Appointee Biographies

BRENDAN BYRNE

Brendan Byrne is the director for Grain Farmers of an Ontario District 1 (Essex) and was elected as chair of the Board of Directors in 2021, finishing his term in 2024. He was first elected as a director in 2015 after serving as a delegate for five years and the local chairman for three. He’s a graduate of Class 17 of the Advanced Agricultural Leadership Program and past local chair for the Essex Soil and Crop Improvement Association. He’s an active supporter of mental health and diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. Farming and family are the main aspects of Byrne’s life in Essex County. He manages a cash crop farm with his dad and family. He lives just outside the town of Essex with his wife Mindy and kids Alyssa and Brendan. He’s an active reader and has coached many of his kid’s sports teams.

RALPH DIETRICH

Ralph Dietrich, of Mildmay, serves as a member of the Ontario Farm Products Marketing Commission and is the Owner and Partner of Character Dairy Genetics. He is a former board member and Chair of the Dairy Farmers of Ontario. His community involvement has included supporting the Agricultural Society and 4-H.

CHERYL FIRBY

Cheryl Firby, of St. Marys, is former Vice-President of Agricultural Operations & Industry Relations with Maple Leaf Foods Inc. Her community involvement has included serving as a Coaching Mentor with Aviagen North America.

CAMERON MCWILLIAM

Cameron McWilliam is the Mayor of Dutton/Dunwich. He is also a Farmer of turkey, beef cattle and cash crop. Community involvement includes various fundraising and volunteer positions for organizations including Dutton Highland Games Committee, St.Thomas-Elgin General Hospital and member of Community School Alliance. He has a Bachelor of Agriculture Science with a major in Animal & Poultry Science from University of Guelph.

WILLIAM GEORGE

William George, of Beamsville, is the President and Owner of George II Farms Ltd. (a wine grape operation in Niagara). He is the former Chair of the Ontario Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association and the former Chair of the Grape Growers of Ontario. He is the former Chair of the Presidents Council and a former Ontario Director on the Canadian Horticulture Council.