Meet Our Members
Our diverse membership is scattered throughout the province from Vancouver Island in the west, the Kootenays in the east, Fort St. John in the north and just about everywhere in between. And our diversity doesn’t stop there. Our expertise is vast: dairy, economics, environment, field crops, food systems, genetics, horticulture, livestock, policy, poultry, profiles, rural living, sustainability, and more.
Click on a member’s name to see more details about where they are and what they do!
Katelyn Ayers
Location: Victoria
Role: Owner, Authentically Communikate
Expertise: Farmer features, technical extension, beef, dairy, horticulture, but I love writing about all sectors/ag-related topics
I am passionate about agriculture, environmental sustainability and consumer education. I grew up on a cow-calf and cash crop operation in Ontario, graduated from the University of Guelph as a 2017 Aggie and moved to Vancouver Island in 2020. I love helping people tell their stories authentically and providing farmers with the information they need to make informed management decisions. Listening to farmers’ experiences and expertise fills my cup!
Publications: Country Life in BC, Western Canadian Dairy News, Alberta Beef Magazine and Small Farm Canada
Maya Baerg
Location: Oliver
Role: Freelancer
Expertise: Journalism, Communications / Public Relations, Government Communications, Digital Media, Videography
I am currently building my portfolio in ag writing. I worked as an ag communications contractor for Seed World Group for two summers (2024 & 2025), and have taken on multiple freelance / contract ag writing (journalism and communications) projects over the past 18 months, both small and large.
Clayton Botkin
Role: Consultant
Expertise: Government Communications, Photography, Agricultural extension and education
Clayton is a Professional Agrologist and his career has crossed among various livestock sectors and government and offers significant experience in governance, risk management, and risk communications, particularly around zoonotic diseases, as well as emergency preparedness and response.
Amanda Brittain
Role: Consultant
Expertise: Communications / Public Relations, event management, public speaking training
Amanda is an award-winning communicator with more than 25 years’ experience providing communications services for a variety of industries and organizations – the last nine years have been spent with a variety of agricultural organizations.
Tars Cheema
Role: Publisher
Expertise: Dairy Cattle Genetics, dairy writer, dairy sector publisher
After a long career in dairy cattle genetics, I began writing for BC Holstein News before buying the publication in 2018 and expanding distribution across all 4 western provinces. We periodically need writers with dairy expertise or willingness to collaborate and find intriguing stories.
Love-Ese Chile
Role: Network Manager
Expertise: Livestock, crops, policy, environment, food systems
ACARN is a network of researchers, government, and industry partners working to address climate challenges in agriculture through collaboration and innovation.
Cheryl Davie
Expertise: Policy, Economics
Cheryl Davie is an agriculture economist who loves to write. Proud to be the new communications and marketing specialist at AgSafeBC, she is also available for freelance work analyzing policy, economic impacts and agriculture-food markets. She is a big fan of plain language so if you need something shortened to one page, give her a call.
Vanessa Farnsworth
Role: Freelance writer
Expertise: Field Crops, Horticultural Crops, Environment
Vanessa is a farm writer and agriculture journalist with many years of experience. Her primary output includes feature articles, sponsored content, research summaries and ghostwritten thought leadership pieces aimed at the agriculture industry and general public. Her main focus these days is field crops (cereals, oilseeds, pulses), plant breeding and agricultural research. She also has a habit of writing about horticultural crops. Potatoes are a particular favourite, but she has never met a vegetable she wasn’t interested in. Ditto for fruit.
Kathleen Gibson
Role: Freelance writer & editor
Expertise: Policy
Four years with the BC Federation of Agriculture (1982-86) started Kathleen on a 30+ year quest for sustainable food systems and related public policy. She is a founding member of Food Secure Canada, the BC Food Systems Network and the Capital Region Food and Agriculture Initiatives Roundtable (CR-FAIR). She has worked on policy files including supply management reform and development of BC’s graduated licensing system for meat processing as well as its provincial inspections. She has been a feature writer and editor for publishers DC Health and Wiley and currently contributes Viewpoint columns to Country Life in BC. Her fruit and vegetable garden in Victoria constantly reinforces her empathy for farmers.
Cathy Glover
Role: Publisher
Cathy Glover is the publisher of Country Life in BC. Prior to joining Country Life in BC in 1997 as beef editor, she worked for Western Living and House and Home magazines and produced newsletters for virtually every association she has been a member of, including several horse groups, the BC Angus Association, BC Farm Writers and a genealogical society.
Anna Helmer
Location: Pemberton
Role: Farmer, Helmers Organic Farm
Expertise: Writing and telling creative and entertaining true farm stories
I grow potatoes and other vegetables with my family and friends, and I love telling farming stories. My specialty is inspiring both farming and non-farming people to support and celebrate agriculture.
Publications: Country Life in BC, BC Organic Grower, various others
Grace Kennedy
Role: Journalist
Expertise: Livestock, Crops, Policy, Environment, Rural Communities, Science
Grace Kennedy is a freelance journalist and non-fiction author based out of Chilliwack, BC. Grace Kennedy is a freelance journalist and non-fiction author based out of Chilliwack, BC.
