Agricultural
Services
2018 PROVED CHALLENGING
FOR AREA PRODUCERS. We saw
a drastic production year due to
fluctuating weather conditions;
smoke filled skies that hampered
crop maturation; and a very short
harvest season. These setbacks
affected not just producers, but
all who call our rugged-and-real
region home. Through dedication,
perseverance and cooperation,
a relatively good harvest was
achieved in the field, the pasture
and the backyard. However,
this stressful year placed undue
pressure on our rural community,
as evidenced by the Agricultural
Service Board’s broadcast of a
24/7 mental health contact
number to all area residents.
This first step of awareness
provided a starting point for spirit,
communication and cooperation
within our rural community where
family and friends supported
each other throughout the fall
and winter months. During this
turmoil, the ASB hosted its
16th annual Fall Social — an
overwhelming success for
area sponsors, contributors
and attendees. The “Luau”
(a much-needed break) proved
enlightening and refreshing
Cooperation, partnership and extension of
municipal agricultural informational services
plays a vital role in 2018.
for the 300 or so attendees,
providing “a time to recharge,” as
one attendee aptly commented.
One key outcome of ASB efforts
can be seen in the cooperation
and partnership of our unique
Weed Control Partnership
Program that was utilized fully
in 2018. A total of 760 acres of
prohibited noxious and noxious
weed species were eradicated
or controlled. More than 30
landowners and producers
took part, and $14,500 was
reimbursed to participants for
their dedicated partnership.
This program will be continuing
into the future, and may even
be expanded. Through the
cooperation of area landowners
and producers, 424 formal
weed inspections/contacts were
achieved without the need for a
formal notice issued.
Area canola producers provided
excellent cooperation with MD
inspectors and the Provincial
Inspector. Of all 47 parcels
surveyed, no signs were found.
It is evident that producers are
following good management
practices to minimize the
spread of clubroot in canola.
Moving forward, the ASB has
prioritized communication and
the extension of agricultural
informational services. It is in
this spirit that the inaugural
“Rural Roots” newsletter was
produced, featuring expanded
ag-focused content and
distributed via mail, social
media and the MD website.
Additionally, a Livestock
Antibiotics Use Workshop was
hosted in November, and will
be followed by additional topic
workshops to be held in the
upcoming months. Watch for
these upcoming opportunities
at mdlsr.ca/Agriculture.
19