Alberta Ag Service Boards, Fieldmen Set Tone for Year Ahead at Annual Conference

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Edmonton, Alta (Rural Roots Canada) — From artificial intelligence to invasive species, Alberta’s agricultural leaders are grappling with a series of urgent and emerging concerns that are reshaping the future of farming.

These topics were addressed at the Agricultural Service Boards (ASB) and the Association of Alberta Agricultural Fieldmen (AAAF) annual conference, held in Edmonton, leading to resolutions being passed at this January meeting.

Shelby Oracheski, Agricultural Fieldman for the MD of Wainwright and the Northeast Regional Director for the AAAF, says it’s an important event that takes over a year of advanced planning.

“This conference is important,” she says. “It’s been going on for decades, and it really brings together all people of like minds from the far south to the far north. So, it’s important that we keep that tradition going.”

Key topics and discussions included climate resilience, AI in agriculture, veterinary workforce shortages, and challenges posed by invasive species. The issues raised at the 2026 Alberta ASB Conference reflect broader trends occurring across the province.

Over the past year, drought-related challenges have been prominent. According to the Government of Alberta website, there are 40 water shortage advisories as of March 2026. The investment in rural water distribution and connectivity resolution was passed.

The resolution reinforces the importance of reliable water systems and infrastructure for farms.

Ongoing pest pressures for Alberta farm owners were also addressed through the emergency registration of 2% liquid strychnine resolution, which is set to support the control of Richardson ground squirrels.

One of the highlights of the conference was the keynote address given by Filipe Masseti Leite, a horseman who crossed the Americas on horseback. “I think he was an incredible presenter and really captivated the room. He had a really great message about resilience, and he’s the definition of resilience,” says Oracheski.

As a local element at this year’s conference, a Northeast-themed market was added. With 14 vendors at the conference from the province’s northeast region, Oracheski says it showcased some of the region’s wonderful businesses and products.

Overall, the conference highlighted important conversations around resiliency, innovation, and sustainability, all hallmarks of Alberta’s agricultural community.

The post Alberta Ag Service Boards, Fieldmen Set Tone for Year Ahead at Annual Conference first appeared on Rural Roots Canada.