agriculture@laclabichecounty.com
T: 780-623-6739
Agriculture is one of Lac La Biche County's oldest and best loved industries. The County has tens of thousands of acres of cropland and pasture, especially in the southern half of the municipality. Some local farming operations have been in business for generations.
Agricultural Service Board
The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) spearheads many of the County's agricultural initiatives. The ASB consists of two municipal councillors, three local farmers, and members of the County's Environmental Services department as needed. The board is a partnership between the municipal government and those directly engaged in agricultural practices.
What does the ASB do?
The duties of an agricultural service board are
(a) to act as an advisory body and to assist the council and the Minister, in matters of mutual concern;
(b) to advise on and to help organize and direct weed and pest control and soil and water conservation programs;
(c) to assist in the control of animal disease under the Animal Health Act;
(d) to promote, enhance and protect viable and sustainable agriculture with a view to improving the economic viability of the agricultural producer; and
(e) to promote and develop agricultural policies to meet the needs of the municipality.
If you are interested in attending ASB meetings or have a topic you want to bring to the board's attention, please call (780) 623-6739. To find out more about the ASB's recent activities, please subscribe to our agricultural mailing list by entering your email at the bottom of this page.
Programs and Services
The County offers a range of programs designed to support agricultural development and encouraging responsible management practices. Our efforts are dedicated to preserving agricultural vitality and improving the local environment, while addressing the diverse needs of producers, businesses and residents.
To find out more please select one of the programs from the menu below:
Testing & Trial Programs
Forage Testing Program
Bring your hay and silage samples to County Centre (13442 Highway 881, on the bypass around the hamlet of Lac La Biche). We offer two free samples, two additional samples on a 50% cost-share basis, and any samples beyond that can be paid for at cost. The testing includes the Pro NIR test with nitrates, while any additional testing will be charged to the producer.
Click here to read Forage Testing program guidelines.
Click here for the Forage Testing program application form.
Plot Variety Trials
Are you interested in experimenting with a new crop or variety? Our Plot Variety Trials program offers producers the opportunity to conduct trials on their own fields, enabling them to assess the suitability and performance of various crops in their specific growing conditions. This hands-on approach allows farmers to make informed decisions about which varieties may yield the best results. Up to five participants in the program can receive up to $500 to support their trial efforts. This funding can be used for costs associated with seed purchase, tests, equipment, or any other necessary resources to successfully conduct the trial.
Click here to read Plot Variety Trials program guidelines.
Click here for the Plot Variety Trials program application form.
We believe that sharing knowledge is key to community growth, so we actively encourage producers to share their findings with fellow farmers. By collaborating and exchanging insights, everyone can benefit from the experiences of others, fostering a stronger agricultural community. Whether you're looking to improve yields, adapt to changing climate conditions, or explore new market opportunities, our Plot Variety Trials program is here to support your agricultural endeavours.
Education
Ag. Safety & Education Program
Childcare providers, educators, schools and day homes can apply for funding to enhance children's and youth's knowledge of agriculture and agricultural safety. Eligible activities include bus fares for farm visits, educational materials, or projects like growing or hatching items in the classroom. The possibilities for creativity are endless! Apply at any time.
Riparian Funding Opportunities
Take the Cash and Help Your Water Stash!
What are riparian areas?
Riparian areas are the lands adjacent to bodies of water. Water-loving plants such as cattails and willows thrive there and vary in width depending where you are around the waterbody. These strips of land can be small in area relative to the rest of the watershed but have a big impact on the health and productivity of the surrounding environment.
What are the issues?
Riparian areas can become unhealthy when they have vegetation removed by activities including grazing, mowing, trampling/compaction, etc. This means less forage, less filtering capacity, reduced habitat, and decreased water quality for fish, wildlife, livestock and humans.
What are the solutions?
• Installing alternative watering systems for livestock.
• Using salt and mineral to draw livestock away from surface water.
• Avoiding cropping right to the edge of a water body, keep a buffer of natural vegetation between the crop and waterbody.
• Enhancing deep, binding roots and diversity by planting native trees and shrubs like willows.
• Using temporary fencing to protect highly disturbed areas and allow regeneration of natural vegetation.
• Installing fencing around water bodies to create riparian pasture units.
• Deferring grazing until mid-summer to late fall.
