Roadside Mowing Changes

Kneehill County has expanded its Roadside Mowing Program as part of an enhanced integrated weed management strategy to include two yearly mowing rotations along all County-maintained roads. This initiative is crucial for maintaining Kneehill County’s road infrastructure, upholding County responsibilities under the Alberta Weed Control Act, and adhering to the Council-approved integrated weed management system.

To address escalating concerns about herbicide resistance, an integrated approach to weed management was deemed necessary. While Agriculture Services presented various options to the Agricultural Service Board (ASB), mechanical methods emerged as a preferred strategy for increasing weed control along County roads. The choice to conduct roadside mowing twice a year highlights and reinforces the importance placed on using an integrated approach and mechanical methods for controlling weeds, especially in the context of addressing herbicide resistance issues.

This decision aligns closely with public concerns brought forward in previous years to address the increasing presence of problematic species like Kochia. Due to Kochia’s rapid development of herbicide resistance, Agriculture Services highly recommends the proven effective use of mechanical control methods along with rotational herbicide use. Despite this year’s decreased weed height due to a cooler spring, proactive vegetation trimming allows additional time for later-season herbicide treatments as spot spraying occurs.

Contracted mowers cover approximately 4,136 ditch miles, cutting an 8-foot swath from the gravel edge into the ditch twice annually. The first round, launched on June 1st, is nearly finished, with the second set to commence on August 15th.

This expanded program is currently in its pilot phase, with ongoing monitoring to refine and enhance outcomes. Agriculture Services applies such adaptive strategies to all weed management programs, reflecting a commitment by Kneehill County to proactively address contemporary weed challenges in an adaptive manner.

If you have any inquiries or concerns, please contact Agriculture Services at the Kneehill County office at 403-443-5541 or your Council representative.