April 21, 2020 Country Booster by The Camrose Booster

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

8 Pages

Always better – always better read

April 21, 2020

is in the air!

Photos by Lori Larsen

Spring is definitely in the air at Camrose County Rondeau family acreage as they welcome 30 lambs into the fold in less than a month. Parents Julie and Rob have been taking this special time away from regular school routine to involve nine-year-old Oliver and seven-year-old Tristan with the whole lambing process. (Top pic) The Rondeau family left to right Julie, Tristan, Oliver and Rob gather around one of the feeders in the sheep pen where 20 some ewes and 30 some lambs run around enjoying a little spring sunshine. (Right) Family dog and sheep protector Zeus keeps a vigilant eye on the Rondeau sheep herd.

Typical of most ‘kids,’ the minute mom turns her back the lamb shenanigans begin, and where one goes many will follow, including into the feeders!

Inside...

A variety of merchandise and services: Farm supplies and equipment, bank information, electronics, greenhouses, and more!

News Features… Government assists grain farmers. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 New life brings with it new hope. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Transforming agriculture research. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Win a colour enlargement of your farm! See page 8

Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 21, 2020 – Page 2

FOR SALE 1/4 Section FARM LAND with HOUSE

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Financial concerns? We’re here for you. These are extraordinary times. We know that during this time of turmoil resulting from COVID-19, financial concerns are top of mind for many. If you’re directly impacted by COVID-19 and facing financial difficulties as a result, please reach out. Contact your local branch to discuss financial relief options, including the deferral of mortgage, line of credit, loan and car payments. Visit us at whatsyourshare.ca/covid-19-update and on Facebook @VisionCreditUnion for updates as they become available.

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Government of Canada assists SEASON …is Here! grain farmers to manage risk Talk to us about: project

COVID Response

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Camrose Booster Country Booster

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Week 4

iVY desiGn inc. 403 275 3909 farm | info@ivydesign.ca By Murray Green production of Cana-

Canadian Agriculture and Agri-Food Minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced funding for new projects that will help Canada’s grain industry manage risk and build public trust. The Canada Grains Council (CGC) will receive over $430,000 to develop a pilot insurance product for grain exporters to address the risks they face of having their shipments rejected at the border of the importing country. The Government of Canada wants to insure that grain farmers are protected against the unpredictability of the international market and the risks of regulatory trade barriers, particularly around the input residues on seeds. With a target of growing agri-food exports to $75 billion by 2025, this project builds upon the government’s strong stance for international rulesbased trade. The CGC will also receive $789,558 to develop a Code of Practice for

dian grains. The new codes are voluntary and led by farmers. They will help farmers encode the best practices to follow to be considered sustainable, for both market and public trust purposes. The codes will cover a range of topics, including fertilizer management, pesticide use, soil management, farm workers and protection of wildlife habitat, as well as food safety and work safety. The codes will confirm the confidence shared by consumers around the world that Canadian grains are made to the highest standards of quality. Altogether, the CGC will receive up to $1.2 million in support of these two projects. “Canadian grains are in demand around the world because of their quality, nutrition, innovation and value. This funding demonstrates the federal government’s ongoing commitment to advancing the grains and oilseed sectors. These investments

address two key issues facing the sector: better risk management tools and market readiness,” said Bibeau. “Despite Canada’s solid reputation worldwide as a high quality and trustworthy provider of grain and oilseed products, we cannot take this for granted. Exploring new ways to help producers and industry address market access risks, as well as maintain consumer confidence that we are doing the right things to produce sustainable and safe food are an essentially part of our long-term strategy as a sector. Funding for these two projects is important to continue down that path and we would like to thank Minister Bibeau for her support of these initiatives,” added Tyler Bjornson, president of the Canada Grains Council. Since 2016, Canadian grain exports to the world increased in value by almost 25 per cent, with the biggest gains in Asia and the United States.

• Income splitting for seniors • The new climate action rebate • Your Canada training credit We’ll make it simple for you.

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.

is published for Controlled Distribution By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 12,660 copies Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway, Ferintosh, Bashaw, Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).

Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Phone 780-672-3142 Fax 780-672-2518 News email: news@camrosebooster.com Display Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Classified Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Website: camrosebooster.com

4925-48 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1L7 The most effective, most economical advertising medium in the Camrose area. 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.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 21, 2020 – Page 3

N! SOn O ou r S y D E N a ve o

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New life brings with it new hope By Lori Larsen

The world is full of hope and it can be found in many a barn mangers these days. Spring is in the air and baby animals are popping up everywhere. For local “shepherds” Rob, wife, Julie and children, Oliver and Tristan Rondeau spring is arriving fast and furiously as they welcome a drove of frisky,

adorable little lambs to the fold. Rob and Julie started their little herd back in 2015 with a couple ewes. “When we first moved to our acreage six years ago we didn’t have any animals yet,” said Rob. “We posted an ad to try to rent out the pasture and a guy who had just moved to Camrose for work had a half-dozen sheep and needed a place to keep them. He lambed

