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Thompson Nicola Edition
Regional Newsletter - July 2024
Agriculture Water Resource Consultant
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food (AF) is pleased to announce the recent successful contracting of Agriculture Water Resource Consultant Chris Ford within the Thompson Okanagan Region to support communication and information sharing within the Salmon River Watershed. Chris along with AF Regional Agrologist Lindsay Benbow (North Okanagan) and William Shaw (Thompson-Nicola) were recently in the watershed meeting with producers and sharing information about Chris' role.
A brief bio from Chris is below:
Chris Ford was born into the water business, Highlands Irrigation. Highlands Irrigation, founded in 1974 by Dick and Donna Ford, developed agriculture irrigation systems throughout B.C. and the Yukon.
Chris started his career in the agricultural water and irrigation sector in 2006 when he joined Highlands Irrigation in Williams Lake. In the time since, Chris has provided support and advice to B.C. farmers and has served those businesses by designing, installing, and servicing irrigation systems.
Chris’ first official day in the agriculture irrigation business was spent installing a center pivot system including mainline and electrical for the Australian Ranch on the Fraser River, south of Quesnel. In 2007, under Chris’ leadership, Highlands Irrigation opened a new office in Kamloops. Chris’ favourite part of the industry is helping farmers understand how to optimize the use of available water through advanced irrigation techniques and supported them as they implemented new systems.
Chris has formal training on Lindsay Zimmatic Center Pivots, FieldNet Irrigation Management Systems, Cornell Pumps, Water Tronics, Nelson Irrigation Sprinklers, and Komet Irrigation Sprinklers. Chris has applied this training to irrigation systems installed and serviced in the regions of Nechako, Northeast, Cariboo, Thompson / Okanagan,
Kootenay, Mainland / Southwest, and Vancouver Island / Coast as well as sites outside B.C.
Chris is a Certified Irrigation Designer through the IIABC. Chris has participated on international irrigation working groups. Throughout his irrigation career, Chris has worked on many different projects and has developed strong trust-based relationships throughout B.C.
These projects included Gravity Systems, Irrigation Wells, Pump Systems, Livestock Watering, Drip Irrigation, Directional Drilling, Water Treatment, Pivot and Lateral Irrigation Systems, and Irrigation Technology Development and Management.
If you're in the Salmon River Watershed and would like to connect with Chris please reach out at:
Telephone: 1-250-214-0422
E-Mail: Chris@thewaterpeople.com
Looking for Information on Drought?
Please see the Drought in Agriculture webpage https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/water/drought-in-agriculture
and the B.C. Drought Information Portal - https://droughtportal.gov.bc.ca/
Looking for Information Related to Groundwater Science and Data?
Looking for information related to groundwater science and data?
Please click on the link below to find groundwater related links, resources and information;
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/water-science-data/water-data-tools/groundwater-science-and-data
Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin
The May 15th Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin is now available, find it, previous bulletins and other information here: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/environment/air-land-water/water/drought-flooding-dikes-dams/river-forecast-centre/snow-survey-water-supply-bulletin
Online Current Snow Basin Indices Map - https://governmentofbc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=b57800e08e46468bab506f9b9f0cbad6
B.C. Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) Video Showcase
Last year, we had the privilege of sharing some remarkable stories that the BC Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture and Food (IACAF) requested we create. Here are 3 videos showcasing IACAF & Indigenous farming/gardening within the province. We hired a contractor, Scott Reynolds, Hole Hog Media, Inc. who has produced 3 videos centering on the IACAF Board, Tsawwassen First Nation, and Lytton First Nation. Sharing these firsthand accounts and personal stories is one of the most powerful ways we can highlight the vital work being done by Indigenous communities in providing food for their people.
We have received many requests to share the videos. We have proudly posted the videos on the provincial government YouTube. We are very pleased with the final products! Seeing the impactful work being done is inspiring. Please share far & wide.
1. BC Indigenous Advisory Council on Agriculture & Food (IACAF) Spotlight
IACAF & the Ministry of Agriculture & Food work together to enhance the equitable participation of Indigenous Peoples in the BC agriculture and food sector & support the realization of their food sovereignty objectives. https://youtu.be/vESo5rGol24
2. Tsawwassen First Nation (TFN) Farm
C’eliselem is a community led garden located within the Treaty lands of the Tsawwassen First Nation. The farm is supporting the food sovereignty & food security goals of the community, while contributing to the cultural revitalization of the Nation.
https://youtu.be/-Y596x0aiCQ
3. Lytton First Nation (LFN)/YeKm Food Hub
YeKm Food Hub is an agricultural resource for LFN, supporting local farmers & the LFN community. The project consists of a greenhouse and garden. YeKm is expanding with construction of a storage, processing & preserving facility. The building will include a retail outlet and become a hub for the community.
https://youtu.be/EYUnzANG2zM
Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program
Start planning ahead and set up an appointment to begin the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) process through Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF).
The Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program is a complimentary program that provides eligible agri-food sector producers with access to consultants (known as EFP Advisors) to assist in the completion of Environmental Farm Plans. The EFP program enhances the capacity of producers to identify opportunities to adapt and respond to emerging environmental, regenerative agriculture, and climate challenges and changing environmental conditions.
The benefits of this program will include:
-Assisting producers in completing new Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs)
-Assisting producers in renewing existing Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs)
-Supporting producers to identify opportunities for funding through the Beneficial Management Practices program
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program
A reminder that Stream 3 of the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program opened for applications on June 20, 2024.
Stream 1 - Producer Projects opened for application drafts on June 27, 2024, and opens for applications from July 25, 2024 to August 8, 2024.
Stream 2 - Community Projects Expressions of interest opens July 3, 2024 and closes on July 24, 2024.
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PROGRAM INFORMATION: The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) aims to increase adoption of efficient irrigation infrastructure and improve agricultural water supply and management in British Columbia. Through this program, the Government of B.C. seeks to see improvements to stream flows, fish populations and increased and more sustainable food production. The program goal is to help improve water security in agricultural areas and food security in B.C.
The AWP is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation (IAF) of B.C. Please refer to the program website for details: iafbc.ca/agriculture-water-infrastructure-program/
- Stream 1 Producer Projects
- Stream 2 Community Projects
- Stream 3 Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans
- Stream 4 Strategic Projects
Launch of the AgriService BC Crop and Livestock Reporter Program
In July 2024 the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food is launching the AgriService BC Crop and Livestock Reporter Program based on the very successful crop reporting programs in Alberta and Saskatchewan. This program is for any agricultural producer or allied tradesperson who enjoys monitoring agricultural production conditions in their area and would like to be part of a network of people contributing timely, local agricultural intel to raise awareness of growing conditions throughout B.C. and support agricultural information sharing.
Each week from April to November, reporters will spend about 5 minutes filling out an easy online survey that collects information on rainfall, topsoil moisture conditions, seeding progress, crop development, crop damage, harvest progress, livestock feed and water supplies, and pasture conditions. This information will be used in B.C. by producers, producer organizations, government, and others interested in keeping informed of current agricultural production findings in regions across B.C.
Please visit the program website here for more information and to register as a Crop and Livestock Reporter!
Species at Risk Partnership on Agricultural Land (SARPAL) Applications Are Open
The SARPAL Program is open for applications!
Call the BC Cattlemen's Association office - 1-877-668-2333
or email: sarpal@cattlemen.bc.ca
CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and Extended Producer Responsibility Five-Year Action Plan
The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change Strategy is leading a public engagement process to identify policy approaches for improved management of non-residential packaging, plastic, and paper waste. This work is part of the CleanBC Plastics Action Plan and Extended Producer Responsibility Five-Year Action Plan. Agricultural producers and industry associations are encouraged to review the discussion paper and provide feedback through the engagement website. An info session for the agricultural industry is scheduled for July 16; 11a.m.-12p.m.
Participants can register through: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUrfu-srzIqGNFh3r5b_chRrRKLsT5TF6hr
Forage Supply Decisions
As we enter July, many producers have already harvested or are gearing up to harvest their first cut. The first cutting makes up a major portion of the entire season’s forage yield and it is important to consider both the yield and the quality. Early data on yield and quality can help inform management decisions throughout the remainder of the season and factors into overall crop profitability. As feed is the largest annual expense of any livestock operation, meeting the nutritional requirements of your herd/flock as cost-effectively as possible is imperative every year. In a dry year, it is even more important.
Three facts to remember when matching forage volume and quality to livestock requirements:
1. Perennial forage stands have a yield/quality trade-off as maturity and yield increases, the overall quality decreases. While many producers can approximate quality from stage of growth, the only way to know if you have hit your quality targets is to feed test.
2. Quality requirements vary depending on the type/class of animal and the timing within their production cycle they are fed. It is generally more economical to try to match harvest timing to their needs.
3. Forage testing on dry hay can be done as soon as harvest is completed. With haylage and silage, it is best to wait until it has reached its stable phase and is cured (minimum three to six weeks).
If the weather affects your first cut harvest timing and the forage is over or under mature, then the quality and volume of what you have harvested can guide your future harvest timing and the quality and volume of your forage/ supplement purchases. It is strongly suggested that you take forage quality tests immediately after harvesting in addition to tracking the volume harvested.
In addition, consider:
- Does this volume meet your livestock’s projected needs?
- Does the quality meet or exceed their needs?
- Will your next cutting(s) fill any gaps from the first cut?
If you have identified gaps, it can be an opportunity to look at purchasing forage to fill the gaps early as there is more time to coordinate transportation. For producers with expectation of additional harvests (irrigation), this can be an opportunity to review management decisions to optimize yield. Decisions could include nutrient applications, irrigation, and harvest timing management, as well as consideration towards seeding of an annual crop as emergency forage for harvest or grazing later.
Depending on the gaps identified this may also be the time to have a discussion with an Agrologist with expertise in forage production or livestock nutrition.
