Across the Prairies, those living in rural areas rely on organizations like agricultural societies to host local events, bring community residents together and attract newcomers. As essential fixtures in rural communities, agricultural societies provide opportunities and facilities to keep their communities connected.

In 2021, Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) launched the annual RME Right by You Ag Society Grant program to support these groups that enhance the lives of those living in surrounding areas, providing funding towards local projects that benefit the lives of rural residents. This will be the fourth year of the program, bringing the total funding to $160,000 towards agricultural societies in Western Canada this fall.

RME’s community investment initiative contributes funding to four agricultural societies in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba to aid local projects each year. In 2023, the four groups that received funding were the DeBolt & District Agricultural Society and Trochu & District Agricultural Society in Alberta, Biggar Rec Valley in Saskatchewan, and the Valley Agricultural Society in Manitoba.

In northern Alberta, the DeBolt & District Agricultural Society provides recreational activities and facilities for locals. The grant fund will help the group maintain a recently added outdoor skating rink by contributing to a new Zamboni storage shed. To the east in Saskatchewan, the grant will support Biggar Rec Valley in offering space for its community to relax and connect through the construction of a picnic pavilion.

“We are run by a small board with huge goals. This grant program gives us the opportunity to continue building and accommodating our community so even more people can enjoy it. Thank you, RME!”

• Ashley Heather, Biggar Rec Valley president

For the Trochu & District Agricultural Society and Valley Agricultural Society, rodeo is central to each community. The Trochu & District Ag Society hosts cowboy challenges, clinics, bull riding and more for its community’s entertainment and participation. Upgrades to the rodeo facilities, including building a new rodeo office, will help to bring visitors to the area and promote the local economy. Similarly, the Valley Ag Society is expanding its rodeo stock pens and chutes to bring a better experience to locals and newcomers.

“Our agricultural society is always looking to enhance the experiences we offer to surrounding residents and visitors alike, and RME’s support came at a welcome time as we recently added breakaway roping to our rodeo. We are all very appreciative of this award and are excited to continue bettering our show.”

• Tim Lewis, Valley Agricultural Society rodeo director

RME extends its thanks to all the agricultural societies for their submissions in 2023 and looks forward to the completion of each of these projects. Find this year’s 2024 RME Right by You Ag Society Grant information and follow us on Twitter @RMEHQ for more updates.

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