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Caylie Gnyra

Reporter

Human Services students made Lakeland College proud as they organized the institution’s first Wellness Symposium, held on campus in Vermilion on Wednesday, February 28.

The free event was open to the public and was extremely well attended by

Lakeland staff and students as well as the greater community. Secondyear students in the child and youth care counselling program took on the responsibility of organizing the event, contacting vendors, booking rooms, and selecting, contacting, introducing, and thanking speakers.

The day began with workshops on self-compassion, personal boundar -

ies, healthy relationships, mindfulness, and financial wellness, as well as body-moving bootcamp and yoga sessions. Gratitude and self-soothing touch were emphasized as strategies for grounding and improving connection.

Throughout the day, vendors highlighted how supporting wellness is not about extra costs but about having the

right tools in our toolboxes. Mindful breathing practitioners, henna tattoo artists, mindfulness-based artisans, bodyworkers and energy workers, the Lakeland Pride Society, and others were all on hand to offer students options for exploring their well-being, enhancing resilience, and reducing stress.

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provided free henna tattoos to attendees. Photos Caylie Gnyra

Psychologist Dr. Jody Carrington spoke about burnout and emotional dysregulation at Lakeland College’s Wellness Symposium on February 28.

Human Services students who helped organize the Wellness Symposium posed for a picture with Dr. Jody Carrington at the close of the event.

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Dr. Jody Carrington, an internationally known psychologist originally from Viking, took the stage in the afternoon to talk about the epidemics of burnout and loneliness and their antidote, connection. She explained burnout as the process of becoming exhausted through excessive demands on energy, strength, or resources in the workplace, leading to emotional exhaustion, loss of compassion, and the experience of futility. By connecting with others, learning the skills of self- and co-regulation, and becoming familiar with both feeling and expressing big emotions, individuals can combat burnout and loneliness, both in themselves and in others.

She explained that emotional dysregulation causes people to lose access to the best parts of themselves, but that acknowledgement—that is, the act of holding space for and bearing witness to a feeling or situation—allows people to feel seen in another’s presence.

With humour, compassion, and a healthy

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

dose of cuss words, Dr. Carrington highlighted how the human services extend to everyone who has the opportunity to serve, connect with, and uplift another person in the course of their workday, echoing the words of Ram Dass: “We are all just here walking each other home.” “If you are here in any kind of human services,” she continued, “what you are saying is, ‘I want to be a walker.’ If you have the capacity to stay regulated in times of distress, you are learning to be a better walker.”

As her session drew to a close, Dr. Carrington invited members of the audience to pull out their phones and choose one person in their life to text, “I don’t know if I tell you this enough, but you matter to me.” One Emergency Services student shared that his mother responded, “Okay, who are you and what have you done with my son?” resulting in laughter from the audience. The stories of what transpired in these interactions may be shared or kept confidential over the coming weeks, but undoubtedly had an impact on attendees’

sense of connection and gratitude.

Dr. Carrington concluded her talk by saying, “It’s holy work that you’re stepping into and I promise you we need it now more than ever.”

The timing of the event was perfect for human services students, who have four weeks before they go out on practicum and are currently managing high loads of stress. The event was also well attended by the new group of Emergency Services Technician students at the college’s Emergency Training Centre, who benefitted from hearing about Dr. Carrington’s unwavering commitment to the mental health of first responders. The organizers had generously agreed to schedule the event to accommodate the arrival of the new Emergency Services students, which Dean of the Emergency Training Centre Shawn McKerry was “immensely appreciative” for.

Ann Hewko, the second-year human services student who took on the initial organizing of the symposium as her practicum project before other students joined

the team in the second semester, said, “I feel really proud to be a part of such an inspirational and successful event, and it makes me very proud and motivated to go into the field of human services.” Hewko is concurrently taking therapeutic riding instructor training to teach riding to children with disabilities, and has hopes of incorporating animals into her future practice, demonstrating the vast possibilities opened up by a diploma in human services.

Nina Barrett and Tami Smith, instructors in the Human Services department, expressed pride in the students for taking on something so big, tending to the details of selecting the keynote and workshop speakers, attracting vendors, and steering the entire project.

The event was proudly funded by Feast on the Farm. To learn more about Dr. Carrington’s work, check out her Everyone Comes from Somewhere podcast (https:// www.drjodycarrington.com/podcast/) or her new book, Feeling Seen.

Tracking Wildlife Through Winter Traces

On February 29, iNaturalist.ca, the Canadian Wildlife Federation, and Wintergreen Studios hosted an online presentation entitled Winter Wildlife Tracks & Traces.

Presenter Hilbert Buist, a guide with Wintergreen Studios, talked about sharing photos of wildlife tracks on the iNaturalist network to add valuable data to conservation research.

A new project on wildlife tracks in Canada is available at https://inaturalist.ca/projects/ Canadian-wildlife-tracks-and-traces where citizen scientists can not only record observations and get help identifying tracks but also receive project updates about interesting finds and resources.

Buist emphasized that people don’t need to be an expert to provide significant data, saying, “If you can take a photo, you can contribute

to conservation.” Both the iNaturalist website and mobile app incorporate image recognition software, and other users can help identify and confirm species. The better the photo, the better the chance to identify it will be.

To ensure tracks are tagged appropriately in iNaturalist after adding an entry, go to Your Observations, then to Annotations and select the Evidence of Presence drop-down menu to select Track. This will automatically pull the observation into the tracking project, allowing other professional and amateur naturalists involved in the project to see your data.

Buist explained that animals are residents who belong in their environments year-round, and in winter, they have three main tasks: to eat, stay warm, and find safety. When we find tracks, we have the opportunity to discover what animals eat, where they find warmth, and how the stay safe.

Buist advises carrying a ruler or measuring tape on hikes and to look for the front foot (width x length), hind food, trail width, and stride length to begin to accurately identify tracks.

The way an animal moves determines the tracks it leaves. There are four basic gait patters: waddlers, walkers, bounders, and hoppers.

Walkers are the largest group of animals; they have long bodies with a large head and chest and long legs. They must move two legs at a time but from opposite sides of their bodies. The hind foot steps into the same place where the front has just left. Cats, dogs, wolves, fox, deer, and muskrat all fall into this category. Boist contrasted the meandering tracks of domestic dogs and cats with the more businesslike movement of wild animals who don’t know where their next meal is going to come from.

The second category is bounders: longbodied animals with short legs who move quickly in short leaps. Their prints show a

series of pairs of paw prints more or less side by side. Bounders include fishers, otters, weasels, mink, ermine, and martin.

Hoppers are animals who register all four feet in the snow as a group, including rabbits, hares, and most rodents.

Finally, waddlers move in an overstep pattern: they lift both feet on same side of the body before moving the other side. Bears, porcupines, raccoons, and badgers are all waddlers.

