No images? Click here
Okanagan Edition
Regional Newsletter - July 2024
Regional Newsletter
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is committed to timely, regional communications regarding preparedness for drought and other natural disasters for agriculture producers through the AgriService BC e-Bulletin.
Information is conveyed through Regional Newsletters as well as Special Bulletins as required. If you wish to stay informed and prepare your agriculture business,
sign up for the newsletter and select all regions you would like to receive information for.
Note: If you already receive the Provincial AgriService BC e-Bulletin, be sure to manage your preferences and update your region as this is a new feature.
We also encourage you to follow us on Facebook.
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.
Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project - Events Calendar
The Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project (CCLSP) was launched in 2023 as a pilot forum for the tree fruit and wine grape industries to work together on common challenges and opportunities. The CCLSP maintains a collaborative tree fruit and wine grape calendar which is designed to streamline industry events, help prevent scheduling conflicts and broaden outreach. To view the live calendar or submit events, visit: https://crosscommodity.org/events/
Autonomous Electric Tractors in Blueberries
Looking for innovative and efficient ways to tackle increasing costs and labour shortages in your blueberry operation? Agri-tech weeding equipment could be a key part of the solution!
To find out more, join Organic BC at Klaassen Farms in Chilliwack on July 15th for a demo of autonomous, electric tractors in blueberry production. Representatives from Rollins Machinery will be on hand to discuss the latest advancements in this technology, and Monarch Tractors will showcase and demonstrate their MK-V tractor, with an opportunity to take it for a test drive! Plus, Q&A, snacks and refreshments.
This event is free but registration is required. Register here: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/autonomous-electric-tractors-in-blueberries-tickets-919102800217
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!
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 for us 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 ofthe 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
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
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/
Water Management Resources
Learn more about financial assistance for agricultural producers impacted by drought on the Ministry’s Drought in Agriculture webpage. This page also contains key drought resources and information on livestock, crop, and irrigation management during drought. Links to information on flood forecasting, preparedness, and mitigation are found on our Flooding webpage.
Please visit the Ministry’s Drought in agriculture web page to access our library of water management resources for producers.
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.
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
Haying Season is here!
Should you bale or silage? The Peace River Forage Association has a factsheet of considerations (Learn More). The Beef Cattle Research Council looked at Cost of Production between bales and silage (Learn More).
Spring is a great time to increase wildfire resiliency. Take action to reduce the impacts of wildfire on your agriculture business!
The updated Farm & Ranch FireSmart website includes:
- Farm & Ranch Wildfire Plan: Guide & Workbook
- Open Burning Practices for Farmers and Ranchers: Factsheet
- Farm & Ranch FireSmart Assessment: Information & Example Assessment
What’s your Wildfire Plan? Check out the updated website and get prepared.
Emergency Supports Needed
The Emergency Management Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food creates an annual emergency resources list which is used during emergencies that impact the agriculture sector. The list includes hay & feed suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers whose assistance may be needed during emergency events.
If you fit in one or more of these categories, we are encouraging you to contact the Emergency Management Branch at AF.Emergency.Management@gov.bc.ca so that we can have a discussion with you, and add you to our resource list.
We are looking for hay suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers throughout the province.
B.C. Tree Fruit Acreage and Maturity Report
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has released a new report: 2021 B.C. Tree Fruit Acreage and Maturity Report, as part of its ongoing commitment to B.C.’s tree fruit industry. The report provides data and analysis on the acreage and age of apple and cherry orchards in B.C.’s primary tree fruit growing regions, and how these changed between 2011 and 2021.
Apple acreage declined from a high point in 2015. In 2021, there were over 6,300 acres of land dedicated to apple production across the province. Apple acreage decreased in most regions over the period, and increased only in North Okanagan, one of B.C.’s largest apple-producing regions.
Cherry acreage rose continually over the decade, growing from 2,500 acres in 2011 to over 5,100 acres in 2021. The North and Central Okanagan regions have the youngest cherry orchards in the province, suggesting that their yield per acre will increase over the next 1 to 8 years.
