April 20, 2021 Country Booster

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

Always better – always better read

8 Pages

G N D N U I B K R O A E R

Photos by Murray Green

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April 20, 2021

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amrose County councillors and staff broke ground on the new seed cleaning plant location in the Millaing Subdivision, east of Camrose. From left, County administrator Paul King, councillor Greg Gillespie, Reeve Cindy Trautman, councillor Jack Lyle, agricultural services manager Kevin McDonald, seed cleaning plant manager Murray Van Petten and councillor Doug Lyseng were excited to start the building project within the County.

The seed cleaning plant facility will be specifically designed and dedicated to cleaning and treating seed, housing seed cleaning equipment and accommodating the operations of the plant.

Millang Industrial Park is located on Highway 56, just south of Legacy Junction and Highway 13. (More of this story on page 2.)

Inside...

A variety of merchandise and services: Auctions, farm supplies, services, tenders and more!

News Features…

County borrows funds to assist seed plant. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Young farmers represent the future. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2

Control skunk pests on your property this summer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4

Use 911 for emergency situations only . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

6

See page 8 to

win a colour enlargement of your farm!

Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 20, 2021 – Page 2

County borrows funds to assist seed plant

By Murray Green

Camrose County Council will be assisting the Camrose County Seed Cleaning Plant by borrowing funds for the new plant that will begin construction in the Millang Industrial Park in early April.

“I move that Camrose County council give first reading to Bylaw 1487 Camrose County Seed Cleaning Plant Borrowing and, further, that administration be directed to advertise the intention of Camrose County to complete this borrowing bylaw as per Section 606(2) of the MGA,” said councillor Jack Lyle.

During 2020, council authorized the design, geotechnical study, site grading and installation of pilings for the new Camrose County Seed Cleaning Plant through four motions.

These projects were all completed with funding coming from reserves of the seed cleaning plant’s operations. The construction of the seed cleaning plant has been included in the 2021 capital budget.

Millang Industrial Park is located on Highway 56, just south of Legacy Junction and Highway 13.

Funding for the proposed construction is estimated as follows: MSI Capital Funding $2 million; Camrose County $1 million; reserves Seed Cleaning Plant $2,080,731; Camrose County debenture $2,234,000; for a total project cost of $7,314,731.

“We recommend borrowing in the amount of $2,234,000, to be authorized by bylaw for the completion of the project.

We could borrow $4 million, but we are in a position that we don’t have to do that, so why would we?

The $1 million the County is giving will come back when the land of the existing plant is sold,” explained administrator Paul King.

In order to complete the project, it will be necessary for Camrose County to borrow the funds for a period not to exceed 20 years from the Province of Alberta or another authorized financial institution.

The seed cleaning plant facility will be specifically designed and dedicated to cleaning and treating seed, housing seed cleaning equipment and accommodating the operations of the plant.

Young farmers represent the future

By Murray Green

GOT HER GOAT Kinsey Bartman and her baby goat, Winston, enjoy getting out and about in the yard at Luzuli Farms – a family-run business just north of Camrose.

Youth and young farmers are the future of Canada’s agriculture and agrifood sector. The government recognizes that their fresh ideas and approaches will help build a stronger, more innovative sector, ready to meet the needs of tomorrow.

Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau delivered remarks at the Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum (CYFF) National Conference. She noted the opportunities for networking and collaboration in the future between the CYFF and the Canadian Agricultural Youth Council, whose 25 members from across the agriculture and agri-food sector help advise the minister and the department on policies and programs important to the council.

The two groups share many priorities, and both are working to make progress on issues like succession planning, mental health, agricultural awareness and education, and environmental sustainability.

During the conference, Bibeau also highlighted the nearly 1,000 agricultural jobs created through the Youth Employment and Skills Program (YESP) during the 2020-21 program year, significantly surpass-

ing the 700 jobs originally expected. As announced in May 2020, the government invested $9.2 million to help the agriculture industry attract Canadian youth, ages 15 to 30, to their organizations, as the sector is facing labour shortages brought on by the pandemic. This program provides youth from across the country, particularly youth facing barriers to employment, with job experience in agriculture that could prepare them for their future careers.

The YESP is part of the Youth Employment and Skills Strategy (YESS), which is the government’s commitment to help young people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, get the information and gain the skills, work experience and abilities they need to make a successful transition into the labour market.

