Island Edition

Regional Newsletter
August 2025

Feature of the month: BC Crop and Livestock Reporter Program

Upcoming events: 

• Aug 8, 24: Islands Region Soils Health Field Days Summer 2025 
• Aug 11,12,15,26: The AgLife Connector Training
• Aug 14: Vineyard Irrigation Field Day at Unsworth Vineyard
• Aug 17: South Island Farmers' Institute Innovation Series
• Aug 26: Farm tour and potluck at Blue Grouse Estate Winery
• Aug 22: Dry Farming Showcase
• Sept 3-5: Forage Drought Management Field Days
• Nov 25-27: Early-bird tickets now available for the 2025 BC Organic Conference

Drought and Wildfire Preparedness

• Responding to drought on your farm
• Emergency management for agriculture - is your BCPID info up to date?

Programs and funding opportunities: 

• Success Story: Rosebank Farm tackles efficiency with the EFP Program
• Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program

Business Risk Management Programs:

• Production Insurance

Resources:

• 2025 B.C. Cattleman's Association Drought Survey
• Your input needed - ease of doing business in B.C.
• New Compost Management Factsheets
• New Soil Health Factsheets now available
• Benefits of Riparian Areas Factsheets
• Keep your plants healthy with B.C.'s Plant Healthy Laboratory!
• The 2026 Census of Agriculture
• B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service

Become a Volunteer Crop and/or Livestock Reporter

Are you a weather-watcher who checks the rain gauge each morning? Do you enjoy discussing farming and crop conditions with your neighbours? Would you like to contribute local information that helps develop and support B.C.’s agriculture data? The data benefits all those involved in B.C.’s agriculture industry and helps the general public to understand the challenges facing our producers.

Consider becoming a Volunteer Crop and Livestock Reporter with the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food today!

Contest Alert! Crop reporters that report weekly for at least 50% of the growing season will be entered into a draw to win a basket of delicious B.C. food products valued at approximately $150!

Hot off the Press!
Adopting to Extreme Temperature in the Islands Regions Factsheets Published!

Support for adaptation to both extreme heat events and sudden cold snaps was one of the ‘hot topics’ we heard from farmers during Regional Extension engagement. These new factsheets aim to fill that need.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Food has collaborated with Upland Agricultural Consulting to develop four factsheets specifically suited to extreme temperature event management in the Islands and Coast Region.

These factsheets offer practical, region-specific strategies for heat and cold management, supporting pre-season preparations, in-season tactics, and crop recovery options all year round. Whether you are an experienced grower or new to the field, these resources and additional links offer valuable insights for all skill levels and scales of operation.

There are separate factsheets for vegetable, berry, and small-scale greenhouse commodity groups. A forage fact sheet is also on its way.
You can find the factsheets on the Vancouver Island AgriService BC website under Resources.

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

BC Fairs & Exhibitions – 2025 Calendar of events

The "BC Fairs & Exhibitions – 2025 Calendar of Events" is your go-to guide for all the exciting fairs and exhibitions happening across British Columbia in 2025. Whether you’re a local resident, an organizer, or just looking for something fun to do, this resource brings together a wonderful mix of cultural, agricultural, and entertainment events from all corners of the province. It’s a fantastic way to stay connected, celebrate local traditions, and enjoy unforgettable experiences with your community!

Upcoming fairs in our region:

• Aug 9-10: Coombs Fair
• Aug 16: Mayne Island Fall Fair
• Aug 22-24: Comox Valley Exhibition
• Aug 23: Cobble Hill Fair
• Aug 23: Pender Island Fall Fair
• Aug 23-24: Sooke Fall Fair
• Aug 30 -Sept 1: Saanich Fair
• Sept 4-7: Alberni District Fall Fair

To learn more about BC Fairs visit our website at www.bcfairs.ca

Islands Region Soils Health Field Days Summer 2025 

As part of the Extension program, these field days will introduce principles of long-term soil management, aimed at improving soil health with various soil types on selected farm sites within growing regions in south, central and north Vancouver Island. Information and resources on how to monitor for In Field Soil Health Indicators will be provided as well.

Field Days Facilitated by DeLisa Lewis, PhD, LLAG:
August 8: StoneCroft Farm, Black Creek | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Register
August 18: Big Bang Cider, Nanaimo | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM. Register
August 24: Rake and Radish Farm, Saanich | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM. Register

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

The AgLife Connector Training

The AgLife Connector Training is a mental health awareness and suicide prevention skills training designed specifically for B.C. agriculture. By taking the training, you will learn valuable skills like:

• how to identify and support someone who is struggling with their mental health
• how you can get them connected to supports
• an easy-to-remember three-step framework for supporting BC producers who may be struggling with their mental health

Become an AgLife Connector and join a growing network of people who care about producer mental health and wellbeing and want to make a difference! This program is a collaboration between AgSafe BC and the Canadian Mental Health Association – BC Division.

Cost: FREE (with free snacks, coffee, and lunch provided for in-person training)
Duration: 4.5 hours (30 minutes for lunch)

Locations:
August 11: VIRTUAL | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Register
August 12: Penticton at Beem Credit Union Penticton|10:00 AM – 2:30 PM Register
August 15: Kelowna at CMHA Kelowna| 9:00 AM – 1:30 PM  Register
August 26: VIRTUAL | 5:00 PM – 9:00 PM. Register

Vineyard Irrigation Field Day at Unsworth Vineyard

Join us for a Vineyard Irrigation Field Day at Unsworth Vineyard in Duncan, B.C.!

When: August 14, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
Where:  Unsworth Vineyard | 5889 Menzies Rd, Duncan, BC

Hosted and organized by Southern Irrigation, you'll learn about precision irrigation, a holistic approach to enhancing efficiency through design, emitter selection, automation, remote control and real-time monitoring. 

