About POGA

A MESSAGE FROM GREG BOTT, YOUR POGA CO-PRESIDENT

Greg farms with his family near Eckville, AB. Joining the board in 2021, Greg is currently Co-President of POGA. During his tenure as a board member of AOGC, he held roles such as audit chair and joined federal Ministers on the recent trade mission to Japan, a mission POGA participated in to promote Canadian oats and build cross-border relationships. As a governance and leadership expert with four degrees across three continents, his current roles outside of AOGC and POGA include Past-Chair of Boyle Street Community Services, and a member of the University of Alberta Senate.

“The Co-President positions are new to POGA and provide an exciting opportunity for a broader representation across the provinces we represent. We are looking forward to continuing to enhance oats research across the value chain and advocating for farmers.”

A MESSAGE FROM AMBRELY RALPH, YOUR POGA CO-PRESIDENT

SaskOats and POGA Co-President Ambrely Ralph lives and farms east of Arborfield, SK. She and husband Garett farm with Garett’s family—a multi-generational farmer team which includes Garett’s father, brother, uncle and great-uncle and their spouses.

The farm is situated in a very diverse cropping area (forages for seed production, oilseeds, pulses, grains, intercropping, honey production and alfalfa leafcutter bees, etc.). Ambrely grew up on a mixed grains/oilseeds and cattle farm south of Foam Lake. She shares, “Even though my family farm is only three hours away from this area, I really felt like it was Christmas morning when I moved here and saw all the different cropping, farming practices and opportunities. It has been a steep learning curve but one that I truly appreciate.”

When it comes to oats in the farm rotation, Ambrely states: “Oats are a great fit on the family farm for cold spring weather tolerance and rotation flexibility. They also help ensure good agronomic practices and land sustainability. Profitability has improved over the last few years with the introduction of new varieties and markets. Morgan varieties were consistently used in our area, but new varieties are now being grown. We have found Triactors and Camden to be good performers.”

The farm team addresses agronomic, marketing and logistic issues by intentionally working specific acres to deal with changing weather patterns instead of using a broad approach across the farm. “Every year brings a new challenge, but oats have been a crop that help us maintain some consistency and risk management,” says Ambrely.

Ambrely and Garett also work in the agriculture inputs industry. Ambrely explains, “My off-farm work gives me an understanding and appreciation for that side of the business. The whole industry is involved in a farm’s ability to be productive and sustainable. This has fostered my appreciation of the value of team work and the importance of trusted relationships and business partners throughout the industry from financing, producer groups, manufacturing and equipment, input providers, consulting, marketing, research and discovery, etc.”

Ambrely’s parents were both active members in community and agricultural initiatives. She decided it was time to follow her role models’ example. She believes in continuing education—learning from the experience of others in the industry and building community networks—with a focus on diversity across soil zones, farming practices, land management, agronomics and marketing.

She chose to represent producers via SaskOats and POGA because: “Past and current board members were very encouraging and I am grateful to be part of this forward-thinking group that focuses on sustainability of the industry, market place and producer families. They are very supportive and knowledgeable. Through them, I have gained the understanding and confidence to be part of a group working toward finding solutions and navigating all the challenges the farming community faces.”

Family time includes enjoying outdoor adventures in the Pasquia Hills area, and children Liam (four) and Hazel (almost two) are now influencing ‘kid-approved’ recreational activities. Ambrely is a member of a local daycare board and enjoys running and other physical fitness activities and workouts. She strongly believes that whole body wellness is key for physical and mental health. Garett is the deputy fire chief for the local volunteer fire department and enjoys hunting. Ambrely closes, “I am so thankful we get to share our love of agriculture and farming with our children. We are so fortunate raise them in a community and area that believes in helping each other, volunteerism and healthy living.”