Sigurdson reflects on serving Alberta’s beef industry

Former Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson reflected on the relationships he built with producers and industry leaders during his time in office as he addressed attendees at the 2026 Alberta Beef Industry Stampede Summit.

Returning to the Summit to introduce Alberta’s new Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Tara Sawyer, Sigurdson said representing Alberta’s farmers and ranchers was the greatest honour of his career.

“Alberta has the best beef in the world,” Sigurdson said. “It was the greatest honour of my life to represent farmers and ranchers.”

A partnership with producers

Sigurdson, who now serves as Minister of Affordability and Utilities, thanked producers and industry organizations for the relationships developed during his tenure, saying collaboration played an important role in strengthening Alberta’s beef industry.

“I want to thank each and every one of you for the relationships built and the work that we did together, working collaboratively to build a stronger beef industry,” he said. “We have so much to be proud of here in Alberta.”

Passing the torch

Sigurdson also reflected on a tradition in which an outgoing agriculture minister introduces the incoming minister at the Alberta Beef Industry Stampede Summit. He noted that former Agriculture Minister Nate Horner introduced him when he entered the role and said he was honoured to continue that tradition by welcoming Sawyer.

In introducing the new minister, Sigurdson described Sawyer as someone deeply connected to agriculture who understands the industry’s practical, solutions-focused approach.

“You have people that don’t see problems – they put on their boots, they find solutions,” he said.

Sigurdson said Sawyer embodies those same qualities.

“She’s deeply rooted in the agricultural industry, her heart is in the right place, and I can guarantee every single person in this room that she will gear up, throw her boots on, and do everything for the agricultural industry.”

He concluded by welcoming Sawyer to her new role, expressing confidence in the future of Alberta’s agriculture industry.