The First Sixteen Podcast

The First Sixteen is Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's (AAFC) podcast series that explores the freshest ideas in agriculture and food. Each episode explores a single topic in depth—digging deep into new practices, innovative ideas, and their impacts on the industry. Learn about Canada's agricultural sector from the people making the breakthroughs and knocking down the barriers! Farmers and foodies, scientists and leaders, and anyone with an eye on the future of the sector—this podcast is for you! A new episode is published each month.

Episode 029 -Challenge accepted!

Announcing the two winners of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge (Business Model Stream). Two companies took away $1.5 million! Find out who they are. Learn what it took to become the winners of the challenge, and leaders in this new sub-sector. The funds will help the winning companies further expand their success in fighting food waste and reducing greenhouse gases.
Plus we’ll give you a glimpse behind the scenes with Dr. Jean-Charles Le Vallée, who will share insights into being a jury member of the challenge.

robot in a field

Episode 028 - Is that a robot in your field?

Ag-robotics specialists Chuck Baresich believes you'll have a robot in your field sooner than you think. What will they do? How will they add value to your farm? Chuck paints a picture of that future. And what is the government doing to help the agricultural sector be ready for those robots? Marco Valicenti, Director General of Innovation Programs Directorate and Brett Maxwell, Director of Strategic Policy Branch explain how Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's programs are enabling that future.

hands working

Episode 027 -Hiring smart: The labour shortage issue

Hear from two innovators who are successfully tackling labor shortages in our sector: one at the national level with an all-encompassing, all-stakeholders-engaged strategy; and the other on a regional level with a smart program for hiring and settling new immigrants into a rural community.

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Episode 026 -Straight talk about pesticides

How is pesticide use evolving on farms? What are maximum residue limits? How does the government determine what is safe? Brian Rideout, a fruit and vegetable grower from Ontario, explains how pesticide use has changed on his farm in the last 20 years. And Fred Bissonnette, Executive Director of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, explains the regulations behind pesticide use in Canada. Let’s dig in!

Biogas digester storage tank

Episode 025 -Turning manure into gold

"Waste is not waste. It's just misplaced resources". That is according to Rajinikanth Rajagopal and the team of researchers at the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre as they work to adapt anaerobic bio digestion to a Canadian climate and livestock sector. We also speak to Mauricio Alanís, Director of Sustainability Strategy and Partnerships at Maple Leaf Foods. His company is interested in the technology and AAFC's expertise as it could all play an important role in Maple Leaf Foods' sustainability journey.

A map of Canada's topography divided into six regions, with the Canada 1 Water logo above

Episode 024 -Modelling the future of water

To predict the future of water, we have to understand the present. That's exactly what AAFC's Dr. David Lapen and Dr. Steven Frey from Aquanty Inc., are endeavoring to do. Listen in as they discuss their work on a complex, country-wide hydrological modelling tool. It is designed to help researchers, producers and decision makers anticipate water resources of tomorrow and make better, more informed decisions today. This is the Canada 1 Water project.

An overhead view of an organic soil field

Episode 023 -Saving our organic soils

40% of Quebec's fruits and vegetables are grown in the Montérégie region due to its abundantly fertile organic soils. But these soils are under threat. We speak to Jacynthe Masse, an agroecology researcher, and Denys Van Winden, a vegetable producer from Sherrington, to learn about the challenges they're facing and the experiments they're running to save these soils.

Cattle graze in a forest

Episode 022 -Agroforestry: The new-old science

When agriculture meets forestry, the result can have a surprising impact on the environment, wildlife habitats, crop production, and beyond. AAFC research scientist Dr. Raju Soolanayakanahally and Kevin Boon, General Manager of the BC Cattlemen's Association, explore the roots of the long-standing practice of agroforestry, and the benefits it brings to the future of agriculture and climate change.

 

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Podcast stories
Title First Published Date Abstract
Episode 029 -Challenge accepted! 2024-04-29 Announcing the two winners of the Food Waste Reduction Challenge (Business Model Stream). Two companies took away $1.5 million! Find out who they are. Learn what it took to become the winners of the challenge, and leaders in this new sub-sector. The funds will help the winning companies further expand their success in fighting food waste and reducing greenhouse gases. And, we’ll give you a glimpse behind the scenes with Dr. Jean-Charles Le Vallée, who will share insights into being a jury member of the challenge.
Episode 028 -Is that a robot in your field? 2024-03-11 Ag-robotics specialists Chuck Baresich believes you'll have a robot in your field sooner than you think. What will they do? How will they add value to your farm? Chuck paints a picture of that future. And what is the government doing to help the agricultural sector be ready for those robots? Marco Valicenti, Director General of Innovation Programs Directorate and Brett Maxwell, Director of Strategic Policy Branch explain how Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's programs are enabling that future.
Episode 027 -Hiring smart: The labour shortage issue 2024-02-14 Hear from two innovators who are successfully tackling labor shortages in our sector: one at the national level with an all-encompassing, all-stakeholders-engaged strategy; and the other on a regional level with a smart program for hiring and settling new immigrants into a rural community.
Episode 026 -Straight talk about pesticides 2024-01-17 How is pesticide use evolving on farms? What are maximum residue limits? How does the government determine what is safe? Brian Rideout, a fruit and vegetable grower from Ontario, explains how pesticide use has changed on his farm in the last 20 years. And Fred Bissonnette, Executive Director of the Pest Management Regulatory Agency, explains the regulations behind pesticide use in Canada. Let’s dig in!
Episode 025 -Turning manure into gold 2022-12-15 "Waste is not waste. It's just misplaced resources". That is according to Rajinikanth Rajagopal and the team of researchers at the Sherbrooke Research and Development Centre as they work to adapt anaerobic bio digestion to a Canadian climate and livestock sector. We also speak to Mauricio Alanís, Director of Sustainability Strategy and Partnerships at Maple Leaf Foods. His company is interested in the technology and AAFC's expertise as it could all play an important role in Maple Leaf Foods' sustainability journey.
Episode 024 -Modelling the future of water 2022-11-23 To predict the future of water, we have to understand the present. That's exactly what AAFC's Dr. David Lapen and Dr. Steven Frey from Aquanty Inc., are endeavoring to do. Listen in as they discuss their work on a complex, country-wide hydrological modelling tool. It is designed to help researchers, producers and decision makers anticipate water resources of tomorrow and make better, more informed decisions today. This is the Canada 1 Water project.
Episode 023 -Saving our organic soils 2022-08-24 40% of Quebec's fruits and vegetables are grown in the Montérégie region due to its abundantly fertile organic soils. But these soils are under threat. We speak to Jacynthe Masse, an agroecology researcher, and Denys Van Winden, a vegetable producer from Sherrington, to learn about the challenges they're facing and the experiments they're running to save these soils.
Episode 022 -Agroforestry: The new-old science 2022-07-11 When agriculture meets forestry, the result can have a surprising impact on the environment, wildlife habitats, crop production, and beyond. AAFC research scientist Dr. Raju Soolanayakanahally and Kevin Boon, General Manager of the BC Cattlemen's Association, explore the roots of the long-standing practice of agroforestry, and the benefits it brings to the future of agriculture and climate change.
Episode 021 -Shedding light on food fraud 2022-06-21 Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency come together in this special two-part episode on honey fraud in Canada. Hear a scientist from each organization discuss how they identify fraudulent products – and check out the CFIA's Inspect and Protect podcast for the perspective of a policy leader and a beekeeper!
Episode 020 -Putting a rope around antimicrobial resistance in cattle 2022-05-25 When veterinarian Dr. Greg Dimmers noticed an alarming pattern of infection in beef cattle, he contacted microbiologist Dr. Tim McAllister to get some answers. Hear the two speak about their respective paths in the study of antimicrobial resistance.
Episode 019 -The Cutting Edge 2022-04-27 Have you ever wondered where companies go to develop their secret recipes and test new food processing technologies? Canadian innovators go to Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's research centre in Saint-Hyacinthe, Quebec to develop and test new products. Listen to Sabine Ribéreau, the pilot plant manager, and Deena Alari, the research and development manager from Smuckers, as they discuss the Saint-Hyacinthe Industrial Program and how it can help get your products on grocery store shelves.
Episode 018 -Resolving soil nutrient loss and pollution in Lake Erie 2022-02-23 From buckwheat and bees to cover crops and no-till practices, we explore how Henry Denotter, a farmer on the Wigle Creek watershed, and Pamela Joosse, a soil and nutrient management specialist, worked together to reduce pollution in Lake Erie as part of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada's Living Labs program.
Episode 017 -Reducing greenhouse gasses with drainage systems 2022-01-26 Anything's possible when researchers and producers come together. Hear from Dr. Chandra Madramootoo of McGill University and Guy Vincent, a grain and cash crop producer, as they discuss their collaborative journey to reduce greenhouse gasses and increase crop yields.