• Considering the area, number of animals and grazing period to ensure plants do not become stressed.
Why implement these management techniques?
• Overall increase in productivity for your land!
• Reduction of weeds
• Decreased sediment in the water
• Better gains and reduced illness for livestock
• Increased pollination
• Protection of lands from slumping and erosion
• Improvement in water quality of lakes, streams, and wetlands
• Decreased algae bloom events
• Reduced effects from flood and drought
• Increase in biodiversity and resiliency
Funding and resource contacts:
• Lac La Biche County – Agricultural Service Board
• Alberta Conservation Association (ACA)
Agriculture Appreciation Day
In addition to services for residents and producers, the County believes in programs that raise the profile of agriculture in the community. These programs draw attention to the municipality's rich agricultural heritage and highlight farming and ranching as viable industries in today's world.
Agriculture Appreciation Day is an opportunity to recognize and celebrate the work of local farmers and ranchers and is held annually.
Awards and Bursaries
ASB Bursary
The County’s Agricultural Service Board awards two ASB Bursaries of $1,000 each to post-secondary students. The bursaries are available to local students pursuing diploma or degree programs related to agriculture and environmental sciences. The deadline for applications is October 1 every year. Call (780) 623-6739 for more information.
The Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen also offers a $1,000 bursary to Alberta post-secondary. Students must be enrolled in an agricultural or environmental science program. Interested students can visit https://aaaf.ab.ca/ or contact the Ag Fieldman for details.
100 Year Farm Family Award
Families who have farmed the same land for a century or longer are eligible to receive a 100 Year Farm Family Award. Proof of continuous ownership by the same family is required as part of the application.
We encourage those who have farmed for 100 years or longer to also apply for the Province's Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award. Interested applicants can click here to learn more and apply.
Rural Beautification Award
The Rural Beautification Award is given annually to one farmstead or an acreage in the County whose owners go above and beyond to make their property look good. Residents living outside the hamlets of Lac La Biche and Plamondon are eligible. Judges look for things like landscaping, foliage, water features and decorations. The deadline to submit Award Forms is July 31 every year.
Chemical Sales
Chemical Sales - The County offers herbicides, pesticides, rodenticides and other chemicals for resale. Residents wishing to purchase these products must own 80 acres or more of agricultural land.
Sale of these products is subject to the regulations outlined in the Agricultural Pests Act, the Environmental Protection Act and the Pest Control Products Act.
Please call (780) 623-6739 to find out more, or view our current Chemical Price Listing. Please note that prices are subject to change.
Agricultural Pests Management
Clubroot Management
Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that affects cruciferous plants such as canola, kale, cabbage, mustard, Brussels sprouts and cauliflower. Roots of infected plants develop galls, which ultimately lead to reduction in yield and yield quality. Clubroot is considered a pest under Alberta's Agricultural Pests Act. The disease has been detected in Lac La Biche County.
The County is taking steps to manage the disease and limit its spread. Local fields are routinely inspected for clubroot in the fall. The County's Environmental Services department follows the Alberta Clubroot Management Plan and recommends taking steps like sanitizing equipment and rotating crops to prevent the spread of clubroot.
The County also utilizes a Clubroot Management Agreement to work with affected producers to create action plans for controlling clubroot on a case-by-case basis.
Coyote and Wolf Control
The provincial Coyote Predation Management Program aims to address problem coyotes that threaten livestock. If local producers are having problems with coyotes, they are encouraged to call (780) 623-6739. Environmental Services staff members can discuss prevention strategies and control methods that comply with provincial regulations. The County's new Policy and Procedure is attached: Predator Control Policy and Predator Control Procedure
The Wolf Control Program, in cooperation with Alberta Fish and Wildlife, seeks to reduce the number of wolves preying on livestock. The program identifies areas of concern, and registered trappers are authorized to set traps on those properties. To participate, please read the Wolf Control Program Policy which includes a procedure and registration forms.
Community Garden & Tree Seedling Program
Community Garden
Are you interested in growing a garden but don't have the space for one? The Community Garden in Alexander Hamilton Park in the hamlet of Lac La Biche has plots available for residents to grow their own plants and produce.
The garden is fenced and has a water tank and a composter on-site. Plots are assigned by the County on a first-come, first-served basis. Gardeners have the chance to utilize one of our raised bed plots for $20 plus GST annually. There is a limited number of raised beds available.
