Team Alberta Crops Breakfast highlights industry insights and collaboration

Written By APG Staff

Team Alberta Crops (TAC) welcomed over 80 guests for its annual breakfast during Agri-Trade in Red Deer on November 7.

The gathering served as a platform for producers, industry leaders, and government representatives to discuss key issues shaping Alberta’s agriculture sector.

The event opened with remarks from Premier Danielle Smith, delivered by TAC emcee, Devin Hartzler, Alberta Grains Vice-Chair. The greetings emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting farmers and strengthening Alberta’s position in global markets.

“Agri-products from our province are staples in homes across Canada and around the world,” Smith’s message stated.

“Farmers and ranchers are vital to Alberta’s culture and economy, putting food on our tables, creating jobs and supporting rural communities across the province. This event is a welcome opportunity to celebrate Alberta’s crop producers and your contributions to food security. It is also
a great space to connect and discuss the issues that matter most to you.”

Karen Wronko, Assistant Deputy Minister for the Trade, Investment, and Food Safety Division at Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, kicked off the speaker series. She shared a historical anecdote about discovering a 1905–06 departmental report, which revealed that health care and agriculture once belonged to the same government department.

Wronko reflected on the modest costs of that era and how the department has evolved to meet the demands of modern agriculture. Her remarks underscored the importance of understanding history to appreciate today’s complex agricultural systems.

Next, Milt Poirier, co-founder of the Quorum Group of Companies, which includes QGI Consulting and Quorum Corporation, stepped to the podium. His presentation focused on providing rail performance metrics for the grain industry. He spoke on transportation challenges, particularly railway delays and their cascading effects on the entire delivery system.

The final speaker, Neil Blue, Provincial Crop Market Analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, provided an in-depth look at trade and pricing forecasts for grains, canola, and pulses. He discussed global market trends, price volatility, and practical tools available to farmers through the
Government of Alberta. His presentation equipped producers with strategies to navigate uncertainty and optimize marketing decisions.

The breakfast concluded with networking opportunities, fostering dialogue among producers and commission representatives. Topics ranged from improving transportation systems to leveraging market intelligence and innovation to strengthen Alberta’s agriculture sector.

The Team Alberta Crops Breakfast reaffirmed the value of collaboration and knowledge-sharing in addressing challenges and seizing opportunities. With strong leadership and informed strategies, Alberta’s crop industry is well-positioned to thrive in an increasingly competitive global marketplace.

“As this was my first event with Team Alberta Crops, I was delighted with the turnout and engagement from our producers,” said TAC Policy Coordinator Amanda Hardman. “I look forward to welcoming even more farmers next year to join the conversation.”

For more information on rail performance metrics, visit www.agtransportcoalition.com.

Team Alberta Crops is a collaboration between seven of Alberta’s producer groups: Alberta Beekeepers Commission, Alberta Canola, Alberta Grains, Alberta Pulse Growers, Alberta-British Columbia Seed Growers, Alberta Sugar Beet Growers and the Potato Growers of Alberta. TAC works together to advance grassroots policy and advocate on behalf of Alberta’s crop and beekeeping sectors. More information is available at www.teamalbertacrops.com.