310-FARM - Alberta’s One-Stop Shop For Agricultural Answers
Agri News
Submitted
Producers have enough to manage already – markets, weather, regulations, input costs and the day to day realities of running a farm or ranch. When questions come up, tracking down the right government contact or program information should not add to their workload. That is why the Government of Alberta operates 310FARM, an information and referral service designed to provide farmers, ranchers, ag businesses and rural residents a dependable first point of contact.
310FARM is staffed by resource agents who understand the agricultural landscape and can help callers navigate provincial programs, regulatory requirements and available supports. While the team does
not have every answer, they specialize in connecting callers with the right people –whether that means transferring you to a subject matter expert, providing you with the details and a link to a specific program, or directing you to the right department or industry contact. The 310-FARM team will work to guide them toward the most appropriate resource, ensuring they are not left without direction.
310-FARM supports key agricultural programs, including the Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit, Premises Identification Program and the Farmers’ Advocate Office.
Resource agents can answer a wide range of inquiries, including: Programs and financial supports
-eligibility and applications for the Alberta Farm Fuel Benefit Program.
-funding opportunities under the
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP).
-help navigating agriculture grant applications or checking application status
Livestock and premises
-registering, updating or renewing a Premises Identification (PID) account. -requirements for livestock movement and reporting.
- who to contact about animal health or diseaserelated concerns
Regulations and compliance
- understanding permits or approvals needed for farm operations.
- clarifying environmental regulations, manure management and water use.
- clarifying rules related to inspections or compliance notices.
Farming operations and resources
- crop, soil, pest and irrigation informa-
FROM FARM TO TABLE
tion.
- guidance on rat control, wild boar issues and invasive species.
- farm safety resources and bestpractice information
Advocacy and dispute resolution
-access to the Farmers’ Advocate Office for support with financial stress, land or utility disputes, and mediation options
In an industry where time is precious, having a single, first point of contact saves producers frustration and helps ensure they are accessing the programs and information they need. Whether you are sorting out paperwork, troubleshooting a livestock issue, or exploring funding options, 310FARM is there to help keep Alberta’s agricultural sector moving forward. For more information, see: 310-FARM
OUR TEAM CAN HELP YOU Weed & Pest Control Ag plastics recycling Sustainable CAP Programs Environmental stewardship Environmental Farm Plans ALUS Program
FARM STEWARDSHIP FUNDING THROUGH THE ALUS PROGRAM riparian area management rotational grazing fencing and alternative watering wildlife habitat grass waterways and salinity shelterbelts eco-buffers pollinator habitat
Contact Chris Elder for help with funding options, project design, and application support celder@county24 com 780-853-7844
ROADSIDE SPRAYING & NO SPRAY ZONES
The County of Vermilion River will begin spraying for weeds and brush along road allowances starting in June 2026 The primary focus will be Spray Area 2 (the western third of the County), but selective spraying of noxious weeds and brush will take place throughout the County If you prefer to manage the weeds and brush in f ront of your property instead of having the County spray, please complete the annual NoSpray Agreement by May 31, 2026 Agreements can be accessed at ww vermilion- river com or by calling the County Off ice at 780-846-2244
Please be aware that the County will not spray near clearly maintained yard sites or tame shelterbelts
RAT CONTROL
The Rat Control Inspection Program will start in March Pest Control Off icers visit farms and rural residents within 6 miles of the SK border (Range 1) If you have a yard gate or guard dog, let us know so we can set up an appointment for inspection
Sonya Lee Reporter
Vermilion Farmer’s Market Returned For The 2026 Season
With spring just around the corner, a beloved Vermilion tradition made its return. The Vermilion Farmer’s Market opened its 2026 season on Tuesday, March 10, once again bringing local vendors, handcrafted goods, and community spirit back to Elk’s Hall.
Held weekly every Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Elk’s Hall, located at 5029 49 Avenue, the market provides a warm and inviting space where residents and visitors alike can gather, browse, and support local makers. Running throughout the year, it has become a familiar and much-anticipated midweek stop for many in the community.
One of the market’s greatest charms is its ever-changing selection of vendors. Each week offers something a little different, ensuring that no two visits are quite the same. Shoppers can find tables filled with fresh baking, jars of homemade jams and preserves, locally produced honey, handmade soaps, and handcrafted jewelry. Other vendors bring crocheted
goods, wooden crafts, seasonal produce, and a variety of unique handmade items created right here in the region.
