Phone: 780-837-2222

Fax: 780-837-2453

E-mail; asb@mdsmokyriver.com

Agricultural Fieldman: Shelleen Gerbig

WEED CONTROL PROGRAMS

Weed control is the responsibility of the landowner. Identification of weed problems and enforcement of the Weed Control Act is the responsibility of the Agricultural Service Board staff. Please refer to Bylaw no. 683 (link to bylaw) concerning the placement of certain weeds in the restricted category.
The Agricultural Service Board staff consists of the Agricultural Fieldman, Agricultural Services Supervisor, two inspectors, two mower operators, and a spray truck operator.
The MD of Smoky River has several Weed Control Programs. These include the Roadside Weed and Brush Control Programs, the Mowing Program, the Special Weed Control Program, the Urban Weed Control Program, the Inspection and Spray Program and the Seed Cleaning Plant Licensing Program.
If you have any comments or concerns regarding any of the Programs outlined below, please call the ASB at 780-837-2222 or e-mail us at asb@smokyriver.com

ROADSIDE WEED AND BRUSH CONTROL PROGRAMS

Tordon 101 is the main chemical being used on roadside ditches. The M.D. does not spray in front of yards, shelterbelts, dugouts or registered no-spray zones. These are the responsibility of the land owner. Garlon 4 is the chemical used for brush control.
The Municipal District of Smoky River #130 begin the Spraying Program in June of the present year.
To register no-spray zones with the ASB, please fill out the Agreement Regarding Spraying of Roadsides and return it to 701 Mainstreet, Falher. Forms must be received prier to the beginning of the spray season. No Spray Signs must be purchased at a cost of $11.00 each and must be posted a the start and finish of each no spary zone.

MOWING PROGRAM

This mowing program was introduced in 1999 and has expanded since. In 2003 we mowed the complete ditch in all division except for devisions 4 & 5. Our goal for 2004 is to mow the complete MD. Mowing ditches encourages the growth of desireable plants which creates a healthier and stronger grass cover which will prevent weeds from establishing and improves the aesthetics and is excellent in snow control. We hope to continue this program in the future. We ask our ratepayers to help us by removing debris out of the ditches. Debris in the ditches causes costly breakdowns and delays in the mowing program.

SPECIAL WEED CONTROL PROGRAM

CHAMOMILE, OX-EYE DAISY, TANSY PROJECT

Description of Problem:
Many yards have sites of ox-eye daisy, tansy, chamomile and Canada thistle. People do not recognize some of these plants and the potential hazard they can cause if they escape into the countryside. With peoples co-operation we hope to control and or prevent infestation.

Objectives of the Project:
The first objective of the project will be to educate the public as to the potential risk these plants can cause in the community.
The second objective will be to train the M.D. staff to recognise these plants, report these plants to the ASB staff.
The third objective will be to assist those that wish to control and eradicate these plants. Many people do not wish to use chemicals for control or they have need of only a very small amount of chemical and it is not justified to purchase a large container.

Proposed Control Measures:
We propose to do a general mailout of an information sheet on tansy, chamomile, ox-eye daisy, and Canada thistle.
We will train the M.D. staff by attending and speaking at the April or May Safety Meeting. We show slides, talk about the dangers of these weeds and where they are likely to be found, and talk very briefly on control. The main goal is to increase the number of eyes trained to spot the weeds.

Purchase some chemical to be used for control of these weeds within the yard sites and make people aware of the small sprayers that the ASB has available for rent and make people aware of the plants that will act as good substitutes in the landscaping scheme in the yards.

URBAN WEED CONTROL PROGRAM

CHAMOMILE, OX-EYE DAISY, TANSY PROJECT

Description of Problem:
For several years, the ASB has been inspecting in the urban municipalities within the Municipal District of Smoky River #130. We have noticed that many yards have sites of ox-eye daisy, tansy, chamomile and Canada thistle. People to not recognize most of these plants and the potential hazard they can cause if they escape into the farming community and countryside. We have tried with peoples cooperation to solve this problem, however with limited funds and time during the summer, we have made little progress.

Objectives of Project:

1. The first objective of the project will be to educate the public as to the potential risk these plants can cause in the community.
2. The second objective will be to train the staff of the urban municipalities to recognize these plants, report these plants, and be familiar with control methods.
3. The third objective will be to assist those that wish to control and eradicate these plants. Many people do not wish to use chemicals for control or they nave need of only a very small amount of chemical and it is not justified to purchase a large container.

Proposed Control Measures:
We propose to do a general mailout of information on tansy, chamomile, ox-eye daisy, and Canada thistle.
Training of the staff of the urban municipalities can be handled in a two-hour course at the beginning of the season.
Purchase some chemical to be used for control of these weeds within the yard sites and make people aware of the small sprayer that the ASB has available for rent and make people aware of the plants that will act as good substitutes in the landscaping scheme in the yards.


Duration of Project:____5_________years beginning in 2000

INSPECTION AND SPRAY PROGRAM

SEED CLEANING PLANT LICENCING

The Falher Co-op Seed Cleaning Plant Ltd. received a license score of 96.3 % for 2002.

