Precision Agriculture Conference 2015

Speaker Biographies

Below are the biographies for the speakers at Farms.com Precision Agriculture Conference 2015.  Any articles or videos related to each speaker will be displayed below their picture.  If Farms.com has been given permission to share their presentation publicly it will be listed below as well. This page will be updated as more information becomes available.

Video	Ben Arteman, Practical Agronomy Researcher, Beck’s Hybrids Ben has a Plant & Soil Science degree from Southern Illinois University. He has worked as an intern with BASF and Beck's Hybrids and currently is the Practical Farm Research Assistant with Beck's in Central Illinois.
Article	Doug Aspinall, Senior Soil Scientist, OMAFRA Doug is a senior OMAFRA staff soil scientist with more than 30 years of experience in Ontario soil mapping. He is a pedologist, a soil surveyor and a pedometrician. In his role, Doug works with OMAFRA colleagues, federal government pedologists and the farm community across the province on a wide range of agricultural landscape issues. He is currently applying innovative predictive digital soil mapping (PDSM) approaches to renewing Ontario’s soil maps at several locations throughout the province. In recent years, Doug has examined the within field delineation and characterization of management zones using yield maps, digital elevation models, measured soil properties and digital soil mapping techniques.
	Stewart Baillie, Chairman, Unmanned Systems Canada For over 30 years, Stewart Baillie worked at the Flight Research Laboratory (FRL) of Canada’s National Research Council, serving as a Research Officer, a Program Manager and for 15 years as the Lab Director. From 2003 to 2013, Stewart was the main proponent of Unmanned Aircraft technology at NRC and led the development of the NRC Civil UAS Program. He currently leads the Transport Canada subgroup to develop airworthiness regulations for UAS. Mr. Baillie retired from NRC in January 2013 and is now an independent consultant. He is a board member of Unmanned Systems Canada and is currently serving as the Chair of the Board of Directors.
Article	Rob Boyes, Integrated Solutions Manager, Huron Tractor Rob Boyes is the Integrated Solutions Manager at Huron Tractor Ltd and has been employed with Huron tractor for 21 years. Huron Tractor is one of John Deere’s largest partners in Canada, with nine locations servicing southern Ontarians from East to West. Huron Tractor’s approach to business has always put the customer first. They’re proud to serve a community of customers that spans agricultural and commercial organizations to homeowners, with one of the largest inventories of machines and parts in Canada.
Article	Aaron Breimer, Precision Ag Specialist, Veritas Farm Management Inc. Aaron Breimer was born and raised on a cash crop farm in northern Middlesex County close to the town of Ailsa Craig. Aaron attended the University of Guelph where he obtained his Honours, Bachelors of Science Agriculture. Following university, Aaron worked in the ag retail industry for 10 years with a territory that included part of Essex and Kent Counties. For the last 4 years, he has been working with Veritas as an agronomist and sales agronomist out of the Parkhill office.
Article    Video	Chris Creek, Region Manager, Precision Planting Chris Creek is the Northeast Region Manager for Precision Planting. Precision Planting is a leader in agriculture technology. They develop innovative products and solve important agronomic issues facing growers. Precision Planting provides insights and assistance so each farmer they work with can reach their best yield. Chris is that rare individual who can successfully bridge the gap between the technical and marketing departments.
Article    Video	Steve Denys, Vice President, Pride Seeds Stephen Denys is Vice President of Sales and Marketing with PRIDE Seeds, responsible for strategic planning and management of the PRIDE Seeds brand including all sales, marketing and customer service activities for Canada. Steve holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture from the University of Guelph and a Masters in Business Administration degree from the University of Windsor. In addition to his role with PRIDE Seeds, Steve operates a cash crop farm near Chatham, Ontario where he grows corn, seed corn, soybeans, seed soybeans, white beans and winter wheat. He conducts active research on his farm through variety and crop protection trials including a large pre-commercial variety testing plot for PRIDE Seeds.
Article   Video	Mike Duncan, NSERC Industrial Research Chair In Precision Agriculture & Environmental Technologies, Niagara College Canada Dr. Duncan and his team have developed a variety of web applications that provide real-time data, mapping, map analysis, and value added services for farmers. Currently, the team's Precision Agriculture work is at the stage where it can be applied with growers and grower consultants to increase their productivity and competitiveness. To properly apply and test precision agriculture theories, Dr. Duncan's group is involved with the GFO, and OMAFRA researchers on a project with 30 growers. A state of the art server and disk system is being used to implement a software system to process their data and test definitions of management zones. The system is being designed to provide quick turnarounds prior to applying inputs to their fields. At the end of the project, the algorithms and the system will be developed into a semi-automated entity that has the capacity to process data from thousands of farms in a timely manner.
