Lac Ste. Anne County Activity Report 2019 Spring Activity Report | Page 13

SPRING 2019 ActivityLSAC WATCH FOR OUR AG APPRECIATION DAY, RURAL BEAUTIFICATION CONTEST AND TOUR, AS WELL AS THE ANNUAL PRAIRIES NORTH FARM FORUM. FOR ALL YOUR AGRICULTURAL NEEDS, WE’LL GET YOU GROWING IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION. LSAC.CA/AG-NEWS-PUBLICATIONS County, including how to calibrate and safely spray. In addition, the County can now offer small amounts of herbicide to residents who take the Acreage Owner’s Pesticide Applicators course through Lakeland College. County ALUS Tour AUGUST 12, 2019. Join the County on the ALUS tour this summer to celebrate the beauty of the region, and recognize those who steward it. Details will be made available soon via the County’s regular media channels. This is the perfect opportunity to learn how the ALUS program could benefit you! Rural Roots Farmer Showcase and Culinary Event. AUGUST 17, 2019. The table is set for this event at the historic George Pegg Botanic Garden. Local food farmers are invited to participate in a two-part producer showcase; a daytime vendor market of locally produced food; and a farm-to-table dinner featuring an Alberta chef using locally-produced food. The event provides an opportunity for County producers to market their products, have their food featured in the meal, join the organizing committee or volunteer at the event — all while connecting with an amazing food network. To learn more, email [email protected]. Before the Plate Screening AUGUST 23, 2019. Join Ag Services in conjunction with the Sangudo Ag Society for an outdoor movie screening of the documentary “Before the Plate.” This documentary follows a meal created at Toronto-based restaurant Canoe back to its roots on the surrounding farms! Alberta Open Farm Days Call for Producers Alberta Open Farm Days is about farmers and ranchers inviting their urban and rural neighbours to stop in for a visit to share stories, see demonstrations, and learn more about the farmers who grow their food. As well, some of Alberta’s most talented chefs and rural communities will be hosting a memorable series of farm to table culinary events that will be held around the province using Alberta farm products. Visit albertafarmdays.ca for more information on this province-wide open house. Crop and Garden Pests As we move into the growing season, Ag Services staff can help you diagnose and manage insect, disease, and weed problems. When needed, staff can also submit samples to the Alberta Plant Health Laboratory on your behalf. Stop by the office with your questions, or email [email protected]. Soil Testing Services for Agricultural Producers Nutrient Management Planning is a best management practice that aims to protect soil and water while optimizing crop yield and quality while minimizing fertilizer costs. Several agencies in the area provide a variety of nutrient testing services. Check out Soil Testing Services online and we’ll help you get connected. ALTERNATIVE LAND USE SERVICES (ALUS) Lac Ste. Anne Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS) is a leader in the ALUS Community. Of the five thousand acres enrolled across Canada last year, 500 were in Lac Ste. Anne County alone; proof positive that the farmers in this region are devout stewards of the land and caretakes of the soil. To date, ALUS Lac Ste. Anne has helped fund multiple watering systems; fences around dugouts and waterbodies; shelterbelt planting; and beaver-friendly management devices. Any producer interested in protecting natural features on their landscape while supporting their farm operation is encouraged to contact the County office at speak with ALUS Coordinator Megan Casey, or email: [email protected]. AGRICULTURAL SERVICES BOARD Acting as an advisory body to Council, the Agricultural Services Board (ASB) provides vital expertise and resources to help manage weed, pest, soil and water conservation programs; assist in the control of livestock diseases; promote and develop agricultural policies; undertake Council-mandated projects; and assist with the preparation of the County’s Agricultural Services budget. The ASB is bound by the terms of the Agricultural Service Board Act. Bylaw 21-2017 was adopted in 2017, converting the ASB structure from Council as a whole to a committee that included local producers. Lac Ste. Anne County’s Agricultural Services Board consists of three County Councillors and six Members-At-Large consisting of area farmers with their boots on the ground. Minimally, the ASB meets six times annually, with meetings typically scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of every second month. 13.