Okanagan Region Edition

Regional Newsletter
May

Feature of the Month:

• Your Input Requested: Help Shape Future B.C. Agriculture and Food Programs and Services

Upcoming Events:

• May 19: Webinar: Townhall Table Grapes
• May 28: BCGA 2-Part Workshop for Grape Growers: Irrigation & Understanding Winery Contracts

Accepting Applications:

• Accepting Samples: Plant Health Laboratory 
• Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council's Growing Opportunities Program 
• Funding extended until May 15: Indigenous-led Small Scale Greenhouse Training 
• Processor Productivity Program 
• Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program 
• Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (Stream 3)
• AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises
• Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program 
• Funding Update: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP)
• 2026 Community Fund for Mental Health

Business Risk Management Programs:

• AgriStability
• Production Insurance
• Risk Management Resource Bundle

Flood, Drought, and Wildfire Preparedness

• 2026 Snowpack below normal, variable across regions
• Drought preparedness information: Irrigation season is here
• BC Premises Identification Program (BCPID) 

Tools:

• Checklist For Livestock and Forage Producers
• Nutrient Application Plans 
• Fertilizer Cost Calculator
• Gross Margins Calculator 
• Pest Degree Days and Delta-T
• Job Connector website updated

Resources and Services:

• Now Available: Regional Agrologist Coverage Maps 
• Interview: Impact on flower grower Quik’s operations after adoption soil blocking tech through the B.C. On-Farm Adoption Program 
• Organic Nitrogen Sources – Choosing What Works for Your Farm 
• Nutrient Management Practices 
• FeedBC K-12 video series 
• 2024 Sector Snapshots 
• Video: Silvopasture in BC - an Introduction and Overview 
• Silvopasture Resources
• Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR)
• Now’s the time to tackle Scotch Broom 
• The 2026 Census of Agriculture is here

Your Input Requested: Help Shape Future B.C. Agriculture and Food Programs and Services

The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food is asking B.C.’s industry associations and agricultural organizations, as well as B.C. producers and processors and other interested parties, to complete a short survey to help guide future programs and services.

Your input will help the Ministry better understand where support is needed most across the agriculture and food sector. The survey focuses on identifying priority areas for future programs and services, as well as gathering feedback on how funding programs are designed and delivered.

Survey details:

• Takes about 15 minutes to complete
• Deadline: Wednesday, June 10^th
• Survey link: https://submit.digital.gov.bc.ca/app/form/submit?f=3fe4d6db-bc21-490e-a821-cb195e2fac20

Your participation is important. Your feedback helps inform what matters most to B.C. producers and processors.

Webinar: Townhall Table Grapes

BC Grape Growers’ Association 2-Part Workshop: Irrigation & Understanding Winery Contracts 

When: May 28, 2026, from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM (PT)
Where: Kismet Winery, 316 Road 20, Oliver

Schedule:

• 1:00- 2:30: Presentation and demonstration on irrigation
• 2:30- 3:00: Coffee and networking
• 3:00- 4:30: Presentation on contracts and developing long term relationships with wineries

Part 1 Irrigation:

In this workshop, participants will learn:

• Why irrigation is important for healthy vines
• What can happen when irrigation is done poorly
• How different soil types hold water differently
• How rootstocks affect how vines use water
• Irrigation tools and systems from Verdi, Lumos, and Southern Irrigation

Part 2: Winery Contracts

In this session, we will talk about:

• What a contract is and why it matters
• How contracts can help protect growers from sudden changes
• The difference between one-time sales and long-term agreements
• Why trust, clear communication, and reliability matter to wineries
• What questions growers should ask before the season starts

Accepting Samples: Plant Health Laboratory

The Plant Health Laboratory at the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Abbotsford is accepting samples!

The Plant Health Laboratory provides diagnoses for plant health problems affecting crops and plants grown in B.C., including:

• Plant diseases
• Assessments for non-pathogenic (abiotic) disorders
• Insect pests

Collect a sample that shows the problem. A whole plant with roots and soil is best. If the plants are small, send several. If insect damage is suspected, collect the insects if possible as well as damaged plant parts.