“Through the participation of the youth council and other groups, such as the Canadian Young Farmers’ Forum, we are ensuring that their voice is heard and considered in our decisions.

We also want to offer young people rewarding professional experiences that help to enhance the sector and address the labour shortage,” said Bibeau.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 20, 2021 – Page 3

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Virtual cancer run to make difference

By Murray Green

Albertans Helping Albertans Virtual 5K Run will be taking place this year.

“It will be a virtual five-kilometre event. Run with us to make a difference for Albertans facing cancer,” said Michelle Pitt, Alberta Cancer Foundation

development officer and community relations.

“This May, we invite you to join us for the Albertans Helping Albertans province-wide fundraiser that raises funds in support of the 17 cancer centres located throughout Alberta.”

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403-578-3551 vices for people with cancer. Call 780-679-2822 for more information on services offered in Camrose.

Does your is published for Controlled Distribution

By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 11,639 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).

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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 20, 2021 – Page 4

Control skunk pests on your property this summer

By Lori Larsen

Little creatures of all shapes, sizes and breeds are coming out of their long winter naps to breed, give birth and forage for food.

One such creature, the striped skunk, is best known for its distinctive black with white striped appearance and its even more infamous defence mechanism. While the skunk does not actually hibernate, they become more active during warmer weather.

While some may think skunks are a nuisance, they feed heavily on insects and rodents such as mice that are known to cause damage to farm crops.

Mephitidaes, the Latin term for a family of mammals comprised of skunks and stink badgers, are known for the development of their anal scent glands, which they use to deter predators.

The formidable spray

Skunks are not normally aggressive, but, like many other species, when they feel threatened, they will respond accordingly.

Skunks have a few methods for scaring off threats including the strategically placed stripes that point directly to their rear end, a warning to predators of what is about to come, stamping their front feet (warning dance), growling, raising their tails and hissing.

However, their most effective defence is the fluid, known as mercaptan, they spray from their anal scent glands.

Skunks can spray up to three metres (10 feet) and produce enough liquid for five sprays a week.

The skunk’s spray is not only incredibly offensive smelling, but can cause a burning sensation when contact is made with the eyes and nose of its victim. In fact, some people who have been sprayed by skunks have experienced blindness for up to 15 minutes.

The odour can last up to several days on clothing, but will eventually dissipate if washed immediately.

To get rid of the smell, you will need to alter the chemical makeup of the oils. There are several fairly successful products on the market specifically made for that, or you can use a mixture of baking soda and hydrogen peroxide.

To rid the smell on your family pet, seek advice from your local veterinarian.

Human encounters

It is not always easy to avoid encounters with skunks. They may suddenly appear on your path or show up in your yard.

They can carry rabies, although there are very few rabid skunks in Alberta.

However, if you should notice a skunk that is active in the daytime, unusually aggressive or approaches people and other animals without fear, they should be avoided as this behaviour may be the sign of a rabid skunk. If a skunk is in the later stages of a rabies infection, they may wander and be listless and docile

Pat Horton, Camrose Booster Skunks are making more frequent appearances after being less active during the longer cold days of winter.

and exhibit head or body tremors.

In the case of a possible rabid skunk, seek shelter indoors for yourself and your family and family pet.

Do not attempt to approach the skunk, and contact your local Fish and Wildlife

Submitted In this photo captured from a trail camera at night, the cougar seems a little hesitant to tangle with the skunk, who, by his/her posturing, would appear to be ready for battle.

office or municipal animal control organization.

It is always advised to maintain your pet’s rabies vaccinations, especially when they are allowed to roam on your property.

Getting rid of skunks

If skunks become a concern, live traps are available to help manage the issue.

However, there are measures you can take to prevent skunks from visiting your property.

Begin by ensuring all food and shelter is removed.

Removing attractants, such as food supplies, is the number one way to send skunks packing.

Store your garbage in sealed containers with tight-fitting lids.

Place pet food indoors, or remove the pet dishes as soon as your pet is finished eating outdoors, and store your pet food indoors.

Honey is not only a sweet treat for humans, skunks cannot resist the taste either. Honey producers can stop skunks from raiding beehives by installing and maintaining an electric fence perimeter around the apiary. Also place beehives on stands one metre (three feet) off the ground.

