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Kootenay Boundary Edition
Regional Newsletter
December 2025
Feature of the month:
- Updates from the Kootenay Soil Building Network
Upcoming Events:
- Dec 4: Livestock Management Workshops
- Dec 9: Communication Skills for Land Sharing (Online)
- Dec 9: Invasive Species in Agriculture Four-Part Webinar Series
- Dec 10: Vegetable Farmers’ End of Season Round Table Reflection
- Dec 16: Interpreting Your Soil Test Report
- Jan 8: Agriculture & Water Discussion with the RDCK
- Feb 11: Dam Safety Management Training Workshop
- Feb 11-12: Southern Interior Horticultural Show Keynote: Elaine Froese
Programs and funding opportunities:
- NEW Resilient Food Crops Grants – Columbia Basin Trust
- SNEAK PEEK: CBT Food Producer Wage Subsidy & Training Support Program
- New SlaughterRight Online Training Course
- Enhanced Replant Program
- Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program Stream 1 and 4
- The BC Agri-Business Planning Program
- EFP Success Story: Gurman Gurm Orchards' Fruitful BMP Project
- AgriStability - December 31 deadline for 2025 enrollment fee
Resources:
- Cover crops for irrigated vineyards in B.C.
- BC Agriculture Educational Videos
- Agriculture Research Summaries
- Livestock Water Quality
Updates from the Kootenay Soil Building Network
The Kootenay Boundary Farm Advisors and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food are happy to share some recently published case studies from participants in the Kootenay Soil Building Network.
- Bent Plow (PDF) - using compost and organic based fertilizers for vegetable production
- Cartwheel Farms (PDF) - using compost and organic based fertilizers for vegetable production
- Crooked Horn (PDF) - using plant based organic fertilizers for vegetable production
Recordings from last year’s discussion series are available online to help get you primed for our 2026 winter virtual discussions. Watch for updates on those below!
Livestock Management Workshops
Join industry experts Greg Tegart, Jim Forbes and Mike Witt to discuss livestock management. The workshop will feature three stations that attendees will rotate through, and the topics will include forage and livestock, crops, and farm business management decisions. Attendees are invited to bring their own feed analysis results, soil analysis results, questions, etc. to encourage an interactive discussion.
Attendees are invited to join for a free provided lunch at noon before the workshop begins.
If you have any questions, please contact Sarah at sarah@cattlemen.bc.ca
Communication Skills for Land Sharing (Online)
Date: Tuesday, December 9, 2025
Time: 07:00 - 08:30 PM PT
Location: Online – a Zoom meeting link will be sent to registered participants.
Communication can make or break a land sharing relationship: good communication can build community and create mutually beneficial arrangements, while poor communication can cause an agreement to fall apart.
In this online webinar, hosted by the B.C. Land Matching Program team, you’ll learn how to: practice self-awareness, listen effectively, raise and discuss issues, and move towards solutions. You’ll leave the webinar prepared to communicate effectively in day-to-day life, during initial lease negotiations and land sharing, and in situations where conflict may arise.
The B.C. Land Matching Program is funded by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, with additional support from Columbia Basin Trust, Bullitt Foundation, Cowichan Valley Regional District, and the Real Estate Foundation of BC.
Invasive Species in Agriculture Four-Part Webinar Series
Date: December 9, 2025
Time: 07:00 - 08:00 PM
Location: Online
Discover the newest pest issues affecting farms across British Columbia, and learn practical steps to detect, respond, and prevent their spread on your operation.
Join Tracy Hueppelsheuser, BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, for this free online webinar on Dec 9, 7–8 pm.
Register today and stay prepared for emerging pest challenges in B.C.’s diverse agricultural systems.
Vegetable Farmers’ End of Season Round Table Reflection
Date: Wednesday, December 10
Time: 06:30 pm – 08:30 pm (PT)
Location: Virtual (Zoom)
Join fellow farmers for an end of season reflection and debrief to share what worked (what didn’t) and connect with your peer professional farming network! A virtual round table discussion will give everyone the opportunity to share stories about farm projects, key learnings, and check-in about how they are generally feeling after a busy and long farming season.
Interpreting your soil test report
Date: December 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Location: Zoom (workshop link upon registration)
The Ministry of Agriculture & Food invites you to register for their upcoming Virtual Workshop: Interpreting Your Soil Test
If you recently submitted a soil sample for analysis and have a soil test report but aren’t sure what it means, join the Ministry of Agriculture & Food for a virtual hands-on workshop to help you decode soil test results and learn how to use them for better crop, fertilizer, and land management decisions.
To get the most out of the workshop, please bring along your test results. Even if you have not received your test results or you did not submit one, you are still welcome to attend!
Please register by clicking on the link below!
Once you register, you will receive the link to join the virtual workshop. Please check your emails or contact me if you do not receive it.
Please see the attachment for details or email me at events02@vgnresources.ca or clared@vgnresources.ca.