Refer to "How to submit plant samples for diagnosis" for detailed information on collecting and packaging a sample.

Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council's Growing Opportunities Program 

Summer applications are now open for Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council's (CAHRC) Growing Opportunities Program!

This intake includes more spots available, giving agricultural employers across Canada additional opportunities to hire post-secondary students and support work-integrated learning (WIL).

Bringing a student onto your team can help add capacity during busy seasons while giving students valuable hands-on experience in the agriculture sector.

What employers can expect:

• Wage subsidy support for eligible placements

• A streamlined application process (about 20–30 minutes)

• Ongoing support from the CAHRC team

Indigenous-led Small Scale Greenhouse Training 

Limited Time opportunity! Funding for this project ends May 15, 2026. Please contact Julian Napolean as soon as possible as one-on-one support may be limited.

Processor Productivity Program

Do you want to build your value-added farm business?

The B.C. Government has launched the Processor Productivity Program (PPP) to help food and beverage processors improve efficiency, reduce costs, and stay competitive.

The Program opened on March 25, 2026, and will remain open until fully subscribed.

The program is offered in two phases and combines practical support with cost‑shared funding:

• Phase 1 – Lean training and on‑site operational assessment: Participating businesses receive industry‑focused Lean training, hands‑on assessments, and expert guidance to identify inefficiencies, reduce waste, and improve workflow
• Phase 2 – Cost‑share funding: Eligible participants can access cost‑shared funding to implement approved productivity improvements identified through the assessment phase.

The program is delivered by Canadian Manufacturers & Exporters (CME) on behalf of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food. 

Funding is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Seafood businesses are solely funded by the Government of British Columbia.

Beneficial Management Practices Program

Submissions are open for: 

• Extreme Weather: Plans & Assessments
• Planning Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs (P&D) (Basic, Complex, and Biogas)

Book a Call:
Starting on the application open date for each category, you can book a 10-minute phone consultation with an Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) staff member. Prior to booking an appointment, please start your draft application and provide the ID number (similar to: BMP-202425-0####).

Funding is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Additional funding has been provided by Clean BC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).

Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (Stream 3)

The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program Stream 3 application window closes on May 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM (PT).

This stream funds assessments, engineering studies, or plans that:

• Are required, often by law, before implementing on-the-ground infrastructure work
• Improve understanding of regional watershed and water supply constraints, enabling applicants to determine the appropriate type and scale of infrastructure required to achieve their project goals
• Support long‑term, climate‑resilient planning

This program is funded by the government of BC and administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation.

AgriMarketing Program: Market Diversification for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises

Applications are open for the AgriMarketing Program! 

The program aims to: 

• Open new, non-traditional markets and expand export activities to diversify and increase the volume and value of Canadian exports and interprovincial trade
• Prioritize projects that help Canadian agricultural and agri-food sectors (including fish and seafood) diversify beyond traditional markets to support the long-term growth of the sector and to help lessen current and future trade uncertainties

• Target new opportunities in high-growth potential and non-traditional markets to increase and diversify exports and strengthen interprovincial trade

Deadline to apply is September 30, 2030. The intake period may close sooner if funding has been fully committed or if otherwise announced.

This is a Government of Canada program. 

Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program

Applications are open for the Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program until funding is fully subscribed.  

Notification of the closing date will be provided via the program webpage and newsletter. 

The Student Summer Farm, Food and Fisheries Bursary Program (SSB) supports summer labour needs, youth engagement and work experience in the agricultural sector in BC. Full-time students employed in BC agriculture, food, beverage or seafood processing, fishing and aquaculture sectors during the summer season are eligible to apply for a bursary of up to $3,000. 

Students can contact ssb@iafbc.ca or 250-940-6150 with any questions about the program or to receive support with their application. 

This program is funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia.

Funding Update: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP)

Program funds for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) 2026–2027 have now been fully committed.

Applications submitted from May 4 onward will be placed on a waiting list and reviewed in order of receipt if funding becomes available.

Organizations with complete and eligible applications will be contacted should funding become available. Note that submission of an application does not guarantee funding.

For questions, contact: Knowledge.Transfer@gov.bc.ca. 

