About Event

The conference sessions at the Islands Agriculture Show provide producers the opportunity to get the latest information on research, farming practices, and market opportunities from some of the industry's most knowledgeable experts. 

The 2025 conference will include sessions on the following topics:

  • Water Management
  • Business and Succession Planning 
  • Soil Health
  • Weed and Pest Management 
about section image

The Islands Agriculture Show is delivered in partnership between the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food together with the Islands Agriculture Show Society. Funding for the conference sessions is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Event Program

time icon 08:00 to 16:00

 Main Entrance

time icon 09:00 to 09:30

 MNP Room

time icon 09:30 to 10:30

Stuart Person

National Leader of Crop Services, MNP

<p>Stuart is MNP’s National Leader of Crop Services.Based in Edmonton, Stuart brings more than 30 years of experience in agriculture, specializing in the grain, oilseed and pulse industry to his role. Passionate about the agriculture industry, he grew up on a farm and continues to participate as a producer. This experience allows Stuart to relate first-hand to what Canadian agricultural producers face in their operations — and gives him greater insights into how to help producers overcome challenges and achieve their business goals.Stuart works with agricultural producers, associations, and other industry stakeholders on a daily basis, providing advice into the complex issues affecting the industry. He has extensive experience as an agriculture business advisor with MNP and has helped clients from coast-to-coast deal with issues such as succession, risk management planning, taxation planning, digital adoption, and many more.His involvement and dedication include serving on the Farm Management Canada – Gestion Agricole du Canada (FMC-GAC) board of directors and on the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI). Stuart is also a proud member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA, 2008).Stuart earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2003.</p>

 MNP Room

Farming is a business. How we manage that business is critical to its financial success. Stuart will bring MNP’s insights into many of the key aspects that impact farm financial results, focusing heavily on the importance of running the business like a business. Caution, change may be required. 

time icon 10:30 to 11:00

time icon 11:00 to 12:00

Greg Tegart

Range and Field Crop Agrologist

<p>Greg is a Professional Agrologist with a ranching family background. He has enjoyed working and meeting producers and businesses throughout BC, addressing a variety of subject areas. Primarily in the areas of field and forage crops, range, livestock, general farm management as well as program development and leadership. Most of that with the BC Ministry of Agriculture over the past four plus decades. He remains active with several agriculture and natural resource groups and initiatives. Currently, he is engaged with the BC Forage Council’s delivery of Advanced Grazing Systems, TRU’s Regenerative Agriculture forage course and the Livestock and Farm Management (drought) Program.</p>

Amber Rowse-Robinson

Producer, Brass Bell Farm

Amber Rowse-Robinson is a first-generation farmer who has been raising mixed livestock on pasture for the last 15 years. She is the sole proprietor of Brass Bell Farm and direct markets her pasture-raised pork, beef, lamb and chicken to her local community on southern Vancouver Island. She is passionate about soil health and using regenerative practices to return neglected pastures into thriving ecosystems. When not actively farming, Amber serves on multiple boards, offers mentorship to new farmers, and continues to build her business, Brass Bell Farm, which is on track to add a licensed sheep dairy in the spring of 2025.

Jan Slomp

Producer, Rosedale Farm

Jan grew up on a small dairy farm in the Netherlands, which he and his wife took over from his family in 1979. In 1989 they immigrated with three small children to a dairy farm in Central Alberta where they were active until spring of 2015. They now live on a small beef farm in the Comox Valley. Throughout his farming years he has been active in farm organizations, on one side to help active agriculture extension service and innovation moving forward, and outwardly by doing political lobbying and social representation in the wider society. He served the local extension service board, as a delegate in Co-operative milk processing, as a delegate in Alberta Milk, as a board member and president of the National Farmers Union, and now sits on the board of the Comox Valley Farmers Institute. He believes in the importance of local food production, imbedded in social and ecological values, that allow farmers to earn a decent living while serving the wider community.

Graeme Fowler

CEO, Wildcrop Ag-Wildlife Services

<p>Through Wildcrop Ag-Wildlife Services, Graeme has provided a wide range of extension services to Vancouver Island agricultural producers. Since moving to Vancouver Island in 1990, Graeme has delivered many projects related to Wildlife Management and Agricultural Land Stewardship Practices and has become well versed in providing on-farm support to producers. His primary focus has been with the forage and livestock sector, but he has experience with most VI farm commodities grown with scale. His farm client relationships have been built on sweat equity, trust, professionalism, and cooperation. This work has allowed him to build strong producer relationships and gain an in depth understanding of the challenges to production and the importance of BMP’s across many commodities. He enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals to achieve the best possible on-farm results. He is also a forage producer and incorporates rotational grazing practices on the family farm. He is a co-founder of the Vancouver Island Cattlemen Association, and a Grazing Mentor with the BC Forage Council, and a BCAC Agriculture Coordinator in the event of emergencies.</p>

 BMO Room

Learn about rotational grazing approaches for a variety of livestock species and scale of operations. Producers from Vancouver Island will share their practices and learning experiences grazing dairy and beef cattle, sheep and pigs. The session will also showcase the BCFC grazing mentorship program and stocking rate requirements.