To remove shelter, clear out brush piles, stacked lumber or other debris that skunks like to use for cover.

Inspect your property for spaces underneath sheds, decks, crawl spaces, porches or any structures.

Where possible, close

off the spaces by using halfinch hardware cloth. Make sure there are no skunks inside when you close off the space.

If skunks have already called the space home, then set out deterrents, such as mothballs, at the entry points.

Skunks are not particularly good at climbing, so if you discover one that has fallen into a window well or other hole on your property, with as little noise and distraction as possible, carefully place a 2” x 6” or other wide plank into the window well or hole and wait for the skunk to climb out.

Should a skunk decide to pay a visit inside your home, garage, barn or shed, leave the door open and allow it to find its way out. If you decide to coax it along, the results may include some smelly consequences.

If you should happen upon a skunk while out walking or it is visiting your yard, quietly and slowly back away and make no sudden movements. Generally, the skunk will move along and not bother you.

Skunk traps are available from the Camrose County agricultural services department for County residents only.

For more information, call 780-672-4765.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 20, 2021 – Page 5

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An ideal candidate will possess experience in handling real estate transactions, and thrives upon working in a fastpaced office environment.

The successful applicant will demonstrate: • Proficiency in working with firm deadlines • High level of professionalism and confidentiality • Strong multitasking skills and ability to prioritize workload • Attention to detail • Excellent verbal and written communication skills Fielding & Company LLP provides a competitive salary, and an excellent benefits package, including dental, that is 100% paid for by employer.

All applications will be held in confidence. Only candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

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FOR SALE BY TENDER

TENDERS ARE INVITED for the purchase of the following property from Lakeview Holsteins Ltd. located in the Camrose County: Parcel 1 MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 20 TOWNSHIP 49 SECTION 6 QUARTER NORTH EAST CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT: A) ALL THAT PORTION DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, DISTANT 75.4 METERS SOUTH FROM THE NORTH EAST CORNER THEREOF, THENCE WESTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE NORTHERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, A DISTANCE OF 101 METERS THENCE SOUTHERLY PARALLEL WITH SAID EASTERLY BOUNDARY A DISTANCE OF 80.5 METERS, THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTHERLY BOUNDARY, A DISTANCE OF 101 METERS TO SAID EASTERLY BOUNDARY, THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID EASTERLY BOUNDARY A DISTANCE OF 80.5 METERS TO THE POINT OF COMMENCEMENT CONTAINING 0.809 HECTARE (2.0 ACRES) MORE OR LESS B) 1.07 HECTARES (2.65 ACRES) MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 2954NY C) 0.720 HECTARES (1.78 ACRES) MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 7921046 EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS *There is a Ridgewood Mobile Home on this parcel which is included in the sale. The Moduline Mobile Home on the property will be removed on or before May 22, 2021. The successful tenderer will agree to allowing access to this parcel to allow for the removal of the Moduline Mobile Home. There is also the possibility of a natural hotspring on this parcel Parcel 2 MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 20 TOWNSHIP 49 SECTION 6 ALL THAT PORTION OF THE NORTH EAST QUARTER DESCRIBED AS FOLLOWS: COMMENCING AT A POINT ON THE EASTERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, DISTANT 75.4 METERS SOUTH FROM THE NORTH EAST CORNER THEREOF, THENCE WESTERLY PARALLEL WITH THE NORTHERLY BOUNDARY OF SAID QUARTER SECTION, A DISTANCE OF 101 METERS, THENCE SOUTHERLY PARALLEL WITH SAID EASTERLY BOUNDARY A DISTANCE OF 80.5 METERS, THENCE EASTERLY PARALLEL WITH SAID NORTHERLY BOUNDARY, A DISTANCE OF 101 METERS TO SAID EASTERLY BOUNDARY, THENCE NORTHERLY ALONG SAID EASTERLY BOUNDARY A DISTANCE OF 80.5 METERS TO THE POINT OF COMMENCEMENT CONTAINING 0.809 HECTARES (2 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT: 0.081 OF A HECTARE MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 7921046EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS Parcel 3 THE SOUTH WEST QUARTER OF SECTION SEVEN (7) TOWNSHIP FORTY NINE (49) RANGE TWENTY (20) WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT: 0.534 HECTARES (1.32 ACRES) MORE OR LESS, AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 2954 EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS Parcel 4 MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 20 TOWNSHIP 48 SECTION 33 QUARTER NORTH WEST CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT: A) PLAN 7921046 ROAD 0.809 HECTARES (2.00 ACRES) B) PLAN 1422149 DESCRIPTIVE 2.19 HECTARES (5.41 ACRES) EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS Parcel 5 THE SOUTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION SEVEN (7) TOWNSHIP FORTY NINE (49) RANGE TWENTY (20) WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT: (A) 0.672 HECTARES (1.66 ACRES) MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 3494EO (B) 0.797 HECTARES (1.97 ACRES ) MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 7921046 EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS *This parcel is the home quarter and in the past was a fully functioning dairy operation. The parcel consists of a 1560 square foot bungalow with a walk out basement built in 1998 with a double attached garage, a 8400 square foot shop built in 2008 with concrete floor and 5 overhead doors, a 9800 square foot shop built in 2008, a 23,200 square foot milk barn with a 4000 gallon stainless steel milk tank, a 2400 square foot pole cattle shelter, an older house approximately 75 years old and with a addition added on later of approximately 1200 square feet and other smaller out buildings.