Lunch & Learn: Agriculture & Water Discussion with the RDCK
Date: Thursday, January 8, 2026
Location: Creston Hotel (Jimmy’s Pub)
Time: 11:30 am – 3:00 pm (lunch included)
We want to hear from you! The Creston Valley is experiencing diminishing water supplies, dry wells, crop losses from heat, flooding, and shifting pest patterns due to milder winters. To prepare for a future with less water, the RDCK is initiating a planning process and we want to hear from producers about your water supply, concerns and ideas. This lunch and discussion with the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors and the RDCK is an opportunity for you to learn more about the Water Sustainability Planning process for the Goat River Watershed and explore how agriculture can help shape next steps.
Please register using the link below so that we can accommodate for food.
Dam Safety Management Training Workshop
Join the Ministries of Water, Land, and Resource Stewardship and Agriculture and Food this February for FREE Dam Safety Management Training Workshops for agricultural dam owners and prospective dam owners! Training will be delivered by the Dam Safety Training Coordinator with support from Dam Safety Officers from the Ministry of Water, Land and Resource Stewardship, in partnership with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
You'll cover topics such as:
- Dam Safety Regulation
- Emergency planning and emergency response,
- Dam surveillance and inspection,
- Early maintenance, vegetation and animal management
Online:
Feb. 11: 8:30 am-4:30pm PST
For more information please email Kim.organ@gov.bc.ca or call 250-420-6186
Southern Interior Horticultural Show Keynote: Elaine Froese
When: February 11 - 12, 2026
Where: Penticton Trade and Convention Centre
The Southern Interior Horticultural Show (SIHS) is excited to announce Keynote Elaine Froese speaking on the UndiscussabullTM - Tools for talking about tough issues in life… farm finances and farm transfer (which doesn't always mean to the kids)! Elaine will also be providing resources and special smaller group sessions throughout the day for any producers with personal questions.
Elaine Froese is a farm family coach and speaker who helps families reduce anxiety and navigate fair farm transitions. Based on a farm Manitoba, she supports clients across North America and the UK with practical tools, coaching, and online programs.
SIHS provides producers
with the opportunity to network and access the latest information on research, innovation, and farming practices from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.
The event is delivered by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food in partnership with: B.C. Cherry Association, B.C. Fruit Growers’ Association, B.C. Grapegrowers’ Association, B.C. Wine Grape Council, Wine Growers British Columbia, Sustainable Winegrowing B.C., Okanagan-Kootenay Sterile Insect Release, Summerland Varieties Corp., and the Cross-Commodity Leadership Support Project.
Secure your tickets now to see them speak February 11, 2026.
Register today:
Early Bird registration rate (before January 16, 2026): $50 + tax
Regular registration rate (after January 16, 2026): $75 + tax
Funding for the conference is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
NEW Resilient Food Crops Grants – Columbia Basin Trust
For farms within the Columbia Basin - this program will help local food producers' trial crop varieties that are resilient to a changing climate, can be produced on a commercial scale and haven’t been widely grown in their area.
Apply now, deadline is January 21, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. PT / 3:00 p.m. MT.
SNEAK PEEK: CBT Food Producer Wage Subsidy & Training Support Program
This program will provide wage subsidy support to primary food producers in the Basin that are maintaining or increasing food production to meet the continued demand for locally grown, healthy food.
NEW this year: Employers may apply for funding to support short-term skills training for their employees.
Applications open January 14, 2026.
New SlaughterRight Online Training Course
This online course replaces the previous paper-based SlaughterSafe training and remains a mandatory requirement for all Farmgate and Farmgate Plus slaughter establishment licence applicants.
The online SlaughterRight course improves accessibility and convenience for producers, especially those in rural and remote areas.
The online format ensures consistent delivery and offers flexibility for learners to complete the training at their own pace and is a green alternative to the former paper-based approach.
The course focuses on regulations and best practices that govern critical food safety points in the slaughter process and reinforces awareness of regulated animal welfare practices. Completion of this training is required to obtain or renew a licence. A certificate of completion is generated upon successful completion of the training.
We encourage you to review the updated information on the SlaughterRight webpage, which is available.
Please contact the Meat Inspection Program at bcmeatinspection@gov.bc.ca with any questions about accessing the new course.
Enhanced Replant Program
B.C. berry, wine grape and tree fruit producers will receive more support to replant their farms, vineyards and orchards with climate-resilient fruit that will increase regional food supply, grow the economy and ensure people in British Columbia continue to enjoy fresh, local fruit and wine.
Stream 4: Berry Removal/Renewal
Submissions opened: November 25, 2025, 9AM PT
Applications close: December 8, 2025 4PM PT
Stream 2: Wine Grape Replant
Submissions opened: December 2, 2025, 9AM PT
Applications close: December 15, 2025, 4PM PT
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program Stream 1 and 4
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program is accepting funding applications until December 18 at 4 PM PST under Stream 1 (Producer Projects) and Stream 4 (Strategic Projects).
Stream 1: Producer Projects
Stream 1 provides cost-shared funding support for large-scale water infrastructure projects led by producers with a focus on water storage and conveyance system improvements.
