864

4524 RAILWAY AVE, VERMILION

780-853-4701 www.vermilionchrysler.ca

Volume XVI-Issue 864

www.vermilionvoice.com

March 9, 2021

vermilionvoice@gmail.com

Vermilion Tim Hortons Donates To KidSport

From left Manager Rommel Mandocdoc, KidSport representative Derek Young, and Owner Greg Whitney. Photo Jerianne Bardoel

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Vermilion Tim Hortons owner Greg Whitney along with manager Rommel M a n d o c d o c p r e s e nte d K i d S p o r tVermilion representative Derek Young

a donation on March 5. The donation was proceeds from the ‘Smile Cookie’ campaign that was held from September 14-20, 2020. The presentation was delayed due to COVID and Whitney said, “I was thankful for all the support

from Vermilion and surrounding areas; this isn’t possible without them.” He also thanked his staff for all the hard work they put into the campaign. KidSport Vermilion has been operating for more than 15 years and provides

grant funding up to $300 for children under the age of 18 to cover registration and/or equipment costs. Eligibility is based on the total income and number of persons per household,” commented Young.

LOCAL NEWS

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Lorna Hamilton

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

Local Farmer Named In Top 50

Reporter

Canadian Western Agribition and Farm Credit Canada joined together last fall to search for the Top 50 most influential leaders in Canadian agriculture from coast to coast. The campaign included five categories which were: Mentors, Upstarts, Innovators, Deal Makers and Designated Hitters. Local farmer Charlotte Wasylik was nominated for the Upstarts category by three of her very good friends whom she worked with on many agricultural events during her time at Northlands in Edmonton. Agribition defines the Upstarts as “the bold brash and daring future leaders of agriculture.” “It is for early adopters and those who are trying something completely new. Young people who aren’t afraid to buck tradition, find their voice and go for the moon in Canadian ag.” “I had no idea my friends had nominated me until I received a call from Agribition in January telling me I was one of the nominees. It was so kind of them and they kept the secret very well - they are such incredible women and I’m so grateful to still have the chance to work with them on special agricultural events.” said Wasylik. The winners of each category were announced on Canada’s Ag Day on February 23 and Wasylik was named as one of the Top 50 most influential people in the Upstarts category. Wasylik’s farming career began as a little girl as she grew up on her family’s farm, Chatsworth Farm north of Vermilion. Chatsworth Farm is a second generation mixed farm which was started by her parents Rick and Johanna Wasylik. “I have been involved almost since birth,” explained Wasylik. She went on to explain that her passion for the agriculture industry developed at an early age and grew throughout many years in the

Vermilion 4-H Beef Club and being active on the farm. “In 4-H, I was a provincial ambassador and finalist for the Premier’s Award and tried to attend as many camps and events as possible, including Selections in Olds, where I became friends with Jess Verstappen, another finalist in the Upstarts category. And I worked at the local ag society for five summers as an agricultural events coordinator,” said Wasylik. Wasylik attended NAIT in Edmonton where she completed the Event Management, Visual Design, and Digital Publishing programs. While at NAIT and afterwards she worked at Northlands on Farmfair International with local livestock producers and international cattle buyers. She currently works at Vermilion Credit Union as their marketing coordinator while farming after work and on weekends, looking after farm-gate sales, events, and social media. “That includes chores as well,” stated Wasylik. When the pandemic began in March of 2020 Wasylik started hosting virtual farm tours to help brighten the days for her family and friends who found themselves at home. Her virtual tour audience grew across the world. ”I was giving a virtual tour twice a week for the first bit and really focusing on the newborn calves, and then continued to host less frequent tours through the summer as people were able to get out more but I still did tours showing all the different aspects of our farm throughout the summer,” she explained. In late spring and summer of 2020 Wasylik began receiving requests from groups for personal tours and she said that they have been steady throughout 2020 and so far in 2021. She is also hosting a “life on the farm” series for a local homeschooling group. “It’s been so wonderful to see how

All Week @ Hubkins SMOKED PORK CHOPS

excited everyone is about agriculture no matter their age, and I’m truly amazed to know that people in Nigeria, Scotland, Georgia, Ontario, and California have ‘visited’ our farm,” Wasylik commented. She also mentioned that one big change for the farm was participating for the first time in Alberta Open Farm Days in 2020 and will be hosting the event again in 2021. They will also be offering a calf tour as part of their new agritourism program, ‘Chatsworth Farm through the Seasons.’ “Later this month, visitors will tour the overall farm, focusing primarily on the calves and calving barn. Our first seasonal tour was a harvest tour last September and we’re planning upcoming tours in May for lambing and June at one of our summer pastures. Our in-person tours help give people a connection to the food they eat and understand the unique blend of private family life and work life,” explained Wasylik. All events are COVID safe and are open to all, but space is limited to 10 visitors. Anyone interested can visit their website www.chatsworthfarm.ca to book as part of the subscription visit, to learn more about personal tours, or find out about upcoming virtual tours. As for being named in the Top 50 in Agriculture Wasylik said, “There is no industry quite like ours and I’m so glad for

Ducks at Chatsworth Farm.

the opportunity to work in a field I love, and I’m honoured to be a part of their Top 50 in Agriculture. Thank you so very much and congratulations to all the other finalists.”

Charlotte Wasylik. Photos submitted

A cow at the farm.

JOIN THE HEMP MOVEMENT BECOME A 2021 PRODUCER

With 2 Sides A hemp fibre facility in the region means new possibilities! Eko-Terre, a newly-established division of Logistik Unicorp, is seeking to enhance hemp production opportunities within Canada. Through a potential local processing plant, Eko-Terre believes hemp-based production can become a sustainable market leader in the years to come. Recently, Lloydminster has been short-listed as one-of-two final locations for a future decortication facility.

10 lb Boxes of Smoked Pork Chops

$499 / LB Mon. - Sat. 6 am - 9 pm Sunday 8 am - 9 pm

@ BarBQ Brand Meats

5004 50 AVE, VERMILION

780-853-5691

This opportunity would bring potential employment for 40-50 individuals, enhance regional economic diversity and unique growing/manufacturing opportunities. Within the 2021 growing season, Eko-Terre is seeking growing contracts for 10,000 to 12,000 acres of hemp production. Commitment to this level would secure the facility for the Lloydminster community. Growing commitments must be made by March 14, 2021.

LOCAL NEWS

March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

Jerianne Bardoel

VIBE Addiction And Mental Health News

Reporter

During COVID-19, many individuals and families have been struggling to stay connected because of the restrictions that have been in place. VIBE has set out some resource tips on how to build your family resiliency. Family resiliency is your family’s ability to cope with life’s challenges and to bounce forward from difficult times. Each family has its own challenges and strengths; there are tips all families can work on to build their resilience, such

Elaina John Reporter

as talking together to identif y your family’s strengths and make a plan to grow your family’s resiliency. Communication can strengthen your family’s resilience if you listen with understanding and empathy, talk about problems and make solutions together. Laughing together is a great way to build connection, and in times where you are not sure what to say, a hug may be more powerful than words. Building a sense of togetherness will help your family create closer relationships where everyone feels they

belong. Some tips to build your sense of togetherness are: -Eat together as a family when you can. -Play games together. -Take turns planning a family activity. -Practice daily rituals, like reading together at bedtime. Building your connections with your extended family will widen your family’s network of support. Extended family members can be mentors and can lend a helping hand. This also gives your children the oppor tunity to connect

with their elders. Some simple ways to connect are: 1) Use te c hno lo g y to c hat, play games, share stories or experiences, and hangout together. 2) Create a fam il y p h oto al b u m and tell stories about all the family members. These suggestions may keep your family strong and help each other get through tough times. For more resources, please search Simple Connections, Stronger Families Toolkit at ahs.ca.

SL4 Care Soon To Be Available in Vermilion

The Town of Vermilion received a letter from Health Minister Tyler Shandro on February 12, which approved $500,000 in capital funding to implement Senior Living Level 4 care in the Vermilion Valley Lodge (VVL). Capital funding will be put towards all the supplies needed to provide SL4 care to VVL residents, such as electric hospital beds and lift transfers. Once operational funding is received, the Vermilion District Housing Foundation (VDHF) can begin recruiting staff to provide full time coverage to residents. According to Mayor and Chair of the VDHF, Caroline McAuley, the town has been trying to get SL4 care in Vermilion for approximately 10 years. Vermilion currently has SL3 care available at the lodge and SL5 available at the long term care centre. Sinc e SL4 is not yet in Vermilion, seniors requiring this care are transferred to another community. Where a resident is transferred depends on where there is availability.

“They could be as close as Wainw r i g h t o r Ve g r ev i l l e, o r a s f a r a s Days l a n d or L a m o nt ,” s a i d M ayor McAuley, “ that ’s a long way away.” According to VDHF CAO Paul Kim, the lodge is hoping to have 20 SL4 beds and 20 SL4D (Supportive Living Dementia) beds, with a total of 18 SL3 beds. This arrangement is currently being negotiated with AHS. “We’re finding that people don’t stay in SL3 for very long,” Mayor McAuley explained, “as of right now, I think we have more SL3 beds than we need.” The VDHF is hoping to transition beds in the lodge to SL4 care as smoothly as possible to ensure residents remain comfortable. VDHF CAO Kim estimates that after official operational funding is received it will take about one and a half months to hire staff and begin providing SL4 care. He noted that getting SL4 beds in the community was initially a vision from the community itself. “We are excited to deliver SL4 care so residents can stay in their community,” CAO Kim stated. Vermilion Valley Lodge. Photo Elain John

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The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

March14-20, 2021

Lorna Hamilton

A Month Of Band In The House

business program students have held the annual Band in the Sand live concert in the For many years Lakeland College Agri- fall, but due to COVID-19 like many events it had to be restrict and restructured. This year’s agribusiness students decided to get creative and Band in the House was born, according to project lead Jessa Dumkee for Band in the House. “People are excited to see that we are persevering and adapting to the circumstances that we’re faced with rather than is seeking Crop Land to rent just treating the event like something that Possible Reward For Referrals. can’t happen this school,” said Jessa Farming practices and stewardship Dumkee. that sets us apart from everyone else Dumkee commented that they are not trying to compete with what Band in the Rent paid up front Sand usually was but that they wanted to Willing to do land improvements create a new opportunity for everyone to connect. and/or break grassland “Fostering a sense of community is for the right term. more important than ever this year, and we’ve had very positive responses for the FOR MORE INFO students,” said Dumkee. CONTACT TYREL @ 780-581-8250 The planned event started on March 4 with performers including Brandon Davis, Jordyn Pollard, Blake Berglund and The 38 Free. For week 2 of the event (March 11) performers will include Karisa Hoffert,

Reporter

Devin Cooper, Tom Hall and Blake Reid. Week 3 (March 18) will showcase Tanner Olsen Band, Olivia Rose and North 49. In the finale week March 25 Karli June, Brock Andrews, Brody Siebert will be performing. The Band in the Sand is usually a fundraiser for student clubs, this year the event will be free open event for everyone. The goal is to promote a way to connect and foster a sense of belonging. Agribusiness instructor and project coordinator Cole Ambrock stated in a press release that, “Taking a massive event like the Band in the Sand, which relies so heavily on in-person participation, and turning it into an online event presented the students with a series of challenges.” Ambrock also went on to say that with all the challenges the students are developing essential business, leadership and management skills, and that it is one of the hands-on activities they incorporate into the program that ensures when the students graduate they have real experience that will help them thrive in the workplace. “Tickets will be free and anyone can

March14-20, 2021

Practical education.

