FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Rocky Mountain House – June 26, 2025 – The Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association (CAFLA) is expanding its ability to serve producers across the region, thanks to a capital grant from the Government of Alberta. The funding will allow CAFLA to purchase essential equipment that will enhance field trials, demonstrations, and direct services to local farmers and ranchers.
Key equipment acquisitions include a hydraulic soil sampler to support more precise soil health monitoring and a drone for pasture assessment that will provide real-time insights into forage conditions. These tools will enable CAFLA to increase both the scope and accuracy of its on-farm trials and extension work.
“This investment is a game-changer for our team and the producers we serve,” said Tatyana Pavlovets, Executive Director of CAFLA. “With these new tools, we’ll be able to deliver more efficient, data-driven support to farmers and ranchers, helping them make informed decisions that benefit both their operations and the environment.”
CAFLA is one of 12 producer-led applied research and forage associations in Alberta. These organizations bring scientific knowledge and practical innovation directly to the farmgate, helping producers adopt improved techniques for soil and water health; forage, livestock and crop production; and overall farm sustainability.
“Since 1984, our goal has always been to provide practical, unbiased information and real-world solutions,” said Sheldon Mehlhaff, CAFLA Chair and local producer. “This funding helps us stay true to that mission while addressing some of our most urgent equipment needs. We are incredibly thankful for the support from the Government of Alberta.”
Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, RJ Sigurdson, recently reaffirmed the government’s commitment to applied research in Alberta:
“Applied research associations play a vital role in supporting farmers and ranchers with top-notch research that helps improve and advance agriculture. This funding helps ensure associations can concentrate on providing research and extension to help our producers adopt new technologies and practices and improve their competitiveness.”
CAFLA extends its sincere appreciation to Minister Sigurdson and the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for recognizing the critical role that local research associations play in supporting the province’s agricultural competitiveness and innovation.
Media Contact:
Martina Hubl
Communications and Member Engagement Coordinator, CAFLA
Phone: 403-844-2645
Email: general@cafla-ab.ca
Website: cafla-ab.ca