967

Volume XVIII-Issue 967

Volume XVI-Issue 864

March 9, 2021

March 14, 2023

Angela Mouly

Reporter

Young skaters showcased their talent at ‘Glow It Up’ which was this year’s carnival hosted by the Mannville Skating Club on March 5.

President, Amy Shomachuk, said the club had 27 members this year aged 3 -14. Throughout the year members learned to skate forwards, backwards, how to switch from forwards to backwards, how to spiral, how to spin, and how to do a two foot jump.

Mannville Skating Carnival

Vermilion Tim Hortons Donates To KidSport

“They worked really hard from October to March, and were just bouncing off the walls excited for the carnival,” said Shomachuk.

Special guest skaters were Alex Polishuk from Mannville, and Colton Foreman from Sherwood Park.

Watching and celebrating the youth’s progress, Shomachuk said family from all over the place attended including aunts, uncles, grandparents, and community members.

“We are very thankful for the commu -

nity support. It was wonderful; we had a lot of sponsoring and people buying raffle tickets, 50/50s and prize tickets which help our club to pay for events as well as the ice and coaching fees. Thank you also to the parents for their support throughout the whole season; it’s because of them that we have a club. Thank you to the board, and to our coach Nicole Ford (from Irma, who also teaches in Wainwright). She does a great job and can test up to Level 5 which is great because now our children don’t have to travel to other towns

to do testing,” said Shomachuk. “Skating is a skill they can use in the future when they get older; it’s great for keeping active and getting exercise, for balance, and keeping time to music.”

The Mannville Skating Club will be celebrating their 50th year with Skate Canada in a couple years, and she said the club was going even before they joined Skate Canada. She has been involved for the past eight years and said the children are so excited, they are starting to plan next year already.

With guest consignor KC Stock Farm

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

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

Top left, CanSkate 3-4 Group in “The Glow”. Top right, Guest skaters Alex Polishuk and Colton Foreman. Bottom left, Sofia Myhovich and Morgan Ruttan who were part of the StarSkate and Bridge Group’s “The Greatest Showman” performance. Bottom right, CanSkate 1-3 Group. Photos submitted

ASIRT Investigation Continues Into RCMP OfficerInvolved Shooting Causing Injury In Vermilion

Lorna Hamilton

Reporter

According to a release on March 8 from Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) it has been concluded that on March 1 at approximately 3:15 p.m. the Vermilion RCMP assisted EMS in transporting a 33-year-old male to the Vermilion Health Centre.

Around 10 p.m. an RCMP officer accompanied the male outside the centre to smoke a cigarette. Upon re-entering the health centre, the man grabbed a fire extinguisher from the wall and engaged in a confrontation with the RCMP officer.

In response to the altercation, the offi -

Lorna Hamilton

Reporter

cer discharged his firearm, striking the man. The man was given medical attention and transported to a hospital in Edmonton by STARS, where he remains receiving treatment.

ASIRT was directed to investigate the officer-involved shooting.

On March 2 the Health Care Centre was contacted for comment and was directed to Alberta Health Services (AHS) media communications team where James Woods, Director, Media Relations & Issues Management commented that AHS takes the matter of safety in their healthcare spaces very seriously, and are committed to provid -

ing safe environments for their patients and families, physicians, staff and volunteers.

“We are reviewing this incident, and cooperating fully with the RCMP and their investigation,” said Woods.

Woods also explained that all sites have Code White Plans in place in the event of violence or aggression which creates an immediate threat to safety.

“All front-line staff receive training in AHS’ policies and procedures for harassment and violence prevention and response. Staff is provided with additional training based on their role. Thousands have received Nonvi -

olent Crisis Intervention (NCI) ® training to help them prevent, intervene or de-escalate a crisis situation safely and effectively,” said Woods.

According to the updated release from ASIRT, they will continue their investigation and will examine the use of force by the officer, and no additional information will be released.

ASIRT’s mandate is to effectively, independently and objectively investigate incidents involving Alberta’s police that have resulted in serious injury or death to any person, as well as serious or sensitive allegations of police misconduct.

DB-Delicious Bites Opening Soon

Vermilion will soon have the opportunity to try out and enjoy a new restaurant.

The Pandey family, Bishnu, Divina, and their 5-year-old son Rayce Alexander moved to Vermilion from Saskatchewan to own and operate their family-style restaurant, where they are currently completing some renovations and set up in the former Hubkins Restaurant building.

Bishnu is no stranger to the restaurant world and completed his training to become a chef more than 25 years ago in Dubai, and is originally from Nepal. Throughout his career, Bishnu has worked at many prestigious restaurants in Dubai, Saskatchewan, and Calgary. Before relocating to Vermilion Bishnu and his family lived in Saskatchewan and operated a restaurant during the pandemic and commented that he has always wanted to open and operate his own restaurant.

“I had been looking for somewhere to start my own restaurant and I wanted it to be in a town that wasn’t too small but also not too big and I wanted it to be in Alberta,” commented Bishnu. “When I saw this location it stuck with me and I just knew this is where I wanted to open the restaurant and live with my family.”

For Bishnu location was very impor tant, as the town had to seem friendly, and have a great school system for his son.

“I feel we have found that here in Vermilion and I am very excited to get the restaurant up and running. I have many ideas that I would like to do with the space later on down the road.” “I am very hands-on when it comes to our patrons. I like to talk with them to get feedback on their experience at the restaurant and the menu items. I want everyone to have the best experience,” commented Bishnu.

DB-Delicious Bites is located at 5004 50 Avenue will be opening its doors on

U18 Renegades Close Out Season

Angela Mouly Reporter

A tough way to end their season, the U18 Tier 2 Dewberry Marwayne Renegades lost out in playoff game 2 of round 2 against Kitscoty, but with a young team are looking forward to picking things back up next year.

Head coach, Zack Hines, said their game on March 8, was not a normal hockey game. He said it was a penalty filled affair with the Renegades accruing approximately 80 penalty minutes, which is five to ten times what they normally have. However, even with a 9-4 score, there were a couple highlights with a penalty shot from JD Earl, and a hat trick from Brett Saville.

“Brett Saville was likely the best player

this year. He changed his whole mentality, quit worrying about everything, and figured out the way to play the game. The way he’s played from Christmas until now is phenomenal. He played perfect defensively and yet he’s scoring more; not taking selfish risks, playing team first hockey but benefiting from it. And he’s coming back so they are in good shape for next year,” said Hines.

Goalie, Aiden Fox, he said had been a stud for them all year. However, Aiden along with Defenceman Ty Hines, and Captain and Forward Gage Tupper will be moving on as they all finished their third year of midget hockey.

“A dozen of the Vermilion Jr. B Tigers played on this midget team before they went on to play junior hockey. This is

the youngest team we’ve had in the last several years with only three 3rd year players on a 19 man roster,” said Hines.

Because they were a young team, he has high hopes for them to be a good team next season.

Cross eld, and later on the farm outside of Marwayne, Brenda was instilled with many of the values she would carry with her for the rest of her life- work hard, look after one another, and take pride in all that you do. After completing her education, Brenda worked for Beaver Lumber and Citation Cabinets in Edmonton. It was in her sales role for Citation that she rst met Ed, the love of her life, who she would marry on March 4, 1983, which you may notice is also today’s date. While this is not the party we had been planning for, it is still a time to remember and celebrate a long and beautiful partnership. The four decades of love and commitment would carry Ed and Brenda through many adventures, from business ventures at Home-All, to trips to Hawaii that would grow ever longer until they spent several weeks there every year to escape the Alberta winters. While Brenda loved the feel of the sand on her toes and the sun on her skin - tanning to perfection whenever she got the chance - she had to be persuaded to dip even a toe into any kind of water. One of the great passions of Brenda’s life was service to others, a passion she ful lled with the same drive and e ciency she had turned to other tasks in her life. From childhood on, the “White Tornado” would descend on her mother’s house, or the houses of friends or folks in need, and carry out an organized cleaning up. As an adult, she turned this same skill set toward community service. In earlier days, she was a member of Canadian Girls in Training, where she confessed her faith as a Christian. After moving to Vermilion, she was a member of the Jaycees, where she served on numerous committees and was instrumental in shaping the local section in Vermilion and establishing new chartered divisions in Lloydminster and Fort McMurray, as well as serving as president from 1985-86. She received several awards for her contributions through the Jaycees. In 2001, Brenda joined the Rotary Club of Vermilion and would serve as a member of the club for the rest of her life. It was an ideal match, an organization whose founder declared would be “known by the results it achieves.” Rotary is a place where professionals and community members join to connect and combine resources, to make tangible change in their communities. She served as president of the club for two terms, the Assistant District Governor, and was a key member, involved in a variety of projects and committees, such as the Canada Flag campaign, Rotary calendars, the re school committee, the centennial lookout committee, and the annual Rotary garage sale, which has become famous throughout the district.

No matter where she worked, from MaxClaire Boutique to her time at Lakeland College, to her favorite job with Lloyd Snelgrove during his time as our MLA, Brenda brought an air of calm and solid professional decorum, and unshakeable integrity. On January 17, 2023, to honor a lifetime of service, our sitting MLA Garth Roswell presented Brenda with the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee medal in recognition of her signi cant contributions to the province. She was also honored by the federal government with a Platinum Jubilee pin in recognition of the impact her service has had on the country as a whole. This was an honor she deeply appreciated, which will remain a tangible reminder of the countless hours of devoted service she has given to her community.

And so, on a snowy day, that would have been a perfect beach day in Hawaii, 69 years after it began, a ne and inspiring story came to an end, as all stories must. It was lled to the brim with love, life lessons, and wonderful fellowship. Like nishing a good book, we can feel some sadness as we put it back on the shelf but, like the very best of books, Brenda’s story doesn’t really live in the pages, but in the hearts of everyone she knew and loved. Every time you use one of her recipes, a committee structure she helped to build, or hang an ornament from her on your tree at Christmas, I hope you will cherish your memories of Brenda and feel, as I do, honored to have been a part of this story, a story of exemplary service, beautiful friendship, and deep, enduring love.”

Note of Thanks from Brenda’s Family

The family of Brenda Lee would like to express our sincere appreciation to all who shared kind words, called, messaged, visited, sent cards and brought food. We are incredibly grateful for the exceptional sta of the Vermilion Health Unit for their kind care and compassion during Brenda’s nal days. Our appreciation to Candice Anderson and sta of Re ections Funeral & Cremation Services for their care and guidance in planning the beautiful Celebration of Life for Brenda. Our thanks to Rev Anne McGrath for her words of comfort and encouragement at Brenda’s Celebration; Denise Earle, dear friend, for sharing about Brenda’s life and Lloyd Snelgrove, longtime colleague and friend, for his warm remarks about Brenda. Thank you to Sylvia Hewitt, family friend, for the musical prelude of Brenda’s favorite hymns and songs; Kelsey Earle, honorary niece, for her vocal presentation, and Brenda’s nieces and nephews for singing in Brenda’s honor. Thank you to Charlene Young for catering the lovely lunch for family and friends following the service. Our heartfelt thanks to all who have made donations in Brenda’s honor to the Cross Cancer Institute, Rotary Foundation, and charities of choice. In lieu of thank you cards, the family of Brenda Lee has made a generous donation to the Cross Cancer Institute.

