The Agricultural Services Department hosts a variety of educational events throughout the year for residents of the M.D. and surrounding communities. Our winter education series, typically held from January through March, covers practical and timely topics such as calving and livestock management, tree care, gardening, food preservation, and more.
Each season’s program reflects the diverse interests and needs of our rural community. Upcoming events are promoted through the M.D.’s social media channels, the Municipal Connection newsletter, and direct mailouts to residents.
For more than 25 years, the Agricultural Services Department has published the Municipal Connection newsletter. More than 1,700 copies are mailed directly to residents six times each year—in February, April, June, August, October, and December.
The newsletter includes seasonal information about municipal events, programs and services, invasive species awareness, agriculture, and the environment.
2026:
October 2026 – Volume 20, Issue 5
August 2026 – Volume 20, Issue 4
February 2026 – Volume 20, Issue 1
2025:
December 2025 – Volume 19 Issue 6
October 2025 – Volume 19 Issue 5
August 2025 – Volume 19 Issue 4
April 2025 – Volume 19 Issue 2
February 2025 – Volume 19 Issue 1
2024:
December 2024 – Volume 18 Issue 6
October 2024 – Volume 18 Issue 5
August 2024 – Volume 18 Issue 4
February 2024 – Volume 18 Issue 1
2023:
December 2023 – Volume 17 Issue 6
October 2023 – Volume 17 Issue 5
August 2023 – Volume 17 Issue 4
Please note, prior issues are available upon request.
For over 20 years, the M.D. has administered a calendar photo contest for residents to participate in. Successful submissions for the contest are published in a beautiful twelve month calendar featuring locally captured photos, facts and information on sustainable agriculture and the environment. The contest runs from June 1 to August 15 annually with calendars typically arriving in October for residents to pick up for free. The photographers of the thirteen chosen photos (one per month and the front cover) will be awarded $100 for each successful entry. Honorable mentions will also be included in the calendar, with no monetary reward attached. A maximum of two paid photos and two honorable mentions per photographer is possible.
Review full contest details below:
An Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) is a free, confidential whole-farm self-assessment that helps producers identify and manage potential environmental risks. EFPs are valid for 10 years and are completed through an easy-to-use online workbook. Agricultural Services has two technicians available to assist producers with their workbooks through one-on-one appointments or EFP workshops. A valid EFP is required for many Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership funding programs. Learn more about EFP’s and register as a user here or contact Agricultural Services.
The Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (S-CAP) is a five year (2023-2028) $3.5billion federal-provincial partnership that delivers grant programs that generate sustainable economic growth in the agricultural and agri-food sector. Alberta producers, farmers, ranchers, processors and organizations are encouraged to review the available programs and take advantage of the opportunities they present. Please note many of the producers programs quickly become fully committed so it is best to be prepared to apply as they open.
The M.D. is proud to partner with the Battle River Research Group (BRRG) to support agricultural research, innovation, and practical learning opportunities for local producers. BRRG delivers applied research, demonstrations, and extension programs that help producers make informed decisions and strengthen the long-term sustainability of agriculture in the region.
For more information on BRRG programs, projects, and upcoming opportunities, visit Battle River Research Group.
In the past, the Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration (PFRA) ran a free shelterbelt program which was widely utilized across the M.D. Following the dissolution of the PFRA in 2009, the program was transferred to another federal branch before it was discontinued in 2013. This historic program can be credited with the creation of many of the shelterbelts across our rural landscape today. As these shelterbelts age and environmental conditions become more challenging, replacement and renewal are increasingly important.
In 2026, the M.D. launched the Shelterbelt Establishment Program to support rural residents in planting trees. The program provides a 50/50 cost-share opportunity, with applications accepted annually from November 1 to January 31. Seedlings are expected to arrive in mid-May. Eligible residents may purchase up to 1,000 seedlings per year. Seedlings supplied through the program are generally one to two years old.
Review full program details below:
There are three spray programs available for M.D. of Wainwright landowners to participate in:
- Private Spraying
- Fenceline Spray Program
- No Spray/Delayed Spraying Program
Review full details of each program here.
Municipal tankloader facilities are available for use by M.D. residents. Before using a facility, residents must complete a Tankloader Agreement through the M.D. Administration Office. Authorized users receive a key that can be used at any municipal tankloader location. A replacement key fee of $10 applies. Water from all municipal tankloader locations is non-potable and must not be used for drinking or other domestic consumption.
Authorized usages include the following:
- Watering livestock
- Filling nurse tanks for crop spraying (no direct filling of sprayers allowed from any location)
- Watering shelterbelts
- Watering gardens
- Fire protection
- Water may be used for domestic well drilling (Special Use Approval required)
Please note: for any uses not listed above, contact Agricultural Services to inquire about Special Use Approval. Facilities are not available for commercial use.
The Tankloader Facilities can be found at the following locations:
Irma – https://maps.app.goo.gl/ht2bXU9vAcoQXqHs9
Giltedge – https://maps.app.goo.gl/wiBaC82wC6Eowxyh9
Ascot – https://maps.app.goo.gl/9pTn8v9jVDJMndnh7
Ribstone – https://maps.app.goo.gl/8APYcDkYM8PHhxwJ7
View the most recent water tests for each facility here.
The following equipment is available for rent by M.D. ratepayers:
- Skunk Traps: Available from the M.D. Public Works Shop for up to two weeks. The renter is responsible for replacement costs if a trap is lost or damaged.
- Magpie Traps: Available from the M.D. Public Works Shop for up to two weeks. The renter is responsible for replacement costs if a trap is lost or damaged.
- Racoon Traps: Available from the M.D. Public Works Shop for up to two weeks. The renter is responsible for replacement costs if a trap is lost or damaged.
- Forage Probe: Available from the M.D. Administration Office for up to three days. The renter is responsible for repair or replacement costs if the probe is damaged. The M.D. does not provide forage testing services.
Agricultural Services may issue special fire permits for stubble burning within the M.D. of Wainwright, subject to applicable provincial legislation, municipal requirements, weather conditions, and current fire restrictions. A special permit is required before conducting stubble burning or other agricultural burning activities that fall outside the scope of a standard fire permit. Approval is not automatic and may be limited or suspended during periods of elevated fire risk, fire restrictions, or fire bans. To inquire about a special permit for stubble burning, contact Agricultural Services.
The intent of the Predator Reduction Incentive Program is to manage the impact of predator species – coyotes and wolves – on livestock and wildlife populations on the local landscape. The program is open for intakes between October 1 and April 30 by appointment only.
Review full program details below:
The M.D. will not retail 2% liquid strychnine in 2026. The product is available only through approved municipal distribution channels and is subject to a federal Emergency Use Registration for the control of Richardson’s ground squirrels (gophers). The authorization is in effect from March 30, 2026, to November 1, 2027.
Eligible producers must complete the mandatory Strychnine Stewardship Training before obtaining or using the product. Training is delivered online through the Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM): Access SARM Strychnine Stewardship Training. Please note: training is only valid for the year it is taken. All interested producers will be required to complete the training in 2027 to access the product if and when it becomes available.
For Alberta program information and current requirements, visit Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Control.
Updates will be shared as information becomes available for the 2027 season.
In 2026, the M.D. installed a waterless boat drying unit at the Clear Lake boat launch to help protect local water bodies from aquatic invasive species. The unit can be used to remove standing water and debris from recreational equipment, including kayaks, bilges, and live wells.
Before moving between water bodies, users are encouraged to Clean, Drain, and Dry boats, trailers, fishing gear, and other water-related equipment. Learn more about aquatic invasive species and how to help protect local lakes and waterways