Agricultural Services Quick Links
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The Agricultural Services Department is directed by Lamont County’s Agricultural Service Board (ASB). The ASB functions as the voice of agriculture by advising and responding to issues of local, provincial and national interest.
The Agricultural Service Board (ASB) and department strives to act with respect to, and assist in, proper land utilization and its production with a view to improving the economic well being of the farmer, and to develop and promote agricultural policies to meet the needs of the agricultural community of Lamont County.
Through County Council, the ASB and Agricultural Service Department work diligently to promote the ASB core values of:
Conservation
We believe in the importance of conserving our natural resources, traditional agriculture, and the family farm.
Client Focus
We believe in doing our best to meet the needs of every client who contacts our office in search of assistance, knowledge, or results.
Program Delivery
We believe in providing the most information possible to all program participants and ensuring the needs of participants are met.
The Agricultural Services Department is legislated to conduct its activities under the Weed Control Act, the Agricultural Pests Act, the Soil Conservation Act and the Animal Health Act. The department and the Agricultural Fieldman support the Agricultural Services Board to meet and make recommendations to Council and the Provincial Minister of Agriculture.
The Agricultural Service Department can be contacted at 780-895-2585 or by email or:
Lamont County Agricultural Services Department is dedicated to ensuring ratepayers are supported through a variety of Agricultural programs on a wide variety of topics. Questions and requests for more information should be directed to the Agriculture and Environmental Coordinator.
For a full breakdown of programs provided, please choose the appropriate topic from the list below:
- Environmental Programs
- Includes information on Canadian Agriculture Partnership (CAP) programs, Farm Plans, Environmental Streamline Program, Farm Energy and Agri-Processing Program (FEAP), Farm Health and Safety Producer Grant program, Farm Water Supply program, municipal water management, shelterbelt trees, and Watershed grant programs.
- Grain Bag Roller Recycling Program and Rental Requirements
- Properly rolled and secured grain bags and bagged twine can be dropped off, free of charge, at St. Michael Landfill. Grain bags should be rolled tightly with a mechanical grain bag roller and secured with twine. If the customer has any concerns about the local weather impacting the normal landfill operations, the recommendation should be for the customer to call the landfill to confirm offloading and if there any concerns that particular day.
- Pest Control Programs
- Includes information on clubroot, gopher control, predation control, grasshopper control, beaver control, and additional pest control (including spraying activities).
- Rental Equipment
- Includes information on equipment available for rent, rental rates and additional charges.
- Vegetation Programs
- Includes information on weed control, road side spraying, and mowing and brushing programs.
Canadian Cattle Identification
Lamont County Agricultural Service Board is a third party agent for the Canadian Cattle Identification Agency (CCIA).
Upcoming Workshops
To support continued innovation, growth and prosperity, the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership (Sustainable CAP) has launched its programs. This 5‐year (2023-2028), $3.5 billion investment includes $1 billion in federal programs and activities and $2.5 billion in cost-shared programs and activities by federal-provincial-territorial governments. The Sustainable CAP framework represents a cost-shared federal-provincial investment of $508 million over 5 years towards strategic programs and services for the agriculture and agri-food industry in Alberta.
Efficient Grain Handling: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/agi-scap-eghp-funding-list.pdf
- Installing a natural gas pipeline
- High-efficiency burners
- Temperature cables
- Automated bin fan control systems
- Exhaust air recirculation systems
- Gravity fill roofs
Farm Technology/Farm Security: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/agi-scap-ftp-funding-list.pdf
- Electronic livestock ID readers
- Remote monitoring cameras
- Precision weed sprayers
- Drone mounted lenses ( thermal imaging, multispectral imaging)
- Remote monitoring fixed cameras
- Driveway alert systems
- Door sensors
- Remote Fuel Tank monitors
Water: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/agi-scap-on-farm-water-supply-funding-list.pdf
- Drilling new wells
- Drilling new dugouts
- Developing new tie ins
- New Cisterns
- Well decommissioning
- Well Pit conversions
Resilient Agriculture Landscape: https://www.alberta.ca/assets/documents/agi-scap-ralp-funding-list.pdf
- Pasture Management
- Riparian area management
- Rotational Grazing
- Adding peas/legumes to crops
- Targeted Grazing for invasive species control
- Cropland Conversion
- Cropland to native / tame forages conversion
- Grassed waterways
- Intercropping
- Tree Establishment
- Shelterbelts
- Eco buffers
- Pollinator strips
- Wetlands
- Restoration or construction of wetlands
More information can be found at: https://www.alberta.ca/sustainable-cap.aspx.
Below is an update with suggested actions from Alberta Pork (letters can be updated as relevant for eligible farm machinery - see Bill C-234, an: Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act at https://www.parl.ca/DocumentViewer/en/44-1/bill/C-234/third-reading, as the Alberta Pork letter is focused directly for those raising hogs, and there are other proposed exemptions):
An exemption to Canada’s carbon tax on fuels used to heat barns and dry grains continues to move forward, with Bill C-234, an Act to amend the Greenhouse Gas Pollution Pricing Act, passing second reading in the Senate this month.
The bill was passed in the House of Commons earlier this year, with support from Conservative, New Democrat, Bloc Québécois and Green MPs, with Liberal MPs in opposition to it.
Alberta Pork's position, consistent with other provincial pork producer organizations and the Canadian Pork Council (CPC), is that the carbon tax is an unfair cost on top of already-high input costs for farmers. We and our partners have been advocating for an exemption, and we're almost there, with your support!
How Farmers Can Help
Bill C-234 is now at the final stage before potentially becoming law. There are 89 Senators in Canada, including four from Alberta: Patti LaBoucane-Benson, Paula Simons, Karen Sorensen and Scott Tannas.
Alberta Pork is asking all producers to send letters to Alberta’s Senators, urging them to vote in favour of the bill. Brent Moen, Past Chair, Alberta Pork previously sent a letter to all four Senators in that regard.
For producers wishing to support Alberta Pork's request, this letter template can be used and customized as you see fit, but please remember to use respectful language and avoid negative political comments. The letter can be printed at home, then mailed by Canada Post, at no charge for postage, to the following address (using only one Senator’s name per letter):
Hon. Patti LaBoucane-Benson
Hon. Paula Simons
Hon. Karen Sorensen
Hon. Scott Tannas
The Senate
Ottawa, ON
K1A 0A4
Please be sure to address the envelope the same as your letter and fill in all grey-highlighted fields, finished with a hand-drawn signature.
When looking at all alternatives for feed supplies, feed testing is always a good option to explore to ensure animal health and welfare. A visual assessment may not be accurate enough to assess quality & may lead to costly alternatives to maintain health.
Visit Feed Quality, Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle - BeefResearch.ca for details on testing & tools.