Anna Klochko
Role: Agriculture Journalist
An experienced journalist from Ukraine, I’ve been in the media landscape since 2012, reporting on diverse topics like culture, science, and anthropology. From 2021, I have been specializing in agricultural journalism. While working in Ukraine, contributed to Kurkul.com, an online farming resource under Ukraine’s largest agro media holding, Latifundist Media. There, I crafted multi-format text materials, curated photo projects, and hosted the YouTube channel. Prompted by the war in Ukraine, I relocated to Canada in 2022 and transitioned into freelancing for the reputable agricultural newspaper, Country Life in BC. In 2023, I briefly returned to Ukraine, collaborating again with Latifundist Media to document video reports on farms impacted by military operations. Since October 2023, I’ve come back to Vancouver again, with a great desire to reach a new level in agro-journalism.
Rebecca Kurtis
Role: Marketing and Events Coordinator
Rebecca is a marketing and communications professional with a passion for project management, digital strategy, and storytelling. She currently serves as the Marketing and Events Coordinator for the BC Agriculture Council, where she leads marketing campaigns, supports industry events, and develops communications that highlight and advocate for British Columbia’s agriculture sector. Rebecca holds a Bachelor of Tourism Management from Thompson Rivers University, specializing in Events and Festivals with a minor in Marketing. After graduating in 2020, she pivoted from the events industry into digital marketing and communications, building experience in website development, content strategy, and campaign management. She later completed the Web Development Bootcamp at Lighthouse Labs, strengthening her technical understanding of digital platforms. Rebecca enjoys bringing people and ideas together through thoughtful planning, collaborative leadership, and creative communications that drive meaningful impact.
Myrna Stark Leader
Role: Freelance writer, photographer, communications professional
Expertise: Livestock, Crops, Policy, Environment, Food Systems, Rural Communities
I’m a freelance agricultural writer, photographer, and accredited communications professional with work appearing numerous publications. My communications practice focuses on strategy and media relations; skills built through years in the private sector and all levels of government. As a long time board member with BCFWA, SFWA, and CFWF, and a past president of CFWF, I’m proud to support the community of agricultural storytellers who are colleagues and friends. Most of all, I’m grateful to the farmers, researchers, and innovators who generously share their time and insight. Their openness has helped my work earn national and international recognition and keeps my job meaningful, educational, and fun.
Jordan Marr
Role: Podcaster
Farmer, podcaster & occasional writer based in Vernon. My primary journalistic focus is the Farming in British Columbia podcast, which features interviews with farmers & farming professionals about the business, practice, and culture of farming in BC. I also produce The Organic BC Podcast and The Ruminant Podcast. On my farm, I grow heirloom varieties of dry beans and grain corn on a small scale.
Peter Mitham
Location: Vancouver
Role: Associate editor, Country Life in BC
Expertise: Business, land issues
Peter Mitham is a seasoned agricultural and business writer whose work has appeared in more than 70 publications across North America and beyond. A contributor on real estate to the For Dummies series, he is as comfortable with large research and editing projects as one-off spot news assignments.
Publications: Country Life in BC, Western Investor.
Rhandi Neal
Location: Burnaby
Role: Agriculture and Innovation Assistant Manager
Expertise: BC Farmers Tax Credit, Farmer Advocate, Food Processing, Providing Healthy Food to Those in Need
A woman who has worn many hats—from truck driver to advocate—I’ve built a career on adaptability, determination, and a deep commitment to making a difference. Today, as Agriculture & Innovation Assistant Manager, I channel those experiences into driving sustainability and forward-thinking solutions within the agriculture sector. My work focuses on strengthening food rescue efforts, reducing waste, and creating efficiencies that benefit both communities and farmers.
I’m passionate about advocacy and education, particularly around programs like the BC Farmers Tax Credit, ensuring farmers have the tools and knowledge to thrive. With a strong aptitude for writing, I craft clear, compelling communications that amplify initiatives and inspire collaboration. My journey reflects a belief that innovation begins with understanding people—and I’m dedicated to building bridges between operational needs and transformative ideas that create lasting impact.
Publications: Greater Vancouver Food Bank Website, Burnaby Board of Trade Newsletter and Publications, Edible Magazine Contributor
Ronda Payne
Role: Freelance Writer
Expertise: Livestock, Crops, Environment, Food Systems, Rural Communities
A writer since she could hold a pen, Ronda Payne is passionate about her craft. A regular contributor to Country Life in BC, Manure Manager, Orchard & Vine and a wide range of other publications both consumer and trade-facing, she also writes for businesses who need their story told (be it a case study, blogging or articles). Ronda continues to grow in her writing career while she joyfully lives in Maple Ridge in “yet another” renovation project home with her husband and pets. Her side passion is wandering her yard and greenhouse talking to the plants.