Funding for the Program is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. 

2026 Community Fund for Mental Health

Help bring mental health support to your agricultural community at little to no cost. This fund provides access to the Talk Ask Listen workshop, equipping participants with practical skills to support wellbeing and build stronger, more connected rural communities.

Applications are open until May 20, 2026.

Open to agricultural groups, municipalities, associations, and community champions.

Applicants must:

1. be led by a local non-profit, association, or community group
2. identify a Community Champion responsible for organizing the event
3. aim to engage a core group of 8 advocates
4. aim to reach 30+ attendees

Applicants may apply before finalizing their core group.

Take action for mental health in your community!

This initiative is sponsored by Farm Credit Canada.

Insurance and Income Protection Programs are an important part of a farmer's overall risk management strategy. AgriStability and Production Insurance work together to provide the best coverage for producers. 

AgriStability

IMPORTANT DEADLINE CHANGE:

The Statement A submission deadline has changed!

• Deadline: June 30, 2026 (was September 30)
• Final deadline: September 30, 2026 (was December 31)

To be eligible for payments, participants must complete and submit a Statement A every year. Learn more about How to file your Statement A. Our new online forms make it faster and easier to participate, and if you ever need help, just give us a call — we’re here to support you!

• Call 1-877-343-2767,
• Email AgriStability@gov.bc.ca, or
• Visit our website gov.bc.ca/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.

Production Insurance

Production Insurance helps producers manage their risk of crop losses caused by hail, spring frost, excessive rain, drought, flooding and other extreme weather events.

In British Columbia, Production Insurance is available for:

• Berries
• Flower bulbs
• Forage
• Grain
• Grapes
• Tree fruit
• Vegetables

Need Help? Production Insurance Representatives are available to help with claims, application and renewal process.

• Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
• Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
• Visit: Production Insurance - Province of British Columbia

Risk Management Resource Bundle

In agriculture, adopting proactive risk management helps you stay resilient and make smart decisions for your farm business!

With access to the appropriate tools and resources, risks can be identified, assessed, and managed in a proactive and structured manner. Effective risk management supports informed decision making by helping producers plan ahead, reduce potential impacts, and position their operations to respond to both challenges and opportunities.

In collaboration with Farm Credit Canada, Farm Management Canada is excited to launch its Risk Management Resource Bundle, which offers a simple offline starting point for managing farm risk.

You will receive:

• A starter guide
• A risk assessment worksheet
• An action plan

2026 Snowpack below normal, variable across regions 

2026 snowpack is below normal provincially with significant regional variability. Early and accelerated snowmelt, combined with warm and dry conditions, are increasing drought risk—particularly in the southern coast and southern interior, where snowpack is well below normal. Some northern and higher-elevation regions remain near or above normal, with localized flood risk.

See the May Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin and an interactive map for information about your area.

Drought Preparedness: Irrigation Season is Here

The May 1st snow survey and water supply bulletin reports that the provincial mountain snowpack is 17% below normal at 83% of normal. However there is strong regional variance, with many basins experiencing either well-below or well-above normal snowpack. With freshet underway, drought monitoring will begin in the coming weeks. Reported drought levels will be available on the B.C. Drought Information Portal.[PR1]. 

Spring offers great opportunities to build drought resilience on your farm. While water is still available, from irrigation, freshet, or spring rains, ensure your soil profile is filled to field capacity. A full profile at the start of the season gives crops a deep reserve to draw from as conditions dry out. Paired with effective irrigation scheduling and soil moisture monitoring through the growing season, you'll be reducing irrigation demand during more critical periods. ​​Once the dry season is underway, it is much harder to catch up.

• Visit our Drought in Agriculture and Irrigation webpages for current information, resources and tools related to irrigation management, scheduling and soil moisture
• The Agriculture Irrigation Scheduling Calculator takes the guesswork out of timing your irrigations using local weather data, 5 day forecasts, and your farm's specific crops, soils and irrigation system specifications. The online tool has now been updated and is easier than ever to use. If you’ve used the calculator before, you’ll be automatically redirected to the new site, with accounts and saved data migrated to the new system. Users just need to reset their password to sign in for the first time, then they are all set to go! Visit www.irrigationschedulingcalculator.ca to access the web app. 
• A new mobile app version of the Agriculture Irrigation Scheduling Calculator is also now available, so you can plan your irrigation schedule on your phone, anywhere you go. Download the Ag Irrigation Scheduler mobile app for your device

BC Premises Identification (BCPID) Program

Warming spring weather increases the likelihood of seasonal hazards like flooding, drought and wildfires. 

