b"trials with farmers were challenging butLEADING THE WAY TO A incredibly effective at the farm level. SUSTAINABLE FUTUREWe developed a rigorous programKaren Churchill QUALIFICATIONS ASfor achieving this, focusing initially onAg-West Bio A TOP CEO:the West, where most of the agriculturalSaskatoon, Sask.industry was concentrated, and expand- 1.She can steer the ship through ing to the East as our client base grew. In an industry where innovation andrough waters: Churchill took the The team ventured into marketsadaptability are key, having visionaryhelm at Ag-West Bio just before like corn and soybeans, recognizing theleaders at the helm is crucial. One suchthe onset of COVID-19. Under importance of local knowledge and lan- leader who has been making waves isher leadership, the company guage skills in different regions. Karen Churchill, president and CEO ofsuccessfully pivoted to address the Interacting with farmers revealedAg-West Bio. Churchills dedication toreality of the pandemic, including that we could have a more significantfostering innovation, supporting clusters,significant changes, such as hiring influence by following up with theand driving the development of marketsnew staff and introducing new individuals we contacted. This led to thefor Canadian products has set her apart. strategies and tactics. Her ability development of a comprehensive packageAg-West Bio, a nonprofit organiza- to lead during these trying times for our clients, which involved not onlytion, has a unique mission. It focuses onunderscores her resilience and adaptability.making sales calls but also ensuring theidentifying and nurturing early-stage2.She can help an organization sale was closed by the retailer or the cli- innovations in agriculture. stay relevant: Under Churchills ents sales reps, Butcher says. Churchills mission is to ensure thatleadership, Ag-West went on an AgCall soon introduced digital com- these crops become viable and remainidentity quest. This meant forming ponents for follow-up. part of the agricultural landscape. Onenew partnerships and spearheading In 1997, AgCall proved itself a trueof the key factors in this endeavour isnew initiatives, such as a new first mover when it ventured into thedeveloping markets for products andincubator at Innovation Placethe digital space, assessing crop growth stag- ingredients. Global Agri-Food Advancement ing to assist with herbicide crop stageIt's not just about growing thesePartnership.timing, showcasing its ability to adapt tocrops; its about creating demand and3.She can reinvigorate a brand: emerging trends and technologies. ensuring that farmers have a reason toHer leadership extended to It would soon make its first entry intocultivate them. You need to make surerefreshing the Ag-West Bio brand the U.S. market with 80 field associatesthat it is an economically viable crop soby determining what differentiates in 22 states. that it stays in the rotation. the organization from others. This illustrates her strategic thinking and commitment to the organizations long-term success.QUALIFICATIONS AS A TOP CEO: 4.She encourages discussion and debate: A key characteristic 1.Butcher is adept at customizing and adapting. His leadership at AgCall isof Churchills leadership is her marked by a commitment to adaptability and customization. He instills a cultureopenness to healthy discussion and of tailoring solutions to meet the unique needs of each client. This approach hasdebate. This willingness to engage solidified AgCalls reputation as a flexible and invaluable partner. in constructive dialogue fosters an environment where staff members 2.He takes a results-oriented approach. Under Butchers guidance, AgCall hascan actively participate and share consistently delivered impressive returns on investment. His focus on measuringtheir ideas. It also helps prevent and reporting results underscores his commitment to accountability andgroupthink, where decision-excellence. making is influenced by conformity 3.He excels at resource management. Butcher recognizes the importance ofrather than critical thinking.key resources in project success. He oversees the development and deployment of essential resources within AgCall, including project managers, technology solutions and skilled associates. These resources play a pivotal role in the successful execution of projects.4.Hes a master at problem-solving. Butchers leadership is characterized by an ability to navigate complex projects. He demonstrates exceptional problem-solving skills and adaptability, particularly in managing intricate projects involving data sharing with competitors and implementing digital platforms for tracking seed purchases.18GERMINATION.CANOVEMBER 2023"