Funding Opportunities
Wheatland County Programs
Wheatland Agricultural Stewardship Program
* 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. Forms are also available online here.
This program funds any project which benefits soil, water and air quality as well as biodiversity. Examples of projects include (but not limited to) reclamation of saline areas, pollinator habitat projects, riparian fencing and offsite watering system projects, and ecobuffers (shelterbelts). Applicants may receive a maximum of $5000 per project at a cost share of 50%, once every three years. Projects approved by this program may also be eligible for ALUS annual per acre payments (see below).
Wheatland ALUS
The Wheatland ALUS 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). Project examples include (but are not limited to) riparian protection, reclaiming marginal or saline soils, eco-buffers (trees), wetland projects, and the establishment of pollinator projects.
- Irrigated Cropland - $75/acre
- Cropland (including hayland) - $65/acre
- Seasonal Wetland in Cropland - $50/acre
- Seasonal Wetland in Pasture - $25/acre
- Permanent Wetland - $20/acre
- Pasture - $40/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, representatives of the Wheatland agricultural department, Ducks Unlimited Canada, and Alberta Agriculture and Forestry.
Wheatland Safe Water Wells Action Program
* 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.
Shelterbelt and Ecobuffer Seeding Program
The Shelterbelt and Ecobuffer Seedling Program is available to support landowners planting trees and shrubs throughout the County and opens yearly on November 1st.
Applicants can qualify to receive up to $2000 in funding!
- $2.50 per Seedling (1-2yr old) to a maximum of $1000
- $500 for Drip irrigation supplies
- $500 for Mulch (fibre, wood, plastic, etc.)
Please see the information sheet and application form for more information.
If you have questions regarding the program, please email agandenv@wheatlandcounty.ca or contact the Administration Assistant to Transportation and Agriculture, at 403-361-2000.
ASB Agricultural Bursary
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.
Wheatland County Watershed Resiliency and Restoration Program
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.
External Producer Funding Programs
Ducks Unlimited Canada Landowner Resources
DUC offers specialized resources for different regions of Canada, based on conservation needs and landowner priorities. Learn more about programs and information available for your area by visiting their website.
- Forage Program (producers receive a rebate of $100 per 50 lb. bag of forage seed)
- Wetland Restoration
- Conservation Easements
- Winter Wheat Extension
Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
This federal-provincial partnership delivers grant programs that generate sustainable economic growth in the agricultural and agri-food sector. The program opened in April 2023.
* To be eligible for SCAP and OFCAF an applicant must generate at least $25,000 worth of farm commodities annually.
Water Program
This program helps producers adopt agricultural water management practices for continued growth and long-term success of the agriculture industry. Visit SCAP for more information.
On-Farm Irrigation Stream: 25% up to $30,000
Projects: Low-pressure center pivot systems; subsurface/surface drip irrigation systems; sprinkler, pump and control panel upgrades, VRT equipment.
On-Farm Water Supply Stream 25% up to $15,000.
Projects: New wells, dugouts, spring developments, dams, cisterns, well abandonment, well pit conversions, wetland assessments.
On-Farm Value Added Program
Helps primary producers grow sales, expand production capacity, explore market opportunities and create jobs in Alberta. To be eligible, an applicant must be adding value past harvest or slaughter of agricultural products.
Eligible activities include; processing capacity expansion, food safety improvement, new product and process development, market development and access. Up to $50,000 is available.
Visit SCAP for more information.
Farm Technology Program
* A current Environmental Farm Plan is required to be eligible for this program.
Farm Technology Stream
This program supports the adoption of innovative technology that minimizes agricultural waste and optimizes farm efficiency. 50% up to $48,000 is available.
Farm Security Stream
Supports producers in their efforts to secure business assets by encouraging adoption of best management practices in farm security. Up to 50% up to $2000 is available.
Visit SCAP for more information.
Efficient Grain Handling Program
* Valid Environmental Farm Plan required.
Assists primary producers with reducing overall energy use on farm. This program supports the purchase of grain handling system components that significantly improve energy efficiency over standard practice. 50% up to $100,000 is available.
Visit SCAP for more information.
Resilient Agriculture Landscape Program (RALP)
- Valid Environmental Farm Plan required.
- specific intake dates
Pasture Management Projects
Projects: Riparian area management, rotational grazing, adding legumes to existing forage stands, targeted grazing for invasive plant bio-control.
Cropland Conversion Projects
Projects: Annual cropland conversion to native or tame forages, strips/grass waterways/salinity, and inter-cropping.
Tree Establishment Projects
Projects: Shelterbelts, eco-buffers, and establishment of pollinator strips.
Wetland Projects
Projects: Wetland restoration and construction of new wetlands
Funding
Includes 3 year per-acre Ecological Goods and Services payment as well as project establishment costs. Up to $150,000 (primary producers) and up to $300,000 (grazing reserve associations, operators of community pasture, indigenous applicants)
Visit SCAP for more information.
Environmental Farm Plan
Th An EFP is a voluntary, whole farm, self-assessment tool that helps producers identify their environmental risks and develop a plan to mitigate identified risks. A valid EFP is a requirement of many funding programs. Technical assistance is also provided to any producer who wishes to complete an Environmental Farm Plan in Wheatland County. This program is a free of charge and is confidential. Visit Alberta EFP for more information.
How to complete an EFP for your farm?
Register on-line at www.albertaefp.com or contact Sarah Schumacher to set up an appointment.
- Email: schumacher@wheatlandcounty.ca
- Phone at 403-333-6943.
On-Farm Climate Action Fund
OFCAF provides financial support to producers to accelerate their adoption and implementation of on-farm Beneficial Management Practices (BMPs) to lower Greenhouse Gas (GHG) emissions, support production efficiency, sustainability and resiliency on their farm operations.
Activity categories include:
- Improved nitrogen management,
- Increased adoption of cover cropping
- Expanding the adoption of rotational grazing
- 85% up to $75,000
Note: You must work with a Professional Agrologist (PAg) or Certified Crop Advisor (CCA) to develop a BMP Action Plan
Learn more about this program at www.rdar.ca/ofcaf/