Pest Control

Bylaws:

02-2017 Prohibited Animals Bylaw

Thinking of buying some farm equipment at an auction ?

Please ensure that all equipment entering the region is washed and free of CLUBROOT.

Many farmers have been wondering about equipment moving in for oil & gas exploration, and what they can do to protect themselves. Keeping in mind that the current science says Clubroot is primarily a soil borne disease (not seed or straw), the best defence will be to try & ensure all equipment coming onto your farm has been thoroughly cleaned. Ideally steam cleaned and then washed with water and a 1 – 2% bleach solution.

The Oil & Gas companies approaching the MD for road permits are asked that any equipment being moved into the MD be thoroughly cleaned. As landowners being approached by landmen, you can request this as well. The agreements you are asked to sign can be amended to include this; and further you can ask that you be notified before the equipment comes onto your property so you can inspect it. Protect yourself and clean items bought at auction with the same diligence.

How serious a disease is Clubroot?

Spores can survive in the soil for upwards of 20 years. Clubroot resistance is being bred into Canola, but it won’t be here next year and maybe not for another few years. And, like Blackleg, there are different strains of the disease so resistance will likely be a moving target the seed companies will be constantly aiming for. Protect yourself. If you can have equipment coming onto your farm from outside the area cleaned first, do it. Short rotations are what this disease prefers, so have a hard look at your rotations. Canola on Canola needs to be a last resort, with rotations of 1 in 3 or 1 in 4 years to ensure that if the disease is there, the spore levels aren’t given a chance to build up and devastate the crop.

For more info on Clubroot, check out the Alberta Agriculture and Agriculture Canada websites.

Pest / Disease & Predator Control in Alberta:

The Agricultural Pest Act provides authority for the Minister to declare as a pest or nuisances any animal, bird, insect, plant or disease which negatively impacts the environment and/or agricultural production.

Legislation enables inspectors and local authorities to deal with these Pests & Nuisances.

The Municipal District of Spirit River No.133 is responsible for protecting the agricultural productivity of the municipality by controlling native and introduced pests.

Landowners are accountable for controlling pests on their properties.

Examples of pests in the Municipality are: