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Resources Use Driftwatch and Beewatch to map your fields and bee colonies to prevent unwanted pesticides and keep the bees safe! https://driftwatch.org/ Guest bio for Ian Steppler Ian Steppler is a third-generation farmer from just outside of Miami, Manitoba. After finding an interest in bees through a class he took in university, Ian now manages over 1800 bee colonies. Serving as chairperson of the Manitoba Beekeepers’ Association, Ian offers a unique perspective from the industry in addition to his perspective as a farmer and beekeeper. Sponsors This episode was sponsored by Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Manitoba Organics.

Resources You can learn more about all of the organic science cluster projects here: https://www.organic-science-canada.ca/about-us/ And specifically learn about the project discussed today here: https://www.organic-science-canada.ca/field-crops/optimizing-the-environmental-and-agronomic-co-benefits-of-recycled-phosphorus-inputs-for-organic-field-crops/ Guest bios Dr. Thiessen Martens' research focuses on nutrient flows in agroecosystems, including agronomic and environmental aspects. She is especially interested in phosphorus dynamics in soils and plants, as well as nutrient dynamics in all kinds of ecological farming systems Dr. Amarakoon's research program focuses on advancing climate-resilient, sustainable agricultural systems that enhance environmental stewardship while safeguarding surface waters and human health. Amanda is a Master’s student in Soil Science at the University of Manitoba with a background in biology and regenerative farming. Her research with the Organic Science Cluster 4 focuses on creating enriched composts using recycled phosphorus to close nutrient loops in organic agriculture. She is passionate about bridging soil and human health, growing nutrient-dense food, and building resilient systems that restore and optimize soil health. Sponsors This episode was sponsored by Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program. Credits Host: Scott Beaton Narrator: Marika Dewar-Norosky Producer: Hailey Proutt Editor:  Brandon Janzen Podcast oversight committee: Jason Peters, Scott Beaton, Dan Dorge, Marika Dewar-Norosky Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Manitoba Organics.

Resources DriftWatch is now active across all three Prairie provinces! Whether you’re a farmer, applicator, or beekeeper, this platform is here for you.  Visit Drift watch and map your farm here: https://mb.driftwatch.org/ Find more information and a walkthrough on how to map your farm here: https://www.manitobaorganics.com/driftwatch Sponsors This episode was sponsored by Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program. Credits Host: Hailey Proutt Narrator: Marika Dewar-Norosky Producer: Marika Dewar-Norosky Editor:  Brandon Janzen Podcast oversight committee:  Scott Beaton, Marika Dewar-Norosky Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Manitoba Organics.

Resources linksThere are many online resources to help with getting started in organic certification that are continually updated. Canadian Organic Growers has a detailed overview of the steps to transition.  https://cog.ca/transitioning-to-organic/ SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program. If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected]. Guest bioMelanie Rivard is an independent organic inspector and evaluator with over a decade of experience in organic certification, having worked in the sector since 2010. She lives near Miniota with her husband, Marc, and various two- and four-legged animals. DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Manitoba Organics.

Resources links Learn more about struvite from the Manitoba Cooperator: https://www.manitobacooperator.ca/news-opinion/news/struvite-fertilizer-from-winnipeg-sewers/ Organic Federation Canada published a detailed article on Phosphorus cycling in organic systems that can be found here: https://mailchi.mp/organicfederation/phosphorousstruvite Sponsor Our podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by Conservation Trust.  If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected].   Guest bio   Ian and Jo-Anne Cushon, along with their son Liam, operate Moose Creek Organic Farm at Oxbow, Saskatchewan.   The farm is in southeast Saskatchewan in the thin black soil zone.  The primary crops grown are wheat, oats, flax, hemp, and alfalfa seed. Ian started farming in 1981 and began converting to organic farming in 1985. After 30 years of organic farming, protecting and improving the soil and managing fertility with crop rotations and off-farm inputs on 5000 acres, requires continued learning, experimentation and lots of patience.

