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Agrivoltaics: How Combining Solar Panels And Farming Delivers Big Benefits
Kayt Sukel, www.asce.org, American Society of Civil Engineers, March
Large-scale photovoltaic systems require significant space. To further expand production of solar energy, many have looked to build solar arrays in rural areas, competing with arable land that might be used for agricultural purposes.
While some frame the use of farmland for solar production as an either/or situation, new research in agrivoltaics – or the colocation of solar arrays with agricultural pursuits, including farming and livestock grazing – shows the two may actually provide a “yes, and” opportunity. In fact, some of the latest studies suggest that these hybrid solar-agricultural projects can not just help further the adoption of renewable energy but also offer unexpected benefits to food and crop producers.
“In the past, if you asked the public about what a solar farm might look like, people would think of a parking lot with solar panels or a large desert with concrete and crushed rock. Nobody wants that in their backyard,” said Matthew O’Neal, a professor of entomology at Iowa State University who works on projects at the Alliant Energy Solar Farm at Iowa State, a private-public partnership to study agrivoltaics applications. “But there is growing evidence you can not only use the same land to grow plants and raise livestock but also do other things that can benefit agriculture and the greater community.”
POLLINATOR SUPPORT
Healthy, nutrient-dense crops rely on insect and animal species like honeybees, butterflies, birds, bats, and others to help spread pollen and fertilize plants.
2, 2026
An open question, however, was whether solar panel arrays and their associated components supporting power generation, conversion, storage, safety, and structural support might interfere with the vital work of these pollinators.
“Beekeeping, in the U.S., is becoming less sustainable. Survival of hives from one year to the next is headed downward. And over the past 30 years, honeybees are less productive,” explained O’Neal. “We know that there are ways to improve honeybee productivity, but there isn’t a lot of public land we can modify to do that.”
But O’Neal and colleagues could make those kinds
of modifications to the university’s agrivoltaics site, adding native, perennial flowering vegetation to help attract and support the bees close to the area where crops are being grown. They found that doing so led to a 412% increase in honey production for a collection of honeybee colonies, without interfering with energy generation or farming efforts.
“What we see is that people in Iowa are worried about the loss of farmland with the increase in solar farms,” O’Neal said. “But you can still grow plants under and around solar panels and, if you’re thoughtful about it, you can also support activities that even improve upon existing agricultural efforts in the area.”
Iowa State University researchers have found many benefits from agrivoltaics, including modifications that resulted in a 412% rise in honey production for a collection of honeybee colonies. PHOTO CREDIT: ALLIANT ENERGY SOLAR FARM AT IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY
GRAZING LANDS
Taylor Bacon, a doctoral candidate in the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences at Colorado State University who has an undergraduate degree in engineering, has noted unexpected agrivoltaics benefits when it comes to livestock grazing.
“From a scale perspective, the amount of land we need for large-scale solar energy generation means we need to look for opportunities where there is already a large land footprint we can use – and animal grazing is one of those opportunities,” she said.
Bacon said several studies have shown that, particularly in sheep grazing, solar panels help reduce heat stress in the animals. In addition, these sites can maintain adequate grass productivity to feed future generations of livestock.
While there remain many open questions about how to simultaneously support both animals and energy generation efforts, the two seem more than compatible. Bacon and her team will be studying cattle in a pilot solar grazing site this summer to gather more data.
“From what we know so far, you can still support enough forage growth to graze sheep successfully. There don’t seem to be any downsides,” she said. “But we need to do more work to see if it’s scalable for other types of grazing.”
IMPROVED WORKING CONDITIONS
Pollinators and livestock are not the only animals benefiting from the conditions supported by agrivoltaics sites.
Recent work presented by Talitha Neesham-McTiernan, a doctoral student at the University of Arizona’s Department of Geography, Development, and the Environment, at the 2025 American Geophysical Union annual meeting suggests that farmworkers appreciate
the shelter from the sun that solar panels provide.
“In a lot of (food) sustainability conversations, we’re thinking about resource use and not about farmworkers and their bodies,” said Neesham-McTiernan in an AGU press release.
After noting that many fieldworkers would plan to work in the panels’ shade during the hottest part of the day at an agrivoltaics farm near Longmont, Colorado, she decided to take a closer look at what kind of benefits the solar panels offered workers.
Through targeted interviews, she learned that farmworkers were able to work in the shade, taking the “direct heat load off” and reducing the risk of heat-related illness. The workers also appreciated that they were able to keep their drinking water cool, which helped them regulate their body temperatures as well as reduce feelings of exhaustion at the end of the workday.
Neesham-McTiernan also measured wet bulb globe temperature, which denotes extreme heat risk and is used to determine unsafe outdoor work conditions at the agrivoltaics farm. She and her colleagues learned that agrivoltaics reduced that number, on average, up to 9.9 degrees Fahrenheit compared with open-air farms.
That difference reduces the potential of a stopped workday due to high temperatures. With this preliminary data in place, the research team hopes to gather more information about what other advantages agrivoltaics might provide workers across different climates and environments.
“(Agrivoltaics) isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution,” she said. “It can’t be used everywhere. But with the threat of heat, we need a catalog of ways we can protect farmworkers. Without them, we can’t feed ourselves. Protecting them and their bodies should be paramount to everyone.”
THE RIGHT SETUP FOR MAXIMUM BENEFITS
There is a need for continued research into agrivoltaics systems – and that work could yield even more unexpected benefits, depending on the specific area where the solar farm is located and what kind of agricultural activities take place there – Bacon said.
“We have a lot of one-off field studies, and we are learning that these systems look different in different climate regions whether you are in the western or southeastern United States,” she said. “There’s a need for more field research to understand all the different variables, but there is a lot of promising data showing that animals can do well in these grazing environments and that you can have higher productivity, growing more fruits and vegetables, under solar arrays than in open conditions.
“It offers some really cool potential synergies to make agriculture more climate resilient while you are also producing carbon-free electricity.”
In the meantime, however, she added, there is great opportunity for “creativity” in engineering and design to create novel systems and arrays to bring about even more synergistic benefits.
“So many projects have come from how to fit agriculture into existing solar arrays,” she said. “There’s a lot of room to design new arrays that aren’t energy first, everything else second. We can use the research that is happening to create new arrays that prioritize agriculture.
“On the construction side of things, there is also a lot of potential to develop new construction practices to set these sites up for success from the very beginning. There’s a lot of room here for interdisciplinary teams, including civil engineers, to come together and collaborate to support these multiple uses for land to ensure it benefits everyone.” NH
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Cleardale Ag Society Announces Ranch Rodeo For 2026
Cleardale, April 16, 2026
The Cleardale Ag Society has announced that the 2026 Ranch Rodeo & Broncs event will be taking place at the Clear River Campground, 10 minutes west of Cleardale, AB on Saturday, June 13th and Sunday, June 14th.
The rodeo is scheduled to run from 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, with Sunday starting with breakfast at 8:00 a.m. followed by a church service at 9:00 a.m. before the rodeo fires up at 11:00 a.m.
Ranch Rodeo events this year include Branding, Team Doctoring, Penning, 3-in-1s, Mini-Buckers, Sorting, Stray Gathering, Trailer Loading, Wild Horse Races, Wild Cow Milking, Tug-of-War, Novice Ranch Broncs, Open Ranch Broncs and the ever-popular Kid’s Calf Scramble.
Contact Josh (780-834-8663) at the Ag Society after May 1st for event information or to register for an event. NH
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Wild Boar Control Program Update
Saddle Hills County, Apr 10, 2026 | Hannah McKenzie, Wild Boar Specialist, with the Alberta Wild Boar Control Program has
The Wild Boar Control Program is taking some big steps towards eradicating wild boar in Alberta with the support of all our amazing partners.
Since 2018, trappers have removed 595 wild boar, including 108 in 2025 and 9 so far in 2026. While it is hard to know for sure what impact our efforts are having on the wild boar population, observations from trappers and landowners suggest we are moving in the right direction. We have started working with Dr. Mathieu Pruvot and his team at the University of Calgary to develop presence/absence and population models for wild boar which will help tell the story of what is happening using data and scientific methods.
Last year the government changed how it manages wild boar. Wild boar are now a pest in all circumstances,
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not just when at large. This means it is illegal to keep, import, purchase or otherwise obtain, export, sell or otherwise dispose of, or transport live wild boar or wild boar hybrids without a permit. As a consequence, farming wild boar is no longer allowed. Options were provided to help wild boar owners adjust to these changes including a voluntary exit with compensation through the Wild Boar On-Farm Exit Program or being grandfathered and continuing to farm wild boar under strict conditions. Changes were also made to how wild boar are controlled. It is now illegal to hunt or trap wild boar in Alberta, with exceptions provided for owners and occupants of land, and those assisting them to control wild boar, Indigenous harvesters with a permit, and private pest control operators with a permit. Finally, it is now mandatory to report
any wild boar kills. These policy and regulation changes are aligned with other jurisdictions who are having success at controlling and eliminating wild boar, and they have put Alberta squarely on the path towards successfully eradicating wild boar.
With spring around the corner, our trapping teams have just under two months of good trapping conditions left before wild boar have access to an abundance of natural food and become near impossible to trap. Over the summer, teams will prepare for next winter’s control efforts by gathering intelligence through scouting, deploying cameras, and talking to landowners.
For more information, or to report sightings or sign of wild boar, email wildboar@gov.ab.ca , call 310-FARM(2276), visit alberta.ca/wildboar, or report through the EDDMapS app. NH
Temporarily Suspending The Federal Fuel Excise Tax
Department of Finance Canada, April 15, 2026
The Government of Canada intends to introduce legislative amendments to the Excise Tax Act to temporarily suspend the application of the federal fuel excise tax on gasoline, diesel fuel, and aviation fuels by setting their rates to 0 cents per litre, effective April 20, 2026 until Labour Day, September 7, 2026 (inclusive). This measure is intended to address fuel price pressures caused by global oil disruptions related to the Middle East conflict.
