Directors
Find out more about our Directors:
John Cote, Chair
John has been involved in Agriculture throughout his career. Upon completion of an undergraduate degree in Agriculture, John began working as a financial advisor to farmers through the federal government. In 1990 he purchased a grain farm in Leask, Saskatchewan and in 2001 was named Saskatchewan's Outstanding young farmer, and later that year was recognized as one Canada's Outstanding Young Farmers, for achievements made in his farming career. From 2002 to 2007 John was a co-owner and consulting director of a fertilizer and fuel distributorship in Northern Saskatchewan. John's international experience began in 2000 when he was chosen as one of a select group of agriculturalists to take advanced training in North and South America. In 2006 he began working as a management and agronomic consultant in Kazakhstan. John has just returned from living in South America on a 2 year sabbatical from farming, (just in time for seeding).
In times of extreme price volatility, market consolidation and changing demographics, the issues that affect the farming operations of today are far more complicated than we foresaw even 10 years ago. Farm/business management is the key to ensuring healthy enterprises that are sustainable into the future. Regardless of the size of the farm, management is becoming more complex, thus it is necessary to ensure that there are opportunities for farmers to continually learn and master the appropriate skills, skills which can positively influence their financial performance individually and sustainability of the industry in general. It has always been important to me that we as farmers and "Agri-preneurs" have access to quality learning opportunities and I hope to continue working towards this goal with the Farm Business Management Council and its many partners
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Richard Robert, Vice Chair
Richard grew up on a dairy farm in the region of Abitibi-Temiscamingue in north-western Quebec, and has always had an attachment to agriculture. After studying animal production at the Institut de technologie agro-alimentaire in La Pocatière, he worked as an animal production consultant for five years for the cooperative movement.
In 1998, at 26 years old, Richard and his wife acquired his uncle's dairy and grain farm. Over the years, Richard has been involved in several committees serving many functions, including the Société d'agriculture, the local agricultural co-operative, and president of the regional agricultural fair.
Today, he is director for the Groupe conseil Agricole du Témiscamingue (who work in agri-environment and agricultural management) and president of the regional Groupe conseil (management group), and director of the Fédération des Groupes Conseils Agricoles du Québec after being chairman for 4 years. He served as a director on the board of the UPA for 4 years, where he gained much experience. For 10 years, Richard has been a director for a machinery-sharing co-op and continues to be involved in several community committees.
After only six years of operation, Richard's family farm won 1st place in the Bronze category for the Ordre du Mèrite Agricole du Québec, and after 9 years, they achieved 2nd place in the Silver category. An efficient system is needed on any farm to respect the work and life balance, taking into account family - his wife's commitments and activities with their five children.
Recognized as dynamic and a motivator, Richard is trying to meet new challenges and advance the cause of agriculture.
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Bev Connell, Treasurer
Info coming soon!
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Robert Ross, Secretary
For 33 years Bob has been President and General Manager of Rossholm Farms Ltd, formerly an integrated dairy and crop farm, now a Pure Bred Angus cow-calf and cash crop farm near St. Marys, Ontario. He has served as Board Member and Chair of Canadian, American, and International organizations in the dairy industry. Bob is a partner of Ceres Forte Inc. a Canadian consulting company based in Calgary, Alberta, and is an Associate of George Morris Centre in Guelph, Ontario.
An experienced facilitator, Bob has provided leadership for think tank initiatives to ensure the quality of the milk recording process in Ontario, and the transition to privatization from both the provincial and federal milk recording agencies. He has represented Canada and acted as conference Chairman of the International Committee for Animal Recording programs. Bob was a member of the development and implementation team for AgriSuccess programs in Canada. He has coordinated the CTEAM educational study program for Canadian farm managers since its inception in 1999. Bob is currently a member of the Canadian Farm Business Management Council and the Canadian Consulting Agrologists Association.
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Donald Daigle, Director
Chief Executive Officer of the Really Local Harvest Co-op. Owner of Acadieville Gardens Inc.
Donald operates a family farm which grows 120 acres of carrots and potatoes.
Since his nomination as CEO of the Really Local Harvest Co-op in 2004, Donald has helped create the Dieppe Farmer's market and has also helped organise the 2006 Maritime Marketing Caravan. Following that Marketing Caravan, he is now working along with fellow farmers and government agencies, on an agro-tourism network.
He has also spent a few years as provincial president for the Fédération Francophone des Agriculteurs et Agricultrices du NB.
Donald has been married to Viola for 23 years and they have 5 children. He's a Scout leader, president of his parish's finance committee, and very involved in his community. He loves canoeing, camping, and woodworking. He values and puts forth a lot of time and effort towards family farming.
Donald loves a good challenge and will try anything once. His way of seeing things is always very interesting.
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Philip Keddy, Director
Info coming soon!
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Lori Kittilsen, Director
Info coming soon!
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John Molenhuis, Director
John has been with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs as the Business Analysis and Cost of Production Program Lead for the past 10 years. In this role he leads projects to advance the area of farm business management. He is involved in financial benchmarking studies, develops crop and livestock cost of production decision-making tools and writes business management factsheets and publications.
John has been on the CFBMC board of directors since 2005 and is also currently the OMAFRA advisor to the board of the Agricultural Management Institute. The Agricultural Management Institute stimulates ideas and funds projects to increase the understanding and awareness of business management practices which enable Ontario farmers to meet their business goals.
Before joining OMAFRA, John worked with the Nova Scotia Department of Agriculture and Marketing in their Farm Business Management Section and as a Loan Officer for the Nova Scotia Farm Loan Board.
John has a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Guelph. John grew up on a farrow-to-finish hog operation outside of Strathroy, Ontario and now lives in Brighton with his wife and four children.
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Sharon Stollery, Director
Sharon Stollery grew up on a mixed grain and beef farm in central Alberta, where her family continues to farm. She graduated in 1991 from the University of Alberta with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Home Economics, majoring in Foods and Nutrition. Sharon has been working with Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development since then, holding various positions in different locations around the province. Currently she manages a program to enhance extension skills with ministry staff. She coordinates, develops and delivers training to help staff in effectively advancing industry growth and development. Prior to this Sharon led an initiative to develop the local market sector in Alberta.
Sharon has always engaged in partnerships with farm management staff in her department, recognizing it as a cornerstone to sustainable industry development. Over the years she has been involved in a number of projects in partnership with the CFBMC, including the Canadian Agri-Tourism Working Group.
Sharon has brought energy for strategic planning, effective communications and team building to the CFBMC board of directors since 2006.
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