MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - Mountain View County's agricultural service board (ASB) has been updated on the activities and plans of the Central Alberta Forage and Livestock Association (CAFLA), formerly known as Grey Wooded Forage Association.
CAFLA is a producer led and directed organization dedicated to sustainable forage production.
The county has budgeted a total of $6,000 annually for the forage associations over the past number of years, split between two association: $3,000 for CAFLA and $3,000 for Foothills Forage and Grazing Association.
“They (CAFLA) empower producers through education, research, and community engagement, promoting healthy pastures and resilient ecosystems,” county administration said in a briefing note to the board
“Their focus areas includes grazing management, riparian management, environmentally sustainability, grass production, pasture and perennial forage regeneration.”
CAFLA manager Tatyana Irodenko appeared as a delegation during a recent ASB meeting.
The association was rebranded in recognition of its 40th year of operation, she said.
“Our new name reflects the full breadth of our work today, and that is serving a broader region and integrating both forage and livestock systems,” Irodenko said.
“The rebranding wasn’t just a change in appearance. It was a strategic move that aligns without our ongoing commitment to deliver value and relevance to Alberta’s agricultural sector.”
The association also has a new website, including a members-only portal.
“We frequently partner with both public and private sector organizations to deliver impactful programs and ultimately Alberta’s producers are the ones who benefit,” she said.
“With support from our funders and partners, CAFLA offers many programs and services aimed at getting credible information into the hands of producers and delivering real benefits on the ground.”
CALFA’s on-farm trials and demonstrations “allow producers to test new practices in a real-world setting without all the associated risks and they provide data and insights that support informed decision making.”
In 2024, CALFA collaborated with producers on a soil sampling involves 79 samples for 15 producers and forage sampling involving 20 samples and seven producers.
Projects in 2025 include testing of new compostable net wrapping on two properties, one in Mountain View County, she said.
The ASB is made up of county councillors and appointed members of the public. It advices the county and province on agriculture issues and concerns.
“We appreciate all that you do and keep up the good work,” said ASB chair Tietsia Huyzer.
