- 1 - AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD MEETING AGENDA Monday, December 9, 2019

1. ORDER – 9:00 a.m.

2. ADOPTION OF AGENDA

3. ADOPTION OF PREVIOUS MINUTES - Agricultural Service Board Meeting – November 18, 2019 √

4. PRESENTATIONS No Presentations Scheduled

5. MUNICIPAL POLICY - AGRICULTURAL SERVICES No Policy Items

6. DEPARTMENT REPORTS / RECOMMENDATIONS a) Action Items – Progress Report √ Aaron Van Beers b) Agricultural Services Department Activity Report √ Ag Svs Administration c) Agriculture + Forestry – Key Contact Verbal Report Trevor Wallace d) ASB Bursary Awards √ Aaron Van Beers e) Appointment of Weed Appeal Committee & Pest Appeal √ Brendan deMilliano Committee f) Chamber of Commerce Business Awards √ Aaron Van Beers

7. AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE REPORTS No Agricultural Drainage Items

Page 1 of 2 √ Attachment Provided ** Report to be Provided at Meeting - 2- AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD MEETING AGENDA Monday, December 9, 2019

8. INFORMATION ITEMS √ All Attached a) Correspondence: i. Minister of Agriculture and Forestry to – Ropin’ the Web/General Store Website Resource ii. Chief Veterinary Officer for to Yellowhead County – Amendment to Livestock Traceability System iii. County of St. Paul – Agricultural Disaster Declaration iv. – Agricultural Disaster Notification b) VBP+ Workshop – CSB Fallout Rate Slides (Activity Report) c) Upcoming Events i. Clubroot Information Meeting ii. Agronomy Update 2020 iii. 2020 Ladies Ranching Retreat iv. 2020 Farm to Market to Table Conference d) Fuel Charge Exemption Certificate for Farmers

9. ADJOURNMENT

Page 2 of 2 √ Attachment Provided Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 38 -

MINUTES OF LEDUC COUNTY, AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD MEETING HELD ON NOVEMBER 18, 2019 IN THE COUNCIL CHAMBERS OF THE COUNTY CENTRE, , ALBERTA

Order and Roll Call

The Agricultural Service Board meeting was called to order at 9:00 a.m., Monday, November 18, 2019 by Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services with Board Members Glenn Belozer, Tanni Doblanko, Kelly-Lynn Lewis, Ray Scobie, Rick Smith, Kelly Vandenberghe, Larry Wanchuk and Public Member-At-Large Russell Kushinski present. Public Member-At-Large Roy Eckert arrived after the call to order.

Also present were: • Garett Broadbent, Director, Road Operations and Agricultural Services • Brendan deMilliano, Agricultural Foreman • Kim Barkwell, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager • Sharon Faye, Local Food Coordinator • Rick Thomas, Deputy County Manager • Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Key Contact, Trevor Wallace, Nutrient Management Specialist • Lucinda Melnikel, Recording Secretary

Nominations for the Position of ASB Chair

Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services called for nominations for Agricultural Service Board Chair pursuant to Leduc County By Law 31-08 which states that “The Agricultural Service Board shall select a Chair and a Vice-Chair at its first meeting following Council’s annual Organizational Meeting”.

Board Member Kushinski nominated Board Member Belozer for the position of Agricultural Service Board Chair.

Aaron Van Beers called for nominations a second time.

Aaron Van Beers called for nominations for a third and final time.

Nominations Cease – ASB Chair

038-2019 Board Member Doblanko - that nominations cease for the position of Agricultural Service Board Chair. Carried Unanimously

Board Member Belozer was declared elected as Agricultural Service Board Chair. Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 39 -

Assume Chair

Chair Belozer assumed the position of the Agricultural Service Board Chair for the balance of the meeting.

Nominations for the Position of Vice-Chair

Chair Belozer called for nominations for the position of Agricultural Service Board Vice- Chair.

Board Member Wanchuk nominated Board Member Scobie for the position of Agricultural Service Board Vice-Chair.

Chair Belozer called for nominations a second time.

Chair Belozer called for nomination a third and final time.

Nominations Cease – ASB Vice-Chair

039-2019 Board Member Doblanko - that nominations cease for the position of Agricultural Service Board Vice-Chair. Carried Unanimously

Board Member Scobie was declared elected as Agricultural Service Board Vice-Chair.

Adopt Agenda

040-2019 Board Member Lewis - that the agenda for the November 18, 2019 Agricultural Service Board meeting be adopted with the following addition:

9 h. REAL Agriculture News Release-CN Union Strike Notice

Carried Unanimously

Previous Minutes

041-2019 Board Member Scobie - that the September 9, 2019 Agricultural Service Board meeting minutes be confirmed, as circulated. Carried Unanimously

Board Member Eckert

Public Member-At-Large Eckert entered the Council Chambers at 9:04 a.m. Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 40 -

Action Items – Progress Report

042-2019 Board Member Wanchuk – that the Action Items progress report be received as information. Carried Unanimously