Creating a nutrient budget will help you evaluate the effect of nutrient management on your fields’ sustainability and help you assess efficiency and improve resource allocation. The Nutrient Budgeting Web App was developed to help with multi-year nutrient management planning, especially for producers that rely on biological nitrogen fixation and/or occasional inputs of manure or other soil fertility amendments. This multi-year approach to nutrient management planning can help to optimize production while decreasing nutrient loss to the environment by doing a better job of matching soil nutrients to crop needs. The Nutrient Budgeting App will help you calculate whether nutrients are accumulating or being depleted from your fields over time.  It makes it easy for you to add up the nutrients you are bringing onto your fields (including through N fixation by legumes) and subtract the nutrients that leave your fields to help you plan your crop rotations and soil amendments. The NBA is meant to be used alongside other nutrient management tools, such as soil testing. Whether you are an organic producer, transitioning to organic production or a conventional producer wanting to better understand how legumes in your rotation can help you reduce synthetic nitrogen use, the NAB will help you understand the efficiency and flow of nutrients in your fields. Resources linkshttps://pivotandgrow.com/resources/grain-resources/grain-production/nutrient-budgeting/ SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by Conservation Trust and Farmers for Climate Solutions. If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected]. Guest bioJoanne Thiessen Martens  Dr. Joanne Thiessen Martens is Assistant Professor of Soil Chemistry and Fertility in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Manitoba. She teaches and conducts research on soil fertility and nutrient flows in agroecosystems, especially phosphorus dynamics and alternative crop production systems, including organic production. Her current research focuses on the interactions among soil, plants, and fertilizers, especially with recycled phosphorus inputs like struvite, as well as strategies to increase sustainability and resilience in prairie cropping systems. Joanne has worked with farmers, agronomists, extension personnel, and researchers across Manitoba and Canada, as well as internationally.

Resources linksCanada Grazing Exchange A free online platform connecting livestock owners with landowners across Canada who have available grazing land or cover crops. A great tool to help improve soil health and make the most of forage opportunities.  www.canadagrazingexchange.com Gateway Research Organization (GRO) Based in Westlock, Alberta, GRO is a local Applied Research Association offering practical, science-based information on topics like soil health, pasture management, and livestock. They host regular winter "CropTalk" sessions and pasture webinars—perfect to catch live or rewatch later. Many producers enjoy tuning in while working in the field.  Listen to recorded sessions on Podbean: Gateway Research Organization | Podbean FaRM Learning Hub The FaRM (Farm Resilience Mentorship) Learning Hub is a go-to resource for Canadian farmers looking to build climate-resilient farms using regenerative agriculture practices. It offers self-guided learning modules, videos, and practical tools focused on grazing, soil health, and cover crops. The hub also features six free mini-courses that walk you through creating a grazing plan, covering key topics like paddock and cell design, fencing, record keeping, and more—perfect for getting started or refining your current system. https://www.farmlearninghub.ca/pages/about-grazing SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was sponsored by Manitoba Beef Producers and funded in part by Farmers for Climate Solutions and Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program.If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected]. Guest bio Ward Middleton Ward and his wife, Jo-Anne Middleton, own and operate Midmore Farms in Sturgeon County, Alberta.  Their operation has been certified organic for 28 years. The operation is an eclectic mixed farm that strives to find synergies between organic grain production and utilizing a custom grazing/feeding operation for nutrient import and soil health.   DisclaimerThe views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Manitoba Organics.

Today Scott talks with John Cote who runs John Boy Farms near St. Agathe Manitoba. John shares about his experience growing vegetables for the local market and how and why he chose to focus on garlic. They also cover a few other topics such as soil health, cover crops and inputs.

In this episode, Scott interviews Cody Straza and Ian Cushon in a live panel format, recorded at the Organic Connections show in Saskatoon. Both are experienced organic farmers and they cover a wide variety of topics including species diversity, green manures, soil fertility, livestock and more.