Details on the temporary suspension of the federal fuel excise tax, including the applicable rates as well as scope and timing of application, can be found below.
TEMPORARY SUSPENSION OF FEDERAL FUEL EXCISE TAX RATES ON GASOLINE, DIESEL, AND AVIATION FUELS
The federal excise tax currently applies at a rate of 10 cents per litre on gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, and 4 cents per litre on diesel fuel and aviation fuel, other than aviation gasoline. The tax is typically payable by the manufacturer or wholesaler at delivery to a retailer and is embedded in the price of fuel, for example at the pump. Heating oil is exempt from this tax and there is no federal excise tax on natural gas or propane. Provincial governments also collect their own gasoline and diesel taxes.
As of April 20, 2026, federal excise tax rates on gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, and aviation fuel would be reduced to 0 cents per litre. This temporary suspension would apply to gasoline, unleaded aviation gasoline, diesel fuel, and aviation fuel for which the tax became payable after April 19, 2026, such as gasoline or diesel fuel delivered by a manufacturer or producer to a purchaser, or sold by a licensed wholesaler or imported into Canada after that day. This temporary suspension would remain in effect until and including September 7, 2026. On September 8, 2026, the federal excise tax would return to the full rate of 10 cents per litre for gasoline and unleaded aviation gasoline, and 4 cents per litre for diesel fuel and aviation fuel, other than aviation gasoline.
It is estimated this will provide over $2.4 billion in total tax relief that will ease the pressure of high fuel prices on Canadians in 2026. NH
HARD 8 ROUGHSTOCK INDOOR RODEO
Burningonthe Landscape: HowPrescribed Fire Shapes
B y: Kristin Korten,MS cCandidate, Agricultureand
InthenorthernPeaceRegionofBritish Columbia, grasslandsandmixed-woodecosystems sit at theintersectionofwildfirerisk, agriculturaldemand,andecologicalchange. Ranchers relyontheselandscapes forforageproduction, yetthesame vegetationthat feedscattlecanalsofuelwildfires. As thelastseveral yearshave broughthotter,drier summers,landmanagersare increasinglylookingtoprescribedfire —theintentional, carefully controlleduseofburning —asa tool to reducefuelloads, rejuvenate forage, andmaintainecosystem resilience
Despiteitslonghistor yasanIndigenouslandstewardshippractice,prescribedfire remainsunderusedinnorthern British Columbia. Thisislargelydue toconcerns regardingtheefficacy andsafetyofprescribedfireuse.Scientificdataspecific to the PeaceRegionaresparse,leavinglandownersandpolicymakerswithmore questions thananswers.How doesfireaffect foragequalityandsoilhealth?Howdotheseeffects vary acrosstheregion’sdiverselandscapes?
Thesearethequestionsdrivinga multiyear researchprojec texaminingprescribedfire, grazing,andsoilandplant interactionsacross foursitesinthenorthernPeace Region. Theprojec tcombines vegetationandsoilsampling to build aclearerpictureofhow prescribedfirecanbeusedas asustainablelandandrangemanagementtool.
Thefirstfullseasonofplantsampling,completedin2024 at twosites,hasalready revealeddifferencesamongsites— andevidencethattreatmentwithprescribedfire influencesbiomassproductionandqualities.
WhyFire? AToolWithEcologicalRoots
Fire hasshapedgrasslandand forestecosystemsformanyyears.Lowintensityburns recyclenutrients,stimulatenewplantgrowth,andmaintainmoreofanopenhabitat structure.Inmanyregions,fire isessential fortheproductivityofnativegrassesand forbs.
In the PeaceRegion,however, longperiodsoffire suppressionhavealterednatural disturbance cycles.Finefuelsaccumulate, woodyspeciesencroachintograsslands, and foragequalityoftendeclines.Prescribedfireoffers away to improvethesesystems— butonlyifitseffectsarewellunderstood.
Soil type,moistureregime, vegetationcommunity,and grazinghistor y, amongother variousfac tors,allshapehowaburnedsite responds. Thatvariability is exactlywhat makesthe PeaceRegionanideal—andchallenging—placetostudyprescribedfire.
A FourSiteStudy AcrosstheNorthern Peace
Theprojec tincludes fourfieldsiteslocatedinthe PeaceRegion,each representing differentsoils,vegetation communities,andmanagementhistories.Allsites were burned under controlled conditions,andeachincludesbothpairedburnedandunburned,and grazedandungrazedareas to determinetheeffectsoffireand grazingon forageand soil.
In 2024,our research team conduc teddetailedvegetationsampling,including:
• Abovegroundbiomass collection
•Specieslevel compositionestimates
•Foragefiberanalysis (ADF,NDF)
•Carbon/Nitrogen averages
Nutrientcontent analyses(sodium,magnesium,phosphoru
Althoughthefullmultiyeardatasetisstillbein resultsalreadyhighlightseveralimportant patterns.
Preliminar yResults: Fire’s InfluenceonForage
Figure1:Exampleoftheplantsampling design,pre- cutting.
The2024 resultsshoweffectsofprescribedfir tested,foragebiomass wasgreaterinburnedareastha approximately30% greaterproduction fo addition,bothsitesshoweda decreasein fo aciddetergentfiberandneutraldetergentfi lowerthantheunburnedareas.Firehassomeeffec presentateachsiteaswell, withburnedplotshavingabout8%higherC:N.
Theseareimportant findings toconsider,asb the overallforagequality. An increaseinbiomassmeansther material forgrazers to utilize.Adecreaseinfiber greaterdigestibilityofforagematerial,leading increasedenergy availabilityfor grazers.This grazers to feedon. Finally,a higherC:Nratioindica nitrogencontent compared to thecarboncon used forgrazingwhichhelpsmaintainsoilh
What TheseEarlyResults Mean forLand Ma
Althoughthisprojec tisstillinprogress,thefirst takeawaysfor ranchers,landmanagers,andpolicymakers.
1.Siteconditionsarea keyconsideration
Forage Quality inthePeaceRegionofBritish Columbia
Agri-FoodCanada, Thompson RiversUniversity
es(sodium,magnesium,phosphorus, etc.)
ardatasetisstillbeingassembled,the2024plantsampling patterns.
orage Quality
scribedfireonforagequalities.Forbothsites edareasthaninunburnedareas,averaging forplotsthathadundergoneburning.In ragefiber contentintheburnedareas,with berbeingaround8%and14%, respectively, assomeeffec tonthecarbon/nitrogen ratios urnedplotshavingabout8%higherC:N.
,asburningclearlyshows positiveeffectson increaseinbiomassmeanstherewillbegreater forage ecreaseinfiber contentintheburnedplotsindicates eading to agreaterintakeofdr ymatterand his forage typeisthustheidealmaterial for ioindicatesburningleads to agreaterlossof ontent,a beneficial featureofforagematerial lhealthandmicrobialactivity.
Management hefirst yearofplant samplingoffersseveral ndpolicymakers.
Managementplansmustbetailored to local conditionsinorder to bestaddressthe needsoftheparticularsite’secosystemandthedesiredoutcome.
2. Fire maybeusedas amanagement technique
Fire consistentlyshowedpositiveeffectsonthe twosites tested,though to different ex tentslikelybasedoffthespecificsite’spre -existing conditions(soiltype,vegetation present, moistureregime,etc.). Implementationof aprescribedfireplanonpastures andrangelandproves to be areliablemethodofmaintaininghealthyforagematerial, ideal forgrazing.
3.Multiyeardataareessential
The2024 results representonlythefirst growingseasonaf terfire.Longer term monitoring willrevealhowplant andsoil communitieschange overtime.
Looking Ahead
As theprojec tcontinuesthrough2026,the researchwillexpand to includesoilhealth indicators,microbialactivity, andlonger term vegetationdynamics.Thesedatawill helpanswercriticalquestionsaboutthesustainabilityofprescribedfireinnorthern ecosystems.
Ultimately,thegoalis to providelandownerswithsciencebased recommendationsthat balanceforageproduction,ecologicalhealth,andwildfire risk reduction.
In aregionwherelandscapesarebeing reshaped very quickly,prescribedfiremay prove to benotjust amanagementtool,but apathway to restoringecologicalprocessesthat have beenmissing foralongtime.
Forthelatestprojec tupdates -and forfuturefindingsastheyarepublished -visitthe PeaceRiver Forage AssociationofBC website at peaceforage.bc.ca.
Fundingforthisprojec twasinpart provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s AgriScience ProgramundertheSustainable Canadian AgriculturalPartnership,the Beef Cattle Research Council(BCRC) andtheBC HydroPeaceAgriculturalCompensation Fund.
InpartnershipwithResearchGroups
Figure2:Exampleoftheplantsampling design,post-cut.
Figure4:Studentsper formingsoil collection at oneofthe foursitesinfallof2025.
4-H ACHIEVEMENT DAY IN YOURAREA
Monday, May11,2026
DrysdaleCenter,Foster’sPavilion, EvergreenPark,GrandePrairie,AB
Bezanson4-HMultiClub,KleskunMulti4-HClub
Show: 9:30a.m. •Supper:5:30p.m. •Sale:7:00p.m.
OnOffer: 38MarketSteers
Contact: JeffWarkentin(780)832-7426 |TaraBullen780-832-1556
Saturday,May23 &Sunday,May24,2026
DCCRidgevalley4-HMultiClubShow&Sale
CranberryLakeRodeoGrounds,DeBolt,AB
Friday,June 5andSaturday,June6,2026
GrandePrairie4-HMultiClub
LewisHawkesArena&DrysdaleArena, Foster’sPavilion,EvergreenPark,GrandePrairie,AB
OnOffer: MarketSteers,MarketSheep,Chickens FridayShow&Sale: Friday,June 5•Show:10:00a.m. •Sale:7:00p.m.