Buist encourages people to stretch their tracking muscles by exploring tracks in their neighbourhood and following them; once you get to a place where you can follow no more, go back and explore in the other direction. He also recommends trying to move like various animals, even getting down on all fours, to see the effects of various types of movement in the snow.

To watch Buist’s presentation in its entirety, visit https://cwf-fcf.org/en/resources/downloads/webinars/public/winter-wildlife-tracks. html

Hilbert Buist of Wintergreen Studios presented on wildlife gait patterns online on February 29. Image courtesy of Wintergreen Studios

Vermilion Welcomes Two New Businesses

The town of Vermilion saw a double dose of ribbons as it welcomed two new businesses into its community on February 27th and 28th. With ribboncutting ceremonies and warm receptions, the Vermilion Town Council celebrated the openings of J&J Pinoy and Nichols Towing, marking significant milestones in the town’s economic landscape.

The first grand opening event unfolded for J&J Pinoy Store Inc., a Filipino store situated at 5002 49th Avenue, which officially opened its doors to the public the middle of February. Council member Robert

Pulyk and Mary Lee Prior, Manager of Economic Development, attended the occasion on February 27th. Owners Jaylyn and Jansel Sebastian shared their excitement, expressing their long-held dream of owning a store. “We have always wanted to own our own store, and we opened in Vermilion because we love Vermilion and wanted to contribute to the town,” said the Sebastians. Despite residing in Mannville, the couple’s affection for Vermilion remains unwavering, stemming from their ties to the area since 2013.

J&J Pinoy beckons patrons with a diverse array of Filipino dry food items, frozen goods, and tantalizing bubble

teas. Operating from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., the store aims to cater to the community’s culinary needs while fostering a cultural connection.

The ceremonial fervor continued the following day as Vermilion welcomed Nichols Towing, a locally owned and operated venture spearheaded by Vermilion resident Billy Nichols. Mayor Greg Throndson, along with Councilors Paul Conlon, Robert Pulyk, and Kevin Martin, gathered in the chambers of Town Hall to extend their congratulations and support. Recognizing the indispensable service Nichols Towing brings, Mayor Throndson emphasized its significance for the town.

Nichols Towing stands poised to address the community’s vehicular needs, offering towing services, roadside assistance, and vehicle transportation. With a commitment to prompt and reliable service, the business aims to ease the burden of vehicular mishaps for both individuals and local businesses. Those in need can reach Nichols Towing at 639-536-3087.

As Vermilion welcomes these new enterprises into its fold, the town continues to grow even in the face of evolving economic landscapes. With J&J Pinoy and Nichols Towing now operating in its business landscape, Vermilion stands primed for growth and prosperity.

From left, Councilor Robert Pulyk, Mayor Greg Throndson, Billie Nichols, Councilor Paul Conlon, and Councilor Kevin Martin. Photo Lorna Hamilton

From left, Councilor Robert Pulyk, Jaylyn Sebation, and Manager of Economic Development Mary Lee Prior. Photo submitted

Vermilion Shows Support Against Bullying

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Businesses, schools, and individuals across Vermilion marked Anti-Bullying Day by wearing a pink shirt in support of the cause.

The wave of pink originated in Berwick, Nova Scotia when twelfth-graders David Shepherd and Travis Price purchased and distributed 50 pink shirts to students in their high school after hearing of a ninth-grade boy being harassed with homophobic slurs for wearing a pink polo shirt on his first day of school. Spreading the message online with the code name

“Sea of Pink,” the two rallied nearly 800 students in their 1,000-person school to wear pink the following day, affirming the student who had been bullied and effectively silencing the bullies themselves.

Shepherd and Price had contacted their school’s administration about their idea, but were warned that they could face expulsion if any fights broke out. Having experienced bulling himself, Price thought, “This will be the best fight I’m ever going to fight.”

Safe Canada estimates that nearly one in three children are bullied, while the Canadian Red Cross suggests that over

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half of bullying victims do not report the bullying incidents to a teacher. Students who are bullied once often continue to be bullied, compounding the psychological and sometimes physical harm. A study by the Yale School of Medicine in 2010 found a connection between being bullied and suicide, making anti-bullying

an essential facet of healthy communities.

Businesses and individuals who wore pink to take a stand against bullying, and to encourage the celebration of diversity and self-expression felt a lot of pride to wear their pint shirts to show their support for the initiative.

MARWAYNE JUBILEE SCHOOL

MARWAYNE JUBILEE SCHOOL

MARWAYNE JUBILEE SCHOOL

SCHOOL

Peas- AAC

Feed

CWRS

Malt Barley- AAC Connect, CDC

Oats- CDC Arborg

Soft White- AAC Paramount VB

Seed Treating

many kind acts of visits, oral arrangements, and donations from family, friends and neighbours in Jean’s recent passing.

Thanks to the pallbearers; cross and ag bearers; eulogy readers; Father Kobyletskyy; cantors and sacristan at the funeral service.

Thanks to Mrs. J’s Catering for a lovely luncheon. Thank- you so much to Re ections Funeral Service’s and sta for easing our broken hearts during this di cult time. Your guidance was greatly appreciated. Candice and sta went above and beyond in their caring way, looking after all the details for us.

CIBC Pink Shirt Day group photo.

Shoppers Drug Mart Pink Shirt Day group photo.

Scotiabank Pink Shirt Day group photo.

Vermilion Credit Union Pink Shirt Day group photo.

TD Bank Pink Shirt Day group photo.

Dawn Hames Columnist

Waffles are a favourite that make breakfasts and brunches special. The indented squares are perfect for capturing melted butter, and syrup. They are easy to make and use basic ingredients.

The history of waffles goes back to ancient Greece, where flat, unleavened cakes were cooked on both sides with heated flatted irons. They were called obleios which translates into wafer. Thus, the name waffles evolved, as the idea spread to France, Belgium, and Sweden. Waffles were introduced into North America, by Dutch immigrants. International Waffle Day, which began in Sweden is March 25, and National

Craig Baird Columnist

It is that time again, to look at what was going on one hundred years ago in Vermilion. Plenty happened in March 1924, so let’s begin our look at the things that made the news in the community.

The Vermilion Creamery Company established an egg-buying station in the community. The step was taken in consequence of the new regulations regarding the handling and classification of eggs.

On March 4, Vermilion decided that it would cut the tax rate by 30 mills from 80 mills down to 50 mills. In addition, the business tax was to remain the same as what it was in December 1923. Town council appointed Dr. T.G. Headpatrick as the medical health officer for the year,

Waffle Day is August 24. Some vintage recipes for waffles use a batter, leavened with yeast instead of baking powder. They can also be made with sourdough. Some cultures have chicken and gravy on their waffles.

