Three beef producers named to RDAR Board of Directors

Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) has announced its 2026-2027 Board of Directors, including three beef producers: Steven Kenyon, Fred Lozeman and Josie Van Lent.

“This year’s Board brings together primary producers, ranchers, agronomists, researchers, and experienced agrifood business leaders to guide RDAR’s mandate and ensure producer‑led, results‑driven research reaches those who need it most: Alberta’s farmers and ranchers,” says the RDAR announcement.

The role of the board is to set priorities that align with producer needs and industry standards, says the organization. “The majority of Directors are active farmers and ranchers from across Alberta, ensuring RDAR remains firmly grounded in real-world production challenges and opportunities.”

The Board represents an extensive range of commodities and production systems, including dryland and irrigated crops, livestock, dairy, poultry, and mixed farming.

Primary Producers and Agronomists

• Kelly Barany, BComm, CPA, CMA — Seed grower, Taber
• Roger Barron, RT (Ag), CCA — Agronomist, Spruce Grove
• Brian Brewin — Irrigated crops farmer, Taber
• JP Brouwer, B.Comm — Dairy producer, Ponoka
• D’Arcy Hilgartner, BSc — Grains, pulses, and oilseeds farmer, Camrose
• Steven Kenyon — Rancher, Busby
• Fred Lozeman, DPhil — Beef and mixed‑farming producer, Claresholm
• Josie Van Lent, BScAgr — Beef and bison rancher and crops farmer, Vermilion
• Anke Wierenga, BSc, MSc – Poultry agribusiness, Olds

Directors with Global Agrifood and Marketing Expertise

• Ted Bilyea, BA, MA — International marketing and agrifood strategy
• Jeffery Kroll — Marketing and value-chain development

“It is a privilege to serve as Chair of RDAR’s Board of Directors,” says incoming Board Chair, D’Arcy Hilgartner. “Our Board reflects the breadth and depth of Alberta agriculture, and we are united in our commitment to ensuring producers have access to the research and innovation they need to stay competitive.”

RDAR also expressed its gratitude to the outgoing Chair, Dr. David Chalack, who has become honorary Past Chair; and to Jason Lenz, who has completed his term as Director.