Initiative
Success Stories
The process was simple and efficient - way easier than expected.
Kevin Goutbeck, Grain/Potato farmer, Sturgeon CountyMore about Kevin"I expected this process to be more difficult. [Attending] a workshop helped. The EFP technician provided clear and knowledgeable support. The EFP helped me review my farm from a fresh perspecitve. The process was simple and efficient - way easier than expected."
I feel responsible for good stewardship and the EFP process is part of building a legacy.
Denis Kennedy, retired agrologistMore about DenisDon’t take our word for it, listen to Denis Kennedy, a retired agrologist and agricultural educator who farms near Olds.
“I feel responsible for good stewardship and the EFP process is part of building a legacy,” he adds. “It’s not about dollars, it’s about passing on. I’ve had the privilege of having a turn at being the steward of this. I want to be able to say that I’ve done my best and I think it is at least as good, and hopefully better than when I got it.”
It really is wonderful and a highlight for me as a technician to talk with producers who say that they learned something new and enjoyed the process after completing their plans.
Sonja Bloom, EFP TechnicianMore about Sonja"What I love most about the EFP is that each producer gets a customized, personal report and action plan that works for their unique operation. It really is wonderful and a highlight for me as a technician to talk with producers who say that they learned something new and enjoyed the process after completing their plans."
- Sonja Bloom, EFP Technician, Foothills Forage & Grazing Association
We sell into a global marketplace and those companies demand [an environmental] commitment.
Terence Hochstein, Potato Growers of AlbertaMore about Terence"We sell into a global marketplace and those companies demand [an environmental] commitment."
- Terence Hochstein, Potato Growers of Alberta
We did an Environmental Farm Plan when they first came out, and when we make ranch changes today, we still go back and reference that workbook.
Sean McGrath, Vermilion FarmerMore about Sean"We did an Environmental Farm Plan when they first came out, and when we make ranch changes today, we still go back and reference that workbook."
- Sean McGrath, Vermilion Farmer
EFP is the single best tool that helps a farmer / rancher understand their environmental risks and learn new things about their operation.
Ken Lewis, EFP TechnicianMore about Ken"EFP is the single best tool that helps a farmer / rancher understand their environmental risks and learn new things about their operation."
- Ken Lewis, EFP Technician, Red Deer County
EFP delivery moved to an online platform when I became a technician. It was a bold but wise move at the time. The transition has made program and producer updates easier and kept EFP relevant.
Kim Barkwell, EFP TechnicianMore about Kim"EFP delivery moved to an online platform when I became a technician. It was a bold but wise move at the time. The transition has made program and producer updates easier and kept EFP relevant."
- Kim Barkwell, EFP Technician, Leduc/Wetaskiwin County
Producers are always very appreciative after going through the EFP, which is very satisfying. Makes me understand that we are helping producers do even a better job than what they are already accomplishing on their operations.
Murray Warnke, EFP TechnicianMore about Murray"Producers are always very appreciative after going through the EFP, which is very satisfying. Makes me understand that we are helping producers do even a better job than what they are already accomplishing on their operations."
- Murray Warnke, EFP Technician, Alberta Agriculture & Irrigation
The EFP works as a flashlight to bring light to some of the environmental risks on your farm. The EFP program is a chance to highlight those issues, bring them to light, and provide solutions or best management practices.
Hannah Musterer, EFP TechnicianMore about Hannah"Some people have been living on their farms their entire lives, so it is easy to become ‘blind’ to some potential environmental risks. The EFP works as a flashlight to bring light
to some of the environmental risks on your farm. The EFP program is a chance to highlight those issues, bring them to light, and provide solutions or best management practices. You generally know where your issues are, but the EFP program will point them out in a supportive, solution-based way. Like trying to find something in the dark."
- Hannah Musterer, EFP Technician, Lamont County
I learned about water management, and my technician helped me with my problems on my laptop.
Gerald Mooij, Potato farmer, LeducMore about GeraldI learned about water management, and my technician helped me with my problems on my laptop.
I am concerned about my affect on the environment, so this is a good tool to understand [my impacts]. The workshop was helpful in navigating the EFP. The technicians were helpful and friendly.