HANDS-ON LEARNING. Lakeland College was founded on the belief that students learn best through action. Hands-on learning has always been our default. Whether your focus is crops, animal science, animal health or agribusiness, know that we’ll challenge you to go beyond the classroom in everything you do. lakelandcollege.ca/ag

log on and enjoy,” says Ambrock. “We will not be contributing to student clubs this year, instead we are helping build the campus community during the COVID19 pandemic. Now more than ever, our key objective is unifying all students and displaying what it means to be a Lakelander.” “It’s so important that we still promote the community to students and give everyone a sense of belonging here at Lakeland,” Dumkee explains. “Keeping everyone connected, even if it’s virtually, is very important to us. We’re so thankful for everyone who has donated their time and our sponsors for making this possible.” The event was made possible by the students organizing it, the performers donating their time, and headline sponsor New Holland. MNP and the Co-operators Vegreville have contributed as well. Cody Maz from Maz Entertainment is assisting the student organizers as well. Visit facebook.com/LLCbandinthesand for the latest updates and information. The event will be streamed on Run The World and can be accessed at this URL: runtheworld.today/app/invitation/17610

COLUMNIST

March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

House Pancakes

Dawn Hames Columnist

This is a tried-and-true pancake recipe, that I have always used. I rediscovered it, and found it to be even better, when I ran out of milk and used half coffee cream and half water. The resulting pancakes are worthy of a top-notch pancake house. You can stir 1 1/2 cups of blueberries or saskatoons to the batter at the end for yummy blueberry or saskatoon pancakes. This is a quick and easy start to breakfast, brunch, or for some even supper. You don’t have to be a farm wife, to feel tired after a long day at work, and to still have to come up with something for supper for yourself and your family. The difference of being on the farm is that there are no fast food restaurants unlike urban areas. When you don’t live in town with readily available fast food, then you have to make your own fast food. Pancakes it is. I always like to have pancakes with some

ANTED AD OR ALIVE FOR SALE IN MANNVILLE

eggs, because eggs have protein to help balance the carbs in the pancakes. Eggs are also another quick and easy fast food that also happens to be very nutritious. Top them both off with some butter and maple syrup or whipped cream and fruit and you have got yourself some yummy farm fresh, fast food. They are also great served with bacon, eggs, and sausage. Pancakes are amazing with peanut butter, chocolate chips and sliced banana. Here is another one of my very favourite pancake recipes. House Pancakes 2 cups all purposeflour 4 teaspoons baking powder 3/4 teaspoon salt 4 tablespoons sugar 2eggs 4 Tablespoons canola oil 1 cup 10 – 18 percent cream 1 cup water 1 teaspoon vanilla

Canadian Prairie Pickers

e again touring the area!

are once again touring the area!

sh For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. REDUCED so Buying Gold Jewelry $285,000 MLS #E4221486

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 1100 Sqft. Bi level. purchase rolls, bags $ $ boxes of silver coins  Walkout Basement  28’ X 32’ Garage  On Two Lots

Paying Cash For Coin Collections, Silver & Gold Coins, Royal Can. Mint Sets. Also Buying Gold Jewelry

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PAYING HIGHEST PRICES

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Oil for the skillet or grill Combine the flour, baking powder, salt, sugar in a medium size bowl. Make a well in the bowl. In a small bowlcombine and mix the cream, water, egg, oil and vanilla. Pour the wet ingredients into the well in the dry ingredient. Stir until just blended. Over stirring will toughened the pancakes. Brush the skillet or grill with oil. Oil with a high smoke point is best. Choose safflower oil, grape seed oil or canola oil. If you are using an electric grill, set it to 325 degrees. Spoon the batter onto the grill in your chosen pancake size. Flip the pancake when bubbles begin to form on the top or the bottom is a golden brown colour.

SEASONAL OPERATIONS STAFF WANTED

WANTED

To arrange a free, discrete in-home visit

call Kellie at 1-778-257-8647

TRUCK DRIVERS: We are looking for temporary Seasonal Drivers to join our team in Vermilion, AB. Main responsibility will be delivery of fertilizer and seed. The ideal candidate should have minimum a valid Class 1 or Class 3 with Air and a clean driver abstract. Training will be provided to the successful candidate.

Submit your application early for first consideration to 4409 – 47 Ave., Vermilion, AB T9X 1L5. e-mail: List-CPS-vermilion@nutrien.com

For more information, contact: 780-853-3283 Visit www.Nutrien.com

Bonded since 1967

A Prairie Farmhouse Cookbook by Dawn Hames is now available at the Vermilion Voice office for purchase. Cash only $21.00 The Voice is open Mon - Fri 8 am to 5 pm

Dawn’s Interiors open Monday - Saturday at 11:00 am

Kindergarten Registration PLEASE REGISTER ONLINE OR CALL THE SCHOOL AT 780-853-5251 FOR MORE INFORMATION https://www.ecacs.ca/parents_students/registration and watch our informa�on video

VERMILION VOICE

www.vermilionvoice.com

5006-50 Ave., Vermilion, AB T9X 1A2 Phone: 780-853-6305 Fax: 780-853-5426 Email: vermilionvoice@gmail.com Your only local independent newspaper. Proudly serving Vermilion and area since 2004. The publication of letters to the editor is at the discretion of the editor and the publisher. Letters to the editor should be under 500 words and in good taste. They should also include your name and phone number for verification purposes. Letters that do not include a name, address and phone number will not be published, although we will respect requests for anonymity. Letters to the Editor may be edited for clarity. The opinions expressed in letters to the editor are not necessarily shared by the Vermilion Voice. The Vermilion Voice is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher.

tĞ ĂĐŬŶŽǁůĞĚŐĞ ƚŚĞ ĮŶĂŶĐŝĂů ƐƵƉƉŽƌƚ of the Goveƌnment of Canada.

Publisher: Susan Chikie Editor: Lorna Hamilton Photographer / Reporter: Lorna Hamilton, Elaina John, Jerianne Bardoel Graphic Design: Amr Rezk Sales: Susan Chikie, Lorna Hamilton, Jerianne Bardoel

5

Your Child must be 5 before December 31, 2021

6

COLUMNIST

Craig Baird

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

The Business And Changes Of The MD Of Vermilion Valley

Columnist

When the MD of Vermilion Valley was formed in 1913, the council had to get down to work helping the residents of the area who now looked to them for leadership and services. The first secretary of that organization would be H. Went Brown, who would serve in that position until 1928. At first, council meetings were held at the implement agency of Roy West in Vermilion, and then the fire hall. Eventually, the council would get its own municipal office in Vermilion, next door to the Wener Store. It was often a lot of work and Arthur Lord, who was on council, would sleep in an erect

position in his buggy as he returned home, allowing his horses to find him the way home. One of the first tasks for the council was to deal with a Case steam engine that was crossing a bridge over the Vermilion River, which broke through the bridge and landed in the river. For days, residents came out to watch the project of getting the huge steamer out of the water. Soon after, a request was made for a new bridge and by March of 1914, a new bridge was being built, with steel, to replace the wooden structure. In 1914, the MD announced that it was going to pay for 12,000 gopher scalps, taken by the children of the schools in the surrounding area. After the First World War, the MD would

We would like to thank & express our sincere appreciation to everyone who showed their love & support with, text, calls, messages, cards, flowers & food trays. Thank you to Reflections Funeral Home, especially Jim, Candice for their guidance & the amazing job done on the Celebrations of Life Video. Special Thank you to those who made donations in Dad’s memory.

deal with other problems including the dry year of 1919, when hay supplies were depleted and an early onset of winter on Oct. 8, 1919 caused many farmers to lose their greenfeed under frozen rain and snow. Hay had to be shipped in from the inter-lake region of Manitoba. Long lineups for hay were common in the winter, and many only received a few forkfuls of moldy hay. Others left with nothing. When spring came, the price of cattle fell and many could not pay the MD for the hay they had ordered. The entire year was known as Hay Loss. Another crisis to hit that year was the Spanish Flu, which swept through the district, costing the community $667.65 in expenses.

While 1920 would start off hard due to poor crops, things would improve throughout the decade and the district would thrive as crop prices were up and crops were rated as excellent. Of course, no one knew what was coming on the horizon, in the decade defined by The Great Depression. I put out a history magazine that highlights many aspects of Canadian history. It is free and is delivered to your inbox. E-mail me to subscribe at craig@canadaehx.com Support the column and my history show at www.patreon.com/canadaehx Listen to my podcast Canadian History Ehx on all podcast platforms or at www. canadaehx.ca

Truck And Train Collision Near Kitscoty

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

County of Vermilion River Protective Services reported a collision involving a train and a passenger truck on March 2. Kitscoty Fire Department were dispatched to the collision west of Kitscoty near Highway 16 at approximately 8:30 a.m. County Fire Chief Kirk Hughes responded in County #1 along with County Engine, Village Rescue

and AHS, CN Rail and the RCMP. The investigation into the cause of the collision has been passed over to CN Rail police. Hughes commented that no major injuries were reported, although the driver of the passenger truck was taken to hospital as a precaution. All trucks which responded to the incident were back to the hall and in service by 10:30 a.m.

Thank you all; From his loving family 21033SC0 21032SC5

Members of the Kitscoty Fire Department on the scene of a truck and train collision. Photo submitted

FARM PROPERTY FOR SALE BY TENDER The Property located in the County of Vermilion River, Alberta, described as being South East Section 4 Township 48 Range 4 Meridian 4, approximately 138.80 acres (pasture with a water source on the South East corner of the property). CONDITIONS OF TENDER: 1. Interested parties must rely on their own inspection and knowledge of the property. Any questions regarding the property can be made to Shawn Mannix at (780) 874-0449. 2. A deposit of $5,000.00 is to accompany a tender. 3. The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. 4. The bidder(s) whose tender is accepted will be required to complete an Agreement for Sale covering the terms and conditions of the sale (including G.S.T. payable by the Purchaser or the Purchaser shall self-assess for G.S.T.). Deposits of the unsuccessful bidders will be returned to them. 5. The balance of the accepted tender must be paid on or before May 7, 2021, the date of closing, or evidence provided that the purchase funds will be available under conditions acceptable to the Vendor. If the balance of the purchase price is not paid by the possession date or under such acceptable conditions, the deposit paid shall be forfeited as liquidated damages and not as a penalty. 6. Tenders must be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “MANNIX TENDER FILE NO. 3508.2” to be accompanied by a certified cheque, bank draft or solicitor’s trust cheque payable to Kindrachuk Law Office for $5,000.00. Please include with the Tender your full name, phone number, address and email address (if applicable). Tenders will close at 12:00 Noon on Friday April 9, 2021, and Tenders will be received by: KINDRACHUK LAW OFFICE c/o Marty R. Kindrachuk 5014- 48 Street, 2nd Floor Lloydminster, Alberta T9V 0H8

LOCAL / AREA NEWS

March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

Dr. Hasinoff Bursary Winners For 2020

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Meghan Dutchak who is completing Combined Lab and X-ray technician from NAIT receiving a $1000 bursary from the Dr. Hasinoff Bursary. The Dr. Hasinoff Bursary committee is happy to award each recipient the bursary for 2020. Photos submitted

Rebecca Bates who is currently completing her BScN from the U of L receiving a $1000 bursary from the Dr. Hasinoff Bursary committee.

Heidi Stoyko who is currently completing the LPN at Norquest College receiving her $1000 bursary from the Dr. Hasinoff Bursary committee.

