From the fields that feed our communities to the innovations shaping global markets, agriculture is at the heart of Alberta’s economy.
Join us on April 27 for Alberta Next: Agribusiness, featuring a compelling keynote and two panels exploring the realities facing the sector today and the opportunities ahead. Hear from industry leaders as they unpack the pressures impacting producers and businesses. They’ll also share how innovation, resilience and new approaches are strengthening Alberta’s advantage in a changing global landscape. If you’re invested in where Alberta agriculture is headed, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Alberta Next brings experienced stakeholders and thought leaders together to discuss the most pressing challenges facing our business community. The series explores how Alberta is uniquely positioned to lead Canada in key sectors through innovation and determination.
Tickets
Whether you’re attending on your own or bringing your team, we have options to suit your needs. Members receive preferred pricing.
Tier 1 tickets
Member: $139 Member table: $1,112 Non-member: $259 Non-member table: $2,072
*Tier one tickets available until March 19, 2026
Tier 2 tickets
Member: $189 Member table: $1,512 Non-member: $379 Non-member table: $3,032
*Tier two tickets available starting March 20,2026
Agenda
This half-day event is filled with networking opportunities, two panel discussions and a keynote address.
Time
Session
1:00PM
Registration opens
1:30PM
Opening remarks
1:45PM
Keynote: Hon. RJ Sigurdson, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Government of Alberta
2:00PM
Fireside Chat
2:30PM
Panel 1: Feeding the Future: Trade, Competitiveness and Alberta’s Global Advantage
3:25PM
Coffee break
3:40PM
Panel 2: Innovation, Talent and the Next Generation of Agribusiness in Alberta
4:45PM
Networking reception
6:00PM
Event conclusion
Keynote
Keynote | 1:45PM – 2:30PM
We’re excited to kick off the event with an industry expert sharing their insights and future outlook. Our speaker will also join Deborah Yedlin for a fireside chat to answer our pressing questions about the industry. To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Hon. RJ Sigurdson
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation | Government of Alberta
About speaker
RJ Sigurdson was sworn in as the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation on June 9, 2023. He previously served as the Parliamentary Secretary for EMS Reform. Prior to his service as an elected official, Mr. Sigurdson worked with Avalanche Air Systems as a senior project/general manager and shareholder. He also has extensive experience as a Red Seal sheet metal worker.
Mr. Sigurdson grew up working on a 40-acre family farm north of Cochrane. He also found additional work in high school on the farms of nearby families. He has been an active volunteer and supporter of many organizations in the community, such as “The Rolling Barrage,” a coast-to-coast motorcycle ride to raise awareness of the impacts of PTSD in veterans and first responders.
Mr. Sigurdson has been married to his wife, Leeanne, for over 20 years. Together, they have raised three children. In his free time, he enjoys spending time with his family, as well as camping and hunting.
RJ Sigurdson was first elected as the Member of the Legislative Assembly for Highwood on April 16, 2019, and was re-elected on May 29, 2023.
Feeding the Future: Trade, Competitiveness and Alberta’s Global Advantage
Panel 1 | 2:30PM – 3:25PM
As global supply chains shift and food security becomes a matter of economic and national security, Alberta’s agribusiness sector sits at a pivotal moment. With rising protectionism, interprovincial trade barriers, infrastructure gaps, and increasing regulatory pressure, how do we ensure our producers and processors remain globally competitive?
This panel will explore how Alberta and Canada can seize emerging trade opportunities, modernize enabling infrastructure, reduce unnecessary regulatory burden, and position our province as a global leader in food production and irrigation innovation. From tariffs and market diversification to investment attraction and policy reform, this discussion will focus on practical solutions to unlock growth — and ensure Alberta remains a top destination for agribusiness investment.
