Cheyne has built a career advancing innovative agricultural technologies and supporting farmers and agronomists through science-based and data-driven approaches. She is known for collaborating across industry, research and grower communities to translate innovation into real-world outcomes. She works for Richardson International as the Director of Agricultural Innovation & Stewardship.
Cheyne has a Bachelor's degree in Environmental Science and a Master's degree in Soil Science. She is a Professional Agrologist, Certified Crop Advisor and 4R Designated Agronomist. She grew up on a grain farm in South Central Saskatchewan and is lucky enough to be actively involved in the family farm.
Myrna Grahn has been the Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers since 2024. CAAR is the member association that represents and unites the voice of the agri-retailers across Canada. These crop input retailers have businesses that are diverse and span from small to medium sized independent retailers to the larger corporate line retailers from every province in Canada. These retailers actively support Canadian growers in the production of the highest quality food possible by protecting soil health, food quality, farm productivity, and the long-term sustainability of our industry. Manitoba is the home of the CAAR office for over 30 years and is also the province Myrna calls home.
Myrna brings a visionary approach to connecting the right people to have the collaborative and disruptive conversations that provide solutions to accomplish the priorities that impact everyone, yet allowing them to move forward together.
Myrna's journey in the agricultural industry spans over three decades, marked by a commitment to excellence and innovation. Prior to joining CAAR, Myrna spent eight years with the Faculty of Agricultural and Food Sciences at the University of Manitoba in several key roles as the Managing Director of the Manitoba Industry – Academia Partnership, Assistant Operations Manager of the Glenlea Research Station managing the Farm and Food Discovery Centre and teaching communications and essential skills in the School of Agriculture.
Previously, Myrna worked for the Province of Manitoba for 17 years as a 4-H & Youth Specialist, Business Development Specialist, Value Chain Specialist, Innovation and Adaptation Specialist and Functional Food Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture. After graduating from the University of Manitoba, she started her career in the dairy processing sector with Dairy World Foods, now Saputo!
Myrna brings her full value, both knowledge and experience, to every interaction, collaboration, project and presentation. She has been a strong supporter of the 4-H & Youth Program, Ag in the Classroom, and actively involved in local church and community leadership. She is passionate about making a difference in the lives of others.
Myrna and her husband Darrell have two children, one in-law, and three grandchildren.
Blaine Cochrane is an experienced agricultural sales and management professional based in Brandon, Manitoba, with a career spanning more than three decades in both the livestock nutrition and crop input sectors.
Raised on a mixed grain and livestock farm near Hamiota, Manitoba, Blaine developed a deep appreciation for agriculture at an early age. He began his career in feed sales with Cargill Nutrena Feeds before progressing through sales and leadership roles with Landmark Feeds and today with Shur-Gro Farm Services. Throughout his career, he has built expertise in livestock nutrition, feed sales, crop inputs, agronomy support, team leadership, business development, and customer relationship management.
Known for his practical, customer-first approach, Blaine believes agricultural retailers should serve as trusted partners to producers, helping them improve profitability through innovation, stewardship, and sound agronomic and livestock management practices. His leadership style emphasizes teamwork, continuous improvement, and strong relationships with growers and industry partners.
Blaine has also contributed to the broader agricultural industry through his involvement with the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers, including serving on its executive committee, and helping advance advocacy and value for Canada's ag retail sector.
Outside of work, Blaine enjoys tournament walleye fishing, hiking, and mountaineering, having successfully climbed peaks throughout North and South America, Europe, and beyond. His passion for challenge, preparation, and perseverance carries through to both his professional and personal pursuits.
July 6, 2026
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Soil Champions Committee Supports New Educational Resources to Bring Soil Health Education to Canadian Classrooms
New bilingual videos and classroom poster to be launched on World Soil Day 2026
[Ottawa, Ontario] — Nutrients for Life Canada, with the support of the Soil Champions Committee (SCC), is pleased to announce the development of a series of educational resources designed to help Canadian students better understand the importance of soil health and its role in food production, environmental sustainability, and healthy ecosystems.
The new resources will include two curriculum-linked educational videos—one tailored for students in Grades 3 and 4 and another for students in Grades 7 and 8—as well as a classroom poster highlighting key soil health concepts. All materials will be produced in both English and French to ensure accessibility for students and educators across Canada.
The initiative aims to increase awareness and understanding of soil as a vital resource and to inspire the next generation of environmental stewards, farmers, scientists, and community leaders.
"The purpose of Soil Champions Committee is to build broad societal appreciation for soil health by supporting creative education and transfer of knowledge," says Jay Bradshaw, Chair, SCC. "The Nutrient for Life initiative builds on their 15 years of success in developing curriculum-based science resources and a national infrastructure that fosters adoption."
The educational resources are being developed to support teachers with engaging, science-based content that aligns with classroom learning objectives while fostering greater appreciation for sustainable agricultural practices.
"This initiative will go far to educate young people in Canada about our soils and how they are the foundations that permit farmers and ranchers to provide safe and nutritious food for Canadians." said Ian Boyd, Chair of the Soil Conservation Council of Canada.
The official launch of the videos and classroom poster is planned for December 5, 2026, in celebration of World Soil Day, a global initiative dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of healthy soils and sustainable soil management.
"We are grateful for the support of the Soil Champions Committee in helping make these resources available to educators and students across Canada," said Bob Adamson, Chair of Nutrients for Life. “Together, we are helping build soil literacy and encouraging meaningful conversations about the future of our environment and food systems."
Additional information about the resources and their availability will be shared closer to the launch date.
About Soil Champions Committee
To be the catalyst that ensures the care and protection of agricultural soil for the enduring benefit of society and the environment. Advance education and transfer knowledge to provide a broad societal appreciation for healthy soil. To foster the protection, and care of soil health and productivity to ensure its capacity to produce reliably and sustainably.
Media Contact
Tamara Sealy
Nutrients for Life Canada
Executive Director
Tanya Craddock
Administration Manager, Soil Champions Committee & Soil Conservation Council of Canada