ABP’s 2022 Candidate Backgrounder

Central Candidates: Acclaimed

Martin Clausen, together with his wife and parents, run Hazel Bluff Angus near Westlock. Martin currently sits as the ABP representative on the Young Cattlemen’s Council. 

“I look forward to working with other delegates to move the beef industry in a positive direction, and to be a voice for young producers across the province.”

Doug Roxburgh is a purebred and commercial cow calf producer residing near Bentley. Doug, alongside his wife, run a first-generation cattle operation and background their calves, and market bulls and females, along with commercial bred heifers. Doug is a senior nutrition consultant who works with producers to develop year-round nutritional programs. Working as a primary producer and in the industry, Doug has deep ties with the beef sector.

“I feel it is important to be a voice for the cow calf producer and give back, to help strengthen the long-term viability of this industry.”

The Central Zone can appoint up to one Delegate for a two-year term.

Northwest Candidates: Acclaimed

Bernie Doerksen and his family run a cow calf operation with commercial angus cross cows near La Crete.

“Our goal is to improve efficiencies and costs on the ranch in order to remain viable for the long-term. My personal interests include the local snowmobile club, and our family activities include figure skating, minor hockey, camping and fishing. My day job consists of public bookkeeping and accounting. I am looking forward to learning more about the provincial beef industry and sharing that information locally.”

The Northwest Zone can appoint up to two one-year Delegates to fill a two-year term, and up to two two-year Delegates.

Southwest Candidates: Acclaimed

Kyle Lemmer and his wife reside east of Calgary in Rockyview County, where they run a cow calf operation. 

“My wife and I both work off farm. I work in the oil and gas sector and my wife is a registered nurse. We run predominately black angus cattle with a focus on feed efficiency using minimal inputs. I am interested in becoming an ABP delegate so I can contribute to developing producer confidence in the industry, build new connections and relations, and educate others on the importance of the cattle industry and its impact on our society.”

Sheila Hillmer and her family farm and ranch in Del Bonita, where her two sons are beginning the process of succession in the family business. She is an ABP director and serves as a Canadian Cattlemen’s Association board member.

Sheila is a Key Account Manager with Elanco Canada, a global animal health company that has grown significantly in the past five years. She based in southern Alberta where she works with corporate feedyards. She also spends a significant amount of time developing and executing Learning and Development both internally with Elanco and externally to customers. Currently, Sheila is the process of getting certified in Coaching to further her Leadership and Development portfolio.

The Southwest Zone can appoint up to one Delegate for a two-year term.

Northeast Candidates: Acclaimed

Kaylee Chizawsky and her family run a cow calf operation near Vegreville. 

“Our herd consists of 150 commercial cows, as well as 100 purebred Simmentals. In addition, to the cow calf operation, we purchase, breed, and sell 250 replacement heifers each year. I graduated from the University of Alberta with a degree in Agriculture, majoring in Animal Science. Since graduating university, I have become increasingly involved in the family farm and buying my own cattle. Prior to my current employment with Trouw Nutrition, I was employed in the Canadian Food Inspection Agency’s Animal Health Department. I believe this employment mix of both government and industry has given me a solid understanding of potential disconnects, as well as ways these gaps could be mitigated. I am in the process of completing my Professional Agrologist Certification and have graduated from the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders (CYL), where I was a successful participant for the 2020 program year. Now that my official term as a CYL mentee has come to an end, I am looking forward to remaining active in the beef industry and providing the next generation’s insight to our industry, while continuously learning from my peers.”

Melanie Wowk along with her husband, two adult children and daughter-in-law, run a commercial cow calf herd in the County of Two Hills, near Beauvallon. 

“If successful, this will be my seventh year as a delegate. I have served on the ABP board for six years, including three years on the Executive, and this past year as ABP Chair. I also sit as a member of the Alberta Farm Animal Care board.

“I look forward to continuing to help serve the beef industry in Alberta.”

Melissa Downing runs a cow calf operation near the hamlet of Metiskow. Her children are the fifth generation to live on the family farm. 

“I have experience in various sectors of the beef industry including value chains, feedlot production, research, and online auction sales. I have been the Verified Beef Production Plus Coordinator in Alberta since 2016, keeping me connected with producers across the province. I also volunteer with our local 4-H Club and Agricultural Society, and am currently the vice chair for Results Driven Agriculture Research.”