Starland County Agricultural Service Board

08/26/2026

🚜 Harvest Season Is Beginning 🚜

As harvest gets underway, you'll notice more large farm equipment traveling on local roads. We ask everyone to please slow down, stay alert, and be patient when approaching agricultural machinery.

Remember:
✅ Farm equipment travels at slower speeds.
✅ Pass only when it is safe and legal to do so.
✅ Allow extra stopping distance.
✅ Watch for equipment turning into fields, yards, and approaches.

Our farmers are working hard to bring in this year's crop safely and efficiently. A little patience goes a long way in keeping everyone safe during harvest season.

Please share this message and help spread awareness. Stay safe and have a great harvest season!

08/18/2026

🚨 Pest Alert: Bertha Armyworm 🚨

Surveys from across Alberta indicate that localized areas are experiencing high bertha armyworm populations. Now is a good time to scout canola and other susceptible crops for signs of feeding damage.

Bertha armyworm infestations can be highly variable from field to field, and populations can increase quickly. Regular scouting is the best way to identify potential issues before economic losses occur.

Fields with heavy w**d pressure, particularly kochia and lamb's quarters, may be at greater risk.

✅ Check fields frequently and contact your agronomist if populations approach economic thresholds.

08/17/2026

🔥 Harvest Season Fire Safety Reminder 🔥

As harvest gets underway, it's important to remember that hot equipment, dry crops, and windy conditions can create a serious fire risk.

✅ Inspect and clean machinery regularly to remove dust and crop residue.
✅ Check bearings, belts, and electrical systems for signs of wear. ✅ Keep fire extinguishers charged, accessible, and inspected.
✅ Carry water or tillage equipment when conditions are high risk. ✅ Report fires immediately by calling 911.

A few minutes spent on prevention can save crops, equipment, and property. Let's work together to keep this harvest season safe and successful.

08/04/2026

Landscape, Agriculture & Industrial Pesticide Certification Virtual Tutorial

Looking to obtain your pesticide certification or refresh your knowledge before writing the exam?

Join Olds College for a comprehensive Virtual Pesticide Certification Tutorial taking place August 17 to 20, 2026. This tutorial is designed to help participants prepare for the Landscape, Agriculture, and Industrial Pesticide Certification exams.

Registration Deadline: August 10, 2026
Cost: $450 per participant
Registration is for the full tutorial program only.

To register or learn more, contact: 📞 Krysanne Carlson, Agricultural Programs Supervisor 📧 [email protected] 📱 780-668-9239

07/28/2026

🐞🌾 Beneficial Insects: Small Allies, Big Impact! 🌾🐝

Not all insects are pests. Many play a vital role in agriculture by controlling harmful insects, pollinating crops, and supporting healthy ecosystems.

07/23/2026

🌿 Understanding Alberta's W**d Categories 🌿

Did you know Alberta's W**d Control Act classifies invasive plants into different categories based on their distribution and potential impact?
📍 Starland County residents can take advantage of our Scentless Chamomile and Toadflax Incentive Program. This program offers a 60% discount on the total invoice for control of Scentless Chamomile and Toadflax; the county's most persistent noxious w**ds.
If you need assistance identifying a w**d or developing a control plan, contact the Starland County Agricultural Service Board.

07/03/2026

🚨 Final Chance to Register! 🚨
Join us on July 8 for Flow and Grow – Grazing and Streams, a hands-on workshop focused on protecting water quality, improving riparian health, and exploring practical grazing management solutions.
🌿 Learn from industry experts:
✅ Water quality monitoring with the Red Deer River Watershed Alliance
✅ Hands-on water testing activities
✅ Off-site livestock watering demonstration with Promold
✅ Riparian health, plant identification, and grazing management with Cows and Fish
✅ Electric fencing strategies for riparian protection with Range Ward
🍽 Lunch is included!
Whether you're a producer, landowner, or simply interested in watershed stewardship, this workshop offers valuable tools and practical knowledge you can take home and apply.

📞 Register today: 403-772-3793
📧 [email protected]

06/26/2026

Strychnine Update

Agricultural producers can now apply for access and purchase emergency‑use strychnine for gopher control in Starland County.

Due to limited product availability, the initial supply will allow eligible producers to purchase up to twelve bottles from Starland County

To be eligible for purchase producers must complete the following Applicator Strychnine Stewardship Training

Strychnine Stewardship Training SARM is pleased to partner with the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture and the Alberta Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation to support the safe implementation of Emergency Use...

06/16/2026

🚨 Workshop Date Update! 🚨

The Flow and Grow: Grazing and Streams Workshop has been rescheduled to a new date:

📅 July 8, 2026
⏰ 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM

📞 Register today: 403-772-3793
📧 [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you there!

06/03/2026

🌾 2026 Watershed Resiliency & Restoration Program (WRRP) 🌾

Starland County’s Agricultural Service Board is pleased to offer the 2026 Watershed Resiliency & Restoration Program, supporting producers in improving and restoring riparian health within the Michichi Creek watershed.

📍 Who can apply?
Producers operating within the Michichi Creek watershed in Starland County.

📞 Interested or have questions?
Contact Starland County ASB
📱 403‑772‑3793
📧 [email protected]

Let’s work together to protect our riparian areas while supporting strong, sustainable agricultural operations.