A hot waffle off the grill is so good, that you can have it with just butter, but many people love adding syrup as well. If you really want to jazz a brunch up you can have a waffle bar, with a selection of toppings such as syrup, whipped cream, strawberries, sliced bananas, blueberries, a shaker of powdered sugar, chopped nuts, chocolate sauce etc. Whatever you decide to eat them with, you are sure to enjoy this recipe.

Waffles

1 cup unbleached flour

1 egg

1 cup milk

Waffles

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup melted butter

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

Combine all the ingredients, and spoon onto a preheated waffle iron. Do not overstir, a few lumps are ok. Over-stirring until smooth causes, the gluten to toughen, and your waffles will be tougher. Cook until steam stops coming out, about 2 – 3 minutes, depending on your waffle iron. For crispier waffles, cook a longer time. This recipe made 3 large round waffles. Serve with butter and syrup. Alternatively, waffles can be served with whipped cream and berries, or buttered, and sifting of powdered sugar. They can be served alone or with eggs, bacon, sausage, and fresh fruit.

Banana Waffles

2 ripe bananas, mashed

1 egg

1 cup milk

1 tablespoon sugar

1/4 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 cup unbleached flour

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 cup melted butter

Combine the bananas, milk, sugar, salt, and vanilla. Stir in the flour, baking powder, and melted butter. Do not overstir, a few lumps are ok. Over-stirring until smooth causes, the gluten to toughen, and your waffles will be tougher. Spoon onto a preheated waffle iron. Cook until steam stops coming out, about 2 – 3 minutes, depending on your waffle iron. Serve with whipped cream and bananas or fruit. These are also great topped with ice cream.

Vermilion In March 1924

and G. Brimmacombe was made the official auditor. This was the first occasion in several years where a local man was appointed as an auditor.

At the Western Canada Farm Production event in Winnipeg, Vermilion did quite well. James R. Tattersell took first prize for potatoes with 91.5 per cent. He also won sixth and eight prizes for his registered oats. A.F. Galloway took fourth prize in two classes of registered oats. All the prizes were won in open competition against others from the Prairie Provinces and British Columbia.

The community toasted the hockey players of Vermilion in the largest banquet ever held in Vermilion

to that point. Held at the CNR Community Hall. It was in honour of the Farms and Firemen hockey teams who had done quiet well over the course of season. Mayor Morrison presided over the reception for the players. Following the reception, a dance was held.

The Presbyterian of Vermilion met and a new Vermilion minister was inducted as

the Minister of St. Andrews Church. That was a quick glimpse at what was going on in Vermilion, one century ago.

Contact Craig at craig@canadaehx. com

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Sales: Susan Chikie, Lorna Hamilton of

Environment Committee Joins Parks, Recreation, And Culture Committee

Caylie Gnyra

The Town of Vermilion’s Parks, Recreation, and Culture Committee has initiated a merger with the Town’s Environment Committee due to dwindling numbers attending the latter. However, a full amalgamation will not be complete until the Town formally approves a bylaw that brings the two together under a single committee.

A solitary member of the former Environment Committee attended the Parks,

plots and the pollinator garden south of the Senior Centre.

The community garden plots, located in the airport subdivision, at the United Church, and possibly in the still-undeveloped North Brennan subdivision have the potential to host up to 42 gardeners. In previous years, the committee has organized for a local business to do rototilling in the plots in the spring and again in the fall, and each gardener pays $30 per plot, which helps pay for the rototilling as well as the Town’s water, which is filled in tanks kept at the airport and North Brennan gardens.

Walsh is hoping another member of the community will be interested in taking over the organizational responsibilities of connecting gardeners with their plots, and invites members of the public to step forward to help out with this great initiative. In the meantime, interested gardeners can call Madison Barrett at the town office at 780-581-2415 to express interest

Following Walsh’s explanation of the Environment Committee’s projects, Don Henry, President of the Lt. Col. W.C. Craig Armoury Historical Society, updated the group on the community’s extensive utilization of the historical building. He highlighted the ham radio club’s use of the armoury for basic and advanced ham radio courses; the provision of the building for the upcoming Race of Vermilion and a day of archery for 4-Hers; the archery club’s, cadets’, and Kuksoolwon Martial Arts’ regular use of the facilities; and the hopes of getting the building’s gun range up and running again.

The building has encountered significant maintenance challenges over the winter, including a furnace failure and a burst pipe. Combined with the costs of updating the gun range, these expenses have led the Society to offer its first online prize draw. Prizes include grassfinished home-raised premium Alberta beef (value $1,300), a lawnmower and gas generator set courtesy of Cornerstone Co-op (value $1,199), and a custom knife by Jim Storch made with metal from a 1917 Krupp German WW1 cannon’s mudwheels (value $900). Tickets are available until Tuesday, April 30 at https://www.rafflebox.ca/raffle/lcolwc-craig-armoury-historical-society

Members of the Armoury Historical ciety are also concerned that the cost of natural gas heating combined with the increase in carbon tax will make the ongoing operation of the building costprohibitive. They invite members of the public to offer suggestions about grants that might help with operational costs

The Parks, Rec, and Culture Committee then went on to note that there had been no grant applications for the $4,000 the committee has available to distribute for the year. Local clubs and sports teams are strongly encouraged to put forward an application, available at https://www. vermilion.ca/en/explore-and-play/parksrecreation-and-culture-board-grant-

The committee then discussed nonice (e.g., lacrosse) and baseball diamond rates, but opted to table a decision to the next meeting, when more data about maintenance costs will be available.

The committee also discussed wheelchair swings, noting that the cost for preparation and installation is significant, but there may be a potential funding source

The local pottery guild will be offering wheel classes in April, and will put out notifications on Facebook and elsewhere

The next Parks, Culture, and Recreation Committee meeting will be Monday, Hall.

BULL BREEDERS

BCRC Submitted

When Do I Turn Out My Cows?

Beef producers will soon be making grazing plans for turning their herds out to spring pastures. While drought planning should be a routine part of the development of short- and long-term grazing plans, many beef cattle herds have withstood successive years of drought. This has prompted producers to hone in on their management skills to make the best use of their pasture forage and carefully maintain carryover to prevent prolonged damage. The question of ‘when can I turn my cows out?’ is an important one, especially for those with dwindling hays stacks or for producers purchasing feed.

Dr. Edward Bork is a Professor of Rangeland Management in the faculty of Agricultural, Life, and Environmental Sciences at the University of Alberta. He says that, aside from spring rainfall, how your pastures looked when you brought cattle in last fall may be the best indicator of how they will perform in spring. “The better condition the pasture was in October, the faster it will recover,” Bork explains.

