About Us

What is an Agricultural Society?

History
Early Agricultural Societies developed fairs and exhibitions for the transfer of production information to farmers. These events were seen as opportunities to gather people from neighboring areas, learn something new, and have a good time doing it. 100 years later, Agricultural Societies in Alberta still provide over 1000 fairs and agricultural events each year.

The first agricultural society, known today as Edmonton Northlands was established in 1879. It was soon followed by Calgary Exhibition and Stampede, Medicine Hat, Lethbridge, Wetaskiwin and Olds all prior to 1900. By 1940 there were 30 agricultural societies and by 1970 there were 49. During the 1970's, agricultural societies in Alberta expanded their role in rural communities by developing community facilities. This created an influx in registered agricultural societies. By the end of the 70's there were 212 agricultural societies.

Agricultural Societies in Alberta continue to maintain their traditional roles while meeting the needs of the agricultural community. This is done by forming new partnerships with a variety of agricultual and community groups. Presently there are 295 active agricultural societies.

What is an Agricultural Society?
Agricultural Societies are non-profit organizations that encourage improvement in agriculture and in the quality of life of persons living in an agricultural community by developing programs, services and facilities based on needs in their agricultural community.

Agricultural Societies in Alberta Communities

What do they do?
Agricultural Societies are active partners in 295 Alberta communities.

Agricultural Societies work hard to give people an understanding of agriculture. They accomplish this goal by:

• organizing agricultural events
• supporting the agriculture industry
• operating community facilities
• supporting rural development

How are Agricultural Societies involved in your community?
They:

• develop new partnerships with agri-business
• operate community facilities such as halls, fairgrounds and arenas
• improve the quality of life for families in your community
• operate rodeos and fairs
• provide community Internet sites
• support youth training at leadership camps
• provide educational scholarships
• provide agricultural speakers for workshops
• support 4-H and other youth activities
• provide a variety of services to their community, often in partnership with other service clubs
• organize family community events

The volunteer commitment to operate and maintain approximately 520 facilities amounts to thousands of volunteer hours and the expenditure of $14 million annually.

Did you know?

• 3500 volunteers are involved with Agricultural Societies at the board level
• over 22,000 other volunteers help operate agricultural facilities and events
• Agricultural societies are non-profit societies
• Agricultural societies receive funding support for operating facilities, agricultural activities, rural development activities, and leadership and training expenses