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.png "Leadership Transition at Grasslands Recruitment Specialists Official Announcement")
Bonnie Johnson
January 12, 2026
Media Article
Swift Current, SK - Grasslands Recruitment Specialists (GRS, Grasslands), a trusted leader in agricultural recruitment across Canada and North America, is proud to announce an important leadership transition that positions the organization for continued growth, innovation, and long-term success.
After decades of dedicated service, Blair Clark, Founder and President of Grasslands, and Mike Bachner, Vice President and a key industry contributor whose executive search career spans the brands Bestard Agricultural Placements, AgCall Human Resources/AgStep and Grasslands, will be retiring from their operational roles. Both will remain involved to complete their current active search engagements and as interim trusted advisors, ensuring continuity, stability, and strategic guidance during this transition.
About Grasslands
Grasslands focuses on mid-to-executive level executive search and recruitment within the Canadian and North American agribusiness and agri-food sectors. With deep-rooted industry knowledge and strong relationships across rural and agricultural communities, GRS is known for its integrity, specialized expertise, and commitment to connecting top talent with progressive agricultural organizations.
Grasslands and the Talent Solutions Team
Through a strategic acquisition by AgCareers.com Canada, part of the Farms.com Group of Companies, Grasslands became an integral part of the expanded Talent Solutions Team, which includes De Lacy Executive Recruitment, AgCareers, FoodGrads, Advancing Women Conference and CareersInFood.com. This collaboration strengthens the collective ability to deliver full-cycle recruitment, career development, and workforce solutions across the agriculture and food sectors.
New Leadership for Grasslands
As part of this transition, Randy Ritchie will assume leadership of Grasslands, as General Manager and Senior Search Consultant, reporting directly to Kathryn Doan, Chief Vision Officer & Director, Talent Solutions Team brands. Randy has been a significant contributor to the current success of Grasslands for the last 4 ½ years and brings over 35 years of executive search experience, with more than 650 successful search assignments across executive, senior management, and technical leadership roles. His background in strategic hiring, organizational growth, finance, and governance, positions Grasslands for continued excellence.
Honouring Blair Clark and Mike Bachner
Blair Clark’s vision and leadership laid the foundation for Grasslands as one of Canada’s most respected and premier agricultural search firms. His legacy of integrity, deep industry knowledge, and client success continues to shape the organization today.
“We extend our sincere gratitude and best wishes to both Blair and Mike as they begin their well-earned retirement, and we are grateful that they will continue to support the organization in an interim advisory capacity,” said Kathryn Doan, Chief Vision Officer & Director, Talent Solutions Team brands.
Looking Ahead
Grasslands will continue to advance its mission in agriculture and food recruitment as part of the integrated Talent Solutions portfolio. Backed by a strong network of career platforms and industry initiatives, Grasslands remains dedicated to strengthening organizations by connecting them with outstanding talent. Under the strategic leadership of Kathryn Doan and with the continued guidance of its founders, and Grasslands General Manager Randy Ritchie, the Talent Solutions Team will lead into its next chapter of growth and impact. With that, Erin Stuart will be joining Grasslands as a Search Consultant, where she will be able to tap into the knowledge and expertise to help grow the recruitment business and Talent Solutions Team.
About the Talent Solutions Team
The Talent Solutions Team partners closely with agriculture and food companies to help them build strong, future ready teams. The group is rooted in long-term relationships, deep industry expertise, and a partnership driven approach to hiring. While the team’s reach has expanded globally over the years, its focus remains unchanged: listening to clients, understanding their challenges, and delivering people solutions that drive lasting business impact.
Leadership of the Talent Solutions Team
Led by Kathryn Doan, Chief Vision Officer and Director, the Talent Solutions Team benefits from over two decades of experience in building successful recruitment operations across agriculture and food. Her leadership is driven by collaboration, innovation, and long-term relationship-building.
