Dear Irrigators:
Please note the below information regarding the upcoming election for Division 2, which will be held on April 8, 2026 at the St. Mary River Irrigation District Office (525 – 40th Street South, Lethbridge, Alberta, T1J 4M1), from 10 a.m. and 8 p.m.
Candidates are as follows:
Brian Stoutjesdyk:
With 32 years of farming experience in the SMRID, Brian Stoutjesdyk brings extensive agricultural knowledge and community leadership to the Board. Brian operates Elk Creek Dairy Farms with the help of his family, in addition to running a cash crop operation, and custom harvesting operation (Creekside Custom Harvest).
Over the years, Brian has served in a number of leadership roles, including six years as a delegate with Alberta Milk, a Board Directors for Rehoboth Christian Ministries, and eight years on the Even Tide Care Home Board, where he was involved from conceptual planning through to operations. He also served 12 years as an Agrifoods delegate and is currently in his 13th year as a director and Vice Chair. Brian is seeking a Board position as another opportunity to give back to the agricultural community in southern Alberta.
When approaching decision-making, he focuses first on identifying the nature of the issue, examining different options, and working to understand situations objectively before implementing solutions.
Sustainability, water conservation, and new irrigation technology are very important to him, noting the evolution from pivots and low-pressure systems to underground drip irrigation and the growing role technology will play in irrigated agriculture. He values all aspects of farming and community life in southern Alberta, describing it as a great place to live, raise a family, and be part of an exciting agricultural industry.
His guiding principle is simple: be yourself and be honest.
Colten Bodie:
Colten Bodie was born and raised in the area and has been farming in the SMRID for 14 years. In addition to farming, Bodie also sits on the Foothills Medical Centre’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit’s Parent Advisory committee.
Bodie brings a multifaceted approach to problem solving. “I think my approach depends on the problem that needs to be solved. You can’t use the same approach with every situation, but in general, I try to step back, take an objective look, do my due diligence and try not to leave things to chance.” He added, “I enjoy the unique challenges year to year, with farming. Working, hands-on and being able to see the fruits of your labor, it’s a very rewarding occupation.”
Bodie commented, “I think sustainability and water conservation is important and we continue to make advancements through embracing new technology. It’s amazing to see how things have progressed in my lifetime and I’m optimistic and excited to see what will be developed in the coming years.”
He noted that running for the SMRID Board is, “a great opportunity to learn and gain new experiences, while networking with different agricultural operations across Southern Alberta. I think it’s really important to step forward as an Irrigator,” adding, “I hope many people apply. It gives irrigators an opportunity to choose who will best represent them.”
Guiding motto: “Smile and be brave”.
Gys Van Den Pol:
Gys Van den Pol farms approximately 470 acres within the SMRID and operates a sheep enterprise specializing in Holstein genetics. He has farmed in the district for 20 years and brings leadership experience through service on numerous local and regional boards. Prior to relocating to Canada, Gys served as Chair of Council in the Netherlands and participated on Young Farmers boards at the local, provincial, and national levels. He also served on a Youth Shadow Board for a cooperative feed mill, a mentorship-based initiative designed to provide young people with practical governance experience within the agricultural sector.
Gys is seeking election to represent irrigators in Division 2, with the goal of supporting practical, informed solutions for irrigators while promoting accountability and effective district management. He approaches problem-solving through open discussion, research, and careful consideration of available information, and believes in respecting and supporting decisions made by the voting majority.
He considers sustainability, water conservation, and the adoption of new technology to be essential priorities for modern agriculture and continually looks for opportunities to improve efficiency within his operation. He values the independence and responsibility that farming provides and appreciates the strong agricultural community within the district. A third-generation participant in water governance, both his father and grandfather served on water control boards in the Netherlands.
He welcomes input and open dialogue with irrigators.
Daniel Donkersgoed:
Berdina Farms – forages, grains & oilseeds
I grew up on a farm within SMRID, and following university and some time working in insurance,
I have been farming with my parents since 2020.
I am the newly appointed treasurer of Coaldale-Lethbridge Foodgrains growing project, having
been a board member since 2019 and the treasurer at the Coaldale MB Church. I am also a
member of the Coaldale Agriculture Society, serving on the education committee.
Growing up on a poultry farm that transitioned to crop farming promoted excitement in
agriculture as a career. Irrigation is Southern Alberta’s most valuable commodity and what sets
us apart from other agriculture communities in Alberta & Canada. I am interested in helping
promote, sustain and expand those ideas by running for the SMRID board. As a young
producer, I want to help ensure that irrigation is properly managed for others like me, and for
generations to come.I am a relational person. Both problem solving and decision making involve understanding
different or conflicting points of view and by building relationships, it can allow for better
understanding of the next steps to be taken.
These are all vital in irrigation, but they need to work in step with the realities of livestock
production, crop farming, and other avenues of agriculture in Southern Alberta. Given the
market uncertainties, timing challenges & tough margins changing practices can seem like a
step in the wrong direction. However, it is our responsibility to act with sustainability in mind, and
adapting new technologies can help with water conservation or better practices to allow for
continued sustainability in agriculture.
I enjoy the relationships I have built living in a small community. Farming has been a rewarding
experience for me growing up on a farm, and an exciting opportunity that I get to do with my
kids.
My dad always challenged me growing up when I said that I have to work. His reply was that
you don’t have to work, you get to work. Not everything is fun, but with the right attitude, it can
be