Cypress County Agricultural Service Board tackles key issues at March meeting

INSET: Check out ASB Newsletters in this week's Commentator.

By Nerissa McNaughton
Southern Alberta Newspapers

The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) of Cypress County met on March 25 to discuss a range of topics regarding the region’s agricultural community. From invasive species management to youth education initiatives, the meeting highlighted the board’s ongoing commitment to supporting local producers and maintaining the health of the county’s agricultural landscape.

The Agricultural Fieldman provided an overview of recent activities, including attendance at the Alberta Invasive Species Council (AISC) Conference in Olds from March 10-12. The event offered valuable insights into invasive species management and provided opportunities for pesticide applicators to receive credits towards their license renewals.

Additionally, the Manager of Agricultural Services participated in a March 20 meeting to discuss the launch of Rejuvra, a new pre-emergence herbicide designed to combat invasive annual grasses like downy brome and medusahead. This herbicide promises to enhance rangeland productivity by targeting invasive grasses in the soil seedbank.

Ag staff also engaged in discussions about Saltlover, a persistent invasive species, and attended winter webinars hosted by Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation. Topics ranged from crop disease and pest surveys to updates on the Soil Conservation Act.

The 2025 ASB Grant Report is underway, though staff have encountered challenges with a new reporting platform. The report is due by April 30.

On the environmental front, six Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) workbooks have been approved since January, contributing to a record-breaking 1,121 EFPs completed across Alberta in 2025.

The Assistant Agricultural Fieldman also highlighted recent events, including a successful EFP Workshop on March 4. Unfortunately, an Invasive Species Workshop scheduled for March 8 was postponed due to weather, but efforts are underway to reschedule it in collaboration with a local 4-H group.

Looking ahead, a Tree Care Workshop with Toso Bozic is set for March 26, with 20 participants already registered. Ag staff are also planning additional events for the coming year to engage and educate residents.

Spring rat inspections along the Saskatchewan border have begun, focusing on areas north of Highway 1. No signs of Norway rats have been detected.

The Agricultural Technician reported on preparations for the upcoming spraying season, including maintenance and modifications to spray equipment. Staff are also assisting with organizing rental equipment for the 2026 season and have completed four soil erosion inspections in the Seven Persons area.

The ASB discussed a proposal to sponsor the 2026 Southern Alberta Youth Range Days, an educational event for youth aged 13-18. Scheduled for July 14-16 at Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, the event aims to teach participants about local wildlife, plant identification, and sustainable rangeland management.

The ASB has supported this event in the past, and $500 is available in the budget for sponsorship. The board emphasized the importance of educating future generations about the stewardship of rangelands.

The board reviewed correspondence from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) regarding proposed amendments to livestock traceability regulations. The CFIA has paused further publication of the regulations to ensure stakeholder feedback is thoroughly considered. The proposed changes aim to modernize Canada’s livestock traceability system, enhancing the country’s ability to respond to disease outbreaks and other agricultural challenges.

The ASB continues to prioritize the needs of Cypress County’s agricultural community through proactive initiatives, educational events, and collaboration with provincial and federal partners. With spring in full swing, the board is gearing up for a busy season of inspections, workshops, and fieldwork to support local producers and protect the region’s agricultural resources.

For more information on upcoming events or to access the ASB Newsletter, visit the Cypress County website.