May 15, 2025 (Calgary, AB) - Alberta Grains board chair Tara Sawyer will take a leave of absence from her role effective immediately following her appointment by Premier Danielle Smith as the United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate for the Olds–Didsbury–Three Hills by-election. As outlined in Alberta Grains’ governance procedures, vice-chair Scott Jespersen will assume the role of acting chair.

Sawyer, a wheat and barley farmer from Acme, Alberta, was elected as Alberta Grains’ inaugural chair in 2023 after the amalgamation of the Alberta Wheat Commission and Alberta Barley. Her leadership helped guide the organization through its formation and establish a strong foundation for research, policy and farmer engagement across the province.

“It has been an honour to represent Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers and help lead this organization during such a transformative time,” said Sawyer. “I’m proud of what our board has accomplished together and am confident in the strength of the leadership team taking the reins while I pursue this opportunity to continue serving Albertans in a new capacity.”

With Sawyer’s departure, vice-chair Scott Jespersen will assume the role of acting chair. Jespersen, a grain farmer from Spruce Grove, Alberta, serves as a Region 5 director with Alberta Grains and brings several years of experience on the board. During that time, he has played a key role in advancing Alberta Grains’ strategic priorities of innovative research, market development, policy advocacy, farm business management, agronomy and extension.

“Tara’s leadership has been crucial in not only shaping the vision and direction of Alberta Grains but also in my own personal development as an executive board member and regional director,” said Jespersen. “On behalf of the board, staff and grain farmers across the province, I want to thank her for her service and dedication. As we move forward, I’m committed to continuing our work on behalf of Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers to grow a stronger, more sustainable grain industry.”

With Jespersen stepping into the role of acting chair, second vice-chair Devin Hartzler, a grain farmer from Carstairs, Alberta, and current Region 2 director, will become acting vice-chair.

These appointments reflect Alberta Grains’ continued commitment to strong, farmer-led leadership and a stable, transparent governance process. The board remains focused on delivering value for wheat and barley farmers across the province.

For media requests please contact:

Harley Groeneveld
Senior Manager, Communications & Marketing
media@albertagrains.com
403-371-2132

About Alberta Grains:

Alberta Grains is a farmer-directed organization that represents the interests of and serves as the single voice for all of Alberta's wheat and barley producers.