Bigger, better and more interactive: Regional meetings will emphasize farmer engagement
Each Alberta Grains annual regional meeting packs a lot of value into a single day. Held across the province in the six grain growing regions between Oct. 28 to Nov. 15, these events give cereal farmers insight into the research, advocacy and extension work their checkoff dollars pay for. They also give farmers an opportunity to have their say and share feedback with the commission.
“One of the pillars of the Alberta Grains strategic plan is to increase farmer engagement,” said Tara Sawyer, Acme area farmer and commission chair. “At a regional meeting farmers will hear in a very transparent manner exactly how wheat and barley levies are being used and leveraged.” Much of the discussion at board meetings centres on which research projects best support the productivity of farms and merit support, said Sawyer. “Hearing from farmers at regional meetings gives us a temperature check and lets us know if we’re meeting their needs.
“These meetings also showcase the incredible work our staff and departments do on the behalf of farmers,” added Sawyer. For instance, the commission’s work on agricultural policy and market development has long made it a lead voice in the farm industry. “It’s become increasingly apparent our involvement with all levels of government is key to affecting change and improvements at the regulatory level and as a global player in the international market.”
“We are a dynamic and nimble organization capable of pivoting direction as circumstances require,” said executive director Michael Flynn. “However, we need the engagement of our members to help us determine our strategic direction and to hold us accountable in pursuit of our shared goals and objectives.”
To better make this happen, the 2024 regional meetings will place greater emphasis on region-specific issues that address local challenges and opportunities. “This year, the meetings are designed to be more interactive and farmer-driven,” said Stacy Zimmer, events and sponsorship manager. Farmers can expect a packed agenda and to participate in open discussion, the creation of policy resolutions and, where applicable, the election of new representatives.
In partnership with Alberta Pulse Growers (APG), panel discussions will focus on water policy, farm management, agronomic trends and research projects in regions four, five and six. As the three zones align well with APG zones, this approach also allow the two commissions to collaborate effectively and engage with a larger group of farmers. “Our partnership with APG brings fresh perspectives,” said Zimmer. In zones one, two and three, meetings will showcase the work of Alberta Grains’ internal experts. In all meetings, staff will discuss key issues and address questions.
Regional meetings are free to attend, and a complimentary lunch will be served. Additionally, in appreciation for their participation, wheat and barley farmer who attend will be eligible to win 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.”
Alberta Grains Regional Meetings Schedule
Region 1 - October 28, 2024 | Medicine Hat, AB
Region 2 – October 30, 2024 | Airdrie, AB
Region 3 – November 15, 2024 | Red Deer, AB
Region 4 – November 6, 2024 | Camrose, AB
Region 5 – November 5, 2024 | Barrhead, AB
Region 6 – November 12, 2024 | Fairview, AB