Agricultural Services Department Activity Report

Agricultural Services administration staff provided additional information on reporting within the Agricultural Services activity report: • Following the provincial government review of programs the termination of the following programs was announced: Farm Energy and Agri-Processing Program for producers and processors; On-Farm Solar PV Program; Energy Savings for Agri-Processors • Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) alignment with international sustainability standards. EFP is a pre-requisite for grant applications under Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP), and participation in other programs such as Verified Beef Production Plus • Local Food – Compiling an email contact listing as a means to alert producers/business of upcoming opportunities and events • 76 in attendance at the Mountain Pine Beetle information workshop, a collaboration between County, , Leduc County, Alberta Agriculture + Forestry, and Rural Routes • The Local Food policy (Leduc County Municipal Policy-Agricultural Services Programs) is in draft phase • Work continues with Asset Management and Fleet Condition Assessment – Discussion continues on the development of parameters to accurately and consistently capture condition of light and heavy equipment, including trailers and agricultural tractors. • Based on observations, approximately 12-15% of crops remain unharvested within the municipality as of early November. Almost no crops were taken off dry, yields are down overall, substantial increase in input costs due to drying activities, bin heating is already being reported. • Provincially, unharvested acres are reckoned at 10-40% in central Alberta; 40-80% in the Peace area. Discussions are taking place among municipalities via the Agricultural Fieldmen on messaging to the province. Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 41 -

043-2019 Board member Kushinski – that the Agricultural Services Activity Report for the reporting period of September 1-November 15, 2019 be received as information.

Carried Unanimously

Alberta Agriculture + Forestry – Key Contact Verbal Report

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Key Contact, Trevor Wallace, Nutrient Management Specialist provided a verbal report: • Alberta Agriculture & Forestry (AF) budget has been reduced by $88 million, with a proposed additional reduction of $80 million per year for the next three years. A portion of the reduction has been realized through the discontinuation or re- allocation of some programs. An estimated 51 staff positions will be eliminated. • Internal AF changes – Five divisions have been consolidated into four divisions. • Bill 16 to update the grazing lease fee framework will take effect January 1, 2020. The framework was last updated 25 years ago and changes will better align the fee structure with land values and livestock market fluctuations. • Responding to a Board Member inquiry regarding manure spreading on frozen ground – Under some circumstances Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB), the agency responsible for administering Agricultural Operation Practices Act legislation, may give permission to spread if storage is at risk of being compromised and a set of specific criteria is met. As the regulating body, NRCB is responsive to producer requests as well as public concerns regarding farming practices. 044-2019 Board Member Vandenberghe – that the Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Key Contact’s update be received as information. Carried Unanimously

Agricultural Plastics

Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services presented his report regarding the CleanFarms Recycle It! three-year pilot program for recycling agricultural plastics:

• First 20 collection sites for the pilot program began collecting grain bags and twine in October, 2019 • Yellowhead County has is one of the closest collection sites to Leduc County at present. Yellowhead County has three sites for collection, at existing transfer station facilities. Bulk bags are available on-site for bagging small quantities brought to the site, or bags may be taken to be filled at the farming operation. Yellowhead has purchased a jib crane to be utilized by County staff for loading filled bulk bags on-farm for transportation to the CleanFarms collection location. Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 42 -

• Yellowhead County staff reckon that there is likely a break-even when all advantages of removing the ag plastics material out of the dry waste stream is countered by the costs of administering the recycling program. Further, there is benefit to the community in terms of the feeling of positive action as well as the visible benefit of having the plastics material regularly removed from farm sites. • Silage covering material is not included as part of the Recycle It! program.

045-2019 Board Member Lewis – that the Agricultural Plastic Recycling Program report dated November 8, 2019 be received as information.

Carried Unanimously

Clubroot Report

Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services presented his report regarding 2019 canola crop inspections for the presence of clubroot:

• 701 canola fields were inspected in 2019; 134 were confirmed positive for the presence of clubroot and the majority of those have been confirmed positive at some point in the past. • 70.8% of confirmations were rated with infestation levels of less than 10/100; 16% (22 fields) with an initial inspection rating of 30/100 or higher. • 26 samples have been submitted to the University of Alberta for pathotype testing. • Farming Smarter, working with Alberta Agriculture + Forestry, conducted in-field trials with scent detection dogs trained to locate the scent of clubroot galls. Leduc County provided two sites of known infestation for field trial sites. As proven with quagga and zebra mussels detection, there is great potential in the detection of spores on equipment. • The University of Alberta/Alberta Canola application for grant funding under the Canadian Agricultural Partnership program to continue work in surveillance and pathotype testing research was declined. Alberta Canola has re-submitted the application with an appeal to the provincial government to reconsider their decision. An emergent resolution will be brought to the Provincial ASB Conference to communicate the importance of the research and surveillance work done by the University of Alberta to the industry. • December 12 has been set as the tentative date for the annual clubroot information meeting. A Nutri-Gold program representative has agreed to provide a presentation on their biosolids application program as well as liming applications. • Inspections were performed for the City of under the annexation agreement as a fee for service on cropland within the annexed area. The City of Edmonton currently does not have a clubroot policy. In 2019, there were few canola crops within the area. Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 43 -

Mr. Wallace

Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Key Contact, Trevor Wallace, Nutrient Management Specialist exited the Council Chambers at 10:20 a.m.

46-2019 Board Member Kushinski – that the clubroot report dated November 8, 2019 be received as information. Carried Unanimously

Recess

The meeting recessed at 10:23 a.m. and reconvened at 10:32 a.m. with Chair Glenn Belozer and Board Members Tanni Doblanko, Kelly-Lynn Lewis, Ray Scobie, Rick Smith, Kelly Vandenberghe, Larry Wanchuk and Public Members-At-Large Roy Eckert and Russell Kushinski present.