DUGOUT PUMPING PROGRAM

The rates for 2001 will be as follows:

Bookings can be made by contacting Shelleen by phone at (780) 837-2222, by fax at (780) 837-2453 or by E-mail , asb@mdsmokyriver.com.

Veterinary Services Incorporated (V.S.I.) Program

Virulent blackleg of canola was identified in the Municipal District of Smoky River #130 in 1992. With ratepayers assistance, an inspection plan and policy was developed within the MD. In retrospect, our policy was tough but successful. (Link to Ag. Policy)

To learn more about the identification and biology of Virulent Blackleg of Canola click on the this hyperlink:

http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/agdex/100/49063203.html

In 1993, we identified over fifty quarters of land with confirmed Blackleg. In 1994 there were only 24 quarters. The number of quarters identified with Blackleg has steadily decreased. Some of the reasons that we saw a decrease were that many of the ratepayers paid more attention to their crop rotations avoiding canola on canola on canola; they chose varieties of canola that were more tolerant to the disease; and they did better job of treating their seed. If the ratepayers had not cooperated as well as they did, this disease could have had very damaging effects on the economy of the area.

Today, we do not inspect as many fields as we did when the disease first was identified in the area. Technology has provided ratepayers with many more tools to use in combating the disease. Technology has also provided us with an accurate quick test which can confirm the disease within minutes. We have experienced inspectors on staff that can identify the disease if you suspect you have a problem. Please contact us at 780-837-2222 or e-mail asb@mdsmokyriver.com if you have any questions or concerns.

link to Ag. Policies

Fusarium Headblight (FHB) of Cereals Program

Fusarium head blight is a fungal disease of wheat, barley and corn that causes reduced yields and produces mycotoxins. These mycotoxins cause reduced feed intake and efficiency in livestock and in the production of beer will cause gushing and foaming. It is a serious threat to Alberta’s cereal industry.

Fusarium graminearum, the cause of FHB, is a declared Pest under the Agricultural Pests Act of Alberta.

To learn more about the identification and biology of Fusarium graminearum, click on the next two hyperlinks.

http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/pests/diseases/63010130.html

http://www.agric.gov.ab.ca/agdex/100/1006321.html

F. graminearum is one of three Fusarium spp found in Alberta. F. avenaceum and F. culmorum are not as aggressive and do not cause the losses that F. graminearum causes. It is very difficult to differentiate between the three species. It requires specialized lab equipment that we do not have in Alberta.

F. graminearum was identified at trace levels in the Municipal District of Smoky River in 1998 through crop surveys conducted by the Canadian Grain Commission. The ASB has developed a policy to prevent the establishment of the fungi in the area.

(link to Ag. Policies)

Beaver Control Program

M.D. Policy restricts work to beaver problems directly affecting municipal roads and structures. Ratepayers wishing to have work done on private land are advised to hire private individuals. The A.S.B. will provide a list of qualifie Blasters upon requests. (link to Ag. Policies)

Predator Control Program

The chemical container sites are located at the landfill sites for Falher, McLennan, Girouxville, Jean Cote, Guy and Whitemud. Containers are only accepted during regular hours of operation for each landfill. Please follow directions displayed on the signs.

Treated Grain Collection

Treated grain is a hazard to humans, livestock and wildlife. Excess treated grain should be disposed of in a safe manner.
There are a couple of things you can do to reduce the amount of treated grain you must dispose of.
Treat the grain only as needed.
Double seed to remove excess grain from the seeder.
Dig a small pit and bury the excess treated seed.
The ASB collects and disposes of treated grain one day each year. The day traditionally follows seeding . Watch for advertising in the Smoky River Express and posters located at most Agricultural Businesses in the area.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

The ASB rental equipment is made available for use within the boundaries of the Municipal District of Smoky River, unless specifically authorized by the Board.
Bookings can be made by contacting the ASB at 780-837-2222 or by E-mailing asb@mdsmokyriver.com. A signed contract with damage deposit and rent must be held at the MD prior to equipment leaving the yard.

*Person renting must supply own trailer for hauling equipment

	Damage Deposits	Rent
Livestock Equipment Loading Chute Squeeze Coral Panels (20)	$100.00 $100.00 $100.00	$20.00/day $20.00/day $1.00/day/panel
Dugout Pump Pump 1 mile of pipe Per pipe max 20 pipe	$350.00	$200.00/day $150.00/day $5.00/pipe/day
Sprayers 100 gallon skid mount Back pack sprayer Meter Miser	$40.00 $20.00 $20.00	$20.00/day $5.00/day $5.00/day
Landscape Equipment Tree planter Mulch applicator Quad seeder Grass seeders	$100.00 $100.00 $20.00 $20.00	$50.00/day $50.00/day $5.00/day $5.00/day
Traps Skunk Muskrat	$5.00 $5.00	$5.00/day $5.00/day
Note: *Minimum of a 1 ton truck is required for the pipe trailer. *Person renting must supply own trailer for hauling equipment.

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