Careers in Ag in Action
As part of AMC’s Careers in Ag initiative, AMC also sponsored student participation from the Edwards School of Business, University of Saskatchewan – integrating emerging talent into the Agritechnica experience.
By working alongside Canadian exhibitors and engaging on the trade show floor, students were given a unique opportunity to experience the global ag manufacturing sector firsthand. These placements were designed to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry application, while also demonstrating the strength of collaboration between industry, academia, and national associations.
The impact of this experience is best reflected through the perspective of those who participated. Suman Kalyar, a student delegate, shares her reflections on engaging with the global agricultural manufacturing community.
Suman Kalyar Testimony
My experience working in the AMC Canada Pavilion at Agritechnica 2025 was both professionally rewarding and personally meaningful. From the very beginning, the support I received from the AMC team, especially Donna Boyd and Lori Derksen, stood out. They go beyond simple support by dedicating their time to mentoring and guiding their team members.
They made me feel like a valued part of their team from day one, not just a participant, which left a lasting impression. Their strong focus on developing the next generation is evident in how they invest in people, encourage growth, and create meaningful opportunities for young professionals to build confidence and skills.
In my role, I supported AMC members by strengthening their visibility, particularly through social media. Many of these companies were attending Agritechnica in Germany for the first time, which made it especially meaningful to highlight their presence and capture their experiences. I took initiative in conducting and filming video interviews, working to present each company in a clear and engaging way. Through this process, I developed the ability to think on my feet, adapt my communication style to different audiences, and represent an organization with professionalism and confidence.
One of the most meaningful aspects of my time with AMC was the opportunity to represent such a collaborative and forward-thinking organization. Beyond being present at the booth, I engaged directly with AMC member companies, learning about their innovations, challenges, and goals. These conversations allowed me to build genuine connections and gain a deeper appreciation for the people driving the industry, making the experience both professionally enriching and personally impactful.
Throughout Agritechnica, I engaged with a diverse range of international visitors, many of whom were eager to learn more about Canadian agriculture, the role of AMC companies and Careers in Ag. I took responsibility for answering questions, providing context about the industry, and sharing insights into career pathways in Canada. These interactions strengthened my ability to communicate complex ideas clearly and reinforced my confidence in navigating cross-cultural conversations in a global setting.
Overall, the AMC Canada Pavilion at Agritechnica demonstrated how thoughtful planning, effective design, and strong organizational support come together to create a successful trade show presence. Despite being a first-time exhibitor, AMC set a high standard by balancing relationships, opportunities, and support. I am grateful for the opportunity to have contributed to this experience and to have grown both professionally and personally through my involvement.
Change of Fortune
International experience with AMC changes student’s career path
Growing up in a small town in Saskatchewan, Sam Fortune was surrounded by agriculture but didn’t see it as part of her future. Determined to work in sports marketing, she started her Bachelor of Commerce degree at University of Saskatchewan (U of S) with a major in marketing and a minor in international business.
“I played tackle football for years and wanted to work with the Roughriders,” says Fortune, who was born and raised in Melville, Saskatchewan. “When I first went to school, ag was not where I was going to end up.”
But that all changed last year when she enrolled in a marketing course at U of S that took her to Germany to meet with global ag manufacturers thanks to a program sponsored by AMC. The international business course, offered at the Edwards School of Business at U of S, focused on trade shows to teach students about an important tool that businesses use to engage in the global marketplace.
“When I found out the class was going to AGRITECHNICA, I knew I needed to be part of it,” says Fortune.
Partnered with AMC, the school matched each of the 16 business students in the class with a Canadian manufacturing company that was attending AGRITECHNICA 2025, the world’s leading trade fair for agriculture machinery, in Hanover, Germany in November.
AMC’s presence at AGRITECHNICA 2025 also marked a milestone moment for the association and its members, with the debut of the first-ever AMC Canada Pavilion.
AMC’s support throughout the process was incredible. There was just this positivity that they carried, and they did what they could to make our experience better.
Bringing together Canadian manufacturers under a unified national presence, the pavilion created a strong platform to showcase Canadian innovation on the global stage – making the experience all the more meaningful for students who had the opportunity to be part of it.
Paired with Neeralta Manufacturing Inc., Fortune had a few meetings with the company to prepare for the show and produced a research report before attending AGRITECHNICA. But she didn’t meet anyone in person until she landed in Germany, which happened to be her first
time traveling overseas.
“I had an absolutely phenomenal experience,” says Fortune, who is doing another student exchange in France this summer to get her last international business credit to complete her degree. “I can’t put into words how much I got out of that.”
Being at AGRITECHNICA meant working at the company booth, talking to international ag manufacturers and buyers, walking the trade show, and promoting Canadian products. It also gave Fortune the opportunity to attend meetings and dinners with the heads of Canadian companies.
“Being in that space, hearing them talk – it was truly a testament to this is the industry I want to be in,” she says. “It was such a good environment to learn and grow in.”
Fortune says AMC played a vital role at AGRITECHNICA, providing support and ncouragement to the students and always being available to answer questions. Prior to taking the course at U of S, Fortune didn’t know who or what AMC was and first learned about the association during the class orientation.
“AMC’s support throughout the process was incredible,” she says. “There was just this positivity that they carried, and they did what they could to make our experience better.”
When Fortune returned to Canada, she sent thank you emails to people she had connected with at the show. AMC President Donna Boyd responded to her email with an opportunity to work with the association on a part-time basis in marketing and communications. Fortune jumped
on the opportunity and started working with AMC in late January. That role morphed into a full-time position at the end of April.
As she begins her full-time role as AMC’s Membership and Communications Coordinator, Fortune says she is excited to keep learning and building connections in the ag industry, noting her appreciation for the opportunities that AMC has already given her.
“None of this would be possible without them and I’m excited to start building my career there,” says Fortune. “AMC has had a huge impact on where I am going to be in the world.”