Parcel 6 THE NORTH EAST QUARTER OF SECTION SEVEN (7) TOWNSHIP FORTY NINE (49) RANGE TWENTY (20) WEST OF THE FOURTH MERIDIAN CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS EXCEPTING THEREOUT: 0.805 HECTARES (1.99 ACRES)MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 792104 (B) 0.797 HECTARES (1.97 ACRES ) MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 7921046 EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS *There is a partially built house on this parcel close to pavement. The house will be included with the sale of this parcel but is “as is where is” The title to the property will be subject to the reservations and exceptions now appearing on the title and free and clear of all encumbrances.

GST will be added to the tender price unless the purchaser is a GST registrant at the time of closing.

TENDERS must be in writing, accompanied by a certified cheque for 5% of the tender price, sealed in an envelope marked “Lakeview Tender” and must be received by Fielding & Company LLP, Barristers and Solicitors, #100, 4918 - 51 Street, Camrose, Alberta, T4V 1S3, on or before 12:00 noon, April 22, 2021. The tender must indicate which parcel or parcels the tenderer is submitting an offer on. Municipal taxes and will be adjusted. The closing and adjustment date of sale will be April 30, 2021, and the successful tenderer must pay the balance of the purchase price, plus GST unless the tenderer is a GST registrant, on the closing date, or the deposit will be forfeited. The deposits of all unsuccessful tenderers will be returned to them forthwith after the closing of tenders. No conditional tenders will be accepted, and the highest or any tender will not necessarily be accepted.

No warranty whatsoever is given as to the condition of the property or as to the fitness of the property for any purpose. In order for the sale of the lands to be completed on April 30, 2021, the Seller is willing to pay the cost of title insurance on behalf of the successful tenderer(s).

For further information about the property phone Wayne Throndson, Q.C. at Fielding & Company LLP, 780-672-8851.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 20, 2021 – Page 6

Use 911 for emergency situations only

By Lori Larsen

The 911 emergency line is just that–a quick and easy number for people to remember and call in the event of an emergent situation that requires police, fire or ambulance immediately. It is not an information line, and the Alberta RCMP would like to remind residents of how important it is to not tie up the 911 line with nonemergent calls.

In 2020, Albertans telephoned 911 over 890,000 times, many of which were not for emergencies. In fact, according to the RCMP, some were extraneous.

During National Public Safety Telecommunications Week, the Alberta RCMP ask that residents take special note of the difficult and often very stressful jobs Operational Communications Centres (OCC) employees do every day to ensure the well being of all Albertans.

“OCC operators work tirelessly behind the scenes in high stress circumstances, serving the citizens of

Alberta and our employees every day,” said deputy commissioner Curtis Zablocki, commanding officer of Alberta RCMP. “They are lifelines for Albertans in emergency situations, and we could not provide the service we do without them. Every 911 call is taken seriously on our end.”

Some of the unnecessary 911 calls made to RCMP OCC last year include the following: “My phone settings are all in another language, how can I change it back?”

“Can you bring me a hamburger? I am hungry and cannot drive.”

“I need you to stop my teenage son from vaping.”

