Tracy Niemela elected as new president of the Alberta Seed Growers

Feb. 11, 2021 (Lacombe, AB) – The Alberta Seed Growers (ASG) board of directors have elected Tracy Niemela as president and Brian Ellis as vice-president following their (virtual) annual general meeting on February 4, 2021.

“This is an important moment for Alberta’s seed growers, and I appreciate the board’s confidence in me,” said Niemela, who previously served as ASG vice-president. “I look forward to working towards an even brighter future for our industry.”

Niemela and her husband Duane farm near Sylvan Lake alongside her parents, Terry and Marilyn Niemela, and other family members.

New ASG vice-president Brian Ellis owns and operates G.D. Ellis Farms Ltd. with his wife Melissa, just east of Olds.

“I have learned a lot since joining the board, and am eager to continue our important work,” said Ellis. “Alberta accounts for more than a quarter of Canada’s pedigreed seed acres, and it is important that our voice is heard and represented.”

The 2021 AGM also marked the end of the two-year term for outgoing president Renee Hoyme.

“On behalf of the ASG board of directors and members, I would also like to thank Renee for her leadership as our president over the past two years,” added Niemela. “Under Renee’s leadership, we placed a major emphasis on engagement with our members – and we plan to continue on that legacy by prioritizing what brings us together as seed growers.”

As outgoing president, Hoyme will remain on the executive as past-president for the next two years.

For more information, contact:

Cole Christensen

Communications Consultant

Email: cole@colesag.com

Phone: 403-589-3529