Supporting the students who will grow agriculture's future

Feeding a growing population, adapting to climate change and advancing sustainable food production are among the biggest challenges facing agriculture today. Meeting those challenges requires more than new technologies and research. It requires talented graduates equipped with the skills, experience and support needed to lead the industry forward.

Across Manitoba, agriculture commodity groups are helping build that capacity through investments in research infrastructure, experiential learning opportunities and student awards at the University of Manitoba. 

Growing solutions for tomorrow's challenges

"Agricultural research and innovation are fundamental to the continued productivity and sustainability of Manitoba farmers, and supporting high-quality research is foundational to the mission and vision of the Manitoba Crop Alliance," says Darcelle Graham, Chief Operating Officer.  

Earlier this summer, Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) committed $500,000 to the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences' Controlled Environment Facilities renewal project. The upgraded growth chambers will provide students and researchers with state-of-the-art environments to study crop performance under carefully controlled conditions, from temperature and humidity to light and carbon dioxide levels. The investment will support hands-on learning while advancing research aimed at strengthening crop resilience in a changing climate. 

"MCA is a proud supporter of agriculture's next generation," says Jonothan Hodson, Chair of MCA. "We manage our land and our businesses with an eye to leaving things better for those who come after us. Supporting the next generation of agricultural leaders also contributes to that goal." 

The controlled environment facilities are one of several major projects supported by Manitoba's agricultural commodity groups. MCA has also supported the Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility, which is transforming opportunities for student learning and industry-connected research in Manitoba.  

Experiential learning is a cornerstone of agricultural education. For students, the upgraded facilities mean access to the advanced technologies increasingly shaping modern agriculture, from crop breeding and climate adaptation research to precision agriculture.  

Learning by doing

Manitoba Canola Growers are investing in the next generation with their support of UM’s Prairie Crops and Soils Research Facility and through student awards, helping create opportunities for students to connect classroom learning with real-world agricultural experiences.

Animal Science student and recipient of the Manitoba Canola Growers Association Scholarship, Keenan Karish, is actively involved at UM, participating in Stockman’s Club and the Agribusiness Students Association and serving as the Animal Science Undergraduate Degree Representative to the Faculty of Agriculture Students’ Organization.  

Experiences like these are a critical part of agricultural education, allowing students to apply classroom knowledge in real-world settings while developing leadership and industry connections. 

Removing barriers to success

For decades, Manitoba Egg Farmers has invested in UM students pursuing careers across agriculture and food systems. Their support helped establish the Egg Layer Facility at Glenlea Research Station. Today, the organization supports four scholarships and a bursary for students in Agriculture Diploma, Animal Systems, Food Science and Human Nutritional Sciences programs.  

"Your support not only helps me financially but encourages me to continue to strive for excellence in my academics and my future work in the industry," says Talia Funk [BSc(AS)/26], recipient of the Manitoba Egg Farmers Dr. W. Bill Guenter Scholarship (Animal Systems). "Thank you for investing in today's students, who will be tomorrow's farm managers, policy makers, researchers and innovators."  

In 2026, the organization committed to doubling the value of these awards, deepening its commitment to students who are passionate about shaping the future of sustainable food systems.

“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 Susan Riese [BHEcol/02], Director, Public Relations, Communications and Learnings at Manitoba Pork. “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.” 

A shared investment in agriculture

While each organization supports the university in different ways, together they share the common goal of ensuring students have the resources, experiences and opportunities needed to cultivate a stronger future for agriculture. 

The Manitoba agriculture industry is extremely collaborative, and everyone involved – from farmers, to agronomists, to researchers and students – contributes to the industry’s success.