March 10, 2020 Country Booster

The paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta

Always better – always better read

12 Pages, March 10, 2020

e h t on

March 15-21 recognizes and celebrates the continued efforts of everyone involved in the agricultural industry in maintaining safe farming practices.

Camrose area grain farmer D’Arcy Hilgartner demonstrates several devices used to ensure the safe operation of a power take-off (PTO) connected to the three-point hitch on the farm tractor, including a PTO safety cone (shield), chains and guards.

See inside story on page 4.

Inside...

A variety of merchandise and services: Farm supplies and services, auto, real estate, auctions, livestock, finance, home decor, entertainment, and more!

News Features…

Free Farm Truck

Inspections

The Williamses earn Community Helping Hearts Award . . . . . . Page 3 BRSD considers closing Hardisty School to meet budget. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Page 8 Provincial Budget impact on Ag industry. . . . . . . . . . . Page 10

Win a Colour Enlargement of your Farm!

See page 11

Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com

Photo by Lori Larsen

Agriculture Safety Week,

y t e f a S m r Fa

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 2

New grain dryer program helps farmers

By Murray Green

A new grant program is now available to help grain farmers upgrade grain handling systems.

The Efficient Grain Dryer Program is funded through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership and will help cover costs for eligible grain dryer improvements. Applicants will be able to choose equipment that makes sense for the size and volume of their agri-business and improve energy efficiency within their operations.

“I have a deep appreciation for the efforts being made by Canadian farmers to care for the land and environment. It is their legacy to their children. A sixth generation farmer recently told me, ‘if you don’t care for the land, you’re not in business.’ We all know how hard 2019 was for many farmers and that weather is increasingly unpredictable. Our government is listening and finding solutions for farmers,” said Marie-Claude Bibeau, Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food.

“Last harvest was one of the toughest for Alberta farmers. Poor weather, trade irritants, rail strikes and a carbon tax have all hurt farmers through no fault of their own. This new program will help farmers remain competitive and keep producing the best high-quality food in the world,” said Devin Dreeshen, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

The program will be retroactive to April 1, 2018 to accommodate almost 100 applicants who have been waiting since that time and for those who may not have known about the program and purchased eligible equipment in the last two years.

Funds up to $2 million are available under the Efficient Grain Dryer Program.

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The Canadian Agricultural Partnership is a five-year, $3 billion commitment by federal, provincial and territorial governments that support Canada’s agri-food and agri-product sectors.

Eligible expenses will be cost-shared, with 50 per cent funding from the grant and 50 per cent funding from the applicant.

The 2019 crop season was challenging for many Alberta producers.

The season started with a dry spring and with

variable weather over the summer. There was a lack of rainfall in the southern and eastern parts of the province and the extreme northern Peace Region, for example, and a long spell of cool, wet weather in other parts of the province.

Cold temperatures, snow and excess moisture in most parts of the province in the fall resulted in a long challenging harvest for crop and forage producers.

Based on the final Alberta Crop Report at

the end of the year, about 10 per cent of crops across Alberta were left in the fields to be harvested in spring 2020.

Unharvested crops vary widely across the province–about two per cent remain in the fields in the southern region, seven per cent in central and northwest Alberta and 13 per cent in the northeast.

In the Peace Region, about 32 per cent of crops are left to be combined in the spring.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 3

UNRESERVED FARM AUCTION SATURDAY, APRIL 4, 2020 – 9:30 AM

UNRESERVED FARM AUCTION SATURDAY, APRIL 11, 2020 – 10:00 AM

Jody and Elaine Klassen – Mayerthorpe, AB

Linton and Debbie Falk – Ferintosh, AB

LOCATED: From Mayerthorpe, go 2.9 km south on Hwy 22, then 3.1 km west on Twp Rd 572, then 0.8 km south on Rge Rd 90. Gate Sign - 57116 Rge Rd 90 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Jody Klassen at 780-204-0391 Previewing starts Monday, March 30 (8 a.m. to 8 p.m.) Klassens have discontinued their farming operation. They have a well maintained line of equipment. Most major pieces have been shedded. Equipment & Online Bidding at 12:00 p.m. This is only a partial listing, see website for full descriptions.

TRACTORS & DOZERS • 2008 Challenger MT965B 4WD w/ 800/70R38 duals, showing 4815 hrs, 510 hp, PS trans, inner / outer wheel weight pkg, high flow hyd pump, 5 hyd, Topcon auto steer • 1992 Case IH 9250 4WD w/ newer 520/85R38 duals, 10,206 hrs, PTO, PS trans • 1996 John Deere 7200 MFWD w/ JD 740 ldr & 8’ bucket, showing 8225 hrs, joystick, 3-pt hitch, 16 spd PowrQuad trans • 10’ Degelman 10-46/57 4-way hyd dozer blade • 1983 Case 4490 4WD w/ 18.4-34 duals, showing 7469 hrs, PTO • 1981 Case 2290 2WD, 20.8R38 sgls, showing 6670 hrs COMBINES & HEADERS • 2012 John Deere S670 combine w/ JD 615P PU, 520/85R42 duals, 600/65R28 rears, 1562 sep / 2488 eng hrs, power fold hopper, lateral tilt, powercast tailboard, HID lights, crop catcher, fresh green light • 2011 John Deere 9770 combine w/ JD 615P PU, 650/85R38 duals, 600/65R28 rears, 1511 sep / 2247 eng hrs, lateral tilt, powercast tailboard, HID lights, fresh green light Terms on Combines: 25% nonrefundable deposit, balance by Aug 1/20.

