Speaker Biographies & Presentations
PARIS MARSHALL-SMITH
Fields Forward, Creston Valley Food Hub
Paris has recently stepped in as Fields Forward Coordinator – continuing a career dedicated to strengthening local food systems. She brings two related Masters degrees, training as a professional community planner, and a track record of helping communities to set and realize food security goals. Paris’ education and career have centered on growing food systems to foster wellbeing and community resilience.
Fields Forward, Creston Valley Food Hub
Paris has recently stepped in as Fields Forward Coordinator – continuing a career dedicated to strengthening local food systems. She brings two related Masters degrees, training as a professional community planner, and a track record of helping communities to set and realize food security goals. Paris’ education and career have centered on growing food systems to foster wellbeing and community resilience.
HELOISE DIXON-WARREN
Moose Meadows Farm, Quesnel
Heloise is excited to be joining us at the Carrots to Cattle Conference to share some of her first hand experiences associated with developing and operating an agri-tourism farm in the North Cariboo. Heloise, and her husband Ted, own Moose Meadows Farm which is located in Bouchie Lake, 15 km. west of Quesnel. Heloise is also the founding member of FARMED / North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association and is involved in several other non-profits and owner of the Bouchie Lake Country Store.
Heloise is a strong advocate of "local", grassroots movements, the creation of "healthy communities', the importance of working collaboratively by creating partnerships, and the need for more economic development initiatives for our rural communities. In her presentation she will share her thoughts on how our rural and northern communities can create opportunities through agri-tourism. Challenges and things to consider will also be discussed along with the sharing of some examples that have worked.
Moose Meadows Farm, Quesnel
Heloise is excited to be joining us at the Carrots to Cattle Conference to share some of her first hand experiences associated with developing and operating an agri-tourism farm in the North Cariboo. Heloise, and her husband Ted, own Moose Meadows Farm which is located in Bouchie Lake, 15 km. west of Quesnel. Heloise is also the founding member of FARMED / North Cariboo Agricultural Marketing Association and is involved in several other non-profits and owner of the Bouchie Lake Country Store.
Heloise is a strong advocate of "local", grassroots movements, the creation of "healthy communities', the importance of working collaboratively by creating partnerships, and the need for more economic development initiatives for our rural communities. In her presentation she will share her thoughts on how our rural and northern communities can create opportunities through agri-tourism. Challenges and things to consider will also be discussed along with the sharing of some examples that have worked.
LEE HESKETH
Silver Hills Ranch, Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program
Lee Hesketh is a rancher from the Okanagan who has been the program manager for the BC Cattlemen’s Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program for years. Lee has been working with producers all over the province to guide them through the process of enhancing the water quality, riparian vegetation and fish habitat for the creeks, streams, ponds and wetlands on their ranches and farms. In addition, Lee has been combining agroforestry principles with good riparian stewardship to develop creative grazing strategies for cattle and other pastured animals.
Lee is coming up for the conference to speak about maximizing the grazing opportunities on your ranch or farm by using management strategies that maintain both upland and riparian habitats. Lee recently won the BC Agriculture Council's 2016 Excellence in Agricultural Leadership award for his work throughout the province.
Silver Hills Ranch, Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program
Lee Hesketh is a rancher from the Okanagan who has been the program manager for the BC Cattlemen’s Farmland-Riparian Interface Stewardship Program for years. Lee has been working with producers all over the province to guide them through the process of enhancing the water quality, riparian vegetation and fish habitat for the creeks, streams, ponds and wetlands on their ranches and farms. In addition, Lee has been combining agroforestry principles with good riparian stewardship to develop creative grazing strategies for cattle and other pastured animals.
Lee is coming up for the conference to speak about maximizing the grazing opportunities on your ranch or farm by using management strategies that maintain both upland and riparian habitats. Lee recently won the BC Agriculture Council's 2016 Excellence in Agricultural Leadership award for his work throughout the province.
GORDON HIEBERT
Element Eco-Design
Gordon Hiebert is an owner, designer and project manager at Element Eco-Design. Gordon has received training in Keyline Design and Water Management, Perennial Agriculture, Edible Forest Gardens, Agroforestry, Holistic Land Management, Natural Watershed Restoration, Soil Microbiology and Restoration Agriculture. Prior work experience includes energy efficient building, sustainable building research and development, land development, forest management and road construction. Gordon has worked with clients from many sectors including: agriculture, development, non-profits, tourism and government. Gordon’s work experience has allowed him to experience natural environments throughout British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon.
