By Alice McFarlane

Alberta Grains chair to take leave of absence

May 16, 2025 | 2:19 PM

Alberta Grains board chair Tara Sawyer will be stepping away from her duties to take a run a provincial politics.

Tara Sawyer was appointed the United Conservative Party (UCP) candidate for the Olds–Didsbury–Three Hills by-election by Premier Danielle Smith.

Alberta Grains’ governance procedures dictate the vice-chair, Scott Jespersen, will assume the role of acting chair.

Sawyer, a wheat and barley farmer from Acme, Alta, was elected as Alberta Grains’ inaugural chair in 2023 after the amalgamation of the Alberta Wheat and Barley commissions. She guided the organization through its formation and establish a strong foundation for research, policy and farmer engagement across the province.

Sawyer said it was an honour to represent Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers and help lead this organization during this transformative time.

Fundraiser underway

Nipawin Region Health Foundation kicks off 'Pledge Drive War'

4h ago

fire crews

Type 3 firefighters deployed to La Ronge, mayor optimistic about current wildfire situation

4h ago

Group home officially open

Group home officially opens in Humboldt

5h ago

“I’m proud of what our board has accomplished together and am confident in the strength of the leadership team taking the reins while I pursue this opportunity to continue serving Albertans in a new capacity,” Sawyer said.

Jespersen is a grain farmer from Spruce Grove, Alta. and serves as a Region 5 director with Alberta Grains. During that time, he played a key role in advancing Alberta Grains’ strategic priorities of research, market development, policy advocacy, farm business management, agronomy and extension.

He said Tara’s leadership has been crucial in shaping the vision and direction of Alberta Grains.

“But also, in my own personal development as an executive board member and regional director,” Jespersen said. “On behalf of the board, staff and grain farmers across the province, I want to thank her for her service and dedication. As we move forward, I’m committed to continuing our work on behalf of Alberta’s wheat and barley farmers to grow a stronger, more sustainable grain industry.”

With Jespersen stepping into the role of acting chair, second vice chair Devin Hartzler, a grain farmer from Carstairs and current Region 2 director, will become acting vice-chair.

The vacant second vice-chair position will be filled following an election at the next Alberta Grains board meeting in July 2025.

–

alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com