• (2) JD 936D draper headers, 36’, PU reel, pea auger, fore & aft, transport, sgl point hook-up • Elmer’s Mfg HT38 twin rail header transport • 2009 Macdon CA20 JD combine header adapter

• • • •

TRAILERS • 1999 Lode King Super B grain trailer, 11R22.5 tires, alum rims, roll tarp • 2002 Lode King grain trailer (lead off of Super B), new roll tarp • Trailtech CT220 combine trailer, pintle hitch, one owner • 1976 Willock lowboy trailer • 35’ TriAxle 5th wheel trailer, 7000 lb axles • 2010 18’ Gator TA flat deck trailer • Kane TA alum end dump gravel trailer • 1984 Allweld convertible B train (farm use only) •

• • • • •

SWATHER • 2008 30’ Macdon (Westward) M150 swather w/ D60-D header, showing 1968 hdr / 2520 eng hrs, dbl knife drive, • split PU reel, triple delivery, Roto-Shears (60 acres since new knives, guards, PU reel fingers, roller bearings, canvasses, etc) Terms: 25% non-refundable deposit, balance by Aug 1/20.

SPRAYERS • 2004 90’ Case IH 3200 sprayer, 4WD, showing 2878 hrs, 1000 US gal SS tank, AIM, rinse tank, hyd tread adj, 3’’ fill, 380/85R46 tires, Raven 460 controller, Raven guidance, sectional control, auto height w/ bounce wheels • 80’ Rogator 554 sprayer, 4WD, showing 3211 hrs, (4) Tridekon dividers, 500 gal poly tank, wash tank, 2’’ fill, triple noz bodies, 12.4x38 tires, Raven 460 controller, auto steer, JD ATU, 1800 monitor & Starfire ITC receiver • • • • • •

w/ 20’ steel box & hoist, Mack E7460, 18 spd, 1,451,338 km (27,213 hrs), new 11R24.5 rear tires 2000 Kenworth W900 hwy truck w/ Studio sleeper, Cat 3406E, 13 spd, 1,384,722 km (27,696 hrs) 2001 Western Star 4964FX hwy truck w/ 44’’ sleeper, Cat C15, 18 spd, 1,225,343 km 1998 Peterbilt 379 hwy truck, Cummins N14 Celect Plus 1984 Kenworth W900 hwy truck, Cummins, 5&4 trans

• • • •

PICKUPS / SERVICE TRUCKS 2008 Ford F350 King Ranch Lariat Super Duty, 4x4, V8 Powerstroke diesel, auto, 171,559 km at booking, loaded w/ leather, 8’ box 2011 Ford F350 FX4, 4x4, 6.2L gas, auto, crew cab, 8’ box, showing 293,962 km 1984 Ford 8000 TA fuel truck, 11,000 L+/- dbl compartment tank w/ (2) pumps / hoses 1985 GMC 6000 SA truck w/ Tico K600WU picker 1979 Ford F350 1T dually w/ 10-1/2’ deck 1991 GMC 6000 school bus w/ alum shelving SEEDING 64’ Seed Hawk 6412 air drill w/ Seed Hawk 777 TBH tank, dbl shoot, 12’’ spacing, dual fan, variable rate, 30.5L32 duals (on cart), Agtron wireless blockage w/ tablet, Trimble FMX monitor (prescription map capability / full guidance), partial liquid kit, SN drill 271634, SN cart 271635 Case IH ADX 3430 TBT air cart, 430 bu, variable rate, dual fan 70’ Flexicoil 7500 air drill, 10’’ spacing, 3-1/2’’ steel packers, dbl shoot carbide openers, incomplete air kit (2) Flexicoil 3450 TBT air cart, variable rate, dbl shoot, dual fan (2) Flexicoil 3450 TBH air cart

HEAVY HARROWS & LAND ROLLER • 80’ McFarlane WDL 2080-16 harrows w/ Valmar 3255 • 70’ Flexicoil Sys 85 heavy harrows, ltd EXCAVATOR / FORK LIFTS acres on new 9/16’’ tines Komatsu 200LC hydraulic excavator w/ • 40’ Degelman 7640 land roller digging (36’’) & clean up (60’’) buckets, GRAIN CART / BALER / SCRAPERS mechanical thumb, SN A85419 • Brent 572 grain cart, PTO drive, 60’’ excavator rake 24.5x32 sgls, roll tarp, c/w scales & Case 586C Rough Terrain forklift monitor Lion Mfg MT60D forklift, diesel • Case IH 8465A automatic rd baler, Brush rake for older Cat D6 mesh wrap, all new belts TRUCKS • MK Martin LLT-12 PT 4-way hyd land 2000 Mack Vision 460 TA grain truck

leveler, 12’ • Isaacson KS800 hyd scraper, 8 yd+/AUGERS & CONVEYORS • FarmKing 13’’x95’ mech swing auger, Brehon swing mover w/ remote • Westfield TFX 100-41 10’’x41’ auger w/ SP mover, 35 hp Kohler, elec clutch • Brandt 1545 15’’x45’ grain conveyor w/ SP mover, Kohler 35 hp • Brandt 1585 15’’x85’ grain conveyor w/ Brandt 1515LP swing • FarmKing 10’’x50’ mech swing auger BINS • (3) 2011 Meridian GM 6000 hopper bins, rocket aeration, dbl skids, roof vents, full bin indicators • Wheatland 1625E hopper bin, dbl skid, aeration tube, 4973 bu+/• 2008 Meridian GM 4000 hopper bin, dbl skid, rocket aeration, full bin indicator • (2) Wheatland 1612 hopper bins, rocket aeration, skids, 2751 bu+/• Wheatland 1608E hopper bin, skid, 2068 bu+/• (2) Wheatland 1607E hopper bins, skids, 1896 bu+/• Wheatland 1210 hopper bin, skid, 1287 bu+/• Westeel hopper bin, aeration, skid, 2000 bu+/• (3) Westeel 19’x5 ring on Westeel hoppers, 3900 bu+/, triple skids, aeration tubes, (located off farm) • (4) Westeel 14’x4 ring corrugated hopper bins, 1500 bu+/• 16’ Wheatland dbl bin skid SNOWMOBILES & TRAILER • 2008 Skidoo Summit XP800R, 154”/2” track, RER, elec start • 2003 Polaris 600RMK Vertical Edge, 144”/2” track, reverse • 2000 Skidoo Summit 700 High Mark, 154’’ track • 2006 28’ Cargo Mate TA V-nose enclosed trailer, ramp doors • Titan aluminum sled deck GPS EQUIPMENT • (2) JD 2600 displays w/ activation • JD ATU; JD Starfire ITC receiver; JD wiring harness • Trimble EZ steer system w/ 250 display, wheel motor, Terrain compensator & globe • Trimble EZ Pilot w/ IDM-600 Terrain compensator, wiring harness • Qty of Trimble parts and harnesses MISCELLANEOUS • Graham G40 complete seed treating system, 8”x15’ auger • Valmar granular transfer system • 3’’ Straight Shot chem station w/ flow meter • (4) HD black poly water tanks (1440 US gal +/-) • 2015 Westeel 1135L dbl sealed used oil containment tank • Westeel Road Vault 830L slip tank w/ 12V pump • DEF tank w/ 12V pump • Rockport hyd high clearance sprayer lift • (10) aeration fans and (2) DryAir heaters