Element Eco-Design
Gordon Hiebert is an owner, designer and project manager at Element Eco-Design. Gordon has received training in Keyline Design and Water Management, Perennial Agriculture, Edible Forest Gardens, Agroforestry, Holistic Land Management, Natural Watershed Restoration, Soil Microbiology and Restoration Agriculture. Prior work experience includes energy efficient building, sustainable building research and development, land development, forest management and road construction. Gordon has worked with clients from many sectors including: agriculture, development, non-profits, tourism and government. Gordon’s work experience has allowed him to experience natural environments throughout British Columbia, Alberta and the Yukon.
SANDRA BURTON & JULIE ROBINSON
Peace River Forage Association
Sandra Burton has worked in the private sector for over 40 years in various roles and countries. For the last 30 years she has been working with producer groups in the Peace. She is very excited about the "soil renaissance" and renewed interest in having conversations about the value of soil in our agricultural systems.
Julie Robinson has recently changed roles to becoming an agrologist consultant with Blackbird Environmental company based in Fort St. John. She brings 20 years of experience with producers and with BC Ministry of Agriculture. Julie has been enthusiastically involved in the researching, developing and extending key forage and soil messages.
These two "dirt ladies" have been an integral part of many of the 105 factsheets that the Peace River Forage Association of BC has produced to date.
Peace River Forage Association
Sandra Burton has worked in the private sector for over 40 years in various roles and countries. For the last 30 years she has been working with producer groups in the Peace. She is very excited about the "soil renaissance" and renewed interest in having conversations about the value of soil in our agricultural systems.
Julie Robinson has recently changed roles to becoming an agrologist consultant with Blackbird Environmental company based in Fort St. John. She brings 20 years of experience with producers and with BC Ministry of Agriculture. Julie has been enthusiastically involved in the researching, developing and extending key forage and soil messages.
These two "dirt ladies" have been an integral part of many of the 105 factsheets that the Peace River Forage Association of BC has produced to date.
CHRIS HENDERSON
Chartered Accountant, Rossworn Henderson LLP
“Almost anyone can add up numbers to prepare a tax return…what you really need from your accountant is someone who can translate the ever-changing world of business and taxes in a way that helps you succeed in reaching your individual goals.” - Chris
Chris Henderson is a Chartered Professional Accountant and the managing partner at Rossworn Henderson LLP, a full service public accounting firm in the North Okanagan of BC.
Chris takes pride in his ability to teach and bring complex topics to an understandable level. He uses this skill to help his clients succeed by helping them plot a course to their future, while assisting them to evaluate and capitalize on opportunities that present themselves during their journey, including the purchase and sale of business, succession and estate planning, and accounting for individuals, companies, and not-for-profits.
Beyond the above, Chris is a registered consultant with the BC Ministry of Agriculture Farm Business Advisory Service, specifically helping farmers with farm taxation and farm succession. In this capacity, he is a regular presenter throughout BC for the Ministry of Agriculture, leading workshops on these topics.
Chartered Accountant, Rossworn Henderson LLP
“Almost anyone can add up numbers to prepare a tax return…what you really need from your accountant is someone who can translate the ever-changing world of business and taxes in a way that helps you succeed in reaching your individual goals.” - Chris
Chris Henderson is a Chartered Professional Accountant and the managing partner at Rossworn Henderson LLP, a full service public accounting firm in the North Okanagan of BC.
Chris takes pride in his ability to teach and bring complex topics to an understandable level. He uses this skill to help his clients succeed by helping them plot a course to their future, while assisting them to evaluate and capitalize on opportunities that present themselves during their journey, including the purchase and sale of business, succession and estate planning, and accounting for individuals, companies, and not-for-profits.
Beyond the above, Chris is a registered consultant with the BC Ministry of Agriculture Farm Business Advisory Service, specifically helping farmers with farm taxation and farm succession. In this capacity, he is a regular presenter throughout BC for the Ministry of Agriculture, leading workshops on these topics.
BRYAN SWANSBURG
Bryan Swansburg will be discussing the installation of solar hot water panels, design and legalities of biodigestor sewage systems, and the surprising ease of working with BC Hydro on grid connected photovoltaic panels.
He moved to the Bulkley Valley in 2010, built a passive solar and has working examples of each of these alternative energy systems on his grid connected homestead.
Bryan Swansburg will be discussing the installation of solar hot water panels, design and legalities of biodigestor sewage systems, and the surprising ease of working with BC Hydro on grid connected photovoltaic panels.
He moved to the Bulkley Valley in 2010, built a passive solar and has working examples of each of these alternative energy systems on his grid connected homestead.
A huge thank you to all of our speakers for being willing to share your knowledge and expertise, and for coming to help us celebrate agriculture in the northwest!