2026 Annual Report

Stronger Together five years and counting

2026 Annual Report (2025 Activities)

A Message from our Leadership

Welcome to the 2026 Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) Annual Report, which highlights some of our proudest achievements from 2025.

Last year marked MCA’s fifth anniversary. As we reflect on five years of operations, one thing that stands out is the combined efforts of our delegates, directors and staff on behalf of our farmer members across the province. Working as a team has allowed us to produce “made-in-Manitoba” solutions to many challenges faced by our members and the crop types we represent.

At MCA, we are building a future-ready organization powered by a shared vision. From our first day of operations to our fifth anniversary, our directors, delegates and staff have led with purpose. We are driving innovation, fostering collaboration and delivering excellence every step of the way.

This year’s annual report reflects that impact. Our team worked across our key priority areas to expand Manitoba’s research capacity, launch farmer-led innovations and strengthen our presence, both at home and abroad. The report also highlights MCA-funded research that is driving agricultural innovation, making our members more productive and sustainable. These achievements are the result of seamless collaboration, strategic partnerships and a deep commitment to serving our members.

We are privileged to have a board of directors where each voice represents unique experience and knowledge of our industry. What all our directors have in common is a profound passion for agriculture, and that passion is shared by our staff.

Our staff are the heartbeat of MCA. Their passion, expertise and teamwork have built an organization that not only meets today’s challenges but is boldly preparing for the future of agriculture. We are proud to stand alongside this exceptional team as we continue cultivating a culture of excellence, ensuring MCA remains a trusted, innovative force for Manitoba farmers for generations to come.

Our organization has come a long way in its first five years, but we are only getting started. MCA is stronger together, and the achievements highlighted in this report are a testament to that fact.

Respectfully submitted,

Our Team

Our Board of Directors

MCA directors are responsible for the governance and management of the organization. Key functions include strategic planning and long-term goals, financial oversight, organization governance, stakeholder relations, risk management and oversight of research, market development and advocacy efforts.

Meet our Board

Our Staff

MCA’s staff work diligently on behalf of its farmer members in the key priority areas of research and production, market development and access, consumer outreach and advocacy, and communications.

Meet our Staff

Our Crop Committees

MCA’s governance structure includes four crop committees: wheat and barley, corn, sunflower and flax. The crop committees have an advisory role, drawing on the knowledge and skills of the group to recommend actions to the board of directors on crop-specific issues.

Meet our Delegates

Strategic Plan

MCA’s 2024-27 Strategic Plan was developed by our board of directors, with considerable input from crop committee delegates and MCA staff, and includes three Big Goals we want to achieve within the plan’s three-year duration.

Each Big Goal also has three corresponding Step Goals, annual benchmarks that reflect our short-term direction and priorities.

Download MCA's 2024-2027 Strategic Plan

Research & Production

Increased research capacity in Manitoba through strategic investments.

MCA’s investment in the province’s first Agronomist in Residence for special crops at the University of Manitoba is already delivering results. In 2025, Dr. Loveleen Dhillon presented research-driven insights at 13 events, helping farmers and agronomists put the latest agronomy into practice for corn, sunflower and flax. This early knowledge transfer is strengthening on-farm decision-making, building capacity for special crops and ensuring MCA farmer members see direct value from their levy investments.

Increased research capacity in Manitoba through strategic investments.

In 2024-25, MCA made strategic investments in infrastructure (e.g., Gate ), research facilities and equipment and people (e.g., Agronomist in Residence, Manitoba Centre for Digital Ag). These actions directly strengthened Manitoba’s agricultural research backbone, enabling more farmer-relevant trials, faster innovation adoption and greater return on levy dollars for our farmer members.

Supported the development of new crop varieties for farmers that make them more productive and sustainable.