LOCATED: From Camrose, go 7 km east on Hwy 13, then 25 km south on Hwy 56, then 9.6 km west on Twp Rd 440, then 0.8 km south on Rge Rd 204; or from the south side of Ferintosh on Hwy 21, go 6.4 km east on Twp Rd 440, then 0.8 km south on Rge Rd 204.

Gate Sign - 43537 Rge Rd 204 FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT: Linton Falk at 780-679-8113 Previewing starts Wednesday, April 1. This is a very clean line of well maintained equipment.

Major pieces have been shedded. Equipment & Online Bidding at 12:00 p.m.

TRACTORS • 2008 John Deere 9430 4WD w/ 620/70R46 duals, showing 3608 hrs, PTO, 18 spd PS trans, high flow hyd pump – 78 GPM, 5 hyd, leather seat, diff lock, rear inner / outer weights, Autotrac ready, newer rubber • Case IH MX 135 MFWD w/ Case L300 ldr & 7’ bucket w/ grapple, approx 8400 hrs, newer 20.8-38 sgls, 16 spd partial PS, shuttle shift, joystick, 3-pt hitch, 3 hyd, 540/1000 PTO, Trimble 250 monitor & globe • Horst pallet fork and bale fork to fit above ldr • John Deere 4010 2WD w/ Ezee-On 80 ldr & 5’ bucket, showing 7810 hrs, Hold On 3-pt hitch, 18.4x34 sgls, stand trans, eng overhauled to 4020 specs, SN 401022T44425 COMBINE & HEADER • 2014 Case IH 8230 w/ Case 3016(15) PU header (2012), 823 sep / 1043 eng hrs, 620/70R42 duals, 600/65R28 rears, auto steer w/ Case IH 372 receiver, Pro 700 monitor, leather seats, large tube rotor, Magna Cut fine chopper, lateral hdr tilt, HID lights, ($23,051.07 w/o at 721 sep hrs / Dec 2018, $7,284.08 w/o at 625 sep hrs / Dec 2017), SN YEG223778, Terms: 25% non-refundable deposit, balance by Aug 1/20 • 36’ New Holland 94C draper header, dbl knife drive, full length pea auger, PU reel, fore & aft, transport

turn lawnmower, 54’’ deck, 374.5 hrs, AIR DRILL 27 hp, one owner • 2009 47’ Bourgault 5710 Series II drill, single shoot w/ MRBs, 9.8’’ • Kubota TG 1860G lawn tractor w/ 54’’ spacing, 4’’ rubber packers, c/w deck, 521 hrs, 18 hp, one owner 2008 Bourgault 6450 TBH cart, 591 • Westward gas powered lawn sweep, monitor, 4 comp, 3 meters, deluxe Honda GC160 eng auger, bag lift, dual fan • 15 gal ATV estate sprayer HEAVY HARROWS & VALMAR ATVs & SNOWMOBILE • 72’ Bourgault 7200 heavy harrows, • 2012 Polaris Ranger XP 800 EFI, 5/8’’ tines, hyd angle & pressure, showing 4434 km / 295 hrs, 4x4, 2009 diff lock, roof, ½ windshield, gas, one • Valmar 246 PT granular applicator, 60’ owner spread, ground drive, 4 section w/ 4 • 1984 Honda 250 Big Red trike, clutches, 14L-16.1 SL tires, purchased reverse, shaft drive, eng rebuilt, racks new in 2019 • Yamaha Phazer II 480 snowmobile, 1990, fan cooled, 5590 km AUGERS / GRAIN VAC / GRAIN DRYER • 2017 Brandt 10’’x70’ swing auger w/ • Quicksilver snowmobile cutter

• •

• • • • • •

Kramble elec swing mover & remote, elec swing winch & remote, reverser, light kit, one owner 2007 Brandt 10’’x60’ swing auger, reverser, one owner 2011 Sakundiak HD8-1600 8’’x52’ auger w/ Hawes 4 wheel SP mover, 38 hp Kohler, elec clutch, light kit, one owner Sakundiak HD7-1400 7’’x46’ auger w/ Wheatheart SP mover, newer 20 hp Kohler Brandt 10’’x60’ hyd swing auger Westfield W80-41 8’’x41’ PTO auger Westfield 7’’x41’ auger w/ Wheatheart bin sweep, 14 hp Kohler Brandt 4500 grain vac, 30’+/- exhaust dust hose, one owner Moridge 400 batch dryer, propane