Article    Video	Andrew Elgersma, Grower Services Manager, BASF Andrew Elgersma has worked for BASF Canada for 8 years with time spent in Alberta as a Business Representative, followed by Eastern Canada Market Manager for corn and soybeans and more recently Grower Solutions Manager. As Grower Solutions Manager he is responsible for the development of tools and offers for BASF Canada's grower customers and has put an increased focus on tools and offers that address grower risk management and business management needs. This focus has enabled investment by BASF in new and unique services and offerings for the Canadian market. Andrew has been instrumental in working with Affinity Management to launch Compass Grower Advanced - an all-in-one mobile farm data management system. Andrew holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph.
	Rachel Faust, Technical Marketing Manager, DuPont Pioneer Rachel Faust has been with DuPont Pioneer since 2003, where she is currently the Technical Marketing Manager. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science, Agriculture Economics degree in 2000. DuPont Pioneer is the world’s leading developer and supplier of advanced plant genetics, providing high-quality seeds to farmers in more than 90 countries. DuPont Pioneer provides agronomic support and services to help increase farmer productivity and profitability and strives to develop sustainable agricultural systems for people everywhere.
Article	Derek Freitag, Canada Technology Development Lead, Monsanto Derek Freitag has worked with Monsanto Canada for over 14 years in Technology Development and Sales. Currently Derek is the Technology Development Lead for Eastern Canada managing a team of Technology Development Reps and DEKALB Agronomists. A graduate of the University of Guelph with a BSc. in Agriculture and the CCA accreditation.
Video	Aron Gampel, Vice President & Deputy Chief Economist, Scotiabank Aron Gampel is the Vice-President & Deputy Chief Economist of Scotiabank, where he is a senior advisor to the Bank’s executive management, as well as to the organization’s diverse customer base in Canada and internationally. Prior to joining Scotiabank in 1984, Aron spent six years as an economist with the investment firm of Pitfield Mackay Ross Ltd., and four years with the Ontario Economic Council, both in Toronto. And for the past eight years, he also has been a Director of the Canadian German Chamber of Industry and Commerce. Aron is a graduate of York University in Toronto, Ontario, where he received his Master of Arts degree in Economics. He also earned his Honours Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics and computer science from Brock University in St. Catharines, Ontario.
	J.P. Gervais, Chief Agricultural Economist, Farm Credit Canada J.P. is the Chief Agricultural Economist at Farm Credit Canada. Prior to joining FCC in 2010, he was a Professor in the Department of Agricultural Economics at North Carolina State and Laval University. J.P. is currently President-elect of the Canadian Agricultural Economics Society. He obtained his Ph.D. in Economics from Iowa State University in 1999.
	Nanette Hamon, Product Specialist, Farm Credit Canada Nanette is a Product Specialist with FCC Management Software. She joined FCC back in 2012 and enjoys working with FCC especially because she is interested in agriculture and farming. Nanette was born in rural Saskatchewan where her family owned both a dealership and family farm. Nanette studied Commerce at the University of Calgary and then returned to Saskatchewan back in 2001.
Article	Darryl Lacey, Precision Farming Specialist, Delta Power Equipment Darryl Lacey is a licensed mechanic as well as a Precision Farm Specialist (University of Guelph). Throughout his career, he has worked with a number of machinery organizations. At Delta Power Equipment Darryl and the team actively pursue equipment, technology and agronomic solutions that bring precision to tillage, fertilizer, seeding, chemical and data applications. He firmly believes that every precision agriculture solution must meet strict evaluation standards to ensure there is an acceptable return on investment for farmers.
Article    Video	Tim Little, Precision Agriculture, Growmark Tim Little is from Growmark FS, LLC. He grew up in the Fingerlakes area of NY, where he worked on his grandfather’s farm. After high school and through his college summers he worked for Seneca Foods and Agrilink, sampling vegetable crops for harvest maturity. Tim graduated from Pensacola Christian College in 2002 with a B.S. in Marketing and a minor in Finance. Immediately following college he spent six years in various rolls with financial institutions before recognizing the opportunities there were in commercial agriculture. In 2008 he joined Growmark as the Sales & Operations Manager at the Caledonia, NY location. He has also taken a lead in growing precision agriculture in his market as well as with Growmark FS, LLC.
