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Northwest Edition
Regional Newsletter - August 2024
Bulkley Valley Fall Fair
The 105th Bulkey Valley Fall Fair is taking place this August 22-25, 2024.
The annual Bulkley Valley Fall has something for everyone and is the largest agricultural fair in Northern BC. Agriculture fans, exhibitors, producers, entertainers, and competitors come from all over Northern BC and western Canada to attend each year. An event to not be missed!
For more information check out the website here!
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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: Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program – Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (iafbc.ca).
Stream 1 Producer Projects
Stream 2 Community Projects
Stream 3 Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans
Stream 4 Strategic Projects
Drafts for applications opened June 27, 2024, application submissions are open July 25, 2024, to August 8, 2024. This application is approved based on eligibility of projects submitted between the dates mentioned above.
Access to Feed Program
Available to all livestock producers.
A program provided by the BC Cattlemen's Association was 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
In July 2024 the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food launched 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: B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca) for more information and to register as a Crop and Livestock Reporter.
FireSmart Program
Looking for ways to protect your farm, ranch or home during wildfire season? Check out BC FireSmart for a variety of resources and information that could benefit your farm, ranch or home during wildfire season.
B.C.'s agricultural producers face many business risks that are beyond their control (production losses, severe market volatility, extreme weather events or disasters); the Province’s suite of agricultural insurance and income stability programs can help you manage those risks.
Production Insurance Application Deadlines for the 2025 Crop Year:
• Berries, Grapes, Flower Bulbs and Strawberry Plants – October 31, 2024
• Tree Fruits and Forage – November 30, 2024
Animal Health & Plant Health Labs
Did you know that the Provincial Animal Health Centre offers a variety of diagnostic testing and services?
Click here for more information.
In addition to the Animal Health Centre, the Province also has a Plant Health Laboratory, where plant samples can be submitted for testing.
Click here for more information.
Northwest Invasive Plant Council Landowner Invasive Plant Removal Rebate Program
The Northwest Invasive Plant Council provides support and coordination for those involved in the various aspects of invasive plant management including awareness, inventory, treatments and assessment. The Northwest Invasive Plant Council has a Landowner Invasive Plant Removal Rebate program that aids rural private property landowners with the cost of controlling invasive plants on their land. Qualified applicants may be eligible for a rebate up to 50% of your costs to a maximum of $750.00, excluding the cost for contractor travel.
For more information on the 50/50 Landowner Invasive Plant Removal Rebate Program click here.
Pasture Walks and Field Scouting
Whether you have forage fields or pastures, it is important to get out and walk the land to evaluate what is happening throughout the growing season. A quick look at soil health and moisture, along with plant vigour and productivity can help you evaluate what is going on and make decisions on the next steps. This article provides information on pasture walks and field scouting, along with some guiding questions for forecasting and looking ahead.
This is the second article in the monthly Livestock Drought Management Article Series. All articles can be found here: Drought articles - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence Conference
Don’t miss out on Early Bird Ticket sale!
Date: November 19-21, 2024
Location: Abbotsford-Chilliwack
SAVE THE DATE!
Application intake for the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program will be opening SOON.
The B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program (ABPP) provides funding support for primary agricultural producers and agriculture, food and beverage processors to support informed decision making and ensure business development.
Funding is available under two streams:
1) Agri-business skills and leadership development
2) Business planning, preparedness, and disaster recovery
To find out more, please visit the Ministry’s website https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/agri-business-planning-program#Overview
Looking for information on topics such as field trials, heat units, growing degree dates, farmer's institutes and more? Check out farmwest.com
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