Also present were: • Garett Broadbent, Director, Road Operations and Agricultural Services • Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services • Brendan deMilliano, Agricultural Foreman • Kim Barkwell, Sustainable Agriculture Program Manager • Sharon Faye, Local Food Coordinator • Rick Thomas, Deputy County Manager • Lucinda Melnikel, Recording Secretary

Amendment to the November 18, 2019 ASB Agenda

47-2019 Board Member Doblanko – that the November 18, 2019 Agricultural Service Board agenda by amended to add Item 9. i) Leduc Co-op Update. Carried Unanimously

Local Food Report

48-2019 Board Member Wanchuk – that the local food and agricultural innovation report dated November 12, 2019 be received as information. Carried Unanimously

Vegetation Management Programs-Year in Review

Agricultural Services administration staff reviewed a summary of the 2019 Vegetation Management programs: Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 44 -

• There were ongoing delays to the spraying programs due to wet, windy conditions throughout the entire growing season. The Fenceline program was carried out in an abbreviated manner due to wet fields and delayed harvest activities and was carried out by the Agricultural Foreman late in the fall after seasonal staff had completed their season. • Over 2000 weed inspections were performed with approximately 1100 weed inspection reports delivered to property owners. 16 weed notices were issued with compliance achieved on 15; remediation action was undertaken on one property. • Weed infestations and a lack of mowing along provincial highways through 2019 was a great source of frustration and administration heard numerous complaints from area residents. • Abundant grass growth necessitated a third mowing pass in September along Airport Road, Looking Back Lake Road, and Joseph Lake Road. The disc mower did not perform well in the heavy, wet grass and some areas were left with untidy, ragged cuts. In spite of the challenging conditions, the operator was able to complete mowing on 1355 km of rural roadside ditches.

049-2019 Board Member Smith – that the 2019 Vegetation Management Programs report dated November 12, 2019 be received as information.

Carried Unanimously

2020 Provincial ASB Conference

Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services provided information that each of the five provincial regions of the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen (AAAF) is responsible for a given year’s AAAF training and the provincial conference planning. The central region has heard many concerns regarding the costs of registration for the 2020 Provincial ASB Conference event as well as the choice of conference location.

Discussion took place about conference costs and the relative value of topics on the conference agenda. Private industry sponsorship has declined in recent years and that has also had an impact on the costs passed on through registration fees.

050-2019 Board Member Smith - that the 2020 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference report dated November 5, 2019 be received as information.

Carried Unanimously

Information Items

A Board Member provided an update on Leduc Co-op’s donation of the use of a plot of cropland to the Calmar & District Agricultural Society. Community contributions from a Unofficial Draft Leduc County A.S.B. November 18, 2019 - 45 - variety of local resources supported inputs and the harvest of a crop. Proceeds will assist with the purchase of an ice plant for the Calmar Curling Club.

051-2019 Board Member Doblanko – that the following correspondence and information items be received as information. a) October 25, 2019 Email – Terminated AF Programs b) ALUS i. Project Participants ii. ALUS Signage iii. 2019 ALUS National Hub Conference c) FCC – Mental Health Public Service Announcements https://www.fcc-fac.ca/en/ag- knowledge/mental-health-psa.html d) Pest Insider e) Grey Wooded Forage Association – The Blade f) West-Central Forage Association – Forage Views g) Coming Events i. November 20, 2019 – Verified Beef Production + ii. November 21, 2019 – JEDI Annual Ag Forum iii. November 27, 2019 – Chickens + Coops II h) REAL Agriculture News Release-CN Union Strike Notice i) Leduc Co-op Update

Carried Unanimously

Adjournment

052-2019 Board Member Kushinski – that the Agricultural Service Board meeting be adjourned. Carried Unanimously

The Agricultural Service Board meeting concluded at 11:20 a.m.

CHAIR MANAGER OF AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD ACTION ITEMS Item 6 a)

RECALL/ TARGET AGENDA ITEM FOLLOW UP REQUIRED ASSIGN STATUS DATE DATE TO

Moisture and Precipitation Update Sep 9/19 AVB/Ag Sep 24/19 047-2019 Board Member Smith – that the September 3, 2019 Moisture Develop social media statement for Svs Social media posts Council and Precipitation Update be received as information, and further posting Admin/ Sep 9/19 Meeting • that administration prepare a recommendation for review at the Communic September 24, 2019 County Council meeting with reference to Track ag producer feedback; monitor -ations consideration of a declaration of agricultural disaster, and weather/harvest September 25, 2019 declaration of • that a public statement be prepared by administration for Develop report for Council Municipal State of communication via social media regarding the difficulties and Agricultural stresses being experienced by local agricultural producers and Disaster consideration being given to a declaration of agricultural disaster and inviting feedback.

Agricultural Services Activity Report – September 1-November 15, 2019 Nov 18/19 “Administration is compiling information for a formal letter to the Province Letter to the Minister BdM Nov 21 conference regarding the agricultural disaster declaration; as well, administration is call + Dec 2-6 IST working with the other municipalities that have declared to develop a clear, consistent message.”

