MOOSE JAW — Hannah Duncan has always had a deep connection to agriculture. Growing up on a mixed farm south of Mortlach, Sask, she spent her childhood helping with calving and feeding and moving cows. When she was a teen, she assisted her grandpa and dad with harvest.
A few years ago, a friend heard a radio advertisement for the Agriculture and Food Production diploma at Saskatchewan Polytechnic and suggested Duncan apply. Duncan previously completed Sask Polytech’s Occupational Health and Safety certificate, but always wanted to pursue an education in agriculture so she could continue to help manage the family farm. She applied, enrolled in the program and is now set to be part of its inaugural graduating class.
"It was the best thing I ever did," she says. "I learned so much about agriculture, and it was super good to be back on campus.”
The program provided a comprehensive education about the agriculture industry. The hands-on approach, with a farm site built just south of Moose Jaw, allowed students to receive practical learning with tractors, bins and other farm equipment. “I had a friend that took a similar program at a university, and the courses I was taking in my first year, she was taking in fourth year. I’m happy with my decision to enrol at Sask Polytech.”
During her studies, Duncan completed two co-op work terms. The first, a four-month stint, was for Blair’s Crop Solutions in Nokomis. Her second co-op, an eight-month term with Nutrien Ag Solutions in Moose Jaw, changed the direction of her career. "Working eight months for one company, you learn so much,” she reflects. “I really enjoyed helping farmers around Moose Jaw improve their crops. After working with Nutrien, I realized I wasn’t ready to work full time at our family farm.”
Duncan's co-op position at Nutrien Ag Solutions as a seasonal agronomy assistant involved recommending products, including fertilizers and chemicals, to local farmers. Despite initial challenges, especially as a young female in a traditionally male-dominated field, she has thrived. "Helping farmers improve their crops is incredibly rewarding," she says.
“Hannah had an impactful eight-month co-operative term at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Moose Jaw,” says Trent Ofukany, Nutrien Moose Jaw branch manager. “She was tasked with monitoring trial work, using our Echelon scouting app, real-time tissue samples and overlaying the harvest data from the customer’s combines to show the results. She made a presentation on all her findings to the Southeast Division —an opportunity that is only available to eight-month co-op students. I can’t wait for her to rejoin our team in Moose Jaw and continue learning and the success that will come with it.”
Duncan says her time at Sask Polytech, with its smaller classes and hands-on learning, proved invaluable. "I'm happy with my decision to take the Agriculture and Food Production program and would strongly suggest others take it. Co-op education helps you get a foot in the door, and there are lots of jobs in agriculture."
Before graduation, Duncan received an offer to work full-time for Nutrien Ag Solutions. "When I first heard I got the job with Nutrien Ag Solutions, I was amazed. I didn't have to wait for a job after graduation! Now I’m set. It is terrifying to grow up and enter the workforce, but it is also incredibly fulfilling."
She reflects on this big milestone of her education and career, “I’ve been a student, learning and receiving advice on what I should be doing with my life. Now I’m ready to help others make important decisions for their farms.”
“Hannah is part of the inaugural class for the Agriculture and Food Production program, a class that has seen the program take shape and develop before them,” says Bryan Sarauer, instructor for the Faculty of Agriculture, Natural Resources & Sustainability. “It’s gratifying to have her endorsement of this program. I recently told the graduating class they are future leaders in agriculture, and I know Hannah will do great things.”
Duncan's journey from a small-town farm girl to a knowledgeable sales agronomist is a testament to the power of a polytechnic education. Learn more about Sask Polytech’s Agriculture and Food Production diploma and co-operative education program.
Sask Polytech received $15M from Nutrien in March 2024 towards its Time to Rise campaign supporting the construction of the new Saskatoon campus. Approximately 300 current Nutrien employees in Saskatchewan are Sask Polytech graduates. The two organizations have collaborated on many initiatives for more than 40 years, including education programs that improve safety and diversity throughout Nutrien and scholarships that help with the costs of post-secondary education.
— Submitted by Sask. Polytech Media Relations