Organic BC Podcast - New Episodes Added!
Have you caught the latest episodes of the Organic BC Podcast? Created for the organic food and farming community in British Columbia and beyond, the podcast features conversations with farmers, eaters, academics, scientists and authors about the philosophy, practice, and politics of organic food.
BC Vegetable Marketing Commission
The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission oversees the regulation of vegetable production in British Columbia. Previously limited to southern regions, the Commission expanded its jurisdiction province-wide starting January 1, 2024. However, due to inquiries, they're deferring full implementation until January 1, 2026, to consult stakeholders and develop a plan. For more info, visit www.bcveg.com or contact the Commission's General Manager.
Contact BCVMC:
#207 - 15252 32nd Ave
Surrey BC
Canada, V3Z 0R7
Tel: (604) 542-9734
Toll Free in BC: 1-800-663-1461
E-mail: info@bcveg.com
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
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 open July 3, 2024 and close on July 24, 2024.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
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 an 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
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
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
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:
For further information, contact:
Corrine Roesler, PAg
BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food
Abbotsford
778-666-0569
Corrine.Roesler@gov.bc.ca
Or
AgriServiceBC
1-888-221-7141
agriservicebc@gov.bc.ca
Emergency Preparedness - Is Your Farm Prepared?
As we move into spring freshet and summer wildfire season, we would like to encourage producers and farming operations to review or create their Emergency Preparedness Plans. Creating a plan can help ensure that your operation is prepared in the event of an emergency.
Industry-specific guides and templates are available to help you plan.
To assist Indigenous and First Nations communities with planning for the agriculture aspect of emergencies, the Ministry has developed the Emergency Guide to Support Indigenous Farms & Ranches.
Is your farm insurance up to date? A checklist is available to help you prepare to meet with your insurance provider.
Ensure that your BC Premise Identification information is current, and if you are not registered, please do so, as all farms, including hobby farms are now required to register as of July 1, 2022. Visit the Premise ID Program for more information.
Flooding and wildfire resources from AgSafe can also help producers build an emergency response plan for agriculture operations in B.C. You can also find information on mental health programs and support.
Emergency Preparedness is a key step! Keep aware of potential hazards through websites like BC River Forecast Centre and the BC Wildfire Service.
Emergency Supports Needed
The Emergency Management Branch of the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food creates
an annual emergency resources list which is used during emergencies that impact the agriculture sector. The list includes hay & feed suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers whose assistance may be needed during emergency events.
If you fit in one or more of these categories, we are encouraging you to contact the Emergency Management Branch at AF.Emergency.Management@gov.bc.ca so that we can have a discussion with you, and add you to our resource list.
We are looking for hay suppliers, livestock haulers, and water haulers throughout the province.
Enhanced Replant Program Update
In March 2024, a new 5-year Enhanced Replant Program was announced, offering up to $70 million in assistance to wine grape, berry, and tree fruit producers to replace current acreage with resilient varieties that meet evolving market demands. The program is expected to launch by September 2024.
This additional funding complements the $15 million provided by the Perennial Crop Renewal Program introduced last spring. The Enhanced Replant Program will be distinct from the Perennial Crop Renewal Program, with unique criteria that reflect the feedback received from the B.C. wine grape, tree fruit, and berry industries.
Leading up to September, Ministry staff and industry associations are working together to shape the program criteria. Market Opportunity Assessments for B.C.’s blueberry, cranberry, cherry, pome fruit, soft fruit, and wine grape industries will inform the program, and a survey will be distributed through the summer to introduce the criteria and gather input directly from producers. We recognize that this coincides directly with the growing season and appreciate your support and contributions as we work towards launching the program in September.
Additional work is underway to address critical information gaps needed to develop planting guidelines for B.C.’s wine grape and raspberry industries. Final reports will be published to the Enhanced Replant Program webpage as they become available.
Please visit the program webpage for more information: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/enhanced-replant-program
Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program
Start planning ahead and set up an appointment to begin the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) process through the 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
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
Follow the link below, follow, like and share!
