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Recent News
Jun 13, 2008
MIA June Bulletin
CONTENTS
- MIA Provincial Council Update
- Member News
- New Members
- MIA Scholarship Winner
- CPD Opportunities & Events
MIA PROVINCIAL COUNCIL UPDATE
Election of President and Vice-President
MIA Councillors for 2008-09 met May 14, 2008 in Winnipeg. Diane Wreford, P.Ag. and Dustin Gosnell, P.Ag. were elected President and Vice-President, respectively, for one year terms. Diane is an MIA Distinguished Agrologist and MIA Councillor. She graduated with a BSc. in agriculture from the U of M, faculty of Agricultural and Food Science, and has significant experience in agri-business in both the public and private sectors with senior leadership roles in ag business communications.
Presentation highlights to incoming Council - Strategies and Actions, Earl Geddes, Tech.Ag., outgoing Council President
This is a very exciting time to be a part of the MIA council
MIA s direction is to confirm that MIA s primary role is responsibility for public protection through The Agrologists Act. The main focus of resources is on MIA s legislated mandate.
Moving professionalism forward includes developing a positive and productive relationship with CCA s. That has already begun.
Definition and scope of practice of agrologists has changed and expanded since the Act was passed. Besides the traditional areas such as agronomy, and crop inputs, and production, agrologists are increasingly involved in environmental sustainability aspects such as land reclamation and site remediation, as well as consumer and industrial products derived from agriculture. Other growth areas include ag business planning and finance. MIA is directly involved in these discussions with the other provincial institutes regarding the evolving nature of the practice of agrology that extends more prominently beyond primary production.
MIA is reviewing its communication needs and will
communicate more with members regarding the important work it is doing in its core areas of responsibility.
communicate in different ways to students about the profession of agrology
communication through Employers/stakeholder meetings will continue: MIA has met with Bayer Crop Science, Cargill, Manitoba Government and the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. Key messages in the MIA presentation include communicating the value of the assurance of the competence and key aspects of professionalism of agrologists (CPD, academic standards, and professional practice compliance). Future planned meetings will include companies in growth areas of agrology such agro-environmental, with potential collaborations planned with other institutes.
Membership and Board of Examiners update D. Gosnell, P.Ag. chairman
Agrologist in Training Program: the program review committee has recently provided an interim report to the membership committee that included substantive recommendations to add value to the current program. A revised report will be brought forward for Council s consideration and action.
Internationally-educated Agrologist Program (IEAP) (M. Pritchard s report to Council)
World Education Service (WES) the Course by course evaluation tool is now being used by the BOE to assist with objective verification, authentication and analysis of the credentials of internationally trained agrologists. This improves the quality of the recommendations to Council.
Accreditation: the current program delivered by the AIC is under review by the Deans Council of Faculties of Agriculture, and provincial agrologists institutes. The review is in the context of changes to the practice of agrology, as well as the linkage with certain requirements of achieving a new labour mobility agreement.
Member stats:
Number of new registrations approved December 1, 2007 - May 31, 2008 - 26
Number of agrologists removed from the Register for non-payment of fees - 16
The Education Committee update - M. Pritchard
Members are Merv Pritchard, P.Ag. (Chairman), Jenna Alexander, P.Ag., Kim Shukla, P.Ag., Carrie Bibik, P.Ag.
The CPD program compliance review and audit will be done June 23, 2008. The compliance review will focus on both the qualitative aspects of what is being reported, in addition to whether the required number of credits is being reported.
Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba has started an academic programs review. Several MIA members are representing MIA on the program committees, with members of industry and faculty. The review is an opportunity to determine if these programs are addressing the requirements of profession of agrology and whether students are graduating as professional agrologists.
IEAP Program Update - M. Pritchard
The first academic year of the IEAP pilot has been completed. With a few bumps along the way, the program, including a new course, 'Practicing the Profession of Agrology in Manitoba', was completed by 13 students. Most are gaining valuable work experience in the agriculture industry. Others are working hard to network and find a suitable opportunity. If you or your company has potential interest in someone with a strong plant pathology, or animal science background, please contact the IEAP coordinator, Angela Chotka, at 204-770-2675.