time icon 11:00 to 12:00

Karen Guinan

Partner, Private Enterprise, MNP

<p>Karen is a Partner and Business Advisor with MNP&rsquo;s Private Enterprise and Agriculture teams in Courtenay. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in public practice, she delivers strategic advice and insights to help clients make sense of their finances, plan for the future and support the overall growth of their business.</p><p>Karen provides accounting, tax, succession planning and management advice to business owners in a broad range of industries, including construction, real estate, finance, retail, and professional services, as well as not-for-profit organizations. She works extensively with business owners in the agriculture and food sectors, including farmers, food and beverage processors and the commercial fishing and seafood industry.</p><p>For Karen, her work is about more than the numbers &mdash; it&rsquo;s also about getting to know her clients and their families and helping them succeed. To this end, in addition to providing traditional year-end accounting and tax services, she helps her clients throughout the year to address their business questions, challenges and opportunities as they arise.</p><p>Karen is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Certified General Accountant (CGA) in 2010. A strong believer in supporting the community, Karen is president of the Islands Agriculture Show and has served on the boards of Dawn to Dawn: Action on Homelessness Society and the Comox Valley United Soccer Club.</p>

 MNP Room

Overview of key business planning metrics, what are essential financial tools and record keeping, and how can they be used to support your farm business.

time icon 12:00 to 13:00

time icon 13:00 to 14:00

Andrew Nadler

Agricultural Meteorologist, Peak HydroMet Solutions

Andrew Nadler is a Professional Agrologist and Agricultural Meteorologist with extensive expertise in matters related to weather, climate, and water. He has built and operated several climate monitoring networks across Western Canada, including BC’s new AgriWeather program. As the principal of Peak HydroMet Solutions Inc., Andy’s work focuses on leveraging monitoring technology to optimize operational efficiency and to mitigate risks associated with climate variability. Andy holds a master’s degree in Soil Science, specializing in Agrometeorology, from the University of Manitoba, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Winnipeg. He resides in Campbell River.

 MNP Room

Explore various methods to access site-specific weather information, tools, and forecasts to help with farm management decisions and review the latest long-range predictions

time icon 13:00 to 14:00

Shane Landreville

Lawyer, Ramsay Lampman Rhodes

<p>Shane Landreville is an accomplished lawyer with the firm, Ramsay Lampman Rhodes, based in the Comox Valley, also with an office in Nanaimo. Shane’s practice specializes in tax, trusts, corporate law, and estate planning. He is a Trust and Estate Practitioner with detailed experience, and has nearly completed his Master of Laws in Tax Law, further enhancing his expertise in guiding clients through complex legal and financial landscapes. Known for his strategic, detail-oriented approach, Shane offers tailored solutions for individuals and businesses, particularly those in farming and small enterprises. Shane is a frequent public speaker on a variety of legal matters. Outside his legal career, Shane owns and operates a growing apple orchard that reflects his connection to agriculture and the local community. This unique combination of legal expertise and farming experience positions him as an invaluable resource for clients seeking practical, well-rounded advice in both personal and professional realms.</p>

 BMO Room

A dynamic session to help farm and agribusiness owners navigate financial, property and estate decisions. Explore key business structures, their impacts on income, the family business, and their tax implications, including capital gains and recent tax law changes. Explore how business structures and tax consequences influence estate planning, especially for high-value properties or complex family dynamics. Gain practical tools to protect land, reduce tax burdens and ensure smooth generational transitions.

time icon 14:00 to 14:30

time icon 14:30 to 15:30

Julia Fisher

Lead Program Coordinator for Agriculture and Food System, Professional Development and Training, Vancouver Island University.

Julia works on her family's farm in Cobble Hill. She enjoys experimenting with food and flower crops. She is the lead program coordinator for agriculture and food system courses in Professional Development and Training at Vancouver Island University. She is also a member of the Cowichan Agricultural Society and Farmers’ Institute. Julia is grateful to be part of the vibrant farming community in the Cowichan Valley.

David Catzel

FarmFolk CityFolk

<p style='margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; background: white;' id="isPasted"><span style="font-family: Roboto; color: rgb(37, 37, 37);">David started his farming career in Vancouver, working with the Environmental Youth Alliance, running gardening programs for youth out of Cottonwood and Strathacona Community gardens. He has had the opportunity to experiment with seed growing/breeding, low till annual production, intercropping and companion planting while working with Glorious Organics Co-op in Aldergrove, BC. He has taught workshops in gardening, composting, permaculture, and seed saving to adults and children all over the lower mainland.</span></p><p style='margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; background: white;'><span style="font-family: Roboto; color: rgb(37, 37, 37);">David lives at Fraser Common Farm Co-op where he and his wife have farmed and homeschooled their three children. David enjoys learning directly from the soil, seeds, plants, and children who are part of his farmscape, and looks forward to bringing his enthusiasm for the perpetuation and promotion of sustainable seed growing to producers and consumers across BC.</span></p>

 MNP Room

Adapting to the weather we’re beginning to experience will require finding new crops and varieties. Suitable crops for the predicted climate for Vancouver Island will be discussed and growers will describe their experiences developing and producing new crops. 


