75+ years of promoting sustainable agriculture in Alberta
Over 500 delegates from Alberta's rural municipalities convened in Edmonton for the 80th ASB Conference, themed "Cultivating Resilience." The event emphasized adapting agriculture to modern challenges, culminating in the passage of resolutions addressing pest control, infrastructure, and regulatory reforms. Sessions highlighted collaboration for sustainable agricultural futures in Alberta.
At the Provincial ASB Conference, ADM John Conrad emphasized the strong collaboration between Alberta's Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) and the Ministry of Agriculture. Celebrating its 80th year, the ASB program reinforced financial support, mental health initiatives, and trade efforts, promoting stability, innovation, and effective problem-solving for Alberta's agricultural sector.
On November 17, the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee met with the Minister of Agriculture to discuss priorities for rural municipalities. Key topics included budget constraints, Richardson Ground Squirrel control, veterinary shortages, mental health in agriculture, and on-farm slaughter regulations. ASBs are encouraged to document impacts and prepare for future initiatives.
Resolution 5-24 December 1, 2025 the ASBPC and ASBs with Wild Boar Farms met virtually with ADM John Conrad and staff to discuss the changes to regulations impacting Wild Boar Farms in Alberta. Resolution 5-24 requests that "the Government of Alberta amend the Alberta Agricultural Pests Act to require Minimum Containment Standards for Alberta Wild …
On November 17, 2025, the newly elected Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee convened, recognizing returning members and welcoming newcomers. Established in 2005, the Committee facilitates communication between Agricultural Service Boards across Alberta and the government, addressing key agricultural issues. Various representatives bring extensive experience in agriculture and community leadership.
The Weeds on Wellsites working group is actively addressing weed management challenges on oil and gas well sites in Alberta. Recent efforts include a survey of some municipalities to get an idea of the extent of the concerns. Legislative proposals aim to enhance enforcement and cost recovery, while summer field tours connected policy and landowners for greater understanding. Continued engagement is needed to deepen understanding and enhance awareness for better management practices.
In March 2025, Alberta announced changes to the Charitable Gaming Policies Handbook to reduce restrictions on charities, allowing increased retention of proceeds and flexibility in spending. This aims to support rural non-profits, addressing concerns over limitations imposed by the 2022 handbook, which restricted revenue generation and reserve building.
Alberta Environment and Protected Areas, along with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, are seeking public input on regulating agricultural plastics waste recycling. Feedback is welcome on types of plastics, implementation timing, recovery rates, and service standards. An online survey is available until September 12, 2025, with an information session on August 13.
In 2025, the ASBs passed resolution 1-25, advocating for reforms in the Livestock Deferral Program and Agri-Recovery initiatives. This response addressed limitations in drought assessments due to data scarcity, particularly in northern regions. Enhanced data collection and improved assessments aim to better reflect drought impacts on livestock operations across municipal boundaries.
The 2025 ASB Gopher Impact Survey, responding to Federal MP John Barlow, aims to compile evidence on the pest damage caused by Richardson's Ground Squirrels to inform agricultural policy. Farmers are encouraged to submit damage photos, with a target of 200 responses, to prompt timely government action for affected Prairie producers.
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