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Omineca Edition
Regional Newsletter
May 2025
Selecting Replacement Heifers: Boosting Longevity and Return on Investment
Whether you retain females from within your own herd or purchase them, replacement heifers come at a cost and are an investment into the future herd. Selecting the right animals and proper management is necessary to meet on-farm goals and improve the longevity of heifers as future breeding cows. Read about a local seedstock producer at the Beef Cattle Research Council website:
Introducing BC AgriWeather
New weather monitoring portal
Access current and past weather data from weather stations across B.C. Tools like growing degree days and evapotranspiration are available for the network of stations.
BC Agriculture Water Calculator
The BC Agriculture Water Calculator helps agriculture water users in B.C. estimate their irrigation or livestock water use. New is a Dugout Calculator component, which can be used to estimate levels of precipitation on a parcel and can be used to calculate approximate dugout sizing needs based on water demand and rainwater harvest.
Explore this useful tool online here: https://bcwatercalculator.ca/agriculture/welcome
On-Farm Research Info Session: Regenerative Climate Resilient Vegetables
Time: Thursday, May 8, 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM PDT
Join us for an evening info session highlighting the Regenerative-Organic Climate Resilient Vegetables project. Hear from researchers in the Sustainable Agricultural Landscapes lab about key findings from nine years of on-farm research. Topics include introductory nutrient management, conservation tillage, and cover cropping practices on organic farms across southern British Columbia.
This event also introduces the next four-year phase of field trials launching this spring, focused on enhancing regenerative outcomes through practices like conservation tillage, nutrient management, and cover cropping. Organic vegetable farmers in the Kootenays, Vancouver Island, and the Lower Mainland are invited to learn more about joining the trial!
What to expect:
- An introduction to the new field trials and how to get involved
- Preliminary results from long-term organic soil health trials
- An opportunity to share your research priorities and shape research questions
- Upcoming opportunities to get support with soil health assessment
Free events from The AgLife Network
The AgLife Network is here to support farmers and agricultural workers in BC navigating mental health challenges and suicide prevention supports.
The AgLife Network - Connector Training is a suicide prevention gatekeeper and mental health awareness training for anyone who works with or in agriculture. Using the Check, Care, Connect model, participants will be trained in primary skills and a deeper exploration of the agricultural side of mental health.
There are two online training events in May:
- May 20, 9:00 AM – 12:30 PM PDT: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1332027362699
- May 27, 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM PDT: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/1342879341259
In -person Rural Minds Matter Town Hall Discussion:
Join guest speakers Mike Skrypnek (Stigma-Free Mental Health Society) and Wendy Bennett (AgSafe & AgLife) to gather as a community and talk about rural and remote mental wellness. Listen to, and interact with, panelists and hosts as they share lived experience along with strategies and supports to improve mental wellness. The discussion will focus on the realities of living in rural and remote communities as well as building resilience for individuals, families, and the community. Click here for more information about Rural Minds Matter.
- Prince George, May 14, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM PDT: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rural-minds-matter-town-hall-discussion-prince-george-tickets-1334673025949
This event is in partnership with CMHA Northern BC Branch. - Terrace, May 13, 7:00 PM – 8:30 PM PDT: https://www.eventbrite.ca/e/rural-minds-matter-town-hall-discussion-terrace-tickets-1334666616779
Event venue provided by Community Futures Terrace.
The AgLife Network is developed in partnership with AgSafeBC and the Canadian Mental Health Association of B.C. Support by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia and the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
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.
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 May 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.
To learn more and register, visit the program website here: B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program - Province of British Columbia
The Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program - Apply Now
The 2025–26 Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) is experiencing strong interest, and we encourage applicants to apply now while funding is still available.
The program provides up to 75% in cost-shared funding to support events and activities that build practical skills and knowledge among B.C. producers and processors. Eligible activities include workshops, farm tours, field days, and speaker events.
Organizations working to strengthen B.C.’s agriculture and food sector are encouraged to apply soon. Completed applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis, and the program intake will close once all funding has been committed.
Apply by visit the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program webpage (Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program - Province of British Columbia)
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
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 Enrolment Deadline Extension for 2025
The 2025 AgriStability enrolment deadline has been extended to July 31, 2025. This extension provides additional time for producers to register as they manage challenges such as production loss, increased costs, and changing market conditions.
Sign up for AgriStability using our online form or by sending the completed printable/fillable PDF to BC AgriStability.
Rapid Support Available
The interim rate for the 2025 Program Year has increased from 50% up to 75%. Farmers experiencing losses can apply for interim payments under AgriStability for quicker financial assistance.
Utilize Risk Management Programs
Producers are encouraged to use the comprehensive suite of business risk management (BRM) programs, including AgriStability, to protect their operations and contribute to a resilient agriculture sector.
Have questions about AgriStability?
- Call 1-877-343-2767,
- Email: mailto:AgriStability@gov.bc.ca, or
- Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/AgriStability
We’re available Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm. Service is available in English and Punjabi.
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:
Need help with Production Insurance?
- Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
- Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
- Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/CropInsurance
Staff are available to help with the application and renewal process.
Farmers & Ranchers: Prepare with a Wildfire Plan
- Your local government is your key source of information during emergencies - are you registered to receive their updates? (Regional district, municipality, or First Nation)
- How will you protect livestock—relocate? Shelter in place?
- Have you taken steps to reduce the risk of losing critical farm & ranch structures?
Build your personalized Wildfire Plan today to
- Share and receive information from key contacts involved in wildfire response
- Take effective action before and during wildfire
Reduce risks, protect what matters, and recover when the smoke clears: Farm & Ranch Wildfire Guide & Plan
B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
The B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service is a single source for support and referral to help navigate the relevant information, tools and funding available to start or expand activities in Indigenous Food Systems. Staff provide provincial wayfinding services and program referrals as required to connect people to current supports and other available opportunities.
To access this free service, email IndigenousFoodSystems@gov.bc.ca or call 236-426-5024 and a staff member will be in contact with you as soon as possible.
WorkWell by AgSafe
Many temporary foreign workers (TFWs) come from regions where occupational health and safety regulations are less stringent or inconsistently enforced. In some cases, workplace hazards are viewed as unavoidable, and safety measures may be neglected due to economic constraints or a lack of employer accountability. These differences in safety culture create challenges for employers striving to provide effective orientation and training.
Recognizing the critical role of TFWs in Canada’s agricultural industry, AgSafe BC sought to enhance existing safety education methods. The result is WorkWell, a FREE mobile app designed to reinforce safety education in a way that is continuous, engaging, and personalized. WorkWell complements traditional training programs by delivering bite-sized courses and interactive quizzes to ensure ongoing learning. Additionally, the app allows workers to log their hours and track workplace incidents, helping to secure fair wages and provide reliable documentation for injury claims.
