Farmers and ranchers including Lloydminster and area are being recognized as part of Farmer’s Day, with a focus this year on the future of agriculture and the next generation of producers.
The annual recognition, held on the second Friday in June, highlights the work of those who help feed the nation and the communities that support them.
To mark the occasion, the UFA Agricultural Community Foundation is now accepting applications for its 2026 Rural Communities Grant program. The initiative aims to support projects that strengthen rural life where farmers and ranchers live and work.
The program will provide five grants worth $20,000 each, for a total of $100,000 in funding. The grants are intended for capital projects that create lasting community benefits, including upgrades to gathering spaces, education initiatives, and recreational facilities.
Eligible applicants include registered charities, non-profits, municipalities and co-operatives located within 200 kilometres of a UFA location. Projects must demonstrate a clear community need, be accessible to the public, and deliver long-term value.
Since launching in 2024, the program has already invested $200,000 into nine community-driven projects. Combined with previous funding through the former UFA Rural Communities Foundation, that brings total support to $700,000 across 29 projects over the past seven years.
Regional benefit
In 2019, the Climb Thru Time Museum in Paradise Valley received an $11,000 grant.
Applications for the 2026 intake open June 12 and close July 31, with organizers encouraging groups to apply early due to the shorter timeline this year.
The foundation says the program is part of its ongoing commitment to building stronger, more connected rural communities while supporting the people who drive the agriculture sector forward.
More details are available online.