FIELD EQUIPMENT SWATHER • 38’ Bourgault 9800 NH3 applicator, • 2008 Case WD 1203 w/ 30’ DHX weight pkg, rear hitch 302 header, showing 984 hrs, • 80’ Brandt QF 2000 PT sprayer, 1250 dbl knife drive, 2 Roto-Shears, Imp / 1500 US gal, dual nozzles, chem 6 batt PU reel, hyd center link, fill, new hyd pump 18.4R26 fronts, transport, sliding • 70’ Brandt PT sprayer, 800 Imp gal, table (new knife & guards fall / 19) wind cones, hyd pump TRUCKS & TRAILER • 31’ Morris CP-731 DT cult w/ NH3 cold • 2005 Freightliner Columbia TA grain flow, 4 bar harrows truck w/ 20’ Cancade box & hoist, auto • 31’ Morris CP-531 DT cult, 4 bar shift trans, Detroit Series 60 (515 hp), harrows showing 1,177,415 km, Brehon remote • 21’ Allis Chalmers 2300 TA disc, hyd hoist & endgate, rear hoist control, fold wings 295/75R 22.5 tires, roll tarp • 16’ Ezee-On TA disc (needs some • 1997 IH Eagle highway truck w/ Pro work) sleeper, Cummins N14 Celect Plus, 3-PT HITCH EQUIPMENT 18 spd, 46K rears, air ride, (8) newer • 7’ John Deere MX7 3-pt mower, one 285/75R24.5 rear tires owner • 2005 36’ LodeKing Prestige TA grain • 8’ Schulte 9600 3-pt snowblower trailer, dual cranks, alum slopes, roll • 21’ Spray-Tech 3-pt sprayer, 150 Imp tarp, air ride, 11R24.5 tires, one owner gal • 1981 Ford 700 Louisville SA grain truck w/ 15’ steel box & hoist, 370 LAWNMOWERS & YARD EQUIPMENT gas, 5&2 trans, roll tarp, 11R22.5 tires • 2013 John Deere Z445 EZ TRAK zero

CAMROSE, AB

CATTLE RELATED EQUIP • Flexicoil PT post pounder • Vicon 5 wheel rake • (2) 4 wheel farm wagons w/ new decks 9’x16’ / 10’x16’ • Level Winder II hyd barb wire roller • (9) 10’ UFA corral panels • Qty of vet supplies GPS EQUIPMENT • JD 2630 display w/ activation • JD Starfire 3000 receiver • EZ-Steer auto steer system w/ CFX 750 monitor, wheel motor, Terrain compensator & globe MISC & SHOP EQUIPMENT • Air Liquide Wolfpac 270 AC / DC welder generator, 39 hrs, gas, one owner • Watermaster 7.75 hp floating slough pump w/ 400’ hose, new in 2018 • (2) Flaman 5 hp inline aeration fans; (3) Clews aeration socks • GPI chem pump; Chem Handler I; Honda 2’’ banjo pump; 1250 gal poly water tank • 1985 45’ Freuhauf TA van trailer w/ rear roll up door • 1000 gal fuel tank w/ 13 GPM Fillrite pump; 135 gal slip tank w/ new 12V GPI pump • (2) Michel’s hyd hopper augers • Motomco 919 grain tester • Lincoln Weld-Pak 100 mig welder; Acklands 225 welder; 26’’ Craftsman upper / lower tool chest; rolling tool cabinet; Power Fist 12T shop press; Makita cut off saw; Honda 5-1/2 hp pressure washer; oxy / acetylene outfit (no bottles); Craftsman 13’’ drill press • (36) Flexxifinger crop lifters w/ pea & cereal tines; (30) Dutch crop lifters • 5th wheel gooseneck adapter

AUCTIONEER’S FOR BOTH UNRESERVED FARM NOTES AUCTIONS

BY FARM SALES

Phone 780-672-1105 • Fax 1-888-870-0958 Email office@djas.ca www.dougjohnsonauctionservice.com AB License 334038

• For online bidding, go to our website and click on the Online Bidding symbol to set up an account and register for the sale.

• Online bidders must pre-register at least 48 hours prior to the sale.

• See complete terms and conditions on our website.

The Williamses earn Community Helping Hearts Award

By Murray Green

The Tofield and Area Health Services Foundation named its first recipients of the Community Helping Hearts Award.

Each year, the Foundation would like to recognize community builders who contribute to making the region a better place.

This year’s recipients are Susie and Lionel Williams from Beaver County.

Lionel has a long history

in sports in the area and has been a big contributor as a member of the Tofield Agricultural Society.

Susie has also been involved in the sports scene and has dedicated herself to making the Ryley Pool and Wellness Centre an outstanding facility in the region.

The Williamses will be the guests of honour at the first annual Community Helping Hearts Dinner on

Saturday, March 21 at the Ryley Community Centre.

Advance tickets are available from Foundation trustees, the Tofield Health Centre, Village of Ryley office, Town of Tofield office, Beaver County and at Tofield Farmers Markets.

For more information, contact Foundation chair Brenda Chehade by email at council1@tofieldalberta. ca or at 780-952-6276.

Lionel and Susie Williams

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 4

Safety on the farm number one priority

By Lori Larsen

Perform routine safety checks of buildings and the potential danger inherent with such Maintaining a safe work environment is powerful pieces of machinery, drove home the and grounds for fire, tripping, or machinery important for numerous reasons, the most vital seriousness of farm safety. hazards. of which is the preservation of life and the preHilgartner demonstrated two of the most Store all farm chemicals in a secure/locked vention of injury. dangerous pieces of equipment, the Power Take location out of access of children and animals.

During Canadian Agricultural Safety Off (PTO) on the tractor hitch and the grain List all chemicals used on the farm and keep in Week (CASW), Canadian agriculture produc- auger. a secure location. ers, farmers, farm families and farming comBoth pieces of equipment were secured Secure a safety boundary around gas and munities are celebrated for their continued with additional safety devices intended to pro- other flammable substances. Place a lock on effort in ensuring that safety is a priority. tect users from accidents that could ultimately fuel tanks.

