Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) play a crucial role in local agricultural decision-making in Alberta, addressing issues that require collaborative efforts. Their Provincial Committee connects local needs to provincial actions, evolving through various strategic planning processes. A 2026 survey aims to gather input from diverse stakeholders to strengthen the ASB system.
New Alberta Blue Book App
Now available for Apple and Android The Alberta Blue Book has gone digital and now gives farmers a faster and more convenient way to access trusted crop protection information wherever the job takes them. The new Alberta Blue Book App is now available for Apple and Android devices. It delivers nearly 50 years of trusted …
ASBPC is Updating their Strategic Plan
This spring the ASB Provincial Committee is working with a facilitator with the Community Development Unit, for the Ministry of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women to update the 2020 strategic plan. For the first time, this processes is being lead by the ASBPC and the Municipal Councils and Rural Municipalities of Alberta have …
Alberta’s Emergency Use of Strychnine: Guidelines
Municipal Agricultural Service Boards in Alberta are collaborating with the government to manage a severe Richardson's Ground Squirrel infestation using a temporary Emergency Use Registration for 2% liquid strychnine until November 2027. Access is limited to trained producers and is regulated to minimize risks to non-target species and ensure responsible land stewardship.
Weeds on Oil and Gas Wellsites: Toward a Clearer Compliance Path
On April 2, 2026, ADM Town Hall discussed new legislation for weed control on oil and gas sites. The Alberta Energy Regulator will enforce measures under the Oil and Gas Conservation Act, linking problematic sites to the Orphan Well Association for funding. Municipalities can report weed issues via an online form, promoting timely enforcement.
Strychnine Emergency Use Approved for Ground Squirrel Control
March 30, 2026 the Canadian Federal government posted a statement on their decision to move forward and allow Emergency Use Registration of 2% Strychnine for Richardson's Ground Squirrel control in the 2026 growing season. Statement from the Minister of Health and the Minister of Agriculture and Agri-food on Strychnine in Alberta and Saskatchewan - March 30, …
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When Policy Becomes a Farmer’s Biggest Threat – A Year in the Life of a Farmer
China's canola tariffs illustrate how federal policy choices can cripple Canadian agriculture. — Read on thelifeofafarmer.com/2025/08/13/policy-a-farmers-biggest-threat/ A worth while summary of the impact of the October 2024 move to help the auto industry on western farmers.
Central Contact for Weed Control and Pests Act
Resolution 5-25 Resolution 5-25 asks that "the Ministers of Energy, Environment and Ag work collaboratively to establish a central point of contact for identifying landholder to send communication to industry and government agencies for matters related to agriculture legislation. This would involve municipalities sending notices and other communications regarding the Acts to a central government …
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Richardson’s Ground Squirrel Update
**Updates** ASBPC meets with SARM on April 22, 2025 Saskatchewan Association of Rural Municipalities (SARM) SARM has been actively advocating for the reinstatement of strychnine for gopher control through multiple channels, including meeting with Pesticide Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) in Ottawa multiple times before strychnine was deregistered in 2023. They found PMRA to be unresponsive …
Wild Boar in Alberta: Understanding the Risks and Potential Changes
Resolution 5-24: Wild Boar and the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act Wild boar represent a significant threat to agriculture and ecological landscapes. Jurisdictions across Canada and the US are reevaluating their policies around management of wild boar farms in light of significant risks to disease spread in wild and domestic herds. “Given the threat of wild …
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