2026

Simon is an Agronomist at an Ag Retail and a part of the family grain and cattle operation, Rosebank Farms.

He works on the farm alongside his Dad, uncle, and cousin. Simon earned a degree in agronomy from the university of Manitoba, where he strengthened his passion for crop production. Outside of farming Simon enjoys downhill skiing and camping as hobbies.

Christopher Forsythe is an On-Farm Network Agronomist with the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers- where he is the leading the on-farm research programe.

Christopher is based in Winnipeg MB and covers all of MB. Christopher brings a wealth of experience from his decades long stint with Monsanto canola breeding as well as two year’s in agricultural research in Sweden.

He grew up in Winnipeg but started working at age 18 on his uncle’s grain farm in Kenton MB, feeling passionate and involved in sustainable agriculture from an early age. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Agronomy) at the University of Manitoba, and later went on to obtain his Master in Agriculture with a focus on Agroecology at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.

Passionate about agroecological practices, and research that leads to improving a farms bottom line, Christopher is excited to be a and voice in the field of research and extension.

Kristen MacMillan has been in the field with soybeans and pulse crops for over a decade, through research plots and farm fields.

After obtaining an agriculture diploma, B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Plant Science from the University of Manitoba, she joined the Manitoba Pulse and Soybean Growers association where she played a pivotal role in developing the organization’s first research and extension strategy.

Kristen then took the opportunity to come back to the U of M through the inaugural Agronomist-in-Residence program in 2017.

Outside of research and education, Kristen practices what she preaches growing soybeans and peas, among other crops and cattle, with her husband and their young family on the family farm at Marquette, MB.

Terry Buss joined the Manitoba Pulse & Soybean Growers team as their Production Agronomist – East on April 22nd of 2025. He provides agronomic support to Eastern Manitoba pulse and soybean producers, by integrating research results into pulse and soybean agronomy recommendations, participating in crop health surveillance initiatives and agronomic extension events.

Terry’s career as an agronomist spans three decades. Although originally from Beausejour, Terry started his career as a Pulse & Special Crops Specialist for Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation (AARI). For the last 23 years, Terry has worked with Eastern Manitoba farmers as a Crop Production Extension Specialist in Beausejour for Manitoba Agriculture, retiring in April of 2025. Terry grew up as part of a mixed family farm just north of Beausejour and attended the University of Manitoba. Terry is a Professional Agrologist and has spent most of his career focused on soybean and pulse crop agronomy. Over that time, Terry has become a recognized source of expertise and has had the privilege of being an advisor to many growers and industry personnel in Eastern Manitoba.

Norbert Schlingmann has been General Manager of the Agricultural Industry Electronics Foundation AEF e.V. since May 2016.

Prior to this, Schlingmann worked for the German agricultural machinery manufacturer CLAAS for almost 20 years, most recently as head of a software development department at the company.

Before that, he worked for AEG in the development of power supply systems for railroad systems.

Mr. Schlingmann holds a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Applied Sciences in Bielefeld (Germany).

As Senior Requirements Manager at AGCO, Slawi Stesny supports product development teams with a focus on connectivity, data management, and interoperability within the agricultural sector. This is also reflected in his role as lead of the AEF AgIN initiative.

With a background in Computer Science, Slawi combines conceptual thinking with product and requirements management.
e is recognized for fostering teams and motivation, creating momentum around shared goals and innovations.

Kristen Phillips

Brittany Cousins

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