This is a 2-3 page research summary that will be used for publication on the MPGA website. Contents will
also be used for extension to our grower members. This report template will be used for 2 purposes:
1. As an annual extension report, to be submitted annually. It is understood that these are
preliminary results and final results will be reported in the final report.
2. As a final extension report, to be submitted by the completion date, in addition to a detailed
technical/scientific report (no template).This will be used to provide growers with a clear, succinct
message on how check-off dollars are being utilized to improve their operation and industry.
EXTENSION REPORT
Project Title: Research and technical support for on-farm
transition to organic soybean production
Date: March 10 2015
Project Start Date: June 2014
Project End Date:
Principal Researcher: Martin Entz
Position: Professor, Department of Plant Science, U of
Manitoba
Address: 222 Agriculture Building,
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2
Email: m_entz@umanitoba.ca
Phone:204-474-6077
OBJECTIVES
To support sustainable production of organic soybeans (and edible beans) by offering technical
support to:
1. Existing organic farmers who want to begin growing organic soy and/or edible beans
2. Conventional farmers who want to transition to or diversify into organic production.
(Max 5 lines)
SUMMARY
Manitoba Pulse Growers Association Inc.
October 2, 2013
Participating farmers (8 farms) were identified in fall/winter 2014-2015. Participants include farmers at
various points in the transition to organic production, ranging from those who have completed the
transition to organic on the whole farm to those who will begin the transition process in 2015. Several
farms are exploring organic on part of the farm while maintaining conventional production on their
remaining land. Participating farms are all located in south-central/eastern Manitoba.
Baseline information on all farm operations was collected from farmers in January-February 2015,
along with farmers’ goals for future production. Based on this information, preliminary farm plans were
developed for each farm, including general goals, general crop rotation recommendations, and
specific crop plans that could potentially be adopted by the farmer. For conventional farms, the plan
also included strategies and rotations for going through the three-year transition to organic production.
All farm plans include suggestions for production of organic soybean and/or edible beans at some
point in rotation. Kitchen table meetings were held with each individual farmer to refine the farm plans
and discuss questions and ideas.
All project participants were invited to a group meeting in Carman MB on March 5 2015 to discuss
their farm plans and share information and ideas with each other. Representatives from the Natural
Systems Agriculture Lab at the U of Manitoba also participated, along with Laura Telford, Organic
Marketing Specialist with MAFRD. At this meeting, project participants presented their farm plans to
other participants and were able to obtain feedback and ask questions on the details of their plans.
Participant evaluations were conducted at the end of the meeting to determine the perceived value of
various project components and the overall value of the project. Average ratings for all project
components were high, with the kitchen table meetings, group discussion on soybean agronomy, and
personal connections with other participants receiving particularly high ratings (above 4.5 on a scale of
1-5). The overall value of the project was rated 4.7 on a scale of 1-5. All participants indicated that
they intend to use the farm plan either as presented or with some modifications to adapt it to their own
operation.
This project is proceeding on schedule. Next steps in the project include:
1. Implementation of farm plans by farmers, beginning in spring 2015
2. Field visits to participating farmers in spring and/or summer 2015
3. Evaluation and revision of farm plans after the growing season is complete (late fall 2015)
4. Identification of additional farmers to begin the farm planning process in 2015-2016.
(Max 600 words)
BENEFITS/IMPACTS TO PULSE GROWERS
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Manitoba Pulse Growers Association Inc.
October 2, 2013
This project provides a solid technical base for farmers interested in organic soybean and edible bean
production. This foundation includes information related to these specific crops, including agronomics
and marketing, as well as the crop rotation and whole farm plan required to support sustainable
production of these crops. In this way, participating farmers will improve their production skills and the
sustainability of their farms, resulting in greater quantity and quality of organic soybean and edible
bean production in Manitoba, along with other organic crops.
Describe how the project results, or expected outcomes, will benefit pulse and soybean growers
(improved production/quality, marketing plan, commercialization of technology etc.).
(Max 300 words)
COMMUNICATION
Meetings:
 Individual project participant meetings – February 2015, at farms.
 Project participant group meeting – March 5 2015, Carman MB.
Project materials:
 Resource lists on organic farming in general and on organic soybean production
 Farm plans for eight individual farms
 Summary of knowledge on organic soybean agronomy (based on group discussion March 5)
Acknowledgements:
 Thanks to the participating farmers for your openness and interest!
List extension meetings; papers produced; conference presentations made; equipment bought;
photos; project materials developed; acknowledgements
(Max 200 words)
Please submit to Roxanne Lewko, Research Program Coordinator: roxanne@manitobapulse.ca
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