Board of Directors

Willy Rath, Chair

Willy lives in Doe River, BC and has been farming for the past 40 years in grain, oilseeds and fescue. Willy enjoys working with his fellow farmers to give input into where producer’s money goes. This interest led Willy to become a part of the BC Peace River Grain Industry Development Council, which he has been a part of for several terms, the first of which was in 1996. Willy has also given his time serving on the BC Grain Producers Association and the South Peace Grain Cleaning Coop Boards.

Rick Kantz, Vice Chair

Rick is from the Montney area, north of Fort St. John and has been farming for 30 years. He currently farms wheat, barley and canola. Rick has held positions on the GIDC in years past and has been very involved on other boards and agricultural groups, the BC Grain Producers Association, the Peace River Forage Association and the Fort St. John Seed Cleaning Plant, to name just a few. He has chosen to be involved with the GIDC again to see the continued use of grain levy and to contribute in a positive way to matters that affect the current agricultural needs. 

Sten Peterson, Director

Sten lives in Rose Prairie, BC. He farms grain, forage seed, and beef cattle, and has been farming for approximately 27 years. In 2019, Sten decided to get involved with the GIDC after it was recommended to him by a retiring director. In addition to the GIDC, Sten has also donated his time serving on the Fort St. John Seed Coop board.

Brandon Funk, Director

Brandon lives just north of Dawson Creek, BC. He has been farming in the area for 10 years, and farms a variety of grain, oilseed, forage seed, and pulse crops. Brandon’s respect for the other directors on the GIDC led him to get involved with the Council in 2021. In the past, Brandon has also given his time serving on the BC Grain Producers Association Board.

Alexander Breunig, Director

Alexander has been farming in the Cecil Lake area for the past eight years in wheat, canola, oats, peas and various grasses. Alexander has been a director for the Peace Region Forage Seed Association and would like to be more involved in the community and the agricultural industry. He has decided to be a part of the GIDC to gain further experience at a board level and with the operation of farming based organizations. 

Staff

Maria Reschke, Coordinator
250-263-2864