Divided Session 

2:30pm Growing Sweet Potatoes in the Cowichan Valley 

3:00 pm New Varieties Through Participatory Plant Breeding

time icon 14:30 to 15:30

Kate Rutherford

Researcher, University of Alberta

<p>Kate Rutherford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph and is currently a Masters student in the St. Clair Lab at the University of Alberta. Her graduate research focuses on understanding Roosevelt elk crop use and their responses to deterrents in the eastern Cowichan, aiming to support the management of human-wildlife conflict. Before her graduate studies, Kate was involved with howler monkey behavioural research in Costa Rica, basking shark monitoring in New Brunswick, and reptile and amphibian conservation projects in south-central Ontario. Kate is passionate about developing practical solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and promote coexistence.</p>

Colleen Cassady St. Clair

Professor, University of Alberta

<p>Colleen Cassady St. Clair is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. She and her students study the way wildlife use and move through human-dominated landscapes, which frequently involve human-wildlife conflict. They seek novel solutions to those problems by combining ideas and methods from animal behaviour, wildlife management, and conservation biology. Recent projects address coexistence between people and coyotes in urban areas, train strikes on grizzly bears, bird mortality at industrial sites, and habitutation to people by ungulates.</p>

Darcy Visscher

The King's University

 BMO Room

Agricultural landowners in eastern Cowichan report increasing conflict with Roosevelt elk. Using remote cameras on crop fields, we estimated a minimum population size of 195 animals. Using motion-activated deterrents with light and sound, we found elk were minimally deterred and habituated quickly. We review other techniques that may reduce conflict.

time icon 16:00

 Exhibit Hall

Hosted by: Islands Agricultural Show Society

time icon 08:00 to 15:00

 Main Entrance

time icon 09:00 to 09:15

 MNP Room

time icon 09:15 to 10:00

Dave Semmelink

Owner, Lentelus Farms and Creekside Meats ltd.

<p>Dave Semmelink, born and raised on farms in South Africa, now calls the Comox Valley home. After earning a degree in Conservation Science and Management from UBC in 2015, he moved to Vancouver Island to reconnect with his agricultural roots. Starting with a small leased farm, Dave grew his business from a modest mixed livestock and vegetable operation into a thriving multi-site enterprise. His ventures now include a farm market, a licensed abattoir, and a custom meat-cutting facility in Kelowna, operating across 150 acres of leased farmland. Beyond farming, Dave is passionate about education and community development. In collaboration with the Province, he has designed and taught several farming and introductory meat processing programs, sharing his knowledge and fostering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Dave’s work highlights his dedication to sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and the development of resilient farming communities.</p>

 MNP Room

In this session, farmers will learn how to leverage funding to scale up businesses, turning challenges into opportunities for innovation and expansion. The session will also highlight the power of collaboration, with real-world examples of partnerships that have driven success in the agricultural sector, alongside insights on preparing the next generation of farmers to meet modern challenges.

time icon 10:00 to 10:30

time icon 10:30 to 11:30

Kristina Disney

Hydrogeologist, University of Victoria

Kristina is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Victoria studying groundwater-surface water interactions of the Xwulqw’selu Sta’lo, on the unceded tradition territory of the Quw'utsun Mustimuhw. Her research focuses on approaches to groundwater-surface water monitoring that is accessible to communities and applicable at the scale of watershed management.

 MNP Room

Fundamentals of hydrogeology and surface groundwater interactions.

time icon 10:30 to 11:00

Bryan Wattie

Director of Agritech Adoption, Innovate B.C.

<p>Bryan Wattie is the Director of Agritech Adoption at Innovate BC. Innovate BC is a crown corporation focused on supporting innovative technology adoption and development in British Columbia. Bryan got his start in agriculture at young age, picking potatoes in New Brunswick, where his father ran a potato seed farm and worked as an agrologist. Bryan has worked on a variety of farms across Canada (organic field vegetable, greenhouses, conventional fruit and veg, &nbsp;ranching, and cash crop operations). He obtained his Masters and Bachelors in Bioresource Engineering at McGill University. &nbsp;Over the past decade he has worked for different Canadian agtech start-ups and wanted to leverage that experience to supporting the adoption of new technologies on BC Farms through the on-farm Technology Adoption Program is a competitive program which provides cost-shared non repayable funding (grants) to successful applicant to adopt new and innovative technology for their operations.</p>

 BMO Room

Innovate B.C. invites you to a unique workshop designed to empower farmers in evaluating and adopting new technologies. Reflect on a century of agricultural innovations and lessons learned, then dive into actionable case studies and a structured approach to assessing new tools.

time icon 11:00 to 11:30

Carson Li

Agronomy Consultant, B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI)

<p>Carson Li is an agronomy consultant working at B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI). During his career he developed research projects focused on monitoring and quantifying greenhouse gas emission from different agricultural production systems in BC, such as dairy, forage, blueberry, and organic vegetables. With a true passion for innovation and technology, he joined BCCAI in 2023 motivated by the potential to work on a wide range of projects and learn about new technologies and innovations that are in the nexus of energy, food, and environment. Situated in British Columbia with the most diverse agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada, Carson hopes to engage and exchange ideas with industry and academic partners from all sectors. Carson is a Professional Agrologist registered with BC Institute of Agrologist. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at SFU in addition to a Master of Science in Soil Sciences at UBC.</p>