Saturday: Archery,BenchShow &Equine
Contact: JulieBudgell(780)380-5958
Saturday,June 6&Sunday,June7,2026
OnOffer: 24MarketSteers,10MarketLambs, 4MarketSheep
SaturdayShow: 12Noon
SundayShow: 12Noon •Buyer’sSupper:6:00p.m. •Sale:7:00p.m.
Contact: ChelsieDillabough(780)402-9578
Monday,May25,2025
Beaverlodge4-HBeefClubAchievementDay
EdBrown &EdHotteAgComplex,Beaverlodge,AB
Show: 11:00a.m. •Supper:5:30p.m. •Sale:7:00p.m.
Contact: ReneeMiller(780)832-8029 |AndreaConrad(780)518-5706
beaverlodgebeef4h@4hab.com
Sunday,May31,2026
CoyoteAcres4-HAchievementDayShow&Sale
SaddleChamps4-HClub &YoungHearts &Strong Hooves4-HClub AchievementDays SunsetPrairieRecreationGrounds,SunsetPrairie,BC SaddleChamps4-HClub &YoungHearts &StrongHooves4-HClub Beef,LeatherCraftsandCloverbud ShowStartsat10:00a.m.BothDays SaddleChampsContact: AmandaStafford250-262-9624
YoungHeartsBeefContact: Beef –TalonGauthier250-219-3944
YoungHeartsLeathercraft/CloverbudsContact:Jenn Teuling250-219-9217
Monday,June8,2026
HighPrairieAgriplex
Show: 1:00p.m.,SupperandSaletofollow
OnOffer: MarketSteers,MarketLambsandPoultry
Contact: LeighBlackhurst780-536-6735
Monday,June1,2026
Montagneuse4-HMultiClubAchievementDayShow &Sale
DaveShawMemorialArena,HinesCreek,AB
Montagneuse4-HMultiClub
Show: 10:00a.m. •Buyer’sSupper:5:30p.m. •Sale:7:00 p.m.
OnOffer: MarketSteersandMarketSwine
AnnualAchievementDay,Show &Sale PioneerMuseum,LacCardinalGrounds,Grimshaw,AB Berwyn4-HMultiCoveralls &Dixonville4-HMultiClub OnOffer: MarketSteers,MarketLambs,Chickens Show: 2:00p.m. •Sale7:00p.m.
Contact: PaulFranz(780)618-5983orAlisonGreenwald(780)360-3694
Monday,June8,2026
EastPeaceInterclubAchievementDay,Show &Sale SprucePointParkMulti-Plex,HighPrairie,AB KinusoLakeside4-HMultiClub &MirrorLanding4-HMulti-Club OnOffer: MarketSteers,MarketLambs &Hens Show: 10:00a.m.•Sale7:00p.m.
Contact: LyndsayFleming(780)821-2596
Monday,June8,2026
Contact: BobbiJoRowe(780)772-1424
Monday,June1,2026
ThreeRivers4HClubAchievementDay &Sale
BattleRiverAgGrounds,Manning,AB
ThreeRivers4HBeefClub -Manning
OnShow: MarketSteers,EquineandCleavers
Show: 1:00p.m.•Sale:7:00p.m.
Lakeview4-HMulti-ClubAchievementDay,Show& Sale Tire ProEventsCentre, TeepeeCreek,AB
OnOffer: 14MarketSteers, 3MarketLambs, 4CleaverLambs, 6Pensof3 ButcherChickenProjects Archery: 11:00a.m.•Show:1:00p.m. •Buyer’s Supper6:00p.m. •Sale7:00p.m.
Contact:JeffBinks780-228-3975
Contact: ChrisGraw(780)836-0888
Monday,June1,2026
Valleyview &District4-HBeefAchievementDay
HollingsworthArena, Valleyview,AB
Wildrose4-HMultiClub,PrairieRose4-HMultiClub
Show: 12:00Noon •Sale:7:00p.m.
Contact: JenniferDavis(780)524-9643orjenncowgirl@hotmail.com
Wednesday,June3,2026
Savannah/East West/EagleshamShow&Sale
Savanna4-HMulti-Club,East/West Woking4-HClub,Eaglesham4-HBeefClub
SavannaRec-Plex,Savanna,AB
Saturday,July4,2026
Groundbirch4-HMulti-Club11thAnnualAchievementDay DawsonCreekExhibitionAssociationBeefBarn, DawsonCreek,BC Beef,Sheep,SmallEngines,LeatherCrafts,Foods,Cloverbuds Show: 10:00a.m.• Supper: 5:00p.m. •Sale:6:00p.m.
Contact: ChantelOdden250-219-1823
OnOffer: 27Steers
Show: 1:00p.m. •KingoftheRing:6:45p.m.•Sale:7:00p.m.
ShowContact: TerriFitzpatrick780-864-5466 |SusieJack780-499-9699
ShowContact: AdamFitzpatrick780-864-1235 |JaceEarl780-864-5827
Friday,July3,Saturday,July 4&Sunday,July5,2026 NorthPeaceDistrict4-HAchievementDays NorthPeaceRegionalPark,RosePrairie,BC Green Valley4-HClub,Lakeshore4-HClub,PrespatouCommunity4-HClub, SilverWillow4-HClub, Wonowon4-HClub Beef,Dairy,Sheep,Swine,Dogs,Alpacas,SmallEngines
OnOffer: 58MarketSteers,26MarketLambs,17MarketHogs ShowFri: 5:00p.m. |Sat &Sun:9:00a.m. •Sale(Sun):4:00p.m.
Contact: AngelaBriltzab.4hswine@gmail.com
BEZANSON AND KLESKUN
Monday,May11,2026
DrysdaleArena, Foster’s Pavilion
Evergreen Park,GrandePrairie,AB
FeaturingmembersoftheBezanson&Kleskun4-HMulti-Clubs 38STEERSONOFFER ShowStartsat9:30a.m.
We welcome everyonetocomeandjoinusinshowcasingourproject.
Buyer’s Supperat5:30 p.m. SaleStartsat7:00 p.m
Themembers,parentsandclubleaders wouldliketoinvite youtoourAchievementDayandSale.
Themembers wouldliketothankalltheparents,friends,family,localbusinesses,organizations,and sponsorswhohaveplayedamajorpartinthesuccessofourclubs overthepast year.
2025Buyers: Fabricland,RoyalLePage,Standard AutoGlass,RoskaDBO,ReactorServices,UFA Petroleum, Paul Peters, Pembina,IronRockContacting,Wrench Wrex, Johnny’sSausage&MeatsLimited,Keddie’s Trailers&Outdoor PowerEquipment,ClimbMachiningLtd,SprayArcLtd., Wild WestDirtworks,Mr.& Mrs.Martin,CLHBid,BearCreekAnimalClinic, Jeffrey’sCafé,HamptonInnandSuites,AlbertaSelect Meats,OvershotEnergyServicesLtd, TatonkaMeats,Keddie’s Tack & Western Wear,SundownOilfield ServicesLtd,THMachining,Ger-DenSeed FarmLtd,GreenAcre VenturesLtd,CountryPumpOutLtd, MedallionEnergyServices, FirstChoiceElectrical,Quantum PowerProductions,DynamicEnergyGroup Inc, Woods TransportLtd,HighRoad Ventures, TeepeeCreekHaulingLtd.
2025Sponsors: CreekBendRanch,D&KLange,SorensenCattleCo.,GreatNorthElectric,1942403AlbertaLtd.,Lange Family, Krawetz Family, Collins Family,InMemoryofKathleenBullen, Tissington Family, Strid Family, Ashley Sacrey, Sacrey Farms,HG FarmsLtd,David&KarenHollingworth,MelissaStrbanCharteredProfessionalAccountant, 3Scontracting,ReactorServices, Whiskey DeltaDirtCo.,SecureEnergyServices,HighRoad Ventures,Steel&Clover, RoyalLePage– TheRealtyGroup,DorscheidBrosConstruction,Dokat MechanicalLtd, TOC Welding,Dorscheid Farms,MooseLakeOutfitters,HKP Trucking, LynnStrban,Honeydue Farms(Stoodley Family),DoubleD Fencing, LaValleyElectrical,RejuvadermCosmeticDermatology, Ry-BuiltConstruction,Keddies Tack & Western Wear,Richie Brothers, TatonkaMeats,AlbertaSelectMeats,VJV Auctions,DouglasLakeEquipment, NorthernHorizonNewspaper,Shebranee Trucking,andEvergreen Park
Formoreinformationcontact, (Bezanson) Jeff Warkentin780-832-7426or(Kleskun) Tara Bullen780-832-1556| JamieBullen-McIntosh(780)978-1768
WatchforShowFlyers at yourlocalbusinesses.
Crop Rotation Boosts Number And Diversity Of Microbes In Soil
Common agricultural practice can also reduce risk of fungal diseases and increase crop yield, researchers find.
Bev Betkowski, ualberta.ca, February 10,2026
Farmers now have more reasons to consider rotating their crops, University of Alberta research shows.
Widely used to restore soil health, the agricultural practice boosts the diversity of bacterial and fungal microbes that benefit soil function, according to a new study published in Nature Communications.
Researchers analyzed the results of 148 published studies worldwide that used modern DNA sequencing to provide more accurate data on soil microbial diversity. They found that crop rotation raises both the number and overall diversity of bacterial species in soil.
Rotating crops also makes fungal communities in the soil more “unique” from place to place. This increased variation helps reduce the risk of particular types of fungus, such as a pathogen, from dominating an entire field.
And as bacterial richness and fungal diversity increased, so did crop yield, the researchers found. Stronger results were seen in rotations between contrasting types of plants, particularly legumes like beans, and non-legumes like grains.
“By supporting and protecting the soil’s ‘hidden’ microbial biodiversity, crop rotation helps create
conditions that are less prone to nutrient loss and disease pressure,” says Chong Li, a post-doctoral researcher in the Faculty of Agricultural, Life & Environmental Sciences and a co-lead on the study with soil scientist Scott Chang.