The BC Premises Identification program supports emergency planning and responses where animals may be affected. Accurate information helps emergency officials coordinate response and evacuation planning more effectively.

BC Premises Identification information improves the ministry’s ability to:

• Quickly identify and contact animal owners impacted by emergencies
• Support timely response to animal disease events
• Coordinate better disaster responses such as wildfires and floods

Outdated information can delay emergency coordination during fast-moving events.

Take steps to prepare now and update the following information online at this site: https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ext/pid-ext/login.page

• Premises location and access details
• Livestock species and maximum approximate numbers onsite
• Emergency contact information

Resources:

To learn more about wildfire preparedness for farms and ranches, visit: https://firesmartbc.ca/farm-and-ranch/

For more information on evacuation alerts and orders, visit: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/

If you require additional assistance or cannot access the online system, please contact the BCPID unit staff at 604-556-3001 or 1‑888‑221‑7141 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM), or email BCPID@gov.bc.ca

Checklist for Livestock and Forage Producers

Some regions are at risk of drought this upcoming season. The Checklist for Livestock and Forage Producers can be a valuable tool to determine strategies to help mitigate impacts. Preparing and making a plan can help producers determine strategies early on. 

Nutrient Application Plans

Under B.C.’s nutrient management regulations, Nutrient Application Plans (NAPs) have been phased in for fields for certain operations. 

A Nutrient Application Plan (NAP) is a technical document that outlines the annual nutrient applications for each field on the farm to reduce high levels of post-harvest soil nitrate or soil test phosphorus. NAPs can help producers apply optimal amounts of nutrients to their crops, reducing fertilizer and nutrient costs while maintaining crop productivity and quality. 

Who must complete a Nutrient Application Plan? 

Under the AEM Code, B.C.’s nutrient management regulations, NAPs are required for fields that meet all of the following: 

• The farm is 5 ha (12 acres) or more, 
• The field is not located in either a vulnerable aquifer recharge area or a phosphorus-affected area 
• Post-harvest nitrate soil test results are 150 kg/ha (134 lb/ac) or more, or a soil test phosphorus concentration of 300 ppm or more (using the Kelowna method) 

Producers can develop an NAP themselves for each field that requires a plan using the BC Nutrient Management Calculator, which will produce a summary report containing all the necessary information required in an NAP.

How does a Nutrient Application Plan differ from a Nutrient Management Plan?  

Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) are required for certain operations located within high-risk areas and have more required components than NAPs. Producers who have a NMP for their operation are not required to have a NAP. 

Fertilizer Cost Calculator

Many producers are aware that fertilizer costs, particularly nitrogen-based fertilizers, have risen dramatically over the past couple of months. To help producers compare fertilizer costs and plan nutrient applications, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food has developed a Fertilizer Cost Calculator tool.  

The Excel-based tool allows producers to enter current fertilizer prices, their crop nutrient requirements, and the application rate of each fertilizer to determine the overall cost of fertilizing each field and compare different fertility options. 

With this Excel-based tool you can: 

• Compare the cost of different fertilizers on a $/lb of nutrient basis 
• Develop the most cost-effective fertilizer blends to meet crop demands 
• Determine your fertilizer rate and cost/acre
• Calculate how much fertilizer you need for a specified area and the total cost 

Download Calculator: Fertilizer Cost Calculator

Contact AgriServiceBC (AgriServiceBC.gov.bc.ca) or your local Regional Agrologist to find out more about nutrient management. 

Gross Margins Calculator

Make every acre count with the Gross Margins Calculator! 

Gross margin analysis can be used to evaluate the financial performance of various enterprises of a farm business within the short term. This analysis can assist in allocating limited resources (like land) to existing enterprises to find which combination optimizes profit.   

