The Alberta Legislature on Farmer's Day 2020. Photo from the UFA Co-operative Facebook page.

By Curtis Galbraith

Agriculture

Farmers Day being marked June 11

Jun 11, 2021 | 5:30 AM

UFA says it will be celebrating farmers and ranchers today.

Every year, the company designates the second Friday in June as Farmer’s Day.

UFA vice president of agribusiness and supply chains Glenn Bingley says this is an opportunity for the company to celebrate Alberta’s agriculture industry.

“This reminds us of the importance of farmers and thanking them for their tireless efforts farming every day, everything they do to put food on our table, whether that’s Albertans, Canadians, (or) quite frankly, in fact, throughout the world.”

He adds celebrating farmers and ranchers is even more important this year, given the pandemic.

“When you think about the pandemic, the impacts that has had. Agriculture was actually declared an essential service and our farmers, they worked tirelessly. They continued their work, and we were there to support them.”

Bingley says it looks like seeding has gone well in most places, meaning a lot of optimism among farmers

“The increased demand, the price of canola, the overall demand for canola worldwide, it’s good for our farmers. So far the season has been very successful.”

The pandemic means there are no in-person celebrations this year, but among the things marking the day are social media tributes using #FarmersDay.

Bingley says it is important for his company to reach all demographics.

“Farming is multi-generational and just really promoting and advocating on behalf of our farmers and members the importance of agriculture.”

The mayors of several cities, including Grande Prairie, have made proclamations declaring today Farmer’s Day. Landmarks like the Calgary Tower and Edmonton’s High Level Bridge will also be lit up in green and orange for the occasion. Bingley says it is important to have urban people take part as UFA wants everyone to celebrate.

Gatherings for this occasion date back to 1911 with the official designation coming in 1945. It was a statutory holiday at one time in Alberta.