Kyra Thompson who is currently completing her Pharmacy degree from the U of A receiving her $1000 bursary from the Dr. Hasinoff Bursary committee.

What Are You Driving?

Some great modes of transportation. Photos submitted

Canada Needs To Join Forces With Australia To Fight Facebooks’s Blackmail

News Media Canada Submitted

Facebook has shown its true face this week, and Canadians should take notice. The government of Australia – with support from all parties in that country’s parliament – is legislating an end to monopoly abuses by Facebook and Google, and requiring them to provide proper compensation to news outlets in that country, whose content the web giants distribute without any compensation and profit from handsomely. The fact is, this disturbing situation is the norm in democracies around the world, where the two internet monoliths use their market control to scoop up the lion’s share of online advertising revenues (in Canada, Google and Facebook hoover up 80% of internet ad revenues). Real news costs real money to report. But the monopolies use their chokehold on the internet to squeeze off the flow of revenues to finance that reporting. And the result is an unprecedented news crisis in countries around the globe – in the United States, for example, more than a quarter of that country’s newspa-

pers have been driven out of business by this practice. Australia has been one of the first countries to stand up for its media and fight back against the web monopoly. They’re bringing in new rules to force Google and Facebook to share online ad revenues with new providers in that country, and requiring them to provide compensation for news stories. But these two players didn’t get to be two of the largest, most powerful corporations in human history by playing by the rules. So they’ve fought back in Australia tooth and nail. First Google threatened to pull their services from the country. But Australians didn’t blink. And this week the company announced that it is negotiating with Australian news providers. Now it’s Facebook that’s trying to blackmail Australians. They announced this week that, rather than accept the new rules and compete fairly, they would “stop allowing news content on our services in Australia.” Yes, you read that right; Facebook is apparently happy to spread fake news and peddle quack COVID remedies, but just fine with deny-

ing Australians access to real news. The reaction of the Australian government has been swift and firm. “These actions will only confirm the concerns that an increasing number of countries are expressing about the behaviour of Big Tech companies who think they are bigger than governments and that the rules should not apply to them,” Said Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison. “We will not be intimidated by Big Tech seeking to pressure our Parliament.” The publishers of the daily, regional, community, and ethnocultural news publications that account for more t h a n 9 0 % o f n ew s m e d i a r e a d e rship in Canada have come together to urge Canada’s parliament to adopt the Australian model. It’s the key recommendation of the report we commissioned: Levelling the Digital Playing Field. Canada’s Heritage Minister, Steven Guilbeault, has promised action, and he’s condemned Facebook ’s bully tactics in Australia and elsewhere. And there is support for strong action from every party in House of Commons –

the Liberals, Conservatives, the Bloc Quebecois, the NDP and the Greens. So the table is set in Canada for determined, effective measures to rein in the Google/Facebook abuses of power and to stand up for local news. But these latest events in Australia show that we need to speed up the process. First of all, the web giants are surely preparing the same playbook of vicious threats and bareknuckle tactics here. What is the point of giving them more lead time? Secondly, the best way to fight these power grabs is for democracies to stand together. In fact, Google and Facebook have been counting on a strategy of divide and conquer. They use their global scale and reach to outmaneuver and intimidate national governments. It’s high time we used our own global connections and alliances to fight back. An alliance with Australia now is a good place to start. News Media Canada represents nearly 800 English and French language daily and community newspapers across the country. This paper is a member of NMC.

AREA NEWS

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Elaina John

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

Outbreaker Solutions Makes Promising Antimicrobial Discovery

Reporter

Brayden Whitlock and Matt Hodgson, both from Vermilion, have been working alongside Doug Olson to manipulate compressed sodium chloride (salt) to be a highly affective antimicrobial agent for high-touch surfaces such as door handles, railing, hospital bed rails, food preparation surfaces, and more. The trio started Outbreaker Solutions in 2017, despite having been gathering data for much longer according to Research Director Brayden Whitlock. The idea to use salt as an antimicrobial surface was Doug Olson’s, who Whitlock first met in a sporting goods store

at the end of 2012, when Olson’s ideas were not yet patented. “We published our first peer reviewed scientific paper on the subject in 2016 looking at the drug resistant superbug MRSA, which was the first time we d e m o n s tr ate d t h e p ote nt i a l of this surface and showed its tremendous speed,” explained Whitlock, “we published further in 2020 showing a 99.9 per cent reduction over two minutes of bacteria, and the first anti-fungal data. We are about to publish new COVID results.” According to Whitlock, this technology is by far the most affective antimicrobial agent in comparison to what’s

currently on the market. “Most antimicrobial surfaces merely slow the growth of bacteria. This is not sufficient. We need surfaces to kill the pathogens on them in order to have a chance at protecting people,” Whitlock said, “our surface works in seconds to minutes, and is made simply of regular table salt, so there is no question of its safety. The product also lasts for years and can be made in any shape or colour.” Whitlock went on to explain that there are very few pathogens that actively kill bacteria on surfaces and those that do, only work over the course of a few hours. He says that Outbreaker’s tech-

nology will hit the market as soon as government registrations are complete. “There is nothing on the market that works, currently. People have never had a good option. Outbreaker intends to fill this need at a reasonable price using extensively researched, safe technology,” said Whitlock. In the future, Outbreaker hopes to provide a range of antimicrobial CSC products, and are studying ways to make the product available as an antimicrobial layer to cover existing surfaces. The first products are already installed for data collection. For more information, visit Outbreaker. ca.

Studies conducted by Outbreaker Solutions.

Correction Notice

Antimicrobial products developed by Outbreaker Solutions. Photos submitted

If your baby was born in 2020, don’t miss this opportunity!

Oh Baby

Babies of 2020

Published Tuesday, March 16th, 2021

Parents or grandparents, if your child or grandchild was born in 2020 send us their picture to be showcased in our “Babies of 2020” special. (Published in full color) Bring the photo into The Voice or send it by mail or e-mail. A close-up or head shot would be preferred. The cost will be $35.00 + GST

Babies of 2020

Cut out and send in along with the baby’s photo.

Please print and include $36.75 (payable to The Voice)

Vermilion Voice 5006-50 Ave. Vermilion, AB T9X 1A2 Ph: 780-853-6305 Fax: 780-853-5426 E-mail: vermilionvoice@gmail.com

DEA DL Mar INE ch 1 1

In last week’s issue, 853, an article discussing the possible closure of the Clandonald School contained incorrect information. Laurie Hopaluk was mentioned in the article as Vice Principal of the school. She is not the vice principal, she is the vice president of the parent council. Additionally, the school board meeting on March 17 will begin at 9:30 a.m. and will be available to watch through a link on the BTPS website agenda page as a livestream. The Voice would like to apologize for these errors.

ONLINE LAND AUCTION For Dwayne & Valerie Hendel

Closing Thursday, April 1, 2021 at 3:00 pm 1/4 Section NW 36-53-7-W4 Approx. 110+ Acres Cultivated Approx. 30 +/- Acres Pasture with well Directions: From Vermilion, North on Hwy 41 to Twp Rd 540, West 2 Miles. From Derwent, East on Hwy 45 to RR 71, South 2 miles. STEWART AUCTIONS Vermilion, AB

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March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

9

March14-20, 2021

Get Ahead Of Farm Taxes – Before It’s Time To File

Farm Credit Canada Submitted

Many only think about taxes when it comes time to file. However, taxes are something farmers should think about all year long, especially if they want to get the best results for their businesses. This is particularly important when using the cash method of tax reporting, where income is reported, expenses deducted and transactions done through a bank or credit card account in the fiscal period. “Cash-basis taxes for farms means you have to look at where you are at before the end of the tax year and ensure expenses are paid by the end of the tax year, so they will count for tax purposes,” says Kimberly Shipley, partner and supply management niche leader with MNP.

Farmers should meet with their tax advisors to help them navigate the system and make the best choices for their individual operations. Here are some other tips from the experts: 1. Check qualified farm status Qualified farm status for farms gives producers access to the capital gains exemption and inter-generational farm transfers on a deferred basis. This means producers should ensure their assets qualify if assets are owned in a corporation, personally or a partnership. Shipley says large custom work operations, in particular, can put this at risk since custom work is not considered farming. “As well, large cash or investment balances are not considered farming

Farmers And Ranchers Have Come A Long Way! Logs had to be hauled a long distance to build this unusual two storey house near Vermilion. C. 1907. Photo credit Glenbow-Alberta Institute

Saluting Our Agricultural Community

assets, so changes to the structure of the organization may need to be made to ensure the qualified farm status for tax purposes is maintained,” says Shipley. 2. Use partnerships Consider the use of partnerships as a platform for transition, income splitting and use of the capital gains exemption. Bring lawyers, tax advisors, succession planners and other experts into the discussion. 3. Meet with your tax advisor Managing and understanding the complexities of the changing systems is a big challenge for farmers since the rules change regularly and taxes are complex.

As a result, farmers should meet with their tax advisors to help them navigate the system and make the best choices for their individual operations. Make tax season easier with accounting software built for farms like yours. Try AgExpert Accounting now. This article is reprinted by permission of the author and Farm Credit Canada. It was originally published in the February 12th issue of the FCC Knowledge Newsletter, Canada’s free, weekly agriculture e-newsletter. For subscription information about the FCC Knowledge newsletter, click: https:// www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge.html

We Wish You A Prosperous Year!

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10

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

March14-20, 2021

Agriculture & Forestry Supporting Alberta Hog Producers

Jerianne Bardoel Reporter

Over the past year COVID-19 has impacted everyone and every business. Last May, Agriculture and Forestry stepped in to help the livelihoods of livestock producers by setting up a $43.2 million fed cattle set-aside program through AgriRecovery to help produc-

ers with the backlog of cattle at feedlots. Today, more than $27.7 million has been distributed for about 480,000 cattle. “Alberta’s hog producers are economic drivers in our province. They are world leaders in the livestock sector, supporting our rural communities by creating thousands of jobs and exporting more than $500 million worth of food across

the globe,” commented Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry. The $4 million program for hog producers will pay producers $0.95 per day per animal to cover the costs of keeping market-ready hogs on maintenance rations. Hog producers who own marketready hogs intended for processing between February 8 and March 31, 2021,

which were held back from shipping due to reduced processing capacity, are eligible to apply for this initiative. “We want to make sure that hog producers are getting the supports they need to continue doing what they do best, which is producing safe, high-quality food, not just for Alberta families but for families all around the world,” commented Dreeshen.

Machinery Row – Concession

Vermilion AG Society Submitted

If you have ever been to the Vermilion Fair you may have fond memories of arriving at the fair, entering through the gate, and being hit by the sights, sounds, and smells all at once. Seeing the long row of machiner y leading towards concessions and the midway, smelling all the sweet treats and delicious snacks cooking in the concessions. I cannot think of a place from my childhood that offered more entertainment and excitement. Those memories have stuck with me into adulthood and it all started with walking through the gate and down machinery row. Machinery Row continues to be a big attraction at the fair. Various Implement Dealers from the area display a sampling of the equipment that they offer for sale on their lots. Millions of dollars of equipment on display sure is a sight to see. Children enjoy climbing on the large farm machines as parents, grandparents and chaperones snap pictures. Many use this as an opportunity to snap

their summer family photos, others are enthusiasts of the equipment and the capabilities they hold. We have even had proposals on the machinery! For many, machinery row is a place to meet with friends and family and make new memories, surrounded by the sights, and smells of the fair. A fair is not a fair without popcorn and cot ton candy and other sweet treats. Few things can elicit the deeply intense memories that certain foods can evoke. I for one will always associate the smell of mini donuts with fond fair memories. Eac h summer fair vendors and concession stands up the ante and introduce us to new and wonderful fair creations. Innovation and crazy treats are some of the most exciting things to look forward to each year and these vendors work in the long days a lot of times in high temperatures to bring us the fair foods we love. So today we want to thank all our concession workers and next time you’re at the Vermilion Fair we encourKids at the fair. Photo submitted age you to thank them too!

