John Burns didn’t start out as a farmer. He grew up on one, though. But when he finished high school he was shoed away and encouraged to attend university, which is where he discovered his love of science. This launched him into a career teaching science. After some time - no longer able to resist the call, he started farming in his spare time, always approaching it as a science.

Over the years, John has worked with his family to build Windy Poplars Farms near Kandahar, Sask. Through it all, he has used his scientist mind to fastidiously grow crops and care for the land. In the 19th episode, John shares the work he has done over the years on his farm and the role extension services have played in his operation. John talks about everything from how important data collection is to farm management to why you should have regular meetings and do succession planning.

Listen to learn more about John and his career as a farmer.

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The Extensionists - Conversations with Great Thinkers in Agriculture is a Burr Forest Group production with new episodes airing every other week on Tuesdays. Hosts Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter have in-depth conversations with industry experts, researchers, innovators, and farmers about the latest developments in agriculture and their implications. With a focus on making complex agricultural topics accessible and engaging, The Extensionists bridges the gap between research and farming by connecting the agricultural community to great ideas and thinkers.

The Extensionists is produced and edited by Abby Wall, coordinated by Ashley Robinson, and directed by Ryan Santschi.