Ben Van Dyk, Farming Smarter Board Treasurer, calls himself a workaholic, but, really, he’s a philanthropist extraordinaire. The fact that a mutual friend turned him on to Farming Smarter is something the organization appreciates.
Ben came to Canada in 1980 from Holland and gives back to his adopted community in myriad ways. Some of the benefactors of his generosity include STARS, HALO, highway clean up, school fundraisers, regional foodbanks, and the Coaldale Family Fun Run. He also supports the Canadian Foodgrains Bank.
He surrounds himself with family – his wife Fay, five children and 15 grandchildren add a richness to his life. His work encompasses farming, farm investment and as a part owner of Real Estate Centre in Coaldale. He does keep himself busy, but after an initial meeting with the Farming Smarter Executive Director, he added Board Director to his plate… or platter at this point!
Ben says the opportunity to lend his expertise to Farming Smarter and learn new things himself cinched his decision. “Shared knowledge is always great. Farming Smarter contributes to the overall well-being and prosperity of farming in our region.”
He was excited about working with a group of smart people out on the cutting edge of research and technology. Ben is confident that his perspective as a farm owner/operator, a farm investor and his technological knowledge brought new ideas to the organization.
He sees Farming Smarter as second-to-none and believes it brings added value to the agriculture sector in many ways. Its innovation, leadership on issues and resources benefit the overall future of farming.