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March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

11

March14-20, 2021

Make Training And Development Your Farm Business Cornerstones

Farm Credit Canada

scale – that is, what could be learned a long-term approach (such as financial establish priorities, and what training quickly (such as how to fix a specific management). Considering scale with could have the largest impact. Whether part of transition planning or piece of equipment) and what requires overall importance or urgency helps Continued on page 12 day-to-day business, developing new skills helps keep farms profitable and team members engaged. Given the sheer amount of information required to run a farm, determining what to learn next can be daunting. According to some business management experts, that makes prioritization INDEPENDENT INSURANCE BROKERAGE and a creative approach to learning critLicensed in Alberta & Saskatchewan ical. Make a list – and chip away at it “It ’s not uncommon for people to • Agro Insurance perceive an overwhelming amount of • Oilfield Insurance info that needs to change hands. A • Property Insurance senior partner might not realize how many things they know, and if they • Business Liability weren’t there, it would effectively hold • Personal Home & Auto Insurance their partners back,” says Patti Durand, • Recreational Insurance for agriculture transition specialist with Boats, RVs, & Sleds FCC. “The opportunity is to chip away at • Hail Insurance it over time, then you don’t have to learn everything at once. Lifelong learning is • Health & Travel Insurance a good approach generally.” Due to the seasonal nature of many farm businesses, Durand says a good ADDITIONAL SERVICES place for senior operators to begin is • Notary Publics with a list or calendar of general tasks and their time ranges. This gives part• Commissioner for Oaths SGI Motor ners the chance to identify overarchVehicle Issuer • Marriage License ing knowledge gaps. Simple tools such as FCC Knowledge Gaps and Training Needs Assessment worksheets can elliottinsurance.ca eis@elliottinsurance.ca 112 Main Street, Maidstone, SK (306) 893-2461 also be used. Tasks can then be categorized by Submitted

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12

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

March14-20, 2021

Continued from page 11 “Otherwise, it’s just daunting. You might dabble in everything and not make progress,” Durand says, adding revisiting the list when even small tasks are accomplished helps maintain motivation. Learning outside school and the workshop Education doesn’t have to occur in a school or on-site either. Strategically attending meetings or webinars, reading magazines, engaging colleagues through industry organizations, and even watching YouTube can support skill development. Farm owners, employees and family members can seek these themselves and direct resources to one another. “Access the knowledge of existing advisors. You don’t have to know the answer – you need to know where to go to get it,” Durand says. “Push yourself to expand that network. It’s a major method of making progress so you don’t feel alone.” Durand highlights the importance of doing background work and preparing

before engaging in a learning opportunity or event to ensure you get the most out of it. “Evaluate after the fact. You’re going to win some and lose some,” Durand says. Even if it didn’t seem to be worth your time or wasn’t what you expected, you still made a step in the right direction. Incorporate training into the budget Including continuing education as a line item in your budget shows you recognize the direct relationship between team development and business success. Using a tool like FCC AgExpert Accounting can facilitate training. Dawn Hillrud, a farmer and human resource consultant with Kn/a HR, a human resource management consulting firm in Saskatchewan, often works with clients to develop “performance planning programs.” These are designed to incorporate four distinct goals, including safety and education, into regular business operations. Over time the additional focus on learning becomes business-as-usual. “There’s no formula for how much to set

aside in the budget. If your culture accounts for learning, it will naturally take higher importance. It needs to align with your business strategy,” Hillrud says. Training might take time, though she points out it doesn’t always have to cost money. For example, sending a skilled labourer scouting alongside a visiting agronomist doesn’t require additional funds but helps the employee feel more engaged and the business will eventually benefit from their expanded abilities. For farm managers, Hillrud says, the value of improved leadership skills should not be underestimated. “Agriculture is trying really hard to be more proactive within the human resource world. Leadership development, management skills, all that will pay off,” she says. Employee retention When training takes substantial time and money, it’s good to ensure employees stay with the farm. While Hillrud believes that engagement is one of the best ways to retain employees,

additional strategies may also be helpful. Having employees commit to a set period of employment after the business pays for training is one option. Reimbursing them for training costs after a predetermined period of work is another. Overall, there’s no secret employee retention solution. Both Durand and Hillrud say that being open about why skill development is important — and even asking the individual if they will stay — can go a long way. “Having a desire that employees never go anywhere else, I think that’s a nostalgic wish,” Durand says. “But if the business and person are both benefiting, I think that’s where loyalty lives.” “This article is reprinted by permission of the author and Farm Credit Canada. It was originally published in the January 2021 issue of FCC’s magazine, AgriSuccess. For subscription information about AgriSuccess, see https://www.fcc-fac.ca/ en/ag-knowledge/publications/agrisuccess. html.”

HERE TO HELP DID YOU KNOW?

The CVR Ag & Environment Team can help you with:

  

Weed Control Pest Control Environmental Stewardship

  

Canada Ag Partnership (CAP) Grants Environmental Farm Plans (EFP’s) ALUS Program

CLUBROOT OF CANOLA

Clubroot manages to spread in CVR. The single most important disease strategy is crop rotation (at least 2 years between canola crops), followed by using clubroot resistant varieties. The Canola Council of Canada recommends seeding grass at canola field entry points to provide a non-host area for soil to drop off equipment. CVR Ag Team and ALUS Vermilion River will work with farmers to proactively manage clubroot and to encourage grassing field approaches. Reach out to us about one of our initiatives:  Up to $100 worth of perennial seed to help establish grass at canola field approaches

 

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Access to broadcast seeder Perennials planted in field approaches, water runoff channels and/or wet or low lying areas at risk of clubroot may qualify for ALUS CVR annual payments.

GROUND SQUIRREL CONTROL

Health Canada and the Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) has deregulated the use of 2% Liquid Strychnine for Richardson’s Ground Squirrel (a.k.a. gopher) control on farmland. According to their process, manufacturing of 2% Strychnine must end by March 4, 2021 and strychnine can not be sold after March 4, 2022. All use of strychnine for gopher control must end by March 4, 2023. Last summer, the CVR Ag Department asked landowners to pre-order their strychnine for the 2021 season. This spring, once our shipment arrives, we will be contacting all those who placed an order with us. For more information, contact the CVR Ag Department at 780-846-2244.

RAT CONTROL

The Rat Control Inspection Program will start in April. Pest Control Officers 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.

ADMINISTRATION | 780.846.2244

4701-41 St., Vermilion Fax: (780) 853-6463 Ph: (780) 853-6470

We appreciate our Agriculture Community for all their HARD work!

March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

13

March14-20, 2021

Jason Kenney Congratulates Local Farmer

Jerianne Bardoel Reporter

Alberta Premier Jason Kenny posted on social media congratulating local farmer Danny Farkash on producing agricultural plastic into fence posts. “Now here’s some first class environmentally-friendly rural Alberta innovation…He’s even got 3,000 units on order. Congratulations on this success, Danny!” stated Premier Kenney on the social media posts. Local farmer and owner of Noralta Farms, Danny Farkash, developed a

recycling machine that melts old grain bags to liquid plastic and is molded into plastic posts, making it an environmentally friendly product. “Jason Kenny’s response sure got a lot of people’s attention, which is good. I like to think that it’s great that someone locally here can make a difference environmentally in such a small town because a lot of the time we think well it is a big town problem or situation where you have to have a lot of education to make a difference,” commented Farkash.

THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK

Farkash has orders for over $100,000 worth of posts, and says that the biggest thing right now for them is grain bags. “We are going to need a lot of plastic. Grain bags are our most important thing right now, because it seems to be the thing that has the least amount of anywhere to go. We got the place to recycle it, farmers have the plastic, and they need to get it off their farms. Farkash commented.” Farkash’s system is an alternative means for farmers to recycle their grain Danny Farkash. Photo Lorna Hamilton bags.

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The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

March14-20, 2021

Jerianne Bardoel Reporter

FCC Risk Management Survey

Farm Credit Canada (FCC) conducted a survey from November 5-12, 2020 with more than 2,000 farm operators. The sur vey showed that 87 per cent have implemented strategies to alleviate risk in five key areas: production, marketing, financial, legal, and human resources. Managing risk involves keeping tabs on markets, ensuring the business can withstand sudden changes in product prices or economic conditions, and securing sufficient human resources to support

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operations. “Risk is an inherent part of owning and operating any successful business, especially in an industry where so many factors are beyond the producer’s control, but if we’ve learned anything from the disruptions caused by the pandemic, producers can’t be complacent and should be prepared to adopt new strategies to address evolving risks.” said Craig Klemmer, FCC’s Principal Economist. The study showed the top risk management strategies include record keeping, insurance and government programs, as well as professional ser vices (accountants and lawyers) to alleviate financial and legal risks. Seven out of 10 producers said they have regular check-ins with their financial institutions and nine out of 10 are working with an accountant or financial planner. Livestock producers involving beef, hogs, sheep, and goats used the fewest risk mitigation strategies on their operations when compared to pro du c er s from the three other sectors – grains and oilseeds, supply managed sectors, and greenhouse vegetables and fruit – included in the survey. The results for the livestock sector were consistent across all of the five risk areas, signaling either a higher risk tolerance or a lack of risk management options. The survey also found that Human Re s o ur c e r i s ks p o s e t h e greate st concern for greenhouse vegetables and fruit operators, due to their need

to h ir e. O p e r ato r s fr o m t h e o t h e r sectors – grains and oilseeds, supply m anag e m e nt , an d li ve sto c k – are more dependent on family members to support their operations. Survey participants across all four sectors expressed moderate concern when it came to production risks, such as weather, disease, pests, and other factors, while the impact of unfavoura b l e we at h er g e n er ate d t h e m o s t concern. “The agriculture sector overall has done a good job identifying and mitigating production risks,” said Klemmer, noting significant attention has been paid to both on and off-farm mitigation measures, including the use of government programs, industr y specialists (agronomists, nutritionists, and veterinarians) and expansion of production. Klemmer went on to say, “The good news is most producers are in a solid financial position to withstand shortterm impacts on their businesses. We encourage producers to have a risk management plan that pulls together mitigation strategies, as well as identifies key risks and available solutions to manage these risks before they emerge.” H owever, t h ere i s s t i l l r o o m for improvement as the survey suggests. Fe w e r t h a n 4 0 p e r c e n t o f t h o s e surveyed indicated they have a business plan to manage potentially increasing interest rates, yet increasing operating costs was ranked as a significant concern among producers

in all sectors. By sharing agriculture sur vey results, FCC provides solid insights and exper tise to help those in the business of agriculture achieve their goals. For more results from the Risk Management survey, visit FCC Vision Results. FCC Economics has also made two blog posts on the risk management sur vey. For m ore infor m at i o n an d insights, visit the FCC Economics blog post at fcc.ca/AgEconomics.

