A cattle producer from Didsbury is one of three newly appointed members who will serve on the Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC) Board of Directors.

Ross Bricker who, with his family, owns Chestermere Hereford Stock Farm at Didsbury will serve with the other new members, Andre Harpe, a crop producer from Valhalla Centre and Michael Howden, an accountant from Foothills, and the existing Board of Directors to give oversight to AFSC and ensure that the agency’s programs and services are delivered effectively and meet the unique needs of agricultural producers and rural businesses.

Bricker and the other new board members represent a broad and diverse cross-section of the agriculture industry.  Their three-year appointments were effective Apr. 12. 

An Alberta government news release says the appointments reflect the government’s commitment to supporting Alberta's economic recovery and AFSC's commitment to be responsive to farmers and provide programs that support agribusinesses.

Bricker is a very busy individual. Along with his new role with AFSC, his Linkedin profile says he's served on the board of directors with Fortis Alberta for over five years.  He's also been a committee member with the Genome Canada - Core Evaluation Team for four years, serving as the Committee Chair for the past 11 months.  He is also Managing Director for Westcott Venture Inc. along with other corporate roles. 

"We are excited to welcome our new board members and appreciate the diversity of skills they bring to complement the existing strengths of our board," says AFSC chair Kelly Smith-Fraser, .

Alberta Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Nate Horner says,  “AFSC’s diverse board of directors ensures the organization continues to meet the needs of the province’s crop and livestock producers and agribusinesses. After experiencing drought conditions last summer, we are reminded how important proactive business risk management is for the agriculture and agri-food industries. Andre, Michael, and Ross will make great additions to the team.” 

As a provincial Crown corporation, AFSC provides loans, crop insurance, and farm income disaster assistance programs to farmers, agribusinesses, and other small businesses.