The Board of Directors of Sask Wheat elected Jocelyn Velestuk as chair and Rob Stone as vice-chair. Their positions became effective Jan. 13, 2026.
Based near Broadview, SK, Velestuk farms with her husband working with a mix of beef and grain. She has an M.Sc. in Soil Science, and a B.Sc. in Agriculture, Environmental and Soil Science, both from the University of Saskatchewan. As someone who notes her interest and passion for bridging the communication between producers and researchers, she looks to garner a growth mindset. Velestuk is also the current chair of the Canadian Wheat Research Coalition, and sits on the Sask Wheat Research Committee. The newly-appointed Sask Wheat chair is entering her seventh year as a member after being acclaimed to the board following the 2020 director nominations. When it comes to her plans, she wants to see an upward trajectory when it comes to growth while continuing the ongoing efforts to be leaders in the agriculture sector.
“I hope to continue that focus on having really effective research, talking with the researchers, and finding the practical management of our farms. What are the issues we’re having and what do the solutions look like? I also hope to lead the organization with the support of all the wonderful directors and staff to really continue to be leaders on a national stage as well with what we do here.”
Calling Davidson, SK home, Stone is taking on the new role of board vice-chair while entering his second four-year term after being re-elected in the fall. Stone Farms Inc. has been in business since 1904, and has been run by Rob and his wife for nearly 27 years as the fourth generation owners. Then new vice-chair is also a University of Saskatchewan graduate where he got his B.Sc. in Agriculture, Agronomy and Crop Science. When joining the board in 2022, Stone said he was looking to get involved with a board like Sask Wheat to provide direction and understand the ins and outs of research, breeding and advocacy. Now as he moves into a higher role, he is looking forward to learning the executive functions of the board, supporting the chair and continuing the work of the board.
“I think it’s a great opportunity to get some training for, potentially, some other duties down the road; being involved with committee work and other responsibilities. So it’s great to be able to participate with whatever skills I can bring to the board.”
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