Meet the Board: Chad Ferguson, Naicam, SK

Chad was elected to the SaskBarley Board of Directors in January 2024

Chad Ferguson’s roots in agriculture run deep, having spent his entire life immersed in the industry. Raised on a family farm in Naicam, SK, Chad witnessed the intricate balance of honeybee keeping and crop cultivation. Over time, the family made strategic decisions to transition away from beekeeping to focus on expanding their cropland.

Chad’s academic journey took him to the University of Saskatchewan, where he pursued a Diploma in Agribusiness and a Degree in Plant Sciences. Despite the demands of off-farm work, Chad remained committed to assisting his father with farming duties until the unexpected passing of his father in 2016. Since then, Chad, along with his wife Wendy, their son, and daughter (pictured below), have dedicated themselves fully to managing their thriving 3,500-acre farm.

Throughout his career, Chad has been deeply involved in his community, serving on various boards and organizations. He joined the SaskBarley Board of Directors in January 2024. His passion for continual growth and learning has driven him to identify opportunities for improvement, both for himself and others within the agricultural community.

In his endeavors, Chad has recognized the challenges facing barley growers, particularly in terms of marketing and meeting end user expectations, especially for malt varieties. Despite these hurdles, Chad remains optimistic about the future of the barley industry. He sees a promising trajectory, with producers embracing new varieties and maltsters showing a willingness to innovate.

Looking ahead, Chad believes there’s substantial room for expansion within the barley industry, provided there’s continued focus on innovation and agronomic practices. His enthusiasm for contributing to this growth and progress is evident through his involvement with SaskBarley.