Like any organization or business, whether result in serious injury or death.

Never wear loose clothing when working it be large or a smaller family run operation, “Safety goes without saying and is a around equipment. protecting the number one asset, employees number one priority around the farm,” W here possible, should be on the forefront of wear Personal Protective everyone’s mind.

Equipment (PPE) such as Camrose and area grain splash goggles or protecfarmer D’Arcy Hilgartner of tive eyewear, steel toe/ Hilgartner Farms, explained shank footwear, hearing the importance of safety on protection, chemical proof any farm or agricultural opergloves and face masks or ation. “On our farm some of respirators when working our employees are younger with chemicals or in dusty family members so safety is conditions. very important to us.”

Safety in numbers.

Hilgartner said that Where possible work with training all employees on the a partner or have someone proper and safe use of equipnearby, especially when ment is standard operating entering grain bins, workprocedures. ing in pens with animals “We are constantly or other high-risk areas. reminding employees, and Discuss safety proanyone working in and cedures with everyone around the farm, of the varion the farm, including ous safety features.” children, employees and Those safety features consist of proper instruction visitors. on the use of all the farmUse vehicle equiping equipment, ensuring all ment roll-over protection safety devices and procestructures and seatbelts. dures are being used and Ensure that all vehicles followed, being totally aware are in park and the parkof what is going on around ing brake is engaged, prithem at all times and getor to exiting. ting into routines of working Do not allow riders on safely. tractor fenders, hitches, “We want all employees attachments or impleto make safety a habit so it ments. just comes naturally.”

Equip all farm buildHilgartner commented ings and vehicles with fire that one of the biggest conextinguishers. cerns facing farmers these When it comes to days is the sheer power and livestock, ensure the well size of the equipment being being of animals at all used. times, reducing the risk of “It is so powerful. In aggressive behaviour due many instances 500 horseLori Larsen, Camrose Booster power is not uncommon, so Camrose and area grain farmer D’Arcy Hilgartner demonstrated the safety cage in place over to pain or discomfort.

Treat animals with safety is key because these grain augers. The cage is intended to stop anything from accidently making contact with the respect keeping in mind their augers while in operation. pieces of equipment are not size and power as well as meant to stall or just stop unpredictability at all times. concluded Hilgartner. and things can happen very quickly.”

Be extra cautious around breeding and The following are a few tips to increase Considering the time constraints farmers birthing times. Mother animals can be very are also faced with, often working longer hours safety on the farm, ranch or acreage.

Where possible install additional safety protective of their young. which could lead to misjudgment, Hilgartner Ensure children and visitors maintain a reiterated the importance of everyone being devices on equipment, such as shields, chains, healthy distance from animals. kill switches and locks. trained and diligent on safety.

Maintain all gates, fences, pens and stalls Remove the keys and lock down equipment Hilgartner said that AgSafe Alberta offers for the safety of both the animals and human farmers/ranchers safety management tools, when not in use.

Maintain clean yards and work sites. Keep counterparts. resources, and programs especially useful in Safe farms/ranches equate to strong farms/ making daily operations safer. For more infor- weeds and grasses trimmed, so tractors and other farm vehicles do not run into hidden ranches. It only takes a minute for an accident mation, visit the website at www.agsafeab.ca.

A quick tour around the yard of Hilgart- obstacles or holes that could cause shrapnel to to happen, the extra time and expense invested could prevent injury or save a life. ner’s operation, viewing the massive equipment fly or a vehicle to overturn.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 5

Let me play out this scenario for you...

You get into an accident. Your insurance company says, “Take your vehicle to so and so.” But you say, “I want to take it to The Auto Shoppe – I know Jackie Rae is the celebrity apprentice there, and she wouldn’t lead me astray!”

All joking aside, where you take your vehicle after an accident is the most important decision you can make.

Two reasons: Jackie Rae, Number 1: You need to Celebrity Apprentice take it to a shop certified at the Auto Shoppe by the world’s leading auto manufacturers.

Number 2: You need someone you can trust, and that’s The Auto Shoppe in Camrose.

Wow, now that’s a body shop.

A family-owned business for 40 years Gord, Jenn and Ryan

It’s your right to choose who works on your car.

4709-36 Street, Camrose Phone 780-672-7231

www.autoshoppe.ca

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Tax Season is Here! It’s

CAMROSE 3720B-48 Avenue Corner of Highways 13 & 26

Phone: 780-679-0822

Toll Free: 1-800-898-3336

Lynn Kneeland

Mainstream Accounting 4704E-49 Avenue, Camrose | Fax 780.608.8714 Phone 780.608.8700

Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Improving crop yield

By Murray Green

RT 65H Rototiller Reg. price $1,349 NOW…

1,100

$

While supplies last

WWW.AMRAA.CA • 780.673.9593 HWY 13 & 56, CAMROSE, AB

A g r icultu re a nd A g r i-Fo o d Ca n ad a (AAFC) is finding ways to show that non-crop areas such as trees, fence lines, ditches and other field boundaries may actually provide an economic net benefit in the crops they neighbour by increasing their yields.

A team at Saskatchewan’s Indian Head Farm, led by researcher Dr. Fardausi (Shathi) Akhter, is studying the ecological benefits these noncrop areas provide to the Prairies in multiple disciplines including agroecology, entomology (insects), ornithology (birds), soil microbiology, agroforestry, economics, geomatics and agrometeorology (weather and climate).

Continued on page 6

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 6

Improving yield Continued from page 5

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News email: news@camrosebooster.com Display Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Classified Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Website: camrosebooster.com

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The entire contents of THE CAMROSE BOOSTER and THE COUNTRY BOOSTER are protected by copyright and any unauthorized reproduction of it, in whole or in part, without consent in writing, is expressly prohibited.