“That is more likely to support stable yields and greater food security globally.”
This research was supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, Sulvaris, Norstar Industries and Mitacs. NH
Crop rotation boosts the number and diversity of beneficial soil microbes that can increase yields and protect against fungal diseases, a U of A study shows.
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
ANGUS Cattle Directory
Evans Cattle Company
Glyn & Stephanie Evans, Doe River, BC 250-467-2275
Excel Ranches
Ron & Barb Miller, Westlock, AB
Cody & Amy Miller, Westlock, AB 780-349-0644
Fourth Creek Angus Ranch
Ryan Lacey & Lucie Coche, Spirit River, AB Ryan 780-864-7753 Lucie 780-517-3507
GRA-TAN Farm
Grant & Tanya Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB
780-284-0684
Crystal Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-204-2005
GRA-TAN Farm
Grant & Tanya Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-284-0684
Crystal Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-204-2005
Harvest Angus
Tom & Carolyn Dewaal, Prince George, BC 250-960-0022 | 250-562-5200
Heart Valley Angus
Nat Tschetter & Chris Tschetter Wanham, AB 780-978-6407 / 780-978-6406
Hill 70 Quantock Ranch
Bill, Connor & Tes Creech, Lloydminster Bill 780-871-4947 | Connor 780-871-8496 Ted 306-307-2873 | Adam 780-218-4301
Kjos Black Angus
Marty & Miriam Kjos, Fort St. John, B.C. 250-787-0970
Kleskun Lake Farm
Brady Fraser, Sexsmith, AB 780-505-1734
Lakeroad Black Angus
Jim & Donna Rowe, Worsley, AB Jim 780-835-0455 | Donna 780-835-9588
Lazy B Livestock
Trevor Binks & Melanie Klassen Grande Prairie, AB
Trevor 780-518-0630 Melanie 780-518-0230
Lazy S Ranch
Stewart Ainsworth, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-785-3136 or 780-786-4150
M.C. Quantock
Mac & Pat Creech, Lloydminster, AB 800-561-2855
Northway Cattle Co.
Hwy 64 & RR 94.5, Cleardale, AB Albert 780-834-7055 Peter 780-835-8291
RR Forty Angus
Danny Waluk/Lorinda Wold, Clairmont, AB (D) 780-296-3460 (L) 780-402-1445
Sorensen Cattle Co.
Murray & Nicole Sorensen
Teepee Creek, AB Murray 780-831-6332 Nicole 780-832-1189
Towaw Cattle Co.
Kirk & Jill Wildman, Sangudo, AB 780-305-1661 | 780-305-1146
Dave & Gail Wildman, Sangudo, AB 780-305-1145
Willow Creek Simmentals
Mike & Mari Klassen, Crooked Creek, AB
Colby&Tiffany Klassen,Crooked Creek, AB Mike 780-832-7343 Colby 780-832-6714
Landaker Charolais Farm
Alan & Shirley Landaker, Brownvale, AB 780-618-3928
Pinnacle View Limousin
Rob & Cheryl Swaan, Quesnel, BC
Erin & Eric Kishkan, Quesnel, BC Erin 250-991-6654
Rosebud Creek Charolais
Dan & Holly Schleppe, Dawson Creek, BC 250-786-5698/250-219-5698
Schweitzer Ranch
Troy & Kristina Schweitzer Dawson Creek, BC
Troy 780-814-3598 | Kristina 250-219-4429
CHAROLAIS GELBVEIHS
CELL:(780)402-5617
HOME:(780)356-3611 SCHWEITZERRE@GPNET.CA
RaisingQualityCharolaisCattletomeet theneedsofthe Commercial Industry!
Hill 70 Quantock Ranch
Bill, Connor & Tes Creech, Lloydminster Bill 780-871-4947 | Connor 780-871-8496 Ted 306-307-2873 | Adam 780-218-4301
8WAY CHAROLAIS
Nikki,Kristin,Whitney& CourtneyDrschiwiski Box18,CecilLake,BCV0C1G0 Ph:250-785 -6362 Cell:250-261-0876(Nikki) Cell:250-329-4816(Courtney eightway@pris.ca wanderlust_blues@yahoo.ca )
Blondie Cattle Co. Montana Fogle, High Prairie, AB 780-402-4009
Dry Creek Ranch
Seth Harmon, Cecil Lake, BC 250-793-1858
Hill 70 Quantock Ranch
Bill, Connor & Tes Creech, Lloydminster Bill 780-871-4947 | Connor 780-871-8496 Ted 306-307-2873 | Adam 780-218-4301
JayDawn Farms
Jason & Nikki McQuaig, Sexsmith, AB 780-933-5530
KSL Simmentals
Keegan Scorgie & Brad Smith Beaverlodge, AB Keegan 780-518-6572 | Brad 587-202-0254
780-864-3731Spirit RiverFax:864-3468 TollFree1-800-661-7401
Website: www.rossequip.ca alross@rossequip.ca,864-0236Warren@rossequip.ca864-0217Jay@rossequip.ca978-0188
MechanicalSIMPLICITY 7plexmechanialfold nocomplex sequencing Fewerfailurepoints
AIRSystemCapacity 3”primarysystem
Forhigh-ratefertility 500lb/ac@5mph
April21,2026
AgronomicPerformance extra6”per rankspace Bettertrashclearance withoutplugging
Agronomicconsistency goodintegrityatscale eachopenercontour. doubleshootseparation
10Series820bu,4Tanks80bu,250,bu,135bu,355bu,+TankLoadCellsdualfans. s915720.TopConXD +monitorduals4-900/60R42Convey-AllConveyorSectional Control+70’AirDrill12” Spacingpaired rowdoubleshoots9M5729,820buCart$545,000+70’AD$450,000=$995,000Blow-Out$795,000
70ftMorrisQuantumAirDrill12”spacing4”pair row5”semi-pneupackers.Blockagemonitorseach runseed&fert.Mudscrapers.9800ICTMorrisTank 7sections,4Tanks800 bu TowBehindCart.2Fans, Seedfan&fertfanStainlesssteeltubingandmanifolds.800/70R38dualsrearsinglefront,12”loading conveyorwithremotecontrol.Stainlesssteelmeteringsystem.OPERATING Ran with a top conx35 has extraMasterswitches.Blockagemonitorsystemis intelligentAg,ran withiPadBlow-Out $320,000 CALL780.864.8582For70’AirDrillor535Tractor
20115354wdVersatile535hp,16x4CatP/Stran, QSX15LCummins,850x60Rdualtires80gpmhyd, 6Ehydremotesdifflock,DeluxeCab,radar,Frtwts 2911hrsBlowOut $295,000call 780.864.8582
NEW24DT620DeluxeCab620hp,P/S16x4,PTO, 110gpm6E/hydd/lock36”T6500trks#249650wt 64,800# Blow-OutPrice$795,000
NEW236204wdVersatile620hp,P/SDel/Cab, 110gpm6hyddif/lock,A/S/R21LEDlite s#852715 wt59,800# Blow-OutPrice $ 895,000
TheDF22’sare98%assembled&TestedinSpirit RiverthenTRUCKED FREEofchg tocustomersin AB,SK,MB.ThecustomersuppliesaPickerto spotthedrieronhispad, andafterthe electrical & gashookupiscompletedbytheCustomerwe supplya tech to Commissionthedrier&instruct theCustomer onhowtorunit.A 12”bed ofBarley @100ºCchain850rpm= 37.5mtphx45.9=1720buhr 2026DF22$395,000BLOWOUT $340,000
The2020DF22Drierhasairbafflesand4lowerbedAir ExhaustDoors.Chaff&DustStaysintheGrainbecause
After250,000buofWHEATand50,000buofBarleyin2020
Chittick Farms
Raymond & Mona Chittick Mayerthorpe, AB 780-305-3925
Gold Stock Hereford Farms
Steve, Ashley & Brad White Beaverlodge, AB 780-518-0064 | 780-354-3190
Hill 70 Quantock Ranch
Bill, Connor & Tes Creech, Lloydminster Bill 780-871-4947 | Connor 780-871-8496 Ted 306-307-2873 | Adam 780-218-4301
Jonomn Hereford Ranch
Norm & Joanne Parrent, Clyde, AB 780-307-6586 | 780-348-5835
Mike Grimmeyer, Clyde, AB 780-307-3385
M.C. Quantock
Mac & Pat Creech, lloydminster, AB 800-561-2855
Rachido Ranch
Randy & Donna Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-674-1986
Reber's Polled Herefords
Serena & Kasey Reber, Woking, AB 780-518-2643
Whiskey Jack Black Herefords & Simmentals
Tamara & Darcy Kuriga, Whitelaw, AB 780-834-7108
LIMOUSIN
Dry Creek Ranch
Gordon & Carla Harmon, Cecil Lake, BC 250-793-2384
Excel Ranches
Ron & Barb Miller, Westlock, AB Cody & Amy Miller, Westlock, AB 780-349-0644
Hillview Farms
Sturgeon County, AB
Raymond & Corine Verbeek 780-982-2176 | 780-939-2173
Colin & Tessa Verbeek Colin 780-982-1676 | Tessa 403-636-1066
Pinnacle View Limousin
Rob & Cheryl Swaan, Quesnel, BC
Erin & Eric Kishkan, Quesnel, BC Erin 250-991-6654
SIMMENTALS
ShadowCreekRedPolls
&Marsha Anderson–Fort StJohn,BC (250)827-3293• marshascows@hotmail.com www.shadowcreek.farm
RED POLLS SALERS
Blazin" J Simmentals
Darcy & Caitlyn Lind, Sunset House, AB D 780-536-5203 / C 780-552-4934
Blondie Cattle Co.
