BASF Agricultural Solutions has unveiled its Alberta finalists for the Growing Home With BASF initiative, with $40,000 in prize money up for grabs.
The program provides support to organizations that strengthen rural communities. Three organizations were selected from nominations across Canada as Alberta finalists for a public vote.
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WHY IT MATTERS: Small rural communities often rely on volunteerism to keep its facilities running and contests like Growing Home with BASF helps stretch those dollars to keep things open.
Battle River Ag Society
The Battle River Ag Society has been operating since 1930 and hosts the oldest and largest annual amateur rodeo in Alberta, drawing more than 1,000 people each summer. The rodeo weekend gives local community groups the chance to fundraise through food and services.
Beyond the rodeo, the society owns and operates the largest community hall in the area, hosting farmers markets, 4-H events, weddings, dances, meetings and more — all run by volunteers and supported by local businesses.
Athabasca District Ag Society
ADAS has been a cornerstone of its community for generations. Last year it hosted events on 57 different days, all planned and operated by volunteers. Programming included cornhole leagues, harvest dinners, gymkhana and equine events, cake nights, First Aid and PAL courses, beach volleyball and other community activities.
The gymkhana program averages 30 to 40 riders per event. During the teachers’ strike, the society supported local families by offering 12 days of affordable programming, serving 87 children. In 2026, ADAS is launching a community garden project focused on food security and education, with produce shared within the community.
Trochu Seniors Housing Society
The Trochu Seniors Housing Society is a volunteer organization raising funds for equipment and furnishings for a new seniors housing complex currently under construction. The facility will house supportive living, lodge and independent living, expanding on the aging St. Mary’s site.
The complex will serve residents from Trochu, Three Hills, Torrington, Rumsey, Elnora and surrounding rural counties including Kneehill, Starland and Red Deer counties, allowing seniors to age in place in the communities they helped build.
How to vote
All Growing Home with BASF finalists will receive a share of the $160,000 prize fund across Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba and Ontario. The three finalists in each province will be awarded first place ($25,000), second place ($10,000) and third place ($5,000). Organizations were selected by a panel of judges, with winners ultimately determined by public votes.
Voting is open from March 31 to April 17. Winners will be announced April 28.
