Andrea Gal, Chair – ON

Andrea M. Gal is a consultant at Wilton Consulting Group (WCG) and she farms with her family in Oxford County, Ont.

At WCG, she supports innovation and sustainability in the Canadian agri-food industry and rural communities. The WCG team collaborates with stakeholders throughout the agri-food value chain to address and overcome industry challenges.

Andrea and her family operate Morning Glory Stream Farming. They run a cash crop and cow-calf operation, as well as seed and fertilizer dealerships. The Gals work closely as a team to manage the family business. Eight years ago, the Gals launched a research farm. They conduct field-sized trials focused on identifying environmentally responsible crop nutrition programs that feed the needs of the plants while providing a strong return on investment.

Andrea is experienced at contributing to organizations within the not-for-profit sector, having served on both rural and agricultural boards.

For two years, Andrea served on the board of directors of the Agri-food Management Institute (AMI). This organization created and delivered programs and resources to help Ontario’s producers and processors strengthen their business management skills. After the organization’s cessation in 2019, the AMI board and executive director transferred the organization’s farm business management tools to Farm Management Canada so that producers can continue to benefit from these resources.

In 2017, Andrea started volunteering with the Ag Women’s Network, which cultivates and connects agricultural leaders. Initially, she served as the organization’s Facebook moderator. In January 2019, she moved onto the leadership team as the content manager.

Andrea completed her Ph.D. with a focus on rural Ontario history at Wilfrid Laurier University in 2016. She completed the Advanced Farm Management Program in the winter of 2018-19.

Andrea is passionate about the development of sound business management practices and is eager to continue to advance work in this field.

Roberta Galbraith, Vice-Chair – MB

Roberta Galbraith is a lifelong learner, connector of people, problem solver and self-proclaimed work-a-holic!

She retired from her full time role as Manager of Member Relations for the Manitoba Canola Growers Association in July 2019.

As a full-time managing partner in RNR Galbraith Farms, she enthusiastically brings her passion for people and farm management to this role.

Other past experiences in the industry have been 16 years in the Agriculture finance sector as well as 16 years as Executive Director of a not-for-profit organization.

She is a graduate of the University of Manitoba Ag Diploma course. She believes strongly that we can always do better and that if we embrace opportunity there is little we can’t accomplish.

Derek Brewin, Secretary/Treasurer – MB

Derek Brewin began his agricultural career as a farmhand on his family’s mixed irrigation farm near Purple Springs, AB. In 1986 he graduated with a BSc in Agricultural Economics from the University of Alberta and began a position as a Credit Advisor to farmers with Farm Credit Corporation (FCC). In 1989 Derek took educational leave from FCC to pursue a MSc in Agricultural Economics at the University of Saskatchewan. After that he worked for Agriculture and Agri-food Canada as a Policy Economist and then worked a stint at the Canadian Wheat Board before returning to academics. In 2000, he moved to State College, PA, to pursue his PhD in Agricultural, Environmental and Regional Economics at Penn State University.

Since 2003, Derek has been working as a teacher and researcher in the Department of Agribusiness and Agricultural Economics at the University of Manitoba. Starting in January 2017, he has served as Head of that department.

His recent research has focused on the economics of rotations, grain and oilseed markets, grain transportation and innovations in plant breeding. He is an award-winning teacher of agricultural finance, marketing and risk management. Derek has served on numerous boards and committees. He is a Past President of the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society. He has served as a Senator at the University of Manitoba, as a member of Manitoba’s Agricultural Risk Task Force and as a director of the Manitoba Rural Adaptation Council.

Terry Aberhart, Director – SK

Growing up on his family farm cultivated Terry Aberhart’s passion for agriculture and entrepreneurial growth. He worked in the agricultural industry before returning to manage farm and custom spraying operations in 2000. In 2005, Terry founded Sure Growth Technologies, a professional independent agronomy consulting company, affiliated with Agri-Trend. In 2009 Terry received the Business Builder of the Year award and was voted Canadian Agri-Coach of the Year from Agri-Trend from 2011-2012.

