The County of St. Paul Agricultural Service Board’s 2025 annual report shows a busy year in weed control, pest management and agricultural monitoring — with growing concern around clubroot resistance.

Agriculture and Waste Supervisor Chris Schu presented the annual update to council, outlining both routine work and emerging risks.

Clubroot: “Our Biggest Defense Is Already Breaking Down”

In 2025, the County conducted 120 clubroot inspections and confirmed one positive field.

While numbers remain manageable, Chris warned that resistance is evolving.

“It does show our biggest defense is already breaking down which is the genetics that are available from the market.”

Clubroot is a soil-borne disease that affects canola and other brassica crops. Farmers have relied heavily on resistant seed varieties, but new strains are emerging that can overcome those protections.

The concern, Chris indicated, is not just detection — it is long-term containment.

As resistance increases, management becomes more complex, requiring longer crop rotations, stricter sanitation practices and careful field monitoring.

Roadside Spraying and Mowing

The ASB reported:

• 740 kilometres of roadside spraying

• 1,045 kilometres of contracted mowing

These programs are designed to control noxious and prohibited noxious weeds while protecting adjacent farmland from spread.

Beaver Control: Managing Infrastructure Risk

Beaver activity remained significant in 2025.

The County recorded:

• 343 beaver tails submitted under the incentive program

• 140 beavers removed by the County trapper

Beaver dams can quickly flood culverts, damage roads and impact drainage systems. Proactive trapping helps reduce long-term infrastructure repair costs.

The incentive program continues to encourage local participation in managing populations.

Brush Control Improvements

Chris also discussed brush control efforts and the importance of early intervention.

“By spraying them within that first 12 months, you’re only getting a top kill on those trees.”

Early treatment prevents deeper root establishment and reduces long-term clearing costs.

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Council received the ASB report for information and thanked staff for their continued work in supporting local agriculture and protecting infrastructure.