75+ years of promoting sustainable agriculture in Alberta
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.
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.
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, …
Continue reading "Strychnine Emergency Use Approved for Ground Squirrel Control"
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, …
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.
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.
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 …
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.
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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