The Ag-Info Centre is here to help, they are the primary point of contact for the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry and can provide information about available programs and resources.
Call 310-FARM (3276) or email them at aginfocentre@gov.ab.ca
ACA Agricultural Opportunities for Producers
The Alberta Conservation Association (ACA) allows livestock grazing and haying on certain Conservation Sites to simulate natural disturbance and promote healthy, vigorous forage growth. We offer these opportunities to producers through grazing and haying tenders. To view the opportunities and submit an application please visit the following link: Ag Opportunities for Producers
Alberta's Crop Protection Guide - The Blue Book
The Blue Book is a longstanding and trusted resource for Alberta farmers and agronomists, providing current pesticide application information. With over 600 pages of valuable crop protection information, spraying guidelines and farm safety, The Blue Book is an essential tool for your farming operation. The Blue Book publication is collaboratively produced by four of Alberta’s crop commissions – Alberta Barley, Alberta Canola, Alberta Pulse Growers and the Alberta Wheat Commission.
Pre-orders are available for the 2021 Blue Book with shipping in March of 2021.
The free downloadable PDF version of the 2020 Blue Book is currently available. The free downloadable PDF of the 2021 Blue Book will be available in March of 2021. Visit the website: albertabluebook.com
Download the PDF Copy of the 2020 Blue Book
Agriculture and Forestry's e-newsletter that has been published weekly for more than 40 years. It provides the latest information on the diverse facts of agriculture in the province and recent announcements from the Ministry and key programs and resources. Find Agri-News online at this link.
Receive Agri-News in your inbox every Monday by completing the subscription form or by contacting the Agri-News editor at agrinews@gov.ab.ca.
An online marketplace for the forage and agriculture community operated with ethics and integrity. The website is user-friendly and includes six different categories, including hay, straw and other feeds; livestock and working animals; pasture and land for rent or lease; farm equipment; services and contracting; and other.
Visit Farming the Web using this link
Grain Bag and Twine Collection and Recycling Program
The County of Warner Agricultural Service Board accepts grain bags and twine.
Grain bags must be empty, clean, tightly rolled, and tied. Twine, must be clean, loosely placed in Cleanfarms recycling bags (available from the County of Warner Ag Service Board) or bulk tote bags.
Producers may qualify for rollers or compactors through the Canadian Agricultural Partnership Programs.
If you would like to participate in the Grain Bag and Twine Collection Program, please contact the Ag Service Board to schedule a delivery time.
All drop-off's of grain bags and twine MUST be scheduled so we can ensure to have staff and equipment available to unload your plastics.
For more information on the Clean Farms Programs in Alberta
Clean Farms
Recycle every jug
Purchasing Hay From Outside the County
Purchasing hay from areas outside the County of Warner could cause you long-term problems. If you purchase and transport hay to your property within the county you could be transporting new noxious, and prohibited noxious invasive plants. These weeds can quickly spread forming large infestations that outcompete native rangeland plants. Chemical control of these weed species could mean costly purchases of herbicides for years to come, further, certain weeds carry mutations that confer herbicide resistance. This would mean that the only option you have for the control of these weeds is mechanical tillage which costs you money, and may not solve the problem.
There have been reports of producers from other counties experiencing substantial economic losses from purchasing contaminated hay. Don't risk your land and your business bottom line, purchase hay free from invasive weeds from a reputable source that you have thoroughly inspected. The short-term benefit of using low-quality hay is not worth the long-term problems. consequences of cheap hay may be long-term infestation that costs you money. Purchasing certified weed-free hay is a management decision that could save your business money in the long-term.
Successfully managing weed populations within your hay field could result in greater yields, as the grass and alfalfa, does not have to compete with invasive species. The increased yields could offset the cost of herbicide applications.
How do you avoid the problem?
- Always inspect the hay source for weed content.
- Research the source of the hay to determine which weed and pest species are a problem in the area.
- Check references
- Reserve the right to refuse the hay after it arrives and you've checked it thoroughly
- Feed the hay to your livestock in a limited confined area, this allows you to control the problem. Remember that livestock can transport viable seeds in their gut which would be excreted throughout their range.
Field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis)
Credit: Alberta Government
Hoary alyssum (Berteroa incana)
Credit: Alberta Government
Scentless chamomile
(Tripleurospermum inodorum)
Credit: Alberta Government
More information:
Invasive Plants in Alberta, Forages and Hay Land, Alberta Government
Hay, Best Management Practices for Invasive Plant Species, Sask Forage Council
Transportation, Best Management Practices for Invasive Plant Species, Sask Forage Council
Agricultural Operation Practices Act
The Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) administers the Agricultural Operation Practices Act (AOPA) and its regulations, including following up on complaints and compliance related issues. Contact NRCB at 1-866-383-6722
The AOPA Part 1 Nuisance Regulations are administered by the Farmers’ Advocate Office (FAO); Part 1 outlines how nuisances such as odour, dust, noise and smoke resulting from agricultural activities are dealt with. Contact FAO at 310-FARM (3276)