New Executive Appointed
Alberta Farm Animal Care (AFAC) has appointed a new Executive Director, effective late last year. Annemarie Pedersen is our new Executive Director. Annemarie Pedersen has worked in agricultural communications for over a decade, including past work as Industry Relations Director with Canada Beef as well as running her own communications consulting business for the past three years. AFAC provides a number of programs and services including industry training and resources, school and youth agriculture education programming and the ALERT line. •
New Directors and a New Executive for the Canadian Pork Council
The Canadian Pork Council welcomed six new members to its Board of Directors, namely Yvan Fréchette and René Roy from Québec, Doug Ahrens and Oliver Haan from Ontario, Dan Majeau from Alberta and Casey Smit from Saskatchewan.
They joined current members Rick Bergmann, Claude Vielfure and Scott Peters from Manitoba. Jack DeWit from British Columbia and Hans Kristensen representing the Maritimes.
They are continuing the great work of past board members Teresa Van Raay, Bill Wymenga, Frank Novak, Dickson Gould, David Duval, Normand Martineau.
The current executive is Rick chariman, Hans 1st vice chair and Rene 2nd vice chair. •
Celebrating Neil
About 100 people gathered in December to pass along best wishes to Neil Couling, whom after almost 50 years decided to retire. A celebration to honour the long standing career of Neil took place at the close of Brandon Hog & Livestock Show in Brandon on December 14th, a super day to end a great career.
P. Quintaine and Son, a livestock brokerage company, is where Neil was employed, made friends and, in a way, where he lived, as he lived on site for many years.
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Neil started working for Pete Quintaine in his late 20’s, and has been here ever since.
Current president of the business, Jim Quintaine, said his late father was looking for somebody to live on the premises, and Couling fit the role. Neil began as a truck driver. But his role expanded as the business grew, with Couling taking on looking after everyday matters on the yard. Since the early 1970s, Couling was involved in the buying and selling of sows and boars, he retires as swine procurement manager.
Neil always enjoyed working in the livestock industry and says that is why he stayed in it for so long.
At 79 years young Neil decided it was time. He looks forward to having the opportunity to travel and see family more.
Best wishes Neil and enjoy life where ever your path leads. •
