Guided by Industry. Built for the Future.

Karen Murray Ag Services has several ventures that serve farms and ranches across Southern Alberta and Southwestern Saskatchewan. Karen is a licensed insurance advisor and represents Global Ag Risk Solutions (GARS), a private production cost insurance company based out of Moose Jaw, SK. As an advisor, she works one-on-one with farmers assessing their insurance needs and recommending appropriate insurance packages — giving farmers confidence in their risk management plans, enabling them to execute their goals.

Karen also sells grass, alfalfa and reclamation seed blends. She has the skills to listen to what the rancher needs and the knowledge to create unique blends for each location and requirement. Karen is a licensed hail representative for most of the private hail insurance companies in AB and SK.

Karen is a certified crop advisor, has a degree in agriculture, and is an active volunteer for many groups in her community — including Quonset Days, the Bow Island Curling Club, Seven Persons 4-H Beef Club, SPS School and the Classroom Agriculture Program. She applies her education and experience both on the home farm and within everything that Karen Murray Ag Services Ltd. does.

Emily is currently the Senior Agronomist at Quattro Ventures, a complex joint venture farm operation. She leads the farm’s potato division and oversees all on-farm agronomics, with a focus on sustainable practices, maximizing crop yields, and implementing advanced water and nutrient management strategies. In addition, she leads safety, food safety, and sustainability initiatives, and plays a key role in mentoring junior agronomists.

A 2023 Nuffield Scholar, Emily researched regenerative agriculture in potato systems around the world. She recently joined the board of Nuffield Canada as a Director. She also previously held agronomy roles with McCain Foods in both Alberta and New Brunswick, where she worked closely with growers to drive continuous improvement and implement innovative practices.

Numerous research publications support her work, and she actively contributes to the agricultural community through her involvement with the Potato Growers of Alberta, where she chairs the Research Committee and serves on the Public Trust Committee.

In recognition of her leadership and impact, Emily was named one of the 2025 Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture.

Today, Lesley farms alongside her husband Scott and their two daughters, Beth and Emily, southwest of Tilley. In addition to her work on the farm, she has built a career as a Professional Agrologist, with experience in environmentally sustainable agriculture, upstream oil and gas assessments, land reclamation, and irrigated land classification.

Lesley currently leads the Ag Applied Research program at Medicine Hat College’s Centre for Innovation (C4i), where she supports producer-led research focused on the needs of Southeast Alberta. She brings a strong connection to rural life, a passion for ag education, and a commitment to community development.

Cori brings a diverse professional background that blends nonprofit leadership with private sector experience. She previously developed a strong sales foundation with Driver Testing Solutions, building expertise in client relations, business development, and strategic growth — skills that continue to inform her work today. From 1992 to 2008, she served as Manager of the Students’ Association at Medicine Hat College, where she supported student governance, advocacy, and institutional initiatives over a significant period of organizational development.

A dedicated community leader, Cori has been actively involved with numerous organizations in the Medicine Hat area. She currently serves as Board Chair for the Friends of Medalta Society and is a past Board Chair of the Medicine Hat College Foundation. Her governance experience and commitment to community development reflect a consistent focus on strengthening organizations and creating lasting local impact.

A committed researcher, he recently partnered with Medicine Hat College Centre for Innovation (C4i) to investigate thermoregulation in bee colonies, focusing on how innovative hive designs can enhance colony health and survival in prairie climates. Sheldon leverages this evidence-based approach to advance best practices and build a more resilient future for the Canadian honey industry.

Her background includes roles in project coordination, research, and culinary management, with a strong focus on mentoring youth, supporting cultural initiatives, and promoting ethical business practices. Known for her compassion, reliability, and meticulous attention to detail, Stella is committed to creating hands-on learning experiences that connect students to agriculture, food, and community.

The team is passionate about cattle production medicine and appreciates that performance on the ranch means keeping every aspect of an operation healthy — from the cattle through to working dogs and horses.

Jan was lucky enough to marry her husband and join his family’s farm, where they share their passion for rural living and have built a purebred Angus herd.

When she’s not working, Jan enjoys spending time with her family and many animals — as well as reading, knitting, and baking.

Jaus’s fascination with machinery started long before his career began. Growing up, he was drawn to the power and precision of equipment, and it quickly became clear that operating and building with machines was more than just playing in the sandbox — it was his future. That early passion, combined with a family history rooted in the industry, had him spending countless hours in equipment, honing his skills digging in the dirt.

Today, Jaus is part-owner of Industrial Backhoes Ltd. in Medicine Hat, Alberta, where he works across all facets of civil construction — from road building, utility and infrastructure replacement, and commercial and residential development, to industrial site maintenance. His roles span management, project planning, estimating, supervision, and hands-on operation of heavy equipment, giving him a 360-degree perspective on what it takes to deliver safe, efficient, and high-quality projects.

Earning the Caterpillar Global Operator Challenge World Champion title was more than an award — it solidified his expertise and elevated the profession of heavy equipment operation. Jaus uses that platform to inspire others, share best practices, and demonstrate the precision, skill, and professionalism required in the field.