2020 Provincial Agricultural Service Board Conference Nov 18/19 -Submit Leduc County ASB registration LM 050-2019 Board Member Smith – that the 2020 Provincial Agricultural prior to December 15, 2019. Service Board Conference report dated November 5, 2019 be received as information. -Provide conference resolutions to ASB AVB Pending receipt of Note: All ASB members have responded regarding attendance as of Members. resolution package November 18, 2019. -Provide hotel confirmation and updated LM conference information to registrants in the week prior to the conference.

Page 1 of 1 Item 6 b) AGRICULTURAL SERVICES ACTIVITY REPORT Reporting Period: Month of November, 2019

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

Director, Garett Broadbent • Nov 19 – Landowner meeting re: Drainage • Nov 20 – PW Operational meeting • Nov 21 – Gravel Haulers Meeting • Nov 22 – Rural Roadside Study • Nov 26 – Ag Budget/ Operations Budget prep • Nov 27 – RAMP admin meeting

Manager of Agricultural Services, Aaron Van Beers • Nov 20 – AFSC Unharvested Acres workshop, Leduc

Agricultural Foreman, Brendan deMilliano • Nov 20 – AFSC Unharvested Acres Workshop, Leduc • Nov 25 – Roadside Brushing Meeting, Nisku

VERTEBRATE PEST CONTROL

Coyote Control Work Performed for Period

Damage Permit: 7 Coyotes Removed Private Property: 6 Coyotes Removed

Current Year Previous Year # of Coyote Complaints Received in 0 # of Coyote Complaints Received in 1 November November # of Complaints This Year to Date 17 # of Complaints Last Year to Date 19 Total Removed for November 13 Total Removed for November 11 Total Removed to Date 94 Total Removed Last Year to Date 119 Work Requests Ongoing/Carried Fwd 4

Beaver Control Work Performed for Period

Leduc County Road ROW: 2 Beaver Removed 0 Dams Removed Private Property: 2 Beaver Removed 4 Dams Removed

Current Year Previous Year # of Beaver Complaints Received in 0 # of Beaver Complaints Received in 0 November November # of Complaints This Year to Date 70 # of Complaints Last Year to Date 34 Total Beaver Removed for November 4 Total Removed for November 18 Total Removed This Year to Date 200 Total Removed Last Year to Date 175 Work Requests Ongoing/Carried Fwd 43

Page 1 of 3 AGRICULTURAL SERVICE ACTIVITY REPORT Reporting Period: Month of November, 2019

• Many of the outstanding beaver control work requests will be addressed through winter trapping activities, as ice conditions permit.

Northern Pocket Gopher Trapping Incentive Program • With the cold, snowy conditions marking an end to the northen pocket gopher trapping season, incentive program participants have been bringing in their season’s trapping results through November with a total of $2113.00 paid out under the incentive program to the end of November 2019.

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE PROGRAM

Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP) • Nov 4 - CAP Environmental Stewardship & Climate Change Program Information Session- Leduc Agriculture Business Centre. An important reminder: o Must always apply before purchasing materials and starting a project. There is no retroactivity for any CAP programs.

Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and EFP Operations Committee • Nov 6 – Technician training, o 4R Nutrient Management, Fertilizer Canada o CAP Update o Water Wells, Understanding the Basics and CAP-Farm Water Supply Program o Species at Risk Verified Beef Production Plus (VBP+) Certification • Canadian Sustainable Beef Acceleration Pilot – supported by retailers wanting to source beef from certified sustainable supply chain • Per head qualified payout between 2018 and second quarter of 2019 has leveled out to $18 • How do animals qualify? Must be certified VBP+ at all levels of the supply chain, age verified and signed up to BIX. BIX provides the data collection and traceability supporting verification. There is no cost to producers to sign up to BIX. • About half the feedlots are now eligible • Cargill is currently the only packer involved but others are interested • Head disqualified because they were not certified before the packer (See slides Info Item 8 b) o Approximately 24,000 head fell out at the feedlot level o Approximately 100,000 head fell out at the cow/calf level • VBP+ Certification = CRSB Certified

Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) – Coordinator Activity Report • Nov 8 – ALUS PAC Meeting. Results of Multi-Criteria Mapping Project presented by Alberta Agriculture and Forestry staff • Nov 18 – 2020 ALUS Acre Target Projections • Nov 25 – Site visit and new project proposal Page 2 of 5 AGRICULTURAL SERVICE ACTIVITY REPORT Reporting Period: Month of November, 2019

• Nov 25 – Efficient Allocation of Resources Leveraging Bio-Resource Information Management System (BRIMS), Summary workshop and maps provided. Silvacom, Edmonton • Nov 26 – Final session and presentation, Alberta Innovates Ecosystem Service Leadership and Innovation Program

Sustainable Agriculture Activities • Nov 1 – Growing From Here, Leduc Chamber-Ag-Food-Business Conference, Nisku • Nov 4 – CAP information session, Leduc • Nov 6 – EFP technician training • Nov 13 – Attend cow/calf producer VBP+ certification audit • Nov 14 – Feed Quality Concerns in Livestock Rations Workshop, partner with West Central Forage Association, Telford Hall – 20 participants • Nov 20 – VBP+ Benefits of Certification Seminar. Presentations by VBP+ Alberta Coordinator, Canadian Roundtable for Sustainable Beef Certification Framework Manager and TrustBix Industry Engagement and Business Development Manager – Glen Park Hall – 16 participants • Nov 21 – JEDI Ag Forum – Display Table, Wetaskiwin

