Alberta’s regional agricultural societies, which are struggling with financial pressures and operational costs for their facilities, have asked for more support from the provincial government.  |  File photo

Alta. charts new course for regional ag societies

The provincial government will fund a report that looks for ways to support these important rural organizations

Glacier FarmMedia – The Alberta government has announced funding to study how the province can best support its seven regional agricultural societies. “I think some gaps will be identified, but the benefits will be in identifying the value of ag societies in general,” said Tim Carson, chief executive officer of the Alberta Association of Agricultural […] Read more

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies owns or operate more than 900 facilities ranging from community halls to ice rinks that act as the hub of the rural communities they serve, hosting more than 37,000 events per year. | Paul Yanko photo

Alta. considers expanding ag society funding

CALGARY — The Alberta government is looking at expanding funding for a program that provides $2.5 million per year to agricultural societies to repair and upgrade facilities such as arenas and rodeo grounds relied on by rural residents. “It’s definitely a consideration,” said Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson when asked about the need for […] Read more

Agricultural societies own or operate more than 900 facilities across Alberta, including community halls, ice rinks, grandstands and riding arenas, said agriculture minister RJ Sigurdson. | Screencap via twitter.com/@AlbertaAg

Alberta ag societies receive funding to upgrade facilities

Provincial government commits to spending $2.5 million per year to help agricultural societies maintain infrastructure

A new provincial program that will provide $2.5 million per year to upgrade the facilities of Alberta’s agricultural societies is being welcomed despite the fact their infrastructure totals about $1.4 billion. “These volunteer organizations have been doing the best job they can to ensure that infrastructure has remained as viable as possible,” said Tim Carson, […] Read more


A young girl leads a calf on a halter in a show ring.

Ag event organizers push back on fed rules

Proposed federal changes would add reporting requirements to everything from 4-H beef sales to full rodeos

Under proposed federal changes, groups and venues that host events such as roping, rodeos and 4-H beef will be required to report on livestock that had been onsite.