Agriculture

The County’s Agricultural Service Board (ASB) directs the Agriculture Services Department. This board functions as the voice of agriculture by advising and responding to issues of local, provincial and national interest. Through County Council, the ASB and the Agricultural Service department work diligently to carry out the ASB goal of promoting, protecting and enhancing agriculture and rural living in a sustainable manner. The Agricultural Services department is legislated to conduct its activities under the Weed Control Act, the Agricultural Pests Act, the Soil Conservation Act and the Livestock Diseases Act. The department supports the ASB to meet and make recommendations to Council and the Provincial Minister of Agriculture.

Northern Alberta Farm Family Award

The purpose of the awards is to recognize and celebrate outstanding farm 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.

Deadline is April 1, 2026

Nominations can be sent to James Breadon,

State of Agricultural Disaster Declared

At the Regular Meeting of Council on August 12, 2025, Council declared a State of Agricultural Disaster due to seasonally low precipitation which has negatively impacted crops, pasture and forage stands.

Drought, heat stress, and severe grasshopper infestations have hindered annual crop growth, causing poor pod fill, premature crop burn-off, and significant losses in forage and grain potential. Although recent moisture is providing some relief, it is too late for many fields, forcing livestock producers to consider early herd reductions due to limited and costly feed supplies, with long-term financial and economic consequences for the region.

It is important to understand that a declaration of agricultural disaster does not automatically result in additional funding programs, provincially or federally. It does raise awareness to governments of the challenges local producers face, which could lead to some form of support and assistance.

Agriculture Services provides the following services:

Agriculture Services Key Contacts

James Breadon

Assistant Ag. Fieldman

780-307-0529

Email James

KIARA HUDY

Agriculture & Environmental Services Coordinator

780-307-0586

Email Kiara