“What is unique about this project is the scale of it.

We’re measuring multiple ecological services simultaneously. This research will provide a missing piece in our capacity to determine where and how to best incorporate these habitats into agricultural systems,� said Dr. Akhter, research scientist for Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada.

How do these areas benefit crops? One part of the hypothesis involves insects. Field boundaries attract pollinators from afar, and they also provide pollinators and the natural enemies of crop pests ranging from wild bees to carabid beetles who need somewhere to live and eat.

Other benefits of field boundaries include modifying the microclimate in the adjacent areas, sequestering atmospheric carbon, improving air and water quality, increasing biodiversity in the agricultural landscape and providing a home for migratory birds.

While the benefits are clear, this comprehensive project is also looking at potential negative outcomes. For example, do weeds from field boundary areas encroach into the crops? Do these areas remove necessary nutrients from the soil? Initial data suggests that they do not; however, upon completion of the project, the team will be able to conclusively report on their findings through a thorough economic and environmental analysis.

Canola Council of Canada agronomy specialist Gregory Sekulic notes that Canada’s growing areas are stable and about 15 per cent of land continues to experience habitat loss.

He feels ecological services should be valued. “The idea that these areas are a problem is a cultural perception,� he said. “Farmers drive around oil lease sites all the time and are happy to because they get money for it; we need to quantify the value of these ‘non-market inputs’ such as field boundaries and potholes so that farmers can see the dollar value they provide too.�

Akhter and her team are compiling three years of data collected from canola fields near Indian Head to link the ecological services provided by field boundary habitats with crop yield. Dr. Akhter is hoping to extend the project into other crops in the future, where she can collect multiple years of continuous data from the same site in a canola-wheat-pea rotation.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 7

Hay Lakes receives Fortis grant

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FortisAlberta presented a Save Energy grant in the amount of $5,000 to the Hay Lakes and District Agricultural Society to help retrofit the multiplex building and curling rink with LED lighting on Feb. 20.

FortisAlberta launched its Save Energy Grant program to support municipalities, including schools and businesses within its service territory.

The company will disburse grants to assist with a variety of energy efficiency initiatives across FortisAlberta’s service territory. These grants will range in the amount of $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the amount requested and the total cost of the project.

The Hay Lakes Agricultural Society is committed to becoming more energy efficient and to be a promoter of sustainability in our community. They were recipients of an Energy Efficiency grant from the provincial government in 2019 and began looking into operational efficiency opportunities.

The facilities that the agricultural society operates and maintains include a curling rink, multi-plex facility, outdoor skating rink, ball diamonds and concession.

The provincial energy efficiency grant covered a little over a third of the costs to upgrade all of the buildings.

The FortisAlberta Save Energy grant allows the not-for-profit organization to continue their project. All of the lighting upgrades are being installed by Storm Electric.

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Submitted Rick Burden and Sheldon Hamel of FortisAlberta presented a cheque to treasurer Jody Melin, president Doug Lyseng and Cord These of Storm Electric.

Viking resident alerts RCMP on suspicious vehicles

By Murray Green

Viking RCMP were alerted by a local citizen about the presence of two suspicious vehicles entering onto a rural property near Holden on Feb. 28 at 9:30 a.m.

Two trucks were reported to have been trespassing on the property and the occupants were

believed to be committing a break and enter.

Viking RCMP, along with members of the Killam RCMP, Tofield RCMP and RCMP Police Dog Services attended the area, arresting the three occupants of one of the vehicles, while the second truck fled from the scene.

Later that night, RCMP received an addi-

tional tip from the public regarding the location of the second vehicle, leading police to a rural property near Bruce. Viking RCMP were able to obtain a warrant to enter the property and arrest another suspect.

Charges to the four suspects included break and enter with intent, fail to comply with release order condition, drive while

unauthorized, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose, trespass to premises for a first offence, fail to comply with undertaking condition, obstruct a peace officer and possession of a controlled substance.

All accused were subsequently released by the Justice of the Peace for court on April 6.

If you have information on this or any other crime, contact the Viking RCMP at 780-336-3441, or your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the P3 Tips app.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 8

BRSD considers closing Hardisty School to meet budget

By Murray Green

The Battle River School Division has to reduce its expenses by more than $4 million next year, in order to operate within the funding provided to them by the province.

Omar Saif, vice-president of operations and operation services at Gibson Energy’s Hardisty Terminal, made a presentation to the board to indicate that Hardisty is growing and that they are hiring more people, so the school population will likely grow over the next few years.

“We decided to move our control room (with about 35 jobs) to Hardisty because of what we saw in the community. They are the most engaged community people that I have ever met. So now we are invested $20 million and four or five new jobs in Hardisty. We are going to invest in the control room for the additional jobs,” said Omar.

“We are concerned about the knock-off effect of losing the school. We want to grow the community. We are worried about the restaurants, stores and hospital if there is no school,” said Omar.

The risk of closing schools is that some of the students would go out of the BRSD boundaries and enrolment could go down again. “We made a decision to fund any programs the teachers and students needed, regardless of the cost. We fundraise, so parents don’t

have to pay extra money on their child’s education. Our intention is to raise morale for as many students as we can,” said Kristie Foster, chair of school council and parent advisory at Allan Johnston School.

“Smaller enrolment has never affected our ability to help. We talked with parents who were considering sending their children to other schools. Over and over again they tell us it is not the school, or the parent advisory that was the problem, unfortunately it has been issues out of our control,” she added.

The projection is that Hardisty will see growth over the next six years. “We could expand the gymnasium to be used by the community as well and a space for holding community events.

This would make the space more viable and used more.

Right now the gym is too small to accommodate spectators. Any profit we would earn could be turned back into the gym improvements.

