Farmer, agriculture leader named new Alberta ag minister

May 22, 2026 | 10:11 AM

The Member of the Legislative Assembly for Olds-Didsbury-Three Hills is Alberta’s new Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

Tara Sawyer is a farmer, business owner, and national agriculture leader.

Following a cabinet shuffle by Premier Danielle Smith, Alberta Grains welcomed the appointment of Sawyer to the position.

Alberta Grains chair Scott Jespersen said Sawyer brings a deep, first-hand knowledge of the challenges and opportunities for Alberta’s farmers across the value chain and within a global market view through her long-term advocacy and leadership within the grain industry, including as past chair of Alberta Grains.

“We congratulate Minister Sawyer on her appointment and look forward to continuing to work together to support Alberta farmers and strengthen the province’s agriculture sector,” Jespersen said. “Her experience as both a farmer and industry leader will bring valuable perspective to the role at an important time for Alberta agriculture.”

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Prior to being elected in a by-election on Jun. 23, she served as Chair of Grain Growers of Canada, the first woman elected to the role in the organization’s history. She also served as Chair of Alberta Grains and Alberta Barley. Sawyer lives and works on her family farm near Acme, where she and her husband Matt raise wheat, barley, canola, hay, and three adult children.

Former ag minister RJ Sigurdson moves into the affordability and utilities portfolio.

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alice.mcfarlane@pattisonmedia.com

by Pattison Media

Farmer, agriculture leader named new Alberta ag minister

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