Reduce the long-term impact of drought

With high winter feed costs, it may be tempting for producers to place cattle in pastures sooner than they normally would, but Bork cautions to be aware of potential long-term consequences. He points out that when we stress forages, we not only affect the above-ground growth but the below-ground root system as well.

“Deep roots require the most energy to maintain so they are the first to go,” says Bork, which means that when those roots are not maintained, the plant can lose its ability to draw from deep soil moisture reserves. Those deep roots store energy to keep the plant active during a

drought and are also important for longterm survival. Native and tame plants have different root systems. In some cases, native plants appear to bounce back from drought quicker, because as long as they are healthy, they have much deeper roots than many tame species, Bork explains.

As enticing as it may be to turn cattle out early, or in some cases even just at a “normal” time, producers should consider holding off if their pastures have been stressed recently. “By managing pastures cautiously in the short term, we can prevent having to deal with drought-related issues for the next 10 years,” says Bork. Avoiding long-term damage to plant health and root systems will help prevent erosion and even reduce a pasture’s risk for weed encroachment.

“When do I turn my cows out in the spring?”

Bork shares some tips for knowing when to turn cattle out, and how to make decisions that will support and maintain the long-term productivity of your pastures:

Know your carrying capacity: Be realistic with the amount of forage you have and develop your grazing plan accordingly. Use regional range health guidelines or the BCRC’s Carrying Capacity Calculator to estimate the amount of forage available and how many animals a pasture can support.

Wait until the three-leaf stage: Using plant height is not a good way to determine readiness to graze as plants can vary greatly by height, especially in the early stages. Instead wait until plants have three leaves to start grazing. This gives the plant time to build the reserves it needs for long-term survival. A common grazing rule of thumb is that for every one day you wait to graze in the spring you save two days in the fall.

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Match your grazing plan to your pasture type: If possible, graze tame pastures prior to native pastures. Tame pastures are generally more grazing tolerant, and may be quicker to green up in spring, providing valuable early grazing. In contrast, native grasslands often take longer to reach peak production and therefore should be deferred longer if that is an option.

Pay attention to litter: Litter is the standing or fallen dead plant residue left remaining in a pasture. Bork points out that litter serves multiple purposes on prairie landscapes by conserving rain and snow melt but can also be part of the forage reserve. Pastures with abundant litter will require less recovery and can be accessed earlier in the season than those where there is little or no litter remaining. Grasslands without litter may produce 25-60% less forage than grasslands with adequate litter, says Bork. Pastures with reduced litter lose moisture through evaporation and runoff and are at a higher risk of sun and wind exposure.

Look backward: how was your forage managed in the previous year? If certain pastures were left in poor condition last fall, plan to use those in the following grazing season to allow ample time for rest and recovery.

Use rainfall rather than snow as your

indicator of moisture recharge: Although looking at the plants and pastures should be your first indicator for forage growth potential, many beef producers may look to soil moisture levels to help determine pasture turnout. Bork points out that while snow can contribute to moisture recharge, this is not a certainty and may have a limited effect on forage recovery due to its tendency to evaporate (with chinooks, for example), or run off if soils are frozen. “Up to seventy percent of our precipitation on the prairies comes from rainfall in the growing season as opposed to snow, meaning that each year our forage growth is closely tied to the occurrence of May and June rainfall.” Bork is quick to note that when soil moisture is severely depleted by drought the prior year, spring growth will be even more dependent on timely rainfall.

Be ready to adapt: Recognize that grazing plans made in early spring are a moving target and will need to be adjusted based on rainfall, heat, and other environmental factors. Monitor pastures throughout the grazing season and consider what potential back-up plans might need to be implemented to ensure pastures are managed for drought resilience.

“If the pasture isn’t ready, what do I do?”

If producers are faced with drought conditions again, pastures will benefit from extended recovery time. It might be necessary to implement some early steps to prevent long-term damage to pastures.

C onsider alternative feeds: Are there alternative feeds or byproducts such as soybean hulls, beet pulp, pellets, screenings, or other feed sources that can be used to extend the winter-feeding season or as supplements on pasture? Read this article on utilizing byproducts for more information.

Annual forages may fill the gap: Annual forages can be grazed four to six weeks after seeding and can often be stocked heavily. This strategy may help to alleviate pressure on grasslands, thereby allowing them to reach their peak growth potential which can help get your grazing plan back on track.

sary:

an easy one but it can help to reduce reliance on stressed pastures and aid in faster recovery. making decisions on which cattle to cull. shortening your breeding season and pull ing bulls sooner you are selecting for cattle that rebreed earlier, tightening up your calving season, and may be able to take advantage of higher grasser market prices for open heifers. This can help with cull ing decisions. This recent webinar shares additional information on shortening the breeding season for heifers.

ing to adapt as the weather changes can prevent pasture decline. Facing pasture productivity challenges head-on can help producers be better poised for recovery and reap the rewards when moisture is abundant.

Thank you to the Beef Cattle Research Council for allowing the reprinting of this article. https://www.beefresearch.ca/

Managing grasslands through drought is not an easy task, but having a plan going in, monitoring pastures and being will

•

Normalizing Farm Safety From An Early Age

Erin Kelly Canadian Agricultural Safety

Association

Katie Keddy’s approach to teaching her two sons about safety on the farm is simple: normalize it.

“We believe in teaching them lessons so that they grow up with safety as a culture on the farm instead of learning it as adults,” explains Keddy.

Keddy and her husband, Philip, are second-generation farmers growing sweet potatoes and strawberry nursery plants with her in-laws in Lakeville, NS. Being both a parent and involved with the farm, Keddy says she recognized early on the significance of making safety a regular part of conversations and way of thinking.

“Through the busyness of business, especially with farming, safety can be one of the things that falls by the wayside pretty easily if it’s not made a priority,” says Keddy, who is currently president of Farm Safety Nova Scotia. “I wanted to ensure that didn’t happen because learning about safety as an adult requires more of a conscious effort when you haven’t grown

up with it, versus it just being instilled from a young age.” A unique aspect of agriculture is that farms and ranches are not just worksites but places where people also live. While other industries see victims of occupational injuries almost exclusively in the 18 to 65 age range, children account for a significant number of injuries in agriculture. According to the latest findings of the Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting, between 2011 and 2020, there were 58 fatal agriculture-related injuries among those aged 0 to 14.

“I’ve always made sure to have very black and white conversations with my kids about safety. If something could result in death, then we are very direct about it and very clear about the risks because there is so little room for error,” says Keddy. “A single moment of inattention could mean the worst possible outcome.” When it comes to safety, everyone has a role to play. That’s why one of the main lessons that Keddy and her husband have taught their sons – now nine and 11 – is that farm safety is everyone’s responsibility. And that includes them.