Funding could be available if it doubles as a community centre.”

She also suggested a farmers’ market, classes as training centres and a day care centre. “Half of the school is not being used to full capacity and we have options, all we need is some time to see what benefits the stakeholders the most,” said Kristie. “Instead of K to Grade 9, we could offer

K to Grade 12 with online support and utilizing classrooms.”

Closing Allan Johnstone School would result in a savings of $390,700 in staffing costs. These changes would result in a net savings of $313,900 to the school division’s budget. Allan Johnstone School has an official enrolment of 44 students in Kindergarten to Grade 9 this year and a school utilization rate of about 24 per cent.

“We believe the closure of a school should be a community and regional decision. It effects multiple stakeholders external to the board. We want to bring the stakeholders together to find solutions. They all have a stake in the community. We need to come up with root causes of why we are faced with a school closure and come up with ways to find solutions,” said Blake Moser,

of the Hardisty and District Development Group.

“We believe the current timeline doesn’t allow for consultation, or consideration of a vast number of alternatives that may be available. Without the information on the provincial budget, we can’t provide those alternatives right now,” explained Blake.

He also talked about the area growth and the way the community and school division could share costs.

“We polled parents in the area and about two-thirds would (send their children) go to the neighouring school division. That only keeps one-third going to Sedgewick. Maybe a school closure isn’t cut and dried, you will be losing the students,” said Blake.

The community is also looking at moving to a different school division.

Amanda Henry, one of

populations, but the BRSD cannot provide service in the same way. Perhaps it is time to find alternatives and innovative ideas.”

Glen showed graphs of population and how much is spent on students/schools.

“The premise is that small schools cost more. By theory, the small schools are more expensive and by playing with the finances we should see that happening. Camrose Outreach, I get that it is a special school, but we have to ask ourselves is it a speciality or has special elements compared to other schools. Maybe you can’t factor costs per student across

the board. This is saying the data is not supporting that (small schools are more expensive). School generated funds, this one shows community support. I don’t believe BRSD is tapping into this at all schools. The data shows that there is no statistical correlation between school size and school cost. I know it is deeper than that, but it is not black and white and that is my point.”

Projections do not show a significant change in enrolment for next year at any of these schools.

“The third thing is work with communities. I apologize if this sounds harsh, but this is what Ryley feels the board hasn’t done. People in Holden and I heard the people from Round Hill don’t feel it. They stated outright that BRSD hasn’t listened to them the past few years. I have to ask the question. What does working with communities look like? My goal today is to instill enough doubt in your mind to either say it is the wrong decision (to close schools) or if it is the right decision, we need time to investigate it further. You can’t do it in two or three weeks.”

Glen brought up the fact that students from the

the parents of children at the school suggested a STEM program that focuses on science, technology, engineering and mathematics. “It can be implemented early in school, as early as Grade 1 and kindergarten. The classes can be integrated so the students cannot only see the connection between them, but also understand the application.”

Sandy Otto from the Town of Hardisty pointed out that rural schools are critical. “We need to start a new conversation. We need to change our way of thinking. BRSD needs to be proactive because the school brings the community together. A healthy school leads to a healthy community. We don’t talk until we have a problem. We need more communication. We need great leaders to push the limits.”

She talked about community and how important the school is in keeping the community together.

“We are investing in the community. It is our due diligence to ensure that we have healthy communities.

We are all connected to the school. You look at the other communities that have lost their schools, they are struggling,” said Sandy.

The board will vote on whether or not to proceed with these closures and consolidations on Thursday, March 19.

Ryley, Holden parents concerned about merging schools

By Murray Green

The Battle River School Division voted to consider the closure of Allan Johnstone School in Hardisty, closure of Round Hill School, relocating Grades 10 to 12 from Ryley School and consolidating Holden School and Ryley School into one K to 9 school site.

Concerned groups were allowed to make presentations to the school board on Feb. 27.

“The Battle River School Division must tap into the communities to find alternatives. Our community and parents are going to find success. Instead of pulling out of community, because that is what I see it as, you are not going to be a part of the solution. We have seen it, there needs to be change.

You need to work with us, or I think you lose in the end,” said Glen Hamilton-Brown, CEO of the Village of Ryley.

“I see the shrinking population and see how it relates to school closures.

When you consolidate schools, families have to make hard choices. Some of those choices are to pull out and figure out their own alternatives. That causes migrations to urban from rural and causes the rural area to shrink. Then you are

back to the beginning with budget problems and consolidating more schools. I’ve seen it in business and on so many levels. We look at the financial situation and tend not to remember that there are a lot of other factors involved,” added Glen.

Ryley School has an enrolment of 95 students, including 35 in high school and 55 in Grades 7 to 9.

Their partner school, in Holden, has 118 students in Kindergarten to Grade 6.

Both schools have room to accommodate all the students in the area.

“The board faces budgets that include declining

closing schools may or may not stay in the BRSD system. “There is a much bigger picture than financial.

You have unexpected consequences. Ryley supports a solution of working with the board,” said Glen.

He also talked about how the smaller schools often have stronger sports teams because of the power in communities.

The provincial government unveiled its budget on Feb. 27, the day after the submissions took place.

“By closing a rural school, it further contributes to the demise of rural Alberta. We need to invest in our communities. The timeline for this process is too tight.

Communities need to have a reasonable amount of time to rally, come together and provide solutions,” said Kevin Smook, Beaver County councillor.

“We have resilient communities when given the chance; example is the new ice chiller at the Holden Complex. The Holden Ag Society worked hard to keep the Complex open and in turn keep the community vibrant. Rural farm families are great supporters of their communities, they are the volunteers,” shared Kevin.