The IEAP program recently received a PEARL award recognizing the Pursuit of Excellence in the Assessment and Recognition of Learning by the Manitoba Prior Learning Association Network (MPLAN). Several representatives of the program including Alexandra Rogojeva, AIT, Brent VanKoughnet, P.Ag, Dr. Merv Pritchard, P.Ag, and Jason Farrell, Director, Human Resources, James Richardson International, accepted the award at a special award event.
Branch Operations Mitch Long, Richard Pearse
Mitch Long, P.Ag. is President of the Western Branch and summarized Branch objectives for the coming year:
More involvement with the younger members.
Formats for the future, P&E seminar needs to be reviewed, move from ACC to AAFC.
Would like to see some MIA participation on the ACC advisory board with input into the review of their programs.
Glad to hear that the AIT program is being reviewed.
MIA & SIA could possibly have a joint stakeholder meeting with ACC.
Richard Pearse, P.Ag. is President of the Winnipeg Branch and summarized Branch objectives for the year:
To have good quality speakers for the sunrise seminars not necessarily one every month.
Develop some linkage with the U. of M. seminars.
The BBQ in Sept. will be the kick off event with a continuation of fundraising for Ag in the Classroom.
Will look at presenting certain seminars as Webinars.
Will review how to serve members in the Portage area
Labour Mobility - Jim Weir
Human Resources and Social Development Canada has supplied about $140 thousand to assist the next phase of reaching a new mutual recognition (labour mobility) agreement among the ten provincial agrologists institutes.
"Labour mobility" is mandated through the Agreement on Internal Trade between the two senior levels of government.
Labour mobility will require standardization of some core aspects of the agrology profession.
A new agreement will not allow "exceptions", and will allow and encourage "accommodation" where significant differences cannot be resolved.
Work on Labour mobility is being leveraged to help MIA and other institutes achieve similar goals such as working toward a national approach to the agrologist brand, as well as collaboration and cooperation on new initiatives.
Meetings in late April of this year will be followed by others in July and September on a schedule to have a new agreement in place before April of next year.
MEMBER NEWS
Karin Wittenberg, P.Ag., Associate Dean, Research at the U of M faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, was named winner of the 2008 YMCA/YWCA Women of Distinction Award in the Research and Innovation category at a recent awards gala in Winnipeg. The award recognizes outstanding achievement in discovery and development in all fields of research, science, technology and environment. A pioneer in the field of agricultural sciences, Karin s accomplishments also include appointment as the first female head of the Department of Animal Science, and only the second woman in the history of the Faculty to hold the position of Associate Dean of Research. She has spearheaded the development of the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment just south of Winnipeg, after attracting the University of Manitoba s largest-ever Canada Foundation for Innovation grant totalling $8.8 million to enable its construction. Recognized as an international expert in cattle production systems, focusing on animal nutrition and greenhouse gas emissions, Karin has received 98 research grants and contracts. Congratulations Karin!
Digvir S. Jayas, P.Ag. Biosystems Engineering and U of M associate vice-president (research) was awarded the 2008 Meritorious Service Award for Professional Service by Engineers Canada. The award, which recognizes outstanding service and dedication to the Canadian engineering profession through Canadian professional, consulting or technical associations and societies, was presented at the Canadian Engineers Awards Gala in Quebec City on May 24. Read more at http://myuminfo.umanitoba.ca/index.asp?sec=2&too=100&eve=8&dat=5/26/2008&npa=16177.
Ed Tyrchniewicz, P.Ag. associate dean at the Asper School of Business and former member of the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, has been named co-chair of the Commission on the Future of Agriculture and Agri-Food on Prince Edward Island. The commission, established by the PEI ministry of agriculture, will articulate a long-term vision for agriculture and agri-food and recommend an implementation strategy.
