The Alberta Wheat Commission (AWC) is pleased to announce the new executive following AWC’s online Annual General Meeting (AGM) this past Wednesday, January 27, 2021. Todd Hames will continue his role as chair while Jason Saunders joins the executive as vice-chair, and Greg Sears joins as second vice-chair.

“I am honoured and appreciative for the board’s support in me serving as chair for a second year,” said Hames, who farms near Marwayne, Alberta. “Given the uncertainties that arose in 2020, I am pleased with how the commission managed to navigate the pandemic. I foresee another eventful year for AWC starting with the current Canada Grain Act consultations.”

Jason Saunders replaces Hannah Konschuh as vice-chair who served in the role for two years. Saunders will be entering his fifth year serving on the AWC board of directors.

“I am excited to join the AWC executive and step into my new role as vice-chair,” said Saunders who farms in the Taber area. “During my years on the board, I have witnessed AWC grow to be a strong influence in agriculture policy. I look forward to AWC further advancing Alberta farmers’ interests on key policy, government relations and market access issues.”

AWC would like to thank Konschuh, who farms near Cluny, for serving as vice-chair for the past two years. Konschuh will continue serving her term as an AWC board member, as well as a board member of Cereals Canada.

As approved by the AWC board of directors and presented to wheat farmers at AWC’s AGM, the role of second vice-chair is a new addition to the commission’s executive. Greg Sears, who farms near Sexsmith, Alberta, will serve in this new role. AWC would also like to thank director Janine Paly, who farms near Thorhild, for serving as interim second vice-chair over the past year as AWC considered adding this position to the board.

“I thank my fellow board members for the vote of confidence in me serving as the second vice-chair of this leading organization,” said Sears. “Last year we saw two of the largest research investments in wheat breeding across the Prairies, plus we saw the provincial crop commissions take over Agronomy Update and the Blue Book. I look forward to what lies ahead for AWC.”

Following the AGM, the board also officially welcomed one new director Shawn Jacula, who farms near Vermillion and represents AWC Region 4.

Media Contact:

Erin Tateson
Interim Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions
403-219-7902
etateson@albertawheatbarley.com