In 2016, we started growing the research and development side of our company, and along with that came the need for someone with the knowledge and expertise in this area. Derek is our Research and Development Manager, as well as a MAPS Technology Specialist. He says, “I enjoy the challenges of providing the best quality of service we can to our customers, as well as exploring and integrating new technologies in an effort to continually improve CropPro services.” Derek has a diploma from the SIAST Kelsey Institute (now Sask Polytech) in Mechanical Engineering Technology. Derek originally grew up on the family grain/seed farm near Naicam, SK. After completing his diploma, Derek was employed at the Prairie Agricultural Machinery Institute for 18 years as the Ag Development Program Manager. Outside of his work life, Derek coaches minor hockey and baseball, and enjoys playing rec hockey, golfing, and fishing. He is also a member of the Muenster Sports Club and Muenster Elks community service organization. Derek lives in Muenster with his wife and their three “very active” children.