Wayne Groot, Potato farmer, Sturgeon CountyMore about WayneI am concerned about my affect on the environment, so this is a good tool to understand [my impacts]. The workshop was helpful in navigating the EFP. The technicians were helpful and friendly.
It is important to protect our land and the environment to maintain profitability and for future generations. It was valuable to [reinforce] what I have been doing is correct and positive.
Gordon Ellis, Crop farmer, Mountain View CountyMore about GordonIt is important to protect our land and the environment to maintain profitability and for future generations. I was excited to do it. The EFP was very in depth and well thought out. The technician was helpful and answered all of my questions and provided clarification. It was valuable to [reinforce] what I have been doing is correct and positive.
Completing the EFP process helps farmers see what they are already doing well and where changes can be made to improve. Updating an EFP allows you to look back on how your farm has progressed over several years.
Mike Hittinger, EFP TechnicianMore about MikeCompleting the EFP process helps farmers see what they are already doing well and where changes can be made to improve. Updating an EFP allows you to look back on how your farm has progressed over several years.
The technicians were excellent in helping me complete the EFP 4.0+. They answered all of my questions. Thank you for all your help in updating my EFP.
Neil Boles, Grain Farmer, Kneehill CountyMore about NeilThe technicians were excellent in helping me complete the EFP 4.0+. They answered all of my questions. Thank you for all your help in updating my EFP.
- Neil Boles, Grain Farmer, Kneehill County
We started the original EFP because we recognized that we could be better stewards of our surrounding environment. Qualifying for financial assistance is an obvious benefit.
Steve Nelson, Grain Farmer, Camrose CountyMore about SteveWe started the original EFP because we recognized that we could be better stewards of our surrounding environment. Qualifying for financial assistance is an obvious benefit.
Incremental improvements through upgraded EFPs are easier to handle than being surprised with a massive to do list.
Rahr choosing to host a workshop is a great idea. Updating my EFP was easier than expected when the technicians are readily available. Having a valued grain buyer seeing the value is a good incentive as well.
"The EFP is foundational for me in building relationships with producers, so I am further able to assist them in achieving their environmental goals and I appreciate that it is providing an avenue for the agricultural sector to demonstrate their comm
Lorelee Grattidge, EFP Technician for Mountain View CountyMore about Lorelee"The EFP is foundational for me in building relationships with producers, so I am further able to assist them in achieving their environmental goals and I appreciate that it is providing an avenue for the agricultural sector to demonstrate their commitment to sustainability."
"I love hearing people say when we work on the EFP together ’Wow, that wasn’t so bad, I wish I would have done this sooner!’"
Sara Miller, EFP Technician County of Two HillsMore about Sara"I love hearing people say when we work on the EFP together ’Wow, that wasn’t so bad, I wish I would have done this sooner!’"
"The Environmental Farm Plan provides perspective, highlighting potential on farm risks and providing valuable insights for sustainable farming."
Matthew Wells, EFP Technician Lethbridge CountyMore about Matthew"The Environmental Farm Plan provides perspective, highlighting potential on farm risks and providing valuable insights for sustainable farming."
The EFP team’s hard work and dedication to our program has allowed us to let all of our customers and industry partners know that we have one of the best sustainability groups in the Industry.
Kerby Heintz, Rahr Malting Co.More about KerbyOur journey started with the Alberta EFP and ARECA over 5 years. Our goal was to partner with an Environmental organization that would benefit all of our growers, but also allow us to expand our sustainability program globally.
Over the years we established a great working relationship with the team at Alberta EFP. Their dedication to our Program and for all of our growers is second to none. As we progressed it was evident that our choice to partner together was becoming a huge success in our goal to be globally recognized with SAI Platform (Sustainable Agricultural Initiative Platform). EFP was able to benchmark their program through the FSA assessments of SAI Platform and allow our growers to be benchmarked not only provincially in Alberta and take advantage of the great opportunities this provides but also Globally across the world with SAI Platform.
The EFP team’s hard work and dedication to our program has allowed us to let all of our customers and industry partners know that we have one of the best sustainability groups in the Industry. Their support through webinars, in person sessions, attending our grower meetings and events, and offering their assistance to growers and Rahr to help grow our program has helped our Sustainability program to be a success and benefit to our customers.