SIA 2026 Virtual Convention and Annual General Meeting:
One Landscape, Many Scopes — From Science to Evidence
On March 10 and 11, 2026, agrologists across Saskatchewan will gather online to participate in a variety of innovative presentations discussing current issues in agrology. The annual event brings together professionals from the agricultural, food, bioresources, and environmental sectors. The two-day event will feature educational sessions, the SIA’s 80th Annual General Meeting, and the annual Honours and Awards presentation.
Notice of Annual General Meeting
The SIA Provincial Council invites you to join them for the 80th Annual General Meeting on March 11, 2025.
This event will be held ONLINE at no cost.
* Articling Agrologists and Articling Technical Agrologists must attend all sessions in order to include the convention and AGM as a completed milestone.
Thank you to our sponsors!
Speakers and Session Details
Reclamation 101
Robbie Retzleff PAg, HDR
About the Session
The evolution of techniques and regulations in the world of upstream oil and gas reclamation in Saskatchewan.
About the Speaker
Robbie Retzleff PAg is a Senior Remediation Lead with HDR, working in Saskatoon.
Robbie grew up in Kyle, Saskatchewan and currently resides in Lloydminster.
He has been working in the reclamation and remediation industry across the Prairies since 2008 in various positions. He has a passion for soils, conservation, reclamation, and remediation.
Robbie is currently the NW SIA Branch President and was the SIA 2025 Outstanding Young Agrologist.
Herbicide Resistance – Can you chance the status quo?
Shannon Chant PAg
About the Session
The presentation will cover how herbicide resistance develops, kochia, biology/ecology, and integrated weed management practices/techniques to manage herbicide resistant weeds.
About the Speaker
Shannon is passionate about assisting producers faced with challenges and the agriculture industry. In her role of Crops Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, she provides practical, science-based information on annual crop variety selection, integrated pest management, including disease and herbicide-resistant weed concerns and crop production and rotation. Shannon has 19 years of experience in crops extension in Saskatchewan and has a Master of Science in Plant Sciences from the University of Saskatchewan. She grew up on a grain farm near Rouleau, Saskatchewan.
Getting More From What You Have
Dwayne Summach PAg
About the Session
Dwayne will talk about observations and stories of innovation, integration, and perseverance in livestock production in western Canada.
About the Speaker
Dwayne recognizes that efficient use of on-farm produced feedstuffs impacts farm profitability. In his role as Livestock and Feed Extension Specialist with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture, Dwayne provides information and recommendations to match feedstuffs to livestock feeding programs with a focus on maximizing livestock productivity and well-being. Dwayne has 25 years of experience advising clients in various aspects of livestock management, ration development, forage production and utilization. Dwayne has a Master of Science where he researched grazing ruminant nutrition and a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture (Animal Science) from the University of Saskatchewan.
Win-Win Pathways for Bird Conservation in the Agricultural Working Landscape
Ian Cook PAg
About the Session
The agricultural landscapes across Canada play a critical role in birds and biodiversity conservation. Likewise, birds and biodiversity play a critical role in the resilience and sustainability of our Canadian Agricultural system. However, the birds that rely on the agricultural landscape of the Canadian Prairies are in steep decline. Birds Canada’s work on the Canadian Prairies is focused on addressing the systemic economic issues that are the root cause for bird population declines. This presentation will explore the connections between birds and the agricultural landscape and share pathways to creating an agricultural system that actively conserves nature while sustaining the livelihoods of the people on the land.
About the Speaker
As the Grassland Conservation Manager for Birds Canada, Ian’s work largely focuses on finding solutions for conserving birds that rely on the Canadian agricultural working landscape. Along with his colleagues at Birds Canada, he works on economic solutions to evolve an agricultural system that conserves birds, while sustaining the livelihoods of the people on the land. He received his BSc in Agriculture from the University of Manitoba in 2013. Ian is a Professional Agrologist and Certified Crop Advisor.
Liability Risks and Insurance Considerations for Agrologists
Janelle R. Souter
About the Session
Gain valuable insights into the key liability risks facing agrologists and practical considerations for insurance coverage. This session is a must-attend for professionals seeking to protect their practice and stay informed on legal and professional obligations.
About the Speaker
Janelle is a partner with the law firm MLT Aikins and is part of the litigation group. Her practice involves civil litigation, including construction law, professional regulatory law and insurance law.
