University of Manitoba staff and students in a field plot at the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm in Carman, Man., on July 29, 2025.

VIDEO: Yield-eating weeds and pest insects tackled at field day

The University of Manitoba put the spotlight on its in-progress crop research, including the concept of a nurse crop against flea beetles, corn weed control and high-protein canola fertilizer

The University of Manitoba put the spotlight on its in-progress agricultural research, including the concept of a nurse crop against flea beetles, corn weed control and high-protein canola fertilizer.

This image, captured using fluorescent microscopy, shows verticillium hyphae (in green) colonizing cells of root vascular tissue (in red).

Is canola on the path to withstand verticillium?

Seed companies are starting to tout canola with some verticillium stripe tolerance; meanwhile, researchers have a line on a genetic trait that might physically block infection

Seed companies are starting to tout some verticillium stripe tolerance in their new canola varieties. Meanwhile, researchers have a line on a genetic trait that might physically block infection.


Chamali Kodikara’s work singles out health- promoting components of locally grown berries.

University of Manitoba student lays international path

Work involves examination of Prairie berry components to help boost sector

Glacier FarmMedia – Some researchers prefer to stay in laboratories and behind academic papers rather than deal with a lot of people. Chamali Kodikara isn’t suited for that sort of introverted life. “I really like to do the other stuff as well,” said Kodikara, after learning she had been elected vice-president of competitions for the

Ted Poyser was instrumental in bridging the gap between agriculture and conservation in Manitoba. Photo: University of Manitoba

Soil science pioneer honoured with lecture series

The first Ted Poyser Lecture in Soil Health launched at University of Manitoba is imminent

The University of Manitoba is about to launch a new lectureship named in honour of a man who helped bridge the divide between conservation and agriculture. The Ted Poyser Lecture in Soil Health will be hosted annually by the soil science department, and the inaugural event is scheduled March 13. Each year a speaker will be invited who


Implant being inserted under the skin of a calf’s ear. 
Photo: MBFI

Hormone implants offer clear advantage

In addition to helping the bottom line, hormone implants have a big environmental upside

The Canadian cattle industry is facing a quandary. With the global population expected to reach 9.7 billion by 2050, beef production must increase to meet rising demand. On the other hand, there is greater pressure to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in agricultural production. Environment and Climate Change Canada says agriculture contributes about eight per cent

University of Manitoba research scientist Kim Ominski.

Giving beef a good rep

FACES OF AG | University of Manitoba research scientist honoured

A Manitoba research scientist has earned top accolades from the Beef Cattle Research Council for her work on sustainability and the cattle sector. Kim Ominski of the University of Manitoba received the 2023 Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation at the Canadian Beef Industry Conference in Calgary Aug. 16. Why it matters:


Solvent casting. PHOTOs: UNIVERSITY OF MANITOBA

Creating a canola-based plastic alternative

New research turns canola protein into strong, flexible films meant for food packaging

Canola growers may one day be able to add food packaging to their list of markets. New research at the University of Manitoba draws on canola meal protein as a feedstock for biodegradable food product packaging. “I think it’s a more sustainable solution to the challenges created by all the petroleum-based plastic food packaging materials,”

John Heard at the Crop Diagnostic School in 2022.

Happy trails: Award-winning soil scientist retires

Faces of Ag: After 27 years with Manitoba Agriculture, the respected soil fertility specialist has retired

At the retirement party for her colleague, John Heard, Manitoba Agriculture soil management specialist Marla Riekman has a recurring memory. “One of the phrases that I often fear hearing is, ‘Hey, Marla,’” she said jokingly. “John is a man of great ideas, especially when it comes to extension work, something he’s so passionate about. He