Applications are available April 1 and will be accepted until June each year.
Tree Seedling Program
Every spring, the County sells one-year-old tree seedlings to local residents at a reduced price.
Bundles of saplings are great for beautifying your property and adding to the environment in your area. Species and pricing vary from year to year.
Equipment Rentals
Agricultural equipment can be rented from the County if it is not available through local commercial outlets. Items range from air seeders and post pounders to flex harrows, live animal traps and more.
Rental rate are per day or by deposit. To learn how to rent equipment and view a full listing of items available, click on the image below. If you already know what you'd like to rent, please click here to go directly to the booking website.
Application Forms and Additional Program Information
100 Year Farm Family Award Form
Chemical Price Listing (Pesticides, etc.)
Community Garden Application Package
Free Fence Line Spraying Request
Rural Beautification Award Form
Veterinary Services Incorporated Program Application
Wolf Incentive Pilot Program Procedure and Registration
Environment and Agriculture
Agricultural Services Board Bursary
Agricultural Services Board Equipment Rental
Curbside Pickup Expansion Policy
Environmental Reserve Encroachment
Environmental Stewardship Awards
Integrated Vegetation Management Policy
Pesticides Supply, Sales & Inventory
Provincial Regulations Governing the Activities of the Agricultural Service Board and Lac La Biche County Agriculture Services department:
- Agricultural Pests Act
- Agricultural Service Board Act
- Alberta Noxious and Prohibited Noxious Weeds Guide
- Code of Practice for Pesticide-Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
- Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act
- Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation
- Soil Conservation Act
- Soil Conservation Notice Regulation
- Weed Control Act
- Weed Control Regulation
Vegetation & Weed Management
Vegetation Management
The County’s Integrated Vegetation Management Plan is a program for controlling brush, weeds and grass in the County. This includes annual weed inspections and roadside spraying and mowing from June and October. Note that roadside spraying controls only broadleaves and no grasses are harmed or destroyed. The County is required by provincial regulation to control noxious weeds and destroy prohibited noxious weeds. These weeds include Canada thistles, Oxeye daisy, Scentless chamomile and White cockle. A listing of all current designated weeds is available by clicking on the link below.
Free Fence Line Spraying Program
Lac La Biche County offers landowners a no charge fence line spray service to control prohibited noxious and noxious weed infestations in fence line areas to prevent the spread of weeds onto adjacent lands. To register for the program, landowners are required to enter into an agreement with the County for the application of residual herbicide within their property for the control of noxious weeds and/or brush along the perimeter of the property on fence lines and
headlands and into adjacent road right-of-way.
No Spray Program
If you do not want spraying to take place within 200 metres of the road allowance adjacent to your property, please submit a No Spray Application before the end of May each year.
Weed Control Rebate
This program is designed to help cover costs associated with controlling specific problem areas of weeds. Producers can notify the County of noxious or prohibited noxious weeds on their property, or they may receive an informal call or text message from Environmental Services staff. After identifying affected areas, producers can purchase approved chemicals (TruRange, Grazon or Reclaim II) to treat them. Following treatment and verification by a staff member, applicants can claim 50% of their costs, up to $1,500, by submitting purchase receipts along with the application form before the deadline.
Note: We are encouraging producers to proactively control weeds. If you have been informally notified about noxious or prohibited noxious weeds and you have not attempted to control their spread within two weeks, you may receive an official documented Weed Notice, and then you will not be eligible for the rebate.
Note: This program is focused on helping with specified problem areas, and is not for providing cost-share for an entire field.
Click here to read full Weed Control Rebate program guidelines.
Veterinary Services Incorporated (VSI) Program
VSI Program
The VSI Program is designed to provide livestock owners with easier access to animal health services. The Agricultural Service Board manages this program, under County Council's direction, to subsidize veterinary care for participating farmers and ranchers.
New program applicants and existing VSI members who need to renew can click here to view and download the VSI Program Application.
Please note: Applicants must reside in Lac La Biche County and have a valid Premise ID to be eligible for the program.
Need to know what procedures are covered and how much VSI Program members can expect to pay? Click here to view the VSI Approved Procedures List.
Click here to view a list of procedures that VSI does not cover, the costs of which producers will need to cover in full.
Facebook