“We have always taught our kids that they have as much responsibility to look out for other people on the farm as other people have to look out for them, and it is all of our jobs to look out for one another,” Keddy explains, adding that prioritizing safety also plays a big part in attracting and retaining employees.

Being a parent and having a farm are both no easy feats. So, it’s no surprise that when asked if there is a balancing act that comes with parenting and farm work, Keddy can’t help but laugh. “The entire lifestyle is a balancing act,” she says. Farm kids tend to grow up fast, says Keddy, and certain expectations are often put on them, whether intentional or not, because of what they grow up around and experience.

“But even still, it is our responsibility as parents to not put them in an environment that could be unsafe and to give them the tools and knowledge necessary to keep them safe,” she explains. “While you’re trying to work, while you’re trying to run a business, you’re also trying to teach the kids the skills needed to be safe every day on the farm. And that definitely does take

some careful and conscious balancing.”

Maritime Ag Women’s Network

One of the outlets that Keddy has used to help balance different priorities has been the Maritime Ag Women’s Network. Keddy co-founded the Facebook group with her friend Amy VanderHeide nearly 10 years ago after they attended the Atlantic Farm Women’s Conference and wanted to stay connected with the women they met there. “We realized we were all going back to our farms and it is isolating living on a farm, so when you find those connections, it’s really meaningful,” Keddy explains. “There is a need for connection, for information, and advice – be it with business, kids, or safety.”

The need for such a group became clear as its membership grew steadily, reaching over 1,000 members. As Keddy notes, it’s no secret that agriculture is rooted in old traditions. And while much progress has been made, many of the traditional expectations of women’s role in agriculture still exist. The Facebook group, she says, has helped highlight the unique experiences of farm women.

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“Safety is a prime example of something that falls to women as the traditional caregivers and they are the ones most often who are balancing the kids with the farm work. For me, I did have the interest and passion for safety, but that’s not the case for everyone and safety often becomes a woman’s responsibility regardless of their interest in it,” explains Keddy. “It’s an immense amount of pressure, and when you’re working stressed is when accidents happen and things get missed.” While individual experiences will differ depending on location and commodity, Keddy points out that women in agriculture share many similar barriers, challenges, and stressors.

“The Facebook group has helped a lot of women to realize they are not alone and that there are other people in the same situation as them. And that can really make a world of a difference to someone,” she explains.

There’s no question that raising kids on a farm can bring many stressors and unknowns. However, despite the challenges, it’s a lifestyle that Keddy says she would never change. But she notes that the lifestyle comes with a responsibility that she and her husband share to instill safety in the next generation.

“The bottom line is that we want them to grow up knowing that safety really has to be your number one priority,” says Keddy. “Because without it, you may not have a farm.”

Every year, CASA raises awareness about the importance of safety on Canadian farms through Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), which takes place during the third week of March. In 2024, CASW takes place March 10-16, and is sponsored by CN, Syngenta Canada, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Fertilizer Canada, and Parrish & Heimbecker.

Siblings Carry On Parents’ Legacy With Family Fish Farm

Erin Kelly

Canadian Agricultural Safety Association

RJ Taylor never imagined he’d return to work at his family’s fish farm after he left home at 18.

But that’s exactly where he is today, working alongside his sister Arlen to manage Cedar Crest Trout Farms, which their parents, Jim and Lynette, started more than 30 years ago.

And while they are carrying on the family business, it looks quite different from the single-farm operation their parents started with. Today, the business, which also operates under the Springhills Fish brand, has multiple land-based fish farms in southwestern Ontario’s Grey County, a partnership with Sheshegwaning First Nation for a fish farm on Manitoulin Island that utilizes offshore technology to grow fish in floating nets, a processing plant, an expanded team, and a working

relationship with major retailers. Springhills Fish also delivers fresh fish, including rainbow trout, coho salmon, and Arctic char, to more than 1,500 homes in Ontario every month.

Though the siblings are now well-established in their roles as second-generation fish farmers, Taylor says the succession process to get there wasn’t the easiest.

“There is a certain amount of uncertainty and unknowing when trying to sort things out with succession planning. It certainly isn’t something that you can rush,” says Taylor, noting that the entire succession process took nearly five years.

The move home all started with a phone call that Arlen received from their father asking for help with a sudden surge in orders. Arlen, who at the time was working overseas and had just accepted a contract to set up refugee camps in Iraq,

agreed to return to the farm to help out for what she thought would be a temporary situation. After a few years, Taylor says that Arlen began to see more opportunities for the family business. “Arlen had looked at the business, and she and I started talking about where the business could go and what the needs were,” Taylor explains. “She had worked alongside my dad for a bit, who was getting into his late 70s by then, and that’s when my parents started talking about some sort of succession plan.”

To get things rolling with the succession process, the family brought in a thirdparty mediator who did a strategy session about what each individual wanted out of life, where the business could go, and the requirements to get there.

larger firm who worked with all the farms in the area and this individual was of the mindset that there is only one way to do succession,” Taylor explains. “There was just no out-of-the-box thinking for understanding the personalities at play and the business and where we wanted to go.” They decided the best move would be to have a fresh start with new experts. Taylor and his sister found an accountant with an entrepreneurial focus who helped create a succession plan that was in line with what the family and business needed. They also switched banks and lawyers.

“Starting with a clean slate was really helpful. It’s a new relationship and those individuals aren’t comparing you to your parents and how your parents ran the business,” he says.

We salute the farming community in your passion, dedication and stewardship of the LAND to help feed the ever growing population!

“It helps having someone there who isn’t part of the family and who doesn’t have emotions tied up in the process. It also gave my parents an opportunity to say they wanted to step back from daily operations on the farm. Those types of conversations, I don’t know that they would have come up if we didn’t have a mediator,” says Taylor, adding that the strategy sessions with the mediator also opened his eyes to how his skills aligned with what the business needed.

Taylor is also quick to give his parents credit for being open to a process that suited what he and Arlen envisioned for the future of the business, noting that the tremendous growth of the family farm meant it was becoming less like the business his parents ran for decades.

Mark Schommer, Manager

“When we were going through this process with the mediator and figuring out the business needs going forward, all of the gaps that were on the whiteboard were my strengths,” explains Taylor, who worked for several large science research centres after graduating from university. “So, it was only a matter of time before I called up Arlen and said ‘Okay, let’s do this.’”

As they got into the thick of the succession process, Taylor says they quickly learned an important lesson about finding experts suited to their personalities and business vision.

“My parents had an accountant from a

“For my parents, the business was starting to boom just as they were reaching the end of their careers. So if they were to remain in a decision-making position with the business and holding the purse strings, it would be very hard for the business to grow and modernize. I’ve seen that happen on other farms, so we are very fortunate that our parents were open to something else,” explains Taylor. “I think there was also some awareness on their part that it’s a different industry now from when the business started.” In addition to growing the business and increasing production, the siblings have focused on communication and interactions with the public, something that Taylor says wasn’t a priority – or even perceived as a good idea – with his parents’ generation.

