STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
(ID 189124406 © Gerasimovvv | Dreamstime.com)
OCT. 28 TO NOV. 15

Alberta Grains annual meetings offer information and input opportunities

Oct 17, 2024 | 12:58 PM

Alberta Grains invites barley and wheat farmers to its annual regional meetings taking place across Alberta, giving them a detailed look at the commission’s research, advocacy, and extension efforts funded by their checkoff dollars.

The meetings will be held from Oct. 28 to Nov. 15 across six regions in Alberta.

“One of the pillars of the Alberta Grains strategic plan is to increase farmer engagement,” said Tara Sawyer, Alberta Grains chair and Region 2 director. “At our regional meetings, farmers and industry will hear in a very transparent manner exactly how wheat and barley levies are being used and leveraged to benefit their operations.”

Alberta Grans officials say the meetings provide insight, but also act as a platform for farmers to voice feedback and shape the organization’s priorities. Discussions focus on regional challenges, policy resolutions and potential board elections, and this year’s meetings will emphasize interactivity, encouraging attendees to contribute to policy creation.

Alberta Grains Executive Director Michael Flynn commented, “We are a dynamic and nimble organization capable of pivoting direction as circumstances require. However, we need the engagement of our members to help us determine our strategic direction and to hold us accountable.”

Alberta Grains is partnering with Alberta Pulse Growers to offer sessions on topics such as water policy, agronomy, and farm management to regions four, five and six. Regions one, two, and three will feature presentations by internal experts.

Meetings are free to attend, include a complimentary lunch, and each attendee will have the opportunity to be entered into a draw for a $500 WestJet gift card.

“We are incredibly proud of the work we do to benefit farmers, and we’re eager to share that information with them,” said Sawyer. “Consider this my personal invitation to Alberta’s 18,000 barley and wheat farmers to attend their regional event and find out what we’re up to and tell us what they think.”

The meeting schedule is as follows:

  • Region 1 – October 28, 2024 | Medicine Hat
  • Region 2 – October 30, 2024 | Airdrie
  • Region 3 – November 15, 2024 | Red Deer
  • Region 4 – November 6, 2024 | Camrose
  • Region 5 – November 5, 2024 | Barrhead
  • Region 6 – November 12, 2024 | Fairview

More information is available online.