2026 Board of Directors Election
Because of the new governance structure within BC Dairy and the current terms expiring, there are four board positions open for election in February 2026. Three will be elected by all producers in BC. One board position will be elected by only those producers whose farms are located outside of the Lower Mainland.
BC Dairy’s board of directors for 2026 will be comprised of the following:
- Two directors appointed by Mainland Milk Producers Association*
- Two directors elected by producers with farms located outside of the Lower Mainland
- Four directors at large, elected by all producers
*BC Dairy has two board positions appointed by the Mainland Milk Producers Association (MMPA) to avoid unnecessary duplication in the election process. MMPA conducts third-party elections through the BC Council of Marketing Boards (BC COMB) to select its board of directors. Appointing two of these already-elected directors to the BC Dairy board allows BC Dairy to benefit from a transparent, independent election process without incurring the cost and administrative burden of running a second election.
2026 Nominated Candidates
Ron Kooyman
My name is Ron Kooyman. I am a third-generation dairy farmer from Chilliwack, where my family and I farm. Growing up on our family farm instilled in me a deep appreciation for the hard work, innovation, and collaboration that define our industry.
Over the years, I’ve gained a broad range of experience in dairy operations, from herd management and sustainability practices to the business side of farming. I believe this background allows me to bring a well-rounded perspective to the BC Dairy Board—one that balances practical, on-farm realities with the long-term vision needed to strengthen our sector.
I am passionate about this industry and committed to ensuring a strong, sustainable future for dairy farming in British Columbia. I currently serve as director for Mainland Milk Producers and would be honoured to serve and represent the voices of fellow producers on the BC Dairy Board.
Calvin Maarhuis
Calvin Maarhuis is passionate about the dairy industry, and has always felt the need to contribute back to this industry. He, along with his wife Trudy, own and operate a 55 cow dairy in Chilliwack as a first generation farm for 20 years. Calvin has recently retired from over 30 years in the dairy feed industry. He has the experience to work as a director. He has been a director with Mainland Milk Producers for over ten years, some of those years as Treasurer. He currently serves on the Specialty Products Advisory Committee and has also been a member of the Quota Exchange Committee, and the Governance Committee of the BCDA. As a result of working with producers as an allied trade, he has learned to focus on solutions for various producer concerns. With the extra time available after leaving the feed industry, Calvin will have the time to be an effective member of the BCDA board of directors.
Art Postma
Dear Fellow BC Dairy Producers:
My name is Art Postma of Postma Farms Ltd. Myself along with my wife and four daughters and five employees milk 425 holstein dairy cows in Deroche BC. Our farm was first established in 1966 by my parents, myself as second generation and now my daughters as third are carrying on with pride the passion for animals and the dairy products the produce. We also have a small lot poultry producing project that we enjoy producing farm fresh eggs for the local community. It is this mindset that drives us all to do what we love everyday locally as well as in BC.
I have previously served on FVMPA and the early years of BCDA as well as Mainland Milk Producers. Currently I am serving on the Agrifoods and Westgen associations. I have always worked to maintain a common sense approach to both the challenges and progression of the dairy industry as it pertains to us both locally and nationally. With your support I would be proud to work hard to serve the dairy industry on your behalf.
Sincerely, Art Postma Postma Farms ltd
Paul Schmidt
My name is Paul Schmidt, I farm in Deroche, BC with my son Anton. I have been exposed to or a part of the BC dairy industry since my childhood, my grandparents also operated a dairy farm in Deroche and my mother was very active as a 4-H. My interest in dairy farming led me take employment on local dairy farms after my grandparents exited the industry, and through the Graduated Entry Program I was able to enter the BC Dairy Industry as a producer in 2011. I believe that my involvement in directorships in non-profits like churches and local political associations that I have developed skill sets and acquired experience that can be used to further the mission of the BC Dairy Association and the BC dairy industry more broadly. I am also aware that the thriving stable industry we have in BC, and Canada is something we have inherited from those that have stepped forward to advocate for our industry in the past and I am putting my name forward to do the same in our time.
Luke Van Huizen
Luke Van Huizen is a 2nd generation dairy farmer from Vancouver Island. Having bought into his family’s farm in 2019, he currently farms with his parents, and the rest of his family in Duncan on their 110-cow, robotic, purebred Holstein herd.
Luke is very passionate about the industry, currently serving as the Island appointment on the BC Dairy Association as well as current President of the Island Milk Producers Organization, the BC Milk Marketing Board’s Transportation Advisory Committee, the BC Holstein Branch as chair of the Judging Committee, and on the Vancouver Island Holstein Club as former president and current chair of the sale committee.
Luke believes his experience working on multiple different industry boards gives him a unique perspective when analyzing challenges and looking for common sense solutions. Detail oriented and driven, Luke knows there’s a future for the dairy industry in British Columbia and looks forward to making that possible for the dairy farmers of BC.
Mark Van Klei
Mark Van Klei and his wife farm in Chilliwack along with their three children. He is passionate about dairy farming as well as the community in which they farm. He is committed to the BC dairy industry and is currently serving as a board member on BC Dairy and Mainland Milk Producers Association. Mark has been an active BC Dairy representative on the Western Milk Pool and Dairy Innovation West. Mark would very much like to continue to work on BC dairy producers’ behalf to strengthen the industry in the years to come.
Nico Vankeulen
My name is Nico Vankeulen, and I am a dairy farmer in South Surrey, British Columbia. I am part of a multi-generational family farm and am actively involved in both milk production and value-added processing through Donia Farms and Donia Farms Foods. Farming is not just my work, but something I care deeply about and am committed to long term. I have a background in agricultural business and am closely involved in the day-to-day decisions on our farm. My focus includes infrastructure planning, water and nutrient management, and adopting new technologies that improve efficiency, compliance, and long-term viability. I value practical, hands-on solutions and believe good decisions are built on solid information and real experience. I am an active member of Mainland Milk Producers and take a strong interest in industry governance and policy. I believe transparency and accountability are essential, and that producer voices need to be clearly heard. Much of my work involves collaborating with others across the industry to address challenges such as flood risk, environmental pressures, and building resilient farms for the future. If elected, I would bring a thoughtful, practical perspective to BCDA and work hard to represent producers in a clear, honest, and responsible way.
Ashley VanLaar
My name is Ashley VanLaar, and together with my husband Geoff and five kids we own and run a third generation dairy operation in Agassiz BC named Hayward Acres. We’re deeply rooted in this industry and the lifestyle it supports.
Being part of a family‑run farm has taught me the value of hard work, resilience, and teamwork. Every day, we’re hands-on with our animals, our land, and our community — and that connection is a big part of why I’m passionate about serving on the BC Dairy board.
I’ve also had the privilege of serving a three‑year term on our local school board as secretary, as well as participating in the strategic planning committee for a period of time. Those experiences strengthened my skills in governance, communication, and collaborative decision‑making — all of which I believe are essential for contributing effectively to BC Dairy.
I care deeply about the future of our industry and the quality of the products we provide to consumers. Dairy plays an important role in nourishing my family, and I’m committed to supporting the producers who make that possible.
I would be honoured to bring my experience, my passion, my time, and my perspective as a farmer and parent to the BC Dairy board. Thank you for considering my candidacy.