Loveleen Kaur Dhillon has been appointed as the agronomist in residence for special crops at the University of Manitoba, a new five-year position funded by the Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA).
MCA created the position after noting a gap in research capacity for special crops such as corn, sunflower, and flax. The hope is to expand applied agronomy research for these crops, the organization said in a Feb. 12 press release.
Over the next five years, this research will generate recommendation-based results, tackling agronomic challenges and supporting the growth of Manitoba’s special crops industry, the same release said.
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“MCA strives to fund meaningful research that advances all the crop types we represent, but this can sometimes be difficult for the smaller-acreage crops,” said Jonothan Hodson, the organization’s vice-chair and corn crop committee delegate. “This position will boost research capacity for these underserved crops and ensure they remain productive and sustainable options for all our farmer members.”
As well as flax, corn and sunflowers, MCA also acts as the provincial farm group for wheat (both spring and winter wheat) and barley. The previously separate growers’ groups amalgamated in 2020.
Dhillon holds a doctorate from the University of Saskatchewan, with a specialization in plant breeding and agronomy.
“This hiring is the culmination of a long process that saw us look at many potential ways to increase research capacity for corn, sunflower and flax in Manitoba,” said Katherine Stanley, research program manager for special crops with MCA. “Loveleen brings a lot of valuable experience and enthusiasm to the role, and we’re excited to work with her to advance the special crops industry in the province.”
As the agronomist in residence for special crops, Dhillon will oversee an applied research program focused on developing best management practices for Manitoba’s corn, sunflower and flax farmers. She will also share research findings and strengthen knowledge transfer between the University of Manitoba and the province’s special crops industry, the MCA has said.
“We welcome Loveleen to the University of Manitoba into an important role that will carry out practical farm-level research and share best practices to producers. She will also help foster the next generation of agricultural leaders through hands-on training and mentorship,” said Martin Sca