Ian Wishart, P.Ag. producer and leader in environmental stewardship received the Certificate of Merit from the Manitoba Ag Grads Association and the University of Manitoba in recognition of his outstanding contributions to Manitoba s agricultural community.
The Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council (MRAC) announced the hiring of Ted Eastley, P.Ag. to the position of Executive Director. Eastley will become the Executive Director of MRAC starting June 30, 2008.
Paul Bullock, P.Ag. was named this year's recipient of the Teaching Award of Merit from the North American Colleges and Teachers of Agriculture (NACTA). This award is given annually to individuals who truly excel in teaching an agricultural discipline.
Co-operators Group Homeowners Program
MIA recently received notice that Co-operators have decided to end the group homeowners program with MIA. For a variety of reasons, few MIA members expressed interest since the program was introduced. Council will be reviewing this issue in the future.
NEW MEMBERS New members registered in May and June 2008:
Colin Baldwin, AIT Earl Bargen, P.Ag., Canterra Seeds
Elin Bieganski, P.Ag., Bayer CropScience Timothy Clarke, P.Ag.
Michelle Czubaty-Slota, P.Ag., MASC Bryan Hockridge, AIT, Paterson Grain
Joseph Thomas Hyde, P.Ag., Pallister Financial Catherine Labossiere, P.Ag., Bayer CropScience
Janelle Lamoureux, P.Ag., FCC Curtis MacKinnon, P.Ag., Farmers Edge
Jaret Sawchuk, P.Ag., Turko Fertilizers Brad Schnell, Tech.Ag., Agsure/Agri-Trend
Shaan Tsai, P.Ag., Canterra Seeds Michael Wood, P.Ag., Viterra
MIA SCHOLARSHIP WINNER University of Manitoba
Jonathon Veilleux has been awarded the MIA Scholarship for 2008. He came to the U. of M. from Quebec because it is the only university in Canada with an entomology department. He will be completing his BSc in Agroecology with an Entomology minor. Jonathon will be in his fourth and final year in 08-09 and is an honour roll student.
CPD OPPORTUNITIES & EVENTS
Here are a few CPD options. Don t forget to enter your earned credits.
An organic crop production research "Twilight Tour" is scheduled from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, June 19 at the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm. (There will also be one on July 17) For more info, call Joanne at 204-474-6236 or e-mail j_thiessen_martens@umanitoba.ca.
The Crop Diagnostic School at the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm in Carman will be running July 8 to 11 and July 14 to 18. The School is designed to refine the diagnostic skills of agronomists, producers and people involved in field scouting and assessing crop health. A total of 6 CCA credits are available. Registration fee is $160 per person. Due to the hands-on training nature of this school, enrolment is limited to 50 people/day. For further information or to register call (204) 745-5663 or visit www.cropdiagnostic.ca.
There will be a tour of the 17-year-old Glenlea Long-Term Crop Rotation Study on Thursday, July 10 at 1:00 pm. Visitors can explore Canada s oldest organic field experiment located just south of the city at the Glenlea Research Station. For more info, call Joanne at 204-474-6236 or e-mail j_thiessen_martens@umanitoba.ca.
A second organic crop production research "Twilight Tour" is scheduled from 7 pm to 8:30 pm on Thursday, July 17 at the Ian N. Morrison Research Farm. For more info, call Joanne at 204-474-6236 or e-mail j_thiessen_martens@umanitoba.ca.
Manitoba Ag Hall of Fame Celebration
Date: July 17, 2008 2008 inductees are:
Time: 1:30 p.m. * The Late Helgi Austman formerly of Gimli
Place: William Glesby Centre * Eileen Brake of Boissevain
11 - 2nd Street NE * The Late Wallace Fraser formerly of Hamiota
Portage la Prairie, Manitoba * The Late Dr. Margaret Newton formerly of Winnipeg * The Late Gordon Sinclair formerly of Strathclair
Please contact the office at 204-728-3736 * Fraser Stewart of Selkirk
or * The Late Welland Stonehouse formerly of Carberry
e-mail agrifame@mts.net if you are interested in attending.
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