In 2015, Terry, along with his brother Dan and father Harvey, founded Aberhart Ag Solutions Inc. The marketing and distributing company has helped bring BioSul Premium Plus, a unique recycled sustainable elemental sulfur product to the agricultural market. Aberhart Ag solutions continues to see network expansion, innovative and sustainable solutions. In 2017 Terry and his wife Lichelle were nominated for the Saskatchewan Outstanding Young Farmers competition and were honored to participate as runners-up in the program.

Terry has a strong focus on advancing agronomy with precision agriculture through developing and leveraging new technologies. He constantly continues his professional development attending, and often speaking at, various conferences in North America and through attending training programs like The Executive Program for Agricultural Producers out of Texas A&M through 2015-2017, and Strategic Coach business program for entrepreneurs since 2017. Terry has worked extensively to develop precision technologies, farm research, and data management.

Terry, with his wife Lichelle, children Sarrikah, Asceline, Holden, Rydar, Haliee, and Octavia, and father Harvey, operate Aberhart Farms, a progressive 15,000ac grain farm. Aberhart Farms Inc. is committed to their mission of “Growing the Future”, guided by their core values of innovation, family, passion, culture, and sustainability for future generations. Terry ensures the farm’s mission is upheld through his willingness to push boundaries and through his constant education of agricultural innovation. Terry also continues to be passionate about giving back to those in need through Learn Ag, Canadian Food Grains Bank and charity projects in the developing world. He loves agriculture, working with the farm team, and sharing his success and passion with his family.

Brad Barton, Director – YK

Bradley Barton – Program Manager, Yukon Agriculture Business Program. Yukon Government, Energy Mines and Resources, Agriculture Branch.

Bradley Barton has been part of the Federal-Provincial-Territorial Working Group providing input to FMC for over ten years. Brad administers the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Yukon Agriculture Business Program for the Yukon Agriculture branch. The program provides support to further Yukon farmers’ business skills and knowledge. Brad also directs Yukon farmers to business management resources. In a territory with a developing agriculture sector and consumers looking for opportunities to support local production, there is a need to support farmers to make educated business decision to assist in the development of a strong and vibrant agriculture industry. In addition to the FMC Working Group, Brad is part of the Federal- Provincial-Territorial Business Development Working Group that shares ideas and information related to business management practices and program development.

Stephen Duff, Director - ON

Coming from a dairy and beef background in Ontario’s Northumberland county, Steve is an Ontario Agricultural College ‘94 grad who completed a Masters in Ag Economics from the Food, Agriculture and Resource Economics (FARE) department at the University of Guelph in 1996. Steve joined the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (OMAFRA) in late 1997 after a year as a policy researcher within FARE for the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. Starting as an agricultural economist with OMAFRA, Steve worked on a variety of projects that culminated with him leading the development of the Ontario Whole Farm Relief Program in 1998.

Over the course of 13 years as OMAFRA’s lead on business risk management programs, Steve lead provincial and national development of programs including the BSE recovery, Canadian Agricultural Income Stabilization (CAIS) program, AgriStability and the Ontario Risk Management Program.

During this time Steve chaired several federal-provincial-territorial committees including the Business Risk Management (BRM) advisory committee, the BRM administrators committee and is currently the co-chair of the Farm Income Forecasting Committee. Steve is currently OMAFRA’s Chief Economist. Since 2011, Steve has been an Adjunct Professor in the FARE department teaching 4th year Agricultural Policy analysis. In 2016, Steve was the recipient of the first FARE distinguished alumnus award. Steve and his wife Robyn operate a beef and cash crop farm near Colborne, Ontario.

Annessa Good, Director – AB

Annessa Good was born and raised on a mixed farm in Cremona, AB, where her family raised purebred Simmental cattle, sheep, and exported Timothy-Alfalfa Hay to Japan. Annessa attended Mount Royal University, where she studied Business, specializing in Supply Chain Management, giving her a unique insight into Operational functionality. After graduation and working in Calgary for various industries, Annessa knew in her heart that she needed to return to the Agriculture Industry. She pursued a wonderful opportunity to work at Veterinary Agri-Health Services, a large clinic which services feedlot and cow/calf operations across western Canada. However, Annessa still felt removed from the area of agriculture that she is most passionate about – family farm sustainability and succession planning.

