Province provides funding to agricultural societies

By Sean Feagan, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The government of Alberta is providing funding to live performance organizations that have lost revenue due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including agricultural societies forced to cancel their rodeos and other events.

Several local agricultural societies are planning on applying for the funding, including the Strathmore and District Agricultural Society (SDAS).

“It shows there is attention being paid by the government to organizations like ourselves, agricultural societies, putting on major events that drive a lot of tourism to the area, and also our western heritage,” said Ryan Schmidt, general manager.

Strathmore’s ag society is in the process of applying for the funding, hoping it will help them prepare for a 2021 relaunch. 

“We’re hopeful we’ll be able to attain some of the funding to relaunch the Strathmore Stampede in all its glory,” said Schmidt, who added the Strathmore ag society lost more than 50 per cent of its revenue last year. 

Schmidt said the grant funding is directed towards all of the expenses of running a rodeo, but also takes into account year-round administrative and operational costs.

“It’s providing funding for your event, but also recognizes ongoing costs of an organization needed to support the launch event.”

The return on investment for taxpayers could be significant, as rodeos can have a high local impact. Indeed, the economic impact of the Strathmore Stampede alone is about $4 million, said Schmidt. This revenue comes from the indirect effects of spending at hotels, restaurants, gas stations, campgrounds and other local businesses, as well as direct impacts of vendor commerce at the stampede itself. 

“The funding is about bringing that back to the local economy, and as according to our plan, growing it even further,” he said.

The ag society hopes to host a full Strathmore Stampede this summer. 

“We recognize there are many factors outside our control – obviously, the progress of the pandemic and whatever health restrictions are in place,” said Schmidt, adding a backup plan is being developed.

While he was mum on details, Schmidt said a series of smaller events could be held, similar to what was done for the Bucking Best Bullriding Jackpot held last year.

Villages and hamlets within Wheatland County also have agricultural societies, including Carseland, Standard, Rockyford, Hussar and Gleichen. Brad Munchrath of the Rockyford Agricultural Society said that organization would apply for the funding as well.