This article appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of Pulse Crop News.

Sydney Vos, APG Member Relations Coordinator

I would like to introduce myself as your new Member Relations Coordinator, located out of the Leduc office. I grew up near Fairview, Alberta, on a seed farm where we grew canola, barley, wheat, and pea varieties. In my spare time, I worked on the farm and was a member of 4-H.

After high school, I attended the University of Alberta and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Agricultural/Food Business Management. I enjoyed this program because it offered the chance to choose your own combination of business and agriculture courses in the last two years. During the summers at University, I worked in the agriculture industry with several companies to gain a range of experience in research, finance, and sales. Once I finished my degree, I spent a few months working on a farm in Australia and touring New Zealand and Thailand.

I had been working with AFSC in Barrhead as an Account Manager Trainee when I saw the opportunity for the Member Relations Coordinator position with Alberta Pulse Growers. I was drawn to the position for two reasons. The first was the opportunity to be a part of a commission that supported producers in a relatively up-and-coming industry. Secondly, I was drawn to the uniqueness of the position and the variety of opportunities and challenges I would be exposed to. Both reasons influenced me to apply, and I was hired!

Since I started with APG on July 15, I have been caught up in the excitement of the pulse industry. I have already learned a lot about pulses in Alberta, and still have plenty to learn. I knew I had big shoes to fill upon hearing about the past MRC, Duane Ransome, and his vast agronomic knowledge and wonderful people skills. In the first month, I have been attending crop tours, meeting contacts in the industry, and growing my agronomic knowledge of pulse crops in each zone. My other responsibilities will include participating in zone meetings, supporting extension activities, and partaking in conferences, tradeshows, and tours throughout the province.

This will no doubt be one of the more challenging positions I have taken on, and will likely result in amazing experiences and connections. I hope to gain more experience over the next few months in order to better represent pulse growers of Alberta on a national and international stage. My goals include perceiving key issues in each zone, working with research organizations to focus on these issues, and obtaining feedback from growers regarding APG.

I am excited to be part of the APG staff and looking forward to meeting many more new people. If you happen to see me at a tour, conference or meeting, please come say hello and tell me your pulse story!