 BMO Room

This presentation will clarify the definition and principles of AI and its importance in agriculture and agri-food (AAF) sectors. Real-life examples of AI applications will be given to illustrate how farmers can enhance the productivity and profitability of agriculture businesses. 

time icon 11:30 to 12:30

time icon 12:30 to 13:30

Mike Witt

Consultant, Forage Based Solutions

<p><span data-teams="true" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;" id="isPasted">Mike is an Agrologist from the North Okanagan specializing in forage production and ruminant nutrition. He owns and operates Forage Based Solutions providing consulting services, precision ag and crop production products, and also farms forage and grain crops.&nbsp;</span></p>

 MNP Room

Mike Witt of Forage Based Solutions will discuss management of both current and alternative forage crops through drought to ensure production and feed quality goals are achieved. 

time icon 12:30 to 13:30

Clayton Botkin

Director, BC Poultry Industry Emergency Operations Center, Project Manager, BC Small Flock Poultry Health Network

<p>Clayton Botkin is a professional agrologist and one of Canada&rsquo;s thirteen licenced poultry judges with the American Poultry Association. Clayton has raised and exhibited poultry for over 25 years across North America. Clayton&rsquo;s career has explored various poultry sectors and government and offers significant experience in managing poultry, production, and disease. Clayton has a One Health Masters degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, studying the interrelationship between animals, humans and the environment, with a focus on avian influenza and poultry owners, a certificate in risk management from Simon Fraser University and an undergraduate degree in Applied Animal Biology from the University of British Columbia. Clayton is currently the Director of the BC Poultry Industry Emergency Operations Center, and the project manager for the BC Small Flock Poultry Health Network, among many volunteer and professional commitments with organizations like the BC Waterfowl Society, International Wild Waterfowl Association, Fraser Valley Poultry Fanciers Association, and the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust.</p>

 BMO Room

This session will introduce the basic principles of poultry flock management. Topics will include housing and nutrition considerations, predator management, and steps you can take to prevent disease or illness in your flock. The principles covered in this session will be applicable to any flock size and can be applied to many species in various production systems. 

time icon 13:30 to 14:00

time icon 14:00 to 15:00

Taylor Griffin

Agrologist, BRMB, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Foods

Taylor Griffin is an Agrologist with the Business Risk Management Branch of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Foods. He has worked with the Business Risk Management Branch since 2018 across multiple risk management programs and commodity groups.

Nicole Thor

Operations Supervisor, AgriStability, Ministry of Agriculture - BRMB

<p>Nicole Thor is the Operations Supervisor for AgriStability based in Kelowna. She has worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food for 9 years. Nicole has had extensive experience as a Verification Specialist and in overseeing the AgriStability program.</p>

 MNP Room

Review of crop protection options, including crop insurance, MAF programs (agri-stability), and wildlife compensation program.

time icon 14:00 to 15:00

Graeme Fowler

CEO, Wildcrop Ag-Wildlife Services

<p>Through Wildcrop Ag-Wildlife Services, Graeme has provided a wide range of extension services to Vancouver Island agricultural producers. Since moving to Vancouver Island in 1990, Graeme has delivered many projects related to Wildlife Management and Agricultural Land Stewardship Practices and has become well versed in providing on-farm support to producers. His primary focus has been with the forage and livestock sector, but he has experience with most VI farm commodities grown with scale. His farm client relationships have been built on sweat equity, trust, professionalism, and cooperation. This work has allowed him to build strong producer relationships and gain an in depth understanding of the challenges to production and the importance of BMP’s across many commodities. He enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals to achieve the best possible on-farm results. He is also a forage producer and incorporates rotational grazing practices on the family farm. He is a co-founder of the Vancouver Island Cattlemen Association, and a Grazing Mentor with the BC Forage Council, and a BCAC Agriculture Coordinator in the event of emergencies.</p>

Julia Smith

Executive Director, Small-Scale Meat Producers Association

<p>Julia has been livestock farming for 14 years and lives entirely off-grid in Nlaka&#39;pamux Territory near Merritt, BC. She is a founding member and past president of the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, where she now serves as Executive Director, working to strengthen and expand opportunities for small-scale meat producers across British Columbia. Julia also serves on the boards of Farmers for Climate Solutions and the BC Farm Writers Association. She is a former Vice-President of the National Farmers Union and remains active on its livestock committee. As a grazing mentor with the Farm Resilience Mentorship (FaRM) Program, she is passionate about supporting farmers and ranchers in adopting beneficial management practices such as rotational grazing. Julia&rsquo;s commitment to policy and regulatory work stems from her drive to enhance the stability and growth of the small-scale meat sector and its vital role in regional food security.</p>

Sarah Maloney

Provincial Coordinator, Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+)