Amanda Poelman
Role: Associate Editor
Expertise: Dairy, Livestock
I grew up on my family’s dairy farm on Vancouver Island and have been excited about cows and the dairy business for as long as I can remember. In 2006, I graduated from Trinity Western University with a degree in Communications. Over the years I’ve had the opportunity to freelance for several agriculture publications, including the BC Holstein News (now Western Canadian Dairy News), Cowsmopolitan Dairy Magazine and Holstein International. I’ve also freelanced other ag marketing projects through my own business, Autumn Lane Communications. In 2024, I accepted a position as the Associate Editor of the Western Canadian Dairy News, which I started in July. I’m thrilled to merge my two passions of cows and writing, and connecting dairy farmers in the west! When I’m not at my computer, I can be found helping on the family farm, reading, or playing my saxophone with the Cowichan Valley Concert Band.
Kelly Sinoski
Location: 100 Mile Ranch
Role: Journalist
Expertise: Livestock, Crops, Environment, Food Systems, Rural Communities
Journalist and jack-of-all trades. Spent close to 40 years in newsrooms throughout BC, including the Vancouver Sun, and overseas. Currently work as a freelance writer for Country Life in BC and publish/edit the Clinton Lariat.
Julia Smith
Role: Executive Director
Expertise: Livestock, Policy, Environment, Systems
Julia Smith is a livestock farmer, writer, and agricultural policy advocate based in British Columbia. She is the Executive Director and founding member of the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, where she works to strengthen local meat processing, support farmer viability, and advance practical policy solutions for small and medium-scale producers. With more than a decade of hands-on farming experience, Julia brings a grounded, systems-level perspective to issues spanning food sovereignty, climate resilience, and rural infrastructure. Julia has served in national and provincial leadership roles, including as Vice-President of the National Farmers Union, and currently sits on the boards of Farmers for Climate Solutions and the BC Farm Writers Association. She is also a grazing mentor with the Farm Resilience Mentorship Program. Through her writing, Julia explores the intersections of farming, ecology, and public policy, with a focus on amplifying producer voices and lived experience.
Reg Steward
Location: Williams Lake
Role: Agricultural health and safety specialist.
Expertise: Livestock, Policy, Rural Communities
Working with and for agricutture across Canada providing clinics, articles, online course creation. Teaching faculty session member regenerative ag program Thompson Rivers University. 25 year ag safety consultant for agsafebc, designer and influencer of agsafe alberta, work with CASA. Presentations and course material development for various livestock sector associations and groups throughout Canada. 24 years writing a regular column for beef in bc. Investigation of incidents and management practices for lawyers, insurance companies and investigators across Canada. Provision of expert opinion in insurance and legal agricutral cases across Canada, Designer of ag safety materials, courses and programs for various institutes such as Atlantic Beef Council, 25 years bc ranch safety consultant. Presenter throughout North America on livestock handling, low stress people handling, emergency preparedness, mitigation and management. Emergency Operations Center ag coordinator BC. Marketing and promotions Canadian Cowboy Country Magazine. Working cowboy, livestock facility design and handling 20 year RCMP veteran.
Peter van Dongen
Location: Nanoose Bay
Role: Senior Manager, Business Development, MNP
Expertise: Business strategy, marketing, business development, media relations
Born and raised on an Abbotsford dairy farm and a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan College of Agriculture & Bioresources, I’ve been involved in the Ag industry for my entire career as a consultant, journalist and business development professional. Before joining MNP, I operated an agricultural communications firm and wrote for various farm publications including Country Life in BC, AgriSuccess Journal and AgKnowledge Magazine. While I’m no longer an active farm writer, I enjoy staying connected with this community and I’m always happy to connect fellow farm writer members with trusted third-party experts for their stories. Through my role at MNP, I can connect you with Ag specialists who can speak to a wide range of topics ranging from farm business management, accounting, tax, succession planning, AgriStability and risk management, and strategies to improve farm productivity and profitability.
Tom Walker
Location: Okanagan
As a retirement gig, Tom enjoys talking with farmers and turning their stories into print. He is a regular contributor to Country Life in BC. In the past, his work has appeared in other Ag publications and for a number of years he wrote extensively for aquaculture trade magazines.
Kelsey Zalot
Location: Fort St. John
Role: Producer Service Coordinator
Expertise: Livestock, Crops, Policy, Environment, Food Systems, Rural Communities
Kelsey Zalot has been proudly supporting B.C. dairy farmers since joining BC Dairy in 2018. With a lifelong passion for agriculture, she grew up in 4‑H and has built her career around serving and advocating for dairy producers. Kelsey began her professional journey as a veterinary assistant in a large‑animal practice before moving into the genetics industry, where she deepened her understanding of herd management and producer needs. Today, as Producer Services Coordinator, she is dedicated to delivering clear, meaningful communications that strengthen relationships and ensure farmers have the information and support they need. Kelsey is driven by a genuine commitment to the people behind the dairy sector and is passionate about helping producers thrive.