“My neighbour is plowing snow incorrectly!”

“The neighbour’s kids strum the guitar every time I go for a smoke. No matter what time of day, this has been ongoing for three months since the start of lockdown.”

The OCC also received multiple calls reporting

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster RCMP reminds residents that 911 is to be used for emergency situations requiring immediate police, fire or ambulance response.

suspicious satellites when SpaceX launched.

While these may seem humourous and perhaps even ridiculous, the fact of the matter is that when an OCC operator is answering one of these unnecessary 911 calls, they are unable to answer a call that could be the difference between life or death.

Alberta RCMP has two dispatch centres, one in Edmonton and another in Red Deer, which are staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by a team of about 160 dispatchers, serving 114 jurisdictions and 1.3 million people.

It is important to understand and teach children to call 911 if some-

one’s safety or health is at risk. However, the flip side of the coin is to be cognizant of whether or not the situation warrants immediate police, fire or ambulance service. Complaining about your neighbour’s snow removal techniques or ordering a hamburger most certainly does not.

Fertilizer efficiency

By Warren Ward, Agronomy Specialist

Living in harmony Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster The return of the geese, swans, snow geese and ducks has ponds, rivers, lakes and field puddles around the County filled with waterfowl, all sharing whatever thawed water they can find.

The principles of 4R fertilizer management will help farmers improve plant uptake of their fertilizer inputs. This will improve farm profitability and also reduce losses to the air and water.

The 4R practices are based on the four Rights: Right Source at the Right Rate, Right Time, Right Place. The focus tends to be on nitrogen and phosphorus, which are two of the biggest input costs and two nutrients most likely to cause economic and environmental concerns when lost to the air and water.

Right source in spring– source is not a big concern.

Use whatever nitrogen and phosphorus products works best with your system.

Right rate for canola–a rate specific to the needs of each field is encouraged.

Variable rate application is an advanced 4R practice. Use soil tests and crop removal to set rates, and consider yield probabilities based on weather variations.

Right time in spring– there is no wrong time. It could be before seeding, at seeding, or, as noted, a split application that includes an in-crop top-up.

Right place recommends sub-surface bands to put fertilizer where the plants can get it and to reduce losses from surface applications. For canola, use only a starter rate of phosphate in the seed row and put everything else in a band outside the seed row. Note that seed and

seedling damage from seed-placed fertilizer can be especially high in dry conditions. Without adequate moisture to dilute and dissipate the fertilizer, this hot band of fertilizer will reduce emergence.

Canada’s canola industry has a goal to see 4R practices used on 90 per cent of canola acres by 2025.

Fertilizer Canada administers the 4R Nutrient Stewardship Program that formally tracks 4R acres. To get their acres counted, farmers have to work with a designated agronomist. The agronomist helps the farmer with steps required for 4R, and the agronomist then submits these acres to Fertilizer Canada.

What’s in it for the farmer? Through the use of 4R Nutrient Stewardship, farmers can ensure they use fertilizer efficiently and get more return from the investment. 4R-designated agronomists are trained to improve nutrient use efficiency for farmers. In the bigger picture, improved nutrient use across Canada is good for the landscape and sends a positive message to customers.

For more 4R tips and links, including companies with 4R-designated agronomists, read “How to get acres counted as 4R” at canolawatch.org.

For more information on how to get acres counted as 4R, check www. canolacouncil.org/canolawatch/2021/03/03/howto-get-acres-counted-as-4r/.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 20, 2021 – Page 7

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Educating youth on agriculture

By Murray Green

Canada is committed to increasing awareness and promoting interest in agriculture across the country.

Agriculture in the Classroom Canada (AITC-C) starts conversations early, teaching Canadian youth the importance of farming and the agri-food sector, while promoting interest for future careers in agriculture and food.

Canadian Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Bibeau announced Agriculture in the Classroom Canada has been approved for up to $1.6 million over two years under the AgriCompetitiveness Program. The announcement marked the launch of one of AITC-C’s flagship initiatives, Canadian Agriculture Literacy

Month (CALM), which is now in its 10th year.

“It is absolutely essential that young Canadians understand where their food comes from. They must know what farmers’ work consists of and how hard they work to take care of their animals and our environment in order to provide us with highquality food. I encourage our young people to take an interest in the many job opportunities available to them on farms and in mechanics, electronics and engineering, science, animal and plant health and much more. I applaud the Agriculture in the Classroom Canada team for their outstanding work and celebrate Agriculture Literacy Month with them,” said Bibeau.