<p>Sarah Maloney is the provincial coordinator for the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program in BC. Sarah grew up on the Island in Central Saanich raising sheep and being an active member in 4-H. After obtaining a diploma of Agriculture Technology with a concentration on livestock production from the University of the Fraser Valley, she moved to the Cariboo. Sarah currently resides on a working cattle ranch where she has grown her love and interest for the beef cattle industry and works with the BC Cattlemen’s Association to grow the VBP+ program and give producers the recognition for the great work they are already doing. &nbsp;</p>

Melodie Ares Monast

Veterinarian, Agwest Veterinary Group Ltd

<p id="isPasted">Dr. Melodie is a dedicated large animal veterinarian with Agwest Veterinary Group since July 2023. She was drawn to the practice’s progressive approach and the opportunity to work with caring clients in beautiful British Columbia. Initially based in Abbotsford, she relocated to Vancouver Island this past fall. Growing up in rural Quebec, Dr. Melodie is a proud graduate of the University of Montreal, and her veterinary career has been shaped by a deep passion for farm animals and a strong desire to empower clients to provide the best possible care for their animals.&nbsp;</p><p>With a focus on dairy production medicine, Dr. Melodie also has a keen interest in small ruminant medicine, including sheep and goats, and also beef cows and camelids. She enjoys the variety of species and cases she encounters daily, particularly those involving emergency care and obstetrics.&nbsp;</p><p>Outside of her veterinary practice, Dr. Melodie enjoys hiking, swimming and sailing, fully embracing the outdoors.</p>

 BMO Room

Good livestock production and animal welfare means being proactive about reducing health threats. This session will cover parasite prevention strategies for cattle, sheep, and goats, African Swine Fever risk mitigation, and the benefits of Verified Beef Products. Attendees will gain practical insights into improving herd health and meeting market demands for high quality, sustainable livestock products. 

Speakers

Colleen Cassady St. Clair

Professor, University of Alberta

READ BIO

Colleen Cassady St. Clair

Professor, University of Alberta

<p>Colleen Cassady St. Clair is a Professor of Biological Sciences at the University of Alberta. She and her students study the way wildlife use and move through human-dominated landscapes, which frequently involve human-wildlife conflict. They seek novel solutions to those problems by combining ideas and methods from animal behaviour, wildlife management, and conservation biology. Recent projects address coexistence between people and coyotes in urban areas, train strikes on grizzly bears, bird mortality at industrial sites, and habitutation to people by ungulates.</p>

Bryan Wattie

Director of Agritech Adoption, Innovate B.C.

READ BIO

Bryan Wattie

Director of Agritech Adoption, Innovate B.C.

<p>Bryan Wattie is the Director of Agritech Adoption at Innovate BC. Innovate BC is a crown corporation focused on supporting innovative technology adoption and development in British Columbia. Bryan got his start in agriculture at young age, picking potatoes in New Brunswick, where his father ran a potato seed farm and worked as an agrologist. Bryan has worked on a variety of farms across Canada (organic field vegetable, greenhouses, conventional fruit and veg, &nbsp;ranching, and cash crop operations). He obtained his Masters and Bachelors in Bioresource Engineering at McGill University. &nbsp;Over the past decade he has worked for different Canadian agtech start-ups and wanted to leverage that experience to supporting the adoption of new technologies on BC Farms through the on-farm Technology Adoption Program is a competitive program which provides cost-shared non repayable funding (grants) to successful applicant to adopt new and innovative technology for their operations.</p>

Nicole Thor

Operations Supervisor, AgriStability, Ministry of Agriculture - BRMB

READ BIO

Nicole Thor

Operations Supervisor, AgriStability, Ministry of Agriculture - BRMB

<p>Nicole Thor is the Operations Supervisor for AgriStability based in Kelowna. She has worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food for 9 years. Nicole has had extensive experience as a Verification Specialist and in overseeing the AgriStability program.</p>

Melodie Ares Monast

Veterinarian, Agwest Veterinary Group Ltd

READ BIO

Melodie Ares Monast

Veterinarian, Agwest Veterinary Group Ltd

<p id="isPasted">Dr. Melodie is a dedicated large animal veterinarian with Agwest Veterinary Group since July 2023. She was drawn to the practice’s progressive approach and the opportunity to work with caring clients in beautiful British Columbia. Initially based in Abbotsford, she relocated to Vancouver Island this past fall. Growing up in rural Quebec, Dr. Melodie is a proud graduate of the University of Montreal, and her veterinary career has been shaped by a deep passion for farm animals and a strong desire to empower clients to provide the best possible care for their animals.&nbsp;</p><p>With a focus on dairy production medicine, Dr. Melodie also has a keen interest in small ruminant medicine, including sheep and goats, and also beef cows and camelids. She enjoys the variety of species and cases she encounters daily, particularly those involving emergency care and obstetrics.&nbsp;</p><p>Outside of her veterinary practice, Dr. Melodie enjoys hiking, swimming and sailing, fully embracing the outdoors.</p>