Resources linksRodale Institute has some excellent information around composting as well https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-farming-practices/composting/

Resources linksOne fantastic way to build soil health and improve the water infiltration capacity of your soil is to integrate livestock onto your land.  For grain farmers who don’t own livestock, MOA and MFGA have built a website to help facilitate partnerships between grain and livestock farmers. It’s a great way to terminate and reincorporate your green manure and build your soil biology. FInd out more here: https://manitobagrazingexchange.com/ The panel mentioned Mark Shepard’s keyline permaculture design, so we thought we’d include a link to a presentation he made last year at Manitoba Forage and Grasslands Association conference: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7c8302QJk5k If you’re in Manitoba, you can out more about the programs and support offered by the Watershed Districts and find out who your local district is here: https://manitobawatersheds.org/ In Canada, other groups providing watershed and soil health support include Ducks Unlimited https://www.ducks.ca/ , and ALUS https://alus.ca/.  SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by the Canadian government through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Prairie Organic Development Fund and the Conservation Trust. MOA is also thankful for its gold sponsors, Millview Farms, La Milanaise, SeCan, Kroeker Farms and XiteBio. If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected]. Guest bio Ryan CanartProducer and Manager, Assiniboine West Watershed Ryan Canart received a degree in Natural Resource Management at Thompson Rivers University in 2002 but began his love of working with the land in 2000 when his family purchased their property near Hargrave Manitoba. Ryan has a passion for regenerative land management, which started with a keen interest in agroforestry. He applies that passion by managing his grass-backgrounding ranch with AMP grazing, planting trees, growing food, and taking advantage of the many opportunities rural living provides. Ryan has been involved with the watershed district program since 2003. Currently he is the General Manager of the Assiniboine West Watershed. He has also been involved with organizations over the years including the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council, the Prairie Improvement Network, and the Assiniboine River Basin Initiative. Henry WilsonResearch Scientist, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Brandon Henry Wilson has been a Research Scientist with AAFC in Brandon, Manitoba since 2011. He conducts research on the hydrology, nutrient cycling, and stream ecology of agricultural systems. His current research is focused on developing knowledge to reduce eutrophication and flooding problems in agricultural watersheds, design of more sustainable and resilient production systems, and understanding potential environmental benefits and trade-offs associated with agricultural management changes. He earned his Ph.D. from the Watershed Ecosystems program at Trent University, in Ontario and was awarded a postdoctoral fellowship through the Yale Institute for Biospheric Studies, USA before becoming a Research Scientist with AAFC.

Resources linksYou can contact Neal Wagar, Manitoba Technical Sales Rep via email [email protected] or  phone (204-218-2221) for any questions about Ecotea. Recent study results have been uploaded to our website as well in the Resources section: https://manitobaorganicalliance.com/podcasts/season-3-episode-6-biologicals/ http://www.eco-tea.ca/ https://youtu.be/sIsfmR7NK1Y https://youtu.be/KZzACqUuSYk www.overtonenvironmental.ca www.ecotea.ca SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was sponsored by Overton Environmental Enterprises and funded in part by the Canadian government through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Prairie Organic Development Fund. MOA is also thankful for its gold sponsors, Millview Farms, La Milanaise, SeCan, Kroeker Farms and XiteBio. If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected]. Guest bio Dale Overton I am a highly motivated and hard working individual interested in applied ecology and sustainable landscape management. My goal is to work with industry partners to create realistic and economical solutions to complex ecological problems. I am also interested in developing, manufacturing and marketing various biological soil amendments and organic fertility products (Eco-Tea and Essential Organics). I am also involved in waste reduction and transformation projects using advanced composting techniques. Currently, I am involved in many innovative research projects both in Canada and Internationally, which focus on organics waste management, sustainable agri-systems, soil ecology and revegetation. My family and I live on a 97 acre farm in the boreal-parkland transition ecoregion. My wife and I share a beautiful daughter and son. We have dogs, cats, rabbits, horses and chickens all raised as holistically and sustainably as possible.