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ONLINE TIMED SPRING CONSIGNMENT AUCTION BIDDING STARTS APRIL 26 AND BIDDING ENDS MAY 1 Visit our website to register for our online timed auction WWW.LINDSTRANDAUCTIONS.COM Accepting delivery of consignments from Saturday, April 17 to Sunday, April 25, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm Public Viewing from Monday, April 26 to Saturday, May 1 Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Saturday, 9:00 to noon, at our yard 2 MILES NORTH OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec Hwy 833) COVID-19 Regulations will be in effect.

We conduct Alberta’s Largest One-day Farm Machinery Consignment Auction four times a year. Selling farm equipment, cars and trucks, lawn and garden, recreation vehicles and shop equipment. Whether you have one piece or a complete line of machinery, we have the facility and the experience to bring you top dollar for your equipment. For full listings and pictures, visit our website at www.lindstrandauctions.com Terms and Conditions: E-transfer, Wire Transfer, Cash, Debit, Visa, MasterCard (3% service charge), company cheque with major ID. GST will apply on some items. All accounts must be paid in full before removal. Online Bidding Fee 4% up to a maximum of $800 per item.

AT LINDSTRAND AUCTIONS SALE SITE, 2 MILES NORTH CONSIGN NOW! OF CAMROSE ON HIGHWAY 833. (47321 Sec Hwy 833)

Ph: 780-672-8478

Jody Cell: 780-679-8101

AB License #312728

W W W. L I N D S T R A N DAU C T I O N S .C O M AgriCompetitiveness Program will help AITC-C offer innovative teaching tools and initiatives to provide accurate and consistent information on Canadian agriculture. Funds will also be used to expand

upon current and new agriculture awareness tools, including snapAG fact sheets, the Little Green Thumbs school gardening program, a national rollout of their Business of Food teacher training program,

CALM, and Journey 2050 virtual farm presentations.

Due to AITC-C’s ability to increase the scope of their programming, the investment represents a 50 per cent increase in annual funding.

Sanctuary Estates lot moves

By Murray Green

The last lot in Sanctuary Estates has now been sold. “I move that (Camrose County) council accept the request to sell Lot 49, Block 1, Plan 202-0796 for $70,000 plus fees,” said councillor Doug Lyseng.

“I would rather see things going.”

The fees include legal fees, registration, plus GST. The County was going to counter offer with $78,912 plus all legal and registration fees associated with the sale of the property, but due to the lower ground on the lot, it was decided to sell the last lot in the area.

Sanctuary Estates is located at 50072 Range Road 205, north of Miquelon Lake.

In 2020, Camrose County approved an additional subdivision in Sanctuary Estates, with the agreement that instead of paying for cash in lieu of municipal reserves or designating Lot 49 as municipal reserve, which administration and the MPC determined would be extraneous reserves, County decided to have the lot registered as a residen-

tial parcel, in the County’s name.

The agreement included the right for the applicant to have first rights to buy the land back from the County within five years, at a reduced cost of around 80 to 90 per cent of the assessed value.

The reduction was intended to cover the holding costs, marketing and things the County will not have to pay for if they just sell the lot back to the developer. The assessed value of this lot is $98,640, making the original offer of $55,000 about 56 per cent of the assessed value. Administration countered at 90 per cent or $88,700. The applicant then offered $70,000 (71 per cent of assessed value).

“After carefully reviewing how much clay is needed to be brought into this lot to make it a buildable site, and taking into consideration the $6,000 that I had to invest into the driveway of this lot, the absolute maximum that I can pay for it right now is $70,000. Please take into consideration that I am planning to build a

house on this property this year. That will bring immediate tax revenues for the County,” said developer Andrew Boitchenko.

The applicant then followed up with this statement: “Thank you, Anjah Howard (County planning manager). Please explain to the council that because of the setback from the pond using the absolutely minimal property line setbacks, it left this particular lot extremely narrow in the front, and the back is all wet and filled with water. And it looks like I might have to use a treatment plant for sewer, which is one of the most expensive sewer treatment systems due to the lack of high ground on this lot.

