Scott Beaton

Scott works for Manitoba Habitat Heritage Corporation primarily doing easements and wetland restoration, and work to maximize carbon sequestration and resilience in farming systems. In his spare time, Scott operates a 640-acre organic farm near Rosser, MB along with his wife Jenny and their adorable daughter, Charlotte and new guy Callum. His farm includes 120 acres of conservation lands. The remaining acres are dedicated to crop production incorporating livestock as a management tool. One of the most impressive things about Scott's farming career is it's very humble start. Scott started without very many assets and has built his successful operation on his own hardwork and perseverance.

Scott has a clear idea of what he sees as the future of his farm with goals set that support the idea of sustainable organic agriculture that does more with less. His goals are 1. Improve soils 2. Grow good, healthy food 3. Minimize inputs and energy that must be paid for and 4. Derive sustainable income enough to support one family on one section of land. Scott is very knowledgeable on the most recent developments of organic grain production, is very well read, and is very meticulous in his farming career.

Scott's farm is a special example of what can be possible when an agricultural system is managed on the ecosystem level. Scott is not afraid to implement big-picture ideas and concepts and demonstrate their effectiveness in a commercial cash crop system. He has done an incredible amount of work establishing shelter belts to provide food and shelter for wildlife all while increasing the yields of his crops. He was also a participant in the operation pollinator program which allowed him to convert several acres of land to permanent habitat for pollinators and other wildlife.

Scott is also active in on the Prairie Organic conference organizing committee and is the host of the informative Grain on the Brain podcast now available through the Manitoba Organic Alliance

(https://manitobaorganicalliance.com/podcasts/). On this podcast Scott has interviewed experts in organic agriculture such as researchers, other farmers, grain buyers and extension specialists. This is a great resource for organic farmers in the prairie region and serves to highlight the progressive and innovative work happening in organic agriculture in the prairies.

Dr. Brenda Frick describes herself this way: I have had a diverse career based on a solid science background, a dedication to organics, and more than thirty years as a liaison between the scientific community and the organic community. My role has been to listen, learn, and share information to facilitate the growth of organics.

Brenda brings an interesting blend of education to her work. She studied at the University of Regina for her Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees, completed a PhD in Weed Ecology at the University of Western Ontario and then returned to Saskatchewan. She added a Degree in Education from the University of Saskatchewan and then Organic Crop Inspection certification. 

Organic farmers tend to know Brenda for her work in research, communication, inspection or teaching. She worked as the Prairie Co-ordinator, based at the U of S, for the Organic Agriculture Centre of Canada from 2003-2010. She conducted organic inspections for various certification organizations from 2011-2018.

Brenda left lasting gifts by editing and writing portions of the 2nd edition of Organic Farming on the Prairies (2013) and being a contributing author of the Organic Field Crop Handbook (Canadian Organic Growers, 3rd Edition, 2017). Many read her organic columns in the Western Producer (2003-2015). She wrote or cowrote numerous extension factsheets, and spoke at meetings large and small. She revamped and still teaches the award winning (2013) Distance Education course for U of S: Weed Control in Organic Agriculture (2007 to present).

Brenda has mentored others interested in Organics, helped organize conferences (was an Organic Connections advisor and board member from 2003 to 2013), and has done important consulting work in the organic sector. She worked with a Saskatchewan First Nation to develop and deliver an organic school garden/greenhouse/cooking program. 

Zak Organics is a fourth generation family-run farm and producer of certified organic snacks owned and operated by Allen & Marilyn Zak and sons.  Located in southern Saskatchewan, the Zak farm has been in the family for over a century and its 7,500+ acres of land has been certified organic since 2011.  We grow such crops as spring wheat, khorasan wheat, peas, lentils and flax.  A variety of other crops, such as alfalfa, clover, forage peas, vetch and buckwheat are utilized in the rotations to improve soil health.  Seed timing, seeding density and crop rotation are tools to combat weed and disease pressure.  Farming organically means that we need to work with the land and mother nature.  Our methods of farming help protect not only the soil; but the air, water, insects and animals in our fields and community.  The final product produced by our farm is a premium quality product.  The consumer recognizes that it healthy and appreciates that it does not contain unwanted chemical residues that may negatively effect their health.  
We created Zak Organics Food Co. in 2015.  It began with a desire for a simple high-energy snack without the bad fats, high sodium and additives found in traditional "junk food". When we couldn’t find what we were looking for, the Zak family decided to create our own healthy snacks using products from our own farm.
In 2016, Zak Organics launched its first line of organic snacks, made from dried whole green peas. The nutrient dense snacks are made from perfectly toasted whole green peas rich in protein, seasoned in a crispy coating of fresh herbs and spices.  In addition to being certified USDA and Canada Organic, all products are free from trans-fat, cholesterol, MSG, GMOs, dairy, gluten, nuts, and artificial flavours, colours or preservatives.  Every bite of Zak Organics Crunchy Peas delivers an amazing nutty crunch, the delicious taste of a potato chip, with a bold burst of sophisticated flavours. Available in a variety of flavours, Zak Organics snacks can be found in natural and specialty food stores and major retail locations across Canada.
Being on the front lines of the food business has been exhilarating.  Through farmers markets, trade shows and store tastings we are dealing directly with thousands of consumers.  It has been very rewarding to meet the people that are consuming our snacks, to hear what is important to them and what they are concerned about.  With all the information available, it is more important than ever to connect with consumers to tell the story of where our food comes from.  We are using this opportunity to educate consumers on the positive health benefits to buying organic food and the important work the organic associations are doing to help protect the safety of what we eat.