Annessa has since moved home to her family’s farm and is slowly starting to re-build her cow herd. Annessa is also very excited to give back to her community through volunteering as an Assistant 4H Horse Leader for the local Cremona Club. Annessa also has the honour of being selected as a 2019 Finalist for the National program, Cattleman’s Young Leaders.

Annessa previously worked for GRS Consulting Ltd., her family’s succession planning consulting company. It was here that Annessa found her niche, providing a voice for the Younger Generation at the Succession Planning Table. Annessa now works for Farm Credit Canada as the Southern Alberta Agriculture Transition Specialist. Annessa specializes in transition conversations, focusing on sharing unique business structures, family dynamics, estate planning processes and innovative tools that can make this difficult process easier. Annessa and her family are currently going through the Succession Rollercoaster themselves, which provides excellent personal insight within her consulting career.

Janine Sekulic, Director – AB
Janine Sekulic has worked in consulting and agricultural finance since 2004. As National Director, Agriculture and Agribusiness at BMO, she is accountable for bringing industry expertise to sales strategy, risk management, communication, and business development. She is passionate about Canadian agriculture and excited about the opportunity to now serve as a member of the Board of Farm Management Canada.

Janine was born and raised as the fourth generation on a grain operation near Rycoft, in Northwestern Alberta. She worked in valuations, and then the crop inputs industry in Southern Alberta before joining a farm management consulting practice in 2004. She developed technical skills in farm financial analysis through her work with business risk management programs and advisory engagements. That experience has built a strong practical foundation from which to move into agricultural finance. Janine learned the basics of credit and risk management while underwriting for a senior agricultural lender in Central Alberta. She has held progressively senior specialist roles covering wider geographies for the past 13 years. This has provided unique opportunities to combine her general industry knowledge with technical expertise to help structure financing solutions for farms in many sectors, all across the country.

Janine holds a B.Sc. Agricultural Business Management from the University of Alberta, and is a Professional Agrologist. She is a member of Farm Management Canada because she believes that a strong, sustainable primary sector is vital for Canada to claim its spot as a global leader in agriculture.

Henry Vos, Director - AB

Henry Vos is from Fairview, Alberta where he and his wife have operated a grain farm for 35 years. A lifelong learner with a passion for agriculture and good agricultural policy, Henry has a BSc in Ag. and a governance designation as Charter Director (C.Dir.). Over the years he served on numerous not-for-profit and for-profit Board. He continues to make contributions to agriculture in different ways such as governance, management and farm transitions.

Currently his career and business activities include Farm support, Farm and Ranch real estate, Governance and as a hobby, flight training. Henry’s previous endevours include:

- Partner in 10,000 ac grain farm
- Founder/manager Peace Pedigreed Seed Ltd. A Seed production, processing and retail business.
- Founder/manager Three Links AgResearch Inc. A private agricultural research company.
- Founder/owner Eco Seeds Ltd. A farm input retail outlet.
- Founder/Director Canterra Seeds Ltd. A Canadian genetic and seed supply company.

Over the years, Henry has served on several Boards. He was the Founding Director of the Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta Canola Producers Commission and Canterra Seeds Ltd. He sat on the Canadian Wheat Board, Canadian Seeds Institute, Canadian International Grains Institute, the Alberta Branch of the Canadian Seed Growers Association, and the Canola Council of Canada as a Director. He was the Governor of the Winnipeg Commodity Exchange (now ICE Canada) and Fairview College. Henry is currently serving as a director on the Board of Directors United Farmers of Alberta Cooperative.

Henry has kept himself busy being a Seasonal Instructor for the Farm Financial Management Course at Fairview College, taken several courses in Rural Real Estate, Farm Management, and Marketing and Risk Management. He has been on Audit, Finance, Governance, and Risk Management Committees, and has several personal development achievements sush as the successful completion of the 21st Century Leadership course, the lessons in the Pursuit of Excellence, the Dale Carnegie course, and the Leadership Accelerator.