Even when I was building the approach, it was so wet at the back end of it, that I got stuck three times with my Bobcat in the slough.”

The lot within the 80-acre subdivision has enough space for a house, but not a yard without a lot of fill.

Boitchenko’s intention is to build a house to make the lot more attractive and then sell it.

The COUNTRY BOOSTER, April 20, 2021 – Page 8

You could win a photograph of your farm!

Potato growers to increase trade

By Murray Green

If this is your farm,

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” colour enlargement of the photo.

• This week’s prize must be claimed by May 4, 2021.

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INSURANCE

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DIRECTORY

SALE…

MICHAEL KELEMEN 5704-48 Avenue, Camrose 780-672-9251 780-672-2273

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BUILDING MATERIALS

Hauser Home Hardware Building Centre 6809-49 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-8818

RCMP advise drivers to slow down

By Lori Larsen

Typically, when the warmer weather begins, the amount of traffic increases on roadways. County roads begin experiencing more traffic with farmers heading to fields and residents getting out to explore the great outdoors.

Alberta RCMP would like to remind motorists that this added traffic can create a higher risk of collision, and to be especially aware of their vehicle’s speed.

Last year, Alberta RCMP issued over 58,700 speeding tickets.

“Alberta RCMP issued

974 speeding tickets to motorists in April 2020 alone. Speeding is one of the biggest threats to traffic safety, yet is a common habit for many drivers,” explained Alberta RCMP Traffic Services superintendent Gary Graham.

“Ensure you always abide by the posted limit. The dangers of speeding far outweigh the minute or two you think you are gaining.”

Posted limits, according to the Government of Alberta, indicate the maximum, legal speed permitted in ideal conditions.

Driving faster than the maximum speed limit is

not only unlawful, but puts yourself and other road users at risk.

According to Alberta Transportation, approximately one in four fatal collisions involve unsafe speeds, and more than half of these fatal collisions occur in rural areas.

The following information is provided by the Alberta RCMP to ensure motorists avoid the dangers of speeding.

The faster you drive, the longer it takes the vehicle to stop. Speeding affects your ability to come to a quick stop in the event of unexpected traffic hazards.

Always drive to conditions. Alberta’s road and weather conditions are unpredictable; ensure you adjust your speed accordingly.

Give yourself a few extra minutes. Allowing yourself extra time to get to your destination helps you to avoid feeling rushed.

Be aware of speed limits in playground and construction zones. These areas often have high pedestrian traffic–you must slow down.

For more traffic safety information, follow the RCMP on Facebook at RCMPinAlberta and Twitter @RCMPAlberta.

A team effort led to Alberta being declared Potato Cyst Nematode (PCN) free, improving trade prospects for potato producers.

PCN is a destructive pest that lives in the soil and has the potential to dramatically impact potato yields. PCN is regulated under Alberta’s Agricultural Pests Act and is a federally regulated quarantine pest in Canada.

Alberta exports the most seed potatoes in Canada, so the suspected presence of PCN in the province has been a challenge for producers looking to export their products to the United States and Asia.

“This PCN-free milestone is welcome news for our producers. It comes as the result of a team effort between the affected farm, the Government of Alberta, Potato Growers of Alberta, Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) programming and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA),” said Devin Dreeshen, Alberta Minister of Agriculture and Forestry Alberta.

In 2007, the CFIA placed two fields in Alberta under a Notice of Prohibition after routine testing raised suspicion of the presence of PCN. With the production of potatoes in these fields halted, years of restrictions and surveillance followed across the province.

Other Alberta potato farmers were ultimately able to resume export of seed potatoes to the U.S. in January 2009, though the issue has continued to impact international market access for Alberta seed potatoes. Alberta’s government helped procure the funding to get seed potatoes back in the ground. In total, 39 farmers, including the two with suspect presence of PCN, received $16 million in federal-provincial assistance.

More than a decade later, the CFIA has now removed the restrictions after the 2020 tests all came back negative.

CAP funding helped cover costs for farm inputs, including seed, as testing requires a crop is grown and then verified disease-free.

“Potatoes are a billiondollar industry in Alberta.

This announcement will help us reclaim market access and will lead to fewer restrictions as we pursue new markets. We are excited to move forward, promoting trade and providing easier access to the highquality seed potatoes grown in Alberta.”