Our Board

I grew up on a grain farm just outside of Morinville, and now my wife Melissa and I, along with our two teenage kids, operate a cow/calf operation in the GTA (Greater Tawatinaw Area). In addition to our farm, Melissa also runs a veterinary clinic out of our yard, and in our spare time we haul kids to sports and 4-H, and spend the rest of the time wondering where it all went.

I worked for GRO as a summer student in 1999 and 2000, when the organization was a paltry 25 years old (wet-behind the ears as far as research groups go).

Several years ago, I was encouraged to join the GRO board and am currently in my 3rd year as chair. As the years progress, I look forward to seeing our organization continue to provide farmers in the area with knowledge that both increases their profitability and improves the status of our industry.

I, with my wife and two small kids, operate a grain farm south of Westlock AB and, as some may know, also in Paynton, SK. At both farms we grow a modestly diverse rotation of wheat, canola, fababeans, peas, barley, and now lupins. We have also grown forage, alfalfa, flax, and oats. We are mostly a zero-till operation always trying innovative and different practices, that the soil and land can benefit from.

I joined Gateway Research Organization’s board as I liked the work they were doing and wanted to be part of it. GRO brings great research to farmers and ranchers by finding out what ideas/practices work or doesn’t work, before someone adopts it on their farm or ranch. I am looking forward to the next 50 years of innovations and research in agriculture.

I was raised on a mixed beef and grain farm west of Westlock along the Pembina River, where I continue to farm with my family. We raise fullblood Simmental alongside our commercial Angus/Simm herd. In addition to the farm I have a custom spraying business. My wife and I have four young children.

I joined the GRO board because I see the immense value in having local farmer directed, unbiased third party research. It has been a pleasure being a part of an organization of GRO’s caliber. We are very fortunate to have this organization in our backyard. Thanks to all those that were part of shaping GRO over the past 50 years!

Over the next 50 years I am looking forward to witnessing growth and resilience in the ag industry – new practices and technology that increase our production potential on each acre while improving the land for the future generations. But mainly, I’m looking forward to someone replacing me in the sprayer!

I farm in Barrhead County, with my wife, Nadine. Quedenbaum Farms Inc., grows a mix of crops including wheat, barley, canola, peas, and fall rye. While our children, Leonie and Benedict, aren’t directly involved in the farm, the family remains active in the rural community and is a proud supporter of 4-H.

I chair the Barrhead District Seed Cleaning Co-op and serve on the board of the Alberta Seed Processors, where I help guide improvements in seed quality and safety. Each year, Nadine and I also take part in Alberta Open Farm Days, welcoming visitors to our farm and seed plant to share our passion for agriculture.

As a GRO board member, I try to bring grounded, hands-on experience and a strong voice for practical, science-based solutions that serves local producers.

I started on the GRO board about 8 years ago. I farm with my wife, 3 kids, parents and various neighbours in the Redwater area. We raise and direct market beef, lamb, pork, chicken, and eggs.

Prior to returning to the area to farm, I spent years working in various process engineering research roles.

My favourite part of being with GRO is allowing me to be involved in research, while farming full time.

In the next 50 years, I’m looking forward to seeing GRO continue expanding and leading agriculture research throughout the province.

As a seed grower, I started with GRO as a crops committee member. That led to involvement as a board member.

I’ve been involved in GRO for a long time now. I still believe in GRO’s mission statement about trying new products and ideas while taking the financial risks so that producers don’t have to. While updating products and ideas over the years, I still use the Pembina Forage Association’s fundamental teachings about electric fencing and rotational grazing today.

I am from a family run purebred black and red Angus, as well as cash crop operation by Barrhead AB. My fiancé and I joined the family operation after we finished college at Lakeland College in Vermillion.

The reason I joined the GRO board was to be a part of a group that focused on helping farmers and ranchers improve their operations by gathering the data on different practices that affect production. We can make the mistakes so the farmer doesn’t have to!

I farm with my wife, Debbie, and daughter and son in law, Kathrin and Jimmy Walker, North and West of Thunder Lake in the County of Barrhead. We operate a dairy farm along with a cow/calf and grain farm as part of our operations.

I remember attending some of the earlier days of the Pembina Forage Association information meetings. Our farm also participated in some of the corn grazing trials in the late 90’s. I feel I gained foundational knowledge from information gleaned in previous days with the Pembina Forage Association and Gateway Research Organization. I’m happy to now be available to be on the board.

Born and raised on grain operation south of Barrhead, I now run a mixed cow/calf and grain operation with my wife and dad.

I’ve always been inquisitive, from working in the race car industry to oil and gas, I’ve always had the desire to make improvements and understand how things work.

Farming has been the culmination of this hunger and constant challenge and learning. GRO has given so many amazing answers and ideas but also inspired more questions. It’s an organization that attracts so many incredible minds to collaborate and drive others to join them and strive towards better successes. I’m looking forward to many years ahead of continued growth.

I was raised in the Linaria area, on a dairy farm. When I had time, I was my dad’s biggest helper. We were involved in 4-H, sports, piano, voice and band. Having graduated from R.F. Staples I completed a Bachelor of International Business at the U of L, finishing my last semester abroad in Germany. My goals were: own & operate my own business, get married, have a family, and farm. 22 years later, my husband and I run a successful grain farm, have a small cow/calf herd, a flock of 30 laying hens, and I run a small lard based soap making business, all alongside our three children. Our kids are an active part of the farm, and we are grateful to be able to share this way of life.

I joined the GRO board because I am passionate about agriculture, learning, networking, sharing, informing, and educating others. I felt it would be a great opportunity to make a difference in our agricultural community.