Craig Klemmer. Photo submitted

March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

15

March14-20, 2021

The Commissions Keep Watch On Ag Industry Changes

Lauren Comin, Director of Research, Producer groups including the commisAlberta Wheat and Barley Commissions sions have been following closely with Submitted action to fill the extension and knowledge When the UCP government was transfer voids ensuring that the impact felt ele c ted and took over the provin - by our grassroots members are minimal. cial government in 2018, we expected Following a round of cuts to extenchanges to bureaucracy but were uncer- sion staff during the spring of 2020, it tain of what the exact impact would be on became apparent that Alberta Agriculthe ag sector. ture and Forestry (AF) would not have Shortly after stepping into his role capacity to produce the crop protecas Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, tion guide, commonly referred to as Devin Dreeshen announced his inten- “The Blue Book”. To ensure that Alberta tions to review and refresh the agricul- producers still have access to up-to-date ture department with a “farmer-led” lens, crop protection information, the Alberta while some positions primarily focused Wheat Commission applied for a Canaon extension were eliminated early on, dian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) grant industry consultations bridged the gap to support the four crop commissions from this announcement to any major (Alberta Wheat Commission, Alberta changes. Barley, Alberta Canola and Alberta Pulse For our par t, the Alber ta Wheat Growers) in producing The Blue Book and Barley Commissions stressed the for the 2021 crop season. Post-2021, the maintenance of critical monitoring and commissions intend to continue producsurveillance work, as well as unbiased ing the manual, replacing the CAP grant industry extension for research, policy with revenue from 2021 sales to suppleand programming. Because the minis- ment their investment. Visit albertabluetry housed talented, regionally-focused book.com to learn more and place an agronomy researchers, we encouraged advanced order of the 2021 Blue Book the ministry to work with funders and for March shipping. stakeholders to transition their roles to Another agronomic staple that the crop other research institutions along with a commission did not want to lose due to long-term sustainable funding model. changes within the ministry is Agronomy We began to foresee the loss of many Update. For years, Agronomy Update programs and were determined to help has brought together Alberta’s farmers, direct them to a long-term home more agronomists and researchers for presenconducive to carr ying out scientific tations on the latest innovations in crop research. management. The four crop commissions Since the consultations, many changes worked hard to plan an accessible, qualhave occurred and even more are ity virtual event that was held January 19 expected prior to the provincial govern- and 20, 2020, ensuring that this important ment’s fiscal year end in March 2021. extension opportunity was not lost.

Many AF staff and programs have ished by funding issues once the provinbeen transferred to post-secondary cial grants run their course. programs throughout the province. Most of these transfers are based on three-year funding agreements with the province, including the transfer of the Field Crop Development Centre and the provincial barley and triticale breeding program to Olds College. We are hopeful the transfer of research staff to these institutions will allow more freedom to operate in a scientific space. However, these transfers are not without significant challenges. The commissions will remain highly engaged WWW.VERMILIONVOICE.COM to ensure that programs are not dimin-

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16

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

March14-20, 2021

Promoting Canadian Barley In A Pandemic

Geoff Backman, Business Development to Alberta Barley’s mandate of improving and Markets Manager the profitability of Alberta’s barley producAlberta Wheat and Barley Commissions ers. International buyers are recognizEach summer, Alberta Barley works with ing that Canada grows excellent barley partners to bring international buyers to for both feed and malting. As international Canada to tour the new barley crop, view the supplies became limited, the Canadian pristine growing conditions of the Canadian Grain Commission recorded that exports of prairie, talk to farmers about their sustain- Canadian barley increased from 932 thouable growing practices, and learn about the sand metric tonnes in the 2015-16 crop year new malt barley varieties as they become to almost 2.2 million metric tonnes during available. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, crop year 2019-20. This increase in exports the annual promotion of the Canadian has helped to improve the farmgate price for barley crop to international buyers had to be barley over this time period. moved online. As travel restrictions began in the spring Promotion of Canada’s barley is central of 2020, Alberta Barley along with

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the Saskatchewan Barley Development Commission and the Canadian Malt Barley Technical Centre (CMBTC) worked to develop an alternative promotional plan that would be completely online. All three partners redirected resources toward building an online platform that featured continuous, real-time updates on the 2020 barley crop for international buyers. Filming of the online materials occurred throughout the 2020 growing season in both Alberta and Saskatchewan to prepare for the platform launch coinciding with the 2020 harvest. The promotional website barleyharvest. ca is managed by the CMBTC and includes a variety of multimedia and informational content of interest to international buyers. Digital media on the site, including videos showcasing the new malt barley varieties filling in the fields, has brought buyers an experience as close to an annual crop tour as possible. Interviews with producers allowed for the sharing of opinions on growing the different varieties and has encour-

aged international buyers to consider incorporating these varieties into their production. The harvest updates pre-empted international buyers’ questions on 2020 harvest weather and any concerns regarding quality that could be expected. Finally, an interactive quality map is able to provide the results of barley quality analysis from 25 locations across the Prairies, encapsulating a snapshot of the 2020 harvest quality parameters such as protein, germination energy, thousand kernel weight and plumpness. While COVID-19 continues to disrupt business as normal, Alberta Barley remains committed to promoting our barley to international markets. While we wait to resume normal travel, we will continue to innovate and partner with organizations aiming to improve the exports of Canadian barley and the profitability of Alberta’s producers. The commissions keep watch on ag industry changes Lauren Comin, Director of Research | Alberta Wheat and Barley Commissions

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The earth still turns, and people still need to be fed. The world depends on you. You can depend on us.

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VERMILION UFA FARM & RANCH SUPPLY STORE 4908 47 Avenue, (780) 853-5323

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March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

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VERMILION AND AREA HOME BUSINESSES Vermilion Breeders Co-op 780-853-2344 Raw food

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Financing Available for Bred Cows, Bred Cows with Calves at Side, and Bred Heifers Rick Rewuski Box 1265, Dewberry, AB T0B 1G0 Ph: (780) 847-4166 Fax: (780) 847-4944

You Dump it, We Pump it

JEFF’S SEPTIC TANK SERVICE and Porta-potty Rentals Box 5 Myrnam, AB T0B 3K0 Cell (780) 581-3867 H (780) 366-3855 or Abe (780) 210-0431

   C#: 306-307-2645 or 780-808-1957 (Leave a message) email: kenmarcamaro72@gmail.com

Tom’s Interior/ Exterior Handi Man

E L E C T R I C

Elaine Urwin, RMT

Murray Brown • R E SID E N T I A L • C O M M E R CI A L •SERVICE

(780) 581-0852 ampedelectric14@gmail.com

KEN HARTWELL pH: 780-853-3318

6HDQ 0F*UDWK 3 $J

&RQVXOWLQJ DQG 3URGXFWV WR ,PSURYH 5DQFK 3URILWDELOLW\

(780) 853-3605

Installation of Siding, Window Capping, Soffit, Fascia, Eavestroughing FOR A FREE ESTIMATE CALL TOM AT 780-581-6167 NO JOB TOO SMALL

Vermilion Septic Services

5DQFKLQJ 6\VWHPV /WG %R[ 9HUPLOLRQ $% 7 ; % VHDQ#UDQFKLQJV\VWHPV FRP ZZZ UDQFKLQJV\VWHPV FRP

Registered Massage Therapist

Trent Westman owner/operator

Brandon Tupper

5002-65th St Vermilion, AB T9X 1X6 c : 780.581.8775 t : 1.888.545.7707 Brandon@KnightsSpraying.ca f : 1.780.628.0777 www.KnightsSpraying.ca

The East Central Family Day Home Agency

Call 780-853-6314 Cell 780-853-7801

59

Lasting Impressions Catering Charlene Young PH: 780.853.3856

EM: mcy1@telus.net Web: www.lastingimpressionscatering.com 4614 - 48A Ave, Vermilion, AB

“Our reputation is on the table”

JBCA

Custom Spraying & Grain Hauling

780-787-3326 jbcaspraying2004@gmail.com

Commercial • Residential • Farm Maintenance • Trenching

780-853-0650

Grain, Fer�lizer, or Pellet Hauling

Relaxation Massage ▪ Therapeutic Massage Hot Stone Massage ▪ Reiki Master Pregnancy Massage

Shelly Gordon RMT

780-205-6642

Jon Bodurka

ESSENTIAL SELF MASSAGE THERAPY

*Helping Families Build Happy Children We have licensed Day Home Providers who have room to provide care for all ages. We provide snacks, lunches and planned activities. Parents can apply for subsidy.

Call Shelley today to find your quality Child Care 780-853-6190

A Flush is Better than a Full House

For Promt Officient Service

Brendan Franklin

Specializing in Livestock Hauling

Ernie Lessner Cell: 780-205-1571

780-581-5531

#20, 5125 50 Ave., Vermilion Professional Building Vermilion, AB T9X 1A8

Tel: 780-847-2405

Call/Text: 780-872-3324 Email: Northcountry06@outlook.com Owners: Ed & Faryn Anderson

CROSSWORD PUZZLES ACROSS 1 Group of trees 6 Group of nations 10 Pixies 14 Asian nation 15 Italian currency 16 Pick 17 Scots' neighbors 18 Adolescent 19 Jewish scribe 20 Tidily 22 Star 24 Type of Buddhism 25 Prevaricators 27 Loathe 29 Indict 32 Compass point 33 Ocean 34 Lasts 37 Candy bar Baby __ 41 Den 43 Foot extension 44 Wan 45 Gas burner

DOWN 46 Afloat (2 wds.) 48 Metric linear unit 49 Coffee brand 51 Rogue 54 Explanation 56 Spooky 57 Medical practitioner 58 Lassie 60 Drooped 64 Boat movers 66 Church part 68 Club 69 Clutch 70 Star __ (tv show) 71 Botches, with up 72 Whirl 73 Not there 74 Infix

1 Pare 2 Ripped up 3 Opera solo 4 Snuggle 5 Showy flower 6 Deli order 7 Legal claim 8 Brand of sandwich cookie 9 Look over carefully 10 Anger 11 Soprano 12 Paring knife 13 Bridge 21 Talk 23 Abdominal muscles (abbr.) 26 Gone With the Wind's Mr. Butler 28 Juno 29 Island 30 Ham 31 Agony 35 Goddess

36 Pet __ (annoyance) 38 U.S. Department of Agriculture 39 Tai 40 Religious song 42 Los Angeles football team 46 Wormwood 47 Ventilates 50 Dance 52 Inclined 53 Multitude 54 Plank 55 Pungent 56 Eel 57 Former magistrate of Venice 59 Seldom 61 Engorge 62 Otherwise 63 Tinter 65 Observe secretly 67 Stretch to make do

Puzzle Solution Page 20

18

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

J.R. Robson School News

Raynette Schroeder Advisory Council meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m. online. Paper forms for cash or cheque Submitted Currently we are still without a PAC president payments will be available at the office too. J.R. Robson grade who would normally plan the agenda. The There are also a handful of extra 2019-2020 9 P.E. enjoyed some great weather in their ZOOM link will be sent out through text to books that can be purchased at the office for cross country skiing unit. A big thank you to parents just prior to the meeting. $40. Chuck, Keith, and the provincial park for help Students wanting to participate in the Registration for grade 9 - 11 students takes setting the trails for the kids to enjoy! Annual Superintendent’s Public Speaking place in MARCH. Students will receive links J.R. Robson Physical Education also Contest need to let Mrs. Hart know by March to the online registration form in their school sampled some wheelchair basketball for 12, 2021. Details are provided in the news- email accounts and parents will receive notia week. The experience even extended to letter and on our website. Speak Offs will fications as well on March 15. For Grade 9 attempt some volleyball. After a week of happen on March 24 if required. students, an information Zoom meeting will hard practice for the students, the teachers Yearbooks featuring the current school be held on Parent Teacher Interview night challenged them to a friendly game. Unfor- year will be for sale online very soon! This March 30, 2021 at 6:30 pm. During the Zoom tunately for them, despite their youth and hardcover book will be 68 pages of full color meeting, Mrs. Hart will explain the criteria for athleticism, the teachers’ teamwork and and at a price of $40 per book. Parents and the Alberta High School Diploma, graduacunning managed a last second basket to students will be emailed the link to order tion requirements, course sequencing and secure a victory. It was an enjoyable week as the students were introduced to a new and inclusive activity that will leave many lasting positive school memories. We have brought back our nutritious snack program three days a week, in large part to a very generous donation from the Vermilion Crisis Line earlier this year. Our daily breakfast program has been in place all year. On March 22, we will have our next Parent Students and staff wheelchair basketball game. Photo submitted

