Recognizing innovative agricultural societies

“Alberta’s agricultural societies continue to demonstrate significant initiative and resilience with new innovations that have a positive impact on their communities,” says Susan Lacombe, program coordinator with the Alberta government. “For their efforts, 3 agricultural societies have been recognized with the 2022 Agricultural Society Innovation Award – Foremost & District Agricultural Society, Grovedale Community Club & Agricultural Society and Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association.”

In 2022, the Foremost & District Agricultural Society collaborated with Foremost School to create an exclusive Rodeo Academy offered to grades 7-12, the first of its kind for this age group. The program, which was also open to both out-of-town and international students, was integrated into the curriculum and has the capacity to draw attendees for years to come having a direct, positive impact on the school and the local community.

The Grovedale Community Club & Agricultural Society opened the doors to its first year-round, full-time staffed business operated by the agricultural society – a community daycare. Responding to great demand, this new community daycare opened in June 2022. This new business provided a needed service, created new opportunities and jobs, and showed a commitment to support local families and keep them in the community.

The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association launched the new Cattleman’s Call. This event, based on a previous event, grew to include bull shows, networking socials, an ag-business tradeshow and a showcase for breeding programs. The Cattleman’s Call created a networking environment for new business relationships in the local cattle and agricultural sectors.

Award recipients were presented with a recognition banner and framed certificate at the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies annual convention during the evening banquet on February 3, 2023.

“This award allows us to work together to champion and celebrate the significant contributions that agricultural societies make, while inspiring others to take action. Agricultural societies matter and this is one small way for us to say thank you for the critical work they do in building a stronger Alberta,” says Lacombe.

For more information, see:

Alberta Agricultural Society Innovation Award

Contact

Connect with Susan Lacombe for more information.
Phone: 780-968-6557