Book Your Tour at #NACTA25 Today!

One of the standout experiences of the Annual NACTA Conference is always the lineup of local agricultural tours. This year we are excited to offer attendees six options sure to enrich, educate and illuminate on the local research, machinery, meat production and businesses that are the life force of the agricultural industry in the area. Each of these excursions will be offered in the afternoon of Wednesday, June 4. All tours will have limited space and spots will be on a first-come first-served basis. To sign up for a tour during your registration, make sure to check "Yes, I will attend a tour" when asked "Will you be attending a tour on Wednesday?"

Alberta Food Processing Centre/Rig Hand Distillery
This tour includes an overview of Alberta Food Center programs and services prior to a walking tour of the facility. PPE will be required but will be provided by the distillery. Tour is limited to 39 guests.

Elk Island Backstage Bison and Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village

Bison Backstage is the exclusive, behind the scenes look at bison conservation at Elk Island. Visitors will be led through the Plains Bison Handling Facility and along the way will learn about the history of bison, how they affect the prairie landscape around them, and how parks staff herd these magnificent wild animals through the world-class plains bison handling facility as a tool to connect visitors to Canada’s bison story and Parks Canada’s ongoing role in bison conservation efforts.

The Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village Society was founded in 1971 to develop a heritage village commemorating the settlement of east central Alberta by Ukrainians. Soon after, the Society bought the present site and began relocating buildings there from farms and towns of east central Alberta. The Province of Alberta acquired the site in 1975, and continues to interpret the major theme of “Early Ukrainian Settlement in East Central Alberta to 1930.” Since that time, more than 40 buildings have been moved to the UCHV where they have been researched, restored, and furnished to their early 20th century appearance. The museum also has a multi-purpose visitor centre with exhibit gallery spaces to provide a closer understanding of early Ukrainian settlement in east central Alberta. Tour is limited to 49 guests.

University of Alberta Botanic Garden
The garden is located 15 minutes from Edmonton. It has 80 cultivated acres, over 4000 plant species and three indoor show houses. Participants will undertake a guided tour through the gardens.  See where lush and diverse landscapes blend seamlessly with rich cultural and educational experiences. Wander through cultural gardens — like the Kurimoto Japanese Garden and Aga Khan Garden — or let curiosity lead you through our collections. View thousands of plant species or take in an event designed to awaken the senses. A visit to the Garden will rekindle your connection with nature and rejuvenate your spirit - in any season. Tour is limited to 49 guests.

Vermeer's Dairy & Detention Brewery
Vermeer’s Dairy is a 700 cow dairy south east of Camrose, Alberta which milks predominately Holstein cows.   In addition to the dairy, they crop approximately 2,500 acres and are one the only farms in Alberta to harvest high moisture corn.  

Detention Brewing is a craft brewery located in the former school in Rosalind, a village with a population of approximately 180 people. In addition to brewing some great beers they host a wide variety of community events from Beers and Blooms (flower arranging) to Crokicurl. Tour is limited to 29 guests.

Indigenous Teaching Experience
A conversation with a Native Elder or Traditional Knowledge Keeper -  about food, land, survival, and agriculture that would rooted in cultural knowledge, respect for the environment, and the interconnections between native peoples and Mother Earth. Tour is limited to 28 guests.

Warburg Hutterite Colony
Warburg colony is a member of Dariusleut sect of hutterites.  They live communally and are intensive agriculture innovators.  They grow crops, have cattle, layers, a green house, meat processing plant and a store.  For biosecurity reasons, participants of this tour will not be able to enter into animal housing facilities.  This colony considers their colony to be a university for their kids to learn many different trades and job opportunities right here on their farm.

This would be an excellent tour option for those who enjoyed the Amish and Mennonite Heritage Tour from the NACTA 2024 Conference. Tour is limited to 29 guests.

Additional meeting details and registration can be found at www.nactaconference.org.