeg. Contact Wayne Anderson at wra@stbpallet.com or (204) 227-4053 or Ken McKenzie at kmckenzie@mts.net or (204) 284-4087.

• University of Manitoba Homecoming 2013 - All alumni are invited to a Faculty Tea & Tour at the Agriculture Building at 1 pm on Friday, September 27. Contact agfoodsci@umanitoba.ca or call (204) 474-9435. For complete Homecoming details, visit www.umanitoba.ca/alumni

Alumni Recognized

Left to right: Dean of the Faculty Dr. Michael Trevan, Certificate of Merit recipient Owen Jones, Vice-Provost (Academic Planning and Programs) Dr. David Collins, Certificate of Merit recipient E.J. Fontaine, Director of School of Agriculture Michele Rogalsky.

The Diploma Class of 1962 visited the Faculty in April 2012 for their 50th reunion.