Agricultural
The agricultural services department receives direction from the Agricultural Service Board (ASB). This department is responsible for administering and developing programs to compliment the Agricultural Service Board Act, the Weed Control Act, the Agricultural Pests Act and the Soil Conservation Act. (Copies of these Acts can be found on Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development's website.)
They are also responsible for assisting local producers with Environmental Farm Plans, and with the application process for Growing Forward grant funding.
Other areas of responsibility include hamlet park maintenance, brush control in rights-of-way and agricultural education and awareness.
New Prohibited Noxious Weed Has Shown up in the Area!
ASB Year End Reports
At the end of each year the ASB Chairman prepares a report on the ASB's activities. To view these reports please click on the Agricultural Services Board folder at the bottom of the page or on the Documents page
ASB News Newsletter
Cypress County's ASB, in partnership with the County of Forty Mile, publishes a newsletter highlighting new and interesting subject matter affecting agriculture. To view these newsletters please click on the Agricultural Services Board folder at the bottom of the page or on the Documents page.
ASB Agendas & Minutes
Agendas and Minutes for ASB meetings can be found on the Documents Page under Agendas & Minutes > Agricultural Services Board
Agricultural Service Board Contact Info
Chairman
Dustin Vossler: Phone: (403) 502-1834 : Email: dustin.vossler@cypress.ab.ca
Members
Michelle McKenzie: Phone: (403) 878-5705: Email: michelle.mckenzie@cypress.ab.ca
Shane Hok: Phone: (403) 504-9753: Email: shane.hok@cypress.ab.ca
Conny Kappler (member at large): Phone: (403) 580-5582: Email: cornelia.62@hotmail.com
Josh Beck (member at large): Phone: (403) 548-9809: Email: beckfarms2@gmail.com
Staff
Kennedy Fandrick (Acting Assistant Agricultural Fieldman): Phone: (403) 526-2888: Email: kennedy.fandrick@cypress.ab.ca
2015 Crop Variety Guides
Environmental Farm Plans and Growing Forward
Hamlet Parks Maintenance
Here are some links to agriculturally related programs and information:
Rat Monitoring Program Success
May 15, 2014
The total number of rat carcasses found, remains at 78. Baiting and monitoring of bait stations at the landfill will continue until the goal of eradication is accomplished.
Cypress County is continuing to perform monthly inspections of bait stations within a 3 mile buffer zone for the foreseeable future.
April 30, 2014
Since the last update, there have not been any dead rats found. Inspectors continue to aggressively bait and progress toward the goal of eradication.
April 23, 2014
Since the last update, another 15 dead rats have been found, bringing the total number of dead rats up to 78. Inspectors are continuing to see a reduction in the number of dead rats found and there is less bait being consumed.
These are all positive signs in regards to eradicating the rats.
We will continue to aggressively bait and progress toward our eradication goal until it is accomplished.
April 15, 2014
The City of Medicine Hat, Alberta Agriculture and Rural Development and Cypress County baiting, monitoring and eradication efforts at the landfill is showing that there has been a significant decrease in the amount of rat activity compared to last week. As of today a total of 63 rat carcasses have been collected.
These are positive signs that the eradication program is having the desired effect.
All parties will continue with the increased monitoring levels until there are several weeks of no rat activity, before reducing the intervals of inspections.
Cypress County will continue with baiting and monitoring the 3 mile buffer zone around the landfill for the foreseeable future, as a proactive, precautionary measure.
April 8, 2014
Upon further investigation of a single rat found in a farm yard south of Highway 41A, several rats were spotted in the Medicine Hat landfill. The City of Medicine Hat, Cypress County and Alberta Agriculture are working together to investigate and address the situation.
Since 2012 the City, County and Province have continually monitored within the landfill and also within a 3 mile buffer zone surrounding the landfill, for any rat activity. These rats were found as a result of this monitoring, which shows that our monitoring program is working. Additional bait stations have been put out to poison rats, and staff are checking sites daily. Thanks to Albertans’ vigilance, and the quick response of provincial and municipal inspectors, rats have been unable to make a permanent home in this province.
If anyone thinks that they’ve seen a rat they are encouraged to call the Cypress County office at (403) 526-2888 or City Bylaw at (403) 529-8481.
- Two 15 foot Sunflower no-till seed drills
- 14 foot land roller (can be filled with water)
- Cattle scale
- Weigh wagon
- Shelterbelt mulch applicator
- Skunk and raccoon traps
- Back Pack Sprayers
- Tree planters
- Pasture pipeline plow
- Exit applicator