The rearrangement of administrative duties as Manitoba farm groups seek opportunities to collaborate continues, with Winter Cereals Manitoba announcing a management change on Thursday.
The provincial winter cereals organization has contracted the Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association (MWBGA) and the National Sunflower Association of Canada (NSAC) to lead day-to-day operations, research activities and communications.
The group, which collects a $0.98 per tonne check-off on winter wheat, will also be joining the Manitoba commodity group hub in Carman.
“The MWBGA’s core functions of research and market development, with support functions including administration and communications, are closely aligned with many of the key functions of WCMI” says Doug Martin, Winter Cereals Manitoba chair.
NSAC’s executive director Darcelle Graham will serve a dual role as executive director of Winter Cereals Manitoba, with support from Pam de Rocquigny (MWBGA), Lori-Ann Kaminski (MWBGA) for research activity support, and Tammy Cote for administration support.
“NSAC has been involved in exploring how commodity groups can increase collaboration for a number of years. This is a great example of how we are working together with fellow organizations to benefit Manitoba farmers,” says Mark McDonald, president of the national sunflower association.
Last week, the Manitoba Flax Growers Association announced it has contracted the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers to administer its operations, after its shared home with the Flax Council of Canada in Winnipeg was closed at the end of January.
The Manitoba Wheat and Barley Growers Association and Manitoba Corn Growers Association already operate under shared management.
Winter Cereals Manitoba will continue to have its own board of directors and plans to maintain its close relationship with the Saskatchewan Winter Cereals Development Commission.
The winter cereals group is currently not part of the proposal to amalgamate five Manitoba farm groups into a single provincial commodity group — a topic that was discussed at length during the CropConnect Conference in Winnipeg last week.
Winter Cereals Manitoba was previously managed by Jake Davidson at Minnedosa, Manitoba.
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