Welcoming new voices to our governance team
Throughout November (and one rescheduled meeting in January), Alberta Grains held regional meetings across the province. At these meetings farmers have the chance to nominate and elect one another to join our governance team.
The newly elected directors and delegates are then announced at our annual general meeting (AGM), which took place at the CrossRoads Crop Conference in Edmonton this year on January 28.
With CrossRoads a wrap, Alberta Grains is pleased to introduce the three newest members to join our board of directors: Greg Bott, Jesse Meyer, and Mark Smook.
As directors, they’ll be responsible for: overseeing the commission’s leadership, advocating for their regional farmers and guiding the commission’s strategic direction.
Get to know the newest members of our board below through their bios and a series of Q&A's!
Greg Bott - Director, Region 3
Growing primarily grain, including canola, wheat, barley and oats, Greg farms near Eckville, Alberta on a third-generation farm. He stepped away from farming for 15 years, during which time he earned four degrees from three-continents, taught at the University of Alberta, owned and operated businesses across multiple industries and became an author of a best-selling book. Greg returned to the farm about eight years ago as his parents began prepping for retirement.
Jesse Meyer - Director, Region 6
Farming near Spirit River, Alberta, Jesse farms alongside his brother, growing spring and winter wheat, oats, fall rye, field peas and canola. His family immigrated from Switzerland in the early 80’s to farm on a larger scale. After graduating from Olds College with a diploma in Agricultural Management, Jesse farmed part-time while working as a territory manager at CANTERRA SEEDS for eight years. He transitioned to full-time farming in 2020 and previously served on the Alberta Grains delegate body for a term before joining the board.
Mark Smook - Director, Region 4
Operating a mid-size grain and beef operation southeast of Vegreville, Mark is a fourth-generation farmer working alongside his dad and uncle to grow primarily wheat and canola. He farmed part time for eleven years while he worked as a pipeline consultant and has recently made the transition to farming full-time. Mark is always striving to be the best version of himself and takes a lot of pride in everything he does.
Q & A's
1. What motivated them to step into a board role?
Greg Bott:
Greg has a diverse range of board experience spanning post-secondary education, social services, and agricultural commodities. He sees board work as both a way to give back and a chance to keep learning. Joining the Alberta Grains board offered the opportunity to sit alongside more seasoned, like-minded farmers and be directly involved in the conversations shaping the sector. He’s particularly drawn to governance, which is an area he has studied and written about extensively. Greg also has a strong interest in policy and how it impacts farmers.
Jesse Meyer:
Growing up, Jesse saw his dad serve on various provincial and federal boards, shaping his appreciation for the role that governance, research investment and advocacy play in a strong industry. He enjoys collaborating with others, finds value in contributing beyond the farm gate, and appreciates the fresh perspective that comes from stepping away from day-to-day operations. Jesse is especially interested in advancing research, with a focus on stable, long-term funding that supports farmers today and for generations to come.
Mark Smook:
The driving factor for Mark to join the board was his passion for agriculture and innovation. He saw this as an opportunity to stay informed on the latest research and development and hopes he can support others to do the same. He enjoys learning about how different crop varieties respond to soil, fertilizer, and other components, and looks forward to contributing to the commission’s role in research and development.
2. What guides their approach to leadership as a board member?
Greg Bott:
Greg’s leadership approach is shaped by his background in economics, which he taught at the university level, and his understanding of effective board governance. He’s also inspired by the people he meets through board work, particularly their level of dedication to moving the industry forward while balancing the demands of their farming operations.
Jesse Meyer:
Having spent more than a decade both farming and working within the seed industry, Jesse brings an in-depth understanding of how different parts of the agriculture sector intersect. He acknowledges that slim profit margins often leave farmers feeling squeezed by the supply chain, yet his past work experience helps him see opportunities for collaboration. He believes a strong, thriving agriculture sector depends on finding the win-win solutions where everyone benefits.
Mark Smook:
Attending the Prairie Cereals Summit helped shape Mark’s outlook. Hearing diverse perspectives reinforced the importance of being a voice for everyone in his region. He’s committed to listening and staying open-minded to differing perspectives
“I’m still young, but I'm going to learn something from someone every day of my life. There’s always something to learn from a conversation whether you agree or disagree.”
3. What has impacted you as a farmer and what would your advice be to others?
Greg Bott:
Growing up on the farm gave Greg an early appreciation for long-term planning that farming requires and that it is more than just a business; it’s a lifestyle. He’s optimistic about the future of the industry and sees strong growth potential for younger farmers, noting that many in the older generation are eager to support those coming next, especially those willing to listen and learn. Greg’s advice is to build strong networks with like-minded producers at a similar stage. He also sees board work as a valuable way to connect with others, not just through formal meetings but through the informal conversations that happen throughout the growing season.
Jesse Meyer:
Jesse credits his parents, especially his dad, with involving him early in both the farm and the business encouraging him to keep open mind to new perspectives. His education and time working in the industry exposed him to strong leaders and mentors who reinforced the value of building good relationships. Growing up within the industry also gave him an early understanding of the risks associated with farming which he always keeps in perspective during the good years.
Despite recent challenges, Jesse remains optimistic about farming’s future. He points to innovation and collaboration as key strengths of the sector, and believes tighter margins, while difficult, often pushes producers to improve processes. His advice to others is, “ask plenty of questions, keep an open mind and take the time to listen. While people often look for quick answers, he believes the real value comes from understanding the perspective behind them.”
Mark Smook:
Mark credits his dad with giving him his foundation and knowledge to succeed. He also recalled a piece of advice from another producer; farming will take every last breath and every last cent; this really stuck with him. It gave him the mindset that the farm will always be there, and that sometimes it’s important to step back and spend time with family and community. His biggest piece of advice to others is listening to anyone who has experience in the field and wants to mentor you. You’re always going to learn something from someone else, and that will ultimately end up bettering yourself.
Join our board today!
If you’re interested in getting involved with the commission, there is currently an open position in Region 1 as a director. Learn more about this opportunity or how to join the board in the future by clicking the button below.