Donalee Jones a perfect blend of rural life and media production

Donalee Jones has managed to do what many would consider impossible – balance a thriving television career with the rural farm life she always knew she’d return to. As Senior Production Manager for Great Tastes of Manitoba, a popular cooking show that highlights Manitoba producers and farm-to-table ingredients, Jones has carved out a unique space where her passion for media and her deep roots in agriculture intersect.

Growing up on a farm in Baldur, Jones always had a strong connection to rural life as well as the arts. Yet, when she pursued an education in media, she never imagined she would find a way to merge the two worlds. “I always knew I wanted to raise my family on the farm. But I never dreamt I could do that while working in television,” she said.

She jokes about how she pretty much recorded her entire class during their last two years of high school. “I got my hands on a camcorder and had it with me all the time. I was intrigued by seeing life from behind the lens – from different angles, etc. – so I guess that’s what motivated me to sign up for the media production program at ACC.”

As a young graduate from the Media Production program at Assiniboine Community College in Brandon, she was unsure where her diploma would take her. At the time, her dream was to work behind the camera – but fate had other plans.

By chance, she was offered an internship at MidCanadaProductions in Winnipeg to assist with developing shows, researching television series, and participating in commercial productions. “I was recommended to apply for the position by one of my teachers. If not for that, I probably never would have applied – but I did, I got the job, and while it may not have been the career I pictured myself in, it was the perfect fit for me.”

She worked there for seven years until she and Scott decided to return to the farm north of Cartwright. “I just assumed my television career was over – who would hire a TV producer in Cartwright?” she admitted.

In those early years back on the farm, Donalee was occasionally called upon for small television contracts, which she managed to juggle alongside farm life. But in 2016, when Frank Digital took over Great Tastes of Manitoba, she received a call from Chris McIvor, who told her about an opportunity that felt tailor-made for her.

“He (McIvor) was right, it was perfect for me and I took on the position jumping back into the workforce full-time and have been producing the show ever since.”

It was a perfect fit in more ways than one; not only reigniting her television career, but it enabled her to stay rooted in the rural family life she loved.

Great Tastes of Manitoba has been the province’s most-watched food series for 35 years. While the show has seen a change in ownership from Hummer Productions to Frank Digital (2016), it has always remained true to its roots. As Great Tastes wraps up its 35th season, a few behind-the-scenes changes are being implemented – and Jones is excited to introduce the series to new audiences.

Until now, the entire season was taped over a period of a couple of weeks. “This worked really well for me as I only had to commit to a week or two away from home each year. But now, we’re moving to taping only a few segments at a time on a monthly basis. I think it will be better for the show. It will make creating seasonal recipes much easier,” explained Jones.

While the goal of the series is to showcase farm-to-table recipes, doing so authentically was a challenge when taping everything in one block.

Great Tastes is presently aired on Saturday evenings on CTV, with full episodes broadcast Canada wide on the The Rural Channel as well as through the Great Tastes website or the Great Tastes YouTube channel. Starting in September 2025, new content will be released weekly on Great Tastes Social Media channels. Through her work with Great Tastes of Manitoba, Jones plays a key role in bringing the stories of Manitoba’s farmers and producers to viewers across the province. The show, which has become a staple in many households, celebrates local food, sustainability, and the importance of supporting homegrown ingredients.

Donalee wears many hats – from interviewing producers to developing meal plans, taping episodes and coordinating seasonal recipes she also tests the recipes as well in her own kitchen. “For a few years I was the only staff member, so I was able to do the work on my own schedule. Sometimes from the cab of a tractor or grain truck. It was/is very flexible. My youngest son was on set with me for a whole week when he was a month old,” she reminisced smiling.

One of the most favourite parts of her job is meeting the farmers and their family and sharing their story. “Everyone is so welcoming and genuine in their passion. I learn so much and am always surprised at how welcoming and forthcoming everyone is,” she says then adding, “Having been raised on a mixed grain and cattle farm I thought I was pretty knowledgeable, but I have learned so much about the different sectors in the industry.” And the access doesn’t begin and end with the small family farm: Donalee has often been granted access to the behind-the-scenes of food processing facilities and research and development labs.

But Jones’ contributions to her community don’t stop at television. She is also a passionate advocate for the arts and has been running SMILE, a program that encourages self-expression through storytelling, music, drama and – most importantly – laughter. “The arts are such a powerful way to connect people, build confidence and bring joy,” she said.

Whether she’s coordinating a television production or leading a creative workshop, Donalee Jones embodies the spirit of someone who has found a way to honour both her professional skills and her rural upbringing. By staying true to her roots while embracing her passion for media and the arts, she proves that sometimes, the best of both worlds really is possible.

PHOTO CAPTION: Producer Donalee Jones helps keep the set relaxed and on-point.