2018 saw a few changes in the Ministry of Agriculture.

Following a review on the need for modernization within the department, they identified ways to improve, enhance and modify their operations to ensure they were meeting the needs of the Provinces farmers and ranchers.

The Manager of the Ag Knowledge Centre, Shelley Jones says they are focusing on three priority areas.

“First is Program Delivery – so we are really the lead for delivering the Canadian Agricultural Partnership programming. Secondly, Public Trust – we learned from our stakeholders that it was still important that government take a leadership role and provide support to ensure we maintain our social license in Agriculture but also ensure our producers are doing the right thing and talking about what makes it right. The third component or priority remains that tech transfer – extending research outcomes and technology out to producers.”

She notes they continue to have 10 regional offices, but they did make some adjustments to the roles of specialists in those offices.

Jones says they now have Ag Programming Specialists, Agri-Environmental Specialists, Livestock and Feed Extension Specialists, Range Management Extension Specialists and of course Crop Extension Specialists.

More information on program availability and information is available by calling the Ag Knowledge Centre at 1-866-457-2377.