Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12 Page 13 Page 14 Page 15 Page 16 Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Page 20 Page 21 Page 22 Page 23 Page 24 Page 25 Page 26 Page 27 Page 28 Page 29 Page 30 Page 31 Page 32 Page 33 Page 34 Page 35 Page 36 Page 37 Page 38 Page 39 Page 40 Page 41 Page 42 Page 43 Page 44 Page 45 Page 46 Page 47 Page 48 Page 49 Page 50 Page 51 Page 52MEET OUR INSIDERS! Advice from industry experts! Ken Pierson Meridian Manufacturing Sales/Product Manager Based in Lethbridge, Alta., Ken Pierson serves as Meridian’s sales and product manager for fuel tanks and corrugated bins in Canada and the United States. For the past 11 years, he’s been growing these areas and matching industry needs with the best products. Prior to joining Meridian, he worked for Edwards Grain Guard, overseeing the sales division and educating farmers about natural air grain drying. Sarah Foster 20/20 Seed Labs President and Senior Seed Analyst Sarah Foster is a registered seed technologist, senior seed analyst and president of 20/20 Seed Labs — a company she started in 1989 that provides testing services for all crop kinds, including extensive quality and seed health analysis, molecular testing and accredited crop inspection. Foster studied and qualified as an accredited seed analyst at the National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge, England. Mike Dorris Cultura Seed Solutions Sales and Operations Manager As head of Cultura Seed Solutions’ software team in North America, Mike Dorris delivers a comprehensive seed business management software solution. Since 2014, he’s worked to create strategic partnerships, maximizing customer value and satisfaction. Dorris has always been a part of the software or ag industries having worked for The CBORD Group, Gro Master Inc., Ag-World Exports and Illini Swine Inc. Brent Derkatch CANTERRA SEEDS Director, Operations & Business Development Brent Derkatch joined CANTERRA SEEDS in 2001 as production manager. Today, he is responsible for all production and manufacturing activities, market development efforts and variety specific production opportunities. In addition, he serves as president of the Canadian Seed Trade Association and on the board of CANTERRA SEEDS’ U.S. affiliate, Meridian Seeds. Shawna Schimnowski CREATE by Issues Ink Client Services Manager Shawna Schimnowski is greatly aware of the details required to manage projects and uses her skills, business knowledge and ability to connect with clients to drive results. With a strong background in publishing and content creation, combined with her commitment to customer service, Schimnowski is a go-to resource for clients. She works to ensure a successful outcome for every client project she supports. Jason MacNevin Can-Seed Equipment Owner For the past 20 years, Jason MacNevin has been tasked with managing a number of different processing plants. When approached to manage and buy Can-Seed Equipment, MacNevin soon realized the potential that existed and decided to pull the trigger in October 2015. Since then, the company has expanded its business, and MacNevin plans to continue on that trajectory. Martha Roberts Farm Credit Canada Economic Research Specialist Martha Roberts focuses on economic performance and success factors for agricultural producers and agri-businesses. She has 20 years of experience conducting and communicating quantitative and qualitative research results to a number of different audiences. Roberts earned a Master of Sociology from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ont. Check out Page 18 for expert advice on everything from how to be more efficient to when to upgrade equipment.