Photos Angela Mouly

Angela Mouly Reporter

Vermilion Town Council met on March 7, discussing two public hearings for a land use bylaw amendment, and a road closure bylaw. They also discussed street improvement, library funding; and (for information only) a grader purchase and a roll-off bin truck purchase.

A motion to accept the land use bylaw amendment was carried, adding CR1 and CR2 as new Country Residential Districts. Director of Infrastructure and Planning, Ben McPhee, said increasing the maximum lot size would better align with the Inter-municipal Development Plan.

Councillor Rob Pulyk said, “I just want to compliment Ben for working on this one and looking at other communities. It definitely helps us out when looking at development, and when looking at larger lots, it’s great to have a new set of eyes with these things.”

During the road closure bylaw public hearing (49A St. between 49Ave. and Railway Ave.),

Town Council

council discussed what the transition could look like, and McPhee reiterated that it will be a 10-12 month process. Mr. Lucas said when the adjacent lot sale went through the inclusion of the road was a condition of the sale, so they are currently waiting on Alberta Transportation’s approval.

“My preference would be to have it blocked off and have the sidewalks extended. Leaving a private road could present some problems,” said Pulyk.

By moving forward with road closure are we moving forward with the sale etc.

Councillor Rob Snow asked, “Have we looked at the cost of putting sidewalks across there if we did sell it to them?”

McPhee estimated at approximately $110 per lineal metre that it would cost approximately $2,000.

Under new business, the 2023 street improvement will include phase 1 of re-construction for 44 Avenue and a portion of 51A Street (in the Southern portion of Town). McPhee said,

PATHFINDER HALL

DATE: Saturday, March 25, 2023

SUPPER: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM

ADMISSION: Ages 16 & up: $30, Ages 7 to 15 - $15, 6 & under: Free

Hall Location: Corner of TWP RD 532 & RGE RD 82 For more info call: 780 763-2179 or 780 614-8238

2023 COUNTY OF VERMILION RIVER REQUEST FOR ROADSIDE MOWING PROPOSALS

The County of Vermilion River is now accepting price proposals for roadside mowing operations for the 2023 season. The requested price proposal is for a one (1) year contract with a county option to extend for 2024 and 2025.

Mowing operations will include:

1. One pass shoulder cut on a minimum of 550 kilometers of municipal roadside. Additional kilometers may be added at the County’s discretion. Price proposals for the roadside mowing will be submitted as cost/kilometer mowed (both sides of road). Shoulder cuts must be completed between July 15, 2023 and August 15, 2023.

2. Shoulder mowing cuts will include a minimum of 4.5 meters on all identified roads immediately adjacent to the driving surface on both sides of the roadway.

3. Mowing shall be done so no debris is deposited on the road surface. Side mount or offset hitch equipment must be used so the tractor remains on the road surface.

Quality Control Targets: All vegetation including trees up to 2.5 centimeters in diameter must be mowed to a minimum of 15 centimeters in height.

A price proposal package including a Request for Proposal (RFP) and Contact specifications may be obtained by contacting the County of Vermilion River Office at (780) 846-2244 or downloading it from www.purchasingconnection.ca. Please ensure that all information required in the RFP is included with the bid summary sheet as the Contract will be awarded based on the evaluation criteria.

Price proposals must be received at the County Administration Office by 4:00 pm (MST) on Friday, March, 31, 2023. Please send proposals marked “RFP for Roadside Mowing”.

Attention: Cathie Erichsen Arychuk

County of Vermilion River

Box 69, 4912-50 Avenue

Kitscoty, AB T0B 2P0

Questions can be forwarded to Cathie Erichsen Arychuk, P.Ag., Agricultural Fieldman at (780) 846-3301 or email carychuk@county24.com respectively.

Lowest or any proposal not necessarily accepted.

ADMINISTRATION | 780.846.2244

“This project allows for better drainage to the area and will alleviate operational costs in the future as this has historically been a soft road in the spring and summer which limits access with heavy equipment such as the garbage truck. This will be a multi-year project and is approved in the 2023 capital budget, being funded through the infrastructure levy and federal gas tax.”The motion was carried.

The purchase of a used road grader was discussed (for information only). The cost of $585,100 excluding GST will be funded through MSI and will replace the existing 2011 John Deere grader. It is expected to arrive in four months, and the old one will go to auction and is expected to bring back $150,000 - $200,000 to go toward equipment reserves. CAO Kevin Lucas noted they try to do a 10 year evaluation on equipment, and Councillor Pulyk said, “It served us for 20 years; it’s done the community a lot of good.”

The purchase of a roll-off bin truck was also discussed (for information only). The town budgeted $225,000 through MSI for such a truck, and they have located a used 2013 freight-liner in British Columbia significantly under budget. McPhee said the truck will haul away bio-solids from the wastewater treatment plant. The unit has 381,000 km and comes with several roll off bins, and a flat deck attachment. He said the bins and flat deck require minor work, and there is a requirement to have another custom bin made specific to the wastewater treatment plant which will cost an additional $5,500 - $7,000.

“Do you still expect quite a bit of lifespan even with 381,000 km?” said Snow.

McPhee responded saying, “Our staff mechanic in their past employment has seen a million or one and a half million kilometers on these types of trucks.”

Councillor Joshua Rayment noted that heavier equipment doesn’t have an out of

While discussing library funding the motion was unanimously defeated. The Northern Lights Library System board had sent a fund-

ing request for $24,1333.95 to the Town of Vermilion at $5.31 per capita. However, the population they stated was 4,545 while council members were not wanting to pay that much saying the accurate population of the town has been under 4,000 for several years.

Pulyk said, “The population stats used by the provincial government is high; our population has never been that high so why is the provincial government using this inflated number? A 15 per cent increase in population equates to $6 over per capita. I would suggest that this council challenge the provincial government in the numbers that this library system is using. For the life of me, I don’t believe the provincial government has done a census since I’ve lived here. What is this per capita increase going towards?”

Councillor Kirby Whitlock who sits on the board suggested it would just be going towards the normal operations for the library systems and said, “They’ve sold off all their company vehicles, and rented out the offices. I know the population numbers are something we need to look at; everyone’s talked about that before. Get your concerns written down, and I will forward them on to the board.”

Snow said, “There were 3,993 people in 2022 according to the Alberta Government website. I think we need to get them to re-evaluate. I get that libraries are important and we need to fund them, but we need to fund them in a fair manner and representative of our population.”

Rayment said, “I think we shouldn’t move forward until we have a presentation from them. When less than half goes back into our library, why are we helping subsidize other communities when we are struggling ourselves? Where does the funding go?”

Committee reports showed that The Good Life Institute would have members Colleen Berg resigning, as well as Michelle Feist, and Coordinator Candice Anderson stepping down at the end of March. Pulyk thanked them for their long service saying, “They definitely helped promote our community.”

With successful partnerships across North America, the BOD Conference champions change within Western Canada’s Emergency Management by creating networking opportunities, hosting speakers to discuss lessons learned and industry best practices and bridges between academic knowledge and practitioner application

Networking

Opening Message

Keynote: Greg Solecki

Emergency Specialist Panel

Keynote: Lily Yumagulova

Closing Message

Submitted

Shannon Stubbs is the Member of Parliament for Lakeland, Alberta since 2015, and the Conservative Shadow Minister for Natural Resources.

Three weeks ago, the Liberals announced a “Sustainable Jobs plan”, which is really their re-branded “Just Transition.” 84 per cent of Canadians don’t yet know what “Just Transition” is about, but the Liberals’ previous attempt for the coal sector severely failed both the workers and communities it targeted. The change in wording is clearly designed for political palatability and to obfuscate the potential costs and risks of their plan. It’s mostly buzzwords now, but what’s clear is it will jeopardize 170,000 stable, well-paying jobs in the oil and gas sector, and affect 2.7 million jobs in other sectors across Canada.

That’s not speculation – it’s in the government’s own internal briefings.

After 8 years of anti-energy messages, delays, arbitrary and inconsistent regulatory conditions, an outright veto of an approved export pipeline, and the imposition of project-killing Bill C-69 despite universal provincial opposition, the Liberals have made no secret of their intention to accelerate the phase-out of oil and gas in Canada. They know: it won’t be produced if it can’t be shipped.

Liberal-created uncertainty and barriers have driven billions of dollars and hundreds of thousands of energy jobs out of Canada. Regulatory conditions, and the lack of political will to see projects get built after approval, are among the top decision factors for mega-projects that can already cost billions of dollars and involve a decade or more of assessments before a shovel hits the ground.

Heating and cooling homes, driving, manufacturing processes, and countless goods, require energy. Canadian energy and energy companies impact everyday

Shannon Stubbs

lives. But Canada and the world are in an energy crisis – Russia’s illegal attack on Ukraine, and Beijing’s Communist Regime’s hostility, highlights the crucial need for energy security and self-sufficiency. Other countries want oil and gas from Canada. Global demand will rise for the foreseeable future.

Now is a better time than ever to get LNG export terminals built, but since 2015, not a single one of the 18 LNG proposals in Canada has been built while other countries have built several. Canadian LNG can help lower emissions globally and reduce or eliminate dependence on dictatorships with much lower environmental and human rights standards than Canada’s.

Energy transformation has long been the norm in Canada, driven by societal and industrial needs, spurred by partnerships between industry, government, and academia. The truth is that 75 per cent of Canadian investment in clean technology comes from the oil and natural gas sectors.

If the rest of the world followed Canada’s track record, total emissions from every barrel of oil produced would drop by 23 per cent. In fact, Canada’s oil and gas sector produces about 0.3 per cent of overall emissions, globally.

But despite the current energy and cost of living crises, the Liberals are still moving to phase out Canadian oil and gas. Why? They need the swing NDP and Green voters in key ridings to maintain power. The Liberals will

spend billions of tax dollars on education programs that internal briefing notes explicitly say will still leave workers at risk of only being able to get jobs as janitors, and on shutting down a sector that is already the leading R&D investor and skills trainer in alternative, renewable, and future energy technologies. The Liberals’ plan won’t be able to “replace” the quantity, quality, or pay of those in Canada’s energy sector, never mind the tax revenue to all governments that benefit every Canadian. Indigenous Canadians and visible minorities, who are more highly represented in the sectors that Liberals want to transition away from, will face even higher job disruptions, and more trouble finding new opportunities

Canada should be the world’s energy producer and supplier of choice, and be energy-secure and self-sufficient. But the Liberals put ideology and partisanship above reality and the economy. Politicians should be honest about the outcomes

of their policies; no wordsmithing can negate the socioeconomic consequences of the “just transition” concept for Canada. Besides, Canadian oil and gas jobs are sustainable jobs.