Video	Tim Marquis, Meteorologist, Weather Decision Technologies Inc. Tim Marquis received his Master of Science in summer 2013 and is currently head of Agriculture Business Development at Weather Decision Technologies (WDT). Previously, he was a teaching assistant in 2011/2012 for senior level Synoptic meteorology and Mesoscale meteorology. He also served as a forecaster to Iowa State Athletics and Iowa State University. He provided forecasting and nowcasting information for large venue outdoor events as well as consultation work for storm ready certification while at Iowa State.
Article    Video	Ryan Marshall Ryan Marshall is a 7th generation farmer, farming in Halton County. Ryan’s wife Marissa grew up down the road on her family’s cattle farm. When Marissa was pregnant with baby #1, they decided it was time to farm FULL time. They operate Market & Little Farm Store. Their farm market is a real farm market, meaning, they are Real Farmers producing real farm fresh veggies, only selling the veggies they have grown on their farm. They focus on freshness. The distance of travel from the field to the market is the length of a farm lane.
Article	Trevor McCormick, Business Solutions Manager, Affinity Management Trevor McCormick has over 20 years in the IT field during which he has gained intimate knowledge of Agriculture, Retail, Manufacturing, Logistics, and Telecommunications. Trevor is a certified Microsoft IT professional in Development and Financial Accounting systems. He has spent the last 10 years working with Agriculture businesses, focusing on finding new and innovative agricultural business solutions including Compass Grower Advanced. Currently Trevor leads the development and support teams at Affinity Management, continuing their commitment to providing leading farm management solutions with best-in-class customer service.
Article	Kaye McLagan, Data Coordinator, Premier Equipment Kaye McLagan is the Data Coordinator, Integrated Solutions department, at Premier Equipment Ltd in Elmira, Ontario. Kaye lives on her family’s dairy and cash crop farm just outside of Mitchell, Ontario. Kaye specializes in collecting, organizing and analyzing data on a variety of agricultural software programs. She has a vast knowledge of web-based products such as John Deere’s MyJohnDeere.com and Trimble’s Connected Farm. She manages the Dealership’s telematics and GPS subscriptions, and works with new technologies such as the Soil Information System, PurePixel and Greenseeker.
	Ian Nichols, Business Manager, Weather Innovations Ian is WIN’s Business Manager. WIN provides information and decision support tools that improve sustainability, consistency and profitability of agriculture production. Ian's role is to coach and lead the WIN team and bring together the resources and the clients, so that applied agro-meteorology can prosper in Canada and beyond. As well as being the WIN business analyst, Ian is responsible for networking and initiating new services for WIN’s current and prospective clients. Ian originally launched the program in 2000 as a pilot study known as the Ontario Weather Network. He has a B.Sc. in Agricultural Economics from the University of Guelph and taught ag-business courses in the diploma program, at the University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus.
Article	Lisa Prassack, Agri Food Innovation Expert & Data Strategy Consultant Lisa Prassack has over 20 years of experience working with big data analytics. She specializes in working in tandem with innovators by providing critical market understanding with data-intensive solutions. She previously worked as the Trimble Agriculture Strategic Marketing Director and was responsible for the precision farming strategy, planning and M&A as well as global strategic partnerships with a number of agricultural companies.
Article	Nicole Rabe, Land Resource Specialist, OMAFRA Nicole has a M.Sc. focused on Precision Agriculture and is currently the Land Resource Specialist (Environmental Management Branch) for OMAFRA. Having worked in Precision ag throughout her career in ON, AB, & MB, Nicole has a background in applying Geographic Information Systems and Remote Sensing for agricultural applications. Nicole enjoys collaboration with Agriculture Development Branch colleagues on many different aspects of precision agriculture and soil resource management work.
Article	Paul Raymer, Co-owner, Practical Precision Inc Paul received his certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Fanshawe College - specializing in Mobile Equipment Design. Paul has a wide range of agricultural, industrial, and military experience; working on various engineering teams such as John Deere and General Dynamic. Paul has been instrumental in creating a tablet computer platform for GreenSeeker units that simplifies the mapping process. He has also brought the SoilOptix technology to Canada and is busy validating the information that can be gleaned from the sensors. Paul will be joined in his presentation by his father, Barry Raymer, who is co-owner of Practical Precision Inc.
