Ottawa, Ontario, February 12, 2013 – Agriculture Minister Gerry Ritz today announced the appointment of Brenda Schoepp to Farm Credit Canada's (FCC) Board of Directors. "I'm very pleased to announce the appointment of Brenda Schoepp to FCC's Board," said Minister Ritz. "Ms. Shoepp is a successful business owner with a strong commitment to youth and entrepreneurship in agriculture. Her knowledge and passion will certainly complement the important work FCC's Board is doing for the sector." Under the Board of Directors' leadership, FCC has proven its commitment to serving Canada's innovative agriculture sector for the long term. For instance, FCC has launched the Young Farmer Loan program to help young people who are looking to start a career in agriculture. FCC has also been instrumental in driving the multi-year initiative "Agriculture More Than Ever," which is aimed at improving perceptions of agriculture in Canada. As Canada's leading agricultural lender, FCC is advancing the business of agriculture. With a healthy portfolio of more than $24 billion and 19 consecutive years of portfolio growth, FCC is strong and stable—committed to serving the industry through all business cycles. FCC provides financing, insurance, software, learning programs, and other business services to producers, agribusinesses, and agri-food operations. Headquartered in Regina, FCC is a Crown corporation that reports to Parliament through the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Brenda Shoepp's appointment is for a term of three years and is effective immediately. A biographical note for Ms. Shoepp is attached.
For more information, media may contact:
Media Relations
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Ottawa, Ontario
613-773-7972
1-866-345-7972
Jeff English
Press Secretary
The Office of the Honourable Gerry Ritz
613-773-1059
Brenda Schoepp resides near Rimbey, Alberta, where she is a partner in a cow/calf and rescue horse operation. With 34 years in agriculture production and agri-business, and over 20 years of experience as a published author and consultant, Ms. Shoepp is recognized as a leader in agriculture. Ms. Shoepp is also active in her community. She has served over 25 years in leadership positions on several provincial and federal boards and commissions and acts as a Master of Ceremonies for various charity events.
Some of Ms. Schoepp's recent accomplishments include developing the leadership series YouLead! for youth and new entrants into agriculture. She is also the founder of Women in Search of Excellence (WISE) and is currently developing a mentorship model for women in agriculture.
Ms. Shoepp is a published author and professional speaker, engaging audiences on all aspects of agriculture and rural life. She owns and publishes BEEFLINK, a weekly national newsletter on the strategies of beef and beef cattle marketing and her column "Straight from the Hip" is featured in national and provincial newspapers and magazines. A professional speaker, she travels extensively in Canada to spread her knowledge of and passion for agriculture.
In 2012, she was awarded the 2012 Nuffield Canada Farming Scholarship, and in 2011, she was a Cattlemen Young Leaders Mentor for the Canadian Cattlemen's Association. In 2006, Ms. Shoepp was named by Alberta Venture magazine as one of Alberta's 50 Most Influential People.
