Episode 43 - Laura Underdown

Can a farmer ever really separate their business decisions from their environment?In this episode of The Extensionists, hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck are joined by agricultural scientist Laura Underdown. Coming from the United Kingdom, Laura dives into her Nuffield Scholarship research on natural capital, green finance, and why building farm resilience requires looking beyond pure science and economics. Throughout the conversation, she explores mindset archetypes and explains why understanding different farmer motivations is critical for effective knowledge exchange. Laura discusses how a business-first approach naturally aligns with environmental resilience and lowering input costs. She highlights the vital role of peer-to-peer learning, farmer-led networks, and local proof of concept in driving long-term behavioural change.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.social 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 Kelvin Dalke with support from Abby Wall, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

How can we advance national soil health strategies while bridging the gap between growers and researchers to achieve practical results on the farm?In this episode of The Extensionists, hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck are joined by Susie Miller, executive director of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops and interim executive director of the Soil Conservation Council of Canada. Together, they explore how meaningful engagement with growers increases buy-in and enhances national on-farm sustainability practices.Drawing on her experience leading the Code of Practice, where consultations with hundreds of farmers reinforced the importance of active listening and avoiding perceived threats, Susie shares how those lessons have impacted her work on the National Soil Health Strategy.Throughout the conversation, the group discusses navigating data challenges, aligning industry leaders with frontline producers, and transforming research into actionable on farm practices. From addressing regional differences to shaping collaborative initiatives, this episode offers essential insights into the future of sustainable agriculture.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.socialThe 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.

What does it take to move beyond traditional lectures and deliver training that builds practical, real-world skills?In the Season 3 premiere of The Extensionists, hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck kick off a new season focused on bridging the gap between research and practical application through effective knowledge transfer, translation, and communications.Joining the conversation are Darren Hebert, president and founder, and Sean Mitchell, program manager, from the Natural Resources Training Group (NRTG). While NRTG works primarily in the natural sciences and alongside Indigenous communities across Canada, their hands-on teaching philosophy directly aligns with the core goals of agricultural extension.From closing the practical skill gap to building confidence through optimism and hope, this episode offers a deep dive into how knowledge successfully transforms from instruction into actionable results in the field.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.socialThe 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 Kelvin Dalke with support from Abby Wall, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

If you could condense a full season of expert insights into the handful of skills that truly move the needle in agricultural extension, what would they be?In this Power 10 Summer Special, hosts Toban Dyck and Jay Whetter take a broader perspective to synthesize the most impactful, counter-intuitive, and practical lessons from Season 2 of The Extensionists. We’re moving past the industry chatter to uncover the core strategies that actually drive behaviour change and long-term honing your skills or craft in the field.In this episode, we aren't just recapping—we’re analyzing the patterns. We discuss why the industry often prioritizes "science" over "people," how to shift from transactional collaboration to resilient knowledge networks, and why the most powerful tool in your kit isn't a slide deck—it’s the ability to validate, listen, and tell a better story.Whether you missed an episode earlier this season or are catching up on your summertime listening, this synthesis is the perfect refresher on the strategies that work for your work in agricultural communication.Join the Conversation: Learn more about our guests and past episodes at https://theextensionists.comEpisode Takeaways: Sign up for our newsletter to get these insights delivered directly to your inbox: https://theextensionists.comDon’t miss a conversation: Subscribe to The Extensionists on YouTube and hit the bell icon to get notified when Season 3 drops. We’re coming back with new stories, new insights, and an even sharper focus on the people behind the science.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.socialThe 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, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

What if you could turn every stressful conflict into a moment of growth instead of dread?In this Season 2 finale of The Extensionists, we sit down with Rachelle Brockman, principal of Eureka Experience, to explore how to master conflict as a learnable skill. Rachelle dives into how understanding different personality types—including Myers-Briggs communication styles—can fundamentally change how you handle a challenging situation.Whether you are managing complex business operations or family dynamics, Rachelle shares practical advice on how to stay assertive, clear, and empathetic when the pressure is on.From the power of the "30-second conversation" to her philosophy on being a "practitioner" of leadership communication, this episode is a masterclass in effective interaction. Join hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck as they wrap up another year of exploring how knowledge moves from research to real-world impact.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.social 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, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

