The U of M has appointed Dr. Loveleen Kaur Dhillon as its first agronomist in residence for special crops under a five-year contract funded by the Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA). The MCA is a non-profit organization that represents over 7,700 farmers who cultivate special crops — wheat, barley, corn, sunflowers and flax in Manitoba.
Martin Scanlon, dean of the faculty of agricultural and food sciences responded to the appointment in a statement to UM Today, emphasizing the role to the university, producers and the society at large. “We welcome Loveleen to the U of M into an important role that will carry out practical farm-level research and share best practices to producers. She will also help foster the next generation of agricultural leaders through hands-on training and mentorship.”
Dhillon holds a PhD in plant sciences from the University of Saskatchewan and her current research focuses on developing the “best agronomic practices for special crops to enhance their adaptability to Manitoba’s growing conditions,” she said in an interview with the Manitoban.
She indicated that part of her strategy to transform special crop production is to engage directly with farmers to understand their concerns and the obstacles they face in growing special crops. She intends to also collaborate with experts from the U of M and across the province to find practical, science-based solutions to improve production and sustainability of these crops.
Dhillon has always been inspired to directly contribute to advancing agricultural practices, throughout her career. For her PhD, she explored improving nitrogen acquisition in peas and has since then continued to work on enhancing pea seed protein concentration and evaluating the potential of accelerated cropping systems in Western Canada. This progressed into her understanding that diversifying the cropping systems was vital to sustainability and profitability in agriculture.
She noted that through regular meetings, producer conferences, webinars, field days, workshops and working with farmers, the goals of her new position would not be far-fetched. She will actively communicate her research to the farming community and ensure their feedback is incorporated into the process.
In addition, Dhillon aims to integrate special crops like corn, flax and sunflower into existing cropping systems dominated by wheat and canola to enhance soil health.
“These crops also have the potential to adapt well to changing climate conditions, contributing to greater climate resilience in Manitoba’s agricultural systems,” she said.
“By diversifying our crop rotations, we can enhance soil health, reduce the carbon footprint of agriculture and improve overall sustainability.”
Dhillon expressed that her new role provides her with the opportunity “to connect research with practical, on-the-ground agronomic solutions that can benefit both farmers and the industry.” She included that students will also benefit from her research as her findings will raise awareness about the potential of special crops and would be shared on various communication channels.
Katherine Stanley, research program manager for special crops with MCA, also told UM Today, “[Dhillon] brings a lot of valuable experience and enthusiasm to the role, and we’re excited to work with her to advance the special crops industry in the province.”
Jonothan Hodson, MCA vice-chair and corn crop committee delegate said to UM Today that this new position will improve research capacity for special crops and ensure they remain productive and sustainable options for their members.