The solutions are transformation, not transition; technology, not taxes; led by the private sector, not government. Conservatives would bring costs and red tape down, and accelerate approvals, to make both traditional and alternative energy more affordable and accessible for all Canadians.

BTPS Hosts Women In Leadership Community Event

Submitted

Buffalo Trail Public Schools hosted a Women in Leadership event with keynote speaker Darci Lang, aimed at promoting and supporting women in leadership positions and building awareness and support for equity. The event took place March 9th at the Communiplex and was well attended by educators, community members, and female leaders. International Women’s Day has been observed for over a century, and for the past three years, BTPS has come together to recognize the progress we have made towards gender equality, to discuss the work that still needs to be done and support each other in that work.

The Women in Leadership event was a unique opportunity for attendees to network with like-minded individuals as well as gain valuable skills and knowl -

edge. The goal of the event was to encourage and empower women to collaborate in creating a more fair and equitable world for everyone. Darci Lang, a renowned speaker, author, and advocate for gender equity, shared her insights and personal experiences on how to focus on the 90%, overcome challenges, and achieve success in our lives.

In addition to Lang’s keynote address, the event featured networking and supper catered by Vera’s Catering Co. As one of BTPS principals said “I want my children to grow up in a world where there is equity of opportunity and equity of salary. We cannot do this alone.” These opportunities bring awareness and support for all participants.

Buffalo Trail Public Schools Superintendent, Rhae-Ann Holoien, said, “We are proud to host this important event and

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support women in leadership. Women have a vital role to play in the future of our communities and schools, and it is essential that we provide the resources and support for our colleagues. We are committed to promoting equity and creat-

ing opportunities for women to reach their full potential.”

Buffalo Trail Public Schools is committed to maximizing student learning, in a safe and caring environment by a highly effective team.

Seedy Saturday At The Library

Submitted

Join us in the library basement Saturday, March 25 from 1-3pm to connect with other gardeners, try some new seed varieties, share some of your tried & true favourites, and save money!

Seedy Saturdays are events which have sprung up across the country, organized under the same general themes of encouraging the use of open-pollinated and heritage seeds, sharing seeds and sharing local garden-related knowledge. Whether you are a first-time or master gardener, seed enthusiast or expert seed saver, the event is for everyone.

Bring seeds to the swap if you have them.

for seeds they would like to try. Any leftover seeds will be available at the end of the swap for anyone, including new gardeners who have nothing to trade but who would like to start connecting with the local gardening community.

A big thank you to a local Facebook group called “Lakeland Seed and Plant Swap” for an amazing donation of seed packages for this event. Members of this group will be at the swap to give anyone interested an opportunity to connect.

And we are pleased to announce FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) will be offering free Little Garden Kits for families with young children at the swap. You can pick

Vera Kathleen Stevenson

passed away at Vermilion Health CentreContinuing Care, Vermilion, Alberta on February 28, 2023 at the age of 99 years.

Vera is survived by: her children, Carol (Larry), Joan (Murray), Patsy and David (Debbie); son-in-law, Barry; numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren and extended family.

Vera was predeceased by: her husband, Douglas; daughter, Sheila Carlson; grandson, Geo ; sisters, Evelyn Cook and Connie McGregor; and brother, Norman Glover. private family service in memory of Vera was held.

may be made to Vermilion Health CentreContinuing Care or Islay Assisted Living.

We would like to thank the sta at Islay Assisted Living and Vermilion Health Centre-Continuing Care for taking such good care of mom. Thank you to Dr. Duplooy and Dr. Muhlad.

r Doug Baynton, McCaw Funeral ServiceDave and Linda, Glenn, Joel, and Brett McCaw, Dean Wenzel, Daria Hoegl and Charlene Alexander for going above and beyond. It meant so much to

much to all the pallbearers.

To anyone else who helped in anyway, thank you so much!

Thank you to everyone who sent cards, owers, made donations, sent texts, phoned or stopped by. Your thoughtfulness means a lot.

The Stevenson Family

Photo submitted

Cream Of Mushroom And Onion Soup

Dawn Hames Columnist

With cold days still in March it’s great to have a warming homemade soup. Along with great taste, mushrooms, onions, and garlic have some very specific health benefits. Eating the white button mushroom reduces the risk of breast and prostate cancer. An extract of white button mushrooms is equivalent to eating 3.5 ounces a day and has shown to exhibit a decrease in existing tumor size. Shitake mushrooms have been used for centuries by the Chinese and Japanese to boost the immune system, and contain small amounts of vitamin D. Both onions and garlic are anti-inflam -

Helen Row Toews

I just don’t know

Sometimes there are questions in life that have no answer. I thought about this today as my husband and I drove our daughter to the Edmonton Airport. She’s attending university in BC this year. Anyway, we’d been silently cruising the highway, each of us lost in our own thoughts, when suddenly she spoke.

“Why is Fort Saskatchewan in Alberta?”

And there you have it. The perfect unanswerable question—for me, at least. I’m sure someone knows the correct response. I don’t.

After hugging our daughter tight and wishing her a safe journey, Tom and I stopped at a fast-food restaurant before heading home. As we approached the counter to place our order, I noticed a colourful poster announcing a caloriewise milkshake with wholesome ingre -

matory. Onions contain quercetin which is a potent anti-oxidant. The quercetin in onions does not degrade with heat in soups; it is only transferred into the broth. Onions are also a good source of chromium which is useful for a healthy blood sugar balance.

Cream of Mushroom and Onion Soup

1 Tablespoon butter

1 yellow onion

1 lb. mushrooms

3 cloves garlic

1/4 cup butter plus 1 tablespoon

1/3 cup flour

4 cups chicken broth

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

1/2 teaspoon sea salt (or to taste)

1/4 teaspoon thyme

1/2 cup cream (I use whipping)

Chop the onion, mushroom, and garlic.

Add the 1 tablespoon of butter to a heavybottomed pot large enough for the soup. Melt the butter on medium/low heat and add the onions, mushrooms, and garlic to sauté. Sauté the mixture until the mushrooms are just starting to brown and the onions are beginning to caramelize. Pour the onion, mushroom, and garlic mixture into a bowl. Use the same pot, to melt the 1/4 cup butter. When the butter begins to slightly foam, stir in the flour. This creates a roux, and it is the base for thickening the soup. Stir the flour-butter mixture until all the flour is dissolved and it is heated through. Begin adding the liquid 1/2 cup at a time, stirring well after each addition with a whisk until all of the stock has been added. You can use a homemade bone broth for the stock, or if you purchase stock be sure to check that the ingredients are

Prairie Wool

dients and real whipped cream. Okay, while that sounds delicious, isn’t it a contradiction? How is it possible to have a diet milkshake that, by definition, is made of ice cream, sugar, fullfat milk, and topped off with a swirly pile of whipped yumminess? Am I wrong? This has got to be one of those same unanswerable questions?

Sometimes inanimate objects, such as the lowly windshield wiper, throws us into wild speculation. For me, this has been something I’ve never understood. Perhaps you can help. Why is it always the wiper on the driver’s side of the vehicle that messes up? Invariably, the rubber strip goes haywire, or the whole thing flies into the ditch as I’m hurtling down the highway at top speed. My passenger enjoys a great view of the road, and I’m hunkered down and sideways on the seat, trying

Thank You

I would like to express my thanks to my family and friends for all their prayers, Masses, baskets, food, cards, phone calls, etc., after my recent operation.

Special thanks to Chris for always being there for me.

God bless you all for your kindness!

Fin Martin

to peer through a space the size of an M&M. (And not the bigger, candycoated peanut size.)

Here’s another thought to ponder. Why do big online shopping companies send small items in huge boxes? My son ordered a music book not long ago and was so astounded by the packaging it arrived in that he saved it to show me. The book was 10x11 and only about 50 pages long, but it had been sent in a box that could have safely held twentyfive of them. Instead, the book lay sad and alone beneath scads of air-filled tubes to keep it from rattling around and was stamped, FRAGILE - Handle with Care on the outside. Really? Was that strictly necessary? It was a book, for heaven’s sake, not a piece of Waterford crystal.

This brings me to a pet peeve (play on words) as well as an unanswer -

all basic foods and free of food additives. I have found the brand Kitchen Basics is free of additives and allergens. If you add the broth too quickly, you will have to wait, stirring, for the temperature to rise for the soup to thicken. The amount of salt you add will depend if the broth already has salt in it or if it is sodium free. When the base is prepared add the spices, the sautéed onion, mushroom and garlic mixture back into the pot and heat thoroughly. Stir in the cream just before serving. Makes 4 servings. This soup also makes a wonderful topping for potatoes, noodles or rice. For thicker gravy instead of a soup increase the flour to ½ cup and cut the stock down to 3 cups. If you are allergic to dairy the cream can be left out with excellent results. Beef broth can also be substituted instead of chicken broth for a rich flavor variation.

able question. Why can I offer our cats a morsel of salmon, they sniff it with an air of revulsion, and look at me as though I’ve tried to poison them. Yet, five minutes later, I catch them busily gobbling up a clump of their own fur? What the heck! Does that make any sense at all?

Furthermore, our dog Chili, the same hound that chewed a hole in the drywall near her bed because she was bored, turned her nose up at a tidbit of leftover hamburger. Yet, later that same day was found in the pasture contentedly gnawing on a lump of frozen horse poop. Answer that one, will you!

On this nasty note, I shall end. I’m sure you have questions of your own. Let me know if you know the answers to any of mine.

Find Helen, more stories, and her books at helentoews.com.

St. Jerome’s 2023 Leadership Class

There would simply be far too many individuals and businesses to acknowledge in creating a complete list of those who supported the St. Jerome’s Leadership Family Carnival on March 2nd. Without a doubt, someone would be omitted. Therefore, let us send a thank you to all of our local businesses, parents, alumni, staff and students who contributed in some way to make the carnival such a tremendous success. Whether it was a donation of used toys to be used as prizes, a silent auction item, volunteering to work a shift or simply by coming and playing, the evening was such a great example of who we are as community.

God bless each of you for your generosity.

VERMILION VOICE www.vermilionvoice.com

Your only local independent newspaper.

Proudly serving Vermilion and area since 2004.

Publisher: Susan Chikie

Editor: Lorna Hamilton

Photographer / Reporter: Lorna Hamilton, Angela Mouly

Voice.

The Vermilion Voice is copyrighted and may not be reproduced in whole or in part without the express written consent of the publisher.

Graphic Design: Braxton Hoare

Sales: Susan Chikie, Lorna Hamilton of the Gove nment of Canada

Columnist

When Vermilion Dominated In Cricket

Craig Baird Columnist

These days, cricket is not exactly a popular game in Canada.

