MAKE Podcast

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Hooman Derakhshani

Tue, 26 May 2026 13:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) talks with Dr. Hooman Derakhshani, Assistant Professor, Department of Animal Science. Learn about Hooman's journey into microbiome science and how he is exploring the power of beneficial microbes to improve animal health, reduce reliance on antibiotics, and make food production more sustainable.

Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research - Vanessa Siemens

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 11:00:00 -0500

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) talks with Entomology student Vanessa Siemens about how she is using springtails and other tiny soil organisms to evaluate soil health and the role of cover crops in sustainable agriculture. Her work highlights how soil biology can guide better land‑management decisions for long-term food production.

The Legacy of Dr. Qiang Zhang

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 11:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the University of Manitoba Resources for Agricultural Engineering podcast! Your gateway to discovering the latest innovations, research, and practical solutions in agricultural engineering.

In this legacy episode, host Dr. Uduak Edet interviews Dr. Qiang Zhang, a renowned faculty member in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba, specializing in Agricultural Structures and Environment. They discuss his journey in agricultural engineering, the creation of the Air Quality Lab, his impactful research in controlled environments and grain storage, and insights on teaching, mentorship, and collaboration. Dr. Zhang also shares advice for young researchers and reflects on her legacy in the field.

Drone Applications

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 12:00:00 -0500

In this episode, host and Agricultural Research Extension Engineer, Dr. Uduak Edet, chats with Dr. Dilshan Benaragama, an Assistant Professor in the Department of Plant Science at the University of Manitoba. They discuss how drones are reshaping agriculture through crop monitoring, spraying, and farm management, highlighting key opportunities, challenges, and the future of drones in agriculture.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Nasem Badreldin

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) talks with Dr. Nasem Badreldin, Assistant Professor, Department of Soil Science.

Learn about his journey into digital agriculture, his research on soil health, crop yield prediction, and grassland resilience, and how advanced sensing technologies and AI are shaping the future of sustainable agroecosystems.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Alankrita Goswami

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) talks with Dr. Alankrita Goswami, Assistant Professor, Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics. Learn about her journey to the University of Manitoba and her research into agricultural futures dynamics down to the nano level.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Xiaopeng Gao

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) talks with Dr. Xiaopeng Gao, Associate Professor, Department of Soil Science. Learn about his journey to the University of Manitoba and his research into the complex medium that is soil.

The Legacy of Dr. Ying Chen

Tue, 27 May 2025 14:00:00 -0500

In this legacy episode, host Dr. Uduak Edet interviews Dr. Ying Chen, a distinguished professor in the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba who specializes in agricultural machinery and soil dynamics. They discuss her career, key research milestones, challenges as a woman in engineering, and advice for young researchers.

Insect management in grain storage

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode, host and Agriculture research extension Engineer, Dr. Uduak Edet chats with Dr. Vincent Hervet, a Research Scientist in Stored Product Entomology at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, about key aspects of insect management in grain storage, its broader impact on food security and global grain markets, emerging trends, and advice for farmers and grain storage managers on improving their practices.

Electric Tractor

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

In this episode, host and Agriculture research extension Engineer, Dr. Uduak Edet chats with Jason Bourcier, Operations Manager at Glenlea Research Station in Manitoba, about his experience with electric tractors and insights its features, and how it compares to traditional diesel tractors in terms of operation and power output.

Electric Tractor 2

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 10:00:00 -0500

In this second part of the episode on electric tractors, Justice Zhanda, Operations Manager at Ian N. Morrison Research Farm in Carman, Manitoba, shared further insights into his experiences with the technology in relation to crop production and plans for the upcoming season.

Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research - Rachel Teller

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0600

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) talks with Agroecology student Rachel Teller about her research into weed populations in conventional and organic cropping systems. Rachel's research was conducted as part of the CREATE Climate Smart Soils program and reveals how practices that help build healthy soils can also be beneficial for weed management.

Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research - Madeleine Dupuis

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 13:00:00 -0600

Welcome to the "Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research" podcast series, which highlights students from the UM's RBC Scholars in Sustainable Agriculture Program and their research.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment talks with RBC Scholar Madeleine Dupuis about her research into pests and parasites across different housing systems in laying hen barns, and potential integrated pest management solutions. A clarification at the 3:38 mark: All Canadian egg production would be in enriched housing, free-run, aviary or free-range by 2036 (Egg Farmers of Canada).

Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research - Fatemeh Mohammadian

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the "Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research" podcast series, which highlights students from the UM's RBC Scholars in Sustainable Agriculture Program and their research.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment talks with RBC Scholar Fatemeh Mohammadian, a student in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. In her research, she is exploring innovative strategies for managing infectious diseases on swine farms, with a focus on post-weaning diarrhea in piglets.

Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research - James Watson

Thu, 12 Sep 2024 11:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the "Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research" podcast series, which highlights students from the UM's RBC Scholars in Sustainable Agriculture Program and their research.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment talks with RBC Scholar James Watson, a student in the Faculty of Science. James discusses the importance of bees in agriculture, their health and why studying bees contributes to creating sustainable agriculture systems in Manitoba and beyond.

Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research - Ashley Henderson

Mon, 09 Sep 2024 14:00:00 -0500

Welcome to the "Extraordinary Students Doing Extraordinary Research" podcast series, which highlights students from the UM’s RBC Scholars in Sustainable Agriculture Program and their research.

In this episode, host Peter Frohlich, research development coordinator with the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment (NCLE) talks with RBC Scholar Ashley Henderson, a student in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences. She shares how food production co-products and other materials can be used to enhance diets of laying hens and how using these materials in feed contributes to creating sustainable agriculture systems in Manitoba and beyond.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Dylan MacKay

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 13:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host and FAFS research facilitator Dr. Chantal Bassett chats with Dr. Dylan MacKay, Assistant Professor, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. Learn about his journey to the University of Manitoba and his research into nutrition and chronic disease and how it is shaped by living with type 1 diabetes.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Cristina Rosell

Wed, 31 Jan 2024 13:00:00 -0600

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host and FAFS research facilitator Dr. Chantal Bassett chats with Dr. Cristina Rosell Professor and Head, Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences. Learn about her work in cereal science and food quality, and her collaborations with researchers around the world on the bread-making process.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Inoka Amarakoon

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 14:00:00 -0600

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host and FAFS research facilitator Dr. Chantal Bassett chats with Dr. Inoka Amarakoon Assistant Professor in the department of Soil Science. Learn about her journey to the University of Manitoba and her work in sustainable agriculture, especially in the area of manure management and soil health.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Anna Rogiewicz

Wed, 11 Oct 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host and FAFS research facilitator Dr. Chantal Bassett chats with Dr. Anna Rogiewicz, Assistant Professor in the department of Animal Science. Learn about her journey to the University of Manitoba and her studies in poultry nutrition, including the use of feed additives to improve health, productivity and environmental impact.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Marcos Cordeiro

Mon, 18 Sep 2023 13:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host and FAFS research facilitator Dr. Chantal Bassett chats with Dr. Marcos Cordeiro, Assistant Professor in the Department of Animal Science, about his journey to the faculty and his approach to research on grasslands.

Download the transcript

ChangeMAKErs - Dr Curt McCartney

Fri, 01 Sep 2023 11:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In this episode, host and FAFS research facilitator Dr. Chantal Bassett chats with Dr. Curt McCartney, Associate Professor in the Department of Plant Science, to chat about his research in wheat breeding, genetics and genomics, especially in the areas of winter survival, yield, and disease resistance.

ChangeMAKErs - Dr. Nandika Bandara

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 10:00:00 -0500

Welcome to ChangeMAKErs, a new MAKEManitoba podcast series highlighting research and innovation powered by members of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences.

In our first episode, host and FAFS research facilitator Dr. Chantal Bassett chats with Dr. Nandika Bandara, Canada Research Chair in Food Proteins and Bioproducts, to explore his work on value-added applications in the protein industry.

A conversation about natural systems agriculture with Dr. Martin Entz - part 2

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Laura Telford, Organic Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, has a conversation with long-time organic researcher, Martin Entz. They discuss the current activities of the Natural Systems Agriculture Lab at the University of Manitoba, and its role in fostering organic production in Canada

A conversation about natural systems agriculture with Dr. Martin Entz - part 1

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 11:00:00 -0600

Dynamics of the current supply and demand for canola and wheat

Thu, 25 Aug 2022 14:00:00 -0500

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, Crops Intelligence Specialist at Manitoba Agriculture, discuss the dynamics of the current supply and demand for canola and wheat and discuss some possible drivers for the rapid price rise this spring.