In 2024-25, MCA achieved a major milestone in its sunflower breeding program by licensing MCA 359 to CHS Inc. – the first of a new generation of made-in-Manitoba confection sunflower hybrids. This royalty-earning license validates the quality of farmer-funded R&D and brings a highly adapted, high-yielding variety closer to farmers’ fields.

Supported the development of new crop varieties for farmers that make them more productive and sustainable.

In 2025, the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) and Canadian Barley Research Coalition (CBRC) committed more than $34 million to crucial variety development research over the next several years via new core breeding agreements (CBAs) with the University of Saskatchewan Crop Development Centre and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada. CWRC and CBRC CBAs with research institutions have an excellent track record of producing the field-ready wheat and barley varieties for Manitoba farmers.

Identified research gaps and increased efficiency among all MCA research investments to maximize ROI for farmer members

We conducted an internal audit of all MCA-funded research projects dating back to 2015 – 276 projects representing a total investment of over $22.8 million – to identify priority gaps and strengthen alignment with farmer-driven needs. This review ensured future funding directly supports research that delivers value to our farmer members – closing gaps, reducing overlap and maximizing investment.

Identified research gaps and increased efficiency among all MCA research investments to maximize ROI for farmer members.

The number of MCA-funded corn research projects grew by 150 per cent this year, reflecting our commitment to funding the research that matters most to our farmer members and ensuring check-off dollars drive real, on-farm impact.

Accelerated on-farm innovation by supporting the adoption of new practices through farmer-led trials and collaborative learning

Since 2015, our commitment to farmer-led research has resulted in 432 Research on the Farm trial locations, with 76 trials conducted in 2025 alone. These trials have not only generated valuable agronomic insights but also fostered community engagement, as demonstrated by our recent field day that welcomed over 75 participants eager to learn and share

Accelerated on-farm innovation by supporting the adoption of new practices through farmer-led trials and collaborative learning

We launched new, interactive results maps for the Manitoba Corn Hybrid Performance Trials and Manitoba Sunflower Variety Performance Trials, making this valuable data more accessible and engaging for farmer members and seed companies.

Accelerated on-farm innovation by supporting the adoption of new practices through farmer-led trials and collaborative learning

We proudly launched the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN), a first-of-its-kind initiative in Manitoba. YEN empowers farmers by collecting field-specific data to help them close the yield gap – the difference between potential and actual yields – through improved management practices. More than just data, YEN builds a collaborative network of growers committed to continuous learning and excellence in agriculture.

Accelerated on-farm innovation by supporting the adoption of new practices through farmer-led trials and collaborative learning

We continue to invest in drone licensing and training, ensuring our team remains at the forefront of technology and can deliver high-value programming that meets the evolving needs of modern agriculture.

Accelerated on-farm innovation by supporting the adoption of new practices through farmer-led trials and collaborative learning

In a pioneering effort, we initiated a multi-year, multi-commodity harvest weed seed control project. This research is the first of its kind in Manitoba and aims to provide practical, scalable solutions for integrated weed management.

Research by the Numbers

The background illustration was created for and featured in the Fall / Winter 2025 edition of MCA’s The Fence Post magazine for the article titled, “Greater than the Sum of its Parts” showcasing MCA’s approach to whole farm research.

Read More

MCA_FencePost-Mag-Fall-Winter-2025-cover_sm

Market Development and Access

Ignited industry collaboration to lead sustainable growth in the flax sector.

Grounded in insights from the 2025 Canadian Flax Forum, MCA and SaskOilseeds developed a strategic framework that outlines actionable priorities and collaborative opportunities to overcome trade barriers, strengthen marketing strategies and advance targeted research funding. By implementing this framework, the Canadian flax industry can stabilize production, maintain global market access and ensure long-term sustainability through co-ordinated advocacy and innovation.

Strengthened the global competitiveness of Manitoba wheat through innovation, quality assurance and market access.

