Alberta producers and 4-H clubs celebrated as final winners named in the Great Twine Round-Up

Cleanfarms has officially announced the final winners of the 2024-2025 Great Twine Round-Up, a province-wide initiative recognizing Alberta farmers and 4-H clubs for their efforts in collecting and recycling used agricultural baler twine.

Over the seven-month campaign, which concluded on May 31, the contest drew entries from participants across Alberta. An estimated 16,500 kilograms of twine were collected during the campaign.

Two prize draws were held — an early-bird draw in January and a final draw at the end of the contest. Prizes were awarded to 4-H clubs and one independent entrant, who chose to donate their winnings to a local Alberta chairty.

Final Draw Winners:

• Individual Category ($3,000): A ranch in Special Areas 2
• 4-H Club Category ($3,000 each):
  • Rocky South 4-H Beef Club
  • Hanna Rangeland 4-H Multi Club
• Early-Bird 4-H Club Winner ($3,000):
  • Lethbridge Northern 4-H Beef Club

The contest was coordinated by the Agricultural Plastics Recycling Group (APRG), with funding from the Government of Alberta and support from Alberta Beef Producers.

According to Assar Grinde, Chair of the APRG and a cow/calf producer, the initiative helped increase twin recycling and encouraged new participants to begin using recycling programs.

“Taking that first step — placing clean twine in a recycling bag instead of the garbage — is often the most difficult,” says Grinde. “The level of participation suggests that targeted outreach can support environmental goals.”

In a related development, the Government of Alberta has launched a public engagement process to gather input on the potential inclusion of agricultural plastics in a provincial regulatory framework. This engagement began on July 31, 2025, and will remain open until September 12, 2025.

The initiative, led by Alberta Environment and Protected Areas alongside Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, seeks feedback on:

• Types of agricultural plastics to include
• Timing for implementation
• Recovery rate targets
• Service standards for collection

Since 2019, Alberta Agriculture and irrigation has funded the Alberta Ag-Plastic. Recycle It! pilot program for grain bags and twine. With the province’s Extended Producer Responsibility Regulation now in place, officials are evaluating whether agricultural plastics should be managed through a similar regulatory approach.

To learn more or complete the survey, click here.

For more information on agricultural plastic recycling, click here.