She also has experience in communications and has previously been active on the ECFWA board. She holds a BSc. In Animal Biology and an MSc. In Animal Nutrition from the University of Guelph.

Kristy refers to herself as a “wannabe farmer,” though she professes satisfaction (for the time being) with her backyard vegetable garden and general love of the outdoors.

Mary has worked in marketing and communications roles in the agriculture and not-for-profit sectors for more than 20 years, including as managing editor of the Ontario Grain Farmer magazine, manager of communications for the Alliance of Ontario Food Processors, and manager of communications for Renison University College.

She is a past president of ECFWA, having previously served the provincial organization and Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation for more than a decade. Clare holds a BSc. in Agriculture and Food Sciences from the University of Guelph and a Master of Communications Management from McMaster University.

Context and critical thinking are central to his work. 

Matt contributes to both domestic and international publications and holds a B.A. in Political Science (with a focus on agriculture issues) from the University of Guelph. He also sits as past president on the Eastern Canada Farm Writers’ Association board and is a 2024 Contemporary Nuffield Scholar. Music and the outdoors take up most of his spare time.  

Covering traditional farming methods to high-tech agri-food innovations, with a commitment to food security and sustainability, her work balances a competitive spirit with a passion for positive environmental and social change.

Covering traditional farming methods to high-tech agri-food innovations, with a commitment to food security and sustainability, her work balances a competitive spirit with a passion for positive environmental and social change.

When not fostering connections between people and their food stories, she works alongside her family on their grain and beef farm as a fourth generation farmer. Brianne holds a BASc in Agriculture Business and is excited to be joining the ECFWA Board of Directors!

She holds an MSc in Animal Science (Animal Behaviour and Welfare) from the University of Guelph and an MSc in Science Communication and Public Engagement from the University of Edinburgh, where her research focused on using narrative and creative nonfiction to communicate science in engaging and memorable ways.

Kim is the owner of Kimberly Sheppard Communications Studio and spent over six years as an editor for AgriSuccess magazine with Farm Credit Canada. She currently works as a writer, editor, and grant writer across the agri-food, environmental, and nonprofit sectors, producing journalistic, research-based, and strategic content with a focus on knowledge mobilization and connecting research with policymakers, industry stakeholders, funders, and the public.

She previously spent over 15 years with the Campbell Centre for the Study of Animal Welfare at the University of Guelph, leading communications and outreach initiatives that connected research with industry, policymakers, and the public. Her broader experience includes roles in research, journalism, and stakeholder engagement across academia, government, and the agri-food sector, working with diverse partners to translate complex issues into practical, accessible insights.

As a Director with the Eastern Canada Farm Writers Association, Kim is passionate about supporting strong storytelling, elevating diverse voices in agriculture, and fostering meaningful connections between writers and the communities they serve.

Her specialty is making the complex world of agriculture, agri-food and agtech easy to understand and answering the “so what, who cares?” for farmers and non-farmers alike.

Lilian is a past president of ECFWA, served as co-chair of the 2011 International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ congress, and is currently vice president of the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation.