Our Vision
Every rural municipality in Alberta has an appointed Agricultural Service Board (ASB). The primary role of the ASB is to assist producers in achieving sustainable agricultural production while considering environmental and social impacts related to agriculture.
At Cardston County, our ASB strives to:
🌱 Promote, protect, enhance, and support agriculture and the natural landscape, ensuring Cardston County continues to thrive as a great place to live, work, and farm.
Our Mission
Working alongside our agricultural community, the Cardston County ASB is committed to developing and delivering programs that:
âś… Maintain and improve water quality and protect our watershed
âś… Reduce the risk of agricultural pests
âś… Protect the County from new invasive weed species and manage existing infestations
âś… Assist provincial and federal agencies with disease control and monitoring
âś… Provide high-quality rental equipment that meets the unique needs of local producers
âś… Advise County Council on key agricultural issues impacting our region
Our Responsibilities
Established under the Agricultural Service Board Act, the Cardston County ASB is responsible for enforcing and supporting:
- Agricultural Service Board Act
- Weed Control Act
- Agricultural Pests Act
- Soil Conservation Act
- Animal Health Act (as needed)
A Legacy of Service
The Cardston County ASB was officially formed on April 14, 1948, under the M.D. of Cardston No. 6. For over 75 years, the ASB has supported agriculture and land stewardship in our County. Today, 69 ASBs across Alberta work together to help nearly 60,000 farms and ranches manage pests, conserve soil and water, and preserve the long-term sustainability of Alberta’s over 50 million acres of farmland.
What We Do
Key ASB Responsibilities
✔️ Employ an Agricultural Fieldman to lead ASB operations
✔️ Operate an effective ASB Committee to advise and support agricultural programs
✔️ Develop and implement agricultural programs and policies within Cardston County
Weed Control
- Enforce the Weed Control Act
- Hire and train Weed Inspectors
- Work with producers to control prohibited noxious and noxious weeds
- Implement effective vegetation management on municipal properties and roadsides
Pest Control
- Enforce the Agricultural Pests Act
- Conduct pest surveys and assess threats from regulated pests
- Develop and implement programs to manage pests and nuisances
Soil Conservation
- Enforce the Soil Conservation Act
- Run programs to reduce soil erosion
- Manage Cardston County’s Shelterbelt Program
Animal Health & Disease
- Assist with the Animal Health Act as needed
- Provide education and information on disease prevention and animal health to local producers
Education & Outreach
- Share updates and information from Alberta Agriculture with local producers
- Run awareness campaigns on best management practices and emerging threats
Additional ASB Responsibilities
- Operate and maintain the Del Bonita Recreation Area and Dipping Vat Lake
- Mow and maintain County campgrounds
- Provide facility maintenance for agricultural sites
ASB Contact Information
Councillor Roger Houghton – ASB Chairman
đź“ž 403-634-7281
Rod Foggin – Agricultural Fieldman
đź“ž 403-382-8236
Stephen Bevans – Assistant Agricultural Fieldman
đź“ž 403-634-9474
ASB Rentals & Chemical
đź“ž 403-795-2594
Programs & Resources
The Real Dirt on Farming
This publication helps connect you with Canada’s farm families and the food you eat. It offers reliable facts on:
- Conventional vs. organic farming
- Pesticide use and safety
- Animal care and welfare
- Environmental sustainability
- New technologies in farming
đź”— Read The Real Dirt on Farming Magazine
Agricultural Operations Practices Act (AOPA)
The AOPA Guide explains Alberta’s rules for handling manure and managing livestock operations. Topics include:
- Manure storage, collection, and application
- Livestock corrals and bedding sites
- Soil testing and record-keeping
- Siting requirements for confined feeding operations
đź”— Learn more about AOPA here
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Explore federal agricultural resources, including:
- Livestock and crop profiles
- Shelterbelt planning
- Research and innovation programs
đź”— Visit Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
Haying Permits
Interested in haying a municipal right-of-way? Applications are accepted until May 31 each year, with priority given to adjacent landowners.
Requirements:
- An Access & Work Agreement must be signed
- Applicants must hold at least $2 million in liability insurance
- All haying must be conducted safely to avoid traffic hazards and drainage issues
For details, contact Cardston County at đź“ž 403-653-4977.