LOCAL FOOD and AGRICULTURAL INNOVATION/HORTICULTURE • Building Contacts –“Local Food & Ag Listing” of producers and other businesses:

o Contacted participants who attended Chickens and Coops workshop – to sign up for Ag Matters, and Local Food and Ag Listing • Supported/leveraged with other organizations

o Attended workshops, conferences for educational learning, to build contacts/network, and become aware of resources for producers Nov 25-26 - Desitnation Rural Alberta, hosted by the Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies (AAAS). . Speakers included: a) Culture & Tourism Development Office from the Town of Stony Plain – “Working with Your Local Government” highlighted past partnerships and projects; b) Travel Alberta – “Building Strategies for Partnerships”; c) Clearthink –have coached farms to prepare for Open Farm Days; and d) Jon Schallert, a consultant teaching businesses and communities on how to turn themselves into Consumer Destinations. He offers a two and a half day Destination Business Bootcamp in Colorado, and for communities a Community Reinvention Program. These offer potential opportunities for the County. . Alberta Open Farm Days – (supported by AAAS, Travel Alberta, and the Government of Alberta). In the past, they have worked with municipalities to provide coaching to producers who want to be part of Alberta Open Farm Days. I put in a request for Leduc County to be considered for the program in 2020; we will be discussing this further, once they have their funding in place.

Page 3 of 5 AGRICULTURAL SERVICE ACTIVITY REPORT Reporting Period: Month of November, 2019

. Alberta Open Farm Days also has a scholarship for producers to attend the North American Farm Direct Marketing Assosciation (NAFDMA) conference; producers who travelled in 2019 shared their experiences and learnings • Communications

o Cross-promotion of workshops and conferences - provided ongoing content on local food topics and events for AgMatters and other newletters . Alberta Agriculture and Forestry (AF) – Sent promotional materials • Dec 3 - Safe Food for Canadian Regulations Webinar • Feb 4-5, 2020 - CanadaGAP Worshops (Level 1 snd 2)

o Website redevelopment – Will continute to work with Communications, providing input and photos • Planning/ Hosting events

o Assisted Sustainable Ag Program Manager in preparing, hosting and delivering workshops (.ie., VBP+ and Sustainable Sourcing)

o Nov 27 - Hosted a “Chickens and Coops II” (intermediate level workshop) for small flock owners . The event was attended by 23 participants representing 13 households. . Topics covered were: introduction to small flocks; anatomy and reproduciton, feeds and feeding, breed types, housing, biosecurity, flock health, and county bylaws/zoning. These were well received by participants, and which prompted specific questions on each of the topics. • Farm–to-Market-to-Table Conference, to be held in Nisku (February 27-28, 2020) – Conference planning and discussions continue with the Alberta Farm Fresh Producers Association, Alberta Farmers’ Market Association, and the Chamber of Commerce. The team is currently finalizing the budget, the format for the two days and contacting speakers. • Prelimary planning for 2020 – There are three main areas of focus in working with producers, either by providing educational opportunties (workshops, tours) or researching business information: 1. Producers who are looking for educational topics in a number of local food areas, either as a small business to bring some income, or as a hobby • Future workshops could include beekeeping, gardening, etc. 2. Producers looking to create or grow a business as a main souce of revenue (i.e., small to medium size enterprise) • Planning for a “Pricing/Cost of Production Workshop” – This is set for April 2, 2020. It is focussed on local businesses looking to get into direct marketing, food service, or retail. (Partnering with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry). 3. Building a foundation of producers – who will be supporters, co-planners/initiators of projects, and promote local food activities in the county, providing a stronger business network, greater collaboration and potential mentorship

Page 4 of 5 AGRICULTURAL SERVICE ACTIVITY REPORT Reporting Period: Month of November, 2019

• Planning meetings with producers to dicuss goals and projects (e.g., participation in the Farm-to-Market-to-Table Conference to held in Nisku, Open Farm Days 2020). Planning will begin in Dec 2019 to Jan-Feb 2020.

o Making arrangements for future events - community resources available, costs (e.g., hall booking, catering) • Local Food Policy – Will continue to be developed. It is anticipated that a policy framework will be brought to the January ASB meeting for input from the Board.

Clubroot • Administration is hosting the annual Clubroot Information Meeting on Dec 12, 2019 at Glen Park Hall • Aaron will be taking part in a round-table discussion/bear-pit on clubroot management and policy at the AAAF In-Service Training December 5

FACILITIES MAINTENANCE

• Five new work requests were received through November with a total of 15.5 man hours committed to facilities maintenance/handyman work during that time. One request has been carried forward for completion before the end of the year.

REGIONAL AGRICULTURE MASTER PLAN (RAMP) • The major activities coming from the RAMP Working Group relate to developing an Economic Imperative for the Master Plan. The working group is incredibly mindful that the economics need to make sense for RAMP to be endorsed.

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES & PUBLIC WORKS OPERATIONS COOPERATION • Agricultural Services and Public Works staff met on November 25 to discuss and tour the areas of brushing which will be completed during the winter of 2019/2020. The primary areas include roadsides south of highway 39 in divisions 3, 4 and 5.

OTHER • The director has been incredibly occupied with Road Operations activities this past reporting period.