For many visitors, the market is about more than simply picking up groceries or gifts. It also offers an opportunity to meet the people behind the products. Vendors are often happy to share how their items are made, where their ingredients come from, or what inspired them to begin crafting. These conversations add a personal connection that makes shopping local feel even more meaningful.
The welcoming atmosphere inside the Elk’s Hall remains a defining feature of the Vermilion Farmer’s Market. Friends pause to visit while browsing the tables, children carefully choose a favourite treat, and newcomers quickly discover the friendly spirit that defines the event. It’s the kind of place where people naturally slow down, enjoy the moment, and connect with neighbours.
The market is designed with accessibility in mind. The Elk’s Hall offers a spacious layout that is easy to navigate with strollers, wheelchairs, or walking aids, making it a comfortable outing for families, seniors, and visitors of all ages.
For those who value supporting local businesses and discovering oneof-a-kind items, the Vermilion Farmer’s Market continues to offer something special. From handmade crafts to fresh-baked goods and locally sourced products, the market celebrates the creativity and dedication of vendors throughout the community.
Whether you plan to visit every week or simply drop in when you can, the Vermilion Farmer’s Market offers an opportunity to enjoy good company, local talent, and the simple pleasure of shopping close to home. Investing in our Ag community
Breanne Orton chatting with a Farmers Market attendee.
Photos Sonya Lee
Sonya Lee Reporter
Local Jordyn Prior Recognized As Rising Star At Western Agriculture Conference
Women from across Western Canada gathered in Calgary earlier this month to celebrate leadership, innovation, and community within the agricultural industry during the Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference.
Held March 8 to 10 at the Hyatt Regency Calgary, the annual event brings together women working across all areas of agriculture to connect, learn, and recognize those helping shape the future of the industry in Alberta.
The conference welcomes women who share a passion for agriculture and food systems. Attendees include university and college students studying agriculture, producers, ranchers, agribusiness professionals, entrepreneurs, and representatives from grower associations.
Through keynote presentations, workshops, and networking sessions, participants explored topics such as communication and leadership, mentoring and networking, financial management and independence, work-life balance, and career planning.
The 2026 Women in Ag Awards were presented during The Notables, a special reception held March 8 in Calgary. The event was held in conjunction with the 2026 Advancing Women in Agriculture & Food Conference (West), presented and hosted by AFSC.
Among those honoured this year was local woman Jordyn Prior, who received the Rising Star Award, recognizing young female leaders under 40 who show exceptional promise, passion, and a commitment to advocating for agriculture.
Prior grew up on a mixed grain and cattle operation in northeastern Alberta, where she developed a strong connection to agri-
culture and rural communities. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Sustainability along with a degree in Agribusiness and has built a career that blends agriculture with marketing and communications.
“Women in agriculture come from every corner of our industry; from the lab to the classroom to the field; and every one of those roles matters. If I can leave any legacy behind, I hope it’s a longer table where more women feel seen, valued, and empowered to lead authentically and without hesitation,” said Prior.
“I was raised to believe that no challenge was too big and no opportunity was off-limits — and that foundation of grit, community, and mentorship is what shaped me. Being recognized alongside so many remarkable women remind me that we rise by lifting others, and that meaningful change in agriculture happens when we put people and relationships first. I am deeply grateful for this award and truly honoured to be recognized among such inspiring women in agriculture.”
She currently works as the Ag and Energy Marketing Specialist for South Country Co-op and was previously the Associate Director of Brand at Cornerstone Co-op.
A dedicated 4-H alumna, Prior spent 11 years involved in the program and continued mentoring and volunteering afterward. She now serves as the 4-H Alberta North East Area Director, helping guide and mentor youth involved in agriculture.
Outside of her professional role, Prior runs a herd of purebred Angus cattle alongside her brothers and supports other farmers and rural businesses through marketing strategy.
Those interested in learning more about Prior will be able to hear her story on the 4-H Alberta podcast in the coming weeks,
where she will speak with host and CEO Tracy Gardner about her 4-H experience and the importance of sponsorship and partnerships.
Other recipients of the 2026 AFSC Women in Ag Awards included Robyne Davidson, named The Innovator; Laura Brown, The Operator; Michelle Rigney, The Ignitor; Dr. Brenda Rolston, The Leader; Beth Cash, The Promoter; Alexandra Brochu, The Community Builder; and Lisa Kitt, The Maverick.
