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Eight-Member Board

Two new members join AFSC board

May 31, 2024 | 11:51 AM

Two new members, Ron Greidanus and Shelley Vandenberg, have joined the Agricultural Financial Service Corporation’s (AFSC) board of directors.

AFSC offers insurance and lending programs to rural and agricultural-based businesses and entrepeneurs, and has been doing so for more than 80 years. Its board of directors help ensure the agency’s programs and services are delivered effectively and meet the needs of Alberta’s agricultural producers and agribusinesses.

“AFSC plays a vital role in helping Alberta’s hard-working producers manage business risks with its suite of crop insurance, disaster assistance and loan programs. Alberta’s government will continue to lean on AFSC’s board of directors to support a strong, sustainable and diverse agriculture industry,” says RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Greidanus’s appointment took effect on May 30. Officials say he manages a honey-bee farm with more than 4,000 hives and has recently begun a cow-calf and custom farming enterprise. Previously, he served as director for the Alberta Beekeepers Commission and the Canadian Honey Council from 2006-2008 and 2019-2023.

Vandenberg was appointed on April 12 and is an experienced financial services executive with a wealth of experience in agriculture, agribusiness, rural entrepreneurship and board governance.

“I’d like to congratulate these new members on their appointment to the board. Their experience will bring valuable perspective as the board advances AFSC programming and services. AFSC is committed to working with producers to grow and sustain Alberta’s agriculture industry,” says Kelly Smith-Fraser, board chair of the AFSC.

AFSC’s current board members are:

  • Kelly Smith-Fraser, board chair – cattle producer, Pine Lake
  • Rodney Bradshaw – primary producer, Red Deer County
  • Ross Bricker – cattle producer, Didsbury
  • Ron Greidanus – beekeeper, Stettler
  • Andre Harpe – crop producer, Valhalla Centre
  • Michael Howden – accountant, Foothills
  • Chioma Ufodike – forensic accountant, Calgary
  • Shelley Vandenberg – financial executive, Calgary

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