The 2025 Symposium will be held October 16-18, 2025 at the Camrose Resort Casino & Hotel.
Hotel Rooms for the Symposium (October 16-18): There is a block of rooms available under Alberta Sheep Breeders. You'll need to quote GRP0273 to receive the rate of $149 plus tax/night. Block will be held until September 16, 2025.
Booking 780-679-2376, option 1 quote GRP0273
Informative and Relevant
The Alberta Sheep Breeders’ Association is very proud of the long standing presentation of the biannual Symposium. This event is a premier opportunity for the sheep industry as it brings in speakers, who are experts in their field to present research and technology pertinent to the industry’s growth and sustainability.
We invite you to be a part of the 2025 Symposium so please let us know what works best for your company in terms of sponsorship level and presence at the Symposium.
We could not make this happen without your support.
Barry was raised on a mixed farm in northeastern Alberta. He completed a bachelor’s degree in agriculture specializing in Animal Science from the University of Alberta in
1984.
He worked for Alberta Agriculture for 31 years in many different capacities. And 9 years
in private industry.
In 2009 Barry completed a master’s degree in animal nutri
Barry was raised on a mixed farm in northeastern Alberta. He completed a bachelor’s degree in agriculture specializing in Animal Science from the University of Alberta in
1984.
He worked for Alberta Agriculture for 31 years in many different capacities. And 9 years
in private industry.
In 2009 Barry completed a master’s degree in animal nutrition. His research investigated the differences in winter feed waste and quality loss when animals were fed on the ground compared to feeding in portable bunks.
In March of 2020, Barry and Yvonne started Yaremcio Ag Consulting Ltd. as an
independent ruminant nutritionist and production management consultant.
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, PhD, is an Applied Social Psychologist and professor at the University of Alberta's Augustana Campus. She studies stressors and resilience in rural and farming communities, turning research into practical programs to support the mental health and well-being of those working in the agricultural industry. She is the
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, PhD, is an Applied Social Psychologist and professor at the University of Alberta's Augustana Campus. She studies stressors and resilience in rural and farming communities, turning research into practical programs to support the mental health and well-being of those working in the agricultural industry. She is the provincial lead researcher of the Agricultural Wellbeing in Alberta (AgWellAB) program.
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson, PhD (she/her)
Professor of Psychology
Department of Social Sciences
Augustana Faculty, University of Alberta
Research Lead, AgWellAB, Agricultural Well-Being in Alberta
Understanding Farmers' Readiness to Make a Succession Plan (link to paper)
Mental Health Impact of Depopulation on Farmers (link to paper)
Dr Kim Stanford
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson
Dr Kim Stanford
Dr. Kim Stanford is an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge in the Department of
Biological Sciences. Before this, she was a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and
Forestry for many years, starting her career as a Sheep Scientist. Her current research involves
food and feed-borne pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Shi
Dr. Kim Stanford is an Associate Professor at the University of Lethbridge in the Department of
Biological Sciences. Before this, she was a research scientist with Alberta Agriculture and
Forestry for many years, starting her career as a Sheep Scientist. Her current research involves
food and feed-borne pathogens such as Salmonella spp., Shiga toxin producing E. coli, and
mycotoxins such as cereal ergot. She co-hosted the podcast ‘Cows on the Planet’ to provide balanced, science-based information on the impacts of livestock on the environment. She is also currently studying converting food waste from retail grocers and food processors to silage
for livestock feed, with the initial lamb feeding study now in progress. A life-long Alberta, Kim’s family farm is in the hills of Spring Coulee, population 57, in the south-west corner of the
province.
Joel Bokenfohr
Rebecca Purc-Stephenson
Dr Kim Stanford
Joel Bokenfohr, MFRE, FEA, Transition Advisor
Joel helps primary producers and farm families make decisions on transition planning, farm management and business structures. With his extensive agriculture and financial background, he works with entrepreneurs, and agriculture industry advisors to create solid business and transition plans. J
Joel Bokenfohr, MFRE, FEA, Transition Advisor
Joel helps primary producers and farm families make decisions on transition planning, farm management and business structures. With his extensive agriculture and financial background, he works with entrepreneurs, and agriculture industry advisors to create solid business and transition plans. Joel continues to farm in Sturgeon County, Alberta, with his family.
Joel holds a degree in commerce and management from MacEwan University, a master’s in economics from the University of British Columbia, and agribusiness certificates from Texas A&M and the University of Sao Paulo
Heidi Dube
Jennifer Annett
Jennifer Annett
Jennifer Annett
Jennifer Annett
Jennifer Annett
Roger Albers
Jennifer Annett
Roger Albers
Alvin Kopp
Jennifer Annett
Roger Albers
Jack Fisher
Erik GrafVonPlaten
Erik GrafVonPlaten
Erik GrafVonPlaten
Erik GrafVonPlaten
Erik GrafVonPlaten
Cory Stuber
Erik GrafVonPlaten
Cory Stuber
Symposium Registration Pricing - all prices are subject to GST