Our Team

We’ve developed a team that combines practical knowledge with leading edge research to bring you products that make a difference. Our local dealers and agronomic team are just around the corner to serve your corn and soybean seed needs.

We work year round to ensure that our Maizex team delivers up-to-date agronomic insights, information and production advice. Make your Maizex Seed Specialist part of your farm management team. Our goal is to help growers prosper year after year and be your trusted seed partner.

 

 

Management Team

  • Blake Ashton

    Maizex Controller - Blake Ashton
    General Manager

    Blake joined Maizex Seeds in 2016 as Controller and now oversees day-to-day operations of the business in his role as General Manager. Blake grew up on a cash crop farm located near Clachan, Ontario where he continues to be involved in in the family farm operation. He is a graduate of the University of Ottawa and is a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). Prior to joining Maizex, he worked in public accounting with exposure and experience in financial and strategic management in a range of industries. His passion for agriculture and his business acumen have been key assets for Maizex as demonstrated in his involvement in the formation of the successful joint venture between Maizex and Sollio Agriculture.

    blake@maizex.com
    (877) 682-1720

  • Dave Baute

    Maizex President and CEO Dave Baute
    Maizex President

    Raised on a 250-acre family farm, Dave grew his first crop when he was 16 and founded Maizex with his wife, Brenda, in 1985. He has a diploma in Agricultural Production and Management from Ridgetown College and also studied at The University of Guelph's main campus. Throughout his career, Dave has been recognized and awarded for his innovation and leadership by many industry and government groups. He is the current chairman of the Agri-food Foundation (Ridgetown Campus) and is a past president of the Canadian Seed Trade Association. Dave is also active in his community and sits on the board of the Chatham Kent Community Foundation. In addition to his responsibilities as Maizex's CEO, Dave manages Soiex Farms, a 2300-acre seed farm.

    dave@maizex.com
    (877) 682-1720
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  • Stephen Denys

    Stephen Denys
    Director of Market & Product Development

    Born on a field and vegetable crop farm near Chatham, Ontario, Stephen’s goal from his earliest memory was to farm and be involved in agri-business.  He has a B.Sc. in Agriculture from the University of Guelph and expanded his business training with an MBA from the University of Windsor, where he focused on corporate strategy and strategic marketing.  Stephen started his professional career in the crop protection sector before focusing on strategic marketing consulting.  From there he was given the challenge and opportunity to lead a competitor national seed brand.  He is a recognized leader in the seed industry given not only his efforts in business development, but contributions to several industry issues and initiatives through the Canadian Seed Trade Association where he is a Past President.

    Stephen’s passion for modern agriculture starts at home where he operates a family farm.  It is here that he practices what he preaches both through on-farm research and use of the genetics and technologies used by Maizex customers. 

    sdenys@maizex.com
    (877) 682-1720
    @stevedenys
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  • Shane Jantzi

    Maizex National Sales Manager Shane Jantzi
    Maizex National Sales Manager

    Shane grew up working on a dairy cash crop farm in Haldimand County, Ontario. He is a graduate from The University of Guelph (Bachelor of Science), and from The University of Western Ontario (Bachelor of Education). His over 15 years of industry experience includes sales positions with Cargill and Dow AgroSciences. Shane joined us in 2001 as a District Sales Manager and assumed the role of Sales Manager in 2012. Shane is an active supporter of local Soil and Crop Associations and has his Certified Crop Advisor designation.

    shane@maizex.com
    (519) 778-7715
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  • Chuck Belanger

    Chuck Belanger
    Market Development Agronomist, Western Ontario

    Chuck grew up on a farm in Pain Court in Dover Township and continues to reside there. Over 20 years experience in the industry has made Chuck a recognized specialist in crop management and agronomy in the Tilbury, Stoney Point and St. Joachim area. Chuck looks forward to continuing to provide whole farm solutions and superior customer service to his customers. 

    chuck@maizex.com
    (519) 401-0715
    @sprayman63
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  • Shawn Winter

    Shawn Winter
    Product Development Manager - Corn

    Shawn grew up on a farm in Southwestern Ontario, and continues to produce corn and soybeans with his family. He is a University of Guelph graduate, with an M.Sc. (Plant Breeding and Genetics) and B.Sc. (Agronomy). He has spent ten years in the agricultural industry, the majority of which has been with Maizex. Shawn has his Certified Crop Advisor designation, is a recognized Plant Breeder by the Canadian Seed Growers’ Association and is the Chair for the Ontario Corn Committee.

    shawn@maizex.com
    (877) 682-1720
    @SWinter_Maiz
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  • Greg Stewart

    Greg Stewart
    Maizex Agronomy Lead

    Greg Stewart was born and raised on a farm near Peterborough, Ontario.  He attended the University of Guelph and completed an M.Sc which focused on tillage and soil compaction.  He worked eight years as a research associate at the University on projects involving tillage, crop rotations, corn planter performance, and fertility management.

    Stewart farmed and worked in the farm equipment industry for four years before joining OMAFRA as the Corn Specialist in 1998.  With OMAFRA Stewart participated extensively in corn research and demonstration projects across the province. Greg has been particularly active in investigating nitrogen strategies that are environmentally and economically sustainable.