Anna Svenungard Submitted

As the weather starts to turn warmer, spirits have been shining bright here in the halls and classrooms of St. Jerome’s School. March has brought lovely warm temperatures, which means that things are starting to get a bit wet on and around the play structures. Elementary students are encouraged to wear ski pants or splash pants and boots to help them stay dry! Students in grade 2 in Mrs. Lysons and Mrs. Schmidt’s class built igloos using styrofoam cups, icing, and marshmallows. This was an exciting project to do as they wrapped up their study of Iqaluit in Social Studies. Mr. Chase’s grade ten leadership class has been Zoom meeting with Miss Frankiew’s grade 5 class to do some partner reading. This is an excellent opportunity for older students to support younger Spartans with their literacy while both groups become increasingly tech savvy. The 100th day of school was chock full of learning in Grade One! Students had the opportunity to present their 100th day projects in front of the class, and there were many outstanding projects this year! It is wonderful to see all of the creativity that can go into the number 100. Students also had

Karen King Submitted

On February 25, Rev. Elizabeth M e t c a l fe (R e c to r) and Rita Barr (Church Warden) delivered a cheque to VES for $980 to support our school lunch program. The cheque was received by Brandon Tupper, president of VES Hot Lunch Society. This donation has become a tradition for the past few years, as the parish designated proceeds of their fall garage sale back to the community, and the school lunch program was chosen as the recipient. This year, due to the pandemic, the annual garage sale was not held. The parish members recognized the hot lunch program’s need for funding has not gone away, and in fact, has grown, so they opened their hearts and generously donated. We deeply appreciate their hearts and their actions. March 3 was our dress up day at school.

course offerings at J. R. Robson. All online registration will be due on MARCH 31. Important dates: Mar. 17: Grad Photo Retake Day Mar. 22: PAC Meeting via Zoom at 7 p.m. Mar. 30: Parent/Teacher Interviews 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Mar. 30: Grade 9 Registration Information Meeting Mar. 31: Online high school registration deadline Apr. 2-9: Easter Break – no classes Apr. 15: Parent/Teacher Interviews 4:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Apr. 28: BTPS Virtual Public Speaking Contest.

St. Jerome’s School News

fun making necklaces with 100 beads (fruit loops and cheerios) and creating 100 cup structures. It was an incredible day, but by the end of it Mrs. Martin and Ms. Svenungard felt 100 years old! In other news, our Scholastic Book Fair (an important fundraiser for our school) is going virtual this year! We will be hosting it from March 17-24th. If you click on the link, which will be shared via our school Facebook page, you can watch videos about popular new book titles and preview featured books online. All of the orders placed will be shipped directly to your residence. There will be a virtual family night on Wednesday March 17 & 24th from 6-8pm. If you hop on and order your books during one of those two dedicated times you will get free shipping with your order. Check out all of the great books our fair has to offer! This week is Substitute Teacher Appreciation Week. We are very grateful to all of the wonderful substitutes who have walked our hallways and into our student’s hearts. I want to take a moment and honor a very special lady who has served our school and church community for many years. Lennie Halfe is someone that all Spartans have come to love and respect. Mrs. Halfe began her teaching career in 1973 teaching grade 1 in Fort Chipewyan, followed by 6 years in Vernon, B.C. She moved back home to Vermilion in 1981, which is when

she began teaching at St. Jerome’s. Mrs. to be a rock star substitute!” Now, we all Halfe taught grade 3 at our school for 18 know whose opinion matters the most...the years, and then taught grade 6 for another students! Gabriel Sader fondly remembers 12 years. After a full career, she decided when she subbed for him in grade one. He to start substitute teaching and has been was also quick to point out that she makes working with students in k-12 for the past everyone feel like her favourite student. Jett 10 years. When I asked her what she liked Wight loves it when she is subbing for gym best about subbing, Lennie spoke about because “She’s really nice and lets us do loving the variety in her days, the flexibil- the race with the basketballs!” And as for ity that subbing allows for, and the chance the littlest Spartans, they all said they love to get to know her “second generation” of it when she comes to see them! Overall, it students, which are the children of her past is clear Lennie that you have made a home students. Ask anyone around our school for yourself here amongst the St. Jerome’s and they will have nothing but positive Family. Thank you very much for everything things to say about Mrs. Halfe. Mrs. Lysons that you do, it doesn’t go unnoticed! said that “Mrs. Halfe is so kind, and the students are always excited to see her.” Mrs. Schmidt appreciates that “She is so reliable, and makes an effort to really get to know kids and connect with them.” Mrs. Martin raved about how empathetic she is when interacting with staff and stu d ents. When we asked Mr. Chase about Mrs. Halfe, his response was “She was a rock Zoey Lirio, Racheal Letawsky, and Carter Innes in Grade 2 at St. star when she taught Jerome’s showing off the construction of their igloos during their here and c ontinues study of the Inuit in Iqaluit. Photo submitted

Vermilion Elementary School News

Many students and staff dressed as a superhero or as someone who is a super hero to them. It is always so exciting seeing the creative minds of those who go all out during these dress up days. We also had our assembly on March 3. Mrs. Moses informed us that March’s virtue is sportsmanship and then we watched two videos on the topic. From the virtue draw, Reegan Smart’s name was pulled. Mr. Haslehurst showed us his four golden book club picks before telling us that the AR readers of the month were Liam McKinnon (29 points) and Grace Freeman (53 points). The reading classes for the month of February were 2A and 4B. VES students read a total of 1700 points since last assembly for a total to date of 10 716 AR points. March 5 was supposed to be a division wide PD day. The staff at VES would like to thank the Buffalo Trail School Division Board, as they made the decision that in place of a division wide PD day, they

would recognize the hard work that we are Dates to Remember: Mar. 8-12 – Science all putting in in these challenging times and Fair; Mar. 15 – School Council Meeting at give us the day off. That gesture was so 7:00; Mar. 23 and 24 – Parent Teacher Interappreciated. views; April 2-11 – Easter Break – No School

6A drumming. Photo submitted

March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

19

Vermilion RCMP Arrest Male For Arson Of Historic Building

Vermilion RCMP Submitted

Vermilion RCMP have arrested a male in connection to an arson that destroyed the Bowling Green School in Minburn, Alta. in 2019. On Oct. 17, 2019 at 6:22 a.m., Vermilion RCMP and the Innisfree Fire Depart-

ment responded to a fire at a building on Township Road 510 in Minburn, Alta. The building was referred to as the Bowling Green School but was considered a historic site since its closure as a school. No one was inside the building at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

During the same time period police also located two hay bales on fire 1km west of the school, roadside on Township Road 510 in Minburn, Alta. The fire investigator completed its investigation and determined the fire to be suspicious in nature. On Feb. 9, 2021, Vermilion RCMP

arrested and charged Hayden Ross Isley (19) from Innisfree, Alta. with two counts of arson. Isley was released on an Undertaking and he is scheduled to appear in Vermilion Provincial Court on April 19, 2021. Investigation is ongoing and additional charges are expected to be laid.

Lloydminster RCMP Traffic Stop Leads To Numerous Arrests

RCMP

Submitted

Lloydminster, AB. – On February 25th, 2021 at approximately 12 p.m. Lloydminster General Investigations Section members located a stolen vehicle in Lloydminster which was connected to a prior serious occurrence in the area. Police attempted to stop the vehicle north of Lloydminster but the vehicle fled. Lloydminster members, along with assistance from the North Battleford Crime Reduction Team and Lloydminster Police Dog Services, were able to locate and arrest the occupants of the vehicle shortly afterwards. Upon search of the vehicle police recovered large amounts of drugs, firearms and weapons. Matthew Stanley, 27 of Onion Lake, SK has been charged with: • Flight from peace officer • Drive while prohibited • Dangerous operation of motor vehicle • Possession of weapon contrary to an order • Obstruction of peace officer • Possession of restricted firearm without a license • Possession of firearm in a motor vehicle • Possession of property obtained by crime less than $5000 • Possession of controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking • Possession of property obtained by crime for the purpose of trafficking under $5000 • Possession of weapon for a dangerous purpose • Careless use of a firearm

• Unauthorized possession of a weapon for the purpose of trafficking for the purpose of trafficking • Possession of a controlled substance • Possession of property obtained by • Possession of property obtained by (Methamphetamine) crime for the purpose of trafficking crime for the purpose of trafficking Matthew Stanley was remanded into under $5000 under $5000 custody, and scheduled to appear in • Possession of weapon for a danger- • Possession of weapon for a dangerLloydminster Alberta Provincial Court for ous purpose ous purpose March 16nd, 2021. • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Careless use of a firearm Kashtin Sandfly, 21 of Onion Lake, SK • Careless use of a firearm • Possession of a controlled substance was charged with: • Possession of a controlled substance (Methamphetamine) • Flight from peace officer (Methamphetamine) • Possession of a weapon contrary to • Possession of restricted firearm with- • Possession of a weapon contrary to order out a licence order • Failing to comply with conditions of a • Possession of firearm in a motor vehiAlso a 17 year old male of Big Island release order cle Lake Cree Territory, SK was charged This youth was released by a Justice • Possession of property obtained by under the youth criminal justice act with of the Peace on a release order and crime less than $5000 the following. scheduled to appear in Lloydminster • Possession of controlled substance • Flight from peace officer Alberta Provincial Youth court on March for the purpose of trafficking • Possession of restricted firearm with- 15th, 2021 • Possession of property obtained by out a licence Kashin Sandfly and Samuel Kiseycrime for the purpose of trafficking • Possession of firearm in a motor vehi- inewakup were released by a Justice of under $5000 cle the Peace however both failed to appear • Possession of weapon for a danger- • Possession of property obtained by for their court on March 2nd, and there ous purpose crime less than $5000 are currently warrants issued for their • Possession of a firearm knowing the • Possession of controlled substance arrests. possession is unauthorized • Unauthorized possession of a firearm • Careless use of a firearm • Possession of a controlled substance Mannville Riverview (Methamphetamine) • Samuel Kiseyinewakup, 19 of Makwa Golf Course Clubhouse Sahgaiehcan First Nation, SK was charged with Seasonal Employment Opportunity for the Term: April 15 – October 31, 2021 (approx.) • Flight from peace officer Position: Food & Beverage Supervisor • Possession of restricted firearm withThe Mannville Riverview Golf Course is looking for an individual to fill the position of out a licence Food & Beverage Supervisor for the Clubhouse operations. Position reports directly to • Possession of firearm in a motor vehithe Chief Administrative Officer (CAO). cle Duties include, but are not limited to: • Possession of property obtained by • Responsible for all aspects of food & beverages (alcohol & non-alcohol) ie: crime less than $5000 • Possession of controlled substance ordering & receiving, inventory & internal control, menu planning, meal specials, quality, coordination, preparation, presentation and golf course beverage cart during tournaments and events • Responsible to maintain all regulations as set out by the Provincial Health Inspector • Responsible to maintain all regulations as set out by the Alberta Gaming & Liquor Commission • Responsible for setting schedule for kitchen staff to ensure proper staffing levels • Responsible for controlling, authorizing and submitting to Village Office Accounts Payable invoices • Responsible for cash management (daily cash outs, reconciliations and bank deposits etc.) • Coordinate and communicate with Pro Shop Supervisor to ensure successful operations • Ability to work well under pressure, work well with other staff and set a good example • Perform other duties as requested by the CAO

