John has served as the soil fertility extension specialist for Manitoba Agriculture and previously with Ontario Ministry of Agriculture and Food in extension and field crop research. He was “book-schooled” in Crop Science from the University of Guelph and in Soil Science for Purdue University. He has had 23 years of “in-field schooling” from patient Manitoba farmers. John hosts the MB Soil Fertility Advisory Committee which reviews research to develop provincial soil fertility guidelines. John is a proud Certified Crop Advisor and was recognized as International CCA of the Year in 2014. John’s odd obsession is hunting the officially designated state and provincial soils – of which he has captured 41 states, 8 provinces and 2 African countries. He is a proud cheerleader for Manitoba’s own provincial soil – the Newdale Clay Loam.
2020
Scott grew up on a small mixed farm operation near Carroll, MB. Scott completed his B.Sc. (Honours) degree at Brandon University in botany and chemistry in 2004. Scott worked at AAFC in Brandon, MB as a summer student with the plant pathology team headed by Dr. Debbie McLaren. Scott also managed the non-profit South East Research Farm, located near Redvers, SK, for three years until spring of 2007. Scott started working with Manitoba Agriculture as a Diversification Technician out of the Melita-Ag office 2007 conducting applied crop research and demonstrations at Westman Agricultural Diversification Organization (WADO). Scott then moved into the Diversification Specialist position in 2014 and continues to manage the WADO research program. Scott resides in Reston with his wife Tanis and two kids. Scott takes an interest in homebrewing, and intensive no till gardening.
CRAIG DAVIDSON PRESIDENT, FOUNDING PARTNER From the day Taurus opened its doors in 2001, Craig has been driven to help growers understand the why’s behind the how’s in agriculture. His goal has been to create a different kind of company: one that is focused on promoting innovative, scientifically backed technologies and leading edge agronomic strategies based on education, knowledge and data. Since then, he has been helping business-minded growers to benefit through Taurus’ fact-first approach to farming. Today that approach brings back the emotion and thoughtfulness that involves consumers and a cleaner earth for the future. As President, Craig’s approach to business is about “boots on the ground” versus “feet up on a desk.” He remains passionate about working with progressive farmers and industry professionals. Craig has spent his whole life in agriculture. Before founding Taurus he served in senior management roles with fertilizer manufacturers on both sides of the border. He continues to be actively involved in a fifth-generation family farming operation in McAuley, Manitoba.
Quotes that could be used: “We’ve come to realize there are no silver bullets out there. There is no single solution that can turn a good crop into a great crop. Instead, the secret to success comes from a holistic approach where small, sustainable gains add up to large scale success for today’s advanced growers. We are fortunate to have a tremendous arsenal of agronomic tools at our fingertips – with many more in development. Myself, and the entire team at Taurus are committed to helping growers stay on top of these advancements. Together we will help you raise the bar: from the soil on up and from the consumer on out”.
JARRETT CHAMBERS Chief Commercial Officer – Concentric Ag President, ATP Nutrition Mr. Chambers is a leading expert in the interaction of nutrients, and integration of biostimulants, in plant physiology. He founded ATP Nutrition, a wholly owned subsidiary of Concentric Ag and is one of the largest plant nutrient suppliers in Canada. He spearheaded the development of ATP’s System of Chemtrition™, a simplified, easy-to-use, agronomically sound nutritional system for growers. Prior to establishing ATP Nutrition, Mr. Chambers held lead agronomic technical positions with various multinational fertilizer companies. Through these experiences, Mr. Chambers was able to take product innovations such as ESN and Duration Slow Release fertilizers from concept to commercialization. Over the past 20 years, he has focused his efforts on understanding the physiology and interaction of nutrients within the plant. He has leveraged his nutrient knowledge in working in the fruit, vegetable, turf grass and nursery markets, to develop the current ATP Nutrition product line for broad acre crops. Mr. Chambers holds a Master of Science in Soil Fertility and Microbiology from the University of Manitoba where his research included determining the mode of action of JumpStart and Agrotain technologies. Today, Jarrett is the Chief Commercial Officer for Concentric Ag where he leads the sales and marketing efforts for their 3 families of products (biostimulants, nutrition and analytics).
Raymond Bittner is 21 year veteran of MAFRI with a diverse background of Ag-based production experience. Ray has worked extensively with on farm demonstrations and production system trouble shooting over his entire career. Ray not only has the professional experience but also personal experience with his 100 year family farm which he manages with his family. Ray takes a keen interest in innovation in modern day beef farming and has worked through “the numbers” behind the practices.
As a Partner of Taxation Services located in the Brandon office, Stino is responsible for providing professional advice in areas of tax planning and deferral and in the interpretation of tax legislation for MNP clients located in Brandon, Virden, Neepawa, Killarney, Deloraine, Souris and Dauphin
