b'ALBERTA GRAINS FIRST EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR IS IN LEARNING MODEMike Flynn is helping Alberta Grains members navigate challenges like climate change and unpredictable weather patterns.Marc ZienkiewiczIN THE WORLD of Alberta agriculture,Alberta Grains represents over 18,000 leadership is pivotal. Mike Flynn, thegrain farmers.newly appointed executive director ofI can see that we have a big leader-Alberta Grains, steps into his role with aship role in terms of the other associa-wealth of experience from diverse sectors.tions that we interact with, Flynn says. His transition into the ag sector, albeitTheres a good desire to collaborate recent, has been akin to drinking out ofamongst the stakeholders, and they rec-a firehose, as he describes it. ognize that theres strength in numbers.In an exclusive interview with ourNavigating challenges such as climate sister publication the Alberta Seed Guide,change and unpredictable weather pat-Flynn shared insights into his journeyterns is paramount for Albertas wheat thus far and the path ahead for Albertaand barley growers. Flynn acknowledges Grains, formed last year after the mergerthe frontline role farmers play in this of Alberta Wheat and Alberta Barley. arena and emphasizes the importance of Ive been the executive director forscience and technology as essential tools other organizations that were all fromfor adaptation.completely different sectors. So, I kindMike Flynn is the first executive director ofIve never been one to root so hard of know the mechanics around workingAlberta Grains. for rain and snow and moisture, he says with the board and volunteers and thatwith a laugh. Our members are on the sort of thing, he says. inexperience within the ag industry, isfrontline of climate change and of what-Im happy to bring a fresh perspec- just the willingness of the agriculturalever you want to call these new weather tive to the agricultural sector, but Imcommunity to use new technologies andpatterns that are happening, and [those learning a ton and just impressed at everyembrace them, and also their interactionstechnologies] are so important to them.corner of what Im discovering about thewith the scientific community and theirFlynn commends the meticulous people that make up this organization. embracing of science, Flynn says. planning and execution that went into Flynns career spans more than 20I dont know why, but I had a precon- the 2023 merger, emphasizing the years as an executive director acrossceived notion that there might be someorganizations readiness to embrace new diverse sectors. Notably, his tenurerejection of the technology and science.horizons.as executive director of the CalgaryThats been a real eye-opener for me. Alberta Grains has been through a Police Commission and the UrbanAs an experienced executive director,lot of change, especially in the last year. Development Institute underscores hisFlynn is aware of the challenges inher- The merger itself, I think, was very well adeptness in handling intricate policyent in fostering unity and collaborationthought out and executed over a period formulation, facilitating public outreach,among stakeholders. In his role withof years with all sorts of stakeholder and fostering collaboration among com- Alberta Grains, his strategy is centeredengagement, Flynn says. I feel like this munity stakeholders. around recognizing Alberta Grainsorganization has passed its annual physi-I think one of the most pleasantleadership role within the industry andcal with flying colours and is ready to get surprises for me, and it speaks to myleveraging relationships effectively. out there and rock and roll. MARCH 2024 SEEDWORLD.COM/CANADA 37'