In fact, I doubt anyone reading this could name one cricket team in Canada. Canada has actually had a national cricket team for decades now but we don’t often do well. We have appeared in only four Cricket World Cups, in 1979, 2003, 2007 and 2011, but never made it out of the first round each time.

That being said, many enjoy cricket and it is a fascinating sport.

So, why am I talking about cricket?

Well, back in 1908, cricket was more popular and Lloydminster had one of the best teams in not only Alberta, but Canada. This was because Lloydminster was a very English town, and many of its residents had only come from England a few years earlier, where cricket was much more popular.

On Sept. 24, 1908, Lloydminster took on a cricket team in Vermilion.

The team arrived and by all accounts, it was a fun event for everyone in Vermilion to

Hockey Night in Clandonald Thank You

Thank you to the sponsors of the 2023 Hockey Night in Clandonald:

Bonnyville Junior “A” Pontiacs

Clandonald Country Store

Cindy Lychak

Cornerstone Co-op

Leith & Nathan Matthews

Lloydminster Junior “A” Bobcats

Misty Willow Enterprises Inc. (Darryl Pashulka)

Mrs. J’s Catering

NAPA Auto Parts

Ranchland Outfitters

Rebellion Oilfield

Ron’s Cat Work

Ron & Janet Harasiuk

Ryan & Stacey Adams

Shear Stylin’ Super 8

True North Construction

And to all the teams, organizers, volunteers, spectators and all who donated towards STARS-you all helped to make this event a success!

Clandonald Agricultural Society

Kindergarten Registration Kindergarten Registration

FOR THE 2023 / 2024 SCHOOL YEAR

Register online at the link below or pick up a registration form at the school

https://www.ecacs.ca/parents_students/registration

We will be holding our Kindergarten registration night on March 28th at 6:30 p.m. childcare will be available.

watch, even if they didn’t quite understand how the game was played.

Vermilion was the first to bat, and J. Bishop was described as having a fine innings for 20. You will have to forgive me, as I don’t know what any of these things mean.

The visitors had Gronow and Rawie as the top scorers with 11 each, and the side was dismissed for 31.

W. Arden and P. Willis shared bowling honours with four wickets for 18 runs each.

In the second innings, Vermilion declared their innings closed after making 100 runs

Walking Through

for eight wickets, of which a player named Cooper made 28, while the players Ardern and Morgan made 18.

In the end, the English team was beaten by 95 runs, and Arden took six wickets for 12 runs and Parry had four wickets for 22 runs.

So, I have no idea what any of that means, but what I do understand is that Vermilion beat the much larger, and more English, Lloydminster in the game.

As the Edmonton Journal stated, Vermilion “Rolled up big score against the bit of Old England on the Plains.”

AIRPORT PUBLIC ENGAGEMENTS

Held at Town hall in council chambers.

Wed. Mar. 22 1 pm – 7 pm Sat. Apr. 15 1 pm – 5 pm

Members of the public are encourage to attend two public engagements regarding the potential construction at the airport.

Look for the online survey on the Town website and social media starting March 20, 2023.

St. Jerome's and Brighter Beginnings are excited to announce that starting in September of 2023 we will be offering:

1. Kindercare- This is a program for kindergarten students on their non kindergarten days.

2. Before and After School care- School aged students program for students K-6 age including on non school days.

Please contact the St. Jerome school 780-853-5251 or Brighter Beginnings 780-853-6633 if you have any questions and/or would like to put on our list.

Your Child must be 5 years of age before December 31, 2023

Beautiful BABIES

October 6, 2022

Lives in:

Clandonald, AB

Parents:

Tyrel and Cassie Cusack

Grandparents:

Eugene and Janet Cusack

Daniel and Janet Klotz

Riggs Cusack

January 1, 2022

Lives in:

La Crete, AB

Parents:

Carey and Brittany Derksen

Grandparents:

Randy and Wendy Barlow

Randy and Dorie Derksen

Great G randparents:

Stan and Inez Curtis

Larry and Audrey Barlow

John and Margaret Neudorf

Audrey Marie Arnold

Remington Marlow Derksen

Born:

July 27th, 2022

Lives in: St. Albert, Alberta

Parents:

Kyle & Ashley Crocker

Grandparents: Susan McCutcheon, Keith Crocker

Great G randmother: Alma Lundholm

Born:

June 17, 2022

Lives in:

Calgary, Alberta

Parents: Mandy Blacklock and Kylan McAskile

Grandparents: Clark and Anna McAskile; Jim and Lynn Blacklock

August 12, 2022

Lives in:

Rocky Mountain House

Parents: Kim and Tim McGrath

Grandparents: Marcia + Keith Wills, Anne + Fred McGrath

Big Sister: Erin McGrath

Owen Rae McGrath

Teresa Poliakiwski

Kyler Jamieson Dyck

Adley Rae McAskile

Stevie Alma Marie Crocker

Donna and Allan Arnold

Alberta’s Government Is Following Through On A Commitment To Introduce An Alberta Firearms Act

Alberta Government

Submitted

Once passed, the Alberta Firearms Act will strengthen Alberta’s ability to regulate, administer, and advocate on behalf of firearms owners.

The act will clarify the role of the Chief Firearms Officer (CFO) within provincial legislation to provide the CFO with a stronger, clearer role and require the CFO to issue an annual report in order to enhance public accountability.

“Once passed, the Alberta Firearms Act will be the most comprehensive provincial firearms framework in the country. By establishing in legislation the role of Alberta Chief Firearms Officer, this legislation will elevate the responsibilities and legal

mandate of the office to the fullest extent of the law. Alberta stands unequivocally with hunters, farmers, sport shooters, and Indigenous peoples, all of whom understand the importance of responsible firearm ownership to Alberta’s heritage and culture,” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Justice and Attorney General.

The act will also introduce the ability to make regulations that would allow for the licensing of seizure agents; develop a Firearms Compensation Committee to set out Alberta’s expectation that owners receive fair compensation for their firearm; the creation of requirements for forensic and ballistic testing of all confiscated firearms when deemed necessary; and the requirement that municipalities and municipal police services meet regulatory requirements before entering into any firearms-related

funding agreements with the federal government.

“An Alberta Firearms Act will provide stronger support to the law-abiding firearms community whose activities are essential to the economic vibrancy and cultural heritage of our province,” said Teri Bryant, chief firearms officer.

“As the owner one of over 650 firearms businesses in Alberta I am happy to see the Alberta government stepping in and standing up for legal firearms owners. I believe an Alberta Firearms Act is a sorely needed piece of legislation to provide clarity on firearm use and ownership for our diverse community of hunters, farmers and sport shooters,” said J.R. Cox, CEO, The Edge Group.

“The Alberta Hunter Education Instructors Association (AHEIA) is happy to see the Alberta Government taking a positive stand for our hunting community. Hunters make up a treasured part of our provinces culture and it is important that these traditions can continue for generations to come. As an educator and a hunter, I applaud the Alberta Government’s work to ensure that responsible, law-abiding firearms owners can continue to use

their tools to provide for their loved ones and for all those who benefit from their harvest. Additionally, AHEIA and the Alberta Government working together to provide the best firearms education programs available, contributes to safer streets and safer communities and we are proud to collaborate in this cause!” exclamed Robert Gruszecki, president, The Alberta Hunter Education Instructors’ Association.

Quick facts

The Alberta Firearms Act builds upon steps taken in Bill 211, Municipal Government (Firearms) Amendment Act, 2020 which amended the Municipal Government Act to prevent municipalities from passing firearms bylaws unless authorized by the province.

British Columbia and Québec both have legislation that regulates firearms outside of wildlife and hunting legislation. Saskatchewan recently introduced legislation to regulate firearms.

There are 341,988 possession/ acquisition licence holders in Alberta. Albertans own the second highest number of firearms classified as restricted or prohibited by the federal government.

There are 127 approved shooting ranges and more than 650 firearms related businesses in Alberta.

On average, an additional 30,000 Albertans complete mandatory firearms safety course training annually, as a first step to obtaining their firearms licence. In 2021, that number jumped to 38,000, indicating a significant upward trend in legal gun ownership in the province.

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Vermilion Soccer Association

will be holding their Annual General Meeting on March 20, 2023 at 7pm

Location: Vermilion Curling Club - Reunion Hall (use the outdoor stairs at back of the building) Zoom link is available register by emailing vsa.reg.agm@gmail.com

Deadline to sign up for the meeting is March 19.

Details of the upcoming 2023 Outdoor Season will be outlined at the AGM For more information visit Vermilion Soccer Association on Facebook

Everyone is welcome to attend the meeting for more information or follow our facebook page.

The Hierarchy Of Hazard Controls

CASA

Submitted

Anyone who has spent time on a farm knows all too well the safety risks that come with farming.

From machinery and confined spaces to chemicals and respiratory problems, there are countless hazards every day for those who live and work on the farm. But while hazards are a reality on farms across the country, there are ways to control them to prevent injuries and maintain productivity.

It’s important to note that before you can control any hazard, you must first identify it. A risk assessment is the best way to identify hazards on the farm and assess the degree of risk they pose to workers, residents, and visitors. A risk assessment will also ensure that hazards are addressed based on priority.

After you’ve identified and assessed hazards on the farm, next up is to use the “hierarchy of hazard controls,” which is a process for controlling exposure to hazards by identifying the most effective and practical options.

There are five levels of hazard controls, ranging in order of effective -

ness from most to least.

Elimination

It’s no surprise that elimination is the hands-down best way to control a hazard. For example, removing clutter and debris on the ground eliminates tripping hazards. Though it’s the most effective way to address hazards, elimination has limitations since it’s not always a realistic course of action.

Substitution

If a hazard can’t be completely removed, the next best step is to substitute it with something safer. For example, substituting scaffolding in place of a ladder to reduce the hazard of falling or swapping noxious chemicals for less toxic alternatives.

Engineering Controls

If you cannot remove a hazard or substitute it with something safer, the next option is engineering controls. Engineering controls involve designing or modifying facilities to remove or minimize exposure to a hazard before it comes in contact with a person. Engineering controls can be a reliable means of controlling exposure to hazards so long as the controls are

designed, implemented, used, and maintained properly. Examples of engineering controls include installing guardrails to prevent falls, using mechanical lifts instead of manual lifting, and using soundproof barriers to reduce noise levels. Administrative Controls

Unlike the previous controls that deal with the source of a hazard, administrative controls focus on changing how people behave and work around hazards. This involves developing practices and procedures to ensure that the way work is done minimizes exposure to a hazard. Implementing or enhancing training and education, using warning signs, developing safe work practices, and preventative maintenance are examples of administrative controls.

While administrative controls offer practical injury prevention measures, this control method ranks lower than elimination, substitution, and engineering controls because it does not explicitly remove or reduce the hazard. For that reason, administrative controls should be used in combination with other measures whenever possible.

Personal Protective Equipment

Last up is personal protective equipment (PPE), which should be your last resort after you have exhausted all other methods. That’s because although PPE is the easiest control to put in place, it’s also the least effective. So, if you use PPE, always make sure that it’s used in conjunction with other control methods.