AGRICULTURAL DRAINAGE • Administration intends to complete a couple minor works in the next reporting period so that these issues are addressed prior to spring thaw.

Page 5 of 5 Item 6. d)

Recommendation to Agricultural Service Board

REPORT NAME

Agricultural Service Board Bursary Awards

RECOMMENDATION

That 2019 Agricultural Service Board bursary awards of $1,000 each be awarded to the following applicants: 1. Brent Sereda 2. Rianne Harrish

IMPLICATIONS

Reason: Selection of Agricultural Bursary award recipients Authority (MGA/Bylaw/Policy): AP-02 Agricultural Bursary Policy Funding Source: Agricultural Bursary Approved in 2019 budget

BACKGROUND

• The deadline for receipt of applications for the 2019 Agricultural Bursary awards was November 30, 2019. The Agricultural Service Board bursary is intended for students enrolled in an agriculturally related post-secondary program. • Administration arranged advertising in the Leduc Representative, the Leduc County website and Facebook page and Twitter account as well as reaching out to student services at the University of Alberta, ALES faculty, Olds College, Lakeland College, and Black Gold Regional Schools. • Four applications were received with three of them meeting the eligibility guideline specifying that the student be enrolled in an agricultural-related post-secondary program. • Of the three applications from students enrolled in agricultural-related post-secondary programs: 1. One applicant is a confirmed resident in the Thorsby area, and is enrolled in the Agricultural and Heavy Equipment program at Olds College 2. One applicant is a confirmed resident in the Calmar area, and is enrolled in Agribusiness at Lakeland College 3. One applicant is enrolled in Crop Technology at Lakeland College, but her parents reside in Edmonton within the recently annexed area.

. . . /2 ASB Report – Agricultural Service Board Bursary Awards December 2, 2019 Page 2 of 2

• One application was received from a student who is enrolled in the Natural Resources Technology Program, an environmental and forestry focused program at Portage College. Although there are loose associations with agriculture for this program, the applicant is not a resident of Leduc County, nor are the parents.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Advertising Copy – ASB Bursary 2. Agricultural Service Board Bursary Policy 3. Applications – Not for Public Distribution

Submitted by: Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services Reviewed by: Garett Broadbent, Director of Roadside Operations and Agricultural Services Date: December 2, 2019 Supporting the future of agriculture Scholarship opportunities

Agricultural Service Board Bursary Leduc County Agricultural Service Board encourages future careers in agriculture through five bursary awards of$1000 each to support students in an agricultural-related post secondary program. The Agricultural Service Board bursaries are available to Leduc County residents or to children of county residents. Application forms are available on our website or from the Agricultural Services office at 780-955-4593. Applications must be received before November 30, 2019 .

For more information, please call 780-955-4593 www.leduc-county.com/scholarships LEDUC COUNTY AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD BURSARY APPLICATION

Agricultural Service Board Bursary - Five awards of $1000 each are available

Applicant Name: Last First Middle Legal Land Location: Permanent Address: Mailing Address (if different): Telephone/Cell:

EDUCATIONAL INFORMATION

High School Attended:

Post Secondary Program:

Name of Enrolled Educational Institute:

GUIDELINES FOR ELIGIBILITY

• The Agricultural Bursary supports students attending agricultural-related post secondary programs. • Applicants must be Leduc County residents (or children of residents). Applicants who have not received an ASB post secondary award in the past will be given greater consideration. • Please include an essay, approximately 500 words in length, describing your future aspirations and how your education will support those goals. • Application must include all of the following:  Completed Application Form  Proof of Post-Secondary Program Acceptance (Copy of Acceptance Letter or Course Registration)  Essay

Forward completed application, prior to November 30

. . . /2 ASB BURSARY AWARD APPLICATION & GUIDELINES

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT INFORMATION

Please list community organizations, clubs, and projects that you have been part of in the last 5 years:

1. Organization/Club/Project Position Held/Involvement How Long?

Contact Name Contact Phone Number

2. Organization/Club/Project Position Held/Involvement How Long?

Contact Name Contact Phone Number

Other achievements or special interests/hobbies:

List Scholarships/Bursaries already awarded:

DECLARATION

I declare the foregoing information is correct.

Signature of Applicant: Date:

The Agricultural Service Board will review all applications at the first scheduled Agricultural Service Board meeting following the November 30 deadline. Determination of applicant eligibility will be made, at the Board’s discretion, with respect to the guidelines listed above. All applicants will be contacted once selection has been finalized.

NOTE: If applicant is successful, Social Insurance Number and birth date information will be requested for completion of T4-A form.

