Get involved: just do it!

I don’t want to steal a running shoe company’s slogan, but I have never heard anyone who has exercised say that they wished they hadn’t. Just like I have never heard anyone who has been involved with the Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions wish they hadn’t.

Some of us may think to ourselves from time-to-time that we should join the parent council, ag society, hiking club, a board or run for office. More often than not, there are a lot of great people who say to themselves, “I would like to become involved with an organization” but for various reasons just need a gentle nudge.

This is your gentle nudge to become involved with the commissions and run for a director, regional representative (rep), or delegate position.

I spoke with a couple of the commissions’ farmer representatives; current Alberta Barley chair, Tara Sawyer, and Alberta Wheat Commission’s Second vice-chair, Greg Sears; to ask them questions about their involvement with the commissions.

Tara Sawyer, farms near Acme, Alberta

Q: How has becoming a director been a valuable experience for you?

A: It has allowed me to take my passion for agriculture into an organization that genuinely advocates for farmers.

Q: Do you feel that you are making contributions to the grain industry? A: Yes, every day. Every person’s opinion and feedback matter and helps

shape how we try to move the industry forward.

Q: Would you recommend farmers to become involved with the commissions?

A: Yes, because farmers voices and opinions matter. We need to hear ideas and perspectives from farmers, and especially from the next generation who have begun their farming careers.

Greg Sears, farms near Sexsmith, Alberta

Q: What surprised you the most about your role as a director?

A: I was surprised with the depth of issues that the commissions deal with; agronomy, research policy, and public perceptions to name a few.

Q: How has being a director been a valuable experience for you?

A: The biggest value is broadening one’s network, both in connecting with more people on the technical side and other farmers who keep me motivated. It has made me a better person and a better farmer.

Q: Do you feel that you are making contributions to the grains industry?

A: Yes. I think where I have had an impact is connecting producers with non-producers in government, the value chain, and also the general public.

Q: Would you recommend farmers become involved with the commissions?

A: Yes, and for multiple reasons! It’s a good opportunity for personal growth as a farmer and as an individual. Being a part of the commissions exposes you to different perspectives and different ways of doing things. Everyone has different strengths and weaknesses and it is important for any organization to have a diversity of people with different voices and different strengths.

To appropriate another slogan, have no fear!

Every year, in September the commissions make a call for directors, reps and delegates from different regions across Alberta to get involved with our farmer governance. Throughout the summer and fall season, we hope you consider becoming involved. If you are interested in learning more, find out who your farmer representative is and contact them, or myself Brian Kennedy, for more information. Put your fears aside and consider this opportunity if you are a wheat and/or barley farmer in Alberta.

Visit our Regional Governance page on our website at albertawheatbarley.com and watch for election information this fall.