To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Cam Baker
Senior Director, Global Government and Industry Affairs | Nutrien
About speaker
Born and raised in Saskatchewan, Cam grew up on a mixed cattle and grain farm spent his early years working the eastern Alberta oilfields. After obtaining his degree at the University of Saskatchewan in Political Science, Cam embarked on a career in politics, first at the municipal then at the provincial level. Along with managing several election campaigns over a 15-year period, he also held the role of Chief of Staff to the Ministers of Energy and Resources, Economy, and Environment before leaving the Government of Saskatchewan in 2015 to join PotashCorp in the Government Relations department. PotashCorp and Agrium merged in 2018 to form what is today Nutrien. Cam was appointed Nutrien’s Senior Director of Government and Industry Affairs for Canada in 2023 and has been a member of the Calgary Chamber of Commerce Government Relations Committee since 2020.
Curtis Rempel MBA PhD PAg
Vice President, Innovation, Production & Supply | Canola Council of Canada
About speaker
Dr. Rempel joined the Council in July 2012. Dr. Rempel is responsible for directing Innovation, Production & Supply with a mandate to optimize yield and profitability for farmers and the supply chains they serve while minimizing production risk and improving resiliency to climate change and environmental footprint; developing research priorities for canola production, oil and meal; liaising between producers, industry and academia to optimize knowledge and technology transfer; monitoring and managing issues related to domestic and global biotechnology, pesticide and fertilizer acceptance and regulation to support international trade; and representing Canadian canola’s interests with industry, trade and professional groups.
Dr. Rempel was raised on a farm specializing in dairy and special crops in Manitoba. He holds a Diploma in Milling Science from Kansas State University, a B.Sc. and M.Sc. from the University of Manitoba, a PhD from the University of Guelph, an MBA from Athabasca University/University of Guelph. Dr. Rempel has worked as a research scientist for Agriculture and Agri-food Canada; taught at numerous universities and community colleges; and operated his own consulting company for 10 years, providing scientific and business counsel to Fortune 500 companies. He worked in R&D, corporate finance and business strategy and development at Monsanto and BASF; as a senior consultant for Meyers, Norris, Penny focusing on commodity marketing, renewable energy, intellectual property protection, and enterprise software applications, and Business Development Manager at Richardson Centre for Food Technology and Research, University of Manitoba. He is an Adjunct Professor in Dept. of Food and Human Nutrition Science, Faculty of Agriculture, University of Manitoba. His research is focused on food chemistry, oil and protein processing and bioplastics development.
Craig Johnston
Chief Economist | FCC
About speaker
Craig leads economic analysis that informs strategy and risk management across the corporation. He is also a key FCC spokesperson, providing insights on the agriculture and food industry and the macroeconomy.
Prior to joining FCC, Craig led the commodities division at the Bank of Canada. He was also an assistant professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and lectured in economics at the University of Victoria. He holds a PhD in economics from the University of Victoria, with a bachelor’s degree from Queen’s University.
Moderator
Shannon Sereda
Director of Government Relations, Policy and Markets | Alberta Grains
About moderator
Shannon Sereda is a senior, staff Director with Alberta Grains. She joined the commission in 2016 and has established herself as a well-respected voice in the Canadian agriculture sector, and as an influential advocate on behalf of farmers. Over the past several years, Shannon has gained expertise working on a wide range of agricultural policy topics as well as developed a deep knowledge of the grain marketing and regulatory systems. Prior to joining the commissions Shannon worked as a commerce officer for the Canadian government working in the energy directorate of Industry Canada [now Innovation, Science and Economic Development (ISED)] and working abroad as a Trade Commissioner with the Canadian Embassy in Quito, Ecuador.
Shannon holds a Bachelor of Management degree in International Business and a Master of Science in Sustainable Energy Development. Her educational pursuits have given her a strong global perspective, and a well-rounded understanding of the impacts of politics and markets on all facets of the economy, environment and society – and at the farm gate.
More information about our speakers to come soon. To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Innovation, Talent and the Next Generation of Agribusiness in Alberta
Panel 2 | 3:40PM – 4:30PM
Agriculture is no longer just about land and labour – it’s about data, technology and talent. As margins tighten, costs rise and many farmers prepare to retire, innovation is no longer optional – it’s essential.
