ASB Blog

What is the Agricultural Service Board?

• An Agricultural Service Board (ASB) is a local government committee that deals with agricultural and rural issues within a municipality. In Alberta, ASBs are created under provincial legislation- most commonly the Agricultural Service Board Act.
• Agricultural Fieldmen are employed to administer and support these programs.
• ASBs main role is to support farmers, landowners, and rural communities by managing programs related to:
• 🌾 Weed control
  Enforcing the Weed Control Act, managing noxious/prohibited weeds, and overseeing things like spray programs and “Do Not Spray Zone” agreements.
• 🐺 Pest control
  Managing agricultural pests (such as rodents or problem wildlife) and sometimes overseeing bounty or control programs.
• 🌱 Soil and land conservation
  Promoting sustainable farming practices, erosion control, and environmental stewardship.
• 🚜 Agricultural programs & education
  Providing workshops, resources, and information to producers.
• 🌾 Roadside vegetation management
  Overseeing herbicide application along municipal roadsides.
• An ASB is usually made up of members of municipal council and local agricultural representatives. They act as a link between provincial agriculture policies and local producers.

Follow the ASB website for more information: www.agriculturalserviceboards.com

ASB Provincial Conference January 20-22, 2026

Around 450 delegates representing 66 of Alberta’s 68 rural municipalities gathered in Edmonton for the 80^th Provincial ASB Conference, hosted by the Northeast Region with the theme “Cultivating Resilience”. This conference focused on how Alberta’s agricultural communities can adapt to change, thrive in the face of adversity, and overcome challenges in an ever-changing landscape.

8 resolutions passed during the Provincial ASB Conference resolution session:

• Emergency registration of 2% liquid strychnine- Sponsored by Foothills County
• Exemption of agriculture equipment from Canadian Environmental Protect Act, 1999 emission limits- Sponsored by Foothills County
• Rural water distribution and connectivity funding- Sponsored by County of Stettler
• Modernizing Alberta’s Rat Control Program- Sponsored by the Agricultural Service Board Provincial Committee (ASBPC)
• On-farm meat processing- Sponsored by ASBPC
• Urgent reforms to CFIA and PMRA- Sponsored by ASBPC
• Vacant biological control scientist position- Sponsored by MD of Ranchland
• Livestock traceability regulations- Sponsored by County of Stettler

Can be viewed here: https://agriculturalserviceboards.com/2026-resolutions/

Northern Alberta Farm Family Award

The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS) is proud to announce the return of the Northern Alberta Farm Family Awards, a program dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the outstanding farm families who form the backbone of Northern Alberta’s agricultural communities. This initiative honours families who demonstrate excellence in agricultural production, community leadership, and innovation. Many of these families have stewarded their land and contributed to their communities for generations, with some farms boasting histories of 75 to 100 years or more. Congratulations to Taschuk Farms on receiving the 2025 Northern Alberta Farm Family Award!

 

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