Montana Fogle, High Prairie, AB 780-402-4009
Clarkson Valley Simmentals
Kyle & Ashley Klassen, Crooked Creek, AB 780-933-8605
Clearwater Simmentals
Chad Smith, Olds, AB 403-586-4714
Crystal Springs Ranch
Eckbert & Crystal Weitzel
Georg & Sarah Weitzel Charlie Lake, BC 250-263-8237
D.A.M. Livestock Ltd.
David Michalchuk, Keg River, AB 780-987-0938
GB Farms
Garrett Biggelaar, Lacombe, AB 403-877-7661
Harvest Angus
Tom & Carolyn Dewaal, Prince George, BC 250-960-0022 | 250-562-5200
Hill 70 Quantock Ranch
Bill, Connor & Tes Creech, Lloydminster Bill 780-871-4947 | Connor 780-871-8496 Ted 306-307-2873 | Adam 780-218-4301
KIN-KIN Cattle Co.
Gary & Faye Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-786-4500
KMR Simmentals
Kent & Robin Malcomson, Grovedale, AB 587-298-5404
Kruger Farms
Ryan & Chelsea Kruger, Sundre, AB 403-586-0125
KSL Simmentals
Keegan Scorgie & Brad Smith Beaverlodge, AB Keegan 780-518-6572 | Brad 587-202-0254
Lazy S Ranch
Stewart Ainsworth, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-785-3136 or 780-786-4150
M.C. Quantock
Mac & Pat Creech, Lloydminster, AB 800-561-2855
M J Simmentals
Joe & Marianne Gingles, Beaverlodge, AB Joe 780-354-8842 | Cell 780-814-2567
Montagneouse Creek Simmentals
Herman & Mark Giesbrecht, Worsley, AB 780-772-0488
Polar Farms
Joe, Lindsey, Riley & Kendal Loomis
Peace River Regional District, BC 250-784-5150
Rachido Ranch
Randy & Donna Chittick, Mayerthorpe, AB 780-674-1986
Rosefield Simmentals
James & Martha Wiebe, Prespatou, BC 250-630-2621
Short Grass Farms
Kurtis & Chelsie Dillabough, DeBolt, AB 780-402-9578
Sorenson Cattle Co.
Murray & Nicole Sorenson Teepee Creek, AB
Murray 780-831-6332 Nicole 780-832-1189
Southpaw Cattle Company
Ron & Tammy Daley, Carstairs, AB
Brandon & Shallaine Sharpe, Carstairs, AB 403-519-3401
Swantewitt & Sage Simmentals
Yellowhead County, AB
Gerd 780-712-2096
Jordan 780-712-3600
Tri K Cattle
Beaverlodge, AB
Keiran Hodges 780-933-5637
Keith Hodges 780-831-7999
Whiskey Jack Black Herefords & Simmentals
Tamara & Darcy Kuriga, Whitelaw, AB 780-834-7108
Willowdale Simmentals
Dale & Judy Smith and Family Valleyview, AB
Dale 780-558-9337 | Kent 780-721-1109
Wolfe Farms
Tony Wolfe, Valleyview, AB 780-524-9322
Wolfe Lake Farms Inc.
Olin Rosvold, La Glace, AB 780-518-1997
Wolfes Fleckvieh
Shane & Shannon Wolfe, Sundre, AB 403-556-0729
FlexiblePayment Optionsfor New OilerPurchases
Interest Free. Hassle Free. Designed forYour Operation. Investinginherd health andlice/ fly control shouldn’t require complicatedfinancing.Allnew oiler purchases qualifyfor our flexible, interestfreepayment plan—with nocreditapplication, no banks, and upto 18months tocomplete your payments.
Product Options
8.5Gallon Upright Single Oiler
Recommended for:
Herds of100 cowsor fewer
Startingat: $2,700
MonthlyPayments: From$150/ monthforupto 18months
Drapeand mineralfeederavailable atadditionalcost.
15 Gallon UprightDouble Oiler
Recommended for: Herds of100+cows
Startingat: $4,200
MonthlyPayments: From$233/ monthforupto 18months
Drapeand mineralfeederavailable atadditionalcost.
Multi UnitDiscounts
Operations purchasing multiple unitsinasingleorder are eligible for additional discounts, making it easierand more costeffective to outfitlarger herds ormultiple winter feeding areas and summer pastures. AdditionalInformation •GSTapplies to all purchases.
• Payment plans are available on allnewoilers
• Designed to supportproducers withreliable,longtermherdprotection Formoreinformationplease contact Steve Major 780-524-8880
CATT LE MARKET REPORT FOR AP R 17, 2026
DAWSONCREE KB EAVERLODGEWESTLOCKPONOK A
TUESDAY S WEEKLY Office (250)782-3766 Fax:(250)782-6622 dawson@vjvauction.com
THURSDAY S WEEKLY Office (780)354-2423 Fax(780)354-2420 beaverlodge@vjvauction.com
THURSDAY S WEEKLY Office (780)349-3153 Fax(780)349-5466 westlock@vjvauction.com
WEDNESDAY S WEEKLY Office (403)783-5561 Fax(403)783-4120 office@vjvauction.com
$770.00$860.00$750.00$810.00$700.00$810.00$740.00$845.00$720.00$745.00$754.00$800.00n/an/a$750.00$800.00n/an/a
$740.00$845.00$720.00$782.00$710.00$764.00$720.00$810.00$710.00$779.00$650.00$802.00$680.00$742.00$650.00$772.00$675.00$750.00 500-599
600-699
700-799
800-899
$670.00$772.00$675.00$745.00$660.00$735.00$690.00$745.00$685.00$740.00$620.00$740.00$636.00$716.00$600.00$665.00$620.00$723.00
$580.00$659.00$595.00$669.00$590.00$657.00$605.00$657.00$595.00$684.00$560.00$627.00$555.00$635.00$550.00$631.00$570.00$630.00
$540.00$600.00$530.00$597.00$520.00$590.00$540.00$595.00$535.00$592.00$525.00$603.00$497.00$537.00$515.00$576.00$500.00$585.00
$480.00$535.00$490.00$521.00$475.00$515.00$495.00$522.00$480.00$521.00$473.00$525.00$472.00$495.00$475.00$523.00$475.00$517.00
$450.00$472.00$445.00$465.00$440.00$464.00$475.00$482.00$450.00$475.00$455.00$470.00n/an/a$440.00$488.00$450.00$492.50
700-799
$490.00$575.00$475.00$543.00$490.00$565.00$490.00$545.00$485.00$547.00$450.00$536.00$476.00$517.00$475.00$524.00$485.00$532.00
800-899 $440.00$489.00$440.00$472.00$435.00$492.00$435.00$472.00$440.00$484.00$440.00$512.00n/an/a$430.00$490.00$460.00$506.00
900-999$415.00$445.00$420.00$441.00$410.00$427.00$430.00$447.00$410.00$429.00$405.00$447.00n/an/a$400.00$448.00$415.00$430.00 1000+$340.00$415.00$375.00$405.00$380.00$407.00$395.00$415.00$375.00$407.00$342.00$399.00$348.00$405.00$360.00$409.00$400.00$410.00
Tues, Apr28th-10:00a.m.
Tues,May5th-10:00a.m.
Tues,May12th-10:00a.m. Tues,May19th-10:00a.m. Tues,May26th-10:00a.m. Thurs, Apr30th-10:00a.m.
Thurs, Apr30th-9:00a.m.
14th-10:00a.m.
Thurs,May7th-9:00a.m. Thurs,May14th-9:00a.m.
Thurs,May21st-9:00a.m. Thurs,May28th-9:00a.m.
WEEKEND Apr11/26(prel) Apr04/26(prel) Apr12/25
Apr18/26 (est) Apr11/26 (est) Apr19/25
Apr11/26 Apr04/26 Apr12/25
DATE Tues,Apr14,2026 Tues,Apr07,2026 No.1,945 Head2,339 Head FEEDERSTEERS
300-399
400-499
500-599
600-699
700-799
800-899
$825.00$940.00$820.00$950.00
$725.00$853.00$725.00$825.00
$700.00$775.00$655.00$755.00
$615.00$686.00$600.00$676.00
$525.00$595.00$500.00$593.00
$500.00$529.00$450.00$526.00
900-999 $450.00$492.00$400.00$484.00
1,000+ N/AN/AN/AN/A FEEDERHEIFERS
BID LOWHIGH LOWHIGH
300-399
$700.00$800.00$680.00$800.00
400-499 $650.00$750.00$650.00$750.00
500-599
$625.00$700.00$600.00$662.00
600-699 $540.00$622.00$500.00$586.00
700-799 $480.00$535.00$450.00$535.00
800-899 $425.00$499.00$410.00$497.00
900-999 $400.00$445.00$380.00$440.00
$225.00$262.00$235.00$267.00 D3 COWS D3 COWS
$200.00$220.00$200.00$230.00 SLAUGHTERBULLSSLAUGHTERBULLS $220.00$270.00$240.00$280.00 REPLACEMENT CATTLE FEEDER COWSFEEDER
REG–Mon,May4th-9:00a.m.
REG–Mon,May11th-9:00a.m.
REG–Mon,May18th–NO
REG–Mon,May25th-9:00a.m.
REG–Mon,June1st-10:00a.m.
REG –Mon,June8th-10:00a.m.
REG –Mon,June15th-10:00a.m.
REG–Mon,June22nd-10:00a.m.
REG–Mon,June29th–NO SALE
to localorsouthernmarkets.
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•A utoConnect ™m id-mowerdeckinstalls/removesinlessthan 5m ins
*Offervalidwith20%ofpurchasepricedown.Loadersarefactor yinstalled.Itemsmaynotbeexactlyasshown,accessories,attachments,andimplementscostextra. Taxes,set-up, delivery chargesnotincluded.PricesarebasedontheUSexchangeandmaybesubjecttochange.A documentationfeeofupto$349willbeappliedtoallfinanceofferings.Additionalfees may apply.Programsandpricessubjecttochangewithoutnotice.SeePrairieCoastequipmentforfulldetails. Somerestrictionsapply.OffervaliduntilApril30,2026whilesupplieslast. Financingonapproved John DeereFinancialcreditonly. Limitedtimeofferwhichmaynotbecombinedwithotheroffers.QID#335733641025Rw/loader,QID#33573380withTLB.
