Manitoba Institute of Agrologists

The primary role of the Manitoba Institute of Agrologists is to regulate practicing agrologists in Manitoba in the public interest. Under authority of The Agrologists Act of Manitoba, registered professionals share the responsibility of self-governance so that standards of practice and ethical conduct are followed. Registration to practice agrology is required in Manitoba and most other provinces in Canada.

MIA Provincial Council

Provincial Council

The Provincial Council establishes policy for the Institute, sets criteria for membership, licenses agrologists and, when required, investigates professional misconduct or conduct unbecoming an agrologist.

Fifteen members comprise MIA's Provincial Council. Ten are elected from the general membership (one as national director to the Agricultural Institute of Canada); two are Branch Presidents and three are appointed. The three appointed members are selected to represent the public interest in Council decisions. They are appointed by a committee composed of the Minister of Agriculture for the Province of Manitoba; the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba; and the President of Diploma Agricultural Graduates Association.

The Council has four standing committees which are chaired by a member of the Council and may have members from the membership at large. Disciplinary and Ad Hoc committees are established as necessary to address specific issues.

Finance Committee

To prepare, for Council approval, budget estimates for the next fiscal year by November Council meeting.
To review income and expenditure at each meeting.
To make recommendations on financial matters for the guidance of the Council on such matter as membership fees.
To recommend to the Council changes in operating procedures that would improve the fiscal operation of the Institute, considering the long range plan and objectives of the Institute.
To manage the Institute's investments and properties to best meet the goals and objectives of the Institute.

Education Committee - Continuing Professional Development

To cooperate with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences, other educational organizations, and other provincial institutes in determining continuing education needs of members and in providing seminars, courses, and programs to meet these needs.
To confer with the Professional Standards Committee and Membership Committee on matter of professional standards that are related to or affected by professional development.

Admission and Registration Committee

To review procedures for acceptance or rejection of applications for membership in accordance with Article V of the MIA ByLaws.
To administer the Agrologist-in-Training Programs.

Board of Examiners

Establishes the qualification of a candidate where it is determined that they do not meet the educational criteria established in Article V of the MIA ByLaws.

Provincial Councilors

Richard Kieper, P.Ag., President

Product Manager, Paterson Grain
Member of MIA since 2002
E-mail - miapresident@mia.mb.ca

James Fehr, P.Ag., Vice-President

Senior Account Manager, Royal Bank of Canada
MIA member since 1998

Miles Beaudin, P.Ag. - Councilor

Quality Assurance Manager, Manitoba Pork Council
Member of MIA since 2008

Allen Tyrchniewicz, P.Ag., Councilor

Business Owner, Tyrchniewicz Consulting Inc.
Member of MIA since 2007

Gordon Earl, P.Ag., Councilor

Business Development Manager, Farm Credit Corporation
Member of MIA since 1979

Ray Redfern, P.Ag., Councilor

President, Redfern Farm Services
Member of MIA since 1969

Bev Dunlop, P.Ag., Councilor

Range Management Specialist, Agri-Environment Services Branch, AAFC
Member of MIA since 1996

Darren Keam, P.Ag., Councilor

Senior Soil Scientist, MMM Group Ltd.
Member of MIA since 2003

Kerri-Lyn Szwaluk, P.Ag., Councilor

MMM Group
Member of MIA since 2002

Digvir Jayas, P.Ag., Councilor

Vice-President - Research and International, University of Manitoba
Member of MIA since 1997

Hushton Block, P.Ag., Councilor

Research Scientist, Beef Production Systems, AAFC
Member of MIA since 2007

Lori-Ann Kaminski P.Ag., Councilor

ARDI, Program Officer, Manitoba Agriculture, Food and Rural Initiative
Member of MIA since 2004

Al Beck, Councilor (Appointee representing the Public)

Retired [Former Director, Environmental Services, Manitoba Conservation]

Derek Baschuk, Councilor (Appointee representing the Public)

Teacher, Garden Valley High School, Winkler

MIA Staff