Please email your complete application submission to [email protected] or mail to: Agricultural Services Leduc County, #101, 1101 – 5th Street NISKU, AB T9E 2X3

Item 6. e) Recommendation to Agricultural Service Board

REPORT NAME

Appointment of Leduc County Weed Appeal Committee and Pest Appeal Committee - 2020

RECOMMENDATION

That the appointment of the following Leduc County Weed Appeal Committee and Pest Appeal Committee members for the 2020 calendar year, January 1, 2020 to December 31, 2020, be approved, as follows: 1. Doug Balzer 2. Allan Halwa 3. Rod Sagert

IMPLICATIONS

Reason: Local authority must appoint an independent appeal panel Authority (MGA/Bylaw/Policy): Province of Alberta Weed Control Act; Province of Alberta Agricultural Pests Act Funding Required: N/A

BACKGROUND

• It is a requirement under both the Province of Alberta Weed Control Act and the Province of Alberta Agricultural Pests Act that a local authority (the Agricultural Service Board as established by Leduc County Council pursuant to Leduc County Bylaw No. 28- 08) appoint an independent appeal panel to determine appeals of notices that may be issued by appointed Inspectors under the authority of either Act. • 2020 marks the 20th year that two of the three individuals have agreed to provide their service, if requested, as Appeal Committee members for Leduc County. We are fortunate that these two individuals were agreeable to stand for both the Weed Appeal Committee and the Pest Appeal Committee. • There has not been an instance of having to assemble the Appeal Committee members to determine an appeal within administration’s collective recollection of over 25 years.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Leduc County Bylaw No. 31-08 “Establish the Agricultural Service Board” 2. Excerpt from Agricultural Service Board Act, Section 3(1) 3. Excerpt from Weed Control Act, Part 4; and Weed Control Regulation, Part 3 4. Excerpt from Agricultural Pests Act, Section 14(1) through Section 16; and Pest and Nuisance Control Regulation, Section 16

Submitted by: Brendan deMilliano, Agricultural Foreman Reviewed by: Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services Date: December 2, 2019 BY LAW NO. 31 ..08

OF LEDUC COUNTY IN THE PROVINCE OF ALBERTA

THIS BYLAW AUTHORIZES THE COUNCil OF LEDUC COUNTY TO ESTABLISH THE AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD AND RESCIND BYLAW NO. 28-08.

WHEREAS Pursuant to Sections 145 and 146 of the Municipal Government Act, being Chapter M-26 Statutes of Alberta, 2000, as amended, provides that Council may pass a Bylaw for the establishment and functions of Council Committees; the Council is desirous of amending the Terms of Reference for the Agricultural Service Board and rescind Bylaw No. 28-08.

NOW THEREFORE THE COUNCIL OF LEDUC COUNTY, DULY ASSEMBLED,HEREBY ENACTS AS FOLLOWS: 1. The Board There is hereby established a Board to be known as the Agricultural Service Board.

2. Membership and Organization 2.1 The Board shall consist of seven (7) Councillors and two (2) members at large with a two (2) year term. 2.2 Public members at large terms will follow Council Policy (GG-02-06) for a maximum of two (2) consecutive terms 2.3 The Agricultural Service Board shall select a Chair and a Vice-Chair "at its first meeting following Council's annual Organizational Meeting. 2.4 The Board shall follow the rules of order for the conduct of the meetings as established by Council and the meeting requirements as established in the Municipal Government Act.

3. Purpose and Responsibility 3.1 In addition to the duties outlined in the Agricultural Service Board Act, section (2), the Agricultural Service Board shall: a) Act in an advisory capacity to Council on matters in accordance with duties, powers, and functions outlined in: ~ the Weed Control Act; ~ Soil Conservation Act; ~ Agricultural Pests Act; ~ Livestock Diseases Act; ~ Water Act; b) Promote the sound management of surface water (drainage) on agricultural lands giving regard to and in accordance with the budget as adopted by Council. NOTE: Drainage affecting the integrity of the road is a Public Works and Engineering responsibility. BY LAW NO. 31-08 .. 2­

4. Administration Support 4.1 The Director of Agricultural Services (Agricultural Fieldman) is responsible for the development and administration of programs under the direction of the Agricultural Service Board. 4.2 Clerical and minute taking assistance will be provided by the Administrative Assistant to the Agricultural Services Department.

5. Limitations of Power 5.1 Pursuant to Section 203 of the Municipal Government Act, being Chapter M-26 of the Revised Statutes of Alberta 2000, as amended, the Agricultural Service Board shall have the same power as Council except that the Board does not: a) have the power or duty to pass a By-Law; b) have the power to make, suspend, or revoke the appointment of a person to the position of Chief Administrative Officer; c) have the power to adopt budgets under Part 8 of the Municipal Government Act; d) have the power with respect to taxes under Section 347 of the Municipal Government Act; and e) have a duty to decide appeals imposed on it by this or another enactment or By-Law, whether generally, or on a case by case basis unless the delegation is to a Council Committee and authorized by By-Law.

DONE AND PASSED in open Council assembled at Nisku, in the Province of Alberta, this 25th day of November, A.D. 2008.

Read a first time this 25th day of November, A.D. 2008.

Read a second time this 25th day of November, A.D. 2008.

Read a third time with the unanimous consent of the Council Members present and finally passed this 25th day of November, A.D. 2008.

MAYOR ~~~~~~~ COUNTY MANAGER

Item 6. f) Recommendation to Agricultural Service Board

REPORT NAME

Leduc and Wetaskiwin Chamber Business Awards Agriculture Business of the Year Nomination

RECOMMENDATION

That Agricultural Service Board members put forward prospective nominations for Agriculture & Food Business of the Year for the annual Chamber of Commerce Business Awards.

