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ALP is advocating on behalf of our producers to Minister RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Jason Hale, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation and Darryl Kay, Chief Executive Officer, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation to make some necessary changes to the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance response program.

ALP has communicated our concerns about introducing the target areas approach for compensation and asked that the AgriRecovery response program removes this stipulation and includes all regions of Alberta, as the drought conditions are affecting feed prices across the province, regardless of the producer’s geographical location.

We also communicated that producers in our province have had a very challenging last few years, ever since we entered the Covid-19 pandemic recovery period. We know our producers have been facing prolonged and historically low market prices, coupled with a dramatic increase to the cost of production. When it comes to having a level playing field with imported lamb coming into our province, our local producers are unable to compete with Australian and New Zealand lamb.

We continue to see producers having to make the tough decision to exit the industry as it is no longer financially feasible to remain in the industry. For our producers to have a viable future and livelihood in the industry, more financial supports are needed and that is what ALP is advocating for with our Provincial government.

ALP raised these concerns with the hope that it will lead to a healthy and constructive process to ensure all industry players have the confidence needed to keep our industry healthy.

Should you have any questions, pelase reach out to the ALP office: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 403-948-8533

Please see the attached letter from Hon. RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, regarding support for livestock producers impacted by drought.

 Read the letter

Sheep Supply for month ending August 2023

Sheep Supply for month ending July 2023

Opening on ALP Board of Directors 

The Alberta Lamb Producers Board of Directors has an opening for one interim Director-at-Large position. Director-at-Large positions may be filled by producers living in any area of Alberta (i.e. no zone requirements).  Application deadline is December 31, 2023.

These positions will be filled through appointment by the board. As they are interim positions, an election will be required for the positions at the ALP Annual General Meeting on November 23, 2024.

Serving on the board is an exciting and challenging opportunity to advance your industry. 

If you are interested in a position on the ALP Board, please submit your resume and/or the completed application form to theThis email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. 

ALP Interim Director Application

ALP Director Description

Position requirements:

• Must be a sheep producer residing in Alberta
• A keen interest in improving processes and resources for the industry
• Ability to work with other board members for the benefit of other sheep producers
• Ability to make the minimum time commitment of 3-4 in-person board meetings, as well as monthly conference calls
• Per diem and expenses are provided
• No previous board experience is required
• A strong commitment to collaboration and growth is important, as is a solution-oriented focus

In addition to contributing to your industry, serving on the Board has other positive benefits such as gaining:

• a broader perspective and greater knowledge of the sheep industry.
• important local, provincial and national contacts.
• skills that enhance other areas of business and life, such as experience in board governance, leadership, project management, communication and interpersonal skills. 

The Alberta Lamb Producers held its 2023 Annual General Meeting on Saturday November 18, 2023 when we saw 77 producers and guests in attendance (both in-person at the Red Deer Resort & Casino and virtually on Zoom). ALP's Chair, Emilie Wilson, started the meeting with warm remarks and board introductions, and also drew attention to the important industry stakeholders who were in attendance on our call. Emilie also reviewed ALP’s revised mission and vision, along with the newly established values for the organization.

The ALP business meeting followed, with Director acclamation and Director-in-training speeches. There were four Director-at-large positions open on the 2023/24 ALP board. Three eligible producers submitted valid nomination forms before the July 31, 2023 deadline to be entered as candidates in the 2023 election. As we received three valid nomination forms for the four Director-at-large positions, no election was needed to be held this year. ALP is pleased to announce that Jordan Allen, Martin Winchell and Darlene Hawco, were acclaimed at the AGM.  ALP will have one Interim Director-at-large position available and will be recruiting to fill the position after the AGM, as per our Plan Regulation. ALP was also pleased to announce that Jessica Chitwood has filled the vacant Director-in-training position.

Following the new Director and Director in Training speeches, Shannon Troke from King & Company Chartered Accountants reviewed the 2022/23 financial statements. ALP Finance Chair Judy Buck presented the 2023/24 budget, with Emilie Wilson (Chair) and Jordan Allen (Vice-Chair) presenting the ALP activity updates.
To submit a resolution for discussion at this year’s AGM, eligible Alberta Lamb Producers needed to complete our resolution form and submit it to the ALP office by September 15, 2023. Proposed resolutions would not be accepted past this deadline or from the floor at the AGM. ALP did not receive any proposed resolutions by our submission deadline of September 15, 2023, therefore there will be no conversation at the AGM regarding Resolutions.

ALP also extends a sincere thank-you to outgoing directors Judy Buck and Nicole Schieck, for their dedication, time and effort while serving on the board.

The AGM is only one evening—we want to hear from you throughout the year.  ALP is YOUR producer organization. Communicating with directors and staff will ensure you are getting the most from your check-off dollars.  If you ever have concerns, comments, tips on what we can do better—or just want to say hello—please feel free to contact the directors or the office for a chat. Director and staff contact information is available on the ALP website and in every N'ewesletter.

View the 2023 AGM Meeting Package 

View the AGM Meeting Minutes 2023 (to be approved by producers at the 2024 AGM)

Elections for the ALP executive and committee positions were held on November 19, 2023 during the first Board meeting following the 2023 AGM.   Elections results were:

Chair: Jordan Allen
Vice-Chair: Emilie Wilson
Finance Chair: Jolene Airth
Finance Vice-Chair: Richard Boscher

Jordan Allen and Richard Boscher will be representing ALP on the National Sheep Network (NSN). 

Yuri Montanholi from Lakeland College (Vermilion AB) is working with a company from Ireland through a provincial program called Invest Alberta. This Irish company (Cotter Agritech: https://www.cotteragritech.com/) has a technical solution, named SmartWorm (https://www.cotteragritech.com/smartworm) that uses weighing data to determine the sheep that needs deworming. This company is looking for establishing pilot studies/demonstrations in Canada. An RFID system in needed to implement this solution/APP.

If you are interesting in discussing this further, please contact Yuri @ This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Are you a young (or young at heart) animal, grain, flower, mushroom or vegetable producer living in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba? Are you operating a new farm or taking over the family operation and looking for guidance in growing your business? Apply to participate in the Young Agrarians Business Mentorship Network !

Apply Now! Deadline Extended to Nov 13th, 2023.

This program pairs new and seasoned farmers together to cultivate the skills for running ecologically sustainable and financially viable businesses. Mentors will coach new farmers towards clarifying and achieving powerful goals to lay the groundwork for growing their farm business.

Results have been instant! Since the program's inception, BMN mentees have generated on average a 147% increase in revenues, a 98% increase in the volume of food grown, and a 12% increase of land in production during their year of mentorship.

WHAT YOU RECEIVE: As a participant in the program you will receive 30 hours of mentorship with an experienced farm business mentor, a financial and marketing web series for farmers, profile on our website and social media, and opportunities for peer networking. 

Priority will be given (but not limited) to applicants who are new entrants into agriculture, residing in British Columbia Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba, ages 18-35, having been in operation for 1-5 years.

Review the full program details and apply here.

The Business Mentorship Network is accepting applications until November 13th, 2023. Spots are limited - apply today!

Please don’t hesitate to reply to this message if you have any questions.

This program is made possible with the generous funding support of Vancity, Endswell and Columbia Basin Trust.

Sheep Supply for month ending May & June 2023