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“A big change was when we opened the gates to the public and became more engaged with the public through social media and local events,” he says. “It’s been a pretty amazing transition for the business, because people are genuinely excited to learn about where their food comes from and the people who produce it.”

T he fish farming operation also prides itself on being recommended by Ocean Wise and certified by Best Aquaculture Practices, which Taylor calls the industry’s “gold standard” for animal welfare, environmental impacts, and worker health and safety.

The dust has long since settled on the family’s succession process. Though he never thought he would be managing his family’s fish farm, Taylor now can’t envision doing anything else – particularly since he gets to work with his sister to carry on their parents’ legacy.

“Building this farm was my dad’s dream. I feel very grateful for my parents’ belief in us to carry the business forward.”

And Taylor’s advice for others looking to start a succession process? Find the right experts to work with.

“Find people who are willing to find something that is customized to your situation. Because there’s a surprising amount out there who are not like that. When it comes to ensuring a successful succession, having the right people along the way is pivotal.”

Every year, CASA raises awareness about the importance of safety on Canadian farms through Canadian Agricultural Safety Week (CASW), which takes place during the third week of March. In 2024, CASW takes place March 10-16, and is sponsored by CN, Syngenta Canada, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Fertilizer Canada, and Parrish & Heimbecker.

RJ Taylor alongside his sister Arlen. Photo submitted

Agri News

Submitted

The fertilizer market is tied to the dynamics of global supply and demand.

“Fertilizers are essential inputs for agricultural production,” says Azam Nikzad, market analyst/ coordinating researcher with the Alberta government. “In Alberta, fertilizer and lime accounted for approximately $2.5 billion of total farm operating expenses in 2022. Domestic demand for fertilizer is tied to seeded area and farm income, which is influenced by global crop prices.”

The fertilizer industry is global. The total market was valued at US$202 billion in 2023, with nitrogenous fertilizers being the most traded type, followed by

Fertilizer Industry Trends

phosphate and potash. Since Alberta is part of and contributes to the global fertilizer market, it becomes imperative to delve into the import and export dynamics that shape the province’s role in this vital sector.

Alberta is a large producer of nitrogen. This is due to the availability of natural gas in the region, which is a key input used in the Haber-Bosch process (a method for manufacturing anhydrous ammonia). Alberta is also the largest sulfur producer in Canada. Sulfur is a by-product of natural gas and oil refining.

“Alberta exports nitrogen and sulfurbased fertilizers, including anhydrous ammonia, urea, ammonium sulphate and ammonium nitrate,” says Nikzad.

“The combined volume of these 4

fertilizers reached above 1.8 million tonnes in 2023 and accounted for 98.8% of total fertilizer export volume from the province. In the last decade, ammonium sulphate exports demonstrated a consistent increase, while the remaining fertilizer exhibited fluctuations with ups and downs in their export volumes.

Alberta exported 22.1% of its total anhydrous ammonia production in 2022. This positioned Canada as the fifth largest exporter of ammonia in the world. Additionally, urea exports were 11.1% of Alberta’s total urea production in the same year. The United States is the major export destination for Alberta’s fertilizers.

“Alberta does not make all the different types and formulations of fertilizer products needed by farmers,” explains Nikzad. “The province gets potash from Saskatchewan and relies on imported phosphate, primarily from the United States and Morocco. Alberta imports Monoammonium Phosphate (MAP) + Diammonium Phosphate (DAP), as well as compound fertilizers that contain nitrogen and phosphorus.”

The import volume of these fertilizers amounted to 340,833 tonnes, which represented 82.5% of the total import volume in 2023. MAP + DAP alone accounted for 70.7% of overall import volume during the same period.

“The fertilizer market is tied to global supply and demand dynamics, while political and geopolitical factors have added to the complexity of the situation in recent years. At the same time, strong crop prices boosted fertilizer demand that created a gap between

global demand and supply. Global supplies currently continue to face a number of challenges, with Europe reducing nitrogen fertilizer production due to high natural gas prices and China restricting exports to secure supply and lower domestic prices.”

A similar scenario is unfolding for phosphate where a global shortage is exacerbated by geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East. China is a major contributor to global phosphate fertilizer supply and has implemented export restrictions on this product as well.

Closer to home, the shutdown of a phosphate facility in Redwater is another factor that has potential to impact the domestic supply situation. The plant strategically shifted focus from phosphate production to ammonium sulphate. The transition has consequences for phosphate production and will necessitate increased imports of phosphate fertilizer from the United States or from overseas.

“Western Canada has the capacity to produce most of the fertilizers demanded by farms, with the exception of phosphorusbased products, where we rely on imports,” explains Nikzad. “This is not to suggest there will never be a supply disruption or localized shortage. Transportation and other logistical factors can impact product availability and affect market prices. As well, demand for specialized fertilizers is increasing and it can sometimes outpace production capacity but will be a topic for a future article.”

Ward’s

BuILdInG SuppLIES

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cOmInG EVEntS

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION

PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auc tion, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609,

Clandonald Agricultural Society $50-A-Week Winners

Feb - 6 Sarah Cusack

Feb -13 Eugene & Rebecca Dyjur

Feb -20 Audrey Cusack

Feb -27 Murray & Becky Smith

Centre

Walking Through

To be held on March 25th, 2024

KITSCOTY COMMUNITY CHURCH

COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS

Celebrating 60 Years: 2024 marks 60 years since the incorporation of the County of Vermilion River. Join us over the coming year as we reflect on and celebrate 60 years of the County of Vermilion River.

PROTECTIVE SERVICES: Fire Permits are required year-round for all burning activities except recreational, burn barrel, or incinerator fires. To obtain a permit, please contact our office by phone or submit a request through our website. We urge applicants to plan ahead an apply in advance for their permit. Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment: If you are interested in volunteering with one of our stations (Blackfoot, Clandonald, Dewberry, Islay, Kitscoty, Marwayne or Paradise Valley), please contact the County at fire@county24.com

PLANNING & COMMUNITY SERVICES: Effective February 15, 2024 the Clandonald civic addressing updates will be rolled out, with Dewberry to follow in March 2024. The updates aim to rectify inefficiencies with the current civic addressing system, reduce confusion for ratepayers, County staff, and Emergency Services. The Planning & Community Services team is working diligently to provide the updated addresses to Canada Post, utility companies, Natural Gas Utility, RCMP and 911 to ensure a seamless transition. Contact our office if you have questions or need more information.

PUBLIC WORKS: Please monitor our website and social media for updates with regards to road bans and construction projects. The County has real time maps of road bans, graveling, road projects, and dust suppression on our website.

