Two new directors joined the Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) board, bringing experience in beef feedlot management, and mixed farming and cow-calf production.
Leighton Kolk and David Andrews have extensive commodity risk, agri-business management and leadership expertise. Both are actively involved in numerous industry-associated boards, committees and councils.
“The expertise these two new members bring to the ALMA board will help enhance production excellence for the province,” says Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development Minister, Verlyn Olson. “Leighton and David have demonstrated leadership and passion for advancing the livestock and meat industry.”
Mr. Kolk, co-owner of Kolk Farms Ltd., is a substantial resource in beef cattle feeding and grain farming. He is an acting board member with several organizations including Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, Alberta Beef Producers, Immanuel Christian Schools and Gateway Livestock Exchange.
Mr. Andrews runs a mixed farming and cow-calf operation. He has leadership experience as chairman of the Canadian Cattlemen Market Development Council (Legacy Fund), president of the Bow City Landholders Protection Committee, and as a previous member of several boards such as the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Alberta Beef Producers and Bow River Water Quality Council.
“The talent ALMA’s board attracts shows the agency’s strength and ability to positively impact industry,” shares ALMA board chair, Dr. David Chalack. “We look forward to Leighton and Dave’s input into strategic dialogues, especially relating to sustainability and industry development.”
ALMA contributes ideas, information and investment as it works with industry partners to achieve a sustainable, profitable and internationally respected livestock and meat industry. For further information on ALMA, visit www.alma.alberta.ca.
Biographies of new ALMA board members
Leighton Kolk
As president and co-owner of Kolk Farms Ltd. for over twenty-five years, and co-owner and president of Alberta Ag Employment Services, Mr. Kolk brings significant strengths in feedlot, human resource, and commodity risk and agribusiness management. He also has experience in strategic planning in his own operations and in his role as board member with Alberta Cattle Feeders Association, Alberta Beef Producers, Immanuel Christian Schools and Gateway Livestock Exchange.
Mr. Kolk has a passion for teaching and coaching and is on the Tiffin Conference planning committee and is a shareholder and adviser to Avena foods for the past six years. He has participated on the Advisory Committee to Canada Gold and acted as co-chair of Batter Sea drain watershed group.
David Andrews
Mr. Andrews, and his wife Cheryl, run a mixed farming operation, Lazy A Farms Ltd., which includes dry land grazing, grain production, irrigation for forage and pasture, and a cow-calf herd. He also has extensive experience in beef marketing and farm business management.
Mr. Andrews has leadership experience as chairman of the Canadian Cattlemen Market Development Council (Legacy Fund), president of the Bow City Landholders Protection Committee, board member of the Conservation and Working Landscape Coalition, Alberta Irrigation Council, and Water Management Review Committee, and Advocate for Alternate Land Use Services. Andrews is a previous board member for the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA), Alberta Beef Producers, Bow River Water Quality Council and Utilities Consumers Advocate Advisory Council. He has contributed to the beef industry as a member of the Beef Information Centre and Canada Beef Export Federation, chair of the Foreign Trade Committee of CCA, and a representative of Canada at meetings of the Five Nations Beef Congress. He is a strong advocate for product quality, safety and traceability.
Mr. Andrews has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Alberta.