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Agriculture
Vision
In partnership with others, we provide and administer programs and services to the agricultural community that encourages sustainable farming practices within the County of Newell.Mission
Working together we strive to guide viable growth and sustainability in the County of Newell by implementing programs in areas of weed, pest and soil control as well as programs focused on sound agronomics and environmental stewardship.
Agricultural Service Board (ASB) in the County of Newell
The County of Newell established its Agricultural Service Board (ASB) in 1952 and has been delivering agricultural programming under the Agricultural Service Board Act ever since.
ASBs were created to provide local oversight on growing agricultural challenges, including weed and pest infestations, as well as soil erosion caused by wind and water. They serve as advisory bodies to municipal councils on agricultural matters, with an Agricultural Fieldman hired to manage programming and implementation.
Responsibilities of the Agricultural Service Board
In the County of Newell, the ASB is responsible for:
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Legislation & Enforcement
- Enforcing the Agricultural Service Board Act
- Enforcing the Weed Control Act
- Hiring and overseeing Weed Inspectors
- Implementing vegetation control measures on public land
- Collaborating with producers and industry to mitigate the impact of noxious and prohibited noxious weeds
- Enforcing the Agricultural Pests Act
- Conducting surveys to assess pest threats and implementing control programs
- Enforcing the Soil Conservation Act to reduce soil erosion
- Supporting Animal Health Act initiatives
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Programs & Initiatives
- Implementing policies and programs to support local agriculture
- Managing the shelterbelt program
- Certifying Seed Cleaning Plants annually
- Providing education and awareness campaigns to share Alberta Agriculture information with the local community
- Assisting with grant applications
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Operations & Facilities
- Employing an Agricultural Fieldman
- Operating an efficient and effective ASB Committee
- Managing Emerson Bridge Park Campground
- Overseeing facility maintenance
The ASB plays a crucial role in supporting and sustaining agriculture in the County of Newell, ensuring that local producers have the resources, policies, and programs needed to thrive.
To support Agricultural Service Board (ASB) programming, the County employs eight (8) full-time staff and hires 15 seasonal workers. Since most programs run from April to October, seasonal employees have become a valuable resource for ASB operations.
Over the years, the ASB workforce has expanded as new programs have been introduced and additional funding has become available. Currently, the ASB team includes:
- Director of Agricultural Services
- Manager of Agricultural Services
- Environmental Services Supervisor
- Maintenance Supervisor – AS and Facilities
- Two Agricultural Technicians
- Four Seasonal Vegetation Management Technicians
- Four Agricultural Equipment Operators
- Six Seasonal Agricultural Labourers
- One Seasonal Emerson Bridge Park Supervisor
This team ensures the effective delivery of ASB programs and services throughout the County.