    Stewart joined the Maizex team on March 23, 2015 and he looks forward to working with Maizex customers to help them capitalize on a host of exciting opportunities in the years ahead. 

     

    greg@maizex.com
    (226) 820-2203
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  • Jeremy Visser

    Maizex Research Technician - Jeremy Visser
    Product Development Manager - Soybeans

    Jeremy was born in Berwick, Nova Scotia, and grew up on dairy farms in Atlantic Canada and Ontario. He received his B.Sc. in Agriculture from what was then the Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC), now the Dalhousie University Faculty of Agriculture. After graduation, Jeremy moved back to Ontario to work as a Research Technician with Pioneer Hi-bred in Tavistock, a role he held for 11 years before joining Maizex in 2016 as a Research Technician. In 2020, Jeremy’s experience and knowledge led to his promotion to Soybean Product Manager. Additionally, he attained his CCA accreditation along the way. 

    jeremy@maizex.com
    (877) 682-1720

  • Mike Vanderlip

    Director of Operations

    Mike joined Maizex Seeds in 2019 and oversees corn and soybean seed production at both our Tilbury and Blenheim locations. Mike graduated from the University of Guelph with a Diploma in Agriculture and also holds a Diploma from Conestoga College. He is a CFIA accredited grader and licensed Operator of an Approved Conditioner/Bulk Storage Facility. Mike has worked in the seed industry for more than 20 years with experience in production, research and supply chain. Mike grew up in Chatham-Kent and currently lives near Blenheim with his family.

    mike.vanderlip@maizex.com
    (519) 401-9017

  • Pascal Larose

    Market Development Agronomist, Quebec

    Pascal is a graduate of McGill University in agronomy. A member of the Order of Agronomists of Quebec since 1995, he has held various positions in the Sollio Agriculture network. Pascal is now the market development agronomist for Maïzex Seeds in Quebec. Pascal is also a corn and soybean producer on his own farm.

    Pascal.Larose@sollio.ag
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  • Sharmeen Kukkadi

    Directrice de la comptabilité
    Sharmeen.Kukkadi@maizex.com
    (519) 784-4013

  • Philippe Defoy

    Regional Sales Manager - East

    Philippe was born and raised in Quebec City and it was on his grandparents' farm in Mauricie that his passion for agriculture developed. He graduated from Laval University with a Bachelor's degree in Agronomy and has 16 years of experience in corn and soybean seeds. He now lives in St-Boniface, Qc.

    philippe.defoy@maizex.com
    (819) 531-8737

Territory Managers

  • Dave Emery

    Dave Emery
    Maizex Territory Manager - Southwestern Ontario

    Dave grew up on a farm in Chatham-Kent and graduated from the University of Guelph with an Environmental Management Diploma and an Agriculture Diploma. He continued on to receive his Bachelor of Applied Science degree from Olds College in Alberta. He’s been involved in grain and seed production since 1999, and has owned and managed his own farm since 2006. 

    demery@maizex.com
    (519) 360-6072
    @emeryda
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  • Leigh Hudson

    Maizex Market Development Agronomist - Leigh Hudson
    Maizex Territory Manager - East Ontario Kingston to Cornwall

    Leigh was raised, and remains active, on her family’s 200 sow farrow-to-finish, cash crop, and market garden operation West of Ottawa, near Kinburn, Ontario. She graduated from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 2011 and received her Certified Crop Advisor designation in 2013.  She has had extensive sales and agronomy experience working directly with growers across Ontario through her previous sales agronomist roles at Sharpe Farm Supplies in Guelph, and at Parrish and Heimbecker near Kincardine.  Most recently, Leigh was travelling and working in an orchard in Central Otago, New Zealand.

    In her spare time, she enjoys being active with 4H, Ontario Soil and Crop, curling and travelling.

    Leigh looks forward to helping growers with product positioning and crop planning, problem solving and overall grower and dealer interaction.

    lhudson@maizex.com
    (613) 408-7212
    @lhudson89
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  • Laura Johnston

    Laura Johnston
    Maizex Territory Manager - West Elgin County

    Laura grew up in Dutton on her family farm and now lives in Port Stanley with her husband and son. She’s a graduate of the University of Guelph with a degree in Agronomy. Her career includes years as a Precision Ag Specialist at Laresco and years as an Agronomist at Cargill. Laura is a Certified Crop Advisor and also a CCA Marketing Committee Member. Laura looks forward to meeting you, sharing her expertise and planning your crop and seed requirements for your operation.

    laura@maizex.com
    (519) 476-2482
    @lmjohnston8
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  • Stéphane Larose

    Stephane Larose
    Maizex Territory Manager - Eastern Quebec

    Stéphane was raised in Marieville in the region of Montérégie; there he found his passion for agriculture while working on his grandfather’s dairy/cash crop operation as a teenager. He continues to reside in Marieville with his wife and daughter. He received his degree in Agriculture at ITAA in Québec and went on to achieve his teaching degree specializing in agriculture. Stéphane has worked in the ag industry most recently with Ceresco specializing in seed sales and agronomic support. Stéphane's diverse background brings specialized insight and expertise to provide farm solutions to his eastern Québec dealers and growers.