We know the science, but how do we make it resonate?Let's rethink the 'expert-led' model and explore how to build more impactful, collaborative sessions for our farming communities.In this episode of The Extensionists, hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck are joined by Jane Mangold, a professor and extension specialist at Montana State University, and Nicole Fleming, director of the TBR Community, to discuss "Training from the Back of the Room" (TBR). This learner-centred methodology flips the traditional classroom, turning passive listening into active, experience-based engagement.For extensionists, it's about sharing knowledge in a way that’s not only more effective but also more interactive, fun and rewarding for both the presenter and the audience.Tune in to discover how to move beyond the expert-led model to foster deeper connections, tap into audience expertise, and design sessions that attendees can put into action immediately.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.socialThe 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, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

What can agricultural extension professionals learn from stand-up comedians?In this episode of The Extensionists, hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck welcome Dean Jenkinson, comedian and artistic director of the Winnipeg Comedy Festival, to explore the communication skills and habits used by those who make us laugh. They examine how extensionists can use these techniques to help build meaningful connections with farmers. Drawing on his experience writing over 75 jokes a week during his 15 seasons with This Hour has 22 Minutes, Dean emphasizes the importance of consistently getting ideas down and not waiting for inspiration. He also shares the valuable lesson of not taking rejection personally, noting that unselected ideas are simply opportunities for more practice.Tune in for insights on how the approaches comedians use to hone their craft can successfully crossover to the world of agricultural extension.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.social 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, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

How do you navigate the unspoken expectations, deep-seated fears, and intergenerational tensions that make farm succession planning so difficult?In this episode of The Extensionists, Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck are joined by Patti Durand, author and facilitator with Brightrack Consulting, to explore the challenges and opportunities in family farm transition. Drawing on her experiences with over 400 families, Patti explains why "intention is not a plan" and how the paralysis of inaction can impact multi-million dollar operations. She shares actionable communication tools—like embracing "the pause" and pre-scripting tough talks—to help families move away from a narrative of fear and toward an empowering process of finding growth and vision for the future.Tune into the full conversation for insights on how families can build a clear path forward for their family farm transition.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.social 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, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

What do 33 years in agricultural communications, a role as senior communications advisor for Grain Farmers of Ontario, and a 26-year run as the lead guitarist for the country rock band "The GMOs" all have in common?In this episode of The Extensionists, we sit down with Owen Roberts, senior advisor of strategic communications for Grain Farmers of Ontario (GFO) and former International Federation of Agricultural Journalists (IFAJ) president, to discuss his diverse career and the vital lessons he's learned about connecting research to the public.We explore the critical need for simplicity and transparency when communicating agricultural research to all audiences—from farmers to urban consumers—and how to clearly explain the connection between ag research and what ends up on our dinner plates. Owen shares his unique perspective on why Canada is lacking in formal ag extension programs compared to the U.S., and the opportunity we have to mentor the next generation of ag journalists.Owen believes there’s an opportunity for Canada to rethink how it does extension. “I do think there’s an opportunity. One of those opportunities that I found, when I worked at the University of Guelph for 33 years, was to look outside traditional ways of doing things, but maybe not radically different. One of the things we did was involve students in extension.”Plus, hear about Owen’s long-running side gig as the lead guitarist for the country rock band, "The GMOs," which is celebrating its 26th anniversary this year!Tune into the full conversation for more great insights on agricultural communications and innovation.Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.socialThe 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, researched by Ashley Robinson, and marketed by Michelle McMullen.

How do we get extension right by bridging the gap between researchers and farmers? In Episode 35 of The Extensionists, hosts Jay Whetter and Toban Dyck welcome Lauren Benoit, a 2024 Nuffield Scholar and PhD student at the University of Saskatchewan, for a discussion focused on strengthening public-private partnerships for the benefit of the entire agricultural value chain.Lauren shares key findings from her Nuffield research on agricultural systems, drawing on lessons from the Netherlands and Australia regarding public and private collaboration on research and extension. She highlights the challenge of maintaining two-way feedback when extension is privatized and stresses the opportunity for collaboration between researchers, growers, and the value chain to ensure research is reliable and applicable to farm needs.Lauren emphasizes, effective engagement is crucial: “If you are showing up to an agronomy day, the whole experience for everyone is going to be better if you ask questions and if you actually engage with the presentation,” she says. “But, just having growers understand that their input and feedback helps make the system better, too.”Website: https://theextensionists.comX: https://x.com/thextensionistsLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/104093329/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563563092114Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theextensionists/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheExtensionistsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@theextensionistsBluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/theextensionists.bsky.social 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, researched by Ashley Robinson, marketed by Michelle McMullen, and designed by Michelle Houlden.