Minister Macdonald Announces Interest-Free Limit Under The Advance Payments Program Will Be Set At $250,000 For 2026 For All Non-Canola Advances
Ottawa, Ontario – Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, April 1, 2026
Today, the Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food, announced that the Government of Canada will set the interest-free limit of the Advance Payments Program at $250,000 for the 2026 program year, for all noncanola advances. This is the portion of advances on which the Government of Canada pays the interest on behalf of producers.
The Advance Payments Program gives producers easy access to low-cost cash advances of up to $1 million, based on the expected value of their agricultural products. Under the program, producers typically receive the first $100,000 interest-free. The higher limit announced today will result in interest savings for producers, reducing the cost of the program and increasing access to cash flow to help cover their costs until they sell their products.
With this support at the beginning of the production cycle, farmers will be able to use their advances to purchase essential inputs and cover their costs to support production this growing season. More
importantly, the program offers marketing flexibility, enabling producers to sell their agricultural products when it is most advantageous, rather than being forced to sell for immediate cash needs, which is especially crucial in times of uncertainty. The Government of Canada remains committed to helping producers manage financial challenges so they can continue driving the economy.
QUOTES
“As Canadian producers get ready for the growing season, our government is making sure they have the support and tools they need. By increasing the interest-free portion of the Advance Payments Program, we’re helping farmers manage costs, while giving them more flexibility to market their products on their terms.” The Honourable Heath MacDonald, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food QUICK FACTS
• In September 2025, in response to the imposition of tariffs on Canadian canola products, the Government of Canada increased the interestfree portion of the Advance Payments Program to $500,000 for canola advances, for the 2025 and 2026 program years.
• Under the Advance Payments Program, cash advances are calculated based on up to 50% of the anticipated market value of eligible agricultural products that will be produced or are in storage.
• The program is delivered through 24 industry-led associations across Canada.
• Advances are available on over 500 crop and livestock products, as well as honey, maple syrup and other commodities.
• This measure is expected to provide approximately 8,618 producers with a combined $37.4 million in additional interest savings for the 2026 program year, with average incremental savings of around $4,340 per producer.
• Producers also have access to a suite of business risk management (BRM) programs to help them manage significant risks that threaten the viability of their farms and are beyond their capacity to manage. The suite includes the core programs of AgriInsurance, AgriStability and AgriInvest.
• BRM programs are the first line of support for producers against income and production losses, helping them manage risks that threaten the viability of their farms. NH
VJV LIVESTOCK SALE
Supporting seniors aging in their homes, preventing social
The Fairview Senior’s Group Check In Line has grown into one of the most recognizable and valued parts of the community’s daily rhythm. What appears at first glance to be a simple sign in process has evolved into a welcoming ritual that sets the tone for the entire gathering. As members arrive, volunteers greet them by name, offering a moment of warmth, recognition, and genuine interest. For many seniors, this small interaction is a highlight—an early
reminder that they are part of a community that notices and appreciates them.
The line also serves a practical purpose. It allows organizers to keep track of attendance, identify who may need extra support, and ensure that no one slips through the cracks. If someone who usually attends hasn’t shown up, volunteers often follow up, reinforcing the group’s commitment to care and connection. Over time, the check in area has become a social hub where
people exchange stories, share updates about family or health, and check in on one another’s well being.
Beyond logistics, the check in line symbolizes the values that define the Fairview Senior’s Group: dignity, inclusion, and community. It transforms the simple act of arriving into a moment of belonging. In a world where many seniors face isolation, this daily touchpoint offers consistency, companionship, and a sense of purpose. It’s a reminder that even small gestures— eye contact, a smile, a few kind words—can make a meaningful difference in someone’s day. Interested in joining the group, or being someone who the group contacts on a daily or periodical basis to either make sure you’re okay or just in need of a little time to talk, contact the Senior’s Group at (780) 835-1935. NH
Olds College Researcher Developing Soil Analysis Tool
oldscollege.ca, April 08, 2026
Looking for a way to test your soil quality in the field? Dr. Semeton Amosu, Research Associate with the Environmental Stewardship team at the Olds College Centre for Innovation, has developed a prototype of a comprehensive soil health scorecard called the Olds College Assessment of Soil Health (OCASH) to support farmers and agronomists in evaluating the health and potential productivity of their soils.
With 20 soil health indicators made up of physical, chemical, biological, plant and environmental characteristics, this tool comes with an assessment guide allowing users to rate indicators and collectively provide the health status of soil. From biodiversity to pH levels to heavy metals – the scorecard relies on using human senses to rate the soil odour, texture, organic matter colour, surface and residue cover – to name a few.
The scorecard's goal is to allow producers to quantify indicators in their soil and complete a simple calculation to rate the health of their soil, allowing them to gain an initial diagnosis of the soil’s vital signs in the field before diving deeper into analysis.
“Soil quality assessment alternatives were the core part of my PhD work, and I've always wanted to develop a simple tool to evaluate soil quality and health,” says Amosu. “After using other soil quality cards, I decided to create the OCASH scorecard for a more simplified analysis.”
First developed in May 2025 as a quantifiable ver-
sion of the Alberta Soil Quality Card, the OCASH combines traditional agronomic indicators with environmental metrics that are typically underrepresented in existing soil health scorecards and laboratory tests.
The commonly known Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board's soil health scorecard emphasizes similar core indicators such as pH, soil structure, organic matter and biological activity through earthworm counts; however, it relies heavily on laboratory-based assessments of soil fertility and microbial activity. Whereas the OCASH scorecard is an in-field diagnostic tool that will measure soil health both for agricultural productivity and broader environmental sustainability.
During the 2026 growing season, Amosu will be validating the correlation of the OCASH scorecard with other established quantitative methods such as visual assessment tools, soil test kits and laboratory soil test results on the Olds College Smart Farm in both Alberta and Saskatchewan. This will test if the OCASH tool is a field-deployable and scalable solution for soil health across diverse agroecological systems. Amosu’s goal is to have a very useful tool to help farmers and agronomists by the spring of 2027, and hopes to one day have it available on the App Store.
Stay tuned for updates on this research project in the upcoming study Evaluating Soil Health Assessment Tools. NH
NewHolland488 Haybine(2012)...............................$16,000 JohnDeere945 Discbine.............................................$35,000 KubotaDMC85400T Discbine.......................................$28,000
2022 bourgault 3335-76qda & 9950
10 IN. SPACING W/MRBIII, INTELLIGENT AG FULL RUN BLOCKAGE, 5 TANK METERING W/SADDLE TANK, 8 PORT ASC, IF850/75R42 REAR & 710/70R42 FRONT DUALS, STK U000176A-175A
air drills & seeders
2014 Bourgault 3320-86 & 770
2012 Bourgault 3320-76 & 6700
2009 Bourgault 3310-75 & 6550ST
2016 Morris C2 Contour & 2016 Bourgault 7950
2012 John Deere 1870 & 1910
2012 Seed Hawk 6012 & 600
2018 Bourgault 6450
2018 Bourgault 7550
2016 Bourgault 7950
2009 Bourgault 6550
tillage
2014 Salford I-4141
2018 Gregoire-Besson SPHRW-TZ8
2019 Kverneland NG-S 101 F35 Power Harrow
2015 Bourgault 7200 Heavy Harrow
2013 Elmer’s Super 7-70 Heavy Harrow
2008 Brandt 5000 Heavy Harrow
2016 McFarlane 2070-16 Harrow
2013 McFarlane HD-140-T Harrow
2009 Bourgault 6000 Harrow
2015 Gates Disc Harrow
2019 Horsch RT28 High Speed Disk
2011 Sunflower 1550 Disk
2023 claas axion 920 609 HRS STK U000313A
miscellaneous
Auger - 2019 Rodono XTEND16
Auger - 2013 Sakundiak 12-79
Bale Processor - 2025 Highline BP965-100
Bale Processor - 2018 Highline 2660
Bale Processor - 2015 Highline 650-200
Conveyor - 2022 Brandt 1547
Conveyor - 2020 Meridian 20-110
Conveyor - 2014 Batco 1545
Grain Cart - 2011 J&M 1326
Grapple Bucket - AMI MGL 150
Mower - 2018 Kubota ZD1511LF-72
RTV - 2018 Kubota RTV-X1120D
RTV - 2017 Kubota RTV-1100C
RTV - 2019 Kubota RTV-XG850
Sprayer - 2022 Case IH Patriot 4440
Sprayer - 2003 John Deere 4710
combines
(4) CLAAS 8700 (2021-2023)
(2) 2011 CLAAS 770
(5) CLAAS 760TT (2011-2018)
(3) 2013 CLAAS 670
2007 CLAAS 590R
2006 CLAAS 580R
(2) CLAAS 570R (2008-2010)
2002 CLAAS 480R
2012 John Deere S690
2008 New Holland CR9060
(2) 2017 Case IH 8240
2008 Case IH 8010
2008 Case IH 2588
2023 bourgault 9950 DOUBLE SHOOT W/HC FANS, 5 TANK METERING W/SADDLE TANK, 8 PORT ASC, 710/70R42 FRONT DUALS & IF850/75R42 REAR TIRES STK U000657A
tractors & hEAVY EQUIPMENT
2018 Versatile 610DT
2015 Versatile 550
2011 Versatile 535
1990 Versatile 876
2022 Kubota M7-172 (2) Kubota M7-171 (2016-2018)
2013 Kubota BX25D 2023 Kubota M6-131
2010 Case IH Steiger 335
2016 Challenger MT875E 2023 Deutz-Fahr 6165
2012 John Deere 9560R
2018 John Deere 2032R
1986 John Deere 4650
2024 JCB 427 AG T4F Wheel Loader
2008 John Deere 328 Skid Steer
2015 Caterpillar 279D Skid Steer
2018 Gerry’s 40 Ton Trailer
2017 BWS 15BWS2X Trailer
2007 Western Star 4900SA Truck
haying equipment
2022 Vermeer 604 Pro Baler
2012 Vermeer 605N Baler
2017 Kubota BV4580 Baler
2004 AGCO Hesston 4740 Baler
2014 John Deere 569 Premium Baler
2001 John Deere 567 Baler
2020 New Holland Rollbelt 560 Baler
2021 John Deere 8300 Forage Harvester
2006 MacDon 5020 MC
2020 New Holland 5020 MC
2019 John Deere 946 MC
2018 Kubota DMC7036T
2018 Kubota DMC6336T
2020 Schulte XH1500 Rotary Cutter
2000 Schulte 5026 Rotary Cutter
2010 Vermeer R2300 Rake
headers
2023 CLAAS Convio 1530
2021 CLAAS Convio 1230
2013 CLAAS Maxflex 1200
2018 MacDon FD140 (2) 2019 MacDon FD135 (3) MacDon FD75-40 (2015-2018) (3) MacDon FD75-35 (2011-2017)
2012 MacDon D60-40
2009 MacDon D60-35
2009 John Deere 936D
2014 Case IH 3162-40
2008 Case IH 2020-35F
2003 Case IH 2015
NH Classifieds
CROSSBRED commercial bulls, semen-tested, vet inspected, vaccinated, free delivery in Peace Country. 780-836-0117 or 780-8360552.