Episode 016 -Cybersecurity and agriculture 2021-11-17 Farmers and many others in our sector spend much of their time managing risk. In this episode we focus on a new risk to manage - cyber threats. Dr. Janos Botschner from the Community Safety Knowledge Alliance and Christine Beauchamp from the Canadian Centre for Cyber Security tell us some true cyber heist stories. And they share some solid advice on how we can up our cybersecurity game.
Episode 015 -Citizen Science 2021-10-20 Researchers cannot be everywhere at once. Laura Richard manages the Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR). This citizen science projects relies on producers all across the country to help our scientists and decision-makers to know how the weather impacts agriculture at a local scale. Trevor Atchinson is a fourth generation rancher from Pipestone,  Manitoba and a second generation contributor to AIR.
Episode 014 -Mental health: UPA's work to break the stigma 2021-07-29 In this third episode on mental health, we explore the topic from the perspective of a professional agricultural association. We speak with Marcel Groleau, President of Quebec's Agricultural Producers Union (UPA), who tells us about the resources available to producer. From overcoming mental health challenges, to breaking the stigma, he shares insights into the unique programming developed in Quebec.
Episode 013 -Mental health: from the farmer's perspective 2021-07-27 Cynthia Beck and her family run a cattle and grain operation in South-East Saskatchewan. After facing her own mental health challenges and discovering a lack of resources tailored towards the agricultural sector, Cynthia decided to do something about it.
Episode 012 -Food Waste Reduction Challenge: The Next Level 2021-06-23 Over 300 ideas were submitted to the Food Waste Reduction Challenge. Twenty-four of the best ideas were selected for funding. Now it's time to test their concepts and compete for the $1.5M grand prize. In this episode, jury member and celebrity chef, Bob Blumer, tells us about the selection process. He also shares tips on reducing food waste at home. Mohamed Yassine from Impact Canada joins the conversation to tell us what's next.
Episode 011 -Climate change and agricultural solutions 2021-05-12 Climate change is one of the biggest challenges for our times - and the impacts are especially challenging for the agricultural sector. In this episode, we talk about a science model that the Government of Canada is using to generate solutions, as well as issues related to climate change and agriculture. We hear from two generations of environmental scientists on the topic.
Episode 010 -Mental health on the farm 2021-03-17 In this episode we speak with Dr. Briana Hagen about tailoring mental health programs to the needs of farmers. She explains how mental health in farming is fundamentally different than in other sectors. Plus she points toward solutions and successful programs across the country including the program called, In the Know, which she helped developed at the University of Guelph.
Episode 009 -Living Laboratories Quebec 2021-02-15 Hear about this Living Laboratories initiative and its revolutionary new approach to innovation. It brings together farmers, scientists, and other collaborators to address agri-environmental issues in a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Episode 008 -Leading Women 2021-02-09 Minister, President, CEO: This is a very frank discussion with three women leaders in the agriculture and food sector. They talk about their experiences and the benefits of a more inclusive and diverse sector at all levels.
Episode 007 -The opportunity of food waste 2021-01-06 Is food waste really an opportunity? Denise Philippe of the National Zero Waste Council believes so. Listen to this discussion where she outlines gaps in our food system and shows us where opportunities exist. As well, learn about the new, Food Waste Reduction Challenge.
Episode 006 -The next generation: Who is going to produce your food tomorrow? 2020-12-14 Meet the next generation of Canadians working in agriculture and agri-food sector. Jerry Bos, a young dairy farmer and co-chair of the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, shares his vision for the future. Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau tells us why it's important to have young farmers like Jerry and the other members of the council at the decision-making table.
Episode 005 –Saving nutrients with novel science 2020-11-04 Christopher Garhnham and his team at the AAFC has discovered something very small that could have big impacts in the food and feed industry.
Episode 004 –RADARSAT Constellation Mission - Agriculture from space 2020-10-14 Learn about the Radarsat Constellation Mission, the type of data that flows from it, its applications in agriculture and how it is used by environmental stewards to work with farmers.
Episode 003 –The science of reconciliation! Bridging Indigenous knowledge with agricultural science 2020-09-30 In discussion with two agents of change in the world of agricultural science, we explore a new and brilliant way forward.
Episode 002 –Rapid response: Feeding Canadians during the pandemic 2020-09-30 Listen in as we shed light on an innovative and nimble collaboration that is addressing food insecurity during the pandemic.
Episode 001 –Farmers, innovators! And how good ideas spread 2020-09-30 Interview with Julie Dawson, a beef specialist at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and who is also a sixth generation farmer. Listen in on this fascinating discussion about how much farming has and is changing, and how fast.
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