The Gross Margins Calculator helps Canadian beef producers compare revenue and direct costs, like feed, fuel and seed, to better evaluate enterprise decisions and land use. 

Pest Degree Days and Delta-T

Pest Degree Days (PDD) and Spray Conditions (Delta-T) are now available on BC AgriWeather website at https://bcagriweather.ca to help with pesticide application decision-making.

Simply select the station on the map and click on “View Data” to access the tools. You can also “Pin this station” to create a shortcut to your favourite station(s) on the homepage.

Updated Job Connector Website

The Farm, Fish & Food Job Connector website has been refreshed just in time for the growing season. The updated site includes a section for job seekers to explore opportunities by area of interest and region, as well as a section for employers featuring helpful resources and information on hiring and managing. Explore the updated platform to connect with opportunities, resources, and workforce supports across B.C.’s agriculture, food, and seafood sectors.

Now Available: Regional Agrologist Coverage Maps

New maps are now available showing regional coverage for the Ministry of Agriculture’s 16 Regional Agrologists across British Columbia. These agrologists support the agricultural sector, local governments, and the public by providing guidance on agricultural production and soil‑related questions, agricultural land‑use planning, and farm practices protection.

Explore the updated maps to locate your Regional Agrologist and connect with the support available in your area

Interview: Impact on flower grower Quik’s operations after adoption soil blocking tech through the B.C. On-Farm Adoption Program

A flower growing operation in Chilliwack B.C. is taking on a new high-tech system to grow healthier plants thanks to $100,000 in support through the B.C. On-Farm Adoption Program (BCOFTAP). The funding helped Quik’s Farm adopt an automated soil blocking and propagation line, including a soil blocking machine, peat handling system, and internal transport system.

This technology produces uniform, shape-retaining soil blocks and automates the sticking and movement of trays throughout the propagation process. These can help improve propagation efficiency, reduce labour demands, and enhance overall crop quality.

Innovate B.C. sat down with Quik’s Farm to learn more about their farm and the challenges they’ve faced, and how adopting new technology with the support of the program has impacted their operations.

BCOFTAP provides cost-shared funding to eligible participants to adopt new technologies on-farm to enhance profitability, productivity, and/or efficiency to help alleviate the impacts of labour shortages and rising operational costs.

Since its launch in 2023, BCOFTAP has awarded $6.8M to support 134 farm projects in B.C. to adopt new technologies. The program periodically opens for applications and is funded to 2028. The fourth intake for applications closed on April 6, 2026.

The program is delivered by Innovate BC and funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative

Organic Nitrogen Sources – Choosing What Works for Your Farm

In this new video from Organic BC, dive into how farmers can choose and apply organic nitrogen sources both effectively and responsibly. Featuring insights from three farmers, it showcases their preferred nitrogen sources and highlights the practical considerations that determine what works best for different farm types and conditions.

Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).

Nutrient Management Practices

High fertilizer prices got you down on yields? Check out these nutrient management practices and resources to reduce fertilizer costs and keep your farm productive and profitable: 

• Soil sampling and analysis to determine current soil nutrient concentration and need for supplemental nutrients.
• Determining appropriate crop nutrient requirements and application rates using the BC Nutrient Management Calculator.
• Following proper ‘4R’ management – applying nutrients at the right place, at the right time, using the right source, at the right rate:
  • 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right Placement
  • 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right Timing
  • 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right Source
  • 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right RateComparing fertilizer costs using the BC Fertilizer Cost Calculator.

• Using on-farm nutrient sources, such as manure or compost. Use the BC Manure Nutrient Calculator to determine nutrient availability.
• Planting nitrogen (N)-fixing cover crops to supply N to subsequent crops. Read the Cover Cropping Guide for British Columbia here.
• Adopting application and management practices to reduce N loss from volatilization or leaching. Learn more about managing nitrogen losses here
• Determining the economic optimum rate of N-fertilization for your crops based on N-fertilizer cost and expected plant yield. Learn more about economic considerations in N fertilization.

