Sask Wheat Takes Leadership Role as CWRC Welcomes New Board Directors
The Canadian Wheat Research Coalition (CWRC) has entered a new leadership chapter with the appointment of Blair Goldade as its new president. The change comes as hosting responsibilities for the organization in transition from Manitoba Crop Alliance (MCA) to the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (Sask Wheat).
Goldade, who serves as executive director of Sask Wheat, will lead the coalition during the next phase of its work supporting wheat research and innovation. As president, he will act as the primary contact for external stakeholders and help guide the organization’s strategic direction.
The CWRC is a partnership that brings together producer organizations representing wheat farmers across Alberta, Saskatchewan, and Manitoba. The coalition was established to support research investments that improve wheat production, profitability, and long-term sustainability for farmers. Through collaboration, member organizations can pool resources and fund important projects that benefit the wheat industry across Western Canada.
A key feature of the CWRC is its rotating hosting model. Every three years, hosting duties move between the coalition’s member organizations. These organizations include Sask Wheat, Alberta Grains, and Manitoba Crop Alliance. This system allows each organization to play an active leadership role while maintaining strong cooperation among wheat growers across the Prairie provinces.
The transition marks a significant milestone for Sask Wheat. The organization was the inaugural host when the CWRC was formed in 2017. Nearly a decade later, Sask Wheat is once again taking on the responsibility of hosting the coalition and supporting its ongoing operations.
Goldade expressed pride in the achievements of the organization since its creation. He noted that the coalition has made important contributions to Western Canadian agriculture through its support of wheat research and development initiatives. He also acknowledged the work of Manitoba Crop Alliance and outgoing president Pam de Rocquigny for their leadership and dedication over the past three years.
The leadership transition also includes changes to the CWRC board of directors. Three new farmer directors have joined the board to represent their respective producer organizations. Cameron Reich has been appointed by Sask Wheat; Jeffrey Stobbe-Wiebe will represent the Manitoba Crop Alliance, and Devin Hartzler joins on behalf of Alberta Grains.
These appointments bring new perspectives and experiences to the coalition’s leadership team. Strong farmer representation remains a key part of the CWRC’s structure, helping ensure that research investments address the real-world needs and priorities of producers.
The new directors replace outgoing board members Jake Leguee, Robert Misko, and Dean Hubbard. The coalition recognized their valuable contributions and service during their time on the board. Their efforts helped support the organization’s mission and advance important research initiatives for wheat growers.
CWRC Chair Jocelyn Velestuk welcomed the incoming directors and highlighted the value of fresh ideas in guiding the coalition’s future work. At the same time, she thanked the outgoing directors for their dedication and commitment to improving research opportunities for Canadian wheat producers.
Research remains at the core of the CWRC’s mission. The coalition supports wheat variety development and agronomic research through collaborative funding programs. These investments help researchers develop improved wheat varieties with stronger yields, better disease resistance, and enhanced performance under changing environmental conditions.
“Sask Wheat was the inaugural host when the CWRC was formed in 2017, so this represents a full-circle moment for the organization. Looking back nearly a decade later, I’m extremely proud of what the CWRC has accomplished on behalf of western Canadian farmers,” said Goldade.
She added, “I would like to extend my sincere thanks to MCA and outgoing CWRC president Pam de Rocquigny for their leadership and service over the past three years. I look forward to continuing this valuable work and maintaining the organization’s momentum in my new role.”
The coalition works closely with western Canadian universities and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) through wheat core breeding agreements. These partnerships support long-term scientific research that benefits farmers and strengthens Canada’s wheat sector.
In addition, the CWRC plays an important role in administering the Canadian National Wheat Cluster under AAFC’s Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership. This initiative brings together researchers, industry stakeholders, and producer organizations to advance innovation and address challenges facing the wheat industry.
As the organization begins its next leadership cycle, the CWRC remains focused on supporting research, encouraging collaboration, and delivering value to wheat farmers throughout Western Canada. With a new president, new board members, and renewed leadership from Sask Wheat, the coalition is positioned to continue investing in projects that help strengthen the future of Canadian wheat production.
“As a board, we always benefit from fresh perspectives, so I’m looking forward to having Cameron, Jeffrey and Devin at the table,” said CWRC chair Jocelyn Velestuk. “I’d also like to thank Jake, Robert and Dean for their valuable contributions to the CWRC during their time on the board.”
The latest appointments reflect the coalition’s continuing commitment to innovation, farmer leadership, and industry collaboration. By bringing together organizations from across the Prairie provinces, the CWRC continues to play an important role in advancing wheat research and supporting the success of Canadian farmers for years to come.