For more information on Stream 1 including a list of eligible activities and eligible applicants, please visit the links below:
Stream 4: Strategic Projects
Stream 4 focuses on supporting strategic and collaborative community projects in areas with high water use conflict, risks to the aquatic ecosystem (e.g., environmental flow needs), existing and potential risks of agricultural water shortage, and/or opportunities to expand water availability through community-led strategic projects.
For more information on Stream 4 including eligible activities, eligible applicants, and priority watersheds being considered for Stream 4, please visit the links below:
Prospective applicants with questions are encouraged to reach out to IAF by email (awp@iafbc.ca) or by phone (250) 940-6150 and (or) book a 10-minute appointment (completed by phone) with an IAF staff member.
The BC Agri-Business Planning Program - Open Now
The BC Agri-Business Planning Program is now open for applications! Funding is available under two streams:
- Stream 1: Agri-business skills and leadership development
Funding up to 70% to a maximum contribution of $2,000
- Stream 2: Business planning, preparedness, and disaster recovery
Funding up to $7,500 for individual business
Program funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis to eligible applicants until the application deadline on 4:30 pm on December 08, 2025, or the funding has been fully allocated.
Applications are open to December 8, 2025.
EFP Program Success: Gurman Gurm Orchards' Fruitful BMP Project
Gurman Gurm, of Gurm Orchards, shared his family’s experience with the Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) programs.
The Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program works to help producers contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment with projects that improve waste management, air quality control, emissions control, soil and riparian integrity, and environmental impacts.
Start or Renew your Environmental Farm Plan today to prepare for 2026’s Beneficial Management Practices Program application intake this winter. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to cut costs, boost efficiency, and make meaningful improvements that benefit both your farm and the environment.
EFP Program Funding has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).
AgriStability
AgriStability helps stabilize farm income by managing the risk of large income declines. The AgriStability program is based on the income and expenses of individual farms.
AgriStability offers enhanced benefits for 2025:
- increased compensation rate to 90% (on income declines greater than 30%)
- provides up to 75% for early payments
- maximum payment limit increased to $6 million
Upcoming AgriStability deadlines
December 31:
- 2025 Enrollment fee deadline (with penalty) – last chance to ensure coverage is in place for the 2025 year!
- 2024 Statement A Submission Deadline (with penalty) - the supplemental page must be completed for you to be eligible.
- Individuals: Supplemental page is Page 7 of the Statement A (T1273)
- Corporations: Supplemental page is Page 5 of the Statement A (1373-E) Corporations can easily submit Statement A details using our online form.
Staff are available to answer questions and help with the enrollment process.
- Phone: 1-877-343-2767 toll-free. Support is available in English and Punjabi.
- Email: AgriStability@gov.bc.ca
Cover crops for irrigated vineyards in B.C.
A recent study in Summerland, B.C., tested 23 cover crop species to see how they can improve soil carbon and nitrogen in semi-arid, irrigated vineyards. The results highlight which cover crops are best suited for different vineyard management goals while considering factors like water availability and competition with grapevines.
AgriServiceBC Agriculture Educational Videos
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has been working with industry experts and organizations to produce a series of short videos on a wide range of topics for agriculture producers and food processors. This is one of the features we have added to improve our AgriServiceBC website and make it more informative and accessible to support other resources such as production guides, factsheets, workshops, and funding programs.
Some topics covered in the short videos produced so far include: orchard and crop management for cherries or grapes, as well as agricultural soil management practices such as interpreting soil tests or using techniques to field evaluate soil structure. Others include installing and maintaining planted hedgerows or implementing innovative weed control technologies, while some cover different on-farm demonstration research trials or water management strategies such as irrigation efficiency or salinity monitoring.
You can find all of the completed videos on our AgriServiceBC Agriculture Educational Videos page. This project is on-going, so watch for the new ones that were produced this year and for ones that will be produced in the future.
Agriculture research summaries
Read short summaries of agricultural studies tailored to B.C. farmers and producers.
Livestock water quality
When stock water appears abundant and water quality has been consistent in previous years, it’s easy to focus on other things. However, don’t overlook water testing.
Poor quality stock water can lead to reproductive inefficiency, poor gains, disease, and in extreme circumstances, death. Even when water supplies appear abundant, stock water may contain high levels of sodium, sulphates or other compounds that lead to toxicity.
Water quality can be especially variable in surface water sources, such as dugouts, ponds or dams, and weather doesn’t necessarily need to be hot and dry to warrant regular testing. It’s also important to monitor well water conditions. Quality in well water can change quickly, even if wells have had suitable water in the past. Precipitation levels in the previous years, groundwater recharge, runoff conditions, evaporation levels and adjacent land use can all impact water quality both short-term and long-term.
Concerned about Water Quality for livestock?
The BC Cattlemen’s Association and the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food have partnered on a project to help livestock producers test their water, free of cost. This project makes it convenient to check for unhealthy levels of dissolved solids in the water, and can assist producers with obtaining a complete water analysis, if necessary.
Contact the British Columbia Cattlemen’s Association for more information on the program. Call 250-573-3611 or email water@cattlemen.bc.ca
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