Shape the future of your farm: Alberta Grains is looking for young voices

Decisions made today will shape Alberta’s fields for generations. From investing in cutting edge agronomy research to advocating for fair market access and policy reform, the strategic direction of Alberta Grains is shaped by the voices guiding it. To build a resilient industry, a board needs a wide variety of perspectives, including the unique insights of producers early in their farming careers.

Alberta Grains is a commission run for farmers, by farmers. If you are a young farmer looking to make a meaningful impact but aren’t sure where to start, here is a low-commitment way for you to get involved and have your voice heard. Ultimately, what you put into it is what you’ll get out of it.

Join the conversation

Stepping into a formal role when you have had zero exposure to a commission can feel like a massive time commitment. We get it. Your days are already busy. That is why we are piloting a young farmers group chat tailored specifically for producers aged 18 to 40.

This casual forum lets you connect with peers, ask questions, and share ideas. Occasionally, Alberta Grains will pop in to share important updates, highlight upcoming events, or ask for your input on how we can better bridge resource gaps and support your operation. It’s an easy, zero-pressure way to ensure your demographic is represented while networking with other young producers across the province.

Cam MacFarquhar, a farmer from the Cremona area who spent two years as an Alberta Grains delegate before becoming a director last year, welcomed the initiative.

“When I first started out, a group like this would have been a huge help,” said MacFarquhar. “It’s so easy to get stuck doing things the way your parents or mentors do them because there’s not a lot of outside perspectives. A network like this lets you bounce ideas off peers who relate to the same struggles. Especially, if you aren't comfortable talking to your family about certain topics yet.”

Step up as a delegate

Once you see how the commission works, you might decide you want a seat at the decision-making table. The natural next step is running to become a delegate.

Delegates serve as the essential link between farmers and commission staff. Elected by eligible producers in their region, they provide guidance on how levy dollars should be invested in agronomy research, extension, market access and policy advocacy.

The commitment: Attending the Alberta Grains Annual General Meeting (AGM) and your local annual regional meeting. You may also be invited to represent the commission at community events or serve on specific committees.

Lead as a Director

After gaining experience as a delegate, you might find yourself ready to step into a governance role. This is where you run to become a director.

Directors hold the ultimate responsibility for setting the board’s strategic direction. Each of our regions elect two directors and four delegates to represent their constituency.

The commitment: In addition to the AGM and regional meetings, directors attend a few formal board meetings each year as well as the meetings of the committees they serve on. You will actively shape long-term agricultural policy and may represent Grains on prominent third-party councils.

For MacFarquhar, the step up to director was well worth the commitment.

“The value of serving on the board is almost hard to quantify,” he said. “It widens your perspective and sheer breadth of your knowledge. Being required to read the briefs and make funding decisions shows you the size and scope of what’s being invested in and how it impacts you on the farm level. On top of that, it’s become my peer group. Even as one of the youngest on the board, the setting makes it easy to learn from people who have already walked in your shoes.”

Ready to get started?

We want to meet you exactly where you are in your farming career; hear from you and help you grow your operation.

If you’d like to start with joining the network to share your perspectives, click here to fill out the online form to get added to the young farmers’ group chat as soon as the group launches.

If you are ready to jump right in and want to learn more about running as a delegate or director at our upcoming regional meetings this fall, click here.