Cattlemen’s Young Leaders
Emily Seed was raised on a purebred Charolais cow-calf operation in Earlton, Ont. Showing cattle with her family at local fairs and the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair instilled a passion for 4-H and livestock. She graduated from the University of Guelph in 2018 with a bachelor of science in agriculture, majoring in animal science. She now works as the executive director for the Northern Ontario Farm Innovation Alliance, overseeing research and innovation projects focused on advancing agriculture in northern Ontario. Seed and her husband are also in the midst of farm succession planning with her parents. Her mentor is Andrea De Groot, a business advisor with Farm Credit Canada who specializes in farm and business transitions. De Groot and her husband also own and operate a hog and crop operation outside Stratford, Ont.
Holly Sparrow nurtured her passion for beef cattle on her family’s operation near Kelliher, Sask. Sparrow obtained a degree at the University of Saskatchewan, majoring in animal science, and is currently working for VBP+ Delivery Services Inc. She also ranches alongside her husband on their mixed operation near Vanscoy, Sask. She currently serves as Young Cattlemen’s Council past president, is involved in the Saskatchewan Forage Council and is passionate about contributing to a sustainable environment while producing high-quality beef. Her mentor is Kelly Sidoryk, a Lloydminster-area rancher and certified educator with Holistic Management International. Sidoryk is also a regular contributor with Canadian Cattlemen, through her column Depth of Field and feature articles.
Brian Perillat recently moved on from Canfax to work as an agribusiness specialist with More Than Just Feed Inc. and to remain involved with the family farm. Perillat provided stable leadership for 12 years as man- ager and senior analyst at Canfax. Brenna Grant has stepped into the executive director position at Canfax, overseeing both Canfax and Canfax Research Services. Grant has been managing Canfax Research Services since 2013 and chairs Statistics Canada’s agriculture and food advisory committee and the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef ’s science committee on climate.
Dr. Daren Mandrusiak is the new Alberta Veterinary Medical Association president. Mandrusiak grew up in St. Paul, Alta., and attended the University of Alberta before completing his schooling at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine. He now practices at Harvest Pointe Animal Hospital in Edmonton, where he focuses on exotic animal medicine and volunteers as a race vet for sled dog races.
Dr. Melanie Wowk of Beauvallon was re-elected Alberta Beef Producers chair last month. Jason Hale of Bassano is vice-chair and Brodie Haugan is finance chair. New to the board are Nanita Blomquist, George L’Heureux, Jay Hager and Gary These. Outgoing board members include Darren Bevans, Colin Campbell, Chris Israelson, Mike Nadeau and Kelly Smith-Fraser.
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Arnold Balicki of Shellbrook remains chair of the Saskatchewan Cattlemen’s Association. Keith Day of Kyle remains vice-chair and Dean Moore finance chair. Rick Toney also remains in the past chair position. Rounding out the executive is Chad Ross, member-at-large.
Manitoba Beef Producers has selected its executive for 2022-23. Tyler Fulton of Birtle remains in the president’s seat. Melissa Atchison of Pipestone remains vice-president. Rounding out the executive are Matthew Atkinson (second vice- president); Mark Good (treasurer); and Mike Duguid (secretary).
Congratulations to Olympian Sage Watson, who recently received 4-H Canada’s Distinguished Alumni Award. Watson is a track and field athlete who competed at the 2016 Olympics. She grew up on a beef operation at Medicine Hat, Alta., and participated in Canada Beef ’s My Canadian Beef campaign, where she shared how she incorporates beef in her diet to increase athletic performance and recovery. Canada Beef supported her nomination for the award.
Jack Chaffe of Mitchell has picked up the presidential reins at the Beef Farmers of Ontario, taking over from Rob Lipsett, who continues as a background director. Renfrew County producer Craig McLaughlin is vice-president. Also starting three-year terms are Don Badour (cow-calf director), Joe Dickenson (feedlot director), Ron Stevenson (southern director) and Kim Jo Bliss (director-at-large).
Congratulations as well to Sandra Duchak of Portage la Prairie, Man., recently named the 4-H Canada National Volunteer Leader of the Year. Duchak has clocked 42 years as a 4-H leader, currently within Manitoba’s Gainsborough Combined 4-H Club. She has also volunteered on the Portage District/Central Plains 4-H Area Council for over 20 years. She is currently in her fourth year serving on the Manitoba 4-H Council Board of Directors.
Megz Reynolds has been named Do More Ag’s executive director. Reynolds is a former farmer and Agri- cultural Producers Association of Saskatchewan rep who has supported Do More Ag since its inception. Reynolds succeeds Adelle Stewart, whose three-year tenure as executive director saw the foundation expand its program offerings and resources, launch an annual awareness campaign and certify nearly 500 people in mental health first aid through its community fund.
