Mountain View County does weed inspections on private land, primary highways and the CPR (www.8cpr.ca) on an annual basis. Weeds on all County road allowances are controlled chemically or mechanically. Ratepayers may enter into a Weed Control Agreement with the County and assume responsibility for their own weed control.
Farmers who manage their own weed control on Tall Buttercup and/or Wild Caroway are eligible for the County’s Incentive Program which provides a 10% rebate on the cost of chemicals and $ 2.00 per acre for application. Farmers must submit receipts to the County Agriculture Department to qualify.
Complete profiles and weed control recommendations for Common Tansy, Oxeye Daisy , Toadflax, and Scentless Chamomile
Chamomile
 Scentless Chamomile is a restricted weed in Mountain View County and managed by By-law enforcement. All infestations must be eradicated immediately. For small infestations, hand pulling before flowering is most effective. Plants should be burned or bagged and disposed of in a sanitary landfill. Mowing will initially prevent seeding out; however, plants will simply produce more flowers again below mowing height in the leaf axils. Shallow tillage before the plants flower can be used to break up the roots and seedlings. This is best done on a hot, dry day so that the roots will dry out quickly. Preventing seedlings from over-wintering is very important.
Several herbicides are available for control in cereal crops and Lontrel is recommended in canola. Escort and Grazon can be used in a grass only pasture or forage situation and Lontrel can be used on non-crop farmland. Cost-effectiveness of herbicide application is maximized when treating young plants that have not yet flowered or over-wintered. It is important to leave vegetation that can compete with newly emerging seedlings following herbicide treatment.
For more information on scentless chamomile management, please visit: www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Fusarium Graminearum
Fusarium graminearum is a serious disease that may be imported into Alberta via feed grain, seed, grass hay or straw. The fungus causes Fusarium Head Blight or tombstone disease in cereal grains which contribute to devastating yield and quality losses as well as feed problems. Mountain View County has a zero tolerance for fusarium in all seed crops. All producers must have a certificate indicating a fusarium free status before planting seeds.
Testing and certification is available from Parkland Laboratories in Red Deer (403) 342-0404
For more information about Alberta’s Fusarium Management Plan, please visit: www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Tall Buttercup (Field buttercup, Meadow buttercup, tall crowfoot, tall field buttercup)
Tall Buttercup is a serious problem in Mountain View County. There are over 19 different varieties of buttercup present in Alberta, making it a difficult plant to distinguish from non-invasive species. Tall buttercup, which has five petals, usually is bright yellow, but the flowers also can be cream colored. The three-quarter to one inch (1.91-2.54 cm) flowers are numerous on long stalks, which are as much as 3 feet (.92 meter) high. The flowers are open and flat, and the petals have a shiny surface.
The buttercups have a bitter, acidic juice that causes severe pain and inflammation of the mouth when grazed by livestock. They are normally avoided, but when other feed becomes scarce they may be grazed with serious consequences. For information on management techniques please call the County office at 335-3311 or visit www.agric.gov.ab.ca
Toadflax
 Creeping roots allow this plant to spread easily and form large, dense patches in a very short period of time. This weed contains compounds toxic to cattle and is usually avoided by grazing livestock. Toadflax patches are annually sprayed by the County on municipal right of ways. If you suspect Toadflax on your fields, please call the County office to arrange for spraying at 335-3311 or email jeff.holmes@mountainviewcounty.com
Brush Control
Brush and small trees are sprayed in the spring and removed with a brush mower within the following year.
Grass Control
Road Shoulders
Selected County Roads are sprayed annually in early spring with Arsenal to manage encroachment of grass on roads. Locations are determined by Operational Services staff.
Roadside Mowing
County roads are mowed annually on a rotation system to ensure all properties are managed fairly.
Roadside Weed Control
Herbicidies are applied to approximately one-third of County roadsides annually for noxious weed control.
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