Genesus Expands Team

Genesus is pleased to announce the appointment of Art Goelema as Sales Manager Western Region. Art joins Genesus from Peak Genetics where he was Sales Manger from 2007 to present. Art is a graduate of Almelo University, Netherlands. In 1988 Art moved to Canada where he has managed several sow farms, including a Uni-Pork multiplier and has been part owner of a sow unit. Married to Karen of whom he has four children. Art lives in Rimbey, Alberta. “Genesus looks forward to Art providing knowledge, strong relationships and leadership to Genesus as we continue to grow in the Western Region” Mike Van Schepdael Vice-President Art Goelema comments “I am honored to work with the world leader in swine genetics with the largest registered purebred herd in the world. Genesus allows me to provide my clients with a genetic program that is truly industry leading.” •

PIC Welcomes New Member

PIC is pleased to announce that Ralph Tuck recently joined the company as an Account Manager in Canada. Ralph will be responsible for identifying and managing the prospecting process to grow market share within Alberta and Saskatchewan as well as managing customer portfolios. This will include helping customers and prospects maximize the profitability of their operations by utilizing the genetic value and technical services of PIC. Ralph has been in the livestock business for the past 40 years with a focus on profitability in Swine units. Please join us in welcoming Ralph to PIC and wishing him success in his new role. •

Connect OnFarm Powers Ahead With New Senior Hire and Fast-expanding Customer Base

Connect OnFarm has appointed a new senior on-farm representative as part of its expanding team servicing customers in Canada and the US. Industry veteran Rick Barva joins the team bringing a wealth of experience and relationships, along with a passion for helping farming operations maximize opportunities. “We’re very excited to welcome Rick on board,” says Cal Ginter of Connect OnFarm. “It’s a big role. It’s also a very important step for Connect OnFarm, as our business continues to grow during an exciting time of evolution in the industry. We wanted someone who, first and foremost, would complement our community – someone who would fit well as part of the team, the family really, that includes not just Connect OnFarm but also our customers, partners and suppliers. “Rick fits the culture we are building. He brings a lot of knowledge and insight that will benefit everyone involved with Connect OnFarm.” Barva was raised near Lethbridge as part of a long-time ranching family that grew its cattle feeding business into one of the largest in the area at the time. His natural enthusiasm for agriculture and the people who make it work led him to a degree in agriculture from the University of Alberta, with a double major in animal nutrition and finance. Since then through several agricultural sales representative and banking/finance roles, Barva has built a strong reputation and become well familiar to many in western Canadian agriculture, particularly in the tight-knit swine community. Barva is also currently a director of the Alberta Pork Congress and has served in a number of industry service and leadership positions over the years. “I couldn’t be happier to have this opportunity,” says Barva. “I’m really looking forward to working with the Connect OnFarm community and, especially, contributing at the farm level. “Rick understands the vision of Connect OnFarm, including our focus on grass roots relationships and dedication to helping farmers innovate and get the most out of their operations,” says Wes Friesen co founder. “Many of our customers have already worked with Rick in his past roles and are as excited as we are to have him join the team. Rick also brings a unique and valuable skillset, bridging both agriculture and finance, that is an excellent fit not only with where we are today but where we are moving toward for the future. •

Pesky Pig a Tasty Treat

Back in the summer I stumbled, with Brenda Kossowan’s help, a tasty treat. Pesky Pig pale ale, is brewed right in Red Deer at the Troubled Monk Brewery. What you might ask makes this micro brewery brew so special. Well it is the story behind the ale. Pesky Pig pale ale is named after Francis the pig. Francis the pig stole the hearts of many back in the summer of 1990 when he escaped the slaughterhouse. He had jumped a wall and disappeared into Red Deer’s parkland area. He survived there for five months until he was finally captured. The full story appears as a part of the label of this special brew. •