The RME Right by You Ag Society Grant Program has returned for its fifth year, to support four agricultural societies with funding for projects that boost the communities they serve.

Agricultural societies are woven into the fabric of Canadian rural communities. These groups, which are primarily volunteer driven, provide critical support in the way of community programming, event hosting and activities for local residents.

The RME Right by You Ag Society Grant Program is awarding $10,000 each to four projects under the following qualifications:
• Applications must come from an agricultural society in Alberta, Saskatchewan or Manitoba
• Funding must go towards a project that enhances life in the community
• Project must be completed within two years

Since its launch in 2021, the grant program has funded 16 community projects across Western Canada. The 2024 winners are making a difference in their communities with the grants that they received last fall.

The Forestburg Ag Society, which operates the indoor riding facility in their Northern Alberta community, has received a $10,000 credit at the RME in Killam to purchase a Case IH Farmall tractor to groom the riding arena. “We operate the Forestburg Town & Country Centre as well as the indoor riding facility that local groups use for different activities including barrel racing and rodeo practice. We really appreciate the support that Rocky Mountain Equipment is giving us,” says Robert Coutts, Secretary Treasurer of the Forestburg Ag Society.

For a community which holds three big rodeos each year, a brand-new Ferris ISX800-60C Zero Turn Mower will be a gamechanger. The Stavely & District Ag Society and their volunteers help care for the outdoor arena that hosts these events. “We host a three-day Pro Rodeo, an Amateur Rodeo and the Glen Keeley Memorial Bull Riding event each year, as well as a lot of barrel racing and junior events during the week at our outdoor arena. The new mower will help so much with what we do,” says Dale Ohler, an ag society board member.

Karen Smith and the Golburn Ag Society in Saskatchewan are using their grant to revitalize the fairgrounds and upgrade the former Golburn School, which is now a community hall. “We plan and host the annual Golburn Fair that has been going on for over 80 years now. We try and contribute to the ag community, showcasing agriculture and what it’s all about. We appreciate RME supporting ag societies and communities out there,” she says.

In Beausejour, Manitoba, the Brokenhead Agricultural Society also hosts major events: an ag conference and an ag festival and rodeo. They are purchasing a storage shed for the equipment and supplies needed for these events. “The two-day ag conference has more than 200 producers and suppliers attend, bringing together locals and producers from around southeastern Manitoba,” says Trevor Proutt. “We’re appreciative to RME for the support they’ve given us.”

Are you a member of your local ag society, and looking to get a community project funded? Applications for the RME Right by You Ag Society Grant are open now until July 30. Recipients will be announced in September. Visit our website: rockymtn.com/community-investment/agsociety-grant for more information.