No images? Click here ![]() ![]() ![]() Dry Farming and Soil Moisture Field Day in the Comox Valley The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems (Kwantlen Polytechnic University) held a field day at 3 farms across the Comox Valley on May 10th, which was attended by about 30 participants. Andy Gallagher, soil scientist and dry farming expert from Oregon, demonstrated the soil assessments used to determine site suitability for dry farming at the 3 sites, and discussed the topic in general while answering a range of questions. The demo included examining soils at the sites using both soil pits and extracting samples using a bucket auger. Various hands-on techniques for determining soil texture and site suitability were discussed. The dialogues also provided an overview of soil management, formation processes, and how moisture moves through the soil profile. Andy shared various stories from the Oregon State University Dry Farming Program, where he has been a long time cooperator. This event was following a Dry Farming Basics webinar held on April 22 and the Comox Valley Regional Farmer Dialogue on drought in December 2023 held by the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems. To find out more about the program at Oregon State University, visit Dry Farming | College of Agricultural Sciences. ![]() Regional Drought Update: Drought level has been increased to level 2 for all of Vancouver Island and the west coast region [west coast VI region proposed reduction to stage 1 as of yesterday]. This means that “adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are unlikely” [at present] with recommended responses being conservation actions and local water restrictions where appropriate. Drought Supports for Producers: The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program opened on May 30th. The program goal is to improve water security in agricultural areas and food security in B.C. Delivered by Investment Agriculture Foundation, visit Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program for more info. In addition, the Beneficial Management Practices Program (BMP) is currently open for applications for Plans and Designs, including Water Management Plans. To apply for cost shared funding for farm water storage and irrigation upgrades and maintenance (not presently open) requires both a current Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and a Water Management Plan. So, it’s timely to get in the que for those plans if you think you may want to apply for infrastructure funding in the future. Drought impacts can also be mitigated by participating in business risk management programs. There are several government subsidized programs designed to work together to enable B.C.'s agricultural producers to manage business risks that are beyond their control, including drought. Visit Insurance and Income Protection for more information. Digital Drought Resources:
Current Drought Condition Reports: ![]() The third annual ‘Island Good Days’ ![]() The third annual ‘Island Good Days’ is happening the week of June 3 to June 9, 2024! BC Poultry Health Network Check here to see more upcoming events! AgLife Network - Connector Training (Digital) Tuesday, June 11, or Tuesday, June 25 Mental health awareness and suicide prevention gatekeeper training for anyone involved in B.C.'s agricultural industry and communities! The Connector Training is approximately 6.5 hours long (including breaks) and covers a 7 Module program aimed to help build awareness to suicide and its impacts within agriculture while also teaching applicable skills from the Check, Care, Connect model to support people experiencing thoughts and feelings of suicide or other impacts to mental wellness. Learn about resources including FREE counseling available to producers through AgSafeBC. This training is for ANYONE who works with or in agriculture. In order to participate in this FREE training, participants must be 18 years or older and be involved with B.C.'s agricultural industry or communities in some capacity. For any questions or inquiries please email network@aglife.ca. Go Global: Growing Your Business Through Trade – Workshop Series ![]() Interested in growing your business beyond B.C.?
![]() Young Agrarians Farm Tour & Potluck – BC Land Matching Program You’re invited to a Farm Tour at Silverside Farm in Cobble Hill, B.C. If you’re curious about what land matching and sharing is all about – or just want to check out what your local farmers are up to – join us for the event. Come out to connect with other farmers and food lovers, share a meal, and learn about berry production! JULY 7, 2024: COBBLE HILL, BC - Farm Tour and Potluck at Silverside Farm (youngagrarians.org) 4pm-7:30pm ![]() Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program![]() 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: https://iafbc.ca/awp
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. 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. B.C. Agriculture & Seafood StatisticsThe Sector Insights & Corporate Initiatives Unit recently published four new Sector Tables with 2023 data:
As always, you can find and download the data from: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/statistics/agriculture-and-seafood-statistics-publications#sectortables Buy BC Partnership Program FundingCost-shared funding is available for B.C. producers and processors, to support local marketing activities that increase consumer awareness and sales of B.C. agriculture, food, and beverage products. BCHPA Introduction to Honey Bee Biology and ApicultureEnrollment opened in April and is ongoing! Re-Evaluation of Lambda-Cyhalothrin Registrations and Maximum Residue LimitsThe Canadian Pest Management Regulatory Agency has made changes to the registered agricultural uses for the pesticide lambda-cyhalothrin (commonly known as "Matador" or "Silencer" products). Cancelled registrations affect the following crops:
Other crops may be affected by changes to maximum residue limits, please review the full information on the decision by the Pest Management Regulatory Agency using the button below. The Traceability Adoption Program is now open for applications!The Traceability Adoption Program (TAP) funded through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership is open for applications. This program is delivered by Investment Agriculture Foundation. TAP offers up to $20,000 in cost-shared funding to individual food, seafood, and agriculture businesses to implement facility-based traceability practices, systems, infrastructure, and technologies. Funding is also available to ranchers and abattoirs for up to $3,500 for the purchase of approved livestock tag readers (handheld or panel readers), reader installation, related software, and related training. Visit Investment Agriculture Foundation for more information or to apply! Enhanced Replant Program UpdateIn 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. ![]() Follow the link below, follow, like and share! |