His technical expertise includes operating and mentoring on equipment such as excavators, backhoes, skid steers, graders, and loaders, as well as advanced systems like GNSS survey, 2D grading, and GPS machine control. He also has a vast knowledge base of municipal water, sewer, and storm line installations, holding a Small Systems Water Certificate and a Private Sewage Design and Installation Ticket. Jaus has dedicated himself to developing skilled operators through hands-on training, on-the-job mentorship, and practical leadership — helping improve safety, efficiency, and productivity across every project.

She has a knack for experiential learning — leading 45 fellow agriculture students on an Alberta Beef Industry tour, resurrecting the livestock judging club, and being extensively involved with the Canadian Agri Marketing Association student team during university.

As a youth, she was an avid 4-H member, with an emphasis on communications, stockmanship and mentorship. She is grateful for the opportunity to be an advisor for the Yuill School of Agriculture, developing an incredible and unique learning environment for Southern Alberta’s youth.

Planting seeds of health and food knowledge with youth is of utmost importance to her, as she believes that empowering the next generation with practical nutrition skills creates lasting impact.

Her passion for functional health and community wellness led her to become an entrepreneur, creating a business rooted in local, natural ingredients and evidence-based nutrition principles. Through her work, Katie has developed a signature Gut Health Elixir — a natural blend that has helped individuals improve digestion, reduce inflammation, and support overall well-being.

Driven by a deep commitment to education and empowerment, Katie continues to bridge her background in teaching with her entrepreneurial vision — helping her community reconnect with real food, mindful eating, and sustainable lifestyle habits.

Born and raised in a family rooted in greenhouse farming, Ryan developed a passion for agriculture early in life, learning the trade through hands-on experience in his family’s growing operations.

Under his leadership, Big Marble Farms has grown from a regional greenhouse into a premier year-round producer of tomatoes, cucumbers, bell peppers, and other fresh vegetables for markets across Western Canada. The company is recognized for its innovation, sustainable practices, and commitment to environmental stewardship — including initiatives to reduce energy use and adopt recyclable packaging.

Ryan emphasizes the importance of family and community. Big Marble Farms remains a family-oriented enterprise, with his wife Brianne a key part of the executive team. Together, they maintain strong ties to Medicine Hat and the broader agricultural community, championing local food production, innovation, and economic growth.

Together with their family, they manage a custom feeding operation of approximately 2,800 calves, where they take great pride in producing quality livestock through hard work, attention to detail, and a commitment to excellence.

In addition to their feedlot business, Kody and Rachel are distributors of corn seed, proudly supporting other producers in their region with high-quality products and dependable service. The Traxels value their role within the agricultural community and are passionate about contributing to its continued growth and success.

Gary previously served for 14 years on the SMRID board and has volunteered for numerous boards and committees within his community. He enjoyed 10+ years as Leader of a local 4-H Club and is a member of District 4-H Beef Council.

Gary has been appointed by the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation as a Member of Irrigation Council. He has been recognized with the “Farm Family of the Year Award,” the “Friends of 4-H Award,” and the “AIPA Recognition Award” for his contributions to the community.

His background in farming has provided him with a strong foundation in practical problem-solving, long-term planning, and the day-to-day realities of rural life.

Dustin is currently serving his fourth term as a councilor with Cypress County, contributing to regional development, infrastructure planning, and community-focused initiatives. He approaches his role with a straightforward, commonsense perspective shaped by his agricultural experience and long-standing connection to the region.

In addition to his work in agriculture and local government, Dustin is co-owner of Pivot Pro Ag, an irrigation service business that supports producers across southern Alberta. Through Pivot Pro Ag, he focuses on reliable service, equipment troubleshooting, and helping farming operations maintain efficient and effective irrigation systems.

Across all of his roles, Dustin remains committed to supporting rural communities, strengthening agricultural operations, and continuing the long-standing traditions of his family’s farm.

Craig lives on the ranch with his wife Nicole and their two children — who represent the fourth generation on the farm. Short Grass Ranches is a diverse operation that includes a cow-calf program, a backgrounding feedlot, and both irrigated and dryland farming.

Beyond life on the farm, Craig is actively involved in the beef industry. He serves as a delegate for Alberta Beef Producers, chairs the Alberta Beef Producers’ Research Committee, and also chairs the Beef Cattle Research Council’s Producer Council.

Learning is an everyday part of the operation as the team adjusts to ever-changing conditions, challenges, and opportunities. Learning has come in many forms over the years — from formal post-secondary education, family, and mentors, to attending agricultural conferences and courses, being part of agricultural peer groups, and serving with organizations like the Alberta Winter Wheat Producers Commission, the Alberta Wheat Commission, and the Medicine Hat & District Chamber of Commerce.

These events and organizations gave Scott the opportunity to network with other producers and work with several industry organizations and levels of government. He looks forward to the opportunity to be an advisor and help build the Yuill School of Agriculture program — to inspire young people to be a part of agriculture.

