Our Board

Dean brings a strong Education perspective to the board. For many years, as a teacher then later with Ministry of Education as the science consultant, writing K-12 science curriculum. Dean is no stranger to AITC as he spent several years on the board as a representative of the Ministry of Education and collaborated with AITC through his current work with Saskatchewan Industry Education Council and the Saskatchewan Distance Learning Corporation.

Ashton Wilson, CPA, CA, is a Business Advisor with MNP’s Agriculture Services team in Saskatoon. In her work, Ashton collaborates one-on-one with individuals, small businesses and corporations in the agricultural sector, with a focus on family grain farms. She is experienced with corporate and personal tax planning, operational governance, succession planning, financial reporting and strategic planning. Ashton earned a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Comm) in accounting from the University of Saskatchewan’s Edwards School of Business in 2012. She is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), qualifying as a Chartered Accountant (CA) in 2014.

Sarah Heppner is a Marketing Manager at Fast Genetics. She grew up on a mixed farm near Spiritwood, SK, where her family raised cattle and grew grains and forages. After graduating high school, Sarah obtained a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science at the University of Saskatchewan. This is when she was first introduced to volunteering with AITC (through being involved in the CALM initiative). She now works for Fast Genetics, a pig genetics company with roots in Saskatchewan, and currently manage their marketing and communications while also completing her MBA through the University of Guelph. Outside of her career, Sarah loves getting involved in anything to do with promoting agriculture and educating on how incredible the industry is. Some of these activities, outside of AITC, include advising on the Sask Pork Symposium board, being an educator on Farm and Food Care food influencer tour, and working with the Animal (Bio) Science Club at the UofS on educating students about careers available in their field.

To come.

To come

Jessica Lovich is a passionate dairy farmer from the Regina area. With her husband, they own Lovholm Holsteins, a dairy farm that focuses on genetics and production. They are also currently raising the next generation of future agricultural leaders with their three girls. Outside of farm life Jessica and her family are all actively involved in their community through sports and youth groups. Jessica is currently a director for SaskMilk but would love to be part of the AITC organization as well. Their family farm hosts farm tours through Ag In the Classroom and other industry partners. They love talking agriculture with school groups, industry groups and various tours that come to their farm. It is important that people understand the agriculture industry and how it impacts their lives. Jessica feels she would be an asset to the AITC board as she is passionate about education and have experience with the program as well.

Jessica Podhordeski is the Community Relations/Public Education Coordinator for Sask Pork. Jessica, her husband and their two boys live on a farm near Marcelin, SK. Jessica grew up in Saskatoon with no real family connection to Agriculture. Her love of horses led her to join 4-H, and later to the College of Agriculture where she received a BSA in Animal Science. During her time at university, Jessica gained much hands-on experience, as well as married into a farming family. Jessica's career so far has been strongly focused in the hog sector and public education, but has also included the beef, sheep, goat and dairy industries. Last year my Jessica and her husband purchased the farm from his parents and now run a retail hay operation. They are excited to expand and to finally be able to raise their family on the farm!

Karly has been involved in agriculture her whole through 4-H, her family farm and now as the Public Trust Specialist with the Ministry of Agriculture. We look forward to fresh ideas from Karly!

I am Robyn (Waldenberger) Henry, a Professional Agrologist and fourth-generation grain farmer at Hodgeville, in south-central Saskatchewan. My husband, Scott, and I are raising the 5th generation while we farm alongside my parents where we grow durum wheat, canola, barley, chickpeas, and lentils. I was elected to the Saskatchewan Pulse Growers Board of Directors in 2023 where I serve on the Communications & Market Development, Governance, and Research & Development committees. In August of 2023 I created Bird’s Eye Agronomic Consulting Ltd where I collaborate with producers to optimize their crop input utilization and encourage sustainable farming practices. Growing up as a teacher’s kid, I had a deep interest in education. Initially, I attended University to obtain my Education degree, but transferred to the College of Agriculture and Bioresources when I discovered agriculture was my path forward. As a consulting agronomist, I now combine both of my passions for education and agronomy to benefit the producers I work with, consumers, and especially kids. I believe kids learning hands-on and impactful facts about agriculture is the key to inspiring future farmers, agricultural scientists and engineers, as well as informed consumers.

To come.