In this first full length episode of the podcast, you will meet Mary-Jane Orr.

Mary-Jane is the General Manager for Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives Inc. where she leads a dedicated team to advance Manitoba beef & forage industry through engaging stakeholders, evaluating on-farm innovation, and extension for sustainability of farmers, the public, and the environment. She deeply values the opportunity to collaborate with producers, researchers, education providers, extension specialists, conservation groups, and all stakeholders in field-testing management practices and growing understanding of improved production in Manitoba. Mary-Jane holds a PhD from Purdue University in soil microbial ecology in agricultural systems, is a Professional Agrologist, and Certified Crop Advisor. Her experience in ecology and field agronomy gives her a unique perspective on the challenges facing agriculture today. 

As there is so much information to introduce Mary-Jane and MBFI, as well as information on upcoming events, we have decided to split this interview into 2 parts.  In Part 1, you will find out more about Mary-Jane’s research history, her past experience and the path that led her to the position as General Manager for MBFI.  During this interview, we also discuss how MBFI’s research projects work, funding for the research station, and the partnerships that make MBFI possible. 

We also dig into the mission and goals of Manitoba Beef & Forage Initiatives, and how the MBFI staff work to achieve these goals through their daily work on the farm, as well as through extension events and on farm demonstration days.

Mary-Jane shares how research projects are born at MBFI, and the process to submit an idea for a project, should you wish to have your idea further investigated by the research staff.   We also discuss some of the projects that are underway this year and where you can find out more about them.

We encourage you to follow MBFI on social media, or check out the website for more information on project findings and results, upcoming events and more!

Instagram: @MBBeefandForage

Facebook: @MBBeefandForage

Twitter: @MBBeefandForage

Website: www.mbfi.ca 

Email address: information@mbfi.ca 

Mary-Jane’s Phone Number: 431-255-0011