Cariboo Central Coast
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Cariboo Central Coast Edition
"The Roots"
Regional Newsletter - August 2024
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)
- The Cariboo Region (Middle Fraser) elevated to Drought Level 2
- Middle Fraser Level 2 Conserve water where possible
- The Central Coast Region is at Drought Level 3
- Central Coast Level 3 Conserve water where possible
- Public drought inquiries can be directed to Authorizingagency.williamslake@gov.bc.ca and flagged “DROUGHT”.
Current Drought Levels and Associated Actions (July 30, 2024)
- Drought Basin Level Drought Actions
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: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriservice-bc/crop-and-livestock-reporter-program for more information and to register as a Crop and Livestock Reporter.
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
- Sarah Foster, Program Representative – Production Insurance
(250) 784-3558 / Sarah.Foster@gov.bc.ca
Excess Manure Management
In certain regions of British Columbia, it may be more difficult to effectively manage surplus manure for a variety of reasons including, but not limited to: cost of land, transport costs to distant fields, and increasing quota to meet market demand.
The following factsheet provides guidance on dealing with surplus manure and covers a range of topics such as manure storage, nutrient management, and techniques for converting manure into valuable by-products.
Heads Up! Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program Opening Soon!
The objective of the KTTP is to increase the competitiveness, resiliency, and innovation of the British Columbia (B.C.) agriculture and food sector through facilitated knowledge and technology transfer.
The cost-shared reimbursement program is intended to strategically support B.C.’s producers and processors to innovate and adapt to changing environmental, production, and market conditions through practical, applied knowledge and skill development to ensure behaviour change.
The next KTTP intake is expected to open later in 2024. Please check back for updates and announcements.
Farming Fundamentals at VIU
This fall and winter VIU will be offering three new micro-credentials with an agricultural focus. The courses are online, with in-person field day options.
Please visit viu.ca/agriculture or email pdtagriculture@viu.ca for more information and registration details.
Courses
Sustainable Soils Management
September – October 2024
Explore the science of soils. Develop an understanding of soil as a complex community of living beings. Learn about the physical, chemical, biological and social environments of soil.
Understand how communities of plants, animals and other biological beings in the soil can thrive or be regenerated with soil amendment practices.
Agro-ecological Systems Management
November – December 2024
Get an introduction to the art and the sciences that shape agro-ecological principles and practices. Explores ecological and farm biodiversity, climate-adaptation and ecosystem restoration strategies.
This course invites a holistic, Two-Eyed Seeing perspective on the ecological, social, and economic impacts and benefits of contemporary and traditional land management.
Organic Vegetable Seed Production
January-March 2025
Gain an understanding of the science of organic seed production for vegetables. Explore the current regulatory and policy environments in Canada that impact seed saving and seed sovereignty.
This national initiative is a refresh of the Organic Vegetable Seed Production course developed with Canadian Organic Growers and SeedChange Canada.
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
Accommodation For Employees
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food would like to remind producers who have employees living on site, or are providing housing for employees off-site, that the accommodation must abide by the Industrial Camps Regulation. The B.C. Guidelines for Industrial Camps Regulation is a helpful resource that provides guidance, best practices, definitions, and interpretation of the Industrial Camps Regulation.
If you have any questions, please refer to the relevant Health Authority Contacts on the Government of British Columbia's Industrial Camp webpage
2024 Livestock Tax Deferral: Cariboo
This year, the Government of Canada has streamlined the process to identify regions earlier in the growing season, and also instituted a buffer zone to adjacent regions to capture impacted producers on the edges of affected regions.
Also new for 2024 and moving forward, regions that are adjacent to regions that qualify based on weather, climate and production data will also be prescribed. This will ensure that farms within those adjacent regions that may also be experiencing drought or excess moisture conditions can benefit from the Livestock Tax Deferral provision.
Livestock Tax Deferral regions
EFP Advisor Time for BMP Applications
EFP Advisors can allot up to 5 hours per BMP application to support making a BMP application.
The 5 hours can be used for:
- Assisting you in identifying which BMPs would be most suitable for this operation,
- Supporting you in the steps to design and implement the BMP,
- Providing details of the EFP workbook numbers that align with the corresponding BMP for your application.
More information on EFP's can be found here.
Farm Tour & Land Matching at Big Rock Ranch
The Young Agrarians would like to invite you to a farm tour and potluck as an opportunity to learn from Robin and attendees, and discuss their Ministry-funded land matching program.
Are you wondering how to assess your soil health and improve your soil nutrient management? Join us and get your hands dirty learning how to sample, evaluate and monitor soil health on your farm and improve your soil moisture management. The Ministry of Agriculture and Food is organizing a soil road show near you!
To register, please visit Assessing Your Soil - Soil Management Workshop: North Cariboo-Hwy 16 Region Tickets | Eventbrite.
Save The Date for Aug 21st KFI Field Day to Big Bear Ranch
Join the Kersley Farmers' Institute Field Tour, Soil Regeneration Next Generation, Aug 21st @ Big Bear Ranch in Horsefly, BC.
Topics:
- Building soil with cover-cropping & no-till pasture rejuvenation while raising certified organic beef, lamb& pork.
- Agroforestry practices for climate adaptation, animal welfare & regenerative agriculture.
- Network & discuss topics including those above & sustainable livestock production knowledge & experience with local producers.
Fee: $20 Registration is required as spaces are limited.
Register here: Kersley Farmers' Institute Field Tour - Soil Regeneration, Next Generation Tickets, Wed, Aug 21, 2024 at 10:00 AM | Eventbrite
Please email KersleyFI@gmail.com or follow our facebook page for more information as it is available.
Small Flock Poultry Health Workshop, Big Lake
August 25, 2024 – Small Flock Poultry Health Workshop, Big Lake, BC
Each person must register to be able to attend, all minors must be accompanied by an adult while at the event.
Check below for information on more upcoming workshops. If you would like to host a workshop in your region, please contact us! Workshops need to be booked early to ensure we can coordinate schedules and travel, so please reach out well ahead if you are interested in hosting a session.
For more information on what to expect in our workshops, click here!
Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence Conference
Don’t miss out on Early Bird Ticket sale!
Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence Conference
Date: November 19-21, 2024
Location: Abbotsford-Chilliwack
Follow the link below, follow, like and share!
