Rural Roots Rural_Roots_2018-12_Digital | Page 2

1 RU R A L ROO T S N E WS LET T ER . WI N T ER 2 018 . BROUGH MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRPERSON It is an honour and a privilege to be selected as chairperson of the 2018/19 Agricultural Service Board. On behalf of the ASB, I would to take this opportunity to share our vision and mission: ”We will be a catalyst to prosperous farming communities, by providing leadership, direction and extension in agriculture and rural development with a view to protect and enhance the environmental, economic and social well - being of residents in the municipality.” I am pleased to introduce the agricultural community members of the ASB: Damond Stadnyk was reappointed to the ASB and has been a member since 2017. He and his wife Kandee operate a mixed grain and beef farm in the Flatbush area. When the oilfield layoffs came in 2015, it provided the opportunity to farm full time. He grew up on a dairy farm in the Rochester area. He is an involved member of the community and participates in their 2 daughters’ activities. Jessica Mittelstadt has recently been appointed to the ASB. She grew up in the Flatbush area on her family’s farm, raising Black Angus and taking care of calves and chickens. She still plays a role in the farm today and is looking to grow her own variety farming operation in the area. When not on the farm she operates heavy equipment and works with her partner in A.R.C. Trade Services. Orin Sand has recently been appointed to the ASB. He and his wife Nancy have farmed in the MD for the past 29 years. They have had experience with elk but currently their operation is a bison cow/calf operation. They recently expanded into training horses, riding lessons and family equine events. His previous off farm occupation was in oilfield consulting but for the past two years he has been farming full time. He looks forward to being more involved in the agricultural industry and believes in supporting long term sustainable farming in this area. I look forward to working with them, and value the constructive agriculture views and insights they will bring to the ASB. Regards, Sandra Melzer ASB PLANS ABANDONED/BANKRUPT INDUSTRIAL LEASE WORKSHOP UPCOMING MEET- INGS & WORKSHOPS Session(s) to be held in early 2019 Thursday, January 10 Thursday, February 14 Thursday, March 14 Do you have an abandoned/bankrupt industrial lease on your property and do not know what do, or how to handle the issue of non-payment? To assist with this circumstance, the ASB will be hosting a workshop(s) in the area in Late January - Early February 2019. Please watch for local advertising or visit the MD’s Website for the date, time and place. Experts from The Farmers Advocate will be giving a presentation and answering questions on this timely topic. Those who require immediate answers are advised to visit the Farmers Advocate section of the GOA website at [email protected], or call 310-FARM (310.3276). NEXT ASB MEETING DATES ASB meetings are held at 10:00am on the second Thursday of each month at the Flatbush sub- office. The public is welcome to attend. PROMOTE / FACILITATE / PARTNER / CONSERVE / ENHANCE The Agricultural Service Board exists to provide leadership, direction and extension in agriculture and rural development with a view to protect and enhance the environmental, economic and social well being of residents in the municipality. Visit mdlsr.ca/ASB to learn more about this Lesser Slave River’s ASB and the vital work they do.