[Winnipeg, MB, Sept. 25, 2024] – Burr Forest Group is excited to announce the launch of The Extensionists – Conversations with Great Thinkers in Agriculture, a podcast hosted by Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter. The podcast launches Oct. 1, 2024 and streams every other week. The hosts will get behind the scenes with researchers, innovators, and farmers, exploring ground-breaking ideas and initiatives. The podcast represents a new era for ag extension.
Toban brings his extensive background in farming and agriculture communications, while co-host Jay Whetter leverages years of experience in ag journalism. Together, their dynamic partnership bridges the gap between research and practice, offering lively, informative, insightful, and sometimes funny discussions that highlight the economic, environmental, and societal impacts of agricultural advancements.
“With this podcast, Jay and I are injecting some levity and personality into agricultural extension, introducing farmers to the thinkers working on their behalf,” said co-host Toban Dyck. “Our goal is to make sure agricultural advancements and the personalities behind them are accessible and relatable to the people they impact most – farmers.”
Jay Whetter has always appreciated the spoken word as an essential tool in agriculture extension. “I listen to a lot of podcasts, and the momentum for podcasts continues to build. I believe The Extensionists fills a need in agriculture extension, sharing not just ideas but the people and personalities behind them.
“Toban and Jay make quite the dynamic duo. More than an interview, chatting with these guys was like playing 20 questions in combination with a visit with good friends,”
Alanna Koch
Recorded in a studio on Toban’s family farm, The Extensionists will delve into topics crucial to today’s Canadian agricultural industry. Each episode will cover cutting-edge research, technological innovations, policy analysis, and market trends, translating complex information into actionable insights for farmers and industry professionals.
“SaskOilseeds is excited to sponsor this brand-new initiative to facilitate engaging dialogue to pull the curtain back on the thought leadership and innovation behind ag extension,” shared Tracy Broughton, SaskOilseeds Executive Director. “And to help translate the valuable technical findings on the research side into tangible, on-farm benefits that growers can implement to enhance production.”
Early episodes will feature prominent guests such as Alanna Koch, who will reflect on her career in politics and its influence on agriculture; Marla Riekman of Manitoba Agriculture, who will discuss soil research extension and making vital connections with farmers; and Keith Downey, one of the fathers of canola, who will share his perspectives on innovation in crop development.
“Toban and Jay make quite the dynamic duo. More than an interview, chatting with these guys was like playing 20 questions in combination with a visit with good friends,” said Alanna Koch
The Extensionists launches on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024 on all major podcast platforms. A trailer is available now. For more information, including sponsorship opportunities, visit https://theextensionists.com.
For interview opportunities, please contact:
Ashley Robinson
Ashley@burrforest.com
About The Extensionists:
The Extensionists is a Burr Forest Group production. Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter host the every-other-week podcast, offering in-depth conversations with industry experts, researchers, and farmers about the latest developments in agriculture. With a focus on making complex agricultural topics accessible and engaging, The Extensionists is designed to bridge the gap between research and farming, connecting the agricultural community across Canada.
-30-