Julia Smith

Executive Director, Small-Scale Meat Producers Association

READ BIO

Julia Smith

Executive Director, Small-Scale Meat Producers Association

<p>Julia has been livestock farming for 14 years and lives entirely off-grid in Nlaka&#39;pamux Territory near Merritt, BC. She is a founding member and past president of the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, where she now serves as Executive Director, working to strengthen and expand opportunities for small-scale meat producers across British Columbia. Julia also serves on the boards of Farmers for Climate Solutions and the BC Farm Writers Association. She is a former Vice-President of the National Farmers Union and remains active on its livestock committee. As a grazing mentor with the Farm Resilience Mentorship (FaRM) Program, she is passionate about supporting farmers and ranchers in adopting beneficial management practices such as rotational grazing. Julia&rsquo;s commitment to policy and regulatory work stems from her drive to enhance the stability and growth of the small-scale meat sector and its vital role in regional food security.</p>

David Catzel

FarmFolk CityFolk

READ BIO

David Catzel

FarmFolk CityFolk

<p style='margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; background: white;' id="isPasted"><span style="font-family: Roboto; color: rgb(37, 37, 37);">David started his farming career in Vancouver, working with the Environmental Youth Alliance, running gardening programs for youth out of Cottonwood and Strathacona Community gardens. He has had the opportunity to experiment with seed growing/breeding, low till annual production, intercropping and companion planting while working with Glorious Organics Co-op in Aldergrove, BC. He has taught workshops in gardening, composting, permaculture, and seed saving to adults and children all over the lower mainland.</span></p><p style='margin: 0cm; font-size: medium; font-family: "Times New Roman", serif; caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none; background: white;'><span style="font-family: Roboto; color: rgb(37, 37, 37);">David lives at Fraser Common Farm Co-op where he and his wife have farmed and homeschooled their three children. David enjoys learning directly from the soil, seeds, plants, and children who are part of his farmscape, and looks forward to bringing his enthusiasm for the perpetuation and promotion of sustainable seed growing to producers and consumers across BC.</span></p>

Graeme Fowler

CEO, Wildcrop Ag-Wildlife Services

READ BIO

Graeme Fowler

CEO, Wildcrop Ag-Wildlife Services

<p>Through Wildcrop Ag-Wildlife Services, Graeme has provided a wide range of extension services to Vancouver Island agricultural producers. Since moving to Vancouver Island in 1990, Graeme has delivered many projects related to Wildlife Management and Agricultural Land Stewardship Practices and has become well versed in providing on-farm support to producers. His primary focus has been with the forage and livestock sector, but he has experience with most VI farm commodities grown with scale. His farm client relationships have been built on sweat equity, trust, professionalism, and cooperation. This work has allowed him to build strong producer relationships and gain an in depth understanding of the challenges to production and the importance of BMP’s across many commodities. He enjoys the opportunity to collaborate with other professionals to achieve the best possible on-farm results. He is also a forage producer and incorporates rotational grazing practices on the family farm. He is a co-founder of the Vancouver Island Cattlemen Association, and a Grazing Mentor with the BC Forage Council, and a BCAC Agriculture Coordinator in the event of emergencies.</p>

Carson Li

Agronomy Consultant, B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI)

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Carson Li

Agronomy Consultant, B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI)

<p>Carson Li is an agronomy consultant working at B.C. Centre for Agritech Innovation (BCCAI). During his career he developed research projects focused on monitoring and quantifying greenhouse gas emission from different agricultural production systems in BC, such as dairy, forage, blueberry, and organic vegetables. With a true passion for innovation and technology, he joined BCCAI in 2023 motivated by the potential to work on a wide range of projects and learn about new technologies and innovations that are in the nexus of energy, food, and environment. Situated in British Columbia with the most diverse agriculture and agri-food industry in Canada, Carson hopes to engage and exchange ideas with industry and academic partners from all sectors. Carson is a Professional Agrologist registered with BC Institute of Agrologist. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science at SFU in addition to a Master of Science in Soil Sciences at UBC.</p>

Sarah Maloney

Provincial Coordinator, Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+)

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Sarah Maloney

Provincial Coordinator, Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+)

<p>Sarah Maloney is the provincial coordinator for the Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) program in BC. Sarah grew up on the Island in Central Saanich raising sheep and being an active member in 4-H. After obtaining a diploma of Agriculture Technology with a concentration on livestock production from the University of the Fraser Valley, she moved to the Cariboo. Sarah currently resides on a working cattle ranch where she has grown her love and interest for the beef cattle industry and works with the BC Cattlemen’s Association to grow the VBP+ program and give producers the recognition for the great work they are already doing. &nbsp;</p>

Mike Witt

Consultant, Forage Based Solutions

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Mike Witt

Consultant, Forage Based Solutions

<p><span data-teams="true" style="caret-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-style: normal; font-variant-caps: normal; font-weight: 400; letter-spacing: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; text-decoration: none;" id="isPasted">Mike is an Agrologist from the North Okanagan specializing in forage production and ruminant nutrition. He owns and operates Forage Based Solutions providing consulting services, precision ag and crop production products, and also farms forage and grain crops.&nbsp;</span></p>

Amber Rowse-Robinson

Producer, Brass Bell Farm

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Amber Rowse-Robinson

Producer, Brass Bell Farm

Amber Rowse-Robinson is a first-generation farmer who has been raising mixed livestock on pasture for the last 15 years. She is the sole proprietor of Brass Bell Farm and direct markets her pasture-raised pork, beef, lamb and chicken to her local community on southern Vancouver Island. She is passionate about soil health and using regenerative practices to return neglected pastures into thriving ecosystems. When not actively farming, Amber serves on multiple boards, offers mentorship to new farmers, and continues to build her business, Brass Bell Farm, which is on track to add a licensed sheep dairy in the spring of 2025.

