Jill Verwey lives and breathes agriculture. Her roots growing up on a mixed grain and cattle operation in rural Manitoba lend themselves well to her current roles – the office manager for Verwey Farms Ltd., president of Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP), and first vice president of the Canadian Federation of Agriculture (CFA). Jill’s pride in Canadian agriculture is unmistakable. Learn more about her career and advocacy journey below.
Describe your job or product in one sentence.
My role includes managing the day-to-day administration and financial operations of our family farm, overseeing food and animal safety and human resources, and representing agricultural producers provincially and nationally through leadership roles with KAP, CFA, and various boards and advisory groups.
Where did you grow up? Was it an agriculture or urban environment?
I grew up in rural Manitoba on a mixed grain and cattle operation. I have been married for 32 years, and my husband and I are involved in a four-generation family farm that includes dairy and grain production. We have four grown children, all of whom have completed post-secondary education in agriculture-related fields.
What was your dream job when you were a kid?
My dream was always to be involved in agriculture. Today, I truly feel I have the best job – living and working on our farm while also representing the interests of producers in Manitoba and across Canada.
What was your first job in the agriculture or agri-food sector?
My first role in the agriculture sector was working in agricultural and commercial lending, where I spent over 13 years supporting farm businesses.
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