January 26, 2022 (Edmonton, Alberta) – Following the Alberta Wheat Commission’s (AWC) Annual General Meeting (AGM) held in Edmonton today, the commission is pleased to announce the new executive including Chair, Greg Sears while Jason Lenz joins the executive serving as Vice-Chair, and Shawn Jacula joins the executive as Second Vice-Chair. In addition, the membership at the AGM passed a resolution to pursue a farmer plebiscite to amalgamate with Alberta Barley. Alberta Barley passed a similar resolution during their AGM in Banff last month, giving the two commissions the ability to conduct a farmer plebiscite on the future of the commissions.

“I appreciate the board’s vote of confidence and support in me serving in this new capacity,” says Greg Sears who farms near Sexsmith, Alberta. “AWC will continue its critical work to ensure Alberta farmers are both agronomically resilient and financially durable by advancing sound policy and supportive business risk management (BRM) programs.”

Sears, formerly serving in the Second-Vice Chair capacity, replaces Todd Hames in the Chair role. AWC would like to extend thanks and gratitude to Hames for his two years of service as Chair. Hames, who farms near Marwayne, will continue to serve on the board of directors along with his role as Chair of Cereals Canada.

Jason Lenz, who farms from Bentley, replaces Jason Saunders in the Vice-Chair position. Lenz is entering his second term as a director with AWC and serves as the Chair of the Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Crops. AWC extends gratitude to Saunders for serving in the Vice-Chair capacity for the past two years. Saunders will continue to serve as a director with AWC.

“I look forward to the opportunity to serve AWC as Vice-Chair,” says Lenz. “During my years on the board, I have witnessed AWC be a leader in Canadian agriculture adopting initiatives such as the Blue Book, Agronomy Update and the regional variety trial program, which are key resources and programs for farmers.”

Shawn Jacula, farmer from the Vermilion area, will serve as the Second Vice-Chair for AWC, formerly occupied by Sears.

“AWC has become a consistent leader in advancing farmers’ interests on all accounts,” says Jacula. “Whether it’s working directly with farmers to align research priorities, expanding agronomic resources, or collaborating with other crop associations to amplify our voice as seen with Team Alberta, AWC is continually striving for value for farmers.”

Following the AGM, the board officially welcomed three new directors: Jason Craig, who farms near Delburne; David Bishop, who farms near Barons, will serve as AWC’s director at large; and Devin Hartzler, who farms near Carstairs, will fill a two-year vacancy of an outgoing director from Region 2. The commission extends thanks and gratitude to three outgoing directors: Trevor Petersen, Janine Paly and Hannah Konschuh.

Media Contact:

Erin Tateson
Marketing and Communications Manager
Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions
403-501-1029
etateson@albertawheatbarley.com