Ag Newsletters
Special Areas Board Agriculture Services have provided resources and information to help local producers answer those tough farming and ranching questions.
Check out the latest edition of the Grazing and Growing newsletter below.
Archives:
2025 Summer Newsletter
2025 Spring Newsletter
2024 Fall Newsletter
2024 Spring Newsletter
2024 Winter Newsletter
2023 Fall Newsletter
2023 Summer Newsletter
2023 Spring Newsletter
Key Contact Information
Many residents of the Special Areas support the region through agricultural activities. To help them thrive, we deliver a number of agricultural services.
Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) are responsible for implementing agricultural policies and programs and managing agricultural resources in the Special Areas. Each Special Area has an Agricultural Fieldman who works with the local ASB to manage local programs for weed controls, pest controls, soil conservation, agricultural grants, and producer supports.
KEY CONTACTS
Special Area No. 2
Jesse Williams, SA2 Agricultural Fieldman
403-854-5624
jesse.williams@specialareas.ab.ca
Special Area No. 3
Don Hogan, SA3 Agricultural Fieldman
403-664-5585
don.hogan@specialareas.ab.ca
Special Area No. 4
Justine Comeau, SA4 Agricultural Fieldman
403-577-3523
Justine.comeau@specialareas.ab.ca
Weed Control
Special Areas appoints weed inspectors to carry out the needs of the Weed Control Act, which has two types of regulated weeds landowners and leaseholders are responsible for controlling:
- Noxious weeds: Must be controlled
- Prohibited noxious weeds: Must be eradicated
If you think you have seen a noxious or prohibited weed in the Special Areas, contact your local Agricultural Fieldman.
Learn more about noxious and prohibited noxious weeds from the Alberta Invasive Species Council..
Agricultural Pests
Special Areas appoints pest inspectors to carry out the needs of the Alberta Agricultural Pest Act. Agricultural pests and nuisances are defined as any animal, bird, insect, plant or disease which negatively impact agricultural production.
The Special Areas Board is responsible for protecting the agricultural productivity of the municipality by controlling native and introduced pests. Landowners and leaseholders are accountable for controlling:
- Agricultural pests: Must be controlled
- Agricultural nuisances: May be controlled
If you are having issues related to agricultural pests contact your local Agricultural Fieldman.
Soil Conservation
The unique soil profile and environmental conditions of many parts of the Special Areas puts our producers at a higher risk of soil loss and degradation if appropriate conservation measures and practices are not implemented and maintained.
Special Areas appoints soil conservation officers to promote and enforce the requirements of the Soil Conservation Act. It is the responsibility of landowners and leaseholders to take appropriate measures to prevent or stop soil loss or deterioration from taking place or continuing.
Agricultural Service Boards
Agricultural Service Boards (ASBs) are appointed under the Agricultural Service Board Act. There is one Ag. Service Board for each Special Area to address agricultural concerns in their communities. Ag. Service Boards help develop policies and programs for the local agricultural sector, including:
- Management of agricultural weeds and pests
- Conservation of soil and water
- Enhancement and protection of viable and sustainable agricultural practices
- Control of animal diseases
Are you interested in becoming an ASB member? Fill out an application today, deadline is January 1, 2025.
Agricultural Service Board Members
Special Area No. 2
- Brad Osadczuk, Advisory Councillor
- Neal Roes, Advisory Councillor
- Derek Christensen
- Nathan Berg
- Greg Standing
- Lee Quaschnick
- Jesse Williams, Agricultural Fieldman
Special Area No. 3
- John Kimber, Advisory Councillor
- Kevin Wilson, Advisory Councillor
- Scott Woods
- Walter Scarff
- Jerry Logan
- Don Hogan, Agricultural Fieldman
Special Area No. 4
- Laurie Ference, Advisory Councillor
- Gordon Long, Advisory Councillor
- Todd Murphy
- Corinne Kelts
- Alex Coulton
- Jason Bishell
- Justine Comeau, Agricultural Fieldman
Producer Supports
Agricultural producers in the Special Areas can access equipment on a rental basis. Grant funding opportunities may be available to agricultural producers. Contact your local Agricultural Fieldman for more information.
Chinook Applied Research Association (CARA) is dedicated to developing innovative and profitable practices to help local agricultural producers through applied research and extension projects. It researches local cereal, oilseed, and pulse crops, annual and perennial forages, agronomic best practices, pasture and grazing management, and soil conservation and reclamation.
Producers are encouraged to contact CARA for more information on local programs and research opportunities.