Dwaine started his broadcast career after graduating from SAIT, working in many different positions before settling in Lethbridge as a salesman for CFCN TV. After four years he became Sales Manager, and in 1983 moved to Medicine Hat as CHAT TV station manager. In 1985 he also took on responsibility for CHAT Radio, and in 1988 became Vice President of Monarch Broadcasting. He was promoted to President in 1990, overseeing 15 radio stations, 3 television stations, and over 600 employees across Alberta and British Columbia.

In 2001 Monarch was purchased by Jim Pattison Broadcasting, and Dwaine became General Manager of CHAT TV, CHAT Radio, and CFMY FM. After 39 years in broadcasting, he retired in 2007. In 2008 he joined TRAXX Coachlines as a Marketing and Sales Consultant — over the next eight years he assisted senior management with marketing, sales, and logistics across three provinces, helping grow the company into one of the larger motor coach companies in Western Canada.

Dwaine has served on numerous boards over his career, including as President of the Alberta Broadcast Association, and as a member of the Canadian Association of Broadcasters and the Canadian Broadcast Standards Council. He has also served on local boards including the Medicine Hat Exhibition and Stampede, Cypress Club, Medicine Hat Food Bank, and Medicine Hat Police Commission. He was asked to sit on the Yuill Family Foundation in 2024, and has enjoyed assisting both the board and the organizations who have benefited from the Foundation.

A passion of Dwaine’s is horses. Having grown up around relatives’ farms and ranches in Maple Creek has always kept him grounded in rural life — he still looks after horses at a friend’s farm.

He began his career as an apprentice Agriculture Equipment Technician and later earned his Journeyman certificate. Over the past 15 years, Kyle has held a variety of management and leadership positions focused on parts and service operations. Today, he oversees all aspects of Western Tractor’s parts and service business — working closely with internal teams to improve operational efficiency, support employee development, and deliver long-term value to customers.

Kyle grew up on a mixed farming operation in Southern Saskatchewan, giving him firsthand insight into the challenges producers face and shaping his commitment to reliability, relationships, and strong community ties.

Outside of work, Kyle is a husband and proud father of two. His children attend Seven Persons School, and he remains actively connected to his local community. He’s passionate about continuous improvement and is dedicated to helping both the agriculture industry and rural communities grow and thrive.

He got his start as a shipper/receiver at a (dare he say it) red dealership and worked his way through roles in parts, eventually becoming a Parts Manager before making the move into marketing. In his current role, Nathan works closely with teams across all departments at Western Tractor, helping bring ideas together and making sure marketing efforts reflect the full picture of the business.

Nathan grew up on a farm west of Vulcan, Alberta before moving to Medicine Hat in 2002. That background gives him a strong connection to agriculture and a solid understanding of the people and communities he works with every day.

Outside of work, he’s a husband and dad of three teenagers, and you’ll often find him involved in community events across Southern Alberta and Saskatchewan. He enjoys being part of the communities he works with and takes pride in building strong local connections.

With a background spanning business, trades and technology, applied research, strategy, community health sciences, and psychology, Morgan focuses on creating collaborative spaces that encourage those she works with to challenge conventional approaches and adopt creative, forward-thinking practices.

Beyond her professional pursuits, Morgan is an enthusiastic lover of the outdoors — often found skiing, hiking, biking, kayaking, birding, and identifying wildflowers.

Donna was raised with an agricultural background, which included many summers spent at her uncle’s PFRA ranch helping with chores and all things ranch-related. She currently resides in Cypress County with her husband, dogs, sheep, goats, ducks, chickens, and cats.

Donna’s passion for the trades runs deep — shared by her family, including her husband (a dual-ticketed Journeyman Heavy Duty Mechanic and Electrician) and her son (a Journeyman Automotive Service Technician). She is committed to promoting the trades, agriculture, ICT, and health, having facilitated placements for hundreds of students throughout her career.

With over 20 years as owner of Safety Buzz Campus, Amy is a respected leader in safety for agriculture and industry — known for delivering practical, relevant education that supports strong safety cultures.

Amy also leads the Wheels of Opportunity grant initiative, which helps remove transportation barriers and expand access to education and training for ag and ag-related industries, supporting youth and adults. She is proud to bring her agricultural roots, safety expertise, and community-focused perspective to the Yuill School of Agriculture Advisory Committee.

Throughout his tenure, Darren has been a familiar face in several PRPS hallways, serving as a dedicated educator at Schuler School, Irvine School, and Eagle Butte High School. His commitment to student success eventually transitioned into leadership roles focused on expanding what’s possible within a rural education setting.

Darren has been instrumental in shaping the enhanced programming landscape PRPS is known for today. He served as a primary catalyst in the creation and growth of the South Alberta Hockey Academy (SAHA), worked as a divisional coordinator designing programming for the specific needs of South East Alberta students, helped integrate additional microschools into the school day through the South Alberta Flight Academy (SAFA), and helped develop the South Alberta High School online learning platform — serving as its Principal for two years.

In his 30th year with PRPS, Darren is thrilled to support the Yuill School of Agriculture. He’s excited about connecting students with the region’s agricultural heritage through hands-on, forward-thinking education — ensuring the next generation is prepared for the evolving landscape of the ag industry.