REGISTERED POLLED HEREFORD bulls. Sementested, vet inspected, vaccinated, free delivery in Peace Country. 780-8360117, 780-836-0552.
2 YR OLD registered red simmental bulls for sale by Private Treaty. 780-354-8842 or 780-814-2567.
16i" CALF DEHORNING tool, $40. Call/Text Doug 250-219-4139.
NEW 4 RING 2 piece round poly bale feeder, $650. Call/Text Doug 250-2194139.
SPEED CONTROLLED RUBBER finger chicken plucker for sale, call 780772-6544.
FOR SALE: Big horn roping saddle. Padded seat, bridle included, asking $500 OBO. Call 780-354-3435.
CANADIAN ARCOTT
YEARLING ewes bred for February. Open ewe lambs, can deliver. Donald Johnston 780-837-1770.
CANADIAN ARCOTT
YEARLING ram, ram lambs for sale, can deliver. Call Donald Johnston, Donnelly, 780-837-1770.
1950'S ERA FORD truck found when clearing brush. For details and pricing, call 780-772-6544.
2009 FORD F-350, 6.4 litre diesel, long box. Call/Text Greg, 780-5121207 or 780-538-9115.
2015 CHEVROLET 1500 4x4, 4 door, V8, canopy, 135,000 kms. $19,500 OBO. Call Ken 250-789-3747
1969 INTERNATIONAL GRAIN truck, wood box, hoist, motor needs work, shedded, $5000. Call/text 780-926-0981.
1975 FORD 8000 w/B&H, 6V "Jimmy" engine, 13spd transmission, not running. 780-836-2107 or 780-6189161.
Buying Antiques: Coins, toys, advertising, tools & more. Will buy bulk. Call/text 780832-8216.
LOOKING FOR AN older (70's era) single axle water truck with spray bar. 780523-1488.
BUILT RIGHT SHEDS.
Building quality shelters. Call John 780-835-1908 for your quote today.
LOOKING FOR 4" or 6" grain bucket elevator legs, 25'-30' in height. Call Edwin 780-285-4680.
SEACAN 8x20' storage container. End doors, very good shape, $4500. Call/text 780-926-0981.
CAT D6NLGP with ripper for hire, located in Birch Hills County. Call Eugene at 780835-0601.
MILITARY BUILT CAT D8 dozer. Includes blade & winch, taking offers. 780523-1488.
WALL FRAMING TRAILER, on wheels. Deck screws out to 8’. 780-772-6544.
or 780-836-2107.
3”-4” x 7ft fence posts for sale. $3.50 each. Call Doug 250-219-4139. DOUBLE D FENCING avail. for your barb wire, page wire & plank fencing needs. 780518-6319.
VALLEE FORESTRY BIG Red Portable Sawmill, undercarriage, and trailer. Call for price and details. 780-926-6087.
1981 HONDA 185 XL Enduro Motorbike, excellent shape, always covered, $3000. Call/Text Doug 250-2194139.
BABY GRAND PIANO for sale. For more information, call/text Jean 780-625-6793.
UPRIGHT PIANO for sale. Taking offers, For more information or pricing, call 780-772-6544.
10 PC HEAVY duty combination wrench set, 1” to 2 1/2”, $150. Call/Text Doug 250-219-4139.
2 TON BENCH type press, like new, $300. Call/Text Doug 250-219-4139.
30” GRASS SYTHE, $80. Call/Text Doug 250-2194139.
BENCH TOP DRILL Press, $150. Call/Text Doug 250219-4139.
NEW HAYS WIRE stretcher, $140. Call/Text Doug 250219-4139.
WoodlotLicencePlan
WoodlotLicence266
Noticeisherebygiven,pursuanttoSection17ofthe WoodlotPlanning andPracticesRegulation,thata WoodlotLicencePlanhasbeen preparedfor WoodlotLicence#266heldbySawchukContractingLtd. This WoodlotLicenceislocatedapprox.14kmnortheastofChetwynd, northofSundanceLake.IfapprovedbytheMinistryofForests, thisplanmayapplyforatermof10yearsfromthedateofapproval. This WoodlotLicencePlanisavailableforpublic reviewandcomment byfrom March30,2026toMay11,2026. Anywrittencommentson theplanshouldbemailedto: S.M.ForrestandAssoc.Ltd.,2113OgilvieSt.S.,Unit201, PrinceGeorge,BC,V2N1X2. PleasecontactScottForrest,RPF,atsforrest@pgonline.comor250-961-4880 tobookanappointmenttoreviewand/ordiscusstheplan.
WoodlotLicencePlan
Noticeisherebygiven,pursuanttoSection17ofthe WoodlotPlanning andPracticesRegulation,thata WoodlotLicencePlanhasbeen preparedfor WoodlotLicence#668heldbyDavidSawchuk. This WoodlotLicenceislocatedapprox.17eastofChetwynd,northof SundanceLake.IfapprovedbytheMinistryofForests,thisplanmay applyforatermof10yearsfromthedateofapproval. This WoodlotLicencePlanisavailableforpublic reviewandcomment byfrom March30,2026toMay11,2026. Anywrittencommentson theplanshouldbemailedto: S.M.ForrestandAssoc.Ltd.,2113OgilvieSt.S.,Unit201, PrinceGeorge,BC,V2N1X2.
PleasecontactScottForrest,RPF,atsforrest@pgonline.comor250-961-4880 tobookanappointmenttoreviewand/ordiscusstheplan.
WoodlotLicencePlan
WoodlotLicence297
Noticeisherebygiven,pursuanttoSection17ofthe WoodlotPlanning andPracticesRegulation,thata WoodlotLicencePlanhasbeen preparedfor WoodlotLicence#297heldby WayneSawchuk. This WoodlotLicenceislocatedapprox.19kmnortheastofChetwynd, northofSundanceLake.IfapprovedbytheMinistryofForests,this planmayapplyforatermof10yearsfromthedateofapproval. This WoodlotLicencePlanisavailableforpublic reviewandcomment byfrom March30,2026toMay11,2026. Anywrittencommentson theplanshouldbemailedto: S.M.ForrestandAssoc.Ltd.,2113OgilvieSt.S.,Unit201, PrinceGeorge,BC,V2N1X2.
PleasecontactScottForrest,RPF,atsforrest@pgonline.comor250-961-4880 tobookanappointmenttoreviewand/ordiscusstheplan.
1958 FARMHOUSE TO be moved by mid-April 2026. 950 sq.ft., $30,000 OBO. 250-569-7509, Grimshaw, AB.
1800 sqft home on QTR/section, f/basement, 400 sqft upper bedroom, 1 bath. 780-971-2592 after 6PM. LAND AND BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY, remote 20 acres on pavement. Unfinished hwy lodge, gardens. Duane 250-2325400.
LOOKING FOR PASTURE to rent for (30) pairs of cattle. Call Andrew, 780-841-5932.
LOOKING TO LEASE farmland in the GP/Sexsmith/Teepee Creek area. Contact David to discuss options. 780-9786768.
1985 HONDA 250 Bif Red Trike for sale. Needs some work. For info, call 780-8411607.
FORAGE SEED OATS. Good germination. Delivery available. Call/Text 250-7820220
WANTED: BARLEY, WHEAT for feedlot. Can pickup with Super B. Gary 780-5183992.
SMALL SQUARE BALES of barley and alfalfa for sale. Call Eugene 780-835-0601.
FEED GRAIN FEED GRAIN
DAMAGED GRAIN BUYING:
1982 JD 4440, 9970 hrs., 20.8x38 duals, c/w 12' Degelman dozer blade, $38,000. Call/text 780-9260981.
ORGANIC ALFALFA and Red Clover seed for sale. Call/Text Edwin 780-2854680.
CERTIFIED BROWN SEED OATS. CDC-SO1 brown oats for sale. Call/Text 780-7814457, Manning, AB.
STEIGER 310 TRACTOR, both differentials rebearinged. Atom-Jet hyd., 2 tires, $35,000. Call/text Abe, 780-841-4740.
STARTER & DIFFERENTIAL pinion for cockshutt 40 or 50 with Buda gas engine. Call 780-835-0601.
Alberta Canola Asks, “What Are The Priorities For April?”
Reprinted
- Equipment prep, especially for the seeding tool and sprayer.
