New ASB Member

With a new year comes the transition of Agriculture Service Board Members. Members at Large on the Agriculture Service Board serve a 3-year term. This has been rotationally done so that one member is replaced each year.

At the January 9, 2023, ASB meeting, Shawn Gorr was presented with a plaque and a copy of "Weeds of The Prairies" to commemorate his service on the ASB from 2020 to 2022. Kneehill County ASB would like to sincerely thank Shawn Gorr for his commitment to the board over the past 3 years.

Joining the ASB for 2023 is Julia Jensen from near Huxley. Julia and her husband Curtis farm grain and cattle and operate Prairie View Contracting Services. On weekdays Julia works at AFSC in Three Hills and in her spare time operates Prairie Bloem Creations, making painted wood flower arrangements. We are so excited to have your many experiences and perspectives brought to the Agriculture Service Board- Welcome Julia!

Organization Highlight

Agriculture Service Board

Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) are special committees appointed by rural municipal councils to address agriculture concerns in their local jurisdictions. In Kneehill County, this committee consists of 4 Councillors and three Members at Large (local agriculture producers nominated to the committee).

This committee works with Agriculture Services Administration Staff to develop and enforce policy and implement supportive programming for the local agriculture sector under 5 pieces of provincial legislation and associated regulations. More on Kneehill County-specific programming can be found on the website.

The ASB also provides feedback and advice on agriculture issues of importance to associated Provincial and Federal Ministries through the annual resolution system and direct communication campaigns. More on Provincial ASB activity can be found on the provincial website.

Stewardship Spotlight

Infester Info

Rats!

Albertans have enjoyed living without the menace of rats since 1950 when the Rat Control Program was established. Alberta’s rat-free status means there is no resident population of rats and they are not allowed to establish themselves. It does not mean we never get rats. Small infestations occasionally occur, but when found, the rats are isolated and eradicated through proven control methods.

Signs of rats include:

• Burrows and runways from nest areas to food and water sources
• Wall and floor holes
• Gnawing on various materials
• Nests and caches of food remains and potential bedding material
• Musky odours and dark oily smudges along trails and entrances
• Droppings-blunt at both ends and 1.25-1.5cm large

Some common rodent species are mistakenly identified as Norway or Roof Rats, including:

• Mice
• Muskrats
• Northern Pocket Gophers
• Richardson Ground Squirrels
• Bushy-Tailed Wood Rat

If you see or suspect a Norway or Roof Rat you can report it to Kneehill County Ag Services, at 403-443-5541, or call 310-RATS.

Upcoming Events

Click the posters below for registration information

New Version of Grain Contract Guide Available

Cutting Fertilizer Emissions can be Profitable if Done Sensibly

Educational role urged for hog farmers

Farmers need to know occupational health and safety rules