2026 Speakers

Trish Berger is a Distinguished Professor in the Department of Animal Science at the University of California, Davis. A long-term research focus in her laboratory is mammalian fertilization and the molecule involved with emphasis on sperm-oocyte plasma membrane interaction. Environmental stressors such as elevated ambient temperature affect each gamete’s ability to interact with the other at the plasma membrane level, perhaps due to decreased/defective syntheses of interacting molecules. A second focus in her laboratory is the regulation of Sertoli cell proliferation and subsequent population size. The pig is the primary research species in her laboratory, due in part to its importance to world food production and in part to the availability of large numbers of gametes and the comparatively short gestation and prepuberal intervals.

Des Sobool is the Director, Economics and Deputy Chief Economist at FCC. His insights help support strategy and monitor risk throughout the corporation. In addition to acting as an FCC spokesperson on economic matters, Des provides commentary on the agri-food industry through economic reports and the FCC Economics blog. Prior to joining FCC in 2006, Des was a professional research associate at the University of Saskatchewan. He was also a relationship manager at another financial institution. Des earned his master of agricultural economics degree from the University of Saskatchewan in 2005.

Dr. Peter Kunzmann is an expert in the intersection of philosophy, ethics, and veterinary science. Since 2015, he has held the W2-Professorship for "Applied Ethics in Veterinary Medicine: Humans-Animals-Nature" at the Foundation of the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover (TiHo). With a robust academic background including a Habilitation and Doctorate in Philosophy, as well as a Theological Diploma, Dr. Kunzmann brings a deep ethical framework to modern agricultural issues. Prior to his current role, he served as a Professor of Philosophy at the University of Würzburg and was a Feodor Lynen Fellow of the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation. Dr. Kunzmann is actively involved in shaping policy and industry standards. His committee work includes serving on the Advisory Committee of the Animal Welfare Initiative (ITW), the Advisory Committee for the German Society for Agricultural Law, and the DFG Senate Commission for Animal Experimental Research. He also serves as Chairman of the Commission for Research Ethics at the University of Veterinary Medicine Hannover.

Joe Roberts embodies the power of possibility. Celebrated in national media as the “Skid Row CEO,” his astounding transformation from substance abuse and homelessness to leading executive has inspired countless audiences to believe in their own unlimited potential and create deep-rooted change in their lives and organizations. Joe has authored four books, and his story and work have been featured in prominent media outlets such as Forbes, The Globe and Mail, The National Post, CBC, and CTV. As founder of the Push for Change campaign, Joe raised awareness and funds for homeless youth by walking the entire width of North America (that’s 35,000 steps every day for 17 months). The campaign earned him numerous accolades and, more importantly, improved federal programs for vulnerable children. People who hear Joe speak regularly describe him as “the most inspirational speaker I’ve ever seen!” His keynotes are life-changing experiences that profoundly impact his audiences. Connecting deeply to his lived experience and hard-earned lessons, they leave empowered to re-evaluate their perspective on challenges, unlock their unlimited potential, and create positive change in their lives, communities, and organizations.

Before his current role as Chief Agriculture Negotiator at Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC), Matthew was most recently Director of the Multilateral Trade Policy and Institutions division of Global Affairs Canada. Matthew earned a Master’s degree in political science from the University of Toronto. He began a career in trade policy in 2003 and worked on a range of Canadian trade agreements including Canada’s agreement with the United States and Mexico. He has represented Canada at the World Trade Organization’s TBT Committee and at the General Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization.

Charlie Illick has been working on his family’s farm for nine years and has managed the sow barn for the past seven. The operation employs Temporary Foreign Workers and utilizes contract nursery and finishing barns. In 2019, Charlie played a key role in planning and executing an expansion of the sow facility. Since 2025, he has served on the Ontario Pork Board of Directors, representing producers in Zone 3.

Shalimar Martin brings 9 years of experience in the agricultural industry. Before joining South West Vets in 2019, she was a part of the Canadian sales team for a swine and poultry equipment supplier. She currently serves as Team Lead for the Production Insights team at South West Vets. She specializes in producer onboarding for various production software and acts as a key contact for industry stakeholders for data-related inquiries. She is passionate about data and enjoys collaborating with many members of the industry on the regular.

Corey grew up on a grain and commercial beef farm in Saskatchewan. She attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 2002 with and Animal Science Degree. She moved to Manitoba in 2003 and was drawn into the pork sector. She has been employed with The Progressive Group since 2008, starting as a technician and have moved into subsequent roles as a supervisor, manager, production manager, compliance specialist, CPE trainer and validator and provide production, technical, program and audit support within our system.

Dr. Murray Gillies grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Sussex, New Brunswick. He graduated from the Atlantic Veterinary College in 2011 and has worked in various roles including a dairy intensive practice in New Zealand, for the Government of New Brunswick’s field veterinary service and as a technical services veterinarian for Vetoquinol Animal Health. Murray is a past president of the Canadian Association of Bovine Veterinarians (CABV) and the current District 12 director for the American Association of Bovine Practitioners (AABP). He is pursuing a master’s degree in animal health management at the Atlantic Veterinary college with a project focusing on antimicrobial use on dairy farms and was the dairy subject matter expert for the Canadian Veterinary Medical Associations Stewardship of Antimicrobial use by Veterinarians Initiative (SAVI) in 2018 and 2022. Murray loves discussing dairy practice, bovine veterinary medicine, and science in general. His other interests include video games, anime, nature, hiking, and history.

Ryan is the HR Manager for Minor Bros. Farm Supply Ltd. and Canborough Farms Incorporated, with over a decade of experience in the non-profit and private sectors. An eternal optimist and enthusiastic team leader, he loves public speaking, travel, and cheering on the Bills, Oilers, and Blue Jays. Ryan is passionate about helping businesses thrive through strong culture, clear communication, and fulfilled employees.