Keep in mind that PPE is only effective in reducing a hazard’s harmful effects if worn and used correctly. This means ensuring that PPE fits a worker properly and that workers are trained on how to use and maintain it. And regardless of which type of PPE is used, it’s crucial to have an effective PPE program in place.

Once you’ve implemented a chosen control, it’s important to not just “set it and forget it.” Instead, monitor the hazard and control method to ensure exposure to the hazard is reduced or eliminated. Remember that prevention is key when it comes to farm safety. Taking the time to identify hazards, implement controls, and monitor effectiveness will help put you on a path for a safer and more productive farm.

For more information on farm safety, visit agsafetyweek.ca.

Safe Practices Can Help Prevent Tractor Rollovers And Runovers

CASA

Submitted

It’s common knowledge that tractors are used day in and day out on farms across Canada. They’re essential to farm productivity and are a regular sight on rural roadways during the spring planting and fall harvest seasons.

But while tractors are vital for completing many farm tasks, using these machines is a hazardous activity that people often overlook for being so commonplace. In fact, tractor rollovers and runovers are the leading causes of agriculture fatalities.

According to the latest Canadian Agriculture Injury Reporting data, between 2011 and 2020, there were 91 agriculture

fatalities due to machine rollovers and 90 deaths caused by machine runovers. In fact, over one-third (38%) of all agriculture-related fatalities in Canada were due to three machine-related causes: runovers, rollovers, and being pinned or struck by a machine component.

While those figures can be startling, the good news is that rollovers and runovers are easy to prevent if basic safety practices are followed. Below are safety best practices that will help prevent rollovers and runovers from occurring.

General Tractor Operation

• Always use a tractor equipped with a rollover protective structure (ROPS) and seatbelt. If a tractor doesn’t have

these, have it retrofitted. While ROPS and seatbelts won’t prevent a rollover from occurring, they are effective in preventing serious injuries or death.

• Never use a homemade structure if your machinery needs to be retrofitted with a ROPS.

• Keep in mind that a sun canopy does not provide rollover protection and should not be used in place of a ROPS.

• Before getting into the tractor, do a pre-operational inspection by walking around it to check for obstructions and bystanders and to check the general condition of the machine. If any systems are faulty, do not use the machinery.

• When coming to a stop, make sure you are parked on even ground and

disengage the PTO (if attached).

• Remember that tractors are not intended to be passenger vehicles. Except for machines with instructional seats, tractors are built for only one person to operate. Passengers can interfere with safe operation of the machinery and be at risk of serious injury

• Always drive at a speed appropriate for the machinery and conditions.

• Keep tractors and other farm machinery well-maintained, paying particular attention to electrical and braking systems. Remember to also occasionally check seat belts and ROPS for signs of wear that could compromise safety.

Continued on page 13

Continued from page 12

Backward Rollovers

• Do not hitch a load above the tractor drawbar.

• When starting to drive forward, do so slowly and be prepared to cut power quickly if the front end begins to rise. Remember to change speeds gradually.

• Use front-end counterweights to increase stability when raising heavy equipment on the back.

• Always drive around ditches, never across them.

• Do not drive forward up a hill or backward down one. It’s safest to back up a slope and drive down one.

• Tractors are prone to tipping when the

Maintenance: Long-Term Investment On The Farm National Farm Safety Week

Canada Safety Council

Submitted

Equipment maintenance can be a thankless chore and, even if done correctly, one that doesn’t pay immediate apparent dividends. Done improperly, or not at all, however, it can be the difference between safe operation and injury or fatality.

National Farm Safety Week is March 14 – 20, and the Canada Safety Council is calling attention to the need for proper and regular farm equipment maintenance.

“Machine malfunctions can be costly in a few different ways,” said Gareth Jones, President and CEO of the Canada Safety Council. “The financial cost of having broken machines out of operation is well known, of course, but the safety cost to yourself, your family, and your workers makes routine maintenance a vital aspect on any healthy farm.”

Here are a few tips to help keep you safe while maintaining your farm equipment.

First, make sure you’re familiar with the equipment you’ll be working on. If you’re unsure about how to operate the equipment properly or how to use all the controls and safety features, ask for help or take a training course.

Always turn the equipment off and put it in neutral before performing any maintenance. This will prevent the equipment from accidentally starting up while you’re working on it. Make sure the equipment is blocked or chocked to prevent it from moving while you’re doing your work.

Wear the appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) when working on farm equipment. This includes safety tools like hard hats, goggles, gloves, and work boots.

Make sure you’re checking equipment regularly for worn or damaged parts, replacing them as needed. Also, make sure you’re cleaning and lubricating equipment as per the manufacturer’s instructions, to keep it running smoothly and efficiently.

When inspecting for damage, focus specifically on: leakages, corrosion near battery terminals, wear and tear on chains, belts and moving parts, burnt out or damaged bulbs in headlights and warning lights, and tire deflation, and rust or looseness around the wheel bearings.

Finally, always be aware of the safety guidelines provided by the manufacturer. Review the operator’s manual and follow all the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.

By following these tips, you can help keep yourself and others safe while maintaining your farm equipment. Happy farming!

wheels are stuck, so back out or have the tractor towed out by another machine if you become stuck.

• Keep loaded front-end buckets low to the ground during transport.

Sideways Rollovers

• Never drive close to an incline, embankment, or ditch and avoid large obstacles (like tree stumps), depressions, and uneven terrain.

• Watch your speed when turning – driving too fast when making a turn can easily cause a rollover.

• When loaded with side-mounted implements, keep them on the uphill side.

Photo submitted

G3 Is A BeGrainSafe Safety Champion Again In 2023

Submitted

G3 is renewing its support of the Canadian Agricultural Safety Association (CASA)

The company is committing $50,000 to CASA in 2023, maintaining G3’s position as a top sponsor and Safety Champion of the BeGrainSafe program.

fighters in rescue techniques, and makes available specialized grain rescue equipment to rural fire departments

Since BeGrainSafe’s inception in 2016, G3’s support has helped train hundreds of firefighters and provided dozens of sets of rescue equipment in farming communities in Alberta,

at all our grain handling facilities, but our commitment doesn’t stop there,” says Don Chapman, G3’s CEO. “We’re pleased to be able to enhance safety in and around the communities we serve.”

“G3’s long-term support has allowed the BeGrainSafe program to thrive,” says Andrea Lear, CASA’s CEO. “BeGrainSafe messaging around prevention has increased and more firefighters than ever have

Ltd.

Ltd.

Ltd.

received the information they need to save lives to keep Canadian farms safe and sustainable.”

Grain entrapment is a potentially deadly risk for farmers and others who work around large volumes of grain, and specialized training and equipment are needed to safely extract a victim. Just last year a Manitoba farmer trapped in grain was rescued by local firefighter who had received BeGrainSafe training and equipment.

About G3

G3 was created with the vision of building a smarter path from farmers’ fields to global markets. Today, G3 is transforming the way grain moves with an expanding network of facilities that set new standards for fast, safe and reliable operations. We focus on efficiency to create opportunity for our customers across Canada and around the world. G3 Terminal Vancouver, a state-of-the art export facility, is bringing more speed and efficiency to our grain supply chain. G3 is a Canadian company, and is headquartered in Winnipeg, Manitoba.

About CASA

The Canadian Agricultural Safety Association is a national, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the health and safety of farmers, their families, and agricultural workers. CASA is funded in part through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal, provincial, and territorial initiative and receives additional support from the agricultural and corporate sectors. For more information, visit www.casa-acsa.ca, find us on Facebook or LinkedIn or follow us on Twitter @planfarmsafety.

Ignoring Fatigue A Slippery Slope For Health And Safety

reduce fine and gross motor coordination. The physical implications of fatigue can also include microsleep, an unplanned brief episode of sleep that can happen

Karleen Clark has seen first-hand the impact that fatigue can have during long

and farming operation in southern Alberta, explains that an incident occurred on the farm last fall near the end of harvest. After finishing a field around midnight one night, the crew decided to move the equipment to be ready to start the new field in the morning. While moving a piece of equipment, one of the workers briefly nodded

around you at risk.

Susan Sawatzky is president and founder of In-Scope Solutions, a health and safety consulting company special izing in fatigue and stress management. She says that while sleep is vital to our health and wellness, its importance is often overlooked.

“It’s interesting how much society does not recognize the importance of sleep,” Sawatzky explains. “We talk a great deal about the importance of nutrition and exercise, but we don’t often emphasize how important sleep is.”

According to the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, research has shown that being awake for 17 hours is equivalent to a blood-alcohol level of 0.05, while being awake for 21 hours equals a blood-alcohol level of 0.08, the legal limit in Canada. Sawatzky notes that though fatigue is more likely to contribute to workplace impairment than drugs or alcohol, unlike drugs and alcohol, which can be measured to assess risk, it is often difficult to accurately measure fatigue in the workplace.

“I personally define fatigue as an impairment in mental and physical abili ties … this is what the real risk of fatigue

biodiversity.

In general, wetlands:

l Make rangeland and forage crops more productive

l Reduce the effects of flood and drought by retaining run-off water

l Act as filters to improve water quality and reduce watershed sedimentation

l Reduce greenhouse gases by absorbing carbon emissions

l Recharge groundwater

l Reduce soil erosion

l Support biodiversity

l Provide habitat waterfowl and wildlife

Partners in the field

Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC) has wetland conservation and restoration programs designed to benefit all landowners, whether your interests are in cattle, crops, grazing or recreational use.

A conversation with a DUC conservation specialist can open the door to ideas and incentives that can make your land more productive, sustainable and diverse for generations to come. Let’s

“Wetlands on my land provide many benefits to my cattle management operation and to the landscape’s diversity for now and for the future.”

– HAROLD REICH (CATTLE PRODUCER BASHAW, AB)

For more information about wetland conservation and restoration, contact:

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Ducks Unlimited Canada-Alberta

Continued from page 15

“There were no injuries, just damage to our header. It was certainly a bestcase scenario when you think of farm accidents, but it definitely opened all of our eyes more to the issue of fatigue,” explains Clark, noting that if they hadn’t found a replacement header the next day, the incident could have caused delays in the middle of the busy season. While fatigue is one of the more common hazards on the farm, it’s also one of the most underestimated. A contributing factor, says Clark, is the farmer mentality to keep going until work is done, regardless of the hour.

“I think it’s really hard to get farmers out of the mindset of ignoring fatigue because it’s almost ingrained in them that if even if you’re tired, you keep going because you have to get the crops off,” says Clark. “I’ve had conversations with people in farming where I’ve stressed that the delays of an incident due to fatigue can be significantly longer than a delay to take a bit of rest. Asking for a break can be hard with the farming mentality, but it’s important to take breaks when you can.”

the National Safety Council in the United States, fatigued workers cost employers $1,200 to $3,100 per employee annually in lost productivity. And those costs are worth keeping in mind considering that a Conference Board of Canada survey found that 27% of Canadian workers report being fatigued most days or every day during a typical work week.