This panel will examine how agribusiness can accelerate technology adoption while addressing workforce shortages, rural connectivity gaps, water management challenges and financing constraints.
From irrigation technology and drought resilience to education pathways and investment incentives, this conversation will focus on practical strategies to future-proof Alberta agriculture.
To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Brent Collins
Head of Seeds and Traits, Canada | BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada
About speaker
As Head of Seeds and Traits for Canada, Brent is responsible for the business operations and execution of the strategic direction of the BASF Agricultural Solutions Canada (BASF) industry-leading InVigor canola business. Brent is also a key member of the Canadian Leadership Team and the Business Management team at BASF, helping provide Canadian farmers the tools they need to grow success.
Brent is a highly focused, passionate leader with 35 years of experience in agriculture, with an undergraduate degree in agricultural engineering and a M.Sc. in agronomy. During his career, Brent has lived and worked in the agriculture sector in several different global markets including France, Germany, and Australia. Today, he leads a strong team that is committed to looking at the lifecycle management of BASF’s canola seeds portfolio, as well as strategic collaboration with other seed companies to bring best-in-class products and solutions to Canada’s farmers.
Serving as the President of Seeds Canada, Brent lends his extensive expertise to help drive the future of seed research, agronomy, and marketing for Canada, and is a go-to source for the key product innovations that will continue to drive the industry forward.
More information about our speakers to come soon. To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Chris Terris
SVP & President | TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods
About speaker
As SVP & President of TELUS Agriculture & Consumer Goods, Chris leads a global team across six continents dedicated to providing digital solutions and data insights that help businesses make smarter, data-driven decisions to improve their efficiency, sustainability and profitability. With customers in over 60 countries, Chris and his team work with everyone from consumer goods manufacturers, agriculture producers, retailers, and feedlot operators to optimize processes and minimize waste and environmental impact. Since joining TELUS in 2000, Chris has held executive positions in operations, product management, process improvement and systems delivery. A strong supporter of TELUS’ commitment to “give where we live”, Chris serves as the Vice-Chair of the TELUS Manitoba and Saskatchewan Community Board and is a member of the University of Calgary Haskayne Business Technology Management Industry Advisory Committee
More information about our speakers to come soon. To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Jay Steeves
Dean of Werklund School of Agriculture Technology | Olds College of Agriculture and Technology
About speaker
Jay Steeves was raised and is now raising his young family in central Alberta with long standing family roots in central and southern Saskatchewan involved in the agriculture sector. As a long time western Canadian, he is passionate about promoting agriculture and the purpose that it serves to the greater population of the world. Jay has been involved in athletics and education for 25 years in a variety of educational settings. In the last decade, Jay has focused on technology education and more recently on creative collaboration and design thinking for innovation.
As the Dean of the Werklund School of Agriculture Technology at Olds College in Olds, AB, he is leading a group of innovative faculty and cutting edge programming as they look to educate the next generation of agricultural stewards to help feed a growing world population. The focus of his discussion will be around agriculture technology trends, new technologies being researched, and the perceptions of technology adoption rates in farming
More information about our speakers to come soon. To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Moderator
Dr. Renate Weller
Dean and Professor | University of Calgary, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
About speaker
Renate is currently dean and professor at the Veterinary Faculty at the University of Calgary, which is also home of the Simpson Centre for Food and Agricultural Policy and the academic steward of the WA Ranches. Prior to coming to Calgary in 2021 Renate has worked as a practicing veterinarian, researcher and administrator in several countries in academic, corporate and regulatory settings. She has served on various commercial and charity boards in the agriculture and veterinary domain and has a real passion for developing talent and promoting recruitment and retention in these fields.
More information about our speakers to come soon. To get the latest updates, subscribe to our newsletter here.
Alberta Next: Agribusiness is supported by:
Presenting Sponsor
Thanking Sponsor
Reception Sponsor
Supporting Sponsors