Taking a forage sample:
1. Identify a lot of hay: (same type of forage and harvest timing)
2. Take a representative sample: (use a bale core tool and sample 15+ bales)
3. Proper Handling: (label properly, seal within a bag and ship quickly)
4. Ask for the correct analysis: (depending on livestock type and goals
Further information on determining a uniform “lot” of feed, collecting a proper sample and guidance for testing parameters and labs can be found below:
Have any additional questions? Contact AgriService BC
AgriService BC
1-888-221-7141
AgriServiceBC@gov.bc.ca
www.gov.bc.ca/agriservice
Written by: Mike Witt, Greg Tegart, Jim Forbes
Access to Feed Program
Available to all livestock producers.
A program provided by the BC Cattlemen's Association created to connect feed suppliers to livestock producers that are in need of feed due to drought.
Submit applications if you have feed available for sale including: type of hay/ quality, bale type & size, equipment to unload, ability to handle a b-train or step-deck delivery, your contact info & location.
Contact hay@cattlemen.bc.ca or 250-306-6277
Early list of Livestock Tax Deferral Regions for 2024
This year, the Government of Canada has streamlined the process to identify regions earlier in the growing season, and also instituted a buffer zone to adjacent regions to capture impacted producers on the edges of affected regions.
Also new for 2024 and moving forward, regions that are adjacent to regions that qualify based on weather, climate and production data will also be prescribed. This will ensure that farms within those adjacent regions that may also be experiencing drought or excess moisture conditions can benefit from the Livestock Tax Deferral provision.
Livestock Tax Deferral regions
Agroclimate Impact Reporter
The Government of Canada is collecting AIR reports for AIR for the month of June. To learn more about AIR, follow this link.
To let the Science and Technology Branch of AAFC know what the conditions are like this month in your area, please respond to one of the links below:
As always, please consider sharing these links with your colleagues and networks.
To view previous Agroclimate Impact maps, follow this link. Or see some of the other resources we produce on the AAFC Weather and Drought home page. Thank you for your participation.
Thank you for your interest in this citizen science project.
Agrologists Coming to a Field Near You
The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food, and the Partnership for Water Sustainability in B.C. are conducting Agricultural Land Use Inventories (ALUIs) in two local areas this summer. ALUIs have been conducted across the province since 1996, and are used to collect consistent, credible and comprehensive data about land use and land cover on agricultural land. The ALUI’s help describe how B.C.’s agricultural land is used, and includes information on crop type, irrigation and livestock, and land use and non-farm uses in the Agricultural Land Reserve.
This information can assist with agricultural planning including promoting agricultural development and handling issues important to strengthening farming. The ALUI provides baseline information that can be used to track trends in agricultural land use and to measure changes over time. It also quantifies the amount of land currently used for farming and the amount of land that may have potential for farming expansion. ALUI data can be used for many purposes including strategic planning at the local, regional, and provincial level, informing emergency response, and supporting research initiatives.
The ALUI was conducted within the Nicola Valley from June 24th to June 28th; and will be completed within the Columbia-Shuswap Regional District from July 2nd to July 19th.
Watch for survey crews travelling along public roads and making frequent stops to observe farmland and validate aerial imagery. Vehicles will be marked with "Ministry of Agriculture and Food" or B.C. Government signs and are happy to answer questions or address concerns from public while out completing the ALUI.
To learn more about the ALUI program visit:
Save the date!
Farm Management Canada's Agricultural Excellence Conference to empower farmers, ranchers, and agricultural professionals with the knowledge and tools necessary to thrive in an ever-changing and increasingly complex business environment.
Co-hosts: BC Agriculture Council and Canadian Agricultural Safety Association
Date: November 19-21, 2024
Location: Abbotsford-Chilliwack
The 2024 Conference theme, Together Towards Tomorrow, will cover a diverse range of farm management topics, including but not limited to:
• Fostering Economic Resilience and Prosperity
• Technological Advancements and Digital Transformation
• Taking Control of On-Farm Risk
• Utilizing Data Analytics for Farm Decision-Making
• Navigating Farm Transition Planning
• Attracting and Retaining Farm Labour
• Supporting On-Farm Health, Safety and Wellness
• Climate Adaptation Strategies and Opportunities
• Policy, Politics and Public Perception
• Sustainable Farming: Balancing People, Profit, Planet
FMC https://fmc-gac.com/programs-services/agricultural-excellence-conference/
BCAC https://bcac.ca/
Canadian Agricultural Safety Association https://casa-acsa.ca/fr/association-canadienne-de-securite-agricole/
2024 IRRIGATION FIELD DAYS AND WORKSHOPS
Through this series of irrigation field days and workshops with Southern Irrigation, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food strives to empower British Columbia's farmers and ranchers with the knowledge and tools to implement efficient irrigation practices in their operations.
With hands-on demonstrations, expert guidance, and knowledge-sharing, we aim to foster a culture of water stewardship across diverse agricultural sectors. This includes equipping producers with strategies and technologies that strengthen farm resilience.
Ultimately, our mission is to contribute to a climate-ready and water-wise future for agriculture in B.C.
Follow the link below, follow, like and share!
