The M.D. of Wainwright Agricultural Service Board (ASB) helps guide local agricultural, environmental, and land stewardship programs. The Board provides advice and direction to Council and Agricultural Services staff on issues that affect producers, rural residents, acreage owners, and the broader community. Agricultural Service Boards are unique to Alberta. First established in 1945, they connect local agricultural knowledge with municipal decision-making and provincial programs. For assistance, contact Agricultural Services at asbprograms@mdwainwright.ca or 780-842-4454.
An Agricultural Service Board is a committee established by a rural municipality under Alberta’s Agricultural Service Board Act. ASBs advise municipal councils and help develop local agricultural policies, programs, and priorities. Board members bring local knowledge of agricultural production, land stewardship, rural issues, and community needs.
The M.D. of Wainwright ASB works with Council, Agricultural Services staff, agricultural producers, rural acreage owners, industry, and community partners to maintain a vibrant and sustainable rural community. The Board provides direction to staff and makes recommendations to Council on effective agricultural and environmental programming. The M.D. maintains a mixed Board, with two members of Council acting as Chairman and vice Chairman on a two year term, and three Farm Members from our rural community on a four year term.
Under section 2 of Alberta’s Agricultural Service Board Act, ASBs are responsible for:
- Acting as an advisory body to Council and the Minister on matters of mutual concern;
- Advising on and helping organize weed and pest control programs;
- Supporting soil and water conservation;
- Assisting with animal disease control under the Animal Health Act;
- Promoting, enhancing, and protecting viable, sustainable agriculture; and
- Developing agricultural policies that meet local municipal needs.
In the M.D. of Wainwright, these responsibilities support programs and services such as:
- Regulated weed management and roadside vegetation control;
- Insect, pest, and crop disease monitoring;
- Soil, water, and environmental stewardship initiatives;
- Agricultural education and producer events;
- Invasive species awareness and reporting;
- Shelterbelt, tree, and land stewardship programs;
- Wildlife and nuisance-pest information; and
- Support for rural community awards, scholarships, and recognition programs.
Agricultural Service Boards give local producers and rural residents a direct connection to municipal agricultural programming and provincial agricultural priorities.
Local ASBs help ensure programs reflect local conditions—such as weed pressure, pest risks, crop and livestock production, soil and water concerns, invasive species, and emerging agricultural issues. Alberta’s ASB program supports municipalities in protecting agricultural productivity, maintaining market access, and encouraging sustainable agricultural practices.
ASBs also provide a local-to-provincial voice. Through regional meetings and the provincial resolution process, Boards can identify common concerns and bring forward recommendations on agriculture, rural policy, legislation, and program delivery.
The M.D. of Wainwright ASB operates under Alberta legislation and related municipal responsibilities, including:
Legislation
Agricultural Service Board Act – establishes ASBs and outlines their duties.
Weed Control Act – sets requirements for the prevention, control, and destruction of regulated weeds.
Agricultural Pests Act – supports the management of declared agricultural pests and nuisances.
Soil Conservation Act – supports the protection and conservation of soil resources.
Animal Health Act – supports animal disease awareness, reporting, and control activities.
The Agricultural Fieldman is a qualified municipal staff member appointed to implement agricultural policies and programs and to manage the agricultural resources of the municipality. Agricultural Fieldmen may also be appointed as inspectors or regulatory officers under applicable provincial legislation.
Resources
Vision
“The Agricultural Service Board will provide agricultural programs and services to rural residents that address their changing needs and enhance and protect a viable and sustainable agricultural community.“
Mission
The M.D. of Wainwright Agricultural Service Board promotes and coordinates programs and services related to weeds, pests, soil and water conservation, environmental concerns, and other issues relevant to the rural community.
The Board is committed to working collaboratively with Agricultural Services staff, agricultural producers, rural acreage owners, industry, and Council. Through sound policy, adequate resources, and innovative programming, the ASB supports a vibrant and sustainable rural community.
The Agricultural Service Board meets regularly to review programs, discuss local agricultural issues, provide direction to staff, and make recommendations to Council.
Meeting minutes, and annual reports are available below.
ASB Meeting Minutes
- 2026
- 2025