Heavy Vehicle Permits: All heavy vehicle permits expired on December 31, 2023. Please contact our Public Works Team to renew your permit for 2024 at 780.846.3309. All vehicles registered for 22,500kg and over require a permit to travel on County roads as per the Traffic Bylaw (Bylaw 21 -04).

AGRICULTURE & ENVIRONMENT: The Drought and Livestock Water Management Workshop will provide you with grant information, ways to extend the life of your water source and information about potential drought impacts. This in-person workshop will be held on March 13, 2024 from 12:00-3:00 pm in Vermilion. For more information or to register for this workshop please email carychuk@county24.com or visit our Agriculture & Environment webpage. Reminder to check our website www.vermilion -river.com for news, events, announcements, employment opportunities and more! For current news and updates, follow County of Vermilion River on Facebook and Twitter.

COUNTY OF MINBURN NO. 27

Oil/Calcium Dust Control Program on Roads in Front of Farmland Sites

Dust control applications will now be accepted until April 15, 2024 (deadline) as per County Policy OP 9001-02, Dust Control with Calcium and Oil on Roads in Front of Yard Sites.

If you have any questions, please call the Operation Office at (780)632-2082, Ext. 3.

Applications are available at the County of Minburn

Website: www.minburncounty.ab.ca

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

TAX & ASSESSMENT ADMINISTRATOR – Temporary Term Position to March 2025, approximately

Closing Date: March 8, 2024, or until suitable candidate is found

2025, approximately

Closing Date: March 8, 2024, or until suitable candidate is found

The County of Vermilion River is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a one-year Maternity leave in a contract (Temporary Term) position as Tax & Assessment Administrator. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, and working in conjunction with the County’s Assessors, this position is responsible for the County taxation system in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and County of Vermilion River bylaws and policies.

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

The County of Vermilion River is seeking a highly motivated individual to fill a one-year Maternity leave in a contract (Temporary Term) position as Tax & Assessment Administrator. Reporting to the Director of Corporate Services, and working in conjunction with the County’s Assessors, this position is responsible for the County taxation system in accordance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA) and County of Vermilion River bylaws and policies.

Degree or Diploma in Accounting, Business Administration or Appraisal & Assessment is preferred

KEY QUALIFICATIONS

Experience in an Accounting or Taxation role in a municipal environment is an asset

Familiarity with Central Square (Diamond/Great Plains) software is an asset

Degree or Diploma in Accounting, Business Administration or Appraisal & Assessment is preferred

Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Property tax billing, collection, and processing

Experience in an Accounting or Taxation role in a municipal environment is an asset Familiarity with Central Square (Diamond/Great Plains) software is an asset Consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of education and experience

Prepare, process, and reconcile tax, assessment, and supplementary tax notices

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Process property assessment changes

Property tax billing, collection, and processing

Process Land Title changes and Tax Certificates

Prepare, process, and reconcile tax, assessment, and supplementary tax notices

Process property assessment changes

Prepare property tax notifications, set up payment schedules/agreements, and process annual tax notification list

Process Land Title changes and Tax Certificates

Report, track and process the sale of tax recovery land, maintain checklists for tax recovery processes, and for the sale and acquisition of land, as per the MGA

Prepare property tax notifications, set up payment schedules/agreements, and process annual tax notification list

Reconcile monthly property tax entries to the financial system

Report, track and process the sale of tax recovery land, maintain checklists for tax recovery processes,

Year-end reconciliation of property tax accounts and annual tax revenue reporting

Process and apply penalties and interest on tax accounts

Process monthly Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP), and Tax Arrears Payment Plan (TAPP)

Provide professional customer service to resolve tax inquiries from ratepayers and the public

Maintain computer taxation system; perform analytics and provide input for updates and continuous improvements to system

Design and order annual notice form, tax

St. Jerome’s Pink Shirt Day group photo. Photo submitted

JR Robson Pink Shirt Day group photo. Photo submitted

VES Pink Shirt Day group photos. Photos submitted

Vermilion Tigers Triumph Over Killam Wheat Kings In Playoff Showdown

Braxton Hoare

Columnist

In a thrilling playoff matchup between two local hockey powerhouses, the Vermilion Tigers emerged victorious over the Killam Wheat Kings, securing their ticket to the next round with a display of skill, determination, and resilience on the ice.

The game began with an early strike from the Killam Wheat Kings, as Jordan Gagnon found the back of the net unassisted at 12:57 into the first period, sending ripples of excitement through the crowd. However, the Vermilion Tigers quickly responded, capitalizing on a power play opportunity. Rohan Quist buried the puck into the net at 17:25, assisted by Ryder Kenyon and Deven Culford, leveling the score and igniting a surge of momentum for the Tigers.

As the game progressed into the second period, the Vermilion Tigers seized control of the ice. With just one second left on the clock before intermission, Bennett Downing netted a crucial goal assisted by Riley Applegate and Conner Roscoe, propelling

the Tigers into the lead and setting the stage for an intense final period.

In the third period, the Vermilion Tigers continued to dominate, extending their lead with a goal from Caden Anderson at 17:37, assisted by Will Porter. Despite a valiant effort from the Killam Wheat Kings, the Tigers maintained their composure, defending their lead with tenacity and skill until the final buzzer sounded, clinching a well-deserved victory.

With this, the Vermilion Tigers now set their sights on the next challenge: a showdown against St. Paul in the upcoming playoffs round. The team continues as they prepare to face off against their opponents in a best-of-seven series, with the first home game scheduled for Tuesday, March 5th at 8:00 PM. Subsequent matchups will take place on Thursday, March 7th at 8:00 PM and, if necessary, on Sunday, March 10th at 5:00 PM. As the Tigers advance towards glory, they carry with them the unwavering support of their loyal fans and the determination to emerge victorious once again.

The Tiger’s playing great hockey recently. Photos Arlene H Nelson

Darcie Maier

Submitted

A big snowfall has made it possible to reschedule our ski trip to Table Mountain, again, depending on the weather. It was to take place this past November, but due to a lack of snow, it was canceled due to the venue being fully booked. Students who registered and paid for the November trip are still considered registered, but can opt out and others can now opt in. Forms are available in the office.

Many staff and students took part in Pink Shirt Day. Pictured below are

as many staff and students we could gather just before lunch. It was a big week for Science at J.R. Robson. Grade 7’s have been learning about what makes a strong structure. They have been building blueprints of bridges on a Software called Tinker, to be printed on the 3D printers. They need to keep all the factors in mind that make a sturdy bridge. Civil Engineer, Ryan Martin, visited the class to offer some advice and check out their work. Bridges have now been printed, and there were some flaws for students to correct. Nobody gets it perfect on their first try.

