Rocky View County’s (RVC) 34th annual Agricultural Tour on July 25 will offer a chance for participants to get up close and learn about a handful of local producers, as well as the farming industry in the County.
“It’s a great opportunity to, if you haven’t already, be out in the community, out in the country,” said Laura Poile, agricultural services officer with RVC. “These producers are proud of what they do. A lot of the time, yes, it’s work, but it’s also a lifestyle they’ve chosen.”
According to Poile, the annual tour is an important way for the County to highlight its agricultural history, along with the farming innovation and best practices that occur within its boundaries. The tour also lets residents and visitors learn more about where food comes from and how it is produced, she said, while giving local farmers a chance to share their own stories.
The event is designed to be an educational experience regardless of agricultural background, Poile added.
Each year, the tour focuses on a different area of the county and, she said, this year, RVC has chosen four operations in northwest RVC, west of Balzac and Airdrie – aiming to showcase operations outside of typical cattle ranches and cereal farms.
After departing the Balzac Community Hall at 8:30 a.m., the tour will first stop at Souto Farms – a market garden and mainstay at many Alberta farmers’ markets, according to Poile – before moving to the family farm Long Run Ranch Beef in the Crossfield area.
The tour will stop at the Madden Community Hall for lunch and a series of presentations, including a farm safety demonstration and a speaker from 4-H. Poile said RVC is especially eager to highlight 4-H because of the skills and character it instills in its members.
“4-H is a great learning opportunity and program for youth,” she said.
The County will also use the opportunity to present this year’s Master Farm Family Award. Poile said the County is pleased to honour notable agricultural families in RVC through the annual award.
After lunch, the tour will make its way to Glengary Bison to explore the paddock and learn more about raising the animals. Poile added a presentation on the history and importance of bison from a First Nations perspective may also take place.
The final stop of the tour will be Woolliams Farms near Symons Valley Road, where participants will learn about the farm’s history and innovations, before the event concludes with a roast beef dinner and small market featuring goods from local vendors, at Balzac Hall.
Registration costs $45 and is currently available online at rockyview.ca by searching “Agricultural Tour,” or by phone at 403-230-1401. Poile added children under 10 years old can take part for free.
Bus capacity limits tour to 110 spots, Poile said. As of June 26, she estimated 90 people had already registered.
