Celebrating 23 Years of Dedication: Doug Jensen’s Legacy with the MD of Taber

Posted on March 19, 2026 by Vauxhall Advance

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

After 23 years of dedicated service, Doug Jensen has officially retired from his role as Agricultural Foreman with the Municipal District (MD) of Taber. Doug’s career has been marked by his commitment to the rural community, his hands-on expertise, and his ability to adapt to the ever-changing demands of the job. From overseeing roadside vegetation control and pest management to maintaining parks and green spaces, Doug’s contributions have left a lasting impact on the MD of Taber.

Doug began his journey with the MD as an equipment operator, a role he held for five years before stepping into the position of Agricultural Foreman—a role he would excel in for the next 18 years.

Reflecting on his time with the MD, Doug shared, “When I started, we were mowing ditches with a handy hitch and a 10-foot mower. Over the years, technology has transformed the way we work. I was actually the first in Alberta to use the Degelman Sidearm® mower, and now it’s the standard across most counties.”

While Doug embraced the advancements in technology, like the switch from the Handy Hitch to the larger Degelman, he acknowledged the challenges that came with it.

“The last few years have been tough because everything is so computer-driven now. Even our mechanics can’t fix some of the issues without specialized programs from the dealerships. It’s frustrating when you have the knowledge and tools but can’t do the work yourself.”

Doug’s career wasn’t just about adapting to change—it was also about creating memories and sharing stories. One particularly memorable moment involved a project at the shooting range north of Taber. Doug and his team were tasked with rolling massive coconut rolls down a hill to stabilize the soil.

“At first I thought I could stop one of the rolls with my foot,” Doug chuckled. “Let’s just say I ended up black and blue from my knee to my toes. We eventually had to use steel bars to stop them, but my leg held up better than a few 4x4s!”

When they tried to use the 4x4s to stop the heavy rolls from, well, rolling, the wooden bars simply broke. Doug knows he is lucky his leg didn’t suffer the same fate.

Another story Doug shared involved a creative (and slightly risky) attempt to transport picnic tables.

“We decided to stack three layers of tables on the trailer instead of two. I climbed up to tie them down, but the top table tilted, and I ended up hitting the gravel—and the tongue of the trailer—with my elbow. Everyone had a good laugh, and thankfully, no bones were broken. That was 20 years ago, but my elbow still reminds me of it.”

Despite the bumps and bruises, Doug looks back on his career with gratitude.

 “It was a good place to work, and I met a lot of great people over the years. The job had its challenges, especially with changes in management, but I’m proud of what we accomplished.”

Now retired, Doug is looking forward to an active life on the family ranch, where he continues to serve as the lease rider for the Barnwell Grazing Association—a role his family has held for over 55 years.

“I’ve still got horses to ride and cows to check,” he said with a smile. “It’s a good way to stay busy.”

When asked if he had any advice for his successor, Doug offered a simple yet practical tip: “Be really good with computers.”

Doug Jensen’s 23 years of service have left an indelible mark on the MD of Taber. His dedication, leadership, and sense of humor will be missed, but his legacy will undoubtedly inspire those who follow in his footsteps.

Thank you, Doug, for your years of hard work and commitment to our community. Enjoy your well-deserved retirement!