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Alberta ag societies benefit from provincial funding

Alberta agricultural societies will get much needed funds.

The Alberta government will provide $2.5-million for major agricultural society facility upgrades.

In the past, ag societies got help with improvements and repairs to commercial kitchens, roofs, horse riding arenas and heating and ventilation in ice rinks and has increased accessibility and energy efficiency in rural facilities.

The funding program has delivered $7.5 million in total grants for 106 ag society projects over the past three years, including funds allocated this year.

Agriculture and Irrigation Minister RJ Sigurdson said Alberta’s rural communities need up-to-date facilities to promote community involvement and economic growth.

He said ag societies have an important role in the quality of life for Alberta villages, towns and rural communities.

“Throughout the year they welcome Albertans to community events, from local weddings and grad ceremonies to children’s programs, team sports and summer rodeos,” he said. “With this annual program, ag societies across Alberta will continue to expand and upgrade their facilities, keeping them safe, modern and welcoming.”

Agricultural societies can apply to the program to fund major repairs to existing or aging infrastructure and may receive funding between $10,000 and $100,000.

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Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Video: Sclerotinia and Lygus in Seed Canola: Field Update with George Lubberts, CCA | Enchant, Alberta

Join Certified Crop Advisor George Lubberts for this Prairie Certified Crop Advisor (Prairie CCA) field update from Enchant, Alberta. In this 12th video of the series, George takes us into a seed canola field where the male rows have been removed and the female plants are filling pods. This video was taken in the third week of August 2025.

George discusses the early signs of sclerotinia stem rot, explaining how infection begins in the stem, impacts pod development, and leads to premature ripening. He also shares insights on lygus bug management, including timing of spray applications to minimize feeding damage and maintain seed size and quality.

With cool, damp summer conditions, George notes that while disease pressure is present, overall field health remains good. The crop is just beginning to show early seed colour change, signaling progress toward maturity.

Topics Covered:

•Sclerotinia stem rot identification and impact

•Managing lygus bugs in seed canola

•Crop stage and seed colour change observations

•Timing insecticide sprays for optimal protection

•Insights from a CCA field perspective in southern Alberta