Picture Butte Ag Society making practical contributions to community

The Picture Butte Agricultural Society (PBAS) enters the 2022 growing season with a new president and a list of worthwhile initiatives on their agenda. James Praskach joined the Ag Society, “and kind of fell into the position of president.”

Praskach was raised on a farm north of Picture Butte. He went to St. Catherine School, then Picture Butte High School, and after that, Lethbridge College for Agriculture Studies.

“After college, I moved to Picture Butte for a few years, then built a house in the same farmyard I was raised in,” Praskach said. “We run an irrigation and dryland crop farm. I am married to a teacher, Crystie, and have two kids who now attend St. Catherine.”

As their mandate states: the PBAS strives, “to encourage improvement in agriculture and enhanced quality of life for persons living in the community by developing educational programs, events, services, and facilities based on needs of the community.” A clear mandate is important and when Praskach elaborates, it’s clear that their objective is purposeful and realistic.

“Although this covers a very large area of needs, we hope to succeed by keeping the grants we deliver very local and upon urgency of request,” he said. “At our last meeting, we completed a simple one-page form that can now be filled out for smaller request amounts. Applications for larger amounts will need to be accompanied by a detailed letter providing the specifics the funds will be used for and how they will be used to meet the needs of the local community.”

Cheri Gillstrom is secretary/treasurer for the society and described some of last year’s giving. “We gave lots of money to Walk on the Wild Side,” she said, and their contribution of $12,500 helped with paving the path around the reservoir. “We gave money to the daycare (Beehive Child Care Centre) to create an outdoor garden, so it’s hands-on for the kids. They grow from seed to harvest and then give away any extra stuff to the food bank.”

In 2022, the society has already started and funded a new clothing and supplies program for three local schools: St. Catherine, Dorothy Dalgliesh, and Huntsville (Iron Springs) which is aimed at younger children in need.

“We help coordinate different activities on Jamboree Days and annually pay for a portion of the cost of fireworks at Jamboree Days,” Praskach said. “We also annually cover the insurance fees for Kids Day in the Park. The Ag Society has also provided scholarship money to the Picture Butte High School for graduating students in the past and continues to provide those opportunities this year. We are also opening that scholarship opportunity to the graduating students at Huntsville School.”

“In the past couple of years, the PBAS has quietly donated to many local events, groups, and projects in and around the Picture Butte area,” he said. “(We have) given substantial funds to the Prairie Tractor Club to help with the replacement of a roof on one of the buildings. We also have funds earmarked for the new bike park in Picture Butte.”

Praskach hints there is potential for, “a few fairly large partnerships upcoming between the PBAS and local groups,” which is reason for even more optimism. The Ag Society’s contributions are commendable and prove how vital the role of non-profits is to the quality of life and well-being of a community.

To get involved, contact Cheri Gillstrom at cgillstrom@outlook.com or James Praskach at jamespraskach@hotmail.com.