Continued on page 9

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 9

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Ryley, Holden parents concerned about merging schools Continued from page 8

“If Ryley closes its high school, there’s no guarantee that the students will stay in Battle River School Division, resulting in a loss in enrolment. That (school closure announcement) comes less than two months after your announcement.

It simply does not give us

a fighting chance to come up with solutions for saving our schools, saving our communities. This should be the beginning of the conversation, not the end of it,” suggested Kevin.

“We are not opposed to change. We want a long term agreement and not a short term decision. We

assumed that closing the schools would be one of the last resorts, not the first option,” said Linda Hunt, of the Ryley/Holden school council.

“It is time for us to re-assess how we are communicating and working together. We need to look at how school council, trust-

ees and the whole division works together. We hear a lot of disconnect,” Linda said. “When we moved our children from Holden to Ryley it was a huge culture shock. It was so much more of a caring school in Holden. We are doing very well with education, community involvement in the school,

but we are not really sure about the division.”

She suggested that the council should have known sooner if the board wanted to close the school. “A lot of it is not being engaged until there is a reason to be engaged. We want to see a plan for high schools within the division.”

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 10

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The following farmland, located near Ohaton, is hereby offered for sale by tender, subject to the restrictions, reservations, and non-financial obligations in the existing Certificate of Title: E 1/2 9-46-19-W4 (bare land “as is”) Tenders are to be submitted in sealed envelopes, marked “PRICHARD TENDER”, to Andreassen Borth, with the tenderer’s GST number and accompanied by a cheque made payable to “Andreassen Borth” for $5000.00 and delivered before 12:00 noon on March 12, 2020, to Andreassen Borth, Barristers & Solicitors, #200, 4870-51 Street, Camrose, Alberta T4V 1S1. Attention: James Harry Andreassen.

The taxes will be adjusted on closing.

Tenders will not be opened in public.

The balance of the purchase price shall be paid to Andreassen Borth on or before April 15, 2020. Tenders are irrevocable and shall remain open until dealt with by the offices of Andreassen Borth. If a successful tenderer does not complete the purchase after acceptance of that tender, their deposit shall be forfeited. The highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted. The owner reserves the right to reject any and all tenders.

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The United Conservative Party’s 2020 Alberta Provincial Government plans to bring the deficit down by $1.2 billion, saving taxpayers $35 million in debt servicing costs and putting the province back on track to balance the budget by 2022-23.

The plan is built on five pillars: supporting businesses, freeing job creators from senseless red tape, investing in infrastructure, skills development, and selling Alberta to the world.

Specifically the 2020 budget will maintain the health’s operating budget at $20.6 billion, Seniors and Housing at $637 million, Community and Social Services operating budget at $3.9 billion a year and education’s operating budget at $8.3 billion and increase Children’s Services to $1.6 billion.

“We are accelerating our already aggressive Capital Plan, with a focus on infrastructure that advances jobs and economic growth,” noted Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely.

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The Battle River Research Group will be holding a farmers’ appreciation night and annual general meeting on March 26 at 4 p.m. in the Norsemen Inn. Three guest speakers and a supper will highlight the evening. Staff from Lakeland College will talk about the Agricultural Sciences Program. Rodger Hovde of Corn Ranches has been growing corn on his farm for 17 years and he will share his knowledge and experience on corn silage and forage. Camrose County manager of Agricultural Services Kevin MacDonald will present an update from the County.

Pre-registration is required by March 15 by visiting www.battleriverresearch.com/coming-events or by calling 780-582-7308.

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Over and above what was announced in the last budget, new projects worth an estimated $772 million over the next three years will create approximately 3,000 new jobs by 2022.

The 2020 Capital plan

commits $6.9 billion in 2020-21 to build and maintain key infrastructure projects across the province.

Over the course of the three-year fiscal plan, an estimated $772 million in new projects will be added, bringing the total capital plan to $9.3 billion.

Lovely indicated this will be spread throughout the province with Camrose’s specific share being just over $5 million on Stoney Creek Lodge.”

Budget and agriculture

In an interview with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry minister Devin Dreeshen, Lovely inquired on how the budget will specifically address agriculture.

“Our government was elected to create jobs, grow the economy and make sure services are there for Albertans today and remain sustainable for future generations,” noted Dreeshen.

“Alberta spends more than double the Department of AF (Agriculture and Forestry), purely on interest payment to service our $70 billion debt.

Albertans now spend more than $2 billion a year in interests to international banks, enriching their shareholders and CEOs.” Dreeshen suggested that the government needs to start running like a business.

“We’ve found an additional $46 million in efficiencies in 2020 Budget.”

The AF total budget is $833 million compared to $879 million in 2019.

“Agriculture is a key driver for economic growth in Alberta and our focus over the next four years is to expand the industry.”

Dreeshen reported the following as methods by which the government

intends on expanding the agriculture industry.

Setting ambitious agriculture and value-added export growth targets that will translate to more than $16 billion in export values by 2023.

Implementing an aggressive investment attraction target of $1.4 billion over the next four years.

Creating 2,000 new direct jobs in emerging agricultural sectors such as canola crushing, pork production, greenhouse expansion, hemp, cannabis, poppy seed production, malting, food and beverage processing and agriculture technology.

Growing Alberta’s exports in primary agriculture to 7.5 per cent per year and in value-added exports to 8.5 per cent per year. Together these will translate to more than $16 billion in export values by 2023.

Advocating for more dedicated agricultural capacity at Global Affairs Canada and Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and for a Canada Food Inspection Agency that is more responsive to industry and better oriented to business development.

“In January, we engaged with farmers, commodity groups and representatives from academic institutions and heard clearly that farmers need to help direct research priorities and that funding from government must be maintained,” said Dreeshen. “We have listened and maintained funding at $37 million for this important investment in Budget 2020.”

For more information on the 2020 provinical budget visit www.alberta.ca/ budget.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 11

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, March 10, 2020 – Page 12

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