Jan Slomp

Producer, Rosedale Farm

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Jan Slomp

Producer, Rosedale Farm

Jan grew up on a small dairy farm in the Netherlands, which he and his wife took over from his family in 1979. In 1989 they immigrated with three small children to a dairy farm in Central Alberta where they were active until spring of 2015. They now live on a small beef farm in the Comox Valley. Throughout his farming years he has been active in farm organizations, on one side to help active agriculture extension service and innovation moving forward, and outwardly by doing political lobbying and social representation in the wider society. He served the local extension service board, as a delegate in Co-operative milk processing, as a delegate in Alberta Milk, as a board member and president of the National Farmers Union, and now sits on the board of the Comox Valley Farmers Institute. He believes in the importance of local food production, imbedded in social and ecological values, that allow farmers to earn a decent living while serving the wider community.

Kristina Disney

Hydrogeologist, University of Victoria

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Kristina Disney

Hydrogeologist, University of Victoria

Kristina is a Ph.D. candidate at the University of Victoria studying groundwater-surface water interactions of the Xwulqw’selu Sta’lo, on the unceded tradition territory of the Quw'utsun Mustimuhw. Her research focuses on approaches to groundwater-surface water monitoring that is accessible to communities and applicable at the scale of watershed management.

Shane Landreville

Lawyer, Ramsay Lampman Rhodes

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Shane Landreville

Lawyer, Ramsay Lampman Rhodes

<p>Shane Landreville is an accomplished lawyer with the firm, Ramsay Lampman Rhodes, based in the Comox Valley, also with an office in Nanaimo. Shane’s practice specializes in tax, trusts, corporate law, and estate planning. He is a Trust and Estate Practitioner with detailed experience, and has nearly completed his Master of Laws in Tax Law, further enhancing his expertise in guiding clients through complex legal and financial landscapes. Known for his strategic, detail-oriented approach, Shane offers tailored solutions for individuals and businesses, particularly those in farming and small enterprises. Shane is a frequent public speaker on a variety of legal matters. Outside his legal career, Shane owns and operates a growing apple orchard that reflects his connection to agriculture and the local community. This unique combination of legal expertise and farming experience positions him as an invaluable resource for clients seeking practical, well-rounded advice in both personal and professional realms.</p>

Andrew Nadler

Agricultural Meteorologist, Peak HydroMet Solutions

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Andrew Nadler

Agricultural Meteorologist, Peak HydroMet Solutions

Andrew Nadler is a Professional Agrologist and Agricultural Meteorologist with extensive expertise in matters related to weather, climate, and water. He has built and operated several climate monitoring networks across Western Canada, including BC’s new AgriWeather program. As the principal of Peak HydroMet Solutions Inc., Andy’s work focuses on leveraging monitoring technology to optimize operational efficiency and to mitigate risks associated with climate variability. Andy holds a master’s degree in Soil Science, specializing in Agrometeorology, from the University of Manitoba, and a Bachelor of Science in Geography from the University of Winnipeg. He resides in Campbell River.

Julia Fisher

Lead Program Coordinator for Agriculture and Food System, Professional Development and Training, Vancouver Island University.

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Julia Fisher

Lead Program Coordinator for Agriculture and Food System, Professional Development and Training, Vancouver Island University.

Julia works on her family's farm in Cobble Hill. She enjoys experimenting with food and flower crops. She is the lead program coordinator for agriculture and food system courses in Professional Development and Training at Vancouver Island University. She is also a member of the Cowichan Agricultural Society and Farmers’ Institute. Julia is grateful to be part of the vibrant farming community in the Cowichan Valley.

Kate Rutherford

Researcher, University of Alberta

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Kate Rutherford

Researcher, University of Alberta

<p>Kate Rutherford holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Wildlife Biology and Conservation from the University of Guelph and is currently a Masters student in the St. Clair Lab at the University of Alberta. Her graduate research focuses on understanding Roosevelt elk crop use and their responses to deterrents in the eastern Cowichan, aiming to support the management of human-wildlife conflict. Before her graduate studies, Kate was involved with howler monkey behavioural research in Costa Rica, basking shark monitoring in New Brunswick, and reptile and amphibian conservation projects in south-central Ontario. Kate is passionate about developing practical solutions to mitigate human-wildlife conflict and promote coexistence.</p>

