Darrell Holyk

Grew up farming with my father NE of Fort SK. Attending the University of Alberta and have a degree from the faculty of Agriculture. I have extensive experience in the forage seed industry, crop protection and crop nutrition segments as it relates to my past farming operation and career with Proven Seed, AgricoreUnited and various crop protection companies. I am currently located on an acreage SE of Edmonton and find the agricultural industry to be an exciting and very much promising industry. I continue to focus on working with producers to ensure that they are selecting the right forage seed genetics for their specific farming operation and subsequently maximizing their profit potential.

Edwin Mans

Edwin grew up on a mixed farm NW of Lethbridge, AB, and graduated from the Lethbridge College with a diploma in Plant and Soil Science in 2005. After college, he continued to work on the farm, in conjunction with farming some rented land, which he continues until now. In 2007, he began retailing forage seed for Proven Seed – marking the beginning of my involvement in the forage industry. Since then, Edwin has been working together with forage producers to provide guidance and to supply their forage seed needs. In 2011, he established Winfield Farms & Seed Ltd. and purchased his own farm in 2013. His moto today, remains the same as always: “Where quality and service come first.”

Vern Turchyn

Vern had the great privilege to live and learn on the family farm in Eastern Manitoba and experienced the numerous successes and challenges associated with agriculture. The best life lessons of working together, towards a common goal and never forgetting about humility and respect are part of his character.

With a plant science degree from the University of Manitoba, Vern developed his competence through a series of industry leading forage seed companies including Northrup King, Proven Seed, as well as being the founder of Union Forage.

Performance Seed is the culmination of his life’s work in an effort to bring not only the industries best , locally tested, and innovative forage products to growers in Western Canada, but also pair this offering with the best agronomic service and technology available.

Vern resides in Lethbridge with his lovely wife Crystal and their 10 children – the true joy in his life.

Peter DeGorter

Peter brings his valuable experience to the organization as an animal nutritionist and animal economist. He has over 20 years of experience with the industry and is an invaluable member of the organization. He also takes care of many of our research and demo plots and analyze yield data, yield parameters and growth potentials.

Dale Steele

Dale has a proven track record of business growth with his attention to detail, customer focus & passion for agriculture. During his 22 years with Dow AgroSciences, he launched 32 new herbicide brands and 11 new seed varieties to the growers, retailers and distributors across Alberta. In 2011, he established & built the Farmers Edge precision agriculture business across southern Alberta and now he assists large farms and businesses to integrate precision Ag technology for improved use of fertilizer and crop inputs as an expert in precision agriculture. Dale has published numerous articles on precision agriculture, holds a degree from the University of Alberta and strives to define the problems and solutions as a professional agrologist.

Saikat Basu

Saikat Basu did his Masters in Botany (Specialization: Microbiology) from the University of Calcutta (India) and in Agricultural Studies from the University of Lethbridge (Canada). He specializes in forage breeding, agrology, pollinator mixes and turf science product development. Saikat received the Graduate Citizenship Award (2009), Alberta Graduate Student Award (2009), CSA Best Article Award (2010), SAEA Volunteer Award (2011), AFC Celebrate Agriculture in Alberta Photo Award (2012) and ASPB Peggy Thompson Publication Award (2014). Saikat enjoys travelling, soccer, cricket and photography during his leisure time.