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Islands Edition
Regional Newsletter
December 2025
Feature of the month:
- Animal Health Update
Upcoming Events:
Islands Events
- Dec 9: Communication Skills for Land Sharing (Online)
- Dec 9: Invasive Species in Agriculture Four-Part Webinar Series
- Dec 16: Interpreting Your Soil Test Report
- Jan 30-31: Island Agriculture Show
- Feb 11: Dam Safety Management Training Workshops
Upcoming events- Other
- Jan 22-24: Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference Keynote: Evan Shout
- Feb 11-12: Southern Interior Horticultural Show Keynote: Elaine Froese
Drought and Wildfire Preparedness:
- Why is FireSmart the best defense against wildfires?
Programs and funding opportunities:
- New SlaughterRight Online Training Course
- Enhanced Replant Program (ERP)
- Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) Stream 1 and 4
- The BC Agri-Business Planning Program (ABPP) is open!
- BC Producer Survey on New Technologies
- EFP Success Story: Gurman Gurm Orchards' Fruitful BMP Project
Business Risk Management Programs:
- Production Insurance
- AgriStability
Resources:
- Livestock Drought Management series
- Updates from the Kootenay Soil Building Network
- Insect Spotlight
- Cover crops for irrigated vineyards in B.C.
- BC Agriculture Educational Videos
- Agriculture Research Summaries
- Livestock Water Quality
Animal Health Update
There are a couple of diseases of farm animals making headlines these days so we’re providing this information and reminders of best practices for keeping your stock safe and healthy.
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) is making its seasonal resurgence as it is transmitted by migrating waterfowl and other birds. 28 new infected premises have been detected in BC (as of 26 November 2025), including one small flock near Coombs on Vancouver Island. The most common sign of HPAI is a sudden, unexplained increase in flock deaths.
Poultry owners should follow best practices for prevention of HPAI including:
Using dedicated coop footwear
Reducing contact with wild birds
Consider fencing off access to natural water sources
If your poultry experience serious illness or deaths and suspect Avian Influenza:
Bird owners are legally responsible for notifying authorities of serious diseases such as Avian Influenza.
If you think your birds are sick with Avian Influenza, contact your veterinarian and your nearest Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) Animal Health Office.
If you spot a sick or dead wild bird contact the BC Wild Bird Mortality Investigation Program Hotline at 1-866-431-BIRD (2473).
As a reminder, permits are required to move poultry in or through a control zone.
Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD)
Several wild rabbits were found dead with signs of Rabbit Hemorrhagic Disease (RHD) in Cedar in October. RHD is a highly contagious and fatal disease of rabbits and hares caused by a virus. Often the first sign of RHD is sudden death. A vaccine is available in Canada for domestic rabbits to prevent RHD.
Rabbit owners are encouraged to vaccinate their rabbits, practice good hygiene when handling rabbits or their housing, quarantine new rabbits and rabbits returning from fairs and shows prior to introducing them to the group, keep them away from areas where the disease may be present and contact their veterinarian if they notice any signs of illness in their rabbits.
Parasitic Hepatitis
A recent collaboration between beef producers, a local abattoir, and Ministry of Agriculture Animal Health and Food Safety Inspection branches found parasitic hepatitis to be a leading cause of condemnation of livers at slaughter in cattle. Parasitic hepatitis is caused by the migration of larval parasites through the liver. Although the exact parasite cannot always be easily determined, producers are encouraged to work with their veterinarian on a comprehensive parasite management program for their herd.
The Animal Health Centre is here to support you
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food’s Animal Health Centre is the leading accredited full-service veterinary laboratory in Western Canada, offering more than 400 laboratory diagnostic tests for agents that may be found in wild and domestic birds, mammals, fish, reptiles and amphibians.
A full range of fee-for-service diagnostic testing
A subsidized disease detection program for smallholders.
There is a lot more information on animal health and related topics available from the Animal Health Centre
For general information on animal production see here.
Islands Events
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.
Interpreting your soil test report
Date: December 16, 2025
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM PT
Location: Zoom (you will receive workshop link upon registration)
Participants will learn how to:
- Read key parameters like pH, organic matter, NPK and micronutrients
- Interpret numbers on soil analysis reports
- Identify soil test limitations and nutrient imbalances
- Apply results to improve soil health and productivity
Contact Ahmed Lasisi at ahmed.lasisi@gov.bc.ca for enquiries
Islands Agriculture Show
The 2026 Islands Agriculture Show will be held at the Cowichan Exhibition Grounds in North Cowichan on January 30th and 31st, 2026.
For registration forms and full details, visit: www.iashow.ca
The 2026 Islands Agriculture Show will be organized and presented by the Islands Agriculture Show Society. If you would like to find out more, please contact cowex@shaw.ca.
Dam Safety Management Training Workshops
Date: February 11, 2025
Time: 8:30 am - 4:30 pm
Location: Online (link to be provided prior to the event) or (in-person viewing in Williams Lake)
Join us on February 11th for a FREE Dam Safety Management Training Workshop 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 the Dam Safety Regulation, emergency planning and emergency response, dam surveillance and inspection, early maintenance, vegetation and animal management, and more!
