Agricultural Services

Athabasca County Agricultural Services supports farmers and producers by encouraging production, profitability, and sustainability. We offer a number of programs and provide information on crop protection, including vegetation management, insect and pest control, and wildlife management.

County staff are also available for services such as soil and feed sampling, field inspections, specialty crops consultation, weed, insect and disease monitoring and control, and marketing recommendations.

Our Ag Services Staff is available to assist producers with a variety of services that could benefit their farm management and productivity. Services include soil and feed sampling; field inspections; specialty crops consultation, weed, insect and disease monitoring and control; marketing recommendations; and other services to numerous to mention.

The Agricultural Service Board sponsors several management workshops every year. The Agricultural Service Board also hosts the Annual Farm Women’s Conference.

Horticulture

The Agricultural Service Board promotes the planting of trees and the many benefits that tree planting projects provide.

Athabasca County holds an annual tree sale. Trees can be purchased here.

Backsloping

The Agricultural Service Board has a roadside backsloping program that promotes the improvement of roadsides to benefit water management and weed and brush control. The policy states that interested landowners can approach the service board and request the work be done by county forces or are eligible to have the work done themselves and be compensated $1,500 per half mile of completed backsloping.

Funding provided through PFRA under the National Water Supply Expansion Program has enabled the County to plan and develop a rural water supply network across the County.

Tank loading facilities are operational at the following locations:

  • Grosmont Site: SE 15-67-24 W4M
  • George Lake Site: NE 31-64-23 W4M
  • Sawdy Site: SW 6-68-22 W4M
  • Richmond Park Site: NW 20-68-21 W4M
  • Ferguson Road Site: NW 12-66-21 W4M
  • Grassland Site: SW 25-67-19 W4
  • Boyle Site: SE 2-65-20 W4M
  • Pine Creek Site: SW 19-63-21 W4M
  • Rochester Site: In the Hamlet of Rochester
  • Colinton Site: In the Hamlet of Colinton (treated water)

The tank loading facilities will provide water at a cost of $2.00/400 gallons for agricultural use.

Under the Weed Control Incentive Program, Athabasca County offers landowners incentives to help to stop the spread and reduce the number of noxious weeds in the region,

As a measure to address the potential economic impact of the spread of weeds, landowners who treat large infestations may qualify for a rebate on the herbicide products that they use.

Under the program, landowners can apply to be reimbursed for a portion of the costs for the application. Participants in the program are required to apply prior to work being done, and have their land inspected before and after the chemical application. Proof of chemical purchase must be submitted to qualify for reimbursement.

Those interested in becoming part of the program can download and fill out the application and bring it into the County office to arrange an inspection.

DOWNLOAD APPLICATION

Weed Control Brochure
Athabasca County Agricultural Services has a helpful brochure to identify and understand the goals for weed control in Alberta.

Athabasca County’s Agricultural Service Department has a variety of equipment available to lend and rent. The equipment is located at the County’s Public Works yard in Athabasca. For booking arrangements please call the Agriculture Service Department office at780-675-2273.