Mountain View County's agricultural services board (ASB) has approved grant funding for local projects totalling $19,149. The move came during the board's recent regularly scheduled meeting in council chambers.
The grants are awarded under the Agriculture Related Project Funding policy, which awards grants for projects that "serve the needs of the county's agriculture community," administration said in a briefing note to the board.
"The approved funding may be used for education, supplies, contracted services, scholarships, sponsorship, equipment, installation and site preparation if required."
The 2017 agriculture related project funding totalled $25,000, the same as in 2016.
Projects approved for 2017 include the following:
ï Bergen Institute for Agriculture and the Arts, $2,150. The funding will be used for the Feast of Bergen event, Bergen market expenses, Bergen News printing subsidy, summer music in Bergen, website expenses, and Bergen trails.
ï Canada's richest steer and heifer show, $750. Held at the Olds Cow Palace on April 15, the event will attract entries from Alberta, B.C. and Saskatchewan.
"The object of this junior livestock show is to provide the youth in agriculture with an educational opportunity to learn new skills as well as the prospect to build long-term relationships within their rural communities and with future business associates," the event's organizing committee said in a letter received by the board.
ï Carstairs and District 4-H show and sale, $500. The event takes place on May 23 in the Carstairs Memorial Arena. "The funding will be used to purchase shavings to lay on the floor of the arena for the safety and well-being of the steers and kids," chairman Colin Heppner said in a letter to the board.
ï Didsbury Agricultural Society, $1,999.98. The money will be used for the installation of fans in the indoor arena, to facilitate the ongoing preparation of the heating system and ventilation.
ï Olds agricultural society (Olds Regional Exhibition) - youth development funding, $10,000. The funds will be used for community youth agriculture programs such as livestock industry and training events, including the spring classic steer and heifer show and the Alberta High School rodeo finals.
ï Sundre 4-H Multi Club, $250. The funds will be used for expenses such as judges and rental.
ï Sundre Ag Society, $2,500. The funds will be used for the ATV Safety Day with Mudd Safety as the instructors. The event will be held May 13 at the Sundre rodeo grounds. With about 40 youths age 6-16 expected to attend.
ï West Carstairs 4-H Beef Club, $1,000. The funds will be used in support of the club's 75th anniversary celebration.
