AFSC Names Darryl Kay as New Chief Executive Officer
Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) announced recently that its Board of Directors has selected Darryl Kay as the new Chief Executive Officer, effective October 1, 2020. Kay currently holds the role of AFSC’s Chief Financial and Innovation Officer.
Kay has been with AFSC for close to 10 years and brings over 20 years of senior leadership experience with him to the role. He has served in a number of different capacities at AFSC, including interim CEO in 2017. During that time he was instrumental in supporting the new online client platform, AFSC Connect, developing a renewed lending mandate, and approving exciting new lending products that are relevant to today’s producer.
Kay replaces Board Member and Interim CEO Jerry Bouma in the role. Bouma has been acting as Interim CEO since former CEO Steve Blakely’s retirement in April 2020.
Kay will report to AFSC’s Board of Directors, through the Board Chair. The CEO supports policy development and leads the Executive Leadership Team in responding to operational issues and challenges while achieving business plan goals and objectives.
“I’m pleased to welcome Darryl Kay as the new CEO for Agriculture Financial Services Corporation,” shared Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen. “Darryl’s understanding of the challenges in agriculture and experience within AFSC will serve Alberta’s farmers and ranchers well. With Darryl’s leadership, AFSC will prioritize customer service, work to improve farm programs, and attract more value-added food processing investments to Alberta. He will be a farm-friendly CEO.” •

Topigs Norsvin Canada Inc. Announces New
Director of Veterinary Services
Topigs Norsvin Canada announced recently that effective January 1, 2021 Dr. Brad Chappell will join its team as Director of Veterinary Services, based out of the Canadian head office in Winnipeg. In his new role, Dr. Chappell will be responsible for all the health programs at both the nucleus and multiplication level in Canada.
Dr. Chappell is a very dedicated and committed veterinarian. After starting his career in a mixed practice, he joined the Sheridan, Heuser & Provis business in 1999. SHP was focused only on swine health and served many of the herds in Manitoba. SHP evolved into Swine Health Professionals, of which he has been a partner of for the past 21 years. Brad’s detailed focus on health and production management has benefitted many producers in the pork sector.
Brad, and his wife Monica, reside just outside of Winnipeg close to Oakbank, MB. Over the years he has served as president of the Manitoba Veterinary Medical Association (MVMA), the Western Canada Association of Swine Veterinarians (WCASV) and the Canadian Association of Swine Veterinarians (CASV). •

FCC Drive Away Hunger Provides Over 17 Million Meals
Farm Credit Canada (FCC) along with its industry partners and public generosity, have provided over 17 million meals for food banks and feeding programs nationwide, another record-breaking year, despite disruptions caused by the global pandemic.
The donation comes at a time when many food banks across the country are experiencing drastic declines in volunteers and food donations, as well as increased public demand in many locations due to the pandemic, according to Food Banks Canada
along with its industry partners and public generosity, have provided over 17 million meals for food banks and feeding programs nationwide, another record-breaking year, despite disruptions caused by the global pandemic.
Regina is home to FCC’s corporate headquarters and about half of the federal Crown corporation’s 2,000 employees, who work in offices across Canada. Earlier this year, FCC provided $280 000 to national and provincial food bank associations to support communities struggling to keep up with demand.
In addition to donations and food collections, FCC contributed a total of $100,000 in support of feeding programs offered over 100 schools across Canada. Earlier this month, each school received $1,000 to feed hungry children at school.
Partners are a major contributor to the success of FCC Drive Away Hunger. This year, major partners included, BDO Canada LLP, Bonduelle, Canadawide, Courchesne, Larose, Chenail Fruits & Legumes, Dedicated Harvesters, Exceldor, Paysan, duBreton and The Meat Factory Ltd. Other partners include BASG Canada, Co-op, Groupe Vegco Inc., Nutrigroupe, Parrish & Heimbecker Ltd., Ray-Mont Logistics International and Windset Farms. •

Steve’s Livestock Honoured as a Top Fleet Employer
The Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) member company and TCA Profitability Program (TPP) Retention Project member, Steve’s Livestock Transport, based in Blumenort, Manitoba, was honored Thursday, October 15 during this year’s Top Fleet Employer awards gala.

This year, the virtual gala, hosted by Trucking HR Canada, highlights and celebrates Top Fleet Employers for their commitment to keeping their employees safe and healthy.
“This accomplishment is an outcome of hard work over the past 24 months from our whole team,” shares Steve’s Livestock Transport Chief Executive Officer Bill Rempel. “Our team was committed to making it better, together. We were determined to make retention the most important thing in our organization and it feels really good to hear from our drivers that they see a difference. This recognition is icing on the cake and I am very proud of our team.” •

Jefo Adds to Team
Jefo Nutrition Inc., a Canadian company and a global leader and manufacturer of performance feed additives is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Rhod Ross to Territory Manager – Sales – Alberta & Saskatchewan.
Rhod brings years of agriculture experience and is dedicated in providing livestock producers with Jefo Solutions to address today’s challenges in this fast paced, exciting and changing industry.
He will work jointly and in addition with Ron Jones, Territory Manager – Sales in both Provinces. Both of these gentlemen look forward to providing outstanding service and value to our growing customer base. •

Remembering Bruce
December 8th, will mark 10 years since the hog sector and I lost a dear friend and colleague. Many of us have fond memories of Bruce, his laugh – his smile -his passion – for the hog industry and all of those associated with it.
I remember sitting with him in his hospital room just the day before he passed away telling him I would come see him after get home from Hog & Poultry Days , he told me “lets be honest, I might not be here when you get back.” Got the news teh next day while in Winnipeg he had passed away.
As his shirt says “Pork Proud.” •