NISKU, Alta. — Margaret Cook, executive director of Alberta Lamb Producers, was presented with the association’s first recognition award Sept. 6 during an industry marketing meeting.
“Margaret is a person who does a pile of work for our industry, and I don’t think that she realizes herself the impact she has on our industry,” said board chair Ronald den Broeder.
“She is the friendly voice on the end of the phone answering producers’ calls, explaining government programs and basic shepherding.
“She is absolutely the face of the industry and is always positive and has endless patience with producers. knowing it affects how producers view Alberta Lamb Producers.”
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Cook emigrated from England in 1996 to farm near Beiseker, Alta. In 2000, Alberta Lamb Producers hired her as an office administrator and in 2004 promoted her to executive director.
“Everything she does stems from pure passion for all agriculture, not just the sheep industry,” den Broeder said. “We are just lucky it is our industry she has chosen to carry this passion out.”
Susan Hosford, business development specialist with Alberta Agriculture, said Cook’s award is “justly deserved.”
“She is incredibly committed to the lamb industry. She is also incredibly dedicated to a strong producer organization, and the effort she puts in to make sure every single lamb producer in Alberta feels included, has the tools they need, is absolutely amazing.”