- Read the manual on new equipment and electronics. Download updates now and make sure everything works before the spring rush.
- Prep the data. Review and upload variable rate maps. Check field names in farm management software, and make sure everyone on the team knows the field naming conventions for the farm. You don’t want people, especially custom applicators, getting sent to the wrong field.
- Finalize crop plans and work out the sequence of spring activities and logistics. Note problem areas, including weed patches that will benefit from preseed burnoff.
- Finalize fertilizer plans. Set optimal rates based on profit projections and check on retail supply and final prices. Consider a top-dress plan if supply is short at seeding or if profit or yield projections change in the first few weeks after seeding.
- Spring is a good time for soil tests, if they were not done last fall.
- Pick up seed. Check the thousand seed weight for each lot and ask seed reps for germination. Run weights through the seeding rate calculator to set an accurate rate. At the same time, check that seed orders are enough for the target acres, based on the accurate seeding rate.
- Review the plan to reduce flea beetle risk and manage them, if necessary.
- Check old canola stubble for evidence of blackleginfected residue. Consider upgrading to a foliar blackleg seed treatment if blackleg is noticeably present. You can also submit older “root neck” pieces for a blackleg race test for future hybrid selection.
- Review tips to improve canola profitability.
- Review tips to improve seed and seedling survival.
- Review notes and learnings from winter shows, webinars and reading. Is there one change for this year that could make things easier or add a positive ROI?
How does weather impact flea beetle risk?
Soil moisture (see map at the top of this email) and warm temperatures should combine for rapid canola emergence. This should improve canola’s ability to grow quickly through the flea beetle risk period, which winds down around the four-leaf stage. Rapid crop growth also keeps seed treatment active through the risk period.
Note that a warm start also means rapid emergence of the flea beetle population. And rapid hatch and growth of grasshoppers.
When is the best time to manage Richardson's ground squirrels?
March 15 to April 30 is the best time to manage Richardson’s ground squirrels. This timing for rodenticide and other control measures targets the breeding adults, which limits the offspring born. Waiting until June when gophers have started to eat the crop is too late. Damage to canola can be particularly severe because feeding usually removes the growing point.
What is a safe rate of seed-placed fertilizer?
The general recommendation is to put no more than 15 to 25 lb./ac. of phosphate (P2O5) – and nothing else – in the seed row with canola seed. (This is ~30-50 lb./ac. of monoammonium phosphate, for example). Exceeding this rate can increase the risk of seedling damage or reduced emergence. However, if soil moisture is high and seed-bed utilization is optimal, growers could push the rate slightly higher – but this comes with added risk. Ideally, use a low “starter” rate in the seedrow and band the balance away from the seed.
To evaluate the impact of seed-placed fertilizer on canola establishment, turn off the seed-placed fertilizer application for a few 100-foot strips. Clearly mark the untreated strips for easy identification. Then, early in the season, count the number of plants in both treated and untreated areas. Compare the results to determine if seed-placed fertilizer had a significant impact on plant emergence and growth. NH
MAY22,2026 TO MAY25,2026 2,2026
FARM &LIVESTOCKEQUIPMENT FEEDERS, GATES, PANELS, FENCINGANDSUPPLIES
INDUSTRIAL &SHOPEQUIPMENT WELDERS,AIRCOMPRESSORS, GENERATORS,LIFTS, SHOP TOOLS,POWER &HAND TOOLS
CONSTRUCTION/EARTHMOVING EQUIPMENT
SKID STEERS,MINIEXCAVATORS, BACKHOES, FORKLIFTS,SCISSORLIFTS VEHICLES, RV’S &TRAILERS CARS, PASSENGERTRUCKS, FLEETVEHICLES, DUMPTRUCKS,SERVICETRUCKS, UTV’S,QUADS,SIDE XSIDES, ATV’S,RECREATIONALVEHICLES, CAMPERS,BOATS, FLATDECKTRAILERS, CARGO&STOCKTRAILERS
FEATURINGVEHICLES &EQUIPMENTFROM INFRACONCONSTRUCTION
g g Grimshaw Sprin Consi nment
May16,2026
ToConsignyouritemscall
Raymond @780-618-9501
Location:Grimshaw,AB Live,Online,AbsenteeBidding
of Abe. H & A atha Wiens
Location:LaCrete,AB Live,Online,AbsenteeBidding
KenworthT800HiwayTractor -JohnDeere644GWheelLoader -JohnDeere 6300 FWA Tractor -2001FordWelding Truck -2013FordF150Pickup -LowBed -640FrontEndLoaderSawmillw/SlabBelt -Lathe -Planer -AntiqueTractors -Householdandmuchmore
Location:LaCrete,AB Live,Online,AbsenteeBidding
D7GCaterpillar -JohnDeere9870Combine -JohnDeere9600Combine- JohnDeere8450 Tractor-JohnDeere6715Tractor -JohnDeere RTractor-JohnDeere1023ETractor -Mac TandemGrainTruck -FreightlinerTandemGrainTruck -JohnDeere922FStraightCutHeader -7HopperGrainBins -FlatBottomGrainBin- SwingAuger-LoadingAugerw/Mover- Heavy Harrow -FrontierOff-SetDisc -PremierSwather -HeaderTransport-4BottomBreakingPlow -FuelTanks -Winchester30-30.22BoltAction -Tools -Householdandmuchmore
L’Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association annonce son changement de nom pour devenir Agritourism
Alberta
EDMONTON, AB, 8 avril 2026
L’Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, une organisation provinciale établie depuis plus de 40 ans qui soutient les fermes pratiquant la vente directe aux consommateurs et offrant des expériences d’agrotourisme, annonce officiellement son changement de nom pour devenir Agritourism Alberta.
Ce nouveau nom reflète l’évolution du rôle de l’organisation dans le soutien au secteur en pleine croissance de l’agrotourisme en Alberta, ainsi que dans le renforcement des liens entre l’agriculture, le tourisme et le développement économique rural.
L’annonce a été faite lors de la conférence conjointe d’Agritourism Alberta et d’Organic Alberta, où des producteurs, partenaires et pionniers de l’industrie se sont réunis afin de célébrer l’innovation et l’excellence dans le secteur agricole albertain.
Afin de reconnaître les meneurs qui façonnent l’avenir de l’agrotourisme et de l’agriculture en vente directe, Agritourism Alberta a remis ses Prix d’excellence 2026 aux lauréats suivants :
• Jeune agriculteur(trice) de l’année: Kamden Bartman, Prairie Shepherdess
• Durabilité et innovation: Christy Rhodenizer, Healing Homestead
• Ferme de l’année: Joanne et Rob Wicker, Christy Creek Honey
• Flambeau de l’année: Tam Andersen, Prairie Gardens
L’agriculture demeure un moteur important du développement économique en Alberta. L’agrotourisme crée de nouvelles possibilités pour les producteurs, renforce les communautés rurales et permet à un plus grand nombre d’Albertains et de visiteurs de mieux comprendre comment les aliments sont cultivés et produits. UN NOUVEAU CHAPITER POUR LES FERMES DE L’ALBERTA
La transition vers Agritourism Alberta témoigne de l’importance croissante du secteur pour soutenir la viabilité des fermes, les économies rurales et des expériences visiteurs ancrées dans les paysages et les produits locaux de l’Alberta.
« Notre nouveau nom reflète mieux qui nous sommes aujourd’hui ainsi que le travail important accompli par nos membres », a déclaré le conseil d’administration d’Agritourism Alberta.
« L’agrotourisme vise à créer des liens et à rapprocher les gens des fermes, de l’alimentation, de la culture et de la communauté. Cette transition nous positionne pour faire progresser le secteur avec clarté, confiance et détermination. » Agritourism Alberta continuera de soutenir les fermes grâce à des initiatives de représentation, de formation, de perfectionnement professionnel et de marketing, afin d’aider les producteurs à développer des entreprises d’agrotourisme durables. NH
July18,2026
Location:LaCrete,AB Live,Online,AbsenteeBidding 9A.M
Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association Announces Rebrand To Agritourism Alberta
EDMONTON, Alta. – April 8, 2026
The Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, a 40-year-old provincial organization supporting farms marketing directly to consumers and offering agritourism experiences, is officially rebranding to Agritourism Alberta.
The new name reflects the organization’s evolving role in supporting Alberta’s growing agritourism sector and strengthening connections between agriculture, tourism, and rural economic development.
The announcement was made at the joint Agritourism Alberta and Organic Alberta Conference, where producers, partners and industry leaders gathered to celebrate innovation and excellence in Alberta agriculture.
To recognize the leaders shaping the future of agritourism and direct-to-consumer agriculture, Agritourism Alberta presented its 2026 Awards of Excellence to:
• Young Farmer of the Year: Kamden Bartman, Prairie Shepherdess
• Sustainability & Trailblazer: Christy Rhodenizer, Healing Homestead
• Farm of the Year: Joanne and Rob Wicker, Christy Creek Honey
• Luminary of the Year: Tam Andersen, Prairie Gardens
Agriculture continues to be a key driver of economic development in Alberta. Agritourism is creating new opportunities for producers, strengthening rural communities and helping more Albertans and visitors connect with how food is grown and produced. A NEW CHAPTER FOR ALBERTA FARMS
The transition to Agritourism Alberta signals the sector’s growing importance in supporting farm viability, rural economies and visitor experiences rooted in Alberta’s landscapes and local food.
“Our new name better reflects who we are today and the important work our members do,” said the Agritourism Alberta Board. “Agritourism is about connection and bringing people closer to farms, food, culture and community. This transition positions us to lead the sector forward with clarity, confidence and purpose.”
Agritourism Alberta will continue to support farms through advocacy, education, professional development and marketing initiatives to help farms grow sustainable agritourism businesses. NH
Directions From La Crete: 2milesnorthalongRangeRd153, 1mile westalongTWP 1064, Yard on rightside.
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