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Wawanesa Educator Named AITC-M’s 2026 Educator Champion

The Educator Champion Award recognizes educators who demonstrate exceptional leadership in agriculture education by creating meaningful learning experiences that help students better understand food, farming, and the many opportunities within Manitoba's agriculture industry.

For Kirby, agriculture education goes beyond the classroom. Through hands-on learning opportunities, school gardening projects, and agriculture-focused activities, she helps students build meaningful connections to where their food comes from and the role agriculture plays in their everyday lives.

At Wawanesa School, Kirby has helped bring agriculture learning to life through a greenhouse and garden project she championed to give students hands-on experiences with growing food. Through planting, caring for crops, and harvesting produce, students gain a deeper understanding of food production while developing responsibility, curiosity, and practical skills that extend beyond the classroom.

"Students get really excited when things actually grow," says Adams. "They enjoy the hands-on aspect of working in the garden and greenhouse and learning about the different career opportunities that are out there."

School staff and students describe Kirby as a passionate educator who believes in learning by doing. Her commitment to hands-on agriculture education has helped students engage with agriculture in meaningful ways while building valuable connections to their local community.

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Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

Video: Independent Seed, National Impact | On The Brink: Episode 9

A survey of 200 independent seed businesses reveals what Canada's seed sector actually contributes — and what it stands to lose.

On the Brink, Justin Funk, a third-generation agri-marketer, shares the findings of a national survey conducted in early 2026. The numbers reframe the conversation: independent seed companies in Canada represent upwards of $1.7 billion in dedicated seed infrastructure, approximately 3,000 full-time equivalent jobs in rural communities, and an estimated $20 million in annual community contributions. And roughly 90% of Canada's cereals, pulses, and other small pollinated crops flow through them.

The survey also asked how dependent these businesses are on public plant breeding to survive. The answer was unambiguous. For policymakers evaluating the future of publicly funded breeding programs, Funk argues the economic case for this sector and the case for public plant breeding are the same argument.

On the Brink is a cross-country video series exploring the future of plant breeding in Canada. Each episode features voices from across the industry in an open, ongoing conversation about innovation and long-term investment in Canadian agriculture.