Agronomist

I would like to take the opportunity in the April newsletter to introduce myself. I am Kim Farion- the new Sales Agronomist for Ray Agro & Petroleum Ltd. I will be your quick solution to any agronomy needs you may have, and I will be keeping you updated about what is currently new and AG-citing!

I grew up on a grain farm just west of Vegreville, AB where my parents instilled in me the love for all things agriculture. By the time I was 3 years old I had my own sheep that I bottle fed twice a day. I did this all throughout the early years of my childhood. The “funny-farm” pets my brother, sisters, and I took care of included sheep, goats, one Holstein, a donkey, pigs, ducks, and horses. When we were not with the animals, we were picking rocks in fields, helping tend the vegetable garden, or riding in trucks and tractors and learning about the industry through hands-on experience.

After graduating high school, I struggled with deciding what career I wanted to pursue and eventually realized that I belong in the industry that I grew up in and love.

In 2015, I enrolled into Lethbridge College where I received my diploma in Agriculture Plant and Soil Sciences. While in college, I developed my obsession with different species of weeds and being able to identify them instantly (I also happen to collect them). Since finishing school, I jumped around between different contracts including, Alberta Ag & Forestry where I worked in pulse crop research, CFIA taking PCN samples, BASF in canola trait development, and most recently Syngenta where I started in Research and Development and then later, sales. All of these were wonderful experiences that allowed me to explore the different sides of the industry.

In my down time, I am studying to achieve my CCA, looking up the newest technologies and practices available to farms, or I am out spending time on my family’s farm. Some of my interests outside of work include working with the Big Brothers Big Sisters program in Edmonton, where I have been mentoring for close to 2 years, cooking and baking, growing my own hot pepper varieties, and spending as much time outside as possible, whether that is hiking, golf, working in the garden, or spending time around a fire with friends and family.

In March 2021, I joined the Ray Agro & Petroleum family where I am lucky enough to get to combine the best parts of all my previous experiences. I am very excited for the new challenge and cannot wait to see who I will meet, what I will learn and how this position will help me grow as both a person and an agronomist. I am eager for the days I get to throw on my work boots and get my hands dirty helping you achieve the highest crop potential we can in the coming seasons.