By: Patti Rothenburger, Executive Director, Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers
This year has begun with strong momentum for Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers (MPSG), and I’m pleased to share my first message as executive director. Over the past several months, I’ve had the opportunity to connect with growers, partners and staff. Those conversations have reinforced both the strength of this organization and the opportunities ahead as we move toward a new growing season. I also want to sincerely thank Daryl Domitruk for his leadership and steady guidance throughout our transition. His commitment to growers and to building a strong, respected organization has strengthened MPSG’s foundation, and I’m grateful for the work he has done to position us well for the years ahead.
As I step into this role, my focus is on ensuring our work continues to deliver practical value to Manitoba farmers. MPSG’s core pillars—research, agronomy, extension, market development, policy and advocacy and public/consumer engagement—guide everything we do. These priorities remain essential as the sector adapts to new pressures, evolving markets and shifting research capacity.
We began the year with our On-Farm Network (OFN) results meeting and appreciation dinner in January, held just ahead of Manitoba Ag Days. The OFN continues to demonstrate the power of farmer-generated data, empowering farmers to conduct simple, reliable research on their own farms. It remains one of MPSG’s most important tools for delivering Manitoba-specific information to help growers evaluate practices under real-world conditions and reduce risk.
At Manitoba Ag Days, MPSG hosted our Thursday morning session in the MNP Theatre, where speakers delivered timely, research-grounded insights for pulse and soybean production. These extension efforts, along with our agronomy team’s participation in events across the province, ensure our work remains closely aligned with emerging on-farm needs and the questions growers are asking heading into the season.
At Crop Connect, we held our annual general meeting and welcomed Kevin Thompson to the MPSG board. His background in ag retail, independent agronomy and his family’s farm operation gives him a strong understanding of the production realities facing Manitoba’s pulse and soybean growers. His field-level perspective will strengthen MPSG’s work on behalf of producers. We’re also grateful to our returning directors for their continued leadership and commitment. Their experience provides important continuity as we navigate change across the sector.
A central priority for MPSG remains research and innovation. With Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada reducing research capacity and closing several research farms and stations, the focus now is on what future research delivery will look like and how to ensure this important work continues in ways that matter on Manitoba farms. We’re working closely with government and industry partners on this transition and on identifying approaches that can maintain strong, regionally relevant research despite these changes. Growers have been clear that they rely on independent, trustworthy information, and MPSG will continue to advocate for systems that protect that.
Another positive development for growers was China’s decision to remove tariffs on Canadian peas beginning March 1, 2026. While peas aren’t grown on the same scale in Manitoba as in Saskatchewan and Alberta, they remain an important part of crop diversification on many farms. Improved access to this key market underscores the importance of stable, predictable trade relationships and coordinated policy engagement.
This development also reflects the important work of Pulse Canada, where MPSG is an active member. Through coordinated national advocacy, market access efforts and technical support to exporters, Pulse Canada plays a key role in advancing opportunities for Canadian pulses in global markets. MPSG’s membership ensures Manitoba growers have a strong voice at the national table and that prairie-specific priorities are represented in trade discussions and market development initiatives.
Our advocacy efforts have continued through national and international engagement. In January, MPSG board member Frank Prince represented Manitoba growers on the Soy Canada trade mission to China, Taiwan and Japan, strengthening relationships with key customers and reinforcing the reliability of Manitoba and Canadian soybeans. In Ottawa, John Preun represented Manitoba growers during Grains Week with the Grain Growers of Canada, contributing to national discussions at Parliament Hill with politicians on trade, research capacity, transportation and regulatory issues that directly affect Manitoba farms.
As the growing season quickly approaches, there’s cautious optimism for pulse and soybean production. I look forward to connecting with many of you at tours and events this summer. Wishing you and your families a safe and successful growing season ahead! Our team at MPSG is here to support you throughout the year.