“Fatigue is something that all farmers need to think about more. When you think about the impact that even a small incident can have on farming operations, it’s worth taking the time to be safe and that includes addressing fatigue,” explains Clark, adding that her family’s farm will be doing more to inform workers about best practices for managing fatigue.

In addition to posing immediate safety risks, fatigue can also impact an individual’s mental well-being. Sawatzky says a significant amount of research shows a strong correlation between fatigue and increased levels of depression and anxiety. “In fact, there is not a single mental illness that does not have some form of sleep issue associated with it,” she explains.

And that means being proactive with addressing fatigue.

“Harvest is responsible for a significant portion of the yearly income, so it makes sense that farmers will work late into the night to get the crops off. The issue with this, of course, is that it leads to fatigue. What farmers need to do is proactively manage these risks as much as possible,” Sawatzky explains. “Simple solutions like taking a short 10minute nap in the cab of a truck or tractor can go a long way toward reducing the likelihood of damaging equipment or having someone get hurt.”

Other effective strategies for managing fatigue include using caffeine appropriately, taking breaks, checking in on each other, eating healthy meals, and strategically planning work to avoid doing safety-sensitive tasks in the evening.

While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution for fatigue, acknowledging it as an everyday safety hazard on the farm and including fatigue management in farm safety plans can greatly help reduce risk.

“Talking about fatigue is an important conversation to have on any farm,” says Clark. “Every person working on a farm needs to be aware of the signs of

fatigue and know how to combat it.”

For more than a decade, CASA has been raising awareness about the importance of safety on Canadian farms through Canadian Agricultural Safety Week, which takes place every year during the third week of March. In 2023, CASW is presented in partnership with key partners Farm Credit Canada and Decisive Farming by TELUS Agriculture. Other sponsors include CN, Canadian Canola Growers Association, Syngenta, and Fertilizer Canada.

Becoming ‘Rooted In Resilience’ On The Farm

CASA

Submitted

When it comes to investing in your farm, one of the first things to come to mind is likely upgrading equipment or facilities.

However, while farm equipment routinely gets the maintenance it needs to operate properly, mental health typically does not receive the same attention. But it’s important to remember that an investment in your mental health is an investment in your farm operation. Because you can’t run a successful farm operation if you aren’t functioning at a healthy level yourself.

That’s the focus of Rooted in Resilience, a publication from Farm Credit Canada, which helps producers take actions to support their mental health and be better prepared to navigate all of life’s experiences. As the publication notes, we aren’t born with resilience, it is very much learned, but becoming more resilient can be empowering and offer personal growth. And producers who recognize, acknowledge, and address the pressures they face will ultimately be better equipped to take action and not only survive but also thrive in stressful times.

Mental Health Dashboard

There’s no question that life on the farm comes with all kinds of advantages and excitement, but it also often comes with stress. Unpredictable weather, heavy workloads, market fluctuations, supply chain delays, pests and diseases, and rising costs –the list of the challenges that producers face can go on and on.

The reality is that the agricultural industry will always experience highs and lows. So, while it’s impossible to completely eliminate the stressors facing the industry, it is possible to prepare for them. As Dr. Amir Georges Sabongui explains in Rooted in Resilience, “We can’t control what happens. We can control how it affects us.” One of the best ways to identify how stress is affecting you is by taking a self-assessment of your mental wellness. Using a mental health dashboard, producers can determine their stress levels based on different colour areas:

Green: Healthy, Optimal

- Good sleep, good appetite, and wanting to take care of your physical health.

- Mentally clear with good concentration and focus - Motivated and a good social network.

Yellow: Reacting, Stress

- Mild insomnia, unmotivated to exercise.

- Easily distracted, avoidance, excessive worry.

- Irritability, impulsiveness, discouraged. Continued on page 17

Continued from page 16

Orange: Injured, Burnout

- Moderate insomnia, drinking too much alcohol, binge eating.

- Inability to concentrate, impaired decision-making, always negative.

- Anger, anxiety, overwhelmed, avoiding social situations.

Red: Illness, Depression, Mental illness

- Constantly sleeping or periods of no sleep at all, excessive drinking, always sick.

- Impaired judgment, paralyzed decision-making.

- Apathy, hopelessness/helplessness, isolating from friends and family.

If you notice any red lights in your selfassessment, it’s best to seek professional or clinical support. Multi-Generation Farms

Another important topic addressed in Rooted in Resilience is the intertwining of family matters and business on the farm.

One of the unique aspects about life on the farm is how common it is to have three or four generations on one farm. Each

generation brings different perspectives, values, and mental and physical capacities to the family and farm business. While those differences can be advantageous to the farm operation, multiple generations on one farm can also lead to complications when roles, finances, and transition plans are unclear.

The issue of transitioning the farm business can often be a challenging and stressful process. There are a lot of emotions at play when it comes to transition planning, so using a third party can make it easier to have open discussions about the farm, personal values, and financials. Keep in mind that alleviating ambiguity and guesswork is crucial for reducing stress, so make sure everything is documented.

“It’s all about trying to find the balance between focusing on the health of the family and the business,” says FCC business advisor Annessa Good.

A few other tips for multi-generation farm families include:

-Listen to others’ perspectives without judgment.

-Respect individual physical and mental capabilities.

-Write down family and operating agreements.

-Make positive, healthy changes together as a family

Reaching Out and Reaching In

Rooted in Resilience notes that while stress and anxiety are high among farmers, they rarely reach out for help when they need it most.

In fact, a 2021 survey of farmer mental health found that 20% of farmers reported moderate to severe anxiety disorders, which is significantly higher than the general Canadian population during the COVID-19 pandemic. And 76% of farmers surveyed were classified as experiencing moderate or high perceived stress.

However, finding support is easier than coping with burnout while running a farm business. If you need help, don’t hesitate to reach out to friends, family, or professionals. If you’re unsure where to start looking

for help, contact 211, which is available in every Canadian province and territory to help find local mental health supports.

And if you suspect that someone is struggling, take the time to ask them if they’re okay – it may not be the easiest conversation, but it can make a huge difference and be the starting point that person needs. Bear in mind that an angry reaction isn’t uncommon and is an avoidance coping behaviour. But it’s better to have someone angry with you for caring than to regret not reaching out to them.

Remember that investing in your mental health is just as important to your farm’s success and productivity as investing in equipment. After all, a healthy mind also supports a healthy farm.

To download a copy of Rooted in Resilience, please visit fcc-fac.ca/wellness. And for more information on mental health in agriculture, including links to resources and organizations, visit casa-acsa.ca/ mental-health.

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Op-Ed From Peter Dobbie, Farmer’s And Property Rights Advocate For Alberta

Submitted

As the current Farmers’ and Property Rights Advocate for Alberta, I have had the opportunity to meet with countless landowners over the years to discuss laws and policies that affect property rights.

Unlike many other countries, the right to own property is not recognized in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms. This means that property rights are governed by both federal and provincial law, which increases the complexity of advocating for and defending the rights of landowners.

Recently however, property rights have been on the agenda in Alberta.

In 2022, Alberta abolished claims for adverse possession and gave private landowners the same protections that were once only reserved for government land. Commonly known as “squatter’s rights,” adverse possession allowed a person who occupied another’s land for ten years to go before a court and claim ownership of that land.

Now Alberta’s government has moved forward with legislation to make it an offence for the federal government to enter onto private land, buildings or structures without authorization.

This amendment reinforces the

Alberta government’s commitment to protecting property rights and sends a signal to the Federal Government that it too is obligated and bound to honour the common law right of property owners to control access to their land.

The trespass amendments were prompted by events that occurred next door in Saskatchewan in 2022, when a property owner found federal employees collecting samples on private land without permission.

Even when access may be ostensibly authorized by a statute or regulation, in most cases, farming and ranching landowners ought to be provided with the common courtesy of advance notice of any planned entry. Many farmers and ranchers have adopted equipment, vehicle and footwear cleaning protocols to protect against the spreading of crop diseases. Advance notice will protect against inadvertent disease spread, and allow farmers and ranchers to make certain that anyone entering their land knows how (and actually takes steps) to mitigate that risk. Additionally, the cour -

tesy of advance notice will mean that landowners will be aware of planned access, need not check to see if someone is trespassing, and can follow up to make certain that gates and access points are properly closed.

A helpful analogy for Albertans who may not own farm or ranch land is to consider the following:

Would you be happy with an inspector coming into your backyard to perform an inspection or to take samples without prior reasonable notice? How would you know if the inspection or activity was authorized? If you were away from home, how could you check to find out what was going on?

I want to commend Alberta’s government for abolishing the ability to advance claims for adverse possession, and for amending trespass legislation to clarify and raise the profile of the right of landowners to control access to their property. This renewed focus on property rights is a refreshing and positive step-forward for property owners in Alberta.

Call For Nominations- Award For Outstanding Research And Innovation

BCRC

Submitted

The Canadian Beef Industry Award for Outstanding Research and Innovation is presented by the Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) each year to recognize a researcher or scientist whose work has contributed to advancements in the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry.

Nominations are welcome from all industry stakeholders. Download the nomination form here. Nominations must be submitted to info@ beefresearch.ca no later than May 1st with three or more letters of

support that speak to the nominee’s influence on Canada’s beef industry.

Eligibility

To be eligible, nominees must be Canadian citizens or landed immigrants actively involved in research of benefit to the Canadian beef industry within the past 5 years. Benefit to the Canadian beef industry must be evident in a strong research program aligned with industry priorities, a demonstrated passion and long-term commitment through leadership, teamwork, and mentorship, involvement in ongoing education and training (where applicable), and active engagement with industry stakehold -

ers. Areas of research pertaining to the beef industry may include:

-agricultural economics

-animal health and welfare

-beef quality

-environmental stewardship

-feed efficiency

-feed grains

-food safety

-forage and grassland production

-genetic improvements

-social license to operate

-technology transfer

-development of industry program(s)

-other areas pertaining to the competitiveness and sustainability of the Canadian beef industry.

Nominations and letters of support can be sent to info@beefresearch. ca no later than May 1st.

Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright

“Burn down your cities and leave our farms, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country.”

- William Jennings Bryan

23033aa5

Province Urge Agency To Reconsider Pesticide Ruling

Agri-News

Submitted

The governments of Alberta and Saskatchewan are urging the federal Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) to reconsider its decision on a crucial insecticide for farmers.

The PMRA recently changed approved uses for lambda-cyhalothrin, an effective pesticide that many farmers rely on to control grasshoppers and flea beetles.

Among other changes, the pesticide can no longer be used for any crop that may end up as livestock feed. As a result, its manufacturers have pulled their products from Western Canada.

Due to a continued drought in some parts of Alberta and Saskatchewan, grasshoppers are again likely to be a concern in the 2023 growing season, and the PMRA’s decision leaves farmers

with one less tool to address potentially destructive pests.

