The government of Alberta has announced funding for the 283 primary and seven regional Ag societies around the province. The province says $11.5 million per year will be made available for the next three years to help “build a strong, rural economy, a sustainable agriculture sector and vibrant communities.”
Doug Drolet is the President of the St. Paul Ag Society. He says funding is always welcome, as the group has a few projects on the go that could use it.
“We put on the Lakeland Finals Rodeo, we’re always trying to make our facility a little better. That’s where we use our money. We also have some scholarships that we do.”
Drolet says when it comes to the scholarships that will benefit from the cash, they help rural youth with seeing their future.
“It’s farm kids but not necessarily Ag related though. Some of them are working in the oilfield, some are working in repair businesses.”
The society currently has over 60 members and Drolet says more are always welcome to join. More info can be found by clicking here. Agricultural societies operate about 700 community facilities throughout Alberta, and collectively have more than 65,000 volunteers who support activities.