MAKE Podcast

Canadian grain and oilseed sales make up a lion share of farm income in Canada and Manitoba. Canola and wheat prices have been relatively stable since 2008 despite bumper crops and droughts in western Canada. The recent price spikes in the spring of 2022 were well outside all forecasts. Dr. Derek Brewin , Head of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics, University of Manitoba, and David Simonot, C...

In Manitoba, the pig industry makes a significant contribution to the local economy and the Province’s GDP.  A threat to the pig industry is disease outbreaks, which can be economically and emotionally devastating. In this podcast, we talk about important pig diseases in Manitoba and their routes of transmission, with a focus on airborne transmission. The processes of airborne transmission, variou...

Antibiotic alternatives can promote growth, boost the immune system, and prevent intestinal diseases, thus improving gut health and function in poultry and swine. In this podcast, Drs. Martin Nyachoti and Chengbo Yang discuss with Amy Johnston the results of research they and others have conducted at the Department of Animal Science, University of Manitoba on various antibiotic alternatives. Altho...

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, rye and other grains, appears in many food products on grocery store shelves and restaurant menus. In this podcast, Dr. Natalie Riediger and her guests discuss their research using the 2015 Canadian Community Health Survey dietary data as they explore dietary gluten avoidance in Canada, including who is avoiding gluten and what their dietary patterns are. Natalie...

The prairies are seeing more and more pulse production as demand for environmentally sustainable plant-based foods grows. Even so, Dr. Jitendra Paliwal says pulses can be one of the most underrated crops – they are a quality protein source, highly nutritious, and require fewer resources to produce than other sources of protein. But did you know that what happens between the field and the store she...

Not every farm has to be a big business, but every farm needs to ensure the safety of their animals. Our guest for this podcast, provincial poultry specialist Amy Johnston , discusses strategies that small and hobby farms can put into practice to promote and improve animal health and welfare.

This podcast looks at the use of antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance in livestock production. Our guest, provincial poultry specialist Amy Johnston discusses recent changes in regulations as well as some research advancements in antibiotic alternatives to ensure the livestock health and food safety.

Strip till is an option for farmers wanting to reduce tillage with row crops like corn, soybeans and edible beans. Dr. Yvonne Lawley and John Heard discuss what they are learning about strip till benefits and optimal agronomic practices by working directly with Manitoba farmers. Yvonne Lawley ( @YvonneLawley_UM ) is an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba in agronomy and cropping syst...

In this producer-focused podcast, Dr. Kim Ominski talks about the use of needle-free injection systems for cattle based on her research with colleagues.  Kim Ominski is a professor at the University of Manitoba and Director of the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment. Her research focuses on strategies for improving the long term sustainability of beef cattle production systems. 

The unseen world of microbiology is hard to navigate. Dr. Claudia Narvaez explains the role of microbiology in food safety and the importance of understanding germs and bacteria to ensure safety and true cleanliness. Topics span your microbiome, the cleanliness of your counter top, and the biofilm that bacteria can produce to resist your typical clean up.  Claudia Narvaez is an associate professor...

Do you know where innovative new food products and new food ingredients get their start?  Our guest is Robin Young, Chief Operating Officer of the Food Development Centre. She shares how FDC is bringing together scientists and entrepreneurs to drive innovation and fuel our economy. The FDC is a trusted source of new food products and new food ingredients, and continued food testing to ensure quali...

Manitoba is a leader in protein production. In this podcast, Dr. James House discusses ways in which we are improving our understanding of how the body utilizes protein, and how we can best move forward with sustainable ways to produce and process high quality protein from plants and animals.  Jim House is a professor and head of the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the Univers...

Plant-based proteins aren't just for vegans or vegetarians, they're a tasty, healthy option for everyone to enjoy. Join us as we chat with Getty Stewart , Professional Home Economist, to learn tips and ideas for where to find plant based proteins and how to add more of them to our weekly meals. 

The Verified Beef Production Plus Program - VBP+ for short - is a voluntary, industry-led, market driven initiative. VBP+ validates sustainable beef production practices that are based on research findings from across the country, including the U of M. In this podcast, Betty Green , Manitoba's VBP+ coordinator, describes the program and shares her own personal story as a Manitoba farmer. 

Dr. Yvonne Lawley and Dr. Jason Gibbs are testing different on-farm approaches to provide habitat for wild bees and insects that benefit crops as part of a healthy agro-ecosystem. In this podcast we learn about their latest research, plus the many differences between wild bees and honey bees. For starters, Manitoba is home to more than 360 species of wild bees!  Jason Gibbs is an assistant profess...

Canada is a powerhouse when it comes to farming and food production. Research in canola is creating excitement that this crop may have the ability to enter into the plant protein market for human consumption, adding to its excellent reputation as a healthy cooking oil. In this podcast, Dr. Rob Duncan describes current research to further improve Canada's most valuable crop. He also delves int...

In this podcast Dr. Kim Ominski explores the impact of cattle and the environment. She presents an equation where impacts of GHG as well as benefits such as biodiversity and carbon sequestration are considered. What cattle eat, how they affect the environment, and the research being done to further improve the sustainability of livestock production systems in Canada are covered.  Kim Ominski is a...