July 8, 2025 (Calgary, AB) - Alberta Grains is pleased to confirm leadership transitions within the executive of its board of directors following recent board meetings in Calgary.

Scott Jespersen, a farmer from the Spruce Grove area, will formally transition from acting chair to chair of Alberta Grains. Jespersen has served as acting chair since May 2025, when former chair Tara Sawyer took a leave of absence following her nomination in the Olds–Didsbury–Three Hills by-election.

Devin Hartzler, a farmer from the Carstairs area and current Region 2 director, will move from acting vice-chair to vice-chair. Stewart Oke, a farmer from the Delburne area and current Region 3 director, has been elected to the vacant second vice-chair position.

“I’m honoured to officially take on the role of chair and continue serving Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers,” said Jespersen. “We have a strong board and leadership team, and I look forward to building on the progress we’ve made in research, market development, agronomy and policy advocacy.”

“We’ve made real strides in advocating for farmers and strengthening our industry, and I look forward to what we’ll accomplish together,” said Hartzler. “I’m excited to continue supporting the work Alberta Grains is doing to deliver value back to the farm gate.”

“I’m proud to take on this new leadership role and represent the interests of farmers across the province,” said Oke. “Alberta Grains has an important responsibility to ensure farmer voices are heard, and I’m committed to helping deliver on that mission.”

These leadership changes reflect Alberta Grains’ continued commitment to transparent governance and farmer-led decision-making. The board remains focused on advancing the interests of wheat and barley farmers across the province.

For more information on Alberta Grains’ regional governance, click here.

For media inquiries please contact:

Harley Groeneveld
Senior Communications & Marketing Manager
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.