Rocky Mountain Equipment continues support for ag societies to benefit rural communities across the Prairies.

In its fourth year, the Rocky Mountain Equipment (RME) ‘Right by You’ Ag Society Grant program is supporting four more agricultural societies, providing funding towards projects that will enhance the areas where they operate.

Driven by dedicated local volunteers, agricultural societies are vital to the health of rural communities—providing space for recreational activities and hosting events such as rodeos, meetings, farmers markets, community gatherings and more.

RME is pleased to announce that the Forestburg Ag Society, Stavely & District Ag Society, Goulburn Ag Society and Brokenhead Agricultural Society are the 2024 recipients of the ‘Right by You’ Ag Society Grants. Each of the four agricultural societies will receive $10,000 toward an approved community initiative:

The Forestburg Ag Society in northern Alberta is seeking to purchase a Case IH Farmall tractor for grooming its indoor riding arena. To support this purchase, RME is providing a $10,000 credit at the organization’s Killam location. “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 to replace our tractor and help maintain our riding arena,” says Robert Coutts, Secretary Treasurer of the Forestburg Ag Society.

Host to three big rodeo events each year, the Stavely District Ag Society in southern Alberta relies on the dedication of volunteers to maintain the outdoor arena and surrounding area. A brand-new Ferris ISX800-60C Zero Turn Mower will make life easier for the ag society and the volunteers who help care for the grounds. “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, we were so excited to get the news,” says Dale Ohler, an ag society board member.

The Golburn Ag Society in Sylvania, Saskatchewan has been operating since 1942. The grant money will support a revitalization of the fairgrounds, including upgrades and repairs to the Golburn School, which operated from 1905 to 1965 and currently serves as a community hall. “We plan and host the annual Golburn Fair that has been going on for over 80 years now. We try to contribute to the ag community, showcasing agriculture and what it’s all about. We’re very grateful for opportunities like this and really appreciate RME supporting ag societies and communities out there,” says Karen Smith of the Golburn Ag Society.

The Brokenhead Agricultural Society in Beausejour, Manitoba, will use the grant money to purchase a new storage shed to hold equipment and supplies to support events. Trevor Proutt of the Brokenhead Agricultural Society tells us about the two major events the ag society hosts, an annual agricultural festival and an agricultural conference: “The two-day ag conference has more than 200 producers and suppliers attend, bringing together locals and producers from around southeastern Manitoba. The news we received this grant was a nice surprise to start off our ag festival and rodeo, which takes place annually at the beginning of September. We’re appreciative to RME for the support they’ve given us.”

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