Jenn Walker

Victoria's Bio

aGRO’s founder, Victoria Ross, hated seeing her father John working full-time as a rancher but also needing an evening job to keep the farm going (nearly 50% of Canadian farmers face the same problem). aGRO was born from Victoria’s drive to help these sustainable smaller players profit and have better livelihoods (the UN family-run scaled producers as the most environmentally productive class of food production).

Victoria Ross started market research for aGRO Systems during her BCOMM at the University of Calgary, and launched business operations shortly after graduating in June 2018. Through Victoria’s continuous efforts (and the team!), aGRO has successfully diverted over 50 million pounds of spent grain from entering the landfill to be repurposed as nutritional animal feed. 

Victoria was one of the first women recognized for SHEInnovates, the Alberta Chapter, by UN Women. Most recently, Victoria has spoken at the 2022 Advancing Women in Agriculture, the 2022 Cultivate: Agriculture Summit with the Calgary Chamber of Commerce, and hosted the 2022 Alberta Beer Awards in Red Deer. She is aGRO System’s leader in managing sales, market research, and bringing the company’s vision to life.

aGro Systems

Stacy's Bio

Stacy Murray is a passionate advocate for lifelong learning and the agriculture industry. Currently the extension coordinator with Gateway Research Organization (GRO), a non-profit producer-led applied agriculture research association, she has spent her career sharing her knowledge and passion with youth and producers around the province. GRO does research and demonstration projects relating to crop production, soil, water, livestock and grazing. Stacy supports this work hands-on in the field, by organizing field days and workshops, sharing with school groups, and through various print and electronic means. 

Stacy grew up on a mixed farming operation and her family’s involvement in various agriculture organizations provided opportunities to travel much of Western Canada and learn about wide range of operations in the agriculture industry. She was raised with a belief in sustainable and regenerative concepts before they became terms applied to the agriculture industry. Stacy has a BSc in Agriculture and believes that cooperation between all involved in the agri-food value chain - producers, industry, processors and consumers - can lead to solutions that will benefit everyone economically, environmentally, and for health.

Gateway Research Organization

Kimberly's Bio

Kimberly Gray (MA) is an award-winning documentary filmmaker, producer, writer, voice actor, educator, entrepreneur and overall creative force.

Gray’s connection to the environment and making a positive impact through story, art, and community is an integral part of her passion.

Her award-winning documentary, The Root of It All, has connected with audiences across Canada (and a little in New York). It’s a powerful story of our relationship with food.

As a sessional instructor at Mount Royal University, Gray inspires her students with practical skills and the confidence to chase their passions, think critically, cultivate connection, and provoke beautiful questions.

Beyond teaching and the creative arts, Gray is a devoted advocate for canine rescue, breed equity and animal welfare. She also finds joy and power in boxing, Muay Thai, yoga, travel and dance.

Gray’s bold approach and fearless curiosity continue to shape her creative journey.

Balwinder's Bio

Dr. Balwinder Kumar is a Research Scientist at Lakeland College’s Applied Research in Vermilion, Alberta. He specializes in cereal and forage crop agronomy, nutrient management, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient farming systems. With over 20 years of experience in research, teaching, extension and administration, Dr. Kumar works closely with farmers, scientists, and students to solve real-world agricultural challenges.

At Lakeland College, he leads projects focused on improving production of wheat, barley, oat, triticale and forage crops to support crops and livestock producers across the Prairies. His research helps farmers grow healthier, more productive crops using smarter agronomic management and conservation practices.

Originally from India, Dr. Kumar has shared his research in over seven countries and has received international recognition for his work. He’s passionate about engaging youth and the next generation of agricultural leaders in science, sustainability, and innovation.

Lakeland College