No images? Click here Soils 101 Field Day RecapThe Ministry of Agriculture and Food staff hosted a Soils 101 field day in Telkwa on Aug. 22, 2024. The field day covered discussions on soil horizons, rooting depths, soil moisture infiltration, bulk density and other physical soil property assessments with demonstrations and proper soil equipment. Resource Managment Unit staff, Deiter Geesing and Ahmed Lasisi (pictured above), utilized a hands-on approach to teaching which was greatly appreciated and enjoyed by all in attendance. Overall, the field day was a great start to building upon future soil, soil health, and cover cropping workshops and extension work in the region. Suggestions for Future Editions?Do you have suggestions of different topics to be featured for future monthly e-bulletins? Click the link below to send us an email with your topic suggestions. AgriStability Enhancement Program 2024 The Government of British Columbia developed the 2024 BC AgriStability Enhancement Program which offers greater coverage and helps agricultural producers manage income losses due to extreme weather, marketing challenges or natural disaster in 2024.
Contact us, dedicated staff are available to assist you with the Enhanced AgriStability Program.
Business Risk Management Programs 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. Herd Management and Feed Considerations As summer transitions into fall weather conditions, herd management and feed considerations are important for winter planning. Effectively monitoring herd health and adjusting feed quality/quantity are critical for making informed management decisions. Balancing these factors can significantly impact both productivity and profitability, especially when considering actions like adjusting herd size and/or feed rations. This article offers strategies for optimizing herd management during challenging conditions such as drought, by focusing on pregnancy testing, early weaning, body condition scoring, and alternative feed sources. Second Intake of the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program – Accepting Applications Now! The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is open and accepting applications for the second intake until October 6, 2024. The Program 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. The program is competitive, funding is not guaranteed.
Knowledge and Technology Transfer ProgramThe next intake of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program will open on September 9th, 2024. For information on eligibility and how to apply, read the Program Guide at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/knowledge-transfer-events. B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program Application intake for the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program will be opening on Monday September 9, 2024 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 will be available under two streams: 1) Agri-business skills and leadership development Eligible Activities: Specialized training, courses, registration, fees, and tuition for:
2) Business planning, preparedness, and disaster recovery Eligible Activities:
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 BC Climate Agri-Solutions FundThe BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF) is accepting applications from BC producers! This is your chance to apply for cost-shared funding to implement cover cropping, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing.
Don’t wait to submit your application – applications are open until funding is committed. Agriculture Water Infrastructure ProgramStream 3: Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans Applications for Stream 3 of the Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program are open! Are you a Producer, Improvement District, Local Government, Non-Profit, or Community Group looking to complete an assessment, engineering study or plan before starting a water infrastructure project? You could be eligible for cost-shared funding! Beneficial Management Practices ProgramConsidering applying for 2025/26 Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) funding? Take the time to review the requirements for the activities you'd like to complete by checking out the link below. They may require you to complete a plan, assessment or engineered design. Good news: the Planning, Technical Assessment and Engineered Design BMP category is still open and accepting applications for 2024/25! Applications for the Planning, Technical Assessment and Engineered Design category are ongoing until funding is fully allocated. Access to Feed Program
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. Animal Health & Plant Health LabsDid 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 ProgramThe 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. Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence ConferenceDon’t miss out on Early Bird Ticket sale! Looking for information on topics such as field trials, heat units, growing degree dates, farmer's institutes and more? Check out farmwest.com Follow the link below, follow, like and share! |