It could also mean the inability for canola producers to sell their products as livestock feed, which could impact availability for cattle and lamb producers. There are also possible total food production impacts in a time of worldwide food insecurity.

“At a time when our farmers are finally finding their footing after a rough couple of years, this decision could set many of them back. I urge the federal ministers and the PMRA to reconsider their decision and make it easier, not harder, for Alberta’s farmers to feed people in Canada and across the world,” said Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

“Without access to effective insecticides, Saskatchewan producers are at risk of being

placed at a competitive disadvantage and will be facing significant losses. Saskatchewan supports industry’s calls for an extension to the lambda-cyhalothrin re-evaluation decision to alleviate pressure on producers and help ensure a stable supply of feed for livestock,” noted David Marit, Saskatchewan Minister of Agriculture.

“With extreme flea beetle pressure, hot spots for grasshoppers and cutworms across the Prairies and forecasted outbreaks, the lambda-cyhalothrin decision could severely impact our yields, our livelihoods, feedstocks and food prices.

Lambda-cyhalothrin has a significant market share, and it will strain farmers to source alternative products. The PMRA needs to base its decisions on sound science and be aligned with our largest trading partner,” commented Roger Chevraux, chair, Alberta Canola, and Keith

In 2019, the United States’ Environmental Protection Agency removed restrictions on lambda-cyhalothrin’s use. The PMRA made the opposite decision, which has led to confusion about what will be done about livestock feed coming from Alberta’s largest trading partner.

Minister Horner and Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit have written to the ministers of Health Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, outlining producers’ concerns and urging them to encourage the PMRA to reconsider its decision.

To ensure western farmers have an effective solution for the coming growing season, the PMRA would need to enact an emergency reinstatement, which would also give the agency time to make a more informed decision.

Fournier, chair, SaskCanola.

AWNA

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Lakeland College Rowing Team Excels At AB Indoor Rowing Championships

Coaches Jenny McGuinness and Peter Walsh

Submitted

Eight members of the Rustler Crew competed in the Alberta Indoor Rowing Championships this past weekend in Blackfalds on March 4, and brought home two medals for their efforts.

First up were five members of our women’s team competing in the Novice Senior Women’s class in a field of 18 of the strongest university and college rowers in Alberta. The Rustler women had all set goals involving personal best times for the 2000 metre race and it was just a matter of focusing on their race and not being intimidated by the competition.

While they did not bring home any medals they all raced under nine minutes over the 2 km event and every one of them posted personal best times exceeding their goals. Allecia McDonald finished in 8:02 to take 6th and sit just 4 seconds off the podium as that was the time difference between her time in 6th and the 3rd

place time (all 3 medals in this event were won by the University of Calgary rowers).

Next up were the three members of the men’s team to compete in the Novice Senior Men’s event and these three gentlemen really did turn some heads with their performances. Like the women’s event, the men raced their 2000 m in two separate heats against a total 13 men from across the province. Patrick Bolivar and Kyle Niedermaier led off in the first heat and Patrick laid out a blistering combination of speed and strength with Kyle right behind him. It was a bit of a shock to the university crowd when they realized the leaders were not one of theirs and that was how they finished 1-2 in their heat. Alex Schroer stepped in next to carry the Lakeland flag in his heat and he also put out an amazing speed early on and held the lead in his heat until the last quarter where he was overtaken by the eventual event winner from the U of Calgary. In the end, Rustler Crew men finished with two medals and all three of them in the top

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five; Patrick with silver, Alex with bronze and Kyle in 5th just three seconds behind his teammate.

The last event of the day for Rustler Crew was the, always crazy, relay race which puts four rowers on a crew to row 2000 m. Typically this involves any four people that want to row together from the same team and there can be combinations of men and women but all male or all female teams are allowed. Lakeland decided to put their 3 men together with their fastest women in team one so Allecia, Kyle, Alex, and Patrick and the all female team of Kylie Stafford, Tiara Pihrag, Anissa Halbert and Caitlyn Arychuk in their 2nd team. The challenge involves each crew member rowing 500 metres and trying to complete changeover of the

rowers as smoothly as possible.

The crews set realistic goals for their finish and they were both in the 2nd heat which made it easier for the coaches to manage. Team 1 took over their heat from the start and never looked back finishing 1st but just 2 seconds off the podium behind three all-male crews from the first heat, Team 2 finished in a time of 7:56 (under 8 minutes which was there target and the ladies were very pleased with their effort).

At the end of the day the members of Rustler Crew did an awesome job of representing Lakeland College and our varsity rowing program; coaches Jenny McGuinness and Peter Walsh were very proud of the efforts by all the rowers involved.

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The Mayor’s Prayer Breakfast Newspaper

• Must be able to perform physical labour

Duties include but not limited to: Mowing grass, spraying weeds, cutting trees, picking garbage and noxious weeds, cleaning and maintain yard equipment, preparing equipment, and help set up for clinics and fair. Start date will be May 1.

Please send resumes to anton.krys@webbs.ca

From left, Kyle Niedermaier, Alex Schroer, Patrick Bolivar, Caitlyn Arychuk, Kylie Stafford, Tiara Pihrag, Anissa Halbert, Allecia McDonald. Photo submitted

Applications Now Open For The BCRC Beef Researcher Mentorship Program 2023-24

BCRC

Submitted

Applications for the 2023-24 term of the Beef Researcher Mentorship Program are now being accepted. The deadline to apply is May 1, 2023.

The Beef Researcher Mentorship Program is an initiative to facilitate greater engagement of upcoming and new applied researchers with Canada’s beef industry. It provides researchers with the opportunity to deepen their understanding of the needs of the beef industry in a practical and meaningful way. The program is designed to:

- align research interests with those that

are practical and beneficial to Canada’s beef industry,

- build the skills, network and confidence necessary to participate in or lead applied research and technology transfer efforts that enhance and accelerate innovation in Canada’s beef industry and

- facilitate collaborations that help new Canadian beef researchers establish effective applied research and extension programs.

Five researchers were selected to participate in the program during the 2022-2023 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:

- meeting several producers and industry leaders with whom they ask questions and have meaningful discussions about cattle production, animal health and welfare, grazing and beef genetics,

- building connections within industry and with other researchers to further their research programs and

- 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

mentorship program and invites applications from upcoming and new applied researchers in Canada whose studies are of value or impact the beef industry. These research areas include, but are not limited to, cattle health and welfare, beef quality, food safety, genetics, feed efficiency and forage management.

A new group of participants will begin their mentorships on September 1, 2023.

The BCRC’s Beef Researcher Mentorship Program launched in August 2014 and to date has facilitated 36 mentorships. Thank you to the BCRC for allowing the reprinting of this article. www.BeefResearch.ca

Simone Demers-Collins Inducted Into Ag Hall Of Fame

Agri-News

Submitted

Simone Demers-Collins honoured for her leadership in agriculture as an advocate, educator and food champion.

“I am truly honoured to have been selected to be placed in such distinguished ranks, along with today’s as well as past honourees, all of whom have made great contributions to agriculture in our province; and I am humbled,” says Simone Demers-Collins. “I am reminded of the gifts which I have been privileged to have received and which were so freely given to me by so many of Alberta Agriculture’s past inductees.”

Demers-Collins is a widely recognized authority on food quality, nutrition and food safety. She has been an advocate for the agriculture and agri-food industries, an educator and food champion for over 5 decades. Through her work with the Alberta Canola Producers, the Canola Council of Canada, other industry organizations as well as the Alberta government, she led initiatives to promote accurate, science-based information about food, food production and food quality to consumers, health professionals, media, and students.

She travelled extensively to gain insight into new and trending food promotional techniques that could further the province’s commitment to Canada’s international marketing of canola. The ideas, discoveries and inspirations showcased by these events resonated for a long time on the work Demers-Collins did within Alberta’s agriculture and food industries, best exemplified in the sampler pack of regular, cold-pressed, organic, highstability, and expeller-pressed canola oils.

Another area where Demers-Collins has excelled, and perhaps the most important, is in education. Her brainchild of producing educational curricula based on science and nutrition was brilliant. In her quest to educate, she connected with students and their families by spearheading the publication of a children’s illustrated storybook, “Fields of Home,” with historical facts embedded within a compelling story on how canola was developed in Canada. This book morphed into 15 educational graphic novels: The Chase Superman Duffy Series.

As a member of the Canola Initiative National Advisory Council, DemersCollins was also instrumental in the development of an exhibition featuring canola at Ottawa’s Canada Ag and Food Museum. With her encouragement, this initiative expanded to a multi-platform project that included Canola: A Story of Canadian Innovation, a travelling exhibition that explores the science behind the development, cultivation, and future of canola, as well as its uses in industries from food processing to transportation. It includes hands-on interactive elements, video content, dynamic imagery, and integrated lighting, that invites visitors to discover canola through their 5 senses

by immersing themselves in a canola field and a processing plant.

Demers-Collins also led the formation of the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association, envisioned the Science Alberta Foundation interactive electronic display

featuring non-food uses for canola, represented commodity associations at the Feastival of Fine Chefs, managed the Alberta Horticultural Congress, and coordinated the ‘trans-fat-free’ challenge when the Calgary Stampede became the

first agricultural society in North America to have its entire event trans-fat free.

Simone Demers-Collins joins Jack Lewis and Bruce Beattie as the 2022 inductees into the Alberta Agriculture Hall of Fame.

A Quarter-Century Of Progress With Extended Grazing

BCRC

Submitted

Putting cattle on extended grazing systems has paid off handsomely for Canadian ranchers over the past quartercentury – mostly by drastically reducing feeding costs, but also in helping the environment.

“Any time you can graze a blade of grass that you didn’t have to cut, bale, harvest or store, it’s cheaper,” says Trevor Atchison. “Things have been bad enough in the cow-calf sector lately – without what we’ve been implementing over the years, things would be a lot tougher for us having to spend on expensive fuel and equipment.”

Atchison’s Poplarview Stock

Farm calves 750 cows a year, backgrounds the calves over the winter and runs the heifers on grass. When conditions are right, he buys in 250 to 350 feeders, usually heifers. Atchison owns 5,500 acres of land with 3,000 in pasture and rents 8,000 acres with half in pasture. The ranch is in southwest Manitoba, east of Pipestone, and has been in the family for 120 years.

Atchison started taking over the reins

of the business a couple of years after graduating high school in 1993 when his dad got busy with several different boards. Since then, he’s been diligent in keeping up with developments through seminars, trade shows and other learning opportunities.

Extended grazing means keeping cattle out of pens and corrals as long as possible. Methods include swath grazing, in which grain crops like oats, barley or triticale are swathed in the green stage and left in the field for the cattle. In bale grazing, bales of hay are placed in the pasture or hayfield instead of feeding in barns or yards. Bales are rationed to the cows by using electric fencing and wastage can be reduced by moving the fences every two to five days. Stockpiled perennial forages and crop residues can also be used in extended grazing systems.

