RJ Sigurdson in as Alberta ag minister

Jun 09, 2023

Premier Danielle Smith introduced her new cabinet Friday

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Alberta’s ag sector has a new representative in the provincial legislature.

Premier Danielle Smith appointed RJ Sigurdson, the MLA for Highwood as the new minister of agriculture and irrigation during a cabinet swearing in ceremony on June 9.

• Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation – RJ Sigurdson
• Minister of Health – Adriana LaGrange
• Minister of Mental Health and Addiction – Dan Williams
• Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services – Jason Nixon pic.twitter.com/jeHDRlAh8j
— Danielle Smith (@ABDanielleSmith) June 9, 2023

Sigurdson grew up on a 40-acre “farm north of Cochrane, spending the early years of his life raising horses, cattle and farming,” his United Conservative Party biography says.

He also has extensive experience as a red seal sheet metal worker.

Former ag minister Nate Horner remains in Premier Smith’s cabinet.

He will serve as minister of finance and president of the treasury board.

Including the premier, 25 people make up the provincial cabinet.

Other appointees include:

Mike Ellis as deputy premier and minister of public safety and emergency services
Adriana LaGrange as minister of health
Rebecca Schulz as minister of environment and protected areas
Dan Williams as minister of mental health and addiction.

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.