UFA Co-operative Ltd. celebrates 100 years of incorporation. Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, Honourable Lois Mitchell; Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry, Andre Corbould; and the United Farmers Historical Society were all in attendance.
UFA celebrated 100 years of doing business at an event held at Gunn's Dairy Barn at Heritage Park today! Together with the Honourable Lois Mitchell, Lieutenant Governor of Alberta; Andre Corbould, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Forestry; and the United Farmers Historical Society (UFHS), the co-operative marked the centennial milestone with many guests from the agricultural community in attendance. Band students from Father Whelihan also joined the celebration performing special pieces of music.
The Honourable Lois Mitchell talked about how agriculture is a priority for her and she shared the story of her father immigrating to this province from Scotland in 1913. She is excited for her 2018 Poetry and Essay Contests – Celebrating Agriculture in Alberta. "I encourage classrooms and 4-H clubs across the province to take part in this opportunity to think about the important role agriculture has played in our past and will continue to play in our future, I'm looking forward to seeing some great poems and essays from our young Albertans," said Her Honour. Her Honour also time following the formal program to meet and mingle with guests young and old.
The event also included a short dramatic presentation depicting Famous Five member, Irene Parlby, and agrarian theorist, Henry Wise Wood performed by the Heritage Park period actors.
Duane Glimsdale, UFHS President shared the story of UFA's incorporation and its impact on Alberta's history and culture. "With our mandate to steward, promote and share the ongoing history of UFA and the co-operative's contributions to Alberta's history and culture, we're very proud of our 100 years in business. A lot went into those years to get us here today, and you can see that when you visit our online archives," said Glimsdale.
Carol Kitchen, President and CEO of UFA, is looking towards a bright future for the co-operative by building on its progressive, hardworking roots. "As the only female CEO of an agricultural co-operative in North America, I'm proud of our legacy of progressive thinking in Alberta. We will continue to drive forward in 2018 after just announcing $12.5 million in patronage payments for our loyal members."
