Wanda School on the move

By Warren Ward

Soil nutrient analysis is like a balance slip from the bank. By checking the balance this fall, farms can set fertilizer rates specific to the needs and yield potential of each field.

Sampling in late fall instead of just before seeding gives the advantage of time. With results in the fall, farms have more time for fertilizer planning. Fertilizer prices can also be lower in the fall, but not always. With fall soil test results, the general benefit is that farms can plan their blends and rates, and buy the right amount of fertilizer at a lower price.

The best time for fall sampling is after soils cool to below 10C. Cool soils reduce the microbial activity that can mobilize nutrients. However, soil test analysis may encourage a farm to use higher nitrogen rates to match yield goals or, in the case of high nutrient reserves, lower their rates. In these cases, profitability can go up with soil tests.

One composite sample per field can provide a general impression of soil nutrient levels. For the composite, take 15 to 20 cores from the most productive areas–not hill tops, not low spots, not saline areas. Divide each core by depths and put them into separate pails. Suggested depths are zero to six and six to 24, or a three-way split of zero to six, six to 12 and 12 to 24. Submit a separate sample for each depth.

With composite samples, farms can create fertilizer blends specific to the This could mean six or more samples per field (two depths for three zones, for example), but this method can provide meaningful results for fields with higher levels of soil variability, and can point to the potential value of variable-rate fertilizer applications.

The new Canola 4R Advantage program provides financial incentive to soil test fields that have not been sampled as part of a 4R Nutrient Stewardship plan in the past.

Canola 4R Advantage, funded by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions–On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF), is a voluntary program that supports farmers

in initiating or advancing 4R Nutrient Stewardship practices. Canola farmers can apply for funding to help pay for practices that can improve nitrogen management. Eligible practices include soil testing, enhanced efficiency fertilizer, preferred application timing and field zone mapping. Farmers can seek funding for up to two practices per year. Up to 85 per cent of eligible costs can be reimbursed–up to $12,000 per farm each year. For more on the program, including guidelines and application, visit canolacouncil.org/ 4r-advantage.

Lori Larsen, Camrose Booster

Fields of yellow canola meet the horizon of the blue prairies skies just before harvest season in Camrose County.

Submitted

The Wanda School thrived in the rural area near Forestburg until 1951.

By Murray Green

Soil samples collected after this activity slows down will more closely reflect spring nitrate contents. If farms plan to band fertilizer in the fall, sampling when soils drop to 10C (but not too much lower) should allow for fall application–based on soil test results–before the ground freezes.

A custom-collected twodepth sample (0-6″ and 6-24″) plus lab fees will cost around $100. More samples collected should lower the cost per sample. Soil nutrient analysis may not provide a return on investment for every field tested–especially if results confirm that a farm is using the right rate to meet its yield target. needs for each field. If fieldspecific fertilizer blends are not logistically possible, a compromise is to apply the same blend at different rates to match the yield goal for each field.

Zone sampling increases precision. Instead of one composite sample per field, submit composites for each productivity zone within the field. Zones are generally based on productivity differences that can be fairly predictable based on soil characteristics, drainage or elevation. Three zones could be hilltop, mid-slope and low-lying areas. For each zone, follow sampling methods similar to the composite sample technique.

RCMP search for armed robbery suspect

By Murray Green

Viking RCMP responded to a report of a robbery at the Viking Subway on January 10 at 8:30 p.m.

An unknown male suspect entered the Subway, displayed a firearm and demanded cash from the employee. The suspect then fled with an undisclosed amount of money in a white minivan. No licence plate was obtained from the minivan.

The suspect is described as light complexion male with brown eyes, approximately six feet tall.

He was wearing a green toque, black mask, black coat with reflective striping, grey pants and black running shoes.

If you have any knowledge regarding this 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 (TIPPS).

Wanda School on the move

Alberta’s government is helping fund the relocation of the Wanda School to the proposed Jeanne Lougheed Historic Park in Forestburg with a $275,000 grant.

Alberta’s early growth went hand-in-hand with the development of its education system. What is now one of the best educational systems in the world had a humble beginning–a oneroom school house. The first one-room school in Alberta was built in 1881. In 1905, when Alberta became a province, there were 562 schools in the province and most of them were rural one-room schools.

Many of the province’s one-room schools have been demolished, moved or left to deteriorate. Preserving the Wanda School will provide future generations with insight into the history of education in Alberta.

The Wanda School will take its place with eight other historically significant one-room schools that have been legally protected as municipal historic resources and provincial historic resources.

As part of its commitment to preserving and honouring our province’s culture and heritage, Alberta’s government is providing $275,000 to the Forestburg Community Development and Promotion Society to help preserve and showcase the Wanda School. The funding for the project comes from the Ministry of Culture and Status of Women’s Community Facility Enhancement Program.

“When you see the physical manifestation of history in front of you such as the Wanda School, it provides an education, but even more than that it inspires. You see just how far we’ve come and this makes the impossible seem possible,” said Ron Orr, minister of culture.

Jeanne Rogers was born in the village of Forestburg in 1928. She would later become Jeanne Lougheed, wife to former Premier Peter Lougheed. Jeanne Lougheed was a major supporter of the arts and a tireless advocate for people with disabilities.

The newly created Jeanne Lougheed Historic Park, with the relocated Wanda School as its centrepiece, will attract travellers from within Alberta and abroad. This tourist attraction will diversify and expand the local Forestburg economy, creating jobs and opportunity for residents while strengthening their cultural roots.

“This project recognizes the remarkable legacy of Jeanne Lougheed, a woman from the small town of Forestburg. I am so thrilled to have championed this project and I look forward to enjoying it when completed,” shared Jackie Lovely, MLA for Camrose and parliamentary secretary to the associate minister of Status of Women.

“We sincerely appreciate the support of the Government of Alberta in helping bring this long-planned project to life. This funding, combined with the kind support of the Lougheed Family, will enable a celebration of our past while creating a new travel and tourism corridor for the enjoyment and benefit of all Albertans,” said Dwight Dibben, of the Forestburg Community Development and Promotion Society.

The Wanda School being relocated, served students until it closed in 1951.

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FILM SCREENING

RCMP hosting town hall meetings

By Murray Green

The Wetaskiwin/Camrose RCMP will be hosting town hall meetings in several communities.

“This is a great opportunity for the community members to learn what the RCMP is doing and to have some of your questions answered. The RCMP will also be gathering feedback to determine what the priorities are for the upcoming year,” said Const. Cory Schultz of the Wetaskiwin/ Camrose RCMP Detachment.

Town hall meetings in the area include Millet on January 17 at 7 p.m. in the Millet Community Hall.

Camrose County meeting is on January 18 starting at 7 p.m. in the Camrose Regional Exhibition (Hirsch Hall).

F O R T I C K E T S w w w.bailey theatre.com/events /

CHASE THE ACE DRAW

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

Chase the Ace’s Draw 32 lucky winner was Roxie MacMillan taking home $472. Roxie drew the Ace of Diamonds so the progressive jackpot carries on, moving forward $15,724. The Featured Charity, the Dolly Parton Imagination Library, Flagstaff County, also received $472. Pictured left to right are individual winner Roxie MacMillan and Daybreak Rotary Club of Camrose treasurer Morris Henderson. The charity library is in Killam. The Rotary topped up the donation to $1,000.

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THE HARD-TO-FIND GUY

• Class 1 license • Livestock experience (cattle, horses, etc.) • Holiday coverage • Chores around the farm or yard • Grain haul (short or long) • Scrap metal / batteries purchase (or disposal) (or disposal) Gary Hayworth