J.R. Robson Cross Country Skiing On March 1, J.R. Robson students took part in Cross Country Skiing. Photo Sue Chikie

Only In Alberta! This Zamboni was spotted in Vermilion on February 22 at the traffic light. Sheldon Johnston manager of Rocky Mountain Equipment said they sponsor the Zamboni and it is done for the season, so it was headed for their dock for any repairs needed. Photo Vermilion Voice

Village of Mannville

Qualifications: • High school diploma or equivalent • Food Safety and Pro Serve Certifications will be required to be obtained • Previous experience in food and beverage industry is a requirement • Previous supervisory experience in food and beverage preparation and service is an asset • Flexible hours of work are required for this position • A Criminal Records Check may be requested • Reliable vehicle and valid Class 5 Alberta Driver Licence • A combination of education and experience will be considered Salary commensurate for the position. Job description available upon request Application deadline: March 17, 2021 at 12:00 pm (Noon) Position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. Please send cover letter and resume to the following: Village of Mannville Jody Quickstad, Chief Administrative Officer Box 180 Mannville, Alberta T0B 2W0 Email: cao@mannville.com 780-763-3500 The Village of Mannville thanks all applicants for their interest in this position, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

CLASSIFIEDS / CAREERS

20

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

AWNA BLANKET AND LOCAL CLASSIFIEDS AUCTIONS www.gwacountry.com; UPCOMING AUCTIONS: *March 15-21 March Madness Online Timed Auction. *March 20 Auto & RV - Live Webcast; *March 27 Consignment Auction - Live Webcast. Gateway Auction Services, Redcliff, AB; 403-378-4664 or 403594-9995. BUILDINGS FOR SALE INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@ integritybuilt.com; 1-866-974-7678; www.integritybuilt. com. EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES BLANKET THE PROVINCE with a classified ad. Only $269 (based on 25 words or less). Reach 90 weekly newspapers. Call NOW for details. 1-800-282-6903 Ext 225; www.awna.com. FREIGHTLAND CARRIERS, a tri-axle air ride flatdeck carrier is looking for Owner/Operators to run Alberta only or the 3 Western Provinces. Must have own plates, insurance & WCB. Truck gross revenue is

an average of $16,000/month. Call 1-800-917-9021 or email: dispatch@freightland.ca. LIVE-IN CAREGIVER for Senior in lakefront home near Fort St. John. Private accommodation. All aspects of personal care. $3,000/month. Free room and board. Contact: susanmariebitner@gmail.com. FEED AND SEED ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789. CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT – Go Early, Pintail. OATS – AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, SO1 Super Oat. - BARLEY – Amisk, Busby, Cerveza, Conlon, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609. HEATED CANOLA buying Green, Heated or Springthrashed Canola. Buying: oats, barley, wheat & peas for feed. Buying damaged or offgrade grain. “On Farm Pickup” Westcan Feed & Grain, 1-877-250-5252. FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional:

Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, HI TRACY YOUGER. I would love to hear from you or Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. from anyone who knows her. Phone Collect, Carrie, Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942. 1-780-835-4695. HEALTH GET UP TO $50,000 from the Government of Canada. ALL Ages & Medical Conditions qualify. Have a child under 18 instantly receive more money. CALL THE BENEFITS PROGRAM 1-800-211-3550 or send a text message with your name and mailing address to 403-980-3605 for your FREE benefits package. HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

SERVICES CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think: Criminal Pardon. US entry waiver. Record purge. File destruction. Free consultation. 1-800-347-2540. www.accesslegalmjf.com GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $995 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 90 Weekly Community Newspapers. LAND FOR SALE Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ VERY INEXPENSIVE 2 QUARTERS OF PASTURE awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780-434-8746 LAND, Central SK, for sale. 8 other good quarters X225. www.awna.com. may be available. Requires fencing. Great hunting GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unem$74,900. Call Doug at 306-716-2671. ployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. MemPERSONALS ber BBB. 1-877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.

VOICE CLASSIFIEDS AND CAREERS FOR RENT 2000 sq ft, bright, spacious, 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom, main floor laundry, large foyer entrance, hardwood floors throughout, high ceiling basement with separate entrance into downstairs workshop area. Large corner lot. $1,200 per month rent. $1,200 damage deposit, available February 20. Call Susan (780) 6993143. GIVE AWAY Do you have give aways? Until further notice The Vermilion Voice will run your ad for FREE. Call 780-8536305 or email vermilionvoice@gmail.com SERVICES

Everblack Angus 29th Annual Bull & Female Sale

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 3” wide version

Monday, March 29, 2:00 PM at the farm south of Vermilion. Offering 70+ two year old, 10 yearling bulls as well as 15 open Angus heifers.

The Vermilion Seed Cleaners Co-op Association LTD will be having their Annual General

For more info or a catalogue call

Meeting on March, 16, 2021 @ 7:30 p.m. in the Reunion Hall Room at the Vermilion Ag Society.

T Bar C Cattle Co. 306-220-5006. View catalogue online at www.BuyAgro.com. Watch & bid online at www.DLMS.ca (PL#116061)

You will like our prices! Take the time to give us a call! Lloydminster 780-875-6636, Toll Free # 1-888-8581011.

All Board Members & Shareholders are welcome and encouraged to come.

Classifieds

3” wide version

3.75” wide version

3” wide version

WINTER HARDY ALGONQUIN ALFALFA SEED Northern Impact VIII Charolais Bull Sale 33

For Sale Certified 2020 Algonquin Alfalfa Seed

two year olds

99.9% purity, zero weed seeds, inoculated, in 55 lb bags wholesale price $2.90 a pound. Algonquin Alfalfa is a tap root tri foliate, extremely winter hardy, fine stem, and excellent disease resistance. Also Selling Timothy and Brome Grass Blends to your specifications.

24

yearlings Call Lorne at

780-719-0264

Farmer Direct. FREE SHIPPING on orders over 1200 lb.

Bid online at

www.dlms.ca

Call Ram River Forage Seeds 403-634-1643

Thurs., March 18, 1 pm at North Central Livestock, Clyde

3.75” wide version

3.75” wide version

http://www.dailysu

HOROSCOPE/SUDOKU AND Impact SOLUTIONS VIII Charolais Bull Sale WINTER HARDY ALGONQUIN ALFALFA SEEDNorthern Daily Sudoku: Mon 8-Mar-2021

will have a problem with your boss if you two year olds

1 6

7 3

2 3 1 6 7 4 5

1 8 3 9 4 7 6

8 1 7 2 9 5 3

very hard

9 6 4 5 1 8 2

3 7 2 1 5 6 4

7 9 6 8 2 3 1

6 4 5 3 8 9 7

haven't done your job. Do not get upset over 99.9% purity, zero weed seeds, inoculated, in 55 lb bags wholesale trivial matters. price $2.90 a pound. Algonquin Alfalfa is a tap root tri foliate, yearlings extremely winter hardy, fine stem, and excellent disease resistance. TAURUS Your doubt could to insecurity. Your Call lead Lorne at charm and generosity will bring new friends Also Selling Timothy and Brome Grass Blends to your specifications. 780-719-0264

24

and romantic opportunities. Confusion could

whenlb. communicating Bid online atwith others. Farmer Direct. FREE SHIPPING on orders overresult 1200

www.dlms.ca

LIBRA

Educational pursuits should help you develop your hobbies. You can work in conjunction with those in the know in order to get to the bottom of any pending issue.

SCORPIO

Extravagance and overindulgence are not a cure if you're feeling sorry for yourself. A friendship might suffer if money becomes an issue. Money can be made if you use your ingenuity.

9 5 3 6 2

SAGITTARIUS

GEMINI Call Ram River Forage Seeds 403-634-1643 Thurs., March 18, 1 pm at North Central Livestock, Clyde Be extra careful with your valuables; loss and theft are evident today. You will find that social activities will lead you into passionate meetings. Much can be accomplished if you compromise.

Do your best, but don't make too many promises or you may exhaust yourself. Be sure to take time for old friends or relatives you don't get to see that often. Take time to explain your intentions to loved ones.

CAPRICORN

3 8 3

8

9 8

5 2

6 4

3 7

8 9

Daily Sudoku: Mon 8-Mar-2021

4 5 8 3

You will be popular and will easily attract members of the opposite sex. One-sided relationships are likely. Upheavals may occupy your day.

7

AQUARIUS

LEO

Real estate investments could be to your advantage. Opportunities for romance will develop through activities with large groups. You need to get involved in groups that offer physical activities.

3

Try not to use emotional blackmail; it will only make matters worse. You can get phenomenal returns if you present your ideas to those who can back your interests.

VIRGO

3

6 9

8 3 5 2

2 1

very hard

8 2

7 3

4 5

4 5

4 3

9

1 5 7 9 8 9

(c) Daily Sudoku Ltd 2021. All rights reserved.

CANCER

You'll find it easy to charm members of the opposite sex today. You must make sure that all your personal documents are in order. Social events will be plentiful.

You must strive to get the most important projects completed properly, rather than doling everything in a half baked way.

PISCES

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March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

FCC Agrispirit Fund Now Open For Applications

FCC Submitted

Farm Credit Canada is now accepting applications from registered charities and non-profit organizations in rural Canada for the FCC AgriSpirit Fund. The fund will award $1.5 million in funding this year. The application deadline is March 31, 2021 and FCC will announce the selected projects in September. Rural community groups can view the eligibility requirements, past projects and apply online by visiting www. fccagrispiritfund.ca.

F o r t h e p a s t 17 y e a r s , F C C has awarded rural community groups between $5,000 and $25,000 in FCC AgriSpirit funding for various community improvement initiatives. This year, the fund will once again support projects that enrich the lives of residents in cities, towns or Indigenous communities with fewer than 150,000 people. E x a m p l e s i n c l u d e r e f r i g e r at i o n and equipment to support food waste reduc tion and recover y, construc -

t io n of or u p grad es to c o mmunit y b u i l d i n g s, f ir ef i g ht i n g a n d r e s c u e equipment, play structures and recreation areas and renovations or upgrades that reduce a building’s energy footprint. Since inception of the FCC AgriSpirit Fund in 2004, FCC has supported 1,356 capital projects in rural Canada totaling $16.5 million in donations. About Farm Credit Canada FCC is Canada’s leading agriculture and food lender, with a healthy loan

portfolio of more than $41 billion. Our employees are dedicated to the future of Canadian agriculture and food. We provide flexible, competitively priced f i n a n c i n g, m a n ag e m e nt s of t war e, information and knowledge specifically designed for the agriculture and food industry. As a self-sustaining Crown corporation, we provide an appropriate return to our shareholder, and reinvest our profits back into the industry and communities we serve. For more information, visit fcc.ca.

PROVIDING NEWS FROM VERMILION AND AREA SINCE 2004 780-853-6305 We are looking for talented individuals to join our team!