Topics include:
- BC Dam Safety Regulation
- Emergency Planning & Response
- Embankment Dam Surveillance & Inspection
- Vegetation & Animal Management
For more information contact Kim.Organ@gov.bc.ca or call 250-420-6186
Upcoming events- Other
Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference Keynote: Evan Shout
When: January 22 - 24, 2026
Where: TRADEX, Abbotsford
The Lower Mainland Horticultural Conference (LMHC) is excited to announce Evan Shout, giving the keynote address Dollars and Cents- How to Manage Through Today's Agriculture Outlook.
Evan is the Co-Founder & Chief Financial Officer of Maverick Ag, an agriculture business consulting and risk management firm in Western Canada.
Secure your tickets now to see him speak on January 22, 2026.
LMHC provides producers the opportunity to get the latest information on research, farming practices and market opportunities from some of the industry’s most knowledgeable experts.
LMHC is delivered by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food in partnership with the Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association and the Pacific Agriculture Show.
Register today:
Early Bird registration rate (before January 9, 2026): $60 + tax
Regular registration rate (after January 9, 2026): $85 + 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.
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.
Why is FireSmart the best defense against wildfires?
FireSmart focuses on practical changes within 30 meters of a structure—with the greatest priority on the structure itself and the immediate 1.5 meters around it— to reduce the chances of a structure igniting.
Did you know that embers are the leading cause of structure ignition? FireSmart addresses the root causes of structure ignition, including embers that can travel kilometers ahead of a wildfire.
Watch ‘Farmers talk FireSmart’ or apply now (button below) for a FireSmart BC Farm & Ranch Assessment.
Take control and make your property a wildfire-resilient operation to protect your people, animals, and livelihood.
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.
The official launch date for the SlaughterRight online course was November 17, 2025. 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 (ERP)
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 (AWP) Stream 1 and 4
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (AWP) 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 (ABPP) is open!
The BC Agri-Business Planning Program (ABPP) 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.
BC Producer Survey on New Technologies
We invite you to take part in a short survey for a research project led by Royal Roads University and the University of the Fraser Valley. This survey looks at how fruit and vegetable farmers in BC are using or may be interested in using different types of farming technology. This includes digital tools, controlled environment agriculture systems, and agri-genomics. Your response will be used to improve farming policies, tools, and support programs for BC farmers.
The survey takes about 10 minutes to complete. Your answers will be kept private. Names or any other personal identifiers will not be collected. When reporting on the outcomes of the study, the results will be aggregated and not linked to any individual. Participants will be entered into a raffle for an assortment of gift cards with a total value of $1,800.
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.
"We are cherry growers in the Kelowna area and have had several bad years of cherry production, but still believe that growing, picking, and shipping high-quality cherries both internationally and domestically is a good work option for our family. We have been lucky enough to participate in the EFP and BMP programs and could not have continued to grow and expand without it.”
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.
Production Insurance
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.
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:
Need Help? Production Insurance Representatives are available to help with the application and renewal process.
- Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
- ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
- Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/CropInsurance
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
- Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/AgriStability
Livestock Drought Management Series
What if your hay barn could save you thousands every year? Learn how strategic investments in forage and feed infrastructure can pay off for decades in Article 7 of the Livestock Drought Management Series.
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!
Insect Spotlight
The Spongy Moth
The spongy moth (formerly referred to as Gypsy moth) is native to Europe, North Africa, and Asia. The European spongy moth is well-established in eastern North America, and is the main source of new infestations in western North America. The Asian spongy moth has been found in B.C. as well. There is a constant threat that both strains could become established here. The spongy moth threatens B.C. fruit producers. It will eat the leaves of fruit and hazelnut trees, and blueberry plants. Apple trees, in particular, are excellent hosts. But the insect has more than 300 known hosts, including native shade trees, the rare and endangered Garry oak and valuable ornamental trees.
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.
Feature video: Kelp Production in B.C. two-part video series
In support of innovations in agriculture and aquaculture, AgriServiceBC presents two videos on Kelp Nursery Production in BC. Kelp is one of B.C.'s important natural resources, and the demand for growing kelp is increasing with developing commercial markets and needs for restoration activities. B.C. recognizes the environmental and economic importance of kelp and is dedicated to sustainable resource management and industry development. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has partnered with the Center for Applied Research, Technology, and Innovation (CARTI) as part of North Island College (NIC), to advance the understanding and technology of harvesting and growing kelp spores for commercial and restoration availability. NIC's Seaweed Innovation Lab will show you the steps for harvesting, preparing, and growing healthy kelp spores on commercial spools.
Part 1 shows the kelp harvest and spore collection methods while describing the harvest regulations and NIC’s programs.
Part 2 shows the lab techniques for successful growth of spores on spools into kelp ready for outplanting.
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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