The presence of a well-known pest in the County of Stettler was discussed by the Agriculture Service Board (ASB) at its regular meeting Sept. 17.

The ASB is comprised of members of county council and chaired by Coun. Les Stulberg.

During the regular department update from Assistant Manager of Agriculture Services Farrah Fischer it was noted the report included a recent photograph of a wild boar track that was taken within the County of Stettler; Fischer clarified the track was identifiable as a wild boar because of the dew claws visible in the track.

As the board discussed the photograph it wasn’t stated openly where the photo was taken but Fischer said that board members probably knew where it came from.

During discussion several remarks were made that the wild boar issue would be discussed later in the ASB meeting during closed session, which is a private part of the meeting where no public or recording is allowed. The agenda did note a closed session would be held to discuss an agriculture pest update.

The wild boar is a well-known pest on Alberta farmland and has developed a reputation for tenacity and survivability despite efforts to exterminate them.

Weeds and such

During her report Fischer stated that the County of Stettler has completed its contract with Alberta Transportation for weed spraying along primary highways, including Hwy. #56 south of Stettler, #12 east of Stettler, Hwy. #11 and Sec. Hwy. #601.

Fischer explained the county weed sprayers do the primary highway work the same way they do it on municipal roads.

Coun. James Nibourg asked about weed control conducted by utility company ATCO. County staff explained the municipality keeps in touch with ATCO’s contractors to ensure county crews and ATCO crews don’t double-up working the same spot twice.

It was also noted that the County of Stettler has been concentrating weed spraying at gravel pits; readers should note the high traffic volume in most gravel pits plus the possibility weed seeds may be in mud stuck to gravel trucks which then travel across the municipality and potentially spread the weed to new areas.

Board members accepted Fischer’s report for information.