Karen Guinan

Partner, Private Enterprise, MNP

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Karen Guinan

Partner, Private Enterprise, MNP

<p>Karen is a Partner and Business Advisor with MNP&rsquo;s Private Enterprise and Agriculture teams in Courtenay. Drawing on more than two decades of experience in public practice, she delivers strategic advice and insights to help clients make sense of their finances, plan for the future and support the overall growth of their business.</p><p>Karen provides accounting, tax, succession planning and management advice to business owners in a broad range of industries, including construction, real estate, finance, retail, and professional services, as well as not-for-profit organizations. She works extensively with business owners in the agriculture and food sectors, including farmers, food and beverage processors and the commercial fishing and seafood industry.</p><p>For Karen, her work is about more than the numbers &mdash; it&rsquo;s also about getting to know her clients and their families and helping them succeed. To this end, in addition to providing traditional year-end accounting and tax services, she helps her clients throughout the year to address their business questions, challenges and opportunities as they arise.</p><p>Karen is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Certified General Accountant (CGA) in 2010. A strong believer in supporting the community, Karen is president of the Islands Agriculture Show and has served on the boards of Dawn to Dawn: Action on Homelessness Society and the Comox Valley United Soccer Club.</p>

Stuart Person

National Leader of Crop Services, MNP

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Stuart Person

National Leader of Crop Services, MNP

<p>Stuart is MNP’s National Leader of Crop Services.Based in Edmonton, Stuart brings more than 30 years of experience in agriculture, specializing in the grain, oilseed and pulse industry to his role. Passionate about the agriculture industry, he grew up on a farm and continues to participate as a producer. This experience allows Stuart to relate first-hand to what Canadian agricultural producers face in their operations — and gives him greater insights into how to help producers overcome challenges and achieve their business goals.Stuart works with agricultural producers, associations, and other industry stakeholders on a daily basis, providing advice into the complex issues affecting the industry. He has extensive experience as an agriculture business advisor with MNP and has helped clients from coast-to-coast deal with issues such as succession, risk management planning, taxation planning, digital adoption, and many more.His involvement and dedication include serving on the Farm Management Canada – Gestion Agricole du Canada (FMC-GAC) board of directors and on the Canadian Agri-Food Policy Institute (CAPI). Stuart is also a proud member of the Canadian Association of Farm Advisors (CAFA, 2008).Stuart earned a Bachelor of Commerce (BComm) with Distinction from the University of Saskatchewan in 2000. He is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2003.</p>

Taylor Griffin

Agrologist, BRMB, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Foods

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Taylor Griffin

Agrologist, BRMB, B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Foods

Taylor Griffin is an Agrologist with the Business Risk Management Branch of the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Foods. He has worked with the Business Risk Management Branch since 2018 across multiple risk management programs and commodity groups.

Dave Semmelink

Owner, Lentelus Farms and Creekside Meats ltd.

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Dave Semmelink

Owner, Lentelus Farms and Creekside Meats ltd.

<p>Dave Semmelink, born and raised on farms in South Africa, now calls the Comox Valley home. After earning a degree in Conservation Science and Management from UBC in 2015, he moved to Vancouver Island to reconnect with his agricultural roots. Starting with a small leased farm, Dave grew his business from a modest mixed livestock and vegetable operation into a thriving multi-site enterprise. His ventures now include a farm market, a licensed abattoir, and a custom meat-cutting facility in Kelowna, operating across 150 acres of leased farmland. Beyond farming, Dave is passionate about education and community development. In collaboration with the Province, he has designed and taught several farming and introductory meat processing programs, sharing his knowledge and fostering the next generation of agricultural entrepreneurs. Dave’s work highlights his dedication to sustainable agriculture, local food systems, and the development of resilient farming communities.</p>

Clayton Botkin

Director, BC Poultry Industry Emergency Operations Center, Project Manager, BC Small Flock Poultry Health Network

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Clayton Botkin

Director, BC Poultry Industry Emergency Operations Center, Project Manager, BC Small Flock Poultry Health Network

<p>Clayton Botkin is a professional agrologist and one of Canada&rsquo;s thirteen licenced poultry judges with the American Poultry Association. Clayton has raised and exhibited poultry for over 25 years across North America. Clayton&rsquo;s career has explored various poultry sectors and government and offers significant experience in managing poultry, production, and disease. Clayton has a One Health Masters degree from the University of Alaska Fairbanks, studying the interrelationship between animals, humans and the environment, with a focus on avian influenza and poultry owners, a certificate in risk management from Simon Fraser University and an undergraduate degree in Applied Animal Biology from the University of British Columbia. Clayton is currently the Director of the BC Poultry Industry Emergency Operations Center, and the project manager for the BC Small Flock Poultry Health Network, among many volunteer and professional commitments with organizations like the BC Waterfowl Society, International Wild Waterfowl Association, Fraser Valley Poultry Fanciers Association, and the Delta Farmland and Wildlife Trust.</p>

Greg Tegart

Range and Field Crop Agrologist

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Greg Tegart

Range and Field Crop Agrologist

<p>Greg is a Professional Agrologist with a ranching family background. He has enjoyed working and meeting producers and businesses throughout BC, addressing a variety of subject areas. Primarily in the areas of field and forage crops, range, livestock, general farm management as well as program development and leadership. Most of that with the BC Ministry of Agriculture over the past four plus decades. He remains active with several agriculture and natural resource groups and initiatives. Currently, he is engaged with the BC Forage Council’s delivery of Advanced Grazing Systems, TRU’s Regenerative Agriculture forage course and the Livestock and Farm Management (drought) Program.</p>

Darcy Visscher

The King's University

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Darcy Visscher

The King's University

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