A discussion on airborne diseases in the swine industry

Mon, 18 Oct 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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, various factors affecting transmission possibility and distance, and strategies to protect against airborne transmission are discussed. Hosted by Van Doan of Manitoba Agriculture and Resource Development, with guest speakers Dr. Qiang Zhang and PhD student Amy La, from the Department of Biosystems Engineering at the University of Manitoba.

Antibiotic alternatives for livestock management

Tue, 20 Jul 2021 11:00:00 -0500

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. Although those in-feed antibiotic alternatives can help maintain a healthy gut in poultry and swine, the role of good nutritional strategies, and health and husbandry management practices are also discussed.

Dietary gluten avoidance

Wed, 12 May 2021 15:00:00 -0500

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 Riediger is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Christa Dubesky is the President of the Manitoba Chapter of the Canadian Celiac Association. Anne Waugh is an MSc student in the Department of Food and Human Nutritional Sciences and Research Assistant working with Dr. Riediger.

Increasing consumption of pulses through optimal storage, milling and processing: Key to maximizing nutritional value

Mon, 23 Nov 2020 15:00:00 -0600

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 shelf has a lot do with quality? Listen in to learn how his research program is maximizing the benefits of pulses, including how cancer detection technologies are revolutionizing bulk storage.

Jitendra Paliwal is a professor of Biosystems Engineering and Associate Dean (Graduate Programs and Academic) in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Over the last two decades, he has established an internationally renowned research program that exploits the opto-electronic properties of agricultural commodities for their quality monitoring and preservation.

Tips for small-scale poultry farmers to keep their flocks healthy and disease free

Thu, 12 Nov 2020 09:00:00 -0600

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.

Antimicrobial use in Canadian livestock: Regulation changes and new alternatives emerging from research

Wed, 23 Sep 2020 15:00:00 -0500

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.

Needle-free vaccination systems for cattle proven effective by research

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0500

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.

Is strip till a fit for your farm? On-farm research is providing the answer

Tue, 22 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0500

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 systems design. John Heard (@SoilSafariJohn) is the provincial soil fertility extension specialist with the Government of Manitoba. Both Yvonne and John work closely with farmers, agronomists and other researchers to identify and promote beneficial agronomic practices.

Manitoba's Food Development Centre - where food innovations take shape

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0500

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 quality foods make their way to market.

Microorganisms in our food and in our bodies: Tips to nurture the good and destroy the bad

Mon, 21 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0500

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 in Food and Human Nutritional Sciences at the University of Manitoba. Her research includes the development of suitable interventions to reduce the presence of pathogenic organisms in the food continuum.

Protein food choices: Plant and animal sources explained

Tue, 15 Sep 2020 11:00:00 -0500

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 University of Manitoba. His research team within the Protein Quality Laboratory is examining factors that influence the amino acid composition and digestibility of plant- and animal-based proteins for the human diet. Current research explores the effects of environmental factors, crop genetics, and food processing factors on protein quality to assist in the development of innovative and healthy protein foods.

How to add more plant-based proteins to your meals

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 18:00:00 -0500

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.

Sustainable practices validated by research are the core of Canada's Verified Beef Production Plus Program

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 16:00:00 -0500

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.

The role of cattle in the environment is more complex than the simple Cattle = GHG

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0500

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 professor at the University of Manitoba and Director of the National Centre for Livestock and the Environment. Her multi-disciplinary research program focuses on strategies for improving the long term sustainability of beef cattle production systems.

Canola's bright future - breeding research aims to add 'high quality protein' to the list of nutritional benefits

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0500

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 into plant breeding terminology, shedding light on the different approaches for improving desirable plant attributes.

Rob Duncan is an associate professor at the University of Manitoba focusing on improving canola and rapeseed cultivars in Western Canada.

Attracting wild bees and other beneficial insects to farmland

Mon, 14 Sep 2020 13:00:00 -0500

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 professor in entomology at the University of Manitoba. His research includes pollinator ecology and diversity in agricultural landscapes and native bee conservation. Yvonne Lawley is an assistant professor at the University of Manitoba specializing in corn and soybean agronomy, cover crops and cropping systems design research.