Jackie Rae Greening was also recognized with the Notable Lifetime Achiever Award, honouring her long-standing impact on agriculture and the generations she has helped inspire through her work at CFCW. Events like the Advancing Women in Agriculture West Conference continue to highlight the leadership, dedication, and innovation of women working across Alberta’s agricultural industry while fostering connections and opportunities for future leaders.
Jordyn Prior awarded Rising Star Award. Photo submitted
Lakeland Rowing Club And Rustler Crew Row Into National Spotlight And Provincial Competition
Lorna Hamilton Reporter
Members of the Lakeland Rowing Club and Lakeland College rowing team (Rustler Crew) recently took part in two significant indoor rowing events, contributing to a national achievement while also competing at the provincial level to close out the varsity season.
Seven members of the club participated in the national Indoor Rowing Day in Canada on Saturday, February 21, collectively rowing more than 28,000 metres. Their efforts helped push the nationwide challenge past its ambitious goal of symbolically rowing across Canada, a distance of 5,514 kilometres. In total, more than 6,100 kilometres were rowed by 625 participants across the country, marking a successful and energetic day
for the indoor rowing community.
Two weeks later, Lakeland College Rustler Crew travelled to Blackfalds to compete in the Alberta Indoor Rowing Championships held on Saturday, March 7. Seven student-athletes represented the team, including two men and five women, competing in Senior Men’s, Senior Women’s Lightweight, and Senior Novice Women’s events against rowers from Calgary, Edmonton, and Central Alberta.
While no medals were earned this year, the Rustlers delivered solid performances, with a pair of fourth-place finishes and one fifth-place result. The remaining competitors finished in the middle of the pack in events that typically featured fields of 20 or more rowers.
Coaches Peter Walsh and Derek Collins also took to the rowing machines
in the Masters event. Collins finished fourth in his event, while Walsh took first place, adding a highlight result for the Lakeland Rowing Club.
The Alberta Indoor Championships marked the conclusion of the varsity indoor rowing season for the Rustler Crew.
Lakeland College Rustlers Rowing Team competing. Photo submitted
Alberta RCMP Warn The Public Of Spring Scam Season
Alberta RCMP
Submitted
The Alberta RCMP is advising that with the change of season comes an increase in certain scams. RCMP are already responding to reports of paving and distraction/gold scams.
Paving scams are very common.
Contractors claim to have leftover materials from previous jobs and offer to pave driveways and parking lots at reduced pricing. Companies may use business names that suggest they are affiliated with a government road maintenance department and typically provide false addresses or contact information. After contractors collect payment and disappear from the area, customers discover the materials used are poor quality and the work is unprofessional. Victims are sometimes left unable to contact the scammers and face expensive asphalt repairs or in other incidents, the contractors attempt to intimidate the customer into paying after the work is completed for poor product and services. Keep the following tips in mind to avoid falling victim to a paving scam: Ask for names of previous customers and verify that they were satisfied with the work.
Research the company through the Better Business Bureau in Alberta, the Consumer Investigations Unit, your local Rural Crime Watch, or on social media.
Obtain a written quote that includes the full business name, address, phone number, GST number, as well as provincial and municipal license numbers, if applicable.
Quotes should specify the quantity and quality of
materials being offered. Be skeptical if contractors decline to provide this information.
Seek estimates from reputable companies to compare costs.
Do not agree to a contract if you feel pressured or if the contractor refuses to take “no” for an answer.
Be leery of unsolicited offers. If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is!
Do not pay for services upfront, before the work is done.
Distraction/Gold scams mostly occur in retail parking lots. Victim is approached by a seemingly stranded motorist. Scammer claim they need money for food, gas, or airfare to get home, and offer fake gold or jewellery for exchange. The scammer often cites hardship, such as the recent death of a family member, or referencing sadlooking children in their vehicles in order to solicit a sympathetic response from victims. The scammers will sell what turns out to be fake jewelry or use distraction techniques to remove real jewellery from a victim.
Keep the following tips in mind to avoid falling victim to distraction/ gold scams:
Always remain vigilant
Secure your valuables.
Be cautious of strangers in your personal space or attempting to hug or touch you.
Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to say no or yell for help if you feel uncomfortable.
Walk away from any suspicious person or behaviour.
If you have been the victim of or have information regarding a scam in your area, call your local police or
To contact the RCMP non-emergency line while in any Alberta RCMP jurisdiction, call 310-RCMP(7267). If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips. com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play Store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.