The economic advantages over conventional drylot systems are many, including reduced costs for labour, equipment and transportation, planting, harvest and storage, buildings and managing manure. The manure aspect is actually an environmental boon in extended grazing systems because it naturally restores

nutrients back to the soil.

Drawbacks can include access to water, variable winter weather and snow that prevent the cattle from getting to the feed, shelter requirements, needing a backup for when feed is not available and wildlife damage to the feed.

Statistics Canada’s 2021 agricultural census had 30,302 Canadian farms using in-field winter grazing or feeding. That’s 41 per cent of all farms reporting cattle, up from 35.4 per cent in the 2016 census.

More Canadian producers are using extended grazing because they have seen how well it works in real time and because of the 25 years of research that has demonstrated how this practice is practical, economical and environmentally responsible.

The economic advantages over conventional drylot systems are many, including reduced costs for labour, equipment and transportation, planting, harvest and storage, buildings and managing manure. The manure aspect is actually an environmental boon in extended grazing systems because it naturally restores nutrients back to the

soil.

Drawbacks can include access to water, variable winter weather and snow that prevent the cattle from getting to the feed, shelter requirements, needing a backup for when feed is not available and wildlife damage to the feed.

Statistics Canada’s 2021 agricultural census had 30,302 Canadian farms using in-field winter grazing or feeding. That’s 41 per cent of all farms reporting cattle, up from 35.4 per cent in the 2016 census.

More Canadian producers are using extended grazing because they have seen how well it works in real time and because of the 25 years of research that has demonstrated how this practice is practical, economical and environmentally responsible.

Larson had just launched a survey in January 2023 to update knowledge on how producers use swath grazing as well as why some producers prefer not to swath graze or have even stopped using the method.

Extended grazing in Canada has been used by some producers for decades and research has continued to show its worth.

History

In 1996, researcher Duane McCartney moved to Lacombe, Alberta, when the beef research program in which he had been working for more than 20 years at Melfort, Saskatchewan, was closed by the federal government.

There, during the late 1970s and early 1980s, he and the research team had good success with crested wheatgrass – normally grown much farther south than Melfort – for early spring and late fall grazing. In summer, the cattle would be turned out on brome-alfalfa pastures.

“The longer we could keep them (the cattle) grazing, the better off everybody was,” he says.

They then moved on to Italian rye grass, which would be underseeded to oats or barley which would be cut and used for silage. The rye grass would then grow and be used for late fall grazing.

“We could graze cattle right up to and into snow,” he says, adding that during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, he heard about swath grazing being used by producers in Alberta.

At Melfort, they successfully used swath grazing with oats and barley for a number of years.

In the late 1990s, the Western Forage Beef Group was formed at Lacombe with extension people from the province and federal research scientists. Funding from the Canada-Alberta Beef Development Fund enabled the researchers to undertake a large research program on swath grazing.

In 1996, researcher Duane McCartney moved to Lacombe, Alberta, when the beef research program in which he had been working for more than 20 years at Melfort, Saskatchewan, was closed by the federal government.

There, during the late 1970s and early 1980s, he and the research team had good success with crested wheatgrass – normally grown much farther south than Melfort – for early spring and late fall grazing. In summer, the cattle would be turned out on brome-alfalfa pastures.

“The longer we could keep them (the cattle) grazing, the better off everybody was,” he says.

They then moved on to Italian rye grass, which would be underseeded to oats or barley which would be cut and used for silage. The rye grass would then grow and be used for late fall grazing.

“We could graze cattle right up to and into snow,” he says, adding that during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, he heard about swath grazing being used by producers in Alberta.

At Melfort, they successfully used swath grazing with oats and barley for a number of years. Continued on page 27

Continued from page 26

In the late 1990s, the Western Forage Beef Group was formed at Lacombe with extension people from the province and federal research scientists. Funding from the CanadaAlberta Beef Development Fund enabled the researchers to undertake a large research program on swath grazing.

In 1996, researcher Duane McCartney moved to Lacombe, Alberta, when the beef research program in which he had been working for more than 20 years at Melfort, Saskatchewan, was closed by the federal government.

There, during the late 1970s and early 1980s, he and the research team had good success with crested wheatgrass – normally grown much farther south than Melfort – for early spring and late fall grazing. In summer, the cattle would be turned out on bromealfalfa pastures.

“The longer we could keep them (the cattle) grazing, the better off everybody was,” he says.

They then moved on to Italian rye grass, which would be underseeded to oats or barley which would be cut and used for silage. The rye grass would then grow and be used for late fall grazing.

“We could graze cattle right up to and into snow,” he says, adding that during the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, he heard about swath grazing being used by producers in Alberta.

At Melfort, they successfully used swath grazing with oats and barley for a number of years.

In the late 1990s, the Western Forage Beef Group was formed at Lacombe with extension people from the province and federal research scientists. Funding from the Canada-Alberta Beef Development Fund enabled the researchers to undertake a large research program on swath grazing.

“The people at Lacombe have been swath grazing ever since,” he says.

While barley and oats are the most common grains for swath grazing, there has been good success with triticale and corn, as well.

Back at Poplarview

Thirty years ago, calves at Poplarview were born in March and weaned in October. Calves were marketed immediately and heifers were kept as well as some bulls. Cows would go back out grazing after weaning. In those days, most ranchers brought their animals in and started feeding after weaning.

“As long as the tractor could get around the pasture, we left them out,” Atchison says.

When Trevor took over, rotational grazing was being heavily promoted and there was lots of information available.

“In the late ‘80s and early ‘90s, there was a big transition from grain land back to grass,” he says, which prompted a lot of experimentation in grazing. “I spent a lot of time travelling, gathering information, talking to people and trying to get it right,” he says.

Today, Atchison’s cattle stay out on pasture for the entire year, except for when they are brought in for processing, including pregnancy checks, body condition scoring and vaccinations.

Based on the body condition score and the age of the animal, he splits the herd into two groups – the ones that need extra nutrition and the ones that are doing fine. He uses a combination of swath and bale grazing and, in the past five years, started feeding silage. Calving now starts in May.

The cattle are moved every other day in rotational grazing, which provides an opportunity to do health checks. Water sources include snow, aquifer fed dugouts, wells and troughs, and more than 12 miles of pipes. To prevent freezing, he allows water to trickle out of the pipes all the time.

Agri-News Submitted

Bull Breeders

COVID-19 And Health Food Trends

Health and wellness is an important factor influencing food purchasing behavior.

“The pandemic caused health and wellness trends to accelerate across the grocery industry, trends that are causing consumers to take a second look at their food,” says Ava Duering, competitiveness analyst with the Alberta government.

According to a July 2022 Deloitte survey of over 2,000 adults in the U.S., since the COVID-19 pandemic, consumers have become more interested in maintaining and enhancing their health. The survey showed that while the cost of food has increased over the past few months, for fresh food producers and grocers looking to compete on more than just price, there may be a bright spot - consistent demand for health and wellness.

The Deloitte survey also showed that health and wellness is an important factor influencing food purchasing behaviour.

84% of respondents consider health and wellness when purchasing fresh food.

80% of respondents believe fresh food is healthier than packaged or processed food marketed as healthy.

personalized nutrition, up 13 percentage points from one year ago.

The latest Consumer Corner, which shares consumer trends related to the agrifood industry with Alberta’s agriculture and food industry, highlights these trends.

Duering says there are some key takeaways for Alberta producers, processors and retailers from the latest trends and surveys:

Producers, processors and retailers who can deliver on food that contains the ingredients that consumers deem as healthy and reformulate products containing ingredients deemed as unhealthy will likely retain and attain consumers.

Healthy food means different things to different people. Therefore, food producers, processors and retailers can utilize market research to help target their marketing efforts towards the appropriate demographics.

Many consumers believe that fruits and vegetables, whether fresh or as an ingredient in other food products and beverages, have a beneficial health impact. Alberta fresh fruit and vegetable producers and processors can capitalize on this market opportunity.

Consumers are seeing the link between

are ready to eat products that have good gut bacteria such as healthy yogurts. Processors and retailers can benefit from this trend by producing and marketing products to appeal to the healthfulness of yogurt and dairy products.

Consumers may base purchasing decisions on information provided by trusted sources. Therefore, it can be beneficial for companies to utilize sources that consumers trust such as registered dietitians and personal healthcare professionals when marketing their products.

Producers, processors, and retailers can maximize their potential market share by capitalizing on the e-commerce trend further entrenched during the COVID-19 pandemic, and develop both an in-store marketing strategy as well as an e-commerce strategy. E-commerce provides the convenience that consumers became accustomed to during the pandemic.

“The key market drivers for healthy food are increasing adoption of healthy lifestyle, consumption of prebiotic and probiotic food, digestion and food intolerance issues, and building immunity and disease prevention of diseases such as coronary heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes,” says Duering.

April 5 AT 9:30 AM

All Breeds Presort and Regular Sale to follow

Parkinson Awareness Month, Celebrating Our Community

Parkinson’s Assoc of Alberta

Submitted

Every year, Parkinson Association of Alberta (PAA) dedicates the month of April to raising awareness of those living with and affected by Parkinson disease and Parkinson’s Plus Syndromes, the people that support and love them, and the needs of our community.

Parkinson’s Awareness Month is an opportunity to engage the public in expanding their understanding of Parkinson’s, and the profound effects it has on the lives of over 15,000 Albertans living with the disease.

This April, we will Celebrate our Community.

The Parkinson’s Community is very strong, and resilient. PD is a different journey for everyone who is experiencing it –no two journeys are the same, as such, each community member has their own journey to experience, yet they all support each other. Our Alberta PD Community –which is 15,000 and growing – leans on each other for support, advice, guidance, and camaraderie. Add in the 30,000+ care partners, stakeholders, friends, and family members, and this is a large, and very connected community, all sharing with, and leaning on each other.

Parkinson Association of Alberta plays a role in this, bringing all these connections together, helping find the answers and solutions, and providing the needed support, services and programming that is so relied on.

We are spending this April celebrating everyone in our community, they empower each other! Our 2023 campaign highlights:

Weekly themed speaker series, internationally known researchers and heads of clinics will be delivering the latest in research, education, support, and programming, as well as personal stories from our Parkinson’s community.

• April 3-9: Celebrating Care Givers and Care Partners.

• April 10-16: Learning about PD and our engaging educational and active programming.

• April 17-23: Alberta-based research and research studies.

• April 24-30: Our volunteer community, and the strength in volunteering.

Parkinson’s is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world - yet it receives very little attention. There is no cure. As we age, our chances of being diagnosed with Parkinson disease increase exponentially. By 2046, 1 in 5 Albertan’s will be a senior. The cost of direct & indirect care for Albertans is approximately $180 million annually, and with no consistent Government funding or support, the overall impact is also carried by their families, communities, care providers and other supports.

We are spending this April celebrating everyone in our community, they empower each other!