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster The mama sheep keep a close eye on all the little ones all the while getting a little rest and some spring sunshine.

them out in our barn and we got to enjoy the experience.” Rob said that the gentleman eventually located a more suitable place for himself and his animals and ended up moving his herd but left a couple of lambs as a thank-you to the Rondeaus for helping him out. “We then ended up buying two more ewes from him and then a couple from a contact of his, and so began the sheep farming.” Since then the flock has grown and this year they had 20 pregnant ewes which to date have reproduced 30 lambs, some singles, twins, triplets and, yes, even a set of quads. “We started with four ewes, the next year we had nine, the next 17, the next 19 and now 20 ewes. That’s about all we want to take on right now, since we both also work full time and have two active boys,” laughed Rob. Continued on page 5

Toll Free: 1-800-898-3336

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 21, 2020 – Page 4

IMPORTANT NOTICE TO CAMROSE AND AREA RESIDENTS

Smith Clinic is OPEN We are here to support our community during this COVID-19 crisis.

We will continue to provide services for our patients. We will also provide phone care where needed. We are also taking necessary measures to protect our patients and staff as well. Walk In Clinic will be by appointment only.

Please call 780-672-2423 to book.

Transforming agriculture research By Murray Green

Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Devin Dreeshen announced the creation of Results Driven Agriculture Research (RDAR), a non-profit, arm’s-length agriculture research organization.

RDAR’s structure takes the best parts of previous research models, such as Alberta Livestock and Meat Agency (ALMA) and Alberta Crop Industry Development Fund (ACIDF), as it ensures research reflects the priorities of farmers and

ranchers. It is imperative that agriculture research in Alberta achieves outcomes that can be applied in the field and on the ranch. “We will make sure farmers direct research priorities. RDAR will ensure Alberta’s agriculture indus-

Ultra-safe • Physical distancing On-the-farm or On-the-road

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NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING BYLAW 1465 Pursuant to Section 606 of the Municipal Government Act, the Council of Camrose County gives notice that it has given First Reading to Bylaw No. 1465 to amend Land Use Bylaw No. 1373. The purpose of this bylaw is to redistrict a portion of SE-4-43-21-4 from AG – Agricultural to WP – Watershed Protection District. The intent is to allow the owner to subdivide the area into one parcel and construct a dwelling. Anyone affected by this amendment may make written submissions before 12:00 noon, Tuesday, May 5, 2020. The Public Hearing for Bylaw No. 1465 will be held on Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at 10:00 am in the County Council Chambers, 3755- 43 Avenue, Camrose, Alberta T4V 3S8. Written submissions will be heard first, oral submissions will be heard as time permits. Copies of the proposed bylaw are available online at www. county.camrose.ab.ca try has more financial flexibility and autonomy to fund longer-term projects. Governments shouldn’t force ideology on research priorities–research priorities should be determined by

industry. Research can be a massive springboard for economic growth and, with the right focus, RDAR can achieve that for Alberta’s farmers and ranchers,” said Dreeshen.

Let’s take care of each other.” “

We want to touch base with you in regards to COVID-19 and how we are monitoring and managing the ever-changing situation. Our door handles, desks, switches, Jackie Rae, phones and all shared CFCW radio surfaces are being personality and Auto Shoppe Celebrity wiped down multiple Apprentice times throughout the day. We can provide non-contact drop-off and pick-up of your vehicle, if you choose. Please let us know and we can accommodate. Your vehicle’s steering wheel, door handles, keys and gearshift will be wiped down prior to pick-up. As a team, we are practicing social distancing, handwashing and no handshake or hug rules right now for all of our safety.

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

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 21, 2020 – Page 5

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New life on the farm brings new hope Continued from page 3

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This year the family also invested in a herd protector, a fluffy pure bred Maremma sheep dog named Zeus. Zeus is not alone in his duties of protecting the herd, however, he is joined by two very attentive, sometimes ornery but always on the job llamas, Ladonda and Chocolate. “The llamas protect the sheep from predators like coyotes, and Ladonda makes sure to get to know each of the lambs as soon as she can,” said Rob. “Zeus was added as he will have the ability to go over or under fences to chase predators further than the llamas could, and to alert us when something or someone unfamiliar approaches his territory.” The Rondeau children are having no problem at all keeping busy during the extra time off from school house learning either. Nine-year-old Oliver takes great joy in checking in on the new babies every day and seven-year-

old Tristan keeps a close eye on Zeus. “The boys have been able to go out every day and help bottle feed a couple of the lambs,” said Rob. “They are out helping check on the lambs and they are excited every time more are born. They have been able to witness the lambs being born and are well aware that there are no storks involved,” laughed Rob. “They’re still a little wary of the bigger animals, and rightly-so when it comes to rams, but they’re a great help when you’ve got an animal held for tagging, foot trimming or giving a vaccination; they stand ready to hand you tools or man gates as needed. They already know a lot more about caring for the sheep than we did when we started, even if they aren’t big enough to tackle much of it yet.” As the weather warms up the lambs become even more active running a muck in the fields, chasing each other, jumping like they are spring loaded and