Article    Video	Steve Redmond, Precision Ag Specialist, Hensall District Co-operative Steve has been a Certified Crop Advisor since 1996 and holds designation as a Professional Agrologist in Ontario. His current position is Precision Ag and Corn Seed Specialist with Hensall District Co-operative – an innovative farmer-owned business with over $650 Million in sales revenue. Steve has owned and operated two UAVs for creating aerial imagery of farm fields. He began with a Swinglet CAM and now owns the Canadian made Aeryon Scout. After graduating from the University of Guelph, he worked for DuPont in sales and R&D, in technical support for Cyanamid Crop Protection (now part of BASF), as a sales rep for Pioneer Hi-Bred, and he also worked with OMAFRA as an Environmental Specialist from June 2009 to February 2012.
Article	Steve Reynolds, Solutions Specialist, John Deere Steve Reynolds is a Solutions Specialist with John Deere in Grimsby, Ontario. Steve has been part of the John Deere solutions team since May 2012. Prior to joining John Deere, Steve worked for Engine Control System, Honda, and Hyundai. He has a Master of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queen’s University, where he also received his Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering.
Article    Video	Jason Robinson Jason Robinson is part of Robinson G L Farm Equipment Repairs & Machine SH is a farm equipment dealer located in Tillsonburg, ON, which has led to Agra Service which is involved in variable rate precision agriculture.
Article    Video	Dan Rooney, Manager, Trimble Agriculture Dan is the Strategic Development Manager for Trimble. His role involves the integration of the Soil Information System and PurePixel technologies with the Trimble Connected Farm platform. Dan has an M.Sc. from Texas A&M University in Ecology & Soil Physics and a Ph.D. from the University of Madison-Wisconsin in Remote Sensing & Spatial Information. He is the CEO and founder of two companies: STI Soil Information System and Earthling Interactive (originally named Earth Information Technologies).
Article    Video	David Scott, Senior Account Manager, GEOSYS Having grown up on a cattle and grain farm in southern Iowa, Dave Scott joined GEOSYS in June, 2013 to lead relationships with key customers across US & Canada. His responsibilities include the introduction of a number of new capabilities to the GEOSYS platform, as well as working with customers to incorporate the GEOSYS suite of solutions into their agronomy offerings to growers. Previously, Dave was a Customer Campaign Lead for Syngenta where he developed and implemented integrated marketing and sales campaigns for a portfolio of seed and crop protection products. Dave has 30 years of experience in agronomy-related sales and marketing roles with a BS degree in Animal Science from Iowa State University.
Article   Video	Tyler Vollmershausen Tyler is a young cashcropper from Northeast Oxford County integrating regenerative farming practices using strip-till, no-till and cover crops. He attended Ridgetown College, and is a delegate with the Ontario Bean Growers. Recently, he joined Ontario Soil and Crop as a new director in his township. Tyler enjoys the challenges involved with implementing precision agriculture technologies on the farm. He's part of a family run operation that's taken a 180 degree turnaround from its mouldboard plowing past.
Video	Felix Weber, President, AgBusiness & Crop Inc. For over 20 years, Felix has explored new technological and agricultural practices that would increase the productivity for clients of his consulting company, Ag Business and Crop Inc. and his own operation as well. While researching effective ways to monitor crops using aerial imagery, he became the distributor for senseFly products in Canada. He is presently working on research for Pix4D Switzerland in development in mosaicking and GIS software, ongoing projects with OMAFRA, and camera, colour and frequency research for different projects. As an early innovator of UAVs in agriculture, Felix has been a presenter at numerous agricultural events across the country.
Article    Video	Mike Wilson, Advanced Agronomy Solutions Manager, Thompsons Limited Mike has been with Thompsons for over 10 years. Mike is a graduate of University of Guelph, Ridgetown Campus. In 2002 Mike began his career working at Orford Coop in Chatham. In the spring of 2003 he started with Thompsons as a sales representative at the Kent Bridge Location developing a passion for agronomy immediately. Mike obtained his Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) designation in 2006. Over the years Mike’s passion for Agronomy and his strong commitment to customer service has enabled him to rise through the ranks at various locations to his current position as Advanced Agronomy Solutions Manager at head office. In this time, he has gained invaluable experience and a very strong practical knowledge of Agronomy and Precision Ag allowing him to effectively communicate with and create solutions for our customers.
Video	Dan Wright, Canada Trait Launch Lead, Monsanto Dan Wright is the Canadian Trait Launch Lead for Monsanto. He has a Marketing Diploma from Conestoga College and has held many positions at Monsanto; including Territory, Licensing & Marketing Manager positions.