Our Team


Jay Byer – Interim Manager, Soil Conservation Analyst
manager@gatewayresearch.org
Tel: (
403)741-6706

Jay Byer grew up on a mixed farm outside of Busby, Alberta.  After obtaining his bachelor’s degree in agriculture at the University of Alberta, he has been employed in a wide variety of public and private sectors of agriculture.  Jay spent a year as the Associate Provincial Oilseed Specialist for Alberta and managed a large project dealing with late fall seeding of canola.  He has conducted some advanced studies in integrated pest management of crops.  When Jay is not at GRO, he is involved in travel, horticulture, volunteerism, cottage life and motorcycles.  He is looking forward to investigating alternatives to annual crop production on marginal land throughout the GRO area as part of a Canadian Agricultural Partnership program.
Kabal Singh P.Ag. – Crop Research Coordinator
research@gatewayresearch.org
Tel: (780) 350
-8200

Kabal Singh grew up on a mixed farm operation in Northern India. He has a Bachelor Degree in Agriculture and holds a Diploma in Agribusiness, majoring in Crops, from Lakeland College. In 2019, he was nominated for “President Circle” at Lakeland College for his outstanding leadership abilities. Kabal has experience working on research trials, soil testing, crop production cycle, and innovative approach in agriculture (hydroponic).
Rick Tarasuik – Field Supervisor
grocrops@telus.net
Cell: (780) 307-7581
Tel: (780) 349-4546


Rick grew up on a mixed farm in the Lloydminster area. He left the farm in 1989 to pursue a career in golf course maintenance. After obtaining a Turfgrass Management Diploma from Fairview College he accepted the superintendent’s job at the Barrhead Golf Course holding that position for over 20 years. Rick and his wife Terrie have two girls now past school age and mostly independent. Rick enjoys boating and golf in the summer, skiing and snowmobiling in the winter.

Stacy Murray – Extension Coordinator
extension@gatewayresearch.org
Cell: (780) 305-8155
Tel: (780) 349-4546


Stacy lives in the County of Barrhead with her husband. After living in various places around the province she truly believes Alberta is one of the best places on Earth. She grew up on a mixed farming operation near Vermilion and has her BSc (Ag). She’s passionate about lifelong learning, agriculture, and food. 

Sandeep Nain- Dec 28 1991 – June 11, 2023

Sandeep was manager of GRO for nearly 8 years and was critical in helping the organization grow and expand. Under his guidance GRO became well known for their excellent field research methodology and results. Sandeep believed that research is at the crux of development and is the gateway to the imagination, allowing us to understand the past, grasp the present, and reach for the future. His creativity and support was integral in moving the agenda of applied agriculture research forward in the province.
He leaves a young family to mourn his loss. He will be missed by his many friends and colleagues around the world.