Mackenna Roth's Page

Pulse and Soybean growers reflect on a year of challenges and success

For Manitoba's pulse and soybean growers, 2024 was a year of unexpected challenges and surprising success. Daryl Domitruk, Executive Director of the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers (MPSG), reflected on the year, noting that early conditions didn’t inspire much optimism. “Our crops went into cold, dry ground that quickly turned wet and stormy. We were bracing for a tough year,” Domitruk said. However, as the season progressed, weather conditions improved, creating an environment particularly favorable for soybeans and dry beans. The result? Strong yields that helped compensate for lower-than-usual market prices. “Peas were a bit more variable because they don’t handle excess moisture well, but even there, we had decent results,” Domitruk added. “Looking back, 2024 was a solid year for our industry.” As farmers across the prairies turn their attention to 2025, optimism remains steady. Soybeans continue to attract interest due to their ability to reduce fertilizer and crop protecti

Cultivating Community Resilience: Masstown Market's Role in Advancing Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security at Dalhousie

Agriculture, community support and local business entrepreneurship is a powerful combination that can foster sustainable development and strengthen local economies. Community supported agriculture and small agricultural businesses can also play a vital role in addressing local food insecurity. Such is the case with Masstown Market and alum Laurie Jennings, whose generous donation is fueling the Cultiv8 program at Dalhousie’s Faculty of Agriculture. This funding will help complete a climate battery greenhouse and provide student internships and programming to boost community food security and enhance entrepreneurship. Masstown Market is a thriving family business which began as a farm-gate operation in the spring of 1969. Laurie grew up on the family farm and from an early age was involved in planting, harvesting and retailing. He graduated from Dalhousie in 1987 with a BSc in Biology. Laurie is an icon in the local food movement and has been committed to supporting local business an

From Academia to Agriculture: Former PhD student and supervisor launch innovative vertical farming venture

It’s fairly common for supervisors to stay in touch with their former PhD students. Many continue as collaborators in research, teach together, and maintain close friendships after their formal supervisor-student relationship comes to an end. Less common? Going into business together. But that’s exactly where Dr. Ernest Korankye (Class of ’13 and ’18) and Dr. Raj Lada have found themselves, over a decade after they first met. “I never pictured myself as an entrepreneur,” says Dr. Lada, professor emeritus at the Faculty of Agriculture. “But I discovered in my retirement that staying at home was very difficult for me. Starting a new endeavour with Ernest felt like a natural fit.” Ernest came to Nova Scotia from Ghana in 2010 after enrolling in the NSAC Master of Science program. Raj was not his original supervisor, but a twist of fate brought them together. Ernest would go on to complete both his MSc and PhD as part of Dr. Lada’s research program on Christmas trees,  focusing on bals

Nuffield Canada Scholar Presentations set for Halifax

On January 24, at 1 pm, Nuffield Canada will be hosting their Scholar Presentations at the Halifax Marriott Harbourfront Hotel. Anyone interested is welcome to attend

John Jaques retires from Sunshine Asparagus

After an illustrious career spanning nearly 40 years with the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario, John Jaques has announced his retirement, leaving behind a legacy of dedication and leadership within the Asparagus Farmers of Ontario community. Jaques, who served 12 years as chair, has been an integral part of the asparagus industry, advocating for farmers and championing sustainable agricultural practices.