This post is part of a series of short introductions of Students of Agriculture. From undergraduates, to PhDs, or those learning out in the world, this series will share snippets of different journeys in agriculture education. Know a student with a neat story? Send Lyndsey a message ([email protected]) to have them recognized as a Student of Agriculture!
Dale Penner sprouted an interest in agriculture while spending time on his grandparents’ farms and watching his father work in the agriculture industry.
Penner is currently completing a master’s degree at the University of Manitoba and is part of Agriculture and Agri-food Canada’s research affiliate program.
During his undergrad in agronomy, Penner worked under Dr. Rob Duncan and became interested in agriculture research. Penner says that he built a career foundation during undergrad by networking with professors and maintaining good grades.
Penner’s masters project is investigating agronomic and economic impacts of fall cover crops within annual crop rotations on-farm in Manitoba. Penner says that he enjoys investigating the use of cover crops in Western Canada as it is not a widely used practice.
In the future, Penner hopes to address issues around greenhouse gas emissions as it is an emerging concern in agricultural policy. Penner is interested in the carbon credit programs increasing popularity.