Speaker Profiles
Friday, January 31st, 2025
Chelsea Steenbergen
Hi, I’m Chelsea Steenbergen and I’m very excited to be a part of this years OAC Leadership Conference. As a recent graduate of the University of Guelph, it is very important to me to stay involved in the community and continue to meet new minds in the field. I work for BASF Canada as a Horticulture Specialist in Ontario, and farm alongside my husband with our son in tow. We dairy farm outside of Palmerston on the edge of North Perth and Wellington County, and while that is the focus of the operation, we have diversified and added an apple orchard (creative plug @applebottom.orchards). This endeavor has challenged us and allowed us to grow as a team while finding our individual strengths. Looking forward to talking more about our start up orchard at the Conference!
Ken Stock and Paula Martin
We raise a variety of poultry including layers, broilers, turkeys, ducks, and a few Guinea fowl for tick control. The largest component of our operation is our herds of goat and sheep that are processed locally, and we sell from our farm-gate. We also raise two types of pigs which we sell by the cut. “Peasant Farmers” is a term often used to describe our type of farming as we provide for ourselves, and sell the surplus. In addition to our animals, we are building an off-grid sustainable home called an Earthship. Together, these modules build a lifestyle in which we can reduce/ eliminate mechanical and overhead expenses keeping costs low, and the reward is having more “life” for the two of us to enjoy.
Saturday, February 1st, 2025
Krista and Mike Edwards
The Edwards Family Organics is run by Krista (FACS '98), Mike (OAC '97) and their 3 children (one is OAC'27). They run two farms of certified organic chickens and sheep.
Bethany Parkinson
Bethany Parkinson is the Manager, Psychological Support and Education with Agriculture Wellness Ontario (AgWO) at the Canadian Mental Health Association (CMHA) - Ontario Division. Bethany is a Registered Social Worker and has worked in clinical and healthcare settings, and social services. During her Master of Social Work she completed research on mental health among Canadian farmers; she is passionate about AgWO programs and wellbeing among agriculture communities. Bethany operates her family’s beef and purebred sheep farm outside of Elora, Ontario.
Tim May
Tim May is a 4th generation dairy farmer, seasoned speaker, and influential social media advocate from Rockwood, Ontario. He holds a degree in Animal Science from the University of Guelph and operates his family farm with his two wonderful children and his wife, a talented veterinarian. His registered Holstein herd (and two Jerseys) are featured through various social channels, where Tim inspires his followers to learn and share more about agriculture. Tim is extremely passionate about agriculture and consumer education. Over the past 40+ years, his family has given farm tours to schools, general interest groups and individuals. It is from the school children that he got his nickname, "Farmer Tim." Tim uses his platform to educate consumers on life through the lens of a farmer, including the rewards, motivation and mental health struggles that come with it. Tim’s sense of humour, wisdom and transparency has been key to building public trust with his followers and for the agriculture industry.” Tim’s efforts to promote agriculture and break the stigma of mental health have earned him the Farm and Food Care Champion award, Jersey Canada’s Certificate of Recognition and recently, the King Charles III Coronation Medal at the Senate in Ottawa. Tim enjoys speaking globally, but he feels most at home on the farm.