FeedBC K-12 video series

Check out the new Local Food in K–12 video series on the Feed BC in K–12 webpage to see how the Sooke, Sea to Sky, Fraser-Cascade, and Prince Rupert school districts are partnering with B.C. producers and processors to bring more local food into schools while connecting students with local agriculture and food systems.

2024 Sector Snapshots

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food recently published the final 2024 Sector Snapshots. This series of five, one-page summaries provides a clear, high-level view of recent performance across B.C.’s agrifood and seafood sectors, including:

• All-Sector Snapshot: Year-over-year trends and key indicators (e.g., GDP, sales revenue, jobs, export value, etc.) for the combined agrifood sector (without double counting).
• Three Sub-Sector Snapshots: Snapshots for the subsectors of (1) agriculture; (2) seafood & fisheries; and (3) secondary manufacturing (food & beverage), each with sector‑specific metrics.

• Trade Snapshot: Highlights of export and import values, top markets, and year-over-year trade trends.

An interactive version is available under the “Sector‑wide data” area of our website, or you can access the interactive tool by clicking the button below.

To view more statistics about the sector, visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Food publication site.

New AgriServiceBC Video: Silvopasture in BC - an Introduction and Overview

This AgriServiceBC video provides an introduction and an overview of silvopasture, exploring the principles and how and why it is being used in the grazing landscapes of the province. Silvopasture blends management of trees, forages and livestock together on the same piece of land. It is about managing the interactions – the tree-forage, forage-livestock and livestock-tree interactions, which change over time influencing your management decisions.

Applications of silvopasture are designed to include economic, environmental, and social functions. Starting with your objective – what you want to achieve – and evaluating it as a potential production approach compared with other approaches available to you is a critical first step.

The video is posted to the AgriService YouTube page and will soon be linked to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, agroforestry webpage. New agroforestry resources will be posted as they become available over the next months.

Silvopasture Resources

Silvopasture blends trees, forages, and livestock management as an integrated practice on the same land unit. These systems can yield a variety of benefits including production gains, economic benefits, social values, and enhanced environmental stewardship.

Learn more about silvopasture from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/agroforestry

Silvopasture case studies – Producer perspectives: Two case studies join a third previously-posted fact sheet (Silver Hills Ranch) on the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food agroforestry page. These factsheets, authored by the producers, outline why and how they have adopted, and are using, silvopasture on their operations, as well as share lessons learned.

Read these stories from fellow B.C. producers:

Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR)

The Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) is back for the 2026 season!

Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) invites you to help us better understand local conditions and the agricultural impacts of weather and climate in your region. We are particularly interested in impacts related to water supplies, feed production, soil moisture conditions, and crop stress.

As we begin the 2026 growing season, your input will be essential in helping us understand how these conditions are affecting you and your farm. Even if your area is not experiencing significant issues, please continue to complete the survey—reporting no impacts is still valuable information.

As in previous years, the survey will be available during the last week of each month from April through October. Email reminders will be sent around the 25th of each month.

New users can sign up for reminders by emailing droughtwatch@agr.gc.ca with the subject line “AIR.”

All survey responses are anonymous, and the information you provide cannot be linked to you or your email address.

Now’s the time to tackle Scotch Broom

You may have seen its bright yellow, pea-like flowers and wiry shrubbery popping up in disturbed areas. While eye-catching, Scotch broom is highly invasive and is spreading across British Columbia. Each plant can produce over 10,000 seeds that can remain viable in the soil for 60-80 years. With deep roots and the ability to re-sprout after cutting, Scotch broom can quickly take over if left unchecked.

To control it mechanically, cut plants below the soil surface to remove the root crown, and avoid disturbing the soil as much as possible. Replanting with competitive native species - such as snowberry, salmonberry, thimbleberry, and red alder - can help shade out regrowth.

Check out the Invasive Species Council of BC's page on Scotch broom for more information: https://bcinvasives.ca/invasives/scotch-broom/

The 2026 Agriculture Census 

The 2026 Census of Agriculture has now begun!

Your participation in the Census ensures that it accurately captures the diversity of Canadian farms.

Missed the last e-bulletin? Catch-up on previous issues here.