Howard Cummer
Mr. Cummer was born in Gravelbourg Saskatchewan, and earned degrees from the University of Saskatchewan (B Comm) and the University of Western Ontario (MA Econ) as well as pursuing post-graduate studies at the London School of Economics. From 1969 to 1979 he was with the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service and served in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, Los Angeles, Hong Kong and Beijing. While in Beijing he assisted Canpotex Limited (Canpotex) in the sale of Saskatchewan potash to China. In 1979 Mr. Cummer joined Canpotex Limited as Director of Sales for Southeast Asia and in 1984 he opened the Canpotex office in Saskatchewan. Over the next nine years he held various positions, including Market Development and China Sales, culminating with him becoming Vice President of Canpotex. In 1993 Mr. Cummer moved to Hong Kong to open the Hong Kong office as Vice President and Managing Director of Canpotex Hong Kong Limited, where for 13 years, he successfully marketed Canadian potash to China and Taiwan. He retired from Canpotex in 2006 and continues to live in Hong Kong.
Jim Beaton, Ph.D.
Mr. Beaton was born in Vancouver, BC. and obtained BSc and MSc degrees in soil science at the University of B.C. and a PhD in the same discipline at Utah State University. Following a career of over seven years in academia at the University of B.C. and the Research Branch of Agriculture Canada, Mr. Beaton had a challenging and successful 34 year career in the fertilizer industry with research and market development related responsibilities. With his time divided between Cominco Ltd. (now Agrium), The Sulphur Institute, and finally as President of the Potash & Phosphate Institute of Canada (now IPNI) Mr. Beaton administered over 150 projects in 22 countries including the most important overseas potash importing countries China, Brazil, Malaysia/Indonesia, and India. He is the co-author of the 4th to 7th editions of the widely used university textbook ‘Soil Fertilty & Fertilizers’ and has published extensively in scientific and technical journals. Mr. Beaton was a founding partner in a liquid fertilizer plant in Standard, Alberta, and has served as consultant to many fertilizer and agribusiness companies since retirement in 1994.
Eric Pedersen, Ph.D.
Dr. Pedersen holds a B.Sc. (Hon) from the University of Victoria (1982-1986) and M.Sc. and Ph.D. degrees in Plant Pathology from the University of Saskatchewan (1986-1993). Dr. Pedersen has more than 12 years experience in technology/product development and project management in the fertilizer industry and has significant experience in fertilizer formulation and granulation. He is currently the Executive Vice-President and Director of Technology and Product Development for Sulphur Solutions Inc. and has held the following professional positions: Director of Operations and Product Development, Agronomic Growth Industries Ltd.; Senior Scientist and Project Manager, Eco Soil Systems Inc.; Research Scientist and Project Leader, Agrium Inc.; and Research Associate, National Research Council.
Jeff Schoenau, Ph.D.
Jeff Schoenau is a Senior Research Scientist and Adjunct Professor in the Department of Soil Science, College of Agriculture and Bioresourses at the University of Saskatchewan in Saskatoon. He holds the Saskatchewan Agriculture Chair in Soil Nutrient Management. He received his bachelor and PhD degrees from the University of Saskatchewan and conducts research, teaching and extension in the fields of soil fertility, nutrient cycling and soil conservation and management.
Barry Mutlow
Barry Mutlow is a graduate of the University of Saskatchewan with a BSA in Economics. He has spent 32 years in the agricultural industry, primarily within the fertilizer industry. Mr. Mutlow worked for 7 years in feed, chemical and fertilizer retail sales, advancing to Area Manager Farm Service for Saskatchewan Wheat Pool, followed by 25 years with the Potash Corporation of Saskatchewan in various sales capacities. During his career he was very active and served on various committees with the Western Canada Fertilizer Association, the Canadian Association of Agri-Retailers, and the Canadian Fertilizer Institute. Mr. Mutlow is a Director and member of the Compensation Committee for Big Quill Resources, the largest potassium sulphate producer in Canada and sits on the Board of Directors for Lake Bend Corp. He is currently retired from full time employment but continues to do consulting work.
