Sheila Hillmer becomes vice chair of Alberta Beef

Dec 22, 2022

She takes over for Jason Hale, who is now the deputy minister of agriculture

By Diego Flammini
Staff Writer
Farms.com

Alberta Beef Producers (ABP) has a new vice chair.

Sheila Hillmer, who farms near Del Bonita, Alta., will serve as vice chair of the board until the organization elects its 2023-24 executive at its annual general meeting in February.

She steps into the postition as vice chair comes after former vice chair Jason Hale resigned in October. He resigned to accept an appointment from Premier Danielle Smith to be Alberta’s deputy minister of agriculture.

Hillmer jointed ABP four years ago.

In addition to her participation on the ABP board, Hillmer is a member of the Canadian Cattle Association’s board and a volunteer judge for ABP’s annual Young Guns Contest.

For Hillmer, two issues are at the forefront when around the board table.

“Sustainability means to me: succession for my boys and others in the next generation, profitability, and environmental stewardship,” she said in a statement. “Environmental issues are top of mind now, and we’ve got to leave this world better than we found it.”

Hillmer is also a key account manger with Elanco Canada, where she works with corporate feedyards.

Video: FLEECED! Sheep Shearer Hands Over Clippers!

It's sheep shearing day at Ewetopia Farms! ?? Our Dorset lambs and ewes are getting fleeced — and for the first time, our shearer hands over his clippers to a beginner. We finish shearing the last of our adult ewes and this year’s Dorset ewe lambs.

From moving the sheep between barns, loading them into chutes, and watching the wool come off, this is always one of the most satisfying days on the farm. But this video has a twist — we welcomed a new helper, Gian, who’s not only lending a hand but also learning how to shear! With guidance from our experienced shearer, he got a crash course in sheep shearing and even tried his hand at shearing a couple of lambs himself.

You’ll see firsthand how both teacher and student handled this unique challenge. Shearing is more than just removing wool — it’s about sheep health, comfort, and giving us a closer look at the flock. It’s always amazing to see the transformation from woolly sheep to freshly shorn ewes and lambs.