IMPLICATIONS

Reason: Recognition of agricultural businesses

Funding Required: N/A

BACKGROUND

• Each year, at the Leduc and Wetaskiwin Region Chamber of Commerce Business Awards Gala, local businesses are honoured with awards in a variety of categories. Agricultural Service Board members are welcome to submit nominations in all of categories, including the Agriculture and Food Business of the Year. • Awards will be presented at the annual Awards Gala scheduled for March 14, 2020. The closing date for submission of nominations is Friday, January 31, 2020. • Board Members may submit their nominations directly to the Chamber or inform administration of their nomination selection and that information will be provided to the awards selection committee prior to the closing date.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Chamber of Commerce Awards Gala Information 2. List of Previous Nominations

Submitted by: Aaron Van Beers, Manager of Agricultural Services Reviewed by: Date: Dec 4, 2019

Item 8. a) i. Item 8. a) ii.

Item 8. a) iii.

COUNTY OF ST. PAUL 5015 – 49 Avenue, St. Paul, Alberta, T0A 3A4 phone: 780-645-3301 www.county.stpaul.ab.ca

Our Mission - To create desirable rural experiences

Press Release

For Immediate Release Date: November 27, 2019 Contact: Cliff Martin, Chair, Agricultural Service Board, phone: 780-614-1551 Stephen Upham, Reeve, phone: 780-614-5107

County of St. Paul declares Agricultural Disaster

St. Paul, AB - The County of St. Paul has declared a Municipal State of Agricultural Disaster on November 26, 2019. This declaration covers the entire County of St. Paul and is based primarily on annual crop unharvested acres.

The County of St. Paul has 35% of annual crops that remain unharvested as of November 26, 2019. These unharvested acres are consistent throughout the County of St. Paul. With recent snowfall it is unlikely that any more will be harvested before spring.

The County Council is aware of the hardships facing County producers because of weather conditions, and is raising awareness of the problems facing agriculture in the County of St. Paul. When our agriculture industry suffers all of our communities suffer.

The agriculture community has seen several tough years in terms of unseasonably cool, wet weather in summer followed by excess moisture in fall and spring. These conditions both delay maturity of annual crops and make harvest difficult if not impossible for many of our producers. The added cost of drying grain with the increased cost of running equipment in wet and cold conditions was also considered when making this decision. In 2017 the County of St. Paul also declared a State of Agricultural disaster in the spring after a similar harvest season in 2016. In 2016 the unharvested acres were at approximately 25% with poor yields and quality also being a problem.

With many crops remaining in the fields, residents and visitors to the County of St. Paul are asked to be mindful about hunting and winter recreation activities. Crops can be severely damaged by vehicle and snowmobile traffic; residents are reminded to obtain permission before travelling on what may appear to be open fields.

- 30 - Item 8. a) iv.

November 29, 2019 8:41 AM

Subject: Agricultural Disaster Declarations - County of St Paul and Lac La Biche County Attachments: PRESS RELEASE _County of St Paul_Nov 26 2019.pdf

NOTIFICATION FROM LAC LA BICHE COUNTY TO ALBERTA ASSOCIATION OF AGRICULTURAL FIELDMEN

Due to excessive moisture conditions, large percentage of farms in the County remains unharvested, and where harvested, crop quality is lower than normal and significant drying is required. As such, Lac La Biche County Council on November 26, 2019 officially declared a state of Agricultural Disaster. Please share this information with your networks. The County’s Communication department will send a formal release.

Thank you.

Jacob Jacob Marfo Agricultural Fieldman Environmental Services Phone: 780‐623‐6366 Mobile: 780 520 0419 ‐ ‐

1 Item 8. b)

Results – CSB Program

CSB Summary - # hd qualified and payout 7000 $20.50 6000 Qualified Payouts $20.00 5000 $19.50 4000 $19.00

# OF HD OF # 3000 $18.50 2000 $18.00 1000 $17.50 0 $17.00 2018Q1 2018Q2 2018Q3 2018Q4 2019Q1 2019Q2 Results – CSB Program

CSB Summary - # hd disqualified at the feedlot 12000 Qualified Fell out at Feedlot 10000

8000

6000 # OF HD OF #

4000

2000

0 2018Q1 2018Q2 2018Q3 2018Q4 2019Q1 2019Q2 Results – CBSA Pilot

CSB Summary - # hd disqualified at C/C 35000 30000 Qualified Fell out at Feedlot Fell out at C/C 25000 20000

# # OF HD 15000 10000 5000 0 2018Q1 2018Q2 2018Q3 2018Q4 2019Q1 2019Q2 Item 8. c) i.

Clubroot Information Meeting Thursday, Dec. 12

Join Leduc County Agricultural Services for the annual clubroot information meeting. Discussion topics will include pathotype shifts, new genetic resistance, the potential of liming to manage clubroot, and Leduc County’s Clubroot Policy.

When: Thursday, Dec. 12 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch served at noon Where: Glen Park Hall (49004 Range Road 274) Cost: Tickets are $10/plate and are available at the Leduc County Agricultural Services office. Tickets are not sold at the door. RSVP: Call 780-955-4593 to register by Monday, Dec. 9

Experts will be available to discuss the challenges associated with clubroot and to answer questions. Item 8. c) ii.

Agronomy Update 2020

January 7 & 8 Cambridge Red Deer Hotel & Conference Centre Red Deer, Alberta Timely agronomic information for producers and agronomists Register online at https://eservices.alberta.ca/agronomy-update-2020.html or call 1-800-387-6030 If GST exempt, please call the Registration number Item 8. c) iii. Item 8. c) iv.

Item 8. d)