On June 23, Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) convened for a town hall highlighting program updates, including the Emergency Use Registration (EUR) for strychnine in managing Richardson’s ground squirrels (RGS). Discussions also covered wild boar control, moisture conditions, and new weed management mechanisms for well sites. ASBs were encouraged to document impacts for future EUR applications.
AB Agriculture and Irrigation and AB Transportation and Economic Corridors Resolution Responses are Posted
Resolution responses are requested by April 15, 2026. The ASB Provincial Committee will meet sometime between April 16-22 to review the responses and if necessary request further responses for clarification by May 15, 2026. ASB Grading Sheets will be available after the April ASBPC meeting, and grading is due to the Committee by June 30, …
Engage in Canada’s Next Agricultural Policy Consultation
National consultations for Canada's Next Policy Framework will run until December 2027, comprising two phases. The first phase will collect feedback until June 30, 2026, before a second phase begins in fall 2026. This framework aims to strengthen the agriculture sector from 2028 to 2033, succeeding the current Sustainable CAP.
Why Lacombe Matters: Protecting Canada’s Beef & Forage Innovation Network
Urging the federal government to reconsider the closure of the Lacombe Research and Development Centre. For more than 119 years, Lacombe has been a cornerstone of Canadian agricultural innovation . It is not simply a research station — it is a national asset. From forage breeding and feed efficiency research to meat science, carcass grading, and food …
Continue reading "Why Lacombe Matters: Protecting Canada’s Beef & Forage Innovation Network"
Enhancing Agricultural Collaboration in Alberta
The ASB Provincial Committee's strategic plan emphasizes collaboration in the agricultural sector. On February 20th, it hosted discussions with industry groups to align priorities for mutual benefit. Ongoing campaigns encourage local engagement, focusing on traceability, nutrient stewardship, and open dialogue between producers and officials to enhance support for farmers and municipalities.
PMRA Denies Emergency Use of Strychnine for Ground Squirrel Control
On February 2, 2026, the PMRA denied the emergency registration of 2% liquid strychnine for controlling Richardson’s ground squirrels in Alberta and Saskatchewan, citing risks to non-target species. This disappointed agricultural leaders, who argue that strychnine is safe and effective, and they urge the government to reconsider the decision to alleviate economic burdens.
Alberta ASB Conference 2026: Key Resolutions and Insights
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.
Key Takeaways from the Provincial ASB Townhall
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.
Inside the November ASBPC–Minister Meeting
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.
Changes to Wild Boar Management
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 …
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