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The Association of Alberta
Agricultural Fieldmen

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ABS Boards

Our History

Agricultural Service Boards (ASB's) are unique to Alberta, first established by Alberta Agriculture in 1945. The idea was to provide local authority over the growing problems of weed infestation, and soil erosion from wind & water. Previous efforts to handle these concerns through provincial staff had not been effective, & local programs with provincial coordination & technical support seemed to be an answer. 

In 1945, enabling provincial legislation was passed. The Agricultural Service Board Act allowed rural jurisdictions to set up local boards to deal with weeds & soil erosion, with the Agricultural Fieldmen hired to carry out the board's programs. 

Once formed, the board became advisory to the local municipal council and the Alberta Minister of Agriculture. Early ASB's consisted of a mix of municipal councilors, producers, and local Alberta Agriculture Specialists.


    ASB Programs

    ASB programs develop over time, and vary considerably across Alberta due to regional differences in land use, demographics, and local political direction. In general, they include:

    • Invasive plant species control programs; includes roadside vegetation management & enforcing the Weed Control Act.
    • Soil & water conservation programming; includes enforcement of the Soil Conservation Act and implementation of local Alberta Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture (AESA) programs
    • Facilitation of Agriculture Canada's Shelterbelt Tree Program
    • Encouragement of Alberta's crop seed cleaning & treating plants including annual certification inspections
    • Pesticide container recycling programs
    • Sustainable livestock management education/awareness
    • Specialized agricultural equipment rentals
    • Agricultural pest programs; enforcing Agricultural Pests Act
    • Coordination of selected provincial agricultural program initiatives, including producer education programs and agricultural pest surveys.

    Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen

    C/O Laura Poile
    AAAF Secretary

    262075 Rocky View Point
    Rocky View County
    Calgary, Alberta
    T4A 0X2 Canada

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