Strathmore (Rural Roots Canada) – The Strathmore and District Agricultural Society is best known for the Strathmore Stampede, but they have big plans for an initiative to help Alberta’s ranching community.
The SAG is working towards building a western events centre on the outskirts of the community. It’s a longtime dream for its membership, says CEO and General Manager Ryan Schmidt.
“It would be a 2,000-seat facility that would allow us to pursue our agricultural mission year-round,” says Schmidt.
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The building would become home to a hands-on ranching school. It will target high school and college students and encourage those passionate about agriculture to learn practical ranching skills.
“We’ll put you in a year-round program to learn all the practical elements of ranching, from fixing fences to calving to doctoring cows. You’ll be able to learn it all. After a year, you’ll be prepped to go work on a nearby farm or ranch,” according to Schmidt.
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The school launch date has yet to be determined.
Meanwhile, registration for the SAGs 2023 Rodeo School will open in March. You can find more details about that here.
LISTEN TO THE FULL CONVERSATION WITH STRATHMORE STAMPEDE CEO AND GENERAL MANAGER RYAN SCHMIDT: