Funding Opportunities

The Wheatland Agricultural Stewardship Program provides financial assistance to farmers and ranchers in Wheatland County who are completing projects that contribute to the following: clean air, clean water, soil protection, promote biodiversity and any other ecosystem services. Example include (but not limited to): buffer strips, grassed waterways, livestock watering systems, hawk posts, ecobuffers, tree planting projects and pollinator projects. Projects are also eligible for annual payments through the ALUS Wheatland program.

• This program is not retroactive. Applications must be approved prior to purchase of materials or services.
• 50% of project costs to a maximum of $5000
• Projects approved by this program may also be eligible for ALUS annual per acre payments 

Please contact Sarah Schumacher for application forms or for questions regarding the program.

Ph: 403-361-2027

Email: link to Sarah.Schumacher@wheatlandcounty.ca

ALUS Wheatland is a community-led, farmer-delivered program for producers that pays for management and maintenance of ecosystem services on marginal farmland in Wheatland County. The ALUS Wheatland program compensates producers with an annual per-acre, fair-market payment for projects which improve the environmental function of marginal farmlands (for 5-year terms). Funding is also available for project implementation (such as the purchase of seed or off-site watering systems) through ALUS, the Wheatland Agricultural Stewardship Program or the Wheatland Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program. 

Project examples include (but are not limited to) riparian protection, buffer strips, reclaiming marginal or saline soils, eco-buffers (trees), wetland projects, and the establishment of pollinator projects.

• Cropland (including hay land) – $65/acre
• Permanent Wetland – $20/acre
• Pasture – $40/acre
• Grazing Management Projects- $20/acre
• High Value Projects* – $300/acre

Projects are approved by the ALUS Wheatland Partnership Advisory Committee (PAC) which is made up of local county councillors and Wheatland ASB members at large, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and the Foothills Forage and Grazing Association.

Please contact Sarah Schumacher for application forms or for questions regarding the program.

Ph: 403-333-6943

Email: link to Sarah.Schumacher@wheatlandcounty.ca

* This program is not retroactive. Applications must be approved prior to purchase of materials or services. Forms are available from Wheatland County Agricultural Services staff.

The purpose of this program is to enable Wheatland County landowners to protect their water supply. A portion of the cost of contracted Services (eg: Certified Well Driller) and required materials for the protection of groundwater  is funded for the following projects:

• Pitless Adaptor Well Pit Conversion (75% up to $3500 per well)
• Decommissioning of Unused Wells (75% up to $2500 per well – max. 2 wells)

Landowners may receive a maximum of $6000 over a three year period on a combination of projects.

The Shelterbelt and Ecobuffer Seedling Program opens to applications starting on November 1^st.

This program supports landowners planting trees and shrubs throughout the County. There are many benefits of planting trees and shrubs which include:

• Improved building energy efficiency
• Adds aesthetic value to yard and landscape 
• Provides wildlife and pollinator habitat
• Decreases soil erosion and crop damage
• Reduces standing water
• Snow capture for drift management and improved moisture retention.

Program Guidelines

• This program is not retroactive, receipts must be dated after November 1st
• Applicants are eligible for up to $3000
  • $5 per seedling to a maximum of $2000
  • $500 for drip irrigation supplies
  • $500 for mulch (fibre, wood, plastic, etc.)

Please see the application form for more information.

If you have questions regarding the program, please contact:

Email: agandenv@wheatlandcounty.ca

Ph: 403-361-2000

ASB will provide up to $6000 in Bursaries annually with a minimum award of $500 and a maximum award of $1500 depending upon the number of applicants that meet the criteria. Bursaries are available to students who reside within the boundaries of Wheatland County including recent graduates (within 3 years). For more information, see here.

The purpose of this program is to improve and restore the riparian function and watershed resiliency of the watersheds in Wheatland County by assisting producers with the costs associated riparian management.

Riparian Streambank Fencing: for greater control and management of riparian areas and water sources and to manage livestock access to riparian areas.

• 80% of eligible expenses will be reimbursed.
• Applicants are eligible for a maximum $15,000 at a rate $12/m.

Livestock Off-Site Watering Systems: to limit or eliminate direct access by livestock to riparian areas and water source.

• Up to 80% of eligible expenses will be reimbursed.
• Applicants are eligible for a maximum $10,000 per system and $30,000 total.

Livestock Creek Crossing Projects: to maintain or improve water quality, bank stability, and reduce the amount of time cattle spend in a waterbody and riparian areas.

• Up to 100% of eligible expenses will be reimbursed.
• Applicants are eligible for a maximum $30,000.

Please contact Sarah Schumacher for application forms or for questions regarding the program.

• Ph: 403-361-2027
• Email: Sarah.Schumacher@wheatlandcounty.ca