    stephane@maizex.com
    (514) 606-1720
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  • Adam Parker

    Maizex Territory Manager Adam Parker
    Maizex Territory Manager - Western Ontario North

    Adam has a strong agricultural background with excellent agronomic skills. Adam brings to Maizex his education and expertise, which includes a Diploma in Agriculture from the University of Guelph - Ridgetown Campus, a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph, and is a Certified Crop Advisor. Most recently, he has been working for Sharpe’s Farm Supply and has also worked as a research assistant with Bayer CropScience. Adam farms with his family just outside of Guelph. He looks forward to visiting you and discussing your 2016 seed requirements.

    adam@maizex.com
    (226) 820-6280
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  • Chadd Taylor

    Chadd Taylor
    Maizex Territory Manager - Central Ontario to Kingston

    Chadd was raised on a dairy, beef and cash crop operation in Northumberland County where he and his wife Katelyn currently reside. He received his degree in Agricultural Business from the University of Guelph in 2006. Since then, Chadd has gained experience in farm supply industry working both in agronomy and sales positions. Chadd is actively involved in promoting the importance of 4-H Canada and is a member of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair committee. Chadd looks forward to meeting the needs of producers in Central Ontario. 

    ctaylor@maizex.com
    (705) 395-1720
    @ChaddTaylor1
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  • Kirk Van Will

    Kirk Van Will
    Maizex Territory Manager - Lambton & West Middlesex Counties

    Kirk grew up near Norwood Ontario and has made Strathroy Ontario his home. Farm customers recognize Kirk as a specialist for providing crop management, agronomy and marketing solutions. Kirk holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Major in Agronomy, from the University of Guelph and is a recognized CCA in Ontario. Kirk enjoys contributing time to local agricultural organizations.

    kirk@maizex.com
    (519) 899-3255
    @KirkVanWill
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  • Henry Prinzen

    Henry Prinzen, Territory Manager
    Maizex Territory Manager - Southcentral Ontario

    Henry is involved in his family cash crop and farrow to finish farm operation located near Jarvis Ontario.   Henry holds a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from the University of Guelph where he graduated with distinction with a Crop Science Major. Henry is also a Certified Crop Advisor, having received his certification earlier this year.

    hprinzen@maizex.com
    (226) 747-6213
    @HenryPrinzen
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  • Jarret Geisel

    Jarret Geisel
    Maizex Territory Manager - Western Canada

    Jarret grew up on a family farm near Gladstone, MB where he continues to live with his family. He received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture with a Major in Agronomy from the University of Manitoba . He has also obtained his Certified Crop Advisor and Professional Agrologist designation. Jarret has been working in the agriculture industry in agronomy, sales, and management positions before coming to Maizex. He looks forward to meeting you and discussing your crop and seed requirements. 

    jarret@maizex.com
    (204) 841-8307

  • Stephan Chabbert

    Gérant de territoire, Manitoba / Sud de la Saskatchewan

    Stephan Chabbert a grandi sur une ferme familiale près de Notre-Dame-de-Lourdes au Manitoba, et il réside toujours dans ce secteur. Il détient un diplôme en agriculture de l’Université du Manitoba et il est membre de l’Institut d’agronomie du Manitoba. Stephan possède une riche expérience dans le domaine agricole, après avoir travaillé dans la recherche, la distribution et les ventes avant de se joindre à l’Équipe Maizex. C’est un passionné de l’industrie de la semence et il est impatient de mieux comprendre et de vous aider à développer vos activités agricoles.

    stephan.chabbert@maizex.com
    (204) 693-1034
    @schab89

  • Steve Letendre

    Maizex Territory Manager - Northern & Eastern Quebec

    Steve grew up on the family dairy farm near Drummondville, Central Quebec. During his studies in animal production at the ITAA, a fire on the family farm changed the focus of the farm to cash crops. He worked for several years in the crop inputs business in the Montérégie and Central Quebec region while living on the family farm in his grandfather's house with his wife and four sons. Prior to joining the Maizex team, he worked for SIGA Informatics as a sales representative and then as general manager. His desire to see farmers succeed and prosper and his analytical spirit are there to help the consultants of the of co-op network members of Sollio Agriculture to offer the best product to each of their producers.

    sletendre@maizex.com
    (819) 313-9106

  • Danielle MacCallum

    Danielle MacCallum
    Maizex Territory Manager - Western Canada

    Danielle grew up on a pedigreed seed farm near Vulcan, AB. She attended Lethbridge Community College and the University of Lethbridge where she received her B.Sc. in Agriculture Studies. She also holds a Certified Crop Advisor and Professional Agrologist designation. Some of her previous work experience include a number of years being an Agronomist with Cargill and a Territory Account Manager for Monsanto in southern Alberta. Currently, Danielle and her husband farm and ranch at Del Bonita, AB.

    dmaccallum@maizex.com
    (403) 715-2628
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Yield Specialists

Administrative Team