Gift Enhances Agricultural Technology Degree Program

Lakeland College

Submitted

Thanks to a $250,000 gift from the RBC Foundation, students in Lakeland College’s new Bachelor of Agricultural Technology program are getting to experience new technology like artificial intelligence, advanced satellite mapping and machine learning.

The first of its kind in Canada, Lakeland College’s Bachelor of Agricultural Technology began in 2021.

“Canada is facing the unique challenge of having to produce more food while also moving towards net zero,” said Adrienne Levay, an instructor in the two-year postdiploma program. “In order to meet this challenge, the agricultural workers of the future will need to rely on data, technology and a new way of thinking. We’re so appreciative of the RBC Foundation’s support in helping our students become leaders in a more sustainable agricultural future.”

According to Levay, two of the technologies and teaching areas enabled by the gift are variable rate fertilizer distribution

and data-based prescription maps.

“Nitrous oxide is a greenhouse gas, so using satellites and data to put nitrogen only precisely where it’s needed – rather than everywhere - will help reduce emissions,” said Levay. “A new variable rate fertilizer application tool was recently introduced at the school’s student-managed farm.”

“We’ve also enhanced our ability to teach the skill of creating prescription maps, which involve soil sampling and electrical conductivity across our studentmanaged farm. Being able to gather their own real world data, and learning how to export and process it, is a critical skill for our students.”

The gift to Lakeland College is part of RBC Foundation’s commitment to national organizations and post-secondary institutions to enable a more environmentally sustainable future in agriculture. Other RBC Foundation gifts, which in total amount to close to $8 million, include supporting the development of a free online agricultural mapping tool for the Canadian Agri-Food Foundation and

support for the University of British Columbia’s new Farm Practicum in Sustainable Agriculture.

“Helping Canadian food producers reduce emissions, without comprising their economic and food production goals is important to achieving greater sectoral

resistance,” said Lorna McKercher, National Director of CFS Client Strategy – Agriculture at RBC. “Canada needs to meet its environmental, food security and economic objectives, and RBC Foundation gifts help accelerate the mission.”

According to a report from RBC Thought Leadership and Economics, by 2050 the global population will reach 9.7 billion. By 2050, Canada’s food production will need to increase by a quarter to maintain our current contribution level – while endeavouring to reduce greenhouse emissions to reach net-zero.

Photo courtesy Lakeland College: Bachelor of Agriculture Technology students Walker Balan (L) and Wylee Squair (R) utilize drone technology to monitor a herd of bison at the school’s student-run farm. Photo submitted

Grade 12’s/Chem 30 students, completing a lab, calculating the calories of various snack items. Photos submitted

Vermilion Skating Club Holds FunMeet and Carnival

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

The Vermilion Skating Club held its sixth FunMeet at the Stadium on February 24–25. Over 125 skaters from more than 10 different clubs were in attendance, travelling from as far away as Edmonton, Cold Lake, and Maidstone,

Saskatchewan.

For the past three years, the club has brought a judge from St. Albert to run the STAR 1–3 Freeskate events as well as the Canskate portion. Skaters exhibited their skills in a variety of elements as well as in individual performances.

The following Friday, the club held its

yearly Carnival, with Family Game Night being this year’s theme. Over 100 skaters from ages three to 53 performed in group numbers, duets, and individual routines, representing various board games. The event also featured a pairs team from Edmonton as well as two synchronized skating teams from Lloy -

dminster, the latter of which feature Vermilion’s three skating coaches. The Carnival provided an end-ofseason opportunity for skaters to show off the skills they have acquired throughout the season. Friends and family filled the stadium in support of the skaters.

Alberta North Region Pony Clubs Holds First ANR “A-B-C Theory Retreat”

Alberta North Region Pony Club

Submitted

On February 23-25, members of the Alberta North Region (ANR) Pony Clubs gathered in the Town of Vermilion for the first ANR “A-B-C Theory Retreat.” Thirty members from 10 clubs across the province’s Northern part gathered to learn about horse nutrition and feeding, lungeing and bandaging, horse anatomy, horse health and emergency veterinary practices, and saddle fitting.

Various speakers came from both Alberta and Saskatchewan to speak to the group and share their knowledge and wisdom. The group utilized the Vermilion Agricultural Society conference room and the Lakeland College Equine Centre.

Traditionally, ANR hosts a Spring Education Camp in March at Camp Nakamun, near Busby, AB. There, members

can spend the weekend at camp having fun, making new friends, and learning about all things horses, both in the classroom and in a barn setting. Since COVID, Camp Nakamun has had to pause its horse program; therefore, members have been missing out on the handson learning aspect that Camp Nakamun was once able to provide. This has yet to affect younger members as they get a lot of great learning at camp and handson learning at home with their respective clubs. However, many upper-level senior members require the hands-on learning that only being in a barn with real horses can offer. These senior members are also at the level where it becomes quite costly for individual clubs to organize upper-level hands-on learning. Therefore, the region tried something different and organized the first ANR “A-B-C Theory Retreat”

targeted at senior upper-level members.

The Canadian Pony Club is a memberbased association managed by volunteers mandated to serve the needs of Canadian youth, ages 6 to 25, and adults (21 and up), who are interested in riding, learning about and/or caring for horses or ponies. The superior education program allows the Canadian Pony Club to stand out above the many other equine programs. Members start at the “D” level, where they learn about their pony/horse, what it eats, and how it keeps warm in the winter. In the riding, D-level members walk and trot in a ring and over poles on the ground. By the “A” level, candidates can run a stable, teach, and work with green or problem horses.

Organizers of the ANR “A-B-C Theory Retreat” would like to THANK the many local businesses and organizations

that were able to help make this event an event to remember! Their donations and sponsorships helped to cover event expenses such as materials, speakers, rental costs, and meals. They allowed the Alberta North Region to give members the best possible experiences, enabling them to grow as aspiring equestrians and community members.

The Town of Vermilion will see members of the Alberta North Region Pony Clubs again August 18-20, 2024, at the Vermilion fairgrounds for their annual Regional Dressage and Show Jumping competition. Vermilion is home to one of Alberta North Region Youth Representatives, Dolly Lehne. If you would like to come to cheer them on or help out through sponsorship, donations, or volunteering, please get in touch with her at anryouth@ canadianponyclub.org.

Photos submitted.

Cold Lake skaters Chloe Robertson-King (purple dress), Karmen Cheung (teal dress), and London Bain (light blue dress) performed elements for the judge’s assessment at the FunMeet on February 24. Photos Caylie Gnyra

Members of the Vermilion Skating Club and special guests performed in the Family Games Night Carnival at the stadium on March 1. The first pic on the left is a pair from Edmonton, and the middle pic is a sychro team from Lloydminster.