New faces, same focus: Alberta Grains boosts research and agronomy programs

This past summer, Alberta Grains expanded its research, agronomy and extension team by adding two new members. We are proud to welcome Keisha Hollman, Research Project Manager, and Lara de Moissac, Agronomy Programs Specialist, to our dynamic team at Alberta Grains.

Hollman and de Moissac will work alongside our existing team, which includes our newly appointed Director of Research, Agronomy, & Extension Jeremy Boychyn, and Agronomy Extension Specialist Ruoxi Xia.

After stepping into the role of interim director of research earlier this year, Boychyn recognized the need to expand the department to keep pace with growth and program delivery in the sector.

“We are thrilled to be adding such highly skilled professionals to our research and agronomy team,” says Boychyn of the new additions. “Both Keisha and Lara will help our research capabilities grow and continue to ensure our farmers are equipped with the most advanced genetics and up-to-date agronomic management strategies for their farms.”

Keisha Hollman, Research Project Manager

Currently pursuing her Ph.D. in Plant Pathology from the University of Alberta, Keisha Hollman is no stranger to agriculture. She has previously served as the primary instructor for the Integrated Pest Management course while completing her master’s degree. Her research focuses on clubroot in canola, where she assesses the efficacy of second-generation cultivars, the ongoing breakdown of resistance, and various seed-treated biological and fungicidal control methods for managing clubroot.

During her studies, Hollman also taught an undergraduate agronomy course (pulses, oilseeds, and cereals) for three years and has presented at numerous national and international conferences. Her interest in agronomy was sparked while working as a crop inspector for Strathcona County Agriculture during her undergraduate studies.

“I realized a passion for agriculture at Strathcona, where I decided that I wanted to help farmers face and find solutions to the many challenges that come with farming in Alberta,” says Hollman. “My passion focused more on the research side, I believe that the more information available to producers through research, the more tools a producer has when facing a challenge.”

Recognizing the challenges producers face, Hollman is committed to supporting research that enhances farm profitability in both the short and long-term.

She is also eager to continue leveraging the incredible research funded by Alberta Grains as acting Research Project Manager, to provide producers with the most innovative information and technology.

Keisha Hollman joins Alberta Grains as their new Research Project Manager

Lara de Moissac, Agronomy Program Specialist

Serving as the new Agronomy Programs Specialist with Alberta Grains, Lara de Moissac has an extensive background in agronomy and farming. Growing up on a grain farm in west-central Saskatchewan, she was heavily involved in farmhand activities in her teens and greatly appreciates the industry touchpoint the farm provides present day.

In addition to her farming roots, she holds a Bachelor of Applied Science in Environmental Horticulture, majoring in Landscape Management, from Olds College of Agriculture & Technology, a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Studies from the University of Lethbridge, and a Master of Science in Soil Science from the University of Saskatchewan. Her M.Sc. project examined the effect of crop rotation on the biological nitrogen fixation of pulse crops across Saskatchewan.

“I began my career in horticulture as a professional gardener, and while I valued the work in public spaces, I wanted to expand my skillset and contribute more to crop production,” says de Moissac. “I returned to school to focus on agriculture and had the privilege of taking several soil courses. A particular class in ag soils management really piqued my interest, and that’s when I realized I had a deeply rooted passion for agronomy.”

Along with her scientific background, de Moissac also brings valuable writing experience, and a strong passion for soil and crop interactions, with a practical approach to applying on-farm research results.

“We are very excited to have Lara and Keisha join our team and look forward to seeing how they will continue to excel in their new roles by elevating the research programs and agronomy and extension efforts at Alberta Grains,” says Tara Sawyer, Alberta Grains Chair. “It is incredibly inspiring to see more women stepping into and excelling in careers within the agricultural sectors as their contributions are vital to the innovation and progress of our industry.”

Lara de Moissac joins Alberta Grains as their new Agronomy Program Specialist