In 2020, Farm Credit Canada contributed $1.5 million to 92 community projects across Canada to support rural capital projects. Over the past 17 years, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund has supported 1,356 projects, an investment of $16.5 million.

This year, the FCC AgriSpirit Fund awarded between $5,000 and $25,000 for community improvement projects that enhance the lives of rural residents. Examples include capital expenditures on equipment purchase and installation, energy efficient building improvements and repairs, and the purchase of rescue and fire equipment.

A grant from the FCC AgriSpirit Fund, in the amount of $10,000, was awarded to the Ag Society to cover the cost of a new concrete floor in the agridome. The work, completed by Gary Moulton Construction, is already underway and has replaced the previous dirt floor.

We are the recipients of a $3,000 grant from the 2021 Spring Community Grant from Community Foundation Grey Bruce. This money will be used to support the Ripley Agricultural Society 2021 Ripley Fall Fair virtual event.

Over the past few months, our board of directors and volunteers has been working together to plan on ways to continue to educate and promote agriculture. We are building on our events and educational videos from our 2020 Virtual Fall Fair to create an online educational experience.

Our 2021 online experience will showcase the great community that we love to call home!

Last year, we offered a safe alternative to our “in person” event. This year, we hope to return to some type of traditional fair, but remain diligent based on the COVID-19 pandemic.

Local youth who enjoy connecting with the community are invited to contact us about becoming a senior or junior fall fair ambassador. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy new experiences and make new friends while supporting our community. contact ripleyfair@hurontel.on.ca for more information.

Please follow our Facebook pages – Ripley Agricultural Society and Ripley Agricultural Society Ambassador, Instagram @ripleyfallfair.ambassador and our website www.ripleyfair.ca in the coming months for notice of our fall fair activities. Check out our Homecraft Exhibit Book on our website.

The monthly photography contest for June ends on June 30, with this month’s theme of flower gardens. Enter our contest to show us your work of art in your gardens. Submit your entry to ripleyfair2020@hotmail.com. Judging will take place at the end of the month and the winner will receive a Shoreline Chic gift certificate.

2021 field crop competition

New Seeded Hay: Murray Wilkens 98, Keith Van der Hoek 97, Darren Van der Hoek 96, Smith Farms 95, Thomas Farrell 94, Brad MacDonald 93, James MacDonald 92.

Established Hay: Prehnbrook Farms 98, Thomas Farrell 97, Keith Van der Hoek 96, Wade Lowry 95, Darren Van der Hoek 94, Murray Wilken 93, RG Harris 92, Rob Lowry 91, Jon Murray 90, Dave Collins 89, John Gillespie 88, Sandy Pollock 87, Brian Reid 86.