Janelle graduated from the University of Saskatchewan in 2010 with Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy. She obtained her Juris Doctorate from the University of Saskatchewan in 2016 and was called to the Saskatchewan Bar in 2017.
Janelle has appeared before the Saskatchewan Provincial Court, Saskatchewan Court of King’s Bench, Saskatchewan Court of Appeal and Alberta Court of Appeal.
A Look into Forensic Agrology
George Lewko PAg
About the Session
Discover the critical role of forensic agrologists —specialists who provide independent, evidence-based analysis for disputes, insurance claims, and legal matters. This session will show how they investigate crop loss, soil and land issues, pesticide damage, water and drainage disputes, livestock and grazing concerns, and property or productivity assessments, while highlighting the training that supports their expertise. Join us to learn how forensic agrology adds clarity, confidence, and credibility to complex agricultural challenges.
About the Speaker
As a forensic agrologist, George documents spray drift, pesticide damage to crops, cattle and bison damage, unusual equipment problems, application issues, and anything unusual that needs documenting in crops, horticulture or trees.
Insect issues in 2025 and a look forward to 2026
Dr. James Tansey AAg
About the Session
2025 was an eventful year for insect pest issues in Saskatchewan crops. We will discuss the results of surveys and address notable insect issues we worked on during the past growing season. Emerging and resurging pest populations, cases of insecticide resistance, and several unusual occurrences will be highlighted We will also address some likely scenarios for insect populations in the coming growing season.
About the Speaker
James has been the Provincial Specialist for Insect/Vertebrate Pest Management with the Ministry of Agriculture, Saskatchewan, since January 2018. This role is primarily extension and allows him many opportunities to help Saskatchewan growers navigate insect and vertebrate pest issues.
Micronutrient Management in Prairie Soils
Dr. Jeff Schoenau PAg
About the Session
This presentation covers the role of micronutrients (copper, zinc, boron, manganese, chloride, iron) in plant nutrition, assessing micronutrient limitations, and observed responses of prairie crops to micronutrient fertilization practices. Effects of form, rate, placement and timing are considered, including interactions with other plant nutrients and plant disease incidence.
About the Speaker
Dr. Jeff Schoenau PAg is a Professor of soil fertility and Professional Agrologist who works in the Department of Soil Science at the University of Saskatchewan. He holds the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Soil Nutrient Management Chair in the College of Agriculture and Bioresources. He was born in Saskatchewan, completed his undergraduate and graduate degrees in the 1980s in the College of Agriculture at the University of Saskatchewan and has worked there since. His research, teaching and extension activities deal with soil fertility and fertilizers, nutrient cycling, and soil management practices in prairie cropping systems. He also farms with his spouse Lynne near Central Butte, Saskatchewan.
Bee Healthy Saskatchewan: Healthy Bees, Healthy Agriculture
Geoff Wilson PAg
About the Session
More information to come
About the Speaker
Geoff Wilson grew up in rural southwestern Ontario, near London where he got his first honey bee colony at age 15 and fell in love with bees and beekeeping. The love of bees continued so during his undergrad at the University of Guelph, he worked for a large Ontario beekeeper in the summer to help pay for his education. After completing his B.Sc (Agr), Geoff started worked for the Ontario Tech Transfer Program and completed a M.Sc. researching honey bee genetics and varroa control. Geoff started as the Provincial Specialist: Apiculture with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture in 2009 where he deals with all things bee related. Geoff’s focus is on maintaining a healthy honey bee industry for the benefit of beekeepers and agriculture in general.
Stay within the Listen: Tips for Holding a Mental Health Conversation
Merle Massie
About the Session
Agronomists are trained as front-line experts, offering cutting-edge advice for all aspects of crop protection. But what do we do when a farmer is sharing something that isn’t easy to fix with a crop protection product or rotation change? This session aims to provide all agrologists with increased courage and confidence to talk, ask, and listen when it comes to issues of farm stress and mental health.
About the Speaker
Merle Massie is a farmer, award-winning author, TEDx speaker, and the Executive Director of The Do More Agriculture Foundation. The Foundation champions and cultivates a culture of wellbeing across Canadian agricultural communities, supporting all those connected with agriculture, from the farmgate to the research lab, the manufacturing floor to the elevator and everywhere in between.