Embedded Files
This year ASSW will open with a panel discussion featuring 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.
Cherie is a 4th generation rancher and CEO of CL Ranches Ltd., a 139-year-old ranching operation consisting of cattle, a feedlot, and mixed grain farming operations. Cherie is also the First Vice Chair of the Calgary Stampede and sits on the Board of Governors for Olds College of Agriculture and Technology. Cherie has held many roles in the past such as co-chair of the Government of Alberta’s Red Tape Reduction Panel for Agriculture, Food and Bio-Industrial, founding chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef as well as a member of the Executive Committee for the Global Roundtable for Sustainable Beef as they developed global beef sustainability goals. She is passionate about not only telling her story about raising livestock in Alberta and Uruguay, but also about informing the public of the often-neglected, positive impact that agriculture accomplishes here in Canada. In 2025, Cherie was recognized with an Honorary Doctorate of Law from the University of Calgary in recognition for her work in advancing agriculture.
Google Sites
Report abuse