Cereals Canada Events

MCA is an active member of Cereals Canada, contributing farmer-driven insight and regional expertise to national efforts that promote Canadian wheat. Through our membership, MCA supports market development and access initiatives, helping ensure Manitoba wheat remains a trusted and competitive choice for domestic and international millers that is recognized for its consistency, quality and reliability.

This past year, Cereals Canada worked to protect Canada’s access to these five markets:

CASE STUDY: Global Agriculture Technology Exchange

On April 10, the Province of Manitoba announced a $13-million investment in Cereals Canada’s Global Agriculture Technology Exchange (Gate) project. On Dec. 16, the provincial government committed an additional $10.5 million, bringing the total funding raised to $42.65 million. MCA had previously made a conditional commitment of over $2.6 million to Gate.

The April 10 announcement took place at Cereals Canada’s facilities in Winnipeg. In his remarks, Premier Wab Kinew emphasized that the province’s contribution matched the investment made by farmers, underscoring the powerful impact farmers can have when they show leadership. This moment highlights the strength of farmer-led advocacy and reinforces the importance of collaborative investment in agricultural innovation.

Gate Investment Announcement

Advocacy

Strengthening Relationships

Strengthened MCA’s relationships with government officials to increase awareness of farmer issues and foster dialogue around the importance of agriculture.

On March 5, we proudly hosted our second annual From Land to Legislature breakfast reception, welcoming Manitoba MLAs and their staff. This event served as a vital platform to discuss the future of agriculture and the industry’s vital contributions to the Manitoba economy.

The reception opened doors to meaningful conversations and highlighted opportunities for collaboration and growth.

From Land to Legislature 2025

Key Engagements

Strategic Meetings with Ministers Kostyshyn and Moses

We discussed Manitoba’s leadership in plant breeding, the quality of our wheat, infrastructure challenges in grain transportation and our shared support for Cereals Canada’s Gate initiative with Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation Minister Jamie Moses.

Advancing Innovation with Minister Moroz

We discussed how MCA’s commitment to research and innovation enhances the competitiveness of Manitoba’s farmers and positions our province as a leader, both nationally and globally, with Innovation and New Technology Minister Mike Moroz.

Follow-up Visit from Minister Simard

Municipal and Northern Relations Minister Glen Simard visited our Carman office to continue discussions on agricultural innovation, reaffirming the essential role of research in driving Manitoba’s prosperity.

Celebrating 100 years of plant disease and breeding research in Manitoba with Minister Kostyshyn and MLA Brar

Agriculture Minister Ron Kostyshyn and Burrows MLA Diljeet Brar joined us for the day, building knowledge of the importance of public plant breeding and strengthening relationships with farmers and industry.

National Stage at the FPT Agriculture Ministers’ Tour

On Sept. 9, we addressed agriculture ministers from across Canada, emphasizing the critical role of plant breeding and variety development in advancing agricultural progress.

Amplified Manitoba farmers’ voices on the national stage through strategic collaboration with Grain Growers of Canada.

We were pleased to welcome Grain Growers of Canada (GGC) executive director Kyle Larkin to speak at our all delegates meeting on Jan. 29.

His presentation highlighted the critical advocacy work GGC undertakes on behalf of producers in Manitoba and across Canada.

Grains Week 2025

Grains Week in Ottawa featured more than 30 meetings with ministers, secretaries of state, MPs, senators and senior staff, plus a reception that drew more than 150 guests from Parliament Hill. One of these meetings was with Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Heath MacDonald, where we discussed how grain farmers and government can work together to advance our shared priorities.

Grains Week 2025

Invest in Agricultural Research and Development

Our national advocacy efforts also included several key meetings with senior officials at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) to present the four “asks” shown here. These conversations reinforced our shared commitment to ensuring that agricultural policy and research investments reflect the evolving needs of Manitoba farmers.

Crafted a targeted advocacy strategy grounded in collaboration and relationship-building.