in the words of Julie basically causing “lambpeeds.” However it is not all fun and games the lambs need to be kept fed, their health closely monitored and eventually prepared for the inevitable–market, another lesson the children have learned. “We will keep a couple of the ewe lambs every year to replace any of the ewes that struggled with lambing or caring for their lambs,” explained Rob of the maintenance of the herd. “The rest either go to the packers for meat for our clients, are sold privately to other farms, or are taken to market. Although the kids would love to keep every one of them, they know that we’ll end up selling most of them.” For now the shenanigans of the current lot keep the Rondeaus very busy and very amused and during some unsure times who couldn’t use a little lamb therapy.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 21, 2020 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Page 6

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 21, 2020 – Page 7

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When we started facing the COVID-19 crisis a month ago I was hopeful that we would be past it by this time in April, but it looks like we will be dealing with this situation for the foreseeable future. I want you to know that we are all thinking of our community at this time and Camrose County Council and staff have been working diligently to make the transition into this new work environment as seamless as possible. Our primary focus remains on our essential services and I’m happy to announce that although we have put in social distancing measures which limit in-person interactions with Reeve Cindy Trautman our staff, all of our essential services are up and running to serve you. Whether that is our road and utility crews, the seed cleaning plant and agricultural services, the landfill, or our administration departments. Our plan to limit staffing in the office has paid off, there are no cases of COVID-19 in Camrose County staff and cautionary self-quarantine sick days have had no significant impact on our operations. County Council and administration recognize that it isn’t business as usual for our community so while we continue to operate as normally as possible, we have made significant changes to help assist you better now and in the future. 1. Our meetings are now being held virtually and people can call in to participate from home. Our agendas continue to be available online a few days before the meeting so you can see what items will be discussed. 2. To address the financial strain some ratepayers are facing, Council waived penalties on County utility bills between April 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020. This is not a cancellation of utility fees but does give residents flexibility to pay any amount owing up to June 30. After July 1 regular penalties will apply to outstanding balances. 3. We are in the process of implementing online credit card payments and to allow payment of utilities and taxes on a credit card (previously there was a limit on how much could be charged on a credit card) 4. We are still hiring the summer students to assist with various public works, landfill and parks duties, including weed spraying and mowing. This will also keep our youth working. 5. Our Food Artisans of Camrose County committee is working with vendors to maintain a list of active vendors, as well as developing a communal curbside pickup location and time so if you buy from more than one vendor you can pick up everything at once in a safe location. Unfortunately, there are some services that will still need to be limited and these will change over time. 1. Our playgrounds and recreation facilities remain closed per the Alberta Health Services Order. 2. Farm truck inspections, the agricultural awards banquet and other events have been cancelled but we hope to run these in the fall. 3. Our campgrounds will open later than usual – we are aiming for May 29, but that is pending the recommendations of AHS. On behalf of County Council, I would like to take a moment to thank all of the County employees who are working tirelessly to maintain our service levels through commitment to their role and developing innovative ways to provide service. If you have any questions please reach out to the County Office at 780-672-4446 or county@county.camrose.ab.ca. Updates are also available on our website www.county. camrose.ab.ca. In addition, the County Annual Report is in the Country Booster this week. It has lots of information on County operations and we encourage you to read it. Finally, thank you all for your patience, understanding and support during these difficult times. Camrose County was built by people like you looking after family and neighbours and we continue to see that community support today.

Reeve Cindy Trautman

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster The only thing more adorable than a newborn lamb is two along with their “junior” shepherd, nine-year-old Oliver Rondeau. These two little beauties were less than two days old yet full of vigor as they bounced around the straw filled pens .

KEY CONTACTS Main Office: 780-672-4446 or county@county.camrose.ab.ca Public Works & Protective Services: 780-672-4449 or pw@county.camrose.ab.ca Agricultural Services: 780-672-4765 or asb@county.camrose.ab.ca Seed Cleaning Plant: 780-672-2371 or seed-plant@county.camrose.ab.ca West Dried Meat Lake Landfill: 780-877-2269 or wdmlrl@county.camrose.ab.ca Assessment: 780-678-3070 or assessment@county.camrose.ab.ca Planning: 780-678-3070 or planning@county.camrose.ab.ca Follow us at: www.county.camrose.ab.ca Facebook: Facebook.com/Camrose.County Twitter: @CamroseCounty

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 21, 2020 – Page 8

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Wild Rose Co-op Locations in Camrose, Killam, Sedgewick, Viking, Galahad, Alliance and Hardisty

The farm appearing in this photograph is located in the Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” color enlargement of the photo.

• The March 24th Mystery Farm winners are Carolyn and Kerry Blades, Camrose County • This week’s prize must be claimed by April 28, 2020. • This week’s Mystery Farm is sponsored by the businesses on this page.

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