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VERMILION VISITOR INFORMATION CENTRE (2 Summer Positions) Application deadline: March 19, 2021 at 4:30 pm We are looking for two applicants to start May 3, 2021 – September 3, 2021. These are full-time positions as we get ready for the Summer Tourism Season!  Provide exceptional customized trip planning and customer service to visitors travelling to Alberta.  Proactively promote attractions, events, experiences and destinations across the province, including assisting travelers with booking accommodations and activities.  Influence visitors to do more and extend their length of stay in Alberta by matching their interests and needs to Alberta’s attractions, experiences and destinations.  Distribute information and essential travel tips.  Complete administrative tasks such as preparing reports, and collecting and entering visitor statistics and other duties as assigned by Economic Development. Qualifications: Visitor Information Centre staff must be proactive and able to recall/search Alberta information quickly and be comfortable dealing with people. Having well-honed listening and questioning skills are essential, in order to establish credibility in your interactions with travelers. All candidates must have a high school education. Expertise with internet based research, social media channels and Microsoft Excel and Word is essential. Required Education:  High school or equivalent  Applicants must be returning to school studies in the fall Rate of pay: $15.00/hour Please note:  Weekend and Statutory Holiday work is required.  Attendance at training in Edmonton (May 2021) is a condition of employment.  Successful candidates will be required to obtain First Aid Certification before commencing work. We reserve the right to ask for a Criminal Record check. Please email a cover letter, resume and references to economic@vermilion.ca Attention: Mary Lee Prior, Economic Development Officer Or by mail to: Town of Vermilion, 5021 – 49 Avenue Vermilion, AB T9X 1X1 Any questions or concerns can be sent to economic@vermilion.ca or call 780-581-2419. Only those applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.

22

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

BULL BREEDERS

Applications Open For The Beef Researcher Mentorship Program

Beef Cattle Research Council Submitted

Applications for the 2021-22 term of the BCRC Beef Researcher Mentorship Program are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2021. The 2020/2021 mentees participated in a virtual event with the Cattlemen’s Young Leaders Program. Six researchers were selected to participate in the program this past year. Each was paired with two mentors – an

innovative producer and another industry expert. Each of the researchers have reported very successful and valuable experiences through the opportunities provided, including: Establishing partnerships with industry and other researchers to further their research programs Meeting several producers and industry leaders with whom they ask questions and have meaningful discussions about cattle production, beef quality and

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safety, and the Canadian beef value chain Attending industry events and touring farms and ranches to better understand the impacts, practicalities and economics of adopting research results The BCRC is excited to continue the program and invite applications from upcoming and new applied researchers in Canada whose studies are of value to the beef industry, such as cattle health and welfare, beef quality, food safety,

genetics, feed efficiency, or forages. A new group of participants will begin their mentorships on September 1st. The Beef Researcher Mentorship Program launched in August 2014 to facilitate greater engagement of upcoming and new applied researchers with Canada’s beef industry. Thank you to BCRC for permission to reprint this article. For more information check the website at http://www.beefresearch.ca/

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BULL BREEDERS

March 9, 2021 | The Vermilion Voice

Farmland Values Influenced By Many Factors

Farm Credit Canada Submitted

For most farms, farmland is the biggest asset, and in recent decades, land values have appreciated steadily, making it a great investment. In many cases, the increase has contributed more wealth to the farm than the income derived from the production. Beginning farmers wonder how they’ll ever be able to afford to buy land. Retiring farmers wrestle with how to transition the farm to the next generation when so much value is in the land base. Everyone wishes they could know what farmland values will do in the future. The annual FCC Farmland Values Report tracks and highlights average changes in cultivated farmland values – regionally, provincially and nationally. Using a system based on benchmark farm properties across the country, it provides important information to help producers manage risk and make informed business decisions. Over the past decade, the biggest increases in the national value of farmland came in 2011 to 2014, at over 14% in each of those years. In 2013, the increase was more than 22%. Since 2015, national increases have been more modest with 2019 pegged at 5.2%. However, the FCC Farmland Values Report recorded a great deal of variability across the country. While Alberta had a 3.3% increase in 2019, Prince Edward Island’s farmland prices increased by 22.6%. The variation in prices within a specific region can be huge. For instance, in B.C.’s Okanagan region, 2019 farmland prices ranged from a low of $9,500 to a high of $163,800 an acre. The value range represents 90% of the sales in each region and excludes the top and bottom 5%. Price variation within a region comes from different use options and suitability, parcel size, quality and location. The FCC

report highlights the factors affecting prices in each region. Supply and demand Land values follow the laws of supply and demand. A shortage of available land in a region (low supply) and many farmers interested in buying land (high demand) are factors contributing to higher prices. Since farmland prices in almost all regions of the country have steadily increased for many years, there is sometimes an assumption that land prices will never decline. However, land prices fell in many regions from the early 1980s to the early 1990s due to low farm gate returns and record-high interest rates. Interest rates Interest rates have hovered near record lows since 2010. Low interest rates favour increased farmland values. With low interest rates, mortgage payments are more affordable, allowing buyers to pay a higher land price as long as they have the down payment and can demonstrate repayment ability. Low interest rates also make land an appealing investment compared to investment bonds or GICs (Guaranteed Investment Certificates). Outside investor influence Non-farmer investors influence land prices, particularly in scenarios where they anticipate a strong return on investment. However, in most land markets, the main factor is competition from farmers looking to expand their operations. When investors own a significant amount of land in a region, they can impact the land rental market. Local producers usually end up farming the land even though they don’t own it. Relationship between prices, rental rates and farm income Land prices and cash rents for land are both influenced by the farm revenue generated from that land. However, prices and cash rents can sometimes move in

opposite directions, and the relationship between the two can be very different in different regions. Consider land that’s selling for $3,000 an acre and is cash renting for $100 an acre. The rent provides an annual return of 3.3% before the payment of property taxes. Now consider land with a value of $10,000 an acre with a cash rent of $200. That’s an annual return of just 2% before property taxes. For an investor, the annual return is more attractive on the lower-priced land in this example. Of course, an investor would also consider which property has the most significant opportunity to increase in value. The bottom line is that land prices, cash rents and farm revenue will tend to move together over time. But there are periods when one of these variables may not match the pattern of the other two. Market adjustments can take time, and past relationships in these variables can evolve based on the outlook of the farm economy. The productive value of land You’ll sometimes hear someone proclaim, “That land is so expensive that it will never pay for itself.” The net farm revenue you can derive from a parcel of land may not make the mortgage payment on its own. Revenue from other land or off-farm revenue can be required to afford that new parcel of land. Does that make buying land a bad deal? There are two revenue considerations with land – the revenue from what you produce on the land and the wealth generation if the value of land continues to appreciate. As a farmer, you can be cash poor while being asset rich. Revenue and cash flow can be a struggle while your net worth continues to increase courtesy of the land you own. When is farmland overpriced? To determine if land is becoming more expensive in relation to the income it generates, a price-to-revenue ratio is often used.

Analysts take the average farmland price per acre in a region and divide that by the average expected receipts per acre. To calculate the expected receipts, a standard crop rotation is assumed, and the average crop prices and average expected yields are used. There’s no “ideal” value for the ratio as the mix of crops, the region and the outlook for crop revenues all influence. According to FCC analysis, the price-to-revenue ratio has been rising since 2014 and is now above its historical average. That means affordability has been declining relative to farm income, and that land is expensive from a historical standpoint. But this is not necessarily indicative of future land price declines. The higher ratio can be sustainable if buyers and sellers believe in stronger future growth in farm revenues, continued low interest rates, etc. Making land purchase decisions If you’re a field crop producer, you need access to fields, and you can either rent the land or own it. Most producers have a combination of both. Farmland has always appeared too expensive, but waiting for prices to drop has been an unsuccessful strategy for many decades. Farmland often carries an emotional attachment, particularly if it’s land that has been in the family for many years. While passion is commendable, it’s unwise to let emotion govern farmland purchase decisions. Be clear on your short and longterm goals and objectives and crunch the numbers for a detailed financial analysis. This article is reprinted by permission of the author and Farm Credit Canada. It was originally published in the February 26th issue of the FCC Knowledge Newsletter, Canada’s free, weekly agriculture e-newsletter. For subscription information about the FCC Knowledge newsletter, click: https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/knowledge.html

30 Commerical 1st Calf Heifers with Calf at side 30 Yearling open Replacement Heifers

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23

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24

The Vermilion Voice | March 9, 2021

BULL BREEDERS

Coming Together To Set Canadian Wheat Research Goals

Canadian Wheat Research Priorities Submitted

The value of engaging the entire wheat chain When the Canadian Wheat Research Priorities task group convened in 2019 to begin the consultative process that would create the 2020-2022 priorities, they purposely invited representatives along the entire wheat value chain from across Canada. “There is tremendous value in having everyone at the table,” says Dean Dias, CEO of Cereals Canada – the organization that co-chaired the development of the research

priorities together with Agriculture and AgriFood Canada (AAFC). “We set out to have the entire value chain involved to have a view from research on what is possible and what to focus on, a view from growers on yield and profitability, and a view from customers and exporters who know what is needed in the marketplace. And there is the role that groups funding public research, including AAFC, have in contributing to setting research priorities,” says Dias. Setting representative priorities Adam Dyck understands the value of an inclusive process from both sides of the

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table. He co-chaired the theme on customer quality. And for the past 11 years, he’s been in charge of Canadian operations for Warburtons – the largest bakery in the UK that sources over 50% of its wheat from its long-running Canadian Identity Preserved Program. “There was an open invitation across the wheat value chain to participate including public and private wheat breeders, the seed industry, growers, grain companies, millers, end users and academia,” says Dyck.” With all these voices around the table, you develop outcomes that carry a lot of weight and represent the industry’s wishes. Having everyone in the value chain involved in priority setting helps develop a strong theme.” Balancing standard wheat breeding goals (e.g. yield) with the quality traits that end-users want is an interesting and ongoing challenge when setting research goals around the customer quality theme. “We need to make sure that outcomes fit the enduse purpose,” says Dyck. “So that what we are asking of wheat breeders in terms of quality, actually fits what end users want.” One example of customer quality research that could benefit the whole value chain is work on rapid testing for qualities like gluten strength and milling properties. Researchers are looking at cost-effective rapid testing tools that could help breeders measure these quality traits earlier in the breeding process. This ensures that varieties released to market are well suited for the entire chain. Focus on customer satisfaction All five themes in the research priorities document focus on producing more wheat, more consistently, and improving the sector

for the benefit of everyone in the value chain. It’s a key way to ensure Canada maintains its track record as a source for high-quality wheat around the world. “Our goal with these priorities is to keep demand strong so growers see wheat as a profitable crop and keep acreage up,” says Dyck. “Canada is already a world leader in wheat, so if we collaborate on research priorities – and execute them successfully over time – we can keep current customers happy and attract new customers to Canadian wheat.” Inform funding decisions Another critical element of the collaborative priority setting is to deliver a clear message to wheat research funders on what the value chain agrees the priorities are. “This shared voice is extremely powerful and it’s why it was so important to ensure representation from the entire value chain,” says Dyck. “We need to invest in research in the right places and another reason for the strategy to include funding groups in the priority setting process.” Bringing all the players in the sector together to develop shared priorities for Canadian wheat research builds a balanced, informed approach that considers multiple aspects. “You could have high-quality wheat that doesn’t yield well, or high-yielding wheat that doesn’t meet the need of end-use customers,” says Dias. “That’s why it was so critical to build a loop where the industry came together to have those types of discussions as a whole value chain to set relevant targets for wheat research in Canada.” For more information on the 20202022 Canadian Wheat Research Priorities, visit cerealscanada.ca