Delegates from the province and other national agriculture boards attended to review the Soy Canada AGM, celebrate 40 years of Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers, and recognize some important individuals.
Hosted at Sirski Farms, by RM of Dauphin Reeve Ernie Sirski, it was a sunny, comfortable venue for all attending in person.
Executive Director of Soy Canada Brian Innes is always impressed at the progress of soy production in Canada over the past decade.
"10 years ago, it was very much an industry in its infancy. It started in Ontario a number of decades ago, and it was just beginning to pick up steam here in Manitoba and western Canada. Fast forward here to today, we've most passed what was new and very volatile to something that much more established. You have farmers like Ernie who have soybeans as part of their rotation to help them manage their risk and increase their farm's profitability."
Innes also spoke about the goals of Soy Canada's future, focusing on increasing innovative solutions, and expansion of trade.
"We're still in that phase of quick innovation. what that means for farmers is that we're bringing new varieties to the fields every year that are better equipped to grow in prairie conditions. whether it's cold springs or shorter season, or being able to deliver the quality that the farmer and the customer wants, we're really excited about that innovation."
Barry Senft, a founding member of Soy Canada was recognized with a "Service to Soy award" for his years of work in this organization, and others.
Senft was pleased to see an AGM like this take place at the root of production.
"You know, it starts on the farm, so to have a meeting, an AGM, right on the farm is so fitting and long, long overdue. great to have it in this environment instead of a town hall or a hotel or what have you."
Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn was in attendance and was thrilled by the excellence displayed by both organizations.
"It's great to be part of the engagement today and the great work that Soy Canada and MPSG do, and the research that continues to be held on making more feasible to be used in central Manitoba with new varieties of soybeans."
Aside from fiscal review and other standard AGM proceedings, the big theme of this meeting was celebrating accomplishments, and building excitement for the future.
With a combined 50 years between these organizations, there is sure to be a great deal of new and exciting things to come in the future of soybean production.
