2025 Symposium

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Barry was raised on a mixed farm in northeastern Alberta. He completed a bachelor’s degree in agriculture specializing in Animal Science from the University of Alberta in

1984.

He worked for Alberta Agriculture for 31 years in many different capacities. And 9 years

in private industry.

In 2009 Barry completed a master’s degree in animal nutri

Barry was raised on a mixed farm in northeastern Alberta. He completed a bachelor’s degree in agriculture specializing in Animal Science from the University of Alberta in

1984.

He worked for Alberta Agriculture for 31 years in many different capacities. And 9 years

in private industry.

In 2009 Barry completed a master’s degree in animal nutrition. His research investigated the differences in winter feed waste and quality loss when animals were fed on the ground compared to feeding in portable bunks.

In March of 2020, Barry and Yvonne started Yaremcio Ag Consulting Ltd. as an

independent ruminant nutritionist and production management consultant.

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, PhD, is an Applied Social Psychologist and professor at the University of Alberta's Augustana Campus. She studies stressors and resilience in rural and farming communities, turning research into practical programs to support the mental health and well-being of those working in the agricultural industry. She is the

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, PhD, is an Applied Social Psychologist and professor at the University of Alberta's Augustana Campus. She studies stressors and resilience in rural and farming communities, turning research into practical programs to support the mental health and well-being of those working in the agricultural industry. She is the provincial lead researcher of the Agricultural Wellbeing in Alberta (AgWellAB) program.

Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, PhD (she/her)

Professor of Psychology 

Department of Social Sciences

Augustana Faculty, University of Alberta

Research Lead, AgWellAB, Agricultural Well-Being in Alberta

Email: purcstep@ualberta.ca

Mobile: 780-281-0158

Work: 780-679-1664 

New publications

Understanding Farmers' Readiness to Make a Succession Plan (link to paper)
Mental Health Impact of Depopulation on Farmers (link to paper)

Dr. Kim Stanford is an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge in the Department of

Biological Sciences. Before this, she was a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and

Forestry for many years, starting her career as a Sheep Scientist. Her current research involves

food and feed-borne pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Shi

Dr. Kim Stanford is an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge in the Department of

Biological Sciences. Before this, she was a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and

Forestry for many years, starting her career as a Sheep Scientist. Her current research involves

food and feed-borne pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin producing E. coli, and

mycotoxins such as cereal ergot. She co-hosted the podcast ‘Cows on the Planet’ to provide balanced, science-based information on the impacts of livestock on the environment. She is also currently studying converting food waste from retail grocers and food processors to silage

for livestock feed, with the initial lamb feeding study now in progress. A life-long Alberta, Kim’s family farm is in the hills of Spring Coulee, population 57, in the south-west corner of the

province.

Joel Bokenfohr, MFRE, FEA, Transition Advisor

Joel helps primary producers and farm families make decisions on transition planning, farm management and business structures. With his extensive agriculture and financial background, he works with entrepreneurs, and agriculture industry advisors to create solid business and transition plans. J

Joel Bokenfohr, MFRE, FEA, Transition Advisor

Joel helps primary producers and farm families make decisions on transition planning, farm management and business structures. With his extensive agriculture and financial background, he works with entrepreneurs, and agriculture industry advisors to create solid business and transition plans. Joel continues to farm in Sturgeon County, Alberta, with his family.

Joel holds a degree in commerce and management from MacEwan University, a master’s in economics from the University of British Columbia, and agribusiness certificates from Texas A&M and the University of Sao Paulo

My name is Heidi Dube. I am a veterinarian practicing in Kelvington, SK and have just come to the one-year mark of operation for my own mixed animal practice. My practice is called Aspen Vet Services. We operate the clinic off of my husband Paul’s generational family farm, where we raise commercial Katahdins and operate a small community 

My name is Heidi Dube. I am a veterinarian practicing in Kelvington, SK and have just come to the one-year mark of operation for my own mixed animal practice. My practice is called Aspen Vet Services. We operate the clinic off of my husband Paul’s generational family farm, where we raise commercial Katahdins and operate a small community pasture for cattle. Paul and I have 3 kids aged 14, 12 and 8 who are all busy with their sports, horses and cadets. 

For the last 7 years I have also worked with Dr. Lynn Tait, whom lots of you probably know in some capacity if you have been in the sheep industry for very long. Lynn runs OC Flock Management out of Bentley Alberta, specializing in advanced reproduction for small ruminants. I have had the absolute privilege of being able to travel all of Canada and into the states to assist with AI and embryo flush + transfer programs. 

Erik von Platen grew up on a grain, cattle and sheep farm near Gwynne, Alberta and went on to graduated from Lethbridge College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Law Enforcement in December of 2014. Then in May of 2015 was hired fulltime with Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Service, at that time called Fish and Wildlife Enf

Erik von Platen grew up on a grain, cattle and sheep farm near Gwynne, Alberta and went on to graduated from Lethbridge College with a Bachelor of Applied Science in Conservation Law Enforcement in December of 2014. Then in May of 2015 was hired fulltime with Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Service, at that time called Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Branch. Since 2015 Erik has been posted to Fairview, Smoky Lake and now Camrose, Alberta. While in Fairview and Smoky Lake Erik investigated multiple calls for predation on cattle, goats, and sheep, from the main predation groups, cougars, bears, wolves and coyotes