POSTS

Which Ag Society are you from

Lac La Biche Agricultural Society

When did you receive your scholarship

2006

What did you study?

From highschool I attended the University of Alberta and in 2006 I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science. In 2009, I graduated from MacEwan University with a Post Degree Certificate in Executive Leadership in the Non-profit Sector. I am currently completing my Master of Arts in Community Engagement at the University of Alberta focusing on the development of agritourism clusters.

What career path did you take ?

I have had an interesting career path that has gone from working at a beef packing plant, to planning Farmfair International, then to working for one of the worlds biggest oil rig manufacturers in knowledge management, to leading a agriculture and food non profit, to working in rural economic development. Beyond the jobs I have worked, I have also stared a food tourism business, partnered on the development of a rural tourism business and own and operate a cut flower farm

What job/ career do you have now ?

I am currently the Economic Development Coordinator for Leduc County, partner in Experience Alberta, owner of Epicurean Adventure Tours, and co-owner of Bar OA Farms.

Where has your job taken you?

My various career paths have taken me around the world. I have worked with stakeholders in China on the development of the hemp industry, spent time in Japan building relationships for value added food products, and most recently spoken at the International Workshop on Agritourism in Burlington Vermont.

How has being part of the Ag Societies impacted you ?

Ag societies introduced me to many of the things that fall under agriculture – from volunteering, supporting other community members, growing food to show in the annual bench show, watching friends compete and learn in the local horse show and connecting to others around the province and across the country.

What piece of advice would you give to students considering a career in Agriculture ?

Anything within agriculture ends up being a rewarding experience, because whether you realize it or not you are changing peoples lives by growing and distributing food.

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies has designated September 21 as ” Agricultural Societies Day” in Alberta, to recognize and promote the significant contributions agricultural societies make, enhancing the quality of life in communities across our province. Agricultural societies are volunteer driven, not-for-profit organizations whose mandate and diversity make them invaluable in the communities that they serve. Ag societies work to enhance quality of life by developing programs and services, and providing facilities that meet the needs of their communities. There are currently more than 700 facilities in Alberta, some of which include ice arenas, riding arenas, community halls, curling rinks, barns, and campgrounds that are owned and/or operated by ag societies in Alberta. There are 291 ag societies across Alberta. The first agricultural societies in Alberta formed in 1879 and 1880. There are 20 Alberta ag societies that are more than 100 years old and 34 societies that celebrated their 50th anniversary in 2022.

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies, congratulates and celebrates the efforts of all our agricultural societies and their volunteers. We invite you to take the time to post about what your Ag Society means to you and why others should join in all the fun of creating vibrancy within their communities. Please check out our website for more information about your local ag society and how to join.

Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Rural Economic Development Nate Horner issued the following statement on Agricultural Societies Day:

https://www.alberta.ca/release

#abagsocietiesday