Agriculture and Environment

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AGRICULTURAL NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS

AAAF Memorial Bursary

The Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen Northeast Region will award two $1000 bursaries to students enrolled in a College or University Agricultural or Environmental Science program. For more information on eligibility requirements and applications, visit the AAAF website.

Avian Influenza

April 29, 2022 - Avian Influenza detected in County of Vermilion River poultry flock

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) confirmed the presence of Avian Influenza (H5N1) in a poultry flock in the County of Vermilion River on April 28, 2022. The infected premises has been placed under quarantine.

Avian influenza is highly contagious to poultry and presents a significant national concern as wild birds migrate to Canada because of its spread in wild bird populations globally. Avian influenza poses no risk to food safety and the risk to human health is extremely low.

The County of Vermilion River is not directly involved in managing Avian Influenza but is sharing this information as a resource for residents and producers. Any questions should be directed to the CFIA.

Avian influenza, commonly known as “bird flu”, is a contagious viral infection that can affect several species of domestic birds as well as pet birds and wild birds. Bird owners are legally responsible to notify authorities of a suspected infection. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) provides emergency response to limit the spread of disease and provides support for containment and decontamination.

Infected premises are placed under quarantine by CFIA and control measures are established on other farms within proximity of the infected premises. Biosecurity measures are important for ALL poultry flocks – please take measures to protect your own and your neighbor’s flocks.

How is avian influenza spread?

Diseased wild birds
Feed
Bedding
Water that may have been contaminated by infected bird feces
Contact with neighboring flocks
New birds added to existing flocks
On equipment or clothing and shoes of visitors

How to protect your flock

Keep poultry away from areas used by wild birds
Store feed where it cannot be contaminated by wild birds
Water birds from clean water sources (not ponds or dugouts)
Quarantine new birds for 30 days away from your existing flock
Limit visitors to your facility
Review your facility cleaning and disinfection protocols
Monitor your birds for signs of disease and contact your veterinarian or the local CFIA office (403-629-1728) if you suspect your birds are sick

For poultry producers and owners with backyard flocks or pet birds, the CFIA website contains resources on avian flu and biosecurity measures.

April 25, 2022 - Avian Influenza (H5N1) has been confirmed in poultry flocks in several municipalities in Alberta. None has been found within the County of Vermilion River to date. Avian influenza is highly pathogenic and presents a significant national concern as wild birds migrate to Canada because of its spread in wild bird populations globally.

For poultry producers and owners with backyard flocks or pet birds, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) website contains resources on avian flu and biosecurity measures.

The County of Vermilion River is not directly involved in managing Avian Influenza, and any questions should be directed to the CFIA.

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada 2022 Fertilizer Emissions Reduction

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada announced the launch of additional consultations to help guide the development of an approach for achieving Canada’s fertilizer emissions reduction target. A discussion document is now available for comment until June 3, 2022, which is meant to stimulate discussion and build a path forward for reducing emissions from the application of fertilizers by 30% from 2020 levels by 2030.

Farm organizations, including Alberta Canola are preparing their submissions to Agriculture & Agri-Food Canada. Individual farmers are strongly encouraged to read the discussion document and use this opportunity to provide feedback directly through the AAFC survey.

Drought Resources for Farmers & Ranchers

Alberta Agriculture & Forestry Info: Farming in dry conditions - Information and tools to assist with on-farm business management and production issues during dry conditions and periods of business stress.

AFSC Resources - AFSC's response to 2021 crop conditions.

Farmers are strongly encouraged to participate in the Agroclimate Impact Report to give feedback on specific drought impacts on individual farms directly to government. https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/8253eeb703de46ef93f842d28b16766c?portalUrl=https://aafc.maps.arcgis.com

Growing Hemp In Alberta

Hemp may potentially be a viable crop alternative within the County of Vermilion River. Alberta Agriculture and Forestry's "Growing Hemp in Alberta" is a good reference if producers are looking for more information on this crop. In addition, Alberta Innovates has prepared the "Hemp Directory 2019", a business directory for Alberta's hemp processing sector.

Growing Hemp in Alberta

Hemp Directory 2019