Resources linksCurtis mentioned Manitoba Agriculture’s Soil Management Guide as a great resource in learning more about soils in general and how to manage them: https://www.gov.mb.ca/agriculture/environment/soil-management/soil-management-guide/ SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by the Canadian government through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Prairie Organic Development Fund and the Conservation Trust. MOA is also thankful for its gold sponsors, Millview Farms, La Milanaise, SeCan, Kroeker Farms and XiteBio. If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected]. Guest bio Curtis Cavers Curtis is the site supervisor for the AAFC-Portage la Prairie sub-station which is part of the Brandon Research and Development Centre.  Curtis has a focus in agronomy and soil science, specifically in the areas of nutrient management, soil health, tillage, water management, precision agriculture and general crop production. You can contact Curtis at: [email protected]  or reach him by phone: 204-871-7346 Our guest host for this episode was Allison Squires. You can find out more about Allison and her farm, Upland Organics at https://uplandorganics.ca/. Book recommendationDale & Carter: “Topsoil and civilization” https://www.worldcat.org/title/topsoil-and-civilization/oclc/924435

Resources linksCheck out the Rodale Institute resources, webinars and courses https://rodaleinstitute.org/why-organic/organic-basics/ Education Course https://rodaleinstitute.org/education/ https://courses.rodaleinstitute.org/p/rodale-institute-transition-to-organic Contact Nic for more information about accessing consultant services and takin the  Education courses: [email protected]  +1(218)789-1044 (based in Minnesota) Get some financial support during your transition to organics through The Canada Organic Trade Association (COTA) “Support Organic Change Fund”. https://www.canada-organic.ca/en/what-we-do/market-access/organic-conversion-support-program SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by the Canadian government through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Prairie Organic Development Fund and the Conservation Trust. MOA is also thankful for its gold sponsors, Millview Farms, La Milanaise, SeCan, Kroeker Farms and XiteBio. If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at [email protected]. Guest bio Nicholas PodollMidwest Organic Consultant Nic is a lifelong organic farmer, having grown up and farmed with his family on their certified organic farm in southeast North Dakota, raising small grains and vegetable seed. Prior to working at Rodale Institute, he worked in Extension for the University of Minnesota and North Dakota State University. He also served several years on the NCR-SARE Farmer Rancher Grant Review Committee. Nic is IOIA certified in crops and holds a Master’s in Agricultural & Extension Education from North Carolina State University. He is located in north-central Minnesota.

Resources linksThe WADO annual report with its 2020 results can be found here: https://mbdiversificationcentres.ca/westman-agricultural-diversification-organization/ You can also use their search tool to find the results from all the trials they’ve conducted over the past decade. Southeast research farm in Redvers SK also does lots of intercropping research: https://southeastresearchfarm.org/ SponsorOur podcast is supported by generous donations and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by the Canada and Manitoba governments through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and the Prairie Organic Development Fund as well as our sponsors. We produced this episode in partnership with the Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization or WADO to focus on intercropping. WADO is an applied crop research group in Melita Manitoba with a producer board of directors, whose operating funding is provided by the Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP) and Agriculture Sustainability Initiative (ASI). Scott Chalmers is a provincial employee who manages the activities and research.  Each year they publish an annual report, which can be found on the Manitoba Diversification Centre's website:  https://mbdiversificationcentres.ca/ You can find their new 2020 report & results and information about their annual field days usually held in July.  They usually have 40-50 research projects, covering 2500 plots just at WADO and do lots of work over the years with intercrops, relay crops.   They collaborate with commodity groups, AAFC, Universities, corporations, strategic funding initiatives, and private entities. Guest bio for Scott ChalmersScott grew up on a small mixed farm operation near Carroll, MB. Scott completed his B.Sc. (Honours) degree at Brandon University in botany and chemistry in 2004. Scott worked at AAFC in Brandon, MB as a summer student with the plant pathology team headed by Dr. Debbie McLaren. Scott also managed the non-profit South East Research Farm, located near Redvers, SK, for three years until spring of 2007. Scott started working with Manitoba Agriculture as a Diversification Technician out of the Melita-Ag office 2007 conducting applied crop research and demonstrations at Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization (WADO). Scott then moved into the Diversification Specialist position in 2014 and continues to manage the WADO research program. Scott resides in Reston with his wife Tanis and two kids. Scott takes an interest in homebrewing, and intensive no till gardening.