Meet the Board: Zenneth Faye, Foam Lake, SK

Zenneth was elected to the first board of the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission in 2013 and served six years with the organization until 2019. He was re-elected to the Board of Directors in January 2022 and worked closely with the organization as its designated representative to the Barley Council of Canada in the interim.

Zenneth’s journey with SaskBarley began in 2013, when he was elected to the organization’s inaugural board. As one of the pioneering members, Zenneth played a critical role in laying the groundwork for what would become a vital organization for barley producers across the province. During his initial six-year tenure, which lasted until 2019, Zenneth’s leadership and vision helped steer SaskBarley through its formative years, setting a strong foundation for the organization’s grower-centric direction.

But Zenneth’s dedication to SaskBarley didn’t end there. Recognizing the importance of continuity and experience, he returned to the Board of Directors in January 2022. During his time away from the board, Zenneth continued to serve the barley industry, working closely with the Barley Council of Canada as SaskBarley’s designated representative. His work during this interim period ensured that the voices of Saskatchewan’s barley producers were heard on a national stage.

Zenneth is a resident of Foam Lake, where he and his wife Cindy are working to transition the family farm to their daughter Brittany and her husband Steven. His passion for farming and community service has extended to the next generation. Both his children have made careers in the Ag sector and commit their time and energy through volunteerism and advancing the industry. His daughter Ambrely is the Chair of SaskOats and farms with her husband in the Tisdale area.

Both children were raised with a passion for agriculture and a love of rural life that they want to pass on to their families. Zenneth is now inspiring the next generation as his six grandchildren are enthusiastic co-pilots and enjoy taking turns riding equipment with him.

Zenneth’s leadership in agriculture extends far beyond his work with SaskBarley. His journey in agricultural advocacy began with the Saskatchewan Canola Growers Association, where he served as a director. His passion for the canola industry led him to play a pivotal role in establishing the Saskatchewan Canola Development Commission, a move that significantly bolstered the province’s canola industry.

Appointed by the province to the Canola Commission’s provisional board, Zenneth’s influence was far-reaching. He held positions with the Canola Council of Canada, the Canadian Canola Growers Association, and the Canadian Renewable Fuels Association, where his expertise and leadership helped guide these organizations through critical periods of growth and development.

Zenneth’s impact wasn’t confined to canola. He also lent his expertise to other sectors within agriculture. Notably, he served as an advisor to the North East Terminal in Wadena, SK, providing strategic guidance before its acquisition by Richardson International. Additionally, Zenneth’s contributions were recognized at the federal level when he was appointed to the Blue Ribbon Panel of the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA).

In addition to his roles in various agricultural organizations, Zenneth brought his engineering expertise to the forefront as the Project Engineer and Executive Manager at Milligan Bio. His work in this capacity demonstrates his ability to bridge the gap between production and market development.

Zenneth Faye’s lifetime of service has not gone unnoticed. His contributions have earned him several accolades, including a lifetime membership to the Saskatchewan Institute of Agrologists and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. Most recently, Zenneth was inducted into the Saskatchewan Agriculture Hall of Fame, a testament to his enduring impact on the province’s agricultural landscape.

As SaskBarley continues to grow and evolve, it does so on the strong foundation built by leaders like Zenneth, whose legacy will continue to influence the industry for years to come.