• AgDays 2027: January 19, 20 and 21 - 9am to 5pm Daily

2026

Warren Genik brings over a decade of expertise in agricultural drone technology and precision mapping, having pioneered UAV applications in farming since 2014.

With a strong foundation in software development, he successfully bridges the gap between cutting-edge technology and practical agricultural solutions, addressing critical challenges faced by modern farming operations.

Throughout his career, Mr. Genik has conducted thousands of commercial UAV mapping missions and developed comprehensive training programs for drone pilots and operators specializing in both aerial imaging and precision spray applications. His proprietary drainage analysis software has become an industry-standard tool, currently utilized by hundreds of agricultural producers across Western Canada and processing nearly 2 million acres of aerial imagery from operations worldwide.

This software enables data-driven water management decisions, optimizing field drainage systems and improving crop yields through advanced topographic analysis.

Mr. Genik’s work demonstrates the transformative impact of combining software engineering expertise with agricultural domain knowledge, delivering measurable ROI for farming operations through innovative technology solutions.

Edgar Hammermeister, PAg Edgar is the lead agrologist for Western Ag Professional Agronomy in Manitoba and Southeast Saskatchewan and has been providing crop planning services using Western Ag’s PRS® technology for over 25 years.

Edgar also manages a 4000 acre farm with the help of his family. Being a farmer, as well as an agrologist gives him some unique insight into managing farm challenges and opportunities.

David began his career at MASC in 2000 as the Agronomist, Claims Services. In 2008, he took the role of Manager, Claim Services and was appointed as Vice President, Insurance Operations in 2016.

David is currently the Chief Product Officer where he leads a team that is responsible for the development of new products and services to meet the changing needs of the agriculture industry. The division also supports MASC products through claim services, market research, data discovery and sharing, policy development, and ensuring program features are compliant with legislation and agreements.

David grew up on the family farm in southern Manitoba and holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Agriculture.

Ben Hamm Ben is a Farm Management Specialist with Manitoba Agriculture, where he currently is the lead for forage and livestock cost of production in the province. He Graduated with an Animal Science degree from the University of Manitoba and has been working with Manitoba Agriculture for over 18 years. Ben has a keen interest in analyzing all aspects of risk management for the forage and livestock industries and how monitoring risk can cultivate a more prosperous ag industry. He also owns and operates a 250 cow calf operation in southeast Manitoba with his dad and brothers.

Kelsey was born and raised on a cattle and grain farm near Deloraine, MB, where he lives now with his wife and two young children.

Together with his parents and family, he continues to operate the grain farm and has accumulated 15 growing seasons of experience. Kelsey works towards finding a balance between profitability and sustainability, focusing on enhancing productive areas, managing for both wet and dry conditions and restoring marginal areas back to their natural state.

Live and Farm in Russell, Manitoba A director representing the Manitoba Canola Growers Association and the Canadian Canola Growers Association Jade Derkach is my wonderful, caring and hard working wife.

We have four perfect children (haha) Tucker 15, Tyne 14, Tave 13, and Tori 11 Our three boys enjoy hockey, golf, hunting and fishing and our daughter Tori loves her dogs, volleyball and snowboarding Parents Len and Margie Derkach of Russell