Mike Bast, Chair of the Western Canadian Wheat Growers Association is pleased to announce that the board of directors has elected Kevin Bender of Bentley, AB to be the Association’s new President.
“I am honoured to serve this great organization,” says Bender. “The Wheat Growers have a proud history of promoting open and competitive markets and I plan to continue in that tradition.”
Bender replaces Cherilyn Jolly-Nagel who announced she would be stepping down earlier this year. Jolly-Nagel has been President of the Wheat Growers for nearly five years and was very instrumental in helping renew the organization. Cherilyn will remain on the board of directors.
“The Wheat Growers owe a tremendous debt of gratitude to Cherilyn for her dedication and passion for agriculture,” says Bast. “She strengthened the voice of our Association and will continue to make a valuable contribution to our industry.”
Bender, age 38, farms with his father and brother northwest of Red Deer, growing barley, canola, oats, peas, spring and winter wheat on 3,800 acres. He has a Bachelor of Religion degree from Taylor University College in Edmonton. He also serves as a director with the Alberta Canola Producers Commission. He and his wife Sara have three children.
Bender becomes the 15th President of the Wheat Growers in its 39 year history. He is optimistic about the future of agriculture and the role the Wheat Growers will play in shaping the business and policy environment in western Canada.
“It’s an exciting time to be a grain farmer,” says Bender. “There is tremendous potential in the Western Canadian agriculture industry and the Wheat Growers will continue to promote policy changes to help us reach that full potential.”
