New CEO to Lead Genesis Fertilizers

Jul 17, 2025
By Farms.com

He will lead team developing state-of-the-art nitrogen fertilizer production

Genesis Fertilizers, based in Saskatoon, is proud to announce the appointment of Derek Penner as President and Chief Executive Officer of Genesis Fertilizers GP Inc., the general partner of Genesis Fertilizers Limited Partnership. He will also serve as a director on the company’s board.

The current board members include Ian Craven, Kathy Jordison, Garth Whyte, and Jason Mann. All, except Mann, serve as independent directors. Garth Whyte is acting as the Interim Chair of the Board.

Derek Penner is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA, CA) with more than two decades of senior leadership experience. His career spans financial, strategic, and operational roles both in Canada and internationally. Notably, he served as Chief Financial Officer and later as President and CEO of Monsanto Canada. He also led strategy and licensing for Monsanto's Europe, Middle East, and Africa business based in Switzerland.

Further strengthening his leadership profile, Mr. Penner served as CEO of one of Canada’s largest manufacturers of natural health products and supplements. He is also a partner at Catchfire, a firm providing advisory services focused on mergers and acquisitions across Canada.

"We are thrilled to welcome Derek as a director and as the chief executive of the organization," said Interim Board Chair Garth Whyte. "Derek has been involved with the project for several years as a valued consultant, and he will have oversight of Genesis Fertilizers' fertilizer plant project."

He replaces Jason Mann who recently resigned from his role.

Genesis Fertilizers proposes to develop a state-of-the-art nitrogen fertilizer production and distribution system aimed at meeting the evolving needs of today’s modern farmer. The initiative includes the construction of a central production facility strategically located near low-cost raw material sources. This hub will support a network of farmer-focused distribution centres across Western Canada, designed to enhance efficiency and accessibility.

Photo Credit: Genesis-Fertilizers-logo

Video: Dicamba Returns for Georgia Farmers: What the New EPA Ruling Means for Cotton Growers

After being unavailable in 2024 due to registration issues, dicamba products are returning for Georgia farmers this growing season — but under strict new conditions.

In this report from Tifton, Extension Weed Specialist Stanley Culpepper explains the updated EPA ruling, including new application limits, mandatory training requirements, and the need for a restricted use pesticide license. Among the key changes: a cap of two ½-pound applications per year and the required use of an approved volatility reduction agent with every application.

For Georgia cotton producers, the ruling is significant. According to Taylor Sills with the Georgia Cotton Commission, the vast majority of cotton planted in the state carries the dicamba-tolerant trait — meaning farmers had been paying for technology they couldn’t use.

While environmental groups have expressed concerns over spray drift, Georgia growers have reduced off-target pesticide movement by more than 91% over the past decade. Still, this two-year registration period will come with increased scrutiny, making stewardship and compliance more important than ever.