Edmonton, AB, January 22, 2026 – Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR) is pleased to announce its 2026–2027 Board of Directors, a group that reflects the strength, diversity, and regional depth of Alberta’s agriculture industry. 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.
Drawing on a broad cross-section of agricultural expertise and governance experience, the Board sets priorities that align with producer needs and industry standards. 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
Incoming Board Chair, D’Arcy Hilgartner stated, “It is a privilege to serve as Chair of RDAR’s Board of Directors. 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’s producer‑driven model keeps our decisions grounded in real on‑farm priorities, and I look forward to working with this talented group to guide investments that deliver meaningful, measurable results for agriculture across the province.”
RDAR also expressed its sincere gratitude to the outgoing Chair, Dr. David Chalack, who served the maximum number of terms as Chair and has become honorary Past Chair; and to Mr. Jason Lenz, who has completed his term as Director.
About RDAR
RDAR is mandated to target strategic investments in producer-led, results-driven agriculture research to power the profitability, productivity, competitiveness, and sustainability of agriculture in Alberta. As a not-for-profit organization, RDAR's funding comes from the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership.
For more information, please visit: www.rdar.ca
Media Contact:
For all enquiries, please contact:
Richard Hilton, Manager, Stakeholder Relations and Communications
richard.hilton@rdar.ca