Nancy Fischer, Country Junction Feeds

Dr. Nancy Fischer has been an active member in the Canadian agricultural sector since 1990 working in various nutritionist roles (BASF Animal Nutrition, Viterra, Country Junction). She earned her B.Sc. and M.Sc. in poultry nutrition at the University of Guelph in 1990 before starting her work in industry. She earned her PhD from the University of Saskatchewan in 2001 and has since built a distinguished career, initially with Unifeed and for the past nearly 14 years with Country Junction Feeds. Dr. Fischer has actively contributed to the industry by serving on various advisory boards, including Classroom Agriculture Program for 13 years, Poultry Service Industry Workshop, ANAC, and the Poultry Science Association.

Dr. Fischer is deeply committed to her clients, working hands-on as a nutritionist and frequently troubleshooting on farms. Her dedication to expanding her expertise is evident in her work with zoos, cricket farms, and other niche agricultural operations.

In addition to her professional achievements, Dr. Fischer is a devoted mother of three and volunteers her time coaching hockey and power skating. Her energy and unwavering dedication to the feed industry make her a deserving candidate for this award.

Dan Ganesh, Bos Nutrition Services

Dan graduated with a PhD in Dairy Cattle Nutrition from the University of Guelph in the early ’90s, and was a winner of DFO’s Doctoral Scholarship during his studies. After graduating, he joined the Ontario feed industry working as a nutritionist at the Co-op. He later transitioned to New Life Feeds, where he worked for more than a decade as the Manager of Nutrition and Technical services. He then went on to found Bos Nutrition Services, serving as a technical sales representative for companies including ActLabs, Novus, and Quality Roasting. As of 2025, Dan has “retired” and is enjoying a little more free time with his family.

Bernie Grumpelt, Country Junction Feeds

Bernie began in the feed industry in December 1983 fresh from a MSc at University of Manitoba, he joined FCL based in Saskatoon and supported all 7 of their feed mills, travelling to each and working with their sales and production teams growing and developing their brand.

In late 1993 he moved to ADM, based in Lethbridge and supported them as technical sales representative across the Prairies to British Columbia, covering this extensive area he helped their customers develop, promote and sell their ranges of feeds and grow their businesses.

In 1999 Bernie moved to Wetaskiwin Co-operative becoming the nutritionist in the Country Juction Feeds business, where he would eventually become division manager, joining shortly after a significant mill expansion he guided the operation through many years of growth before returning to a more direct nutritional role as the CJF Feeds brand continued to expand.

Bernie celebrated 40 years in the feed industry in December 2023 and continues to be a driving force for nutritional excellence and customer service in the Alberta feed industry and beyond.

David Dyble, Trouw Nutrition

David Dyble has carved out an impressive career spanning over four decades in the feed industry, primarily focusing on animal nutrition. Over these years, Dyble has been recognized for his dedication and contributions to the field, culminating in receiving the prestigious PSIW 2023 award. This accolade underscores his significant impact and innovation in the sector.

Educationally, Dyble boasts an impressive foundation with both a Bachelor of Science and a Master’s degree from the University of British Columbia (UBC), equipping him with the knowledge and skills that have been pivotal in his long-standing career.

Apart from his professional achievements, Dyble is also celebrated for his personal qualities. Known for his kindness and problem-solving capabilities, he has made a lasting impact not only in his field of work but also in the lives of those around him. His commitment to making a difference extends beyond his professional life; as a member of the Rotary Club, he is actively involved in charitable activities, demonstrating his dedication to community service and social responsibility.

Shawn Fairbairn, Poultry Partners

Shawn Fairbairn’s lifelong passion for agriculture happened at a young age. As a young adult growing up in Saskatoon, he was determined to spend as much time as possible on the farm. When the school day was finished Shawn would rush home and head straight to the neighbors’ farm to help in the barns.

His feed industry career began in 1997 in Western Canada as a livestock nutritionist at Wetaskiwin Co-op and further continued at New-Life Mills. Throughout his career, he honed his expertise in monogastric species, specifically poultry. In 2011, Shawn joined the newly formed Poultry Partners, drawn by its innovative approach to addressing producer goals through collaborative efforts with nutritionists, veterinarians, hatcheries, and industry specialists. Over the past 13 years at Poultry Partners, his contributions have significantly advanced communication and education within the poultry industry. Shawn has been an active member in the industry; furthering the development of fellow nutritionists through mentoring, talks at PSIW, guiding ANAC committees, and his involvement on several research committees throughout the years. Shawn is passionate about helping producers succeed and despite his many responsibilities as General Manager he still finds time and prides himself on being available for farm calls and loves being in the barn addressing a variety of challenges head-on. Those who are lucky to know and work with Shawn admire his genuine commitment to helping others and the overall successes he has brought to the feed industry throughout his 27-year career.

Shawn, his wife Jen, and their two children, Sarah and Adam reside in Saskatoon, where he continues to be a pivotal figure in the feed industry.

Tim Armstrong

Tim Armstrong grew up on a mixed Beef and grain farm in Northwestern Alberta and completed his BSc (Agr) with a major in Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan. He started his career in Nutrition and Sales at Calmar Feeds from 1997-1999, followed by Feed Sales and Nutrition at New Life Feeds in Saskatoon from 1999. Under the mentorship of Barry Everitt, an ANAC Golden Award Recipient, Tim took over running the Saskatoon feed mill in 2005 and played a key role in the construction and operation of New Life’s new facility in Clavet SK in November 2012. In 2018, Tim transitioned to Procurement and Risk Management.

Tim has been actively involved in the Feed and Agriculture Industry, serving on the ANAC Saskatchewan division an helped coordinate the merge with ANAC Alberta to form the Western Feed Industry Association (WFIA). Tim served on the ANAC National Board from 2010-2021 as a Saskatchewan representative and the Vice Chairman and Chairman. Tim has also contributed to various committees such as the CFIA ERA Committee, the CVMA Committee, the Steering Committee for CFRC, and the Canadian Hemp Trade Alliance. He frequently speaks at student nights and events to educate the Canadian public about the high quality and safety of Canadian Food and Feed production.

Paul Groenewegen, Masterfeeds

Paul holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal and Poultry Science from the University of Guelph (1987) and a Master of Science degree in nutritional physiology from the same university (1989). He spent 15 years at Agribrands Purina Canada in various roles, including District Sales Manager and Swine Sales Specialist, showcasing his expertise in swine production and nutrition. Paul then joined Alltech Canada in 2004, where he worked his way up to Canadian General Manager over 12 years. He returned to animal nutrition in 2016 as the Director of Innovation and Nutrition at Masterfeeds, an Alltech company. In this role, Paul leads the nutrition and formulation team, ensuring quality consistency and driving continuous innovation. Paul is a well-respected leader who is known for coaching his team members, generating enthusiasm, asking great questions, and fostering creativity.

Andy Humphreys, Pestell Nutrition

David Buttenham, Ontario Agri Business Association

Marvin Stevenson, Halchemix Canada

Don Janzen, Denis Vielfaure and Claude Vielfaure, HyLife