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Grain on the Brain

Grain on the Brain

By: Karen Klassen Scott Beaton
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Tune in as we are joined by industry experts and farmers to discuss important issues in organic grain farming. Check out our website at www.manitobaorganicalliance.com and www.pivotandgrow.com and see what organic grain production can do for you. We bring the resources, tools and expertise you need to get growing! Grain on the Brain podcast is created by the Prairie Organic Grain Initiative; working to create resilience and stability in the prairie organic grain sector. This podcast is partially funded by the Prairie Organic Development Fund.Manitoba Organic Alliance Biological Sciences Science
Episodes
  • Evaluating Struvite for Nutrient Cycling in Organic Systems
    Mar 19 2026
    Resources

    You can learn more about all of the organic science cluster projects here: https://www.organic-science-canada.ca/about-us/

    And specifically learn about the project discussed today here: https://www.organic-science-canada.ca/field-crops/optimizing-the-environmental-and-agronomic-co-benefits-of-recycled-phosphorus-inputs-for-organic-field-crops/

    Guest bios

    Dr. Thiessen Martens' research focuses on nutrient flows in agroecosystems, including agronomic and environmental aspects. She is especially interested in phosphorus dynamics in soils and plants, as well as nutrient dynamics in all kinds of ecological farming systems

    Dr. Amarakoon's research program focuses on advancing climate-resilient, sustainable agricultural systems that enhance environmental stewardship while safeguarding surface waters and human health.

    Amanda is a Master’s student in Soil Science at the University of Manitoba with a background in biology and regenerative farming. Her research with the Organic Science Cluster 4 focuses on creating enriched composts using recycled phosphorus to close nutrient loops in organic agriculture. She is passionate about bridging soil and human health, growing nutrient-dense food, and building resilient systems that restore and optimize soil health.

    Sponsors

    This episode was sponsored by Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program.

    Credits

    Host: Scott Beaton

    Narrator: Marika Dewar-Norosky

    Producer: Hailey Proutt

    Editor: Brandon Janzen

    Podcast oversight committee: Jason Peters, Scott Beaton, Dan Dorge, Marika Dewar-Norosky

    Disclaimer

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Manitoba Organics.

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    41 mins
  • DriftWatch Goes Prairie-Wide
    Mar 4 2026
    Resources

    DriftWatch is now active across all three Prairie provinces! Whether you’re a farmer, applicator, or beekeeper, this platform is here for you.

    Visit Drift watch and map your farm here: https://mb.driftwatch.org/

    Find more information and a walkthrough on how to map your farm here: https://www.manitobaorganics.com/driftwatch

    Sponsors

    This episode was sponsored by Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program.

    Credits

    Host: Hailey Proutt

    Narrator: Marika Dewar-Norosky

    Producer: Marika Dewar-Norosky

    Editor: Brandon Janzen

    Podcast oversight committee: Scott Beaton, Marika Dewar-Norosky

    Disclaimer

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of the Manitoba Organics.

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    50 mins
  • transitioning To Organic
    Feb 4 2026
    Resources links

    There are many online resources to help with getting started in organic certification that are continually updated. Canadian Organic Growers has a detailed overview of the steps to transition.

    https://cog.ca/transitioning-to-organic/

    Sponsor

    Our podcast is supported by generous donations, grants and sponsorships. This episode was funded in part by Manitoba Habitat Heritage through the Conservation Trust Program. If you would like to sponsor an episode, contact us at info@manitobaorganics.com.

    Guest bio

    Melanie Rivard is an independent organic inspector and evaluator with over a decade of experience in organic certification, having worked in the sector since 2010. She lives near Miniota with her husband, Marc, and various two- and four-legged animals.

    Disclaimer

    The views and opinions expressed in this podcast are those of the speakers and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of Manitoba Organics.

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    40 mins
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