Our Corporate Services Department has recently released the 2026 Annual Budget Report which provides readers with a comprehensive overview of our budget. The report breaks down each operating segment and provides information about the expenditures and associated funding.

Vulcan County has been the proud recipient of the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA). This report has been submitted to GFOA for consideration on the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for 2026.

For information about the budget report and our budgeting process, please contact the Corporate Services Department at 403-485-2241.

Click here to view the 2026 Annual Budget Report.

Vulcan County was proud to be represented on the international stage as Councillor Doug Logan joined a Southern Alberta delegation at the 2026 China Pea Conference in Yantai, Shandong Province, China.

The delegation included representatives from Vulcan County, the Municipal District of Taber, the Town of Taber, SouthGrow Regional Initiative, and Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation. Together, they participated in one of the world’s leading pulse industry events, which brought together producers, processors, traders, researchers, and industry leaders from major pea-producing countries, including Canada, the United States, Russia, and Ukraine.

Throughout the conference, Southern Alberta was recognized as a leading region for pea production and value-added pulse processing. The event provided an opportunity to promote the region’s agricultural strengths while building relationships with international industry partners.

As part of the conference, the delegation participated in the Alberta Pulse Processing Investment Roundtable, where they highlighted Southern Alberta’s competitive advantages, investment opportunities, and expanding value-added processing sector. The roundtable showcased the region’s role in supporting global food supply chains and demonstrated the significant opportunities available for future investment and collaboration.

“Participation in events like the China Pea Conference helps strengthen international relationships while showcasing the innovation, productivity, and investment potential of Southern Alberta’s agricultural sector,” said Councillor Doug Logan. “These conversations create valuable opportunities to build partnerships that can support long-term economic growth for our region.”

Vulcan County recognizes the importance of participating in international initiatives that promote local agriculture, attract investment, and strengthen global partnerships. As agriculture continues to play a vital role in the County’s economy, opportunities to share the region’s expertise and production capacity on an international stage are increasingly valuable.

Vulcan County extends its sincere appreciation to Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation for its leadership and support in organizing the delegation. Special thanks are extended to Yifan Ding, Senior Commercial Officer based in Beijing, for coordinating and facilitating the delegation’s participation in this important international event.

The County looks forward to future opportunities to work alongside provincial and federal partners to strengthen international relationships, promote Southern Alberta’s agricultural excellence, and encourage continued investment in the region.

Vulcan County is experiencing a rapidly developing outbreak of Bertha armyworm, with hotspots currently being identified in the mid-section of the County.

Local agronomists and provincial insect specialists have been working to scout affected areas, gather information, and alert producers to the developing situation.

According to Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation:
“Localized areas of Alberta are experiencing Bertha armyworm outbreaks. The extent of the outbreak(s) is still being determined. Daily scouting in high-risk fields is important. Bertha armyworm larvae will move between fields, so density can change day to day. Under high densities, economic levels of damage occur rapidly. Over 15,000 acres of canola and peas have been sprayed for bertha armyworm in Vulcan County. Densities of larvae above 50 per square metre were observed in some fields.”

Crops and Areas to Monitor
Bertha armyworm is primarily a pest of canola but can also cause economic damage in other crops. Producers are encouraged to closely monitor:

• Canola
• Mustard
• Flax
• Quinoa
• Hemp
• Peas
• Alfalfa
• Potatoes

Fields with dense patches of kochia or lamb’s quarters may also be at higher risk and should be monitored closely.

Local Hotspots Identified
Local crop scouting by Susan Heather of Heather Crop Care & Agronomy has identified Bertha armyworm outbreaks in the following areas:

• Between the Corner Store area and Arrowwood
• Townships 18-24, 18-23 and 18-22
• Southeast of the Town of Vulcan

Heather would like to remind producers, “The Bertha Armyworms are targeting both peas and canola primarily, but alfalfa and mustard are also at risk. Crops near maturity are also still at risk. Crops should be inspected daily and fields above threshold should consider spraying ASAP to mitigate damage.”

Scout Before Making Treatment Decisions
Amanda Jorgensen, Insect Management Specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation, notes that Bertha armyworm densities can vary significantly even within Vulcan County. Some fields may have low densities and may not require treatment.

Producers are encouraged to scout their own fields daily and assess pest densities before making management decisions. The presence of a hotspot nearby does not necessarily mean every field in the area is affected.

Producers should stay vigilant, scout daily, and work with their local agronomists and agricultural professionals as the situation develops.

For more information on Bertha Armyworm, click here.

To report a Bertha Armyworm outbreak in Vulcan County, please contact the Agricultural Fieldman at (403)423-0261.