Reading Time: 4 minutes The past two years have been challenging for everyone, including Alberta’s agricultural societies. But many are now gearing up for an active summer. “They’re very hopeful that summer will be open and without restrictions,” said Tim Carson, CEO of the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies. “The mood is quite positive. For the most part, everybody […] Read more
Alberta ag societies aiming to ‘get the summer off the ground’
Alberta’s agriculture societies still struggling to stay afloat
Some are hosting smaller events but ones that bring in big crowds and dollars are off the table
Reading Time: 4 minutes Alberta’s ag societies are in the same sinking ship they’ve been in since the pandemic started — but they’re doing whatever they can to stay afloat. “The situation is not a whole lot better, but our ag societies are beginning to adapt to be able to provide some programming and events for the public to […] Read more
Apply now to be an Open Farm Days host farm
Deadline for host applications is May 31
Reading Time: < 1 minute Applications are now open for farmers and ranchers wanting to host visitors during this year’s Open Farm Days. The annual event, which takes place on Aug. 17-18 this year, set records in 2018 for the number of participating farms and on-farm sales. Now entering its seventh year, Alberta Open Farm Days features open houses, culinary […] Read more
Grant to reduce ag societies’ energy costs
Reading Time: < 1 minute The government of Alberta has announced a $10-million grant program to reduce energy use in facilities operated by agricultural societies, which operate more than 700 facilities including hockey rinks, curling rinks, community halls and facilities that serve rodeos and fairs. The new program will support technologies that help them reduce greenhouse gas emissions and facility […] Read more
Ag societies get their funding wish
Reading Time: < 1 minute Alberta’s ag societies got their wish in last month’s provincial budget — stable funding from the province. The government pledged to give the 283 primary and seven regional agricultural societies $11.5 million per year for the next three years. “This longer-term commitment ensures that agricultural societies can plan ahead and budget for the facilities, events, […] Read more
Ag societies gearing up for the summer — and beyond
Reading Time: 2 minutes Summer may seem like a long way off but across the province, tens of thousands of volunteers are gearing up for the annual frenzy of festivals and summer events. “All indications from our members are that they’re prepared, ready to go, and do what they normally do for their communities in 2018,” said Tim Carson, […] Read more
Open Farms Days breaks record for visitors and sales
Reading Time: < 1 minute The latest edition of Open Farm Days broke records as visitors flocked to farms and ranches across the province to experience the sights, sounds and tastes of rural Alberta. Newly released data shows there were close to 18,000 visits to the 92 farms and ranches hosting events and activities Aug. 20-21, while 26 culinary events […] Read more
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