We developed a targeted plan to guide advocacy efforts focused on research and innovation – two areas where MCA has demonstrated strong leadership and expertise. To provide clarity and focus, we defined advocacy as:

Actively supporting and promoting the interests of our 7,700 farmer members by influencing science and innovation investment policies and practices to create a favourable environment for them to be more productive, sustainable, and competitive

MCA 2025-26 Advocacy Plan

MCA 2024-27 Strategic Plan Goal

Cultivated passionate and informed agricultural leaders and consumers.

MCA supports agriculture’s next generation – including future farmers, agronomists. consumers, elected officials and other industry stakeholders – through investments in education, outreach, mentorship and skills development.

MCA makes historic investment in Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba to grow future ag leaders

MCA makes historic investment in Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba to grow future ag leaders. On April 24, MCA announced a landmark investment of $195,000 in Agriculture in the Classroom – Manitoba (AITC-M). This initiative will expand classroom garden programs across the province, allowing students to explore agriculture from seed to harvest through hands-on learning. By deepening their connection to where food comes from and who produces it, we’re helping grow the next generation of ag leaders.

MCA is a proud sponsor of Great Tastes of Manitoba

We are a proud sponsor of Great Tastes of Manitoba, which recently pivoted from a traditional broadcast TV program to a digital-first brand, with new recipe videos and local food stories premiering every week. Great Tastes is the only video series in Canada with chefs, home cooks, dietitians, content creators and farmers sharing one table – helping to educate consumers about our food system and encouraging Manitobans to cook with local ingredients.

MCA's First Summer Student

This summer, MCA welcomed Eric Tyschinski, our first-ever summer student. Eric supported a range of projects and brought fresh energy to our team.

“This summer was my first experience with MCA, and I can’t say enough good things about them. The people at MCA are a wealth of knowledge, and I felt like I really got to develop my skills, knowledge, and confidence within my field and in new areas. I feel I have a much deeper understanding and appreciation for agriculture because of MCA, and I tell everyone I know about why MCA’s work is just so valuable to farmers.”

MCA Bursary Program

We’re proud to support agriculture’s future through our bursary program, which has invested $60,000 in students pursuing careers in agriculture since 2020.

U of M Guest Speakers

MCA staff were honoured to be guest speakers in several classes for students in the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba. These conversations are a vital part of our commitment to mentorship and knowledge-sharing with the next generation of agricultural professionals.

LeaderShift – Insight Program

The LeaderShift – Insight Program was a dynamic two-day, in-person training designed specifically for agriculture business leaders. Focused on practical tools and personal growth, the program helps participants build stronger teams, lead with confidence and drive meaningful outcomes in their organizations.

Communications & Extension

Increased awareness of MCA and strengthened the organization’s reputation as a trusted source of information and strong voice for farmers in Manitoba’s agriculture industry

Equipped Manitoba farmers with knowledge, tools and networks to thrive in a changing agricultural landscape

Resource creation

We produced several new production resources for our farmer members, which consistently rank as some of the most-accessed content on our website.

Production Resources in 2024-25 FY:

17,829 views
9,951 active users
Most viewed resources:
- Pre-harvest herbicide options: 1,128 views
- Staging for pre-harvest glyphosate application: 933 views
- Seed treatments in wheat, barley and flax: what they are, how they work and when they should be used: 929 views

Innovative Farmer Events

Soil Fertility Workshop

A specialized, two-day course delivered by industry experts on an in-demand topic among our farmer members, as demonstrated by high interest and enrolment.

Farmer Grain Grading Bootcamp

Delivered through dynamic visuals and hands-on demonstrations, with participant feedback highlighting its practical value

Interactive Workshops at CropConnect

A new series of interactive workshops at the 2025 CropConnect Conference as part of a revamped conference format/program to better serve our farmer members.

Roots to Results Webinar Series

Farm business management support delivered through five unique presentations spanning grain marketing strategies, tax considerations, farm finance tips, innovative crop insurance options and more.

