Tara Devries

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

Reem's Bio

Reem Ghaleb is a passionate science educator with experience in the classroom and community education spaces. Currently, she is an educational facilitator at the Calgary Stampede, hosting field trips and school visits to teach students about sustainability and agriculture. Previously, she was a classroom teacher and educational consultant, helping schools on reserves and rural areas access resources and improve their science curriculum.

Calgary Stampede

Tawnya's Bio

Tawnya is from the Piikani Nation, she was recently hired as the Project Manager for the Siksikaitsitapi Agriculture Project because of her passion for bettering the lives of her community.

Tawnya has 6 years working in various projects that brought new opportunities to the Piikani people through, food sustainability, land stewardship, promoting the importance of language and encouraging land based learning with youth and elders.

Through Tawnya’s educational background in journalism she has encompassed the skills to network and build important relationships throughout the confederacy.

Rural Routes to Climate Solutions

Tara's Bio

Although, she wasn’t raised on a farm, Tara’s experience in agriculture spans over 30 years, first in dairy, then cattle and now chicken (25 years).

In 2011, Tara’s first husband lost his battle with cancer. During this difficult time, she was faced with the choice to stop farming or forge ahead. Her passion for agriculture persisted and with the encouragement from her father-in-law, the support of her church family, and neighbouring farmers she persevered.

Today, alongside her husband Darren, they farm near Devon, Alberta.

“I am very passionate of the fact that if we don’t tell our story someone else will… and we know that it won’t always be the correct story. Being out in the community has given me the opportunity to firsthand correct some of the myths around our industry. And hopefully our story gets spread just a little more with each encounter.”

Family plays a huge part in Tara’s life and when she isn’t busy volunteering at agriculture education events, hosting a farm tour, helping to create videos to counter myths, or tending to her flock, Tara spends time with her three children, their spouses and her and Darren’s nine grandchildren.

Alberta Chicken Producers