Find information to help you learn more about ALP, how we operate and the work we do.
We are Working for Alberta’s Lamb Producers
Since 1972, Alberta’s sheep producers have supported their provincial organization, first established as the Alberta Sheep and Wool Commission, and rebranded as Alberta Lamb Producers (ALP) in 2009.
Today, ALP proudly represents Alberta’s sheep industry, advancing producer interests through advocacy, education, research, and clear communication. Together, we’re building a stronger future for sheep production in the province.
Sheep producers in the province can rely on ALP to provide:
- Valued communications through various channels, including:
- Access to free educational resources like the ALP management modules, which cover topics such as health, feeding, predator control and business management.
- A hub for industry information, contacts, and resources.
- Advocacy at the provincial level of government, promoting the industry’s interests and ensuring representation.
- Collaboration with government and researchers to address industry challenges and develop practical tools.
ALP is a central point of contact for all industry participants. Producer check-off dollars provide the infrastructure that creates a collective voice and a positive influence.
Unhealthy animals produce fewer lambs and cost more to maintain. By taking a proactive approach to flock health, producers can improve productivity and keep more money in their pockets—instead of spending it on problem animals.
Alberta Lamb Producers offer resources to support basic flock health and management decisions. We also strongly encourage producers to maintain a Veterinary-Client-Patient Relationship (VCPR) to help diagnose specific concerns and establish a comprehensive flock health program.
Our Core Principles
Our Mission
We empower the sheep industry through education, innovative research, and advocacy. Our focus is on working in the best interests of our producers by building connected relationships through accountability and transparency.
Our Vision
We support our producers in the advancement of a successful and sustainable industry.
Our Values
- We prioritize the betterment of our producers.
- We are accountable to our producers through transparent communication.
- As a volunteer board composed of eligible producers, we are committed to guiding industry innovation and enhancement.
- Our board leads with integrity and honesty.
- Staff provides a stable connection between producers and the board with consistency, reliability and confidentiality.
Our Strategic Plan
ALP’s Strategic Plan continues to guide our planning and day-to-day decisions.
ALP Dedicated Leadership Team
Board of Directors is responsible for setting the organization’s priorities and strategic direction. Directors are elected by producers at the ALP’s Annual General Meeting every fall, with no restrictions based on geographic location within the province.
ALP’s daily operations are managed by a dedicated team consisting of one full-time and one part-time staff member.
ALP Board Members
Martin Winchell, Chair
403-895-6181
martin@ablamb.ca
Adam French, Vice Chair
780-872-9908
adam@ablamb.ca
Darlene Hawco, Finance Chair
780-292-4607
darleneh@ablamb.ca
Edward Machuk, Vice Finance Chair
Richard Van Driesten, Director
403-715-9324 richardvd@ablamb.ca
Vacant, Director
Cody Legault, Director
403-485-0686
cody@ablamb.ca
Esther Hoogland, Director in Training
780-387-1781
ALP Office Staff
Jolene Airth, Executive Director
403-948-8533
info@ablamb.ca
Jennifer Wood, Project/Office Administrator
403-948-8533
admin@ablamb.ca
Joining the ALP Board
The ALP Board of Directors consists of seven eligible sheep producers from across Alberta. Each Director may serve up to three two-year terms.
A Director-in-Training position is also available to support board succession and leadership development.
Director’s Obligations
Each Director is expected to act honestly and in good faith, always in the best interests of ALP.
In carrying out their duties, Directors may receive confidential information essential to their responsibilities. This information must be treated with the utmost confidentiality and not disclosed outside the Board.
Directors have a fiduciary duty to ALP. The organization’s best interests must remain the priority and should never be confused with the personal interests of individual Board members or producers.
Roles And Responsibilities
- Adhere to the obligations as stated above.
- Familiarity with the regulations, policies and administrative procedures of the Board as outlined in the ALP Board Handbook.
- Undergo ALP Director orientation training or governance training, if scheduled.
- Adhere to and act within all Board policies within the ALP Board Handbook.
- Whenever possible, participate in all scheduled Board of Directors meetings.
- Complete and sign the ALP Code of Conduct and Confidentiality form.
- Be open-minded, evaluate all information, ask questions and participate in Board discussions.
- Commitment to a one-year term.
- Express an interest in standing for election in the future.
Election/Acclamation
Director elections are held in the years when there are openings on the Board, either due to Directors completing their terms or leaving the Board for other reasons.
An official nomination is required to enter into the Director election, and can be submitted at any point during the year, until the nomination deadline of August 15. The nomination form includes eligibility declarations and a request for profile information. A Director must be nominated from an individual who is also an eligible sheep producer in Alberta.
A call for nominations will be issued at the Board’s discretion in the months leading up to the nomination deadline. If, by the closing date, the number of valid nominations matches the number of vacant Board positions, no election will be held. Instead, the nominated producers will be acclaimed to the Board at the ALP Annual General Meeting.
To assess the skills and industry sector representation on the Board, a skills matrix has been developed and is updated as Directors join or leave.
Appointment
In the event that a Director leaves the Board at any time other than at the AGM, the Board may make a written application to the Marketing Council to appoint a replacement. In choosing a replacement, the Board may consider a current Director-in-Training and/or potential gaps in the skills matrix.
If the application is accepted, the appointed Director’s term would be until the following AGM. The individual must complete the nomination and election/acclamation process before joining the Board as a full Director.
Frequency Of Meetings
In person meetings are typically held four times throughout the year, with conference calls held approximately every two weeks. The Annual General Meeting is held every fall.
Expenses
Directors and Director-in-Training will be reimbursed for meals, hotel accommodation and travel expenses, as per the ALP Board Handbook.
GET IN TOUCH
We want to hear from you! Feel free to contact a Director or the ALP office by phone or email with any questions, comments, or concerns.
You can also contact us through
403-948-8533 info@ablamb.ca
