Kristen Podolsky will be scouting soybean and pulse fields, providing MPGA members with in-season agronomic support and production information, and responding to grower inquiries. This new position is a means for MPGA to increase communication with its members and provide them with crop production information, and is particularly timely with the expansion of soybean acres into western Manitoba.
Carman, Manitoba – May 27, 2013 – MPGA is pleased to announce the hiring of Kristen Podolsky as Production Specialist for the 2013 growing season. MPGA represents nearly 3,000 producers in Manitoba who grow soybeans, edible beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas and faba beans, and provides producers with production knowledge and market development support, through focused research, advocacy and linkages with industry partners. MPGA is funded by a 0.5% check off levy and is governed by a board of directors, including elected active producers and appointed industry representatives.
MPGA recently conducted a member survey and obtained valuable feedback; including farm, acre and crop rotation information, production-related issues, member awareness of MPGA core priorities and activities, areas where increased focus is needed or where there is room for improvement, and much more. “The idea of hiring a Production Specialist had been discussed for over a year,” states MPGA Chair Kyle Friesen. “The decision was finally made easy when we found out our members want increased and better communication from us, crop production knowledge, and for us to be vigilant in early detection of emerging diseases and insect problems. Kristen will be able to enhance our communication efforts and provide our members with in-season field support.” The timing of this hire coincides with increasing soybean acres and offers MPGA the ability to provide support to both experienced and new soybean growers.
Kristen is a graduate student at the University of Manitoba wrapping up her MSc thesis in Agronomy. Specifically, her project investigated reduced tillage implements for managing a green manure cover crop. Prior to pursuing her MSc, Kristen completed a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a major in Agronomy and minor in Soil Science (2008) and a general Agriculture Diploma (2006), all at the University of Manitoba. During this time, Kristen held summer positions with Viterra, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the National Sunflower Association of Canada. As part of her Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC) scholarship for her MSc, Kristen also spent time working with Pulse Canada on their sustainability portfolio.
Kristen also comes from a farming background in beef and grain production. Her practical experience in farming combined with her technical knowledge of field crop agronomy and cropping systems make her a great fit as Production Specialist for MPGA. MPGA has hired Kristen on a 6-month contract, and if this new position proves to be valuable, consideration will be given to extending her term or turning it into a full-time position with the association.
About MPGA
MPGA was founded in 1984 and represents nearly 3,000 producers in Manitoba who grow soybeans, edible beans, peas, lentils, chickpeas and faba beans. MPGA’s mission is to provide pulse grower members with production knowledge and market development support, through focused research, advocacy and linkages with industry partners. Recently, Manitoba has seen tremendous expansion of soybean acres and MPGA wants to lead soybean research in western Canada.
Contact Information:
Manitoba Pulse Growers Association Inc.
Box 1760 Carman, Manitoba R0G 0J0
(204) 745-6488
www.manitobapulse.ca
roxanne@manitobapulse.ca