Barley Webinar Series

A new training format equipping producers with timely insights

Bringing Agronomy to a Community Near You

MCA staff actively served communities across the province, speaking at events that touched 43 Rural Municipalities (RMs). This broad geographic influence underscores our commitment to supporting producers where they live and work.

Celebrated MCA’s fifth anniversary

Ahead by a Century: Celebrating 100 years of plant disease and breeding research in Manitoba

On Aug. 7, Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and MCA hosted a celebration of 100 years of plant disease and breeding research in Manitoba, plus the five-year anniversary of MCA and its ongoing commitment to funding innovative wheat research that benefits Manitoba farmers.

Stronger Together: five years and counting

We created a new variation of the MCA brand to highlight the fifth anniversary, emphasizing our “stronger together” motto and alluding to the organization’s bright future.

“Though our organization is still young, celebrating our fifth birthday just this year, our roots run deep. MCA represents generations of farmers who have long understood the value of science, collaboration and forward-thinking leadership. I am a fifth-generation farmer, and as part of a family farm that has existed for over 140 years, we recognize how blessed we are that the generations who came before us believed in these values that have allowed us to succeed.”

Today’s event is a testament to what can be achieved when we bring together the best of research and the strength of our farming communities. The partnerships between government, industry and farmers that we are celebrating today are essential to the future of agriculture in Manitoba and across Canada

Jonothan Hodson,
Chair

Governance & Operations

Delivered excellent return on investment to our farmer members for their check-off dollars, reflected by high member retention.

With over 95 per cent of eligible members choosing to leave their check-off dollars with us, representing more than 93 per cent of total levy collected, MCA continues to see strong support from Manitoba’s farmers. This high level of retention reflects member confidence in the value of MCA’s research, market development and advocacy initiatives.

Implemented technological advancements to better meet the needs our farmer members, while safeguarding their information from external threats

MCA engaged an independent cyber penetration test to strengthen our digital security. By proactively testing our systems against potential cyber threats, we ensured sensitive member and organizational information is safeguarded. This investment in cybersecurity reflects our commitment to protecting data, maintaining trust and upholding the highest standards of security for our farmer members.

MCA is investing in a modern levy management system that streamlines administration, enhances data accuracy and ensures farmer information is processed quickly and efficiently. This upgrade reinforces our commitment to accountability and service excellence.

Invested in our people to support their personal and professional development, while cultivating a culture of growth, collaboration and excellence.

MCA_AR_2026_Professional-Development-graphic_v2_min

MCA embraced a learning mindset by investing in a wide range of professional development opportunities for staff, directors and delegates. This reflects our commitment to ensuring MCA remains a forward-thinking organization that empowers its people and its members.

Training included media and storytelling workshops to enhance communication, governance sessions to strengthen leadership, and continued participation in the Leadership at its Best program. Technical skills were expanded through drone training, the Effective Extension course for farm groups and the Media Training & Social Media Best Practices course in collaboration with Keystone Agricultural Producers and Manitoba Canola Growers Association. Engagements like the University of Manitoba Carman Field Tour and Advocacy 101 further deepened knowledge and strategic insight across the organization.

Advance Payments Program (APP)

mcacashadvance.ca

Increased awareness of MCA and strengthened the organization’s reputation as a trusted source of information and strong voice for farmers in Manitoba’s agriculture industry

31 per cent increase in clients since 2021

Participation in the MCA Cash Advance Program has shown steady, sustained growth. This consistent, upward trend reflects farmer confidence in MCA’s accessible, interest-free financing options and our ongoing commitment to supporting strong, resilient farm businesses across Manitoba.

Interest-bearing rate of prime – 0.5 per cent

MCA’s Cash Advance Program continues to lead the way in value for Manitoba farmers, offering the province’s lowest administration fee and a highly competitive interest rate. This commitment to affordability ensures farmers keep more of their hard-earned dollars while accessing flexible, dependable financing.