Keynote Speakers

This year ASSW will open with a panel discussion featuring four experts in Soil Science and Agriculture from Alberta, offering an engaging alternative to a traditional keynote session. The panel discussion will be held on the morning of February 18th, 2026.

Carlos M. Romero, PhD, PAg

Sr Manager, Sustainable Ag - Nutrien

Dr. Carlos Romero is a Sr. Sustainability Manager at Nutrien Ag Solutions in Canada. He supports internal and external efforts to deliver the implementation of Nutrien’s Carbon Program in Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan. His background includes 9+ years of research experience in soil conservation, carbon dynamics, organic matter chemistry, 4R Nutrient Stewardship, and land resilience in Argentina, Mexico, Canada, and the USA. Carlos received his Doctorate in Land Resources and Environmental Sciences from Montana State University and his Bachelor and Master of Science in Agronomy from the National University of Cordoba, Argentina. He has worked as a Postdoctoral Researcher for the University of Lethbridge and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada before joining Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Mark Redmond, Ph.D., ICD.D, ESG.D

Chief Executive Officer - RDAR (Results-Driven Agriculture Research)

Dr. Mark Redmond leads Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), Alberta’s producer-led organization that invests in applied research to advance competitiveness and profitability in the province’s agri-food sector. At RDAR, Mark ensures funding priorities originate with producers and are focused on high-impact domains such as crop productivity, land and water stewardship, irrigation efficiency, and climate-smart practices—research that delivers practical, measurable value on‑the farm. A scientist and executive, Mark trained in molecular biology and immunology at the University of Alberta and joined the Vaccine & Infectious Disease Organization (VIDO), helping pioneer the first genetically engineered livestock vaccines. He subsequently bridged innovation from “bench to field,” serving as CEO across life‑science and value-added agriculture companies, where he led product development, regulatory approvals, and commercialization in North America, Europe, and Japan.

Cherie Copithorne-Barnes

First Vice-Chair - Calgary Stampede

CEO - CL Ranches Ltd.

Peter Gamache

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