RSVP by August 12

South Island Farmers' Institute Innovation Series

When: August 17, 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Where: Haliburton Farm | 741 Haliburton Road Victoria, BC V8Y 1H7

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

Farm tour and potluck at Blue Grouse Estate Winery

Join the Cowichan Agricultural Society and Young Agrarians for a casual, connection-filled evening at Blue Grouse Estate Winery, a sustainably farmed, award winning winery in Duncan! Enjoy a summer potluck, local wine, and great company as we gather to celebrate our food growing and farming community. We will have the opportunity to tour the vineyards and learn about Blue Grouse Estate Winery’s philosophy of stewardship – including cover cropping and their soil food web project. Learn about the history of the winery, stewardship practices and terroir.
Whether you’re just getting started on your farming journey or have generations in the soil, this is a chance to connect, share stories and build momentum for what’s ahead. Families welcome!

When: Thursday, August 21, 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Where: Quw’utsun Territory | Blue Grouse Estate Winery, 2182 Lakeside Road, Duncan, BC

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.
 

Dry Farming Showcase

When: August 22
Where: Yellow Boot Farm, Black Creek

After months of planning and many weeks of dedicated farming from host farmers, the harvest is here! The Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) and host dry farmers are excited to share the fruits of this work with our agricultural communities while growing a collective vision for how dry farming can advance climate resilience on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Come out to the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems at KPU dry farming field day to:

• Tour our dry farming market garden trial sites and learn how we grew select market garden crops without supplemental irrigation
• Learn about dry farming practices and supportive technologies
• Further develop your understanding of the movement of moisture in local soils, including how to interpret soil moisture and weather data to inform dry farming practices
• Discuss dry farming this season including successes, lessons learned and farmers’ experiences
• Taste testing, resource sharing, and networking

If you would like to be notified when registration opens, sign up for the Pacific Coastal Dry Farming Collaborative Newsletter - link below.

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

Save the Date! Livestock Management Field Days

The BC Cattlemen’s Association, BC Forage Council (on behalf of all livestock groups) and BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food are collaborating to deliver a series of Forage and Livestock Management Field Days.  Producers across the Island will be able to ask about forage, livestock and grazing management, alternative feeds, livestock water quality, herd/flock makeup and planning into the longer term with forage experts Greg Tegart and Mike Witt. In addition, Graeme Fowler will demonstrate Razer Grazers and solar water buggy technology on behalf of BC Forage Council and BC Cattlemen‘s. These events will showcase a range of forage and livestock management practices, applicable for any livestock species. 

September 3: Saanich
September 4: Duncan
September 5: Black Creek

Early-bird tickets now available for the 2025 BC Organic Conference

Join Organic BC in Harrison Hot Springs from November 25 - 27 to farm ideas and build community!

This year’s highlights include:

• Keynotes: We're excited to welcome Jacob Beaton, Gillian Flies, Brent Preston and our virtual keynote, Paul Holmbeck
• Workshops: 20+ sessions featuring practical, hands-on learning
• Trade show: The latest products, services, equipment and more
• Organic banquet: A delicious feast featuring local, organic products
• Farm tours: A close-up look at innovative practices, techniques, and tools
• Seed swap table: Bring seeds. Take seeds. Share stories!

Discounts are available for recently purchased Organic BC memberships at the Organic Farm/Business, Sustainer and Certifying Body tiers. Haven’t joined the new Organic BC yet? Join now at organicbc.org/membership

Proactive water conservation in August

As we enter August, drought conditions continue to intensify in many regions of the Province. Producers can help make the most of our shared water resources by focusing on water efficiency and conserving water wherever possible.

Consider these key water-saving measures:

• Use efficient irrigation techniques to reduce water demand.
• A well-maintained system saves water. Regularly check for leaks, inspect nozzles, and apply water wisely to maximize every drop.
• Monitor crop and soil conditions to apply water when and where its most effective. If you're in a watershed facing water shortages, consider prioritizing crops at critical growth stages and coordinating with neighbours irrigating to stagger watering schedules and ease pressure on local water sources.

For more tips and information on resources and supports during drought, check out the Quick Guide to Drought Resources or visit the Drought in Agriculture webpage.

Responding to drought on your farm

When drought conditions impact your crops and livestock, timely decisions are critical. Focusing on key management strategies can help you navigate the challenges of a dry season. If you are experiencing the effects of hot and dry conditions, the Drought in Agriculture webpage has specific resources to help you make tough management decisions:

• The Drought Management Checklist for Livestock and Forage Producers provides key management practices to help minimize losses.
• The Managing Livestock During Drought Decision Tree can help you make informed decisions during drought conditions and ensure the health of livestock.
• Learn more about Drought impacts on soil fertility to plan your fertilizer program according if you're expecting reduced crop yield.

Emergency management for agriculture - Is your BCPID info up to date?

If you keep livestock, poultry, or bees, it's time to update your BC Premises ID — it could make all the difference in an emergency. Take five minutes to login to your account and confirm your details to make sure you are prepared in the event of an emergency. 

Not sure if your animals require registration? 
Check the BCPID brochure for a full list of species that need to be reported. 
Your animals rely on you. Help us support you—keep your BCPID info current. 
Register or Reconfirm your account now!  

Have a Premises ID, but no online access? 
Click "Get Access"  under the Access Paper Account section and enter your account number and phone number. 

Trouble logging in? Questions? We’re here to help: BCPID@gov.bc.ca | 1-888-221-7141 (Ask for Premises ID)  

Success Story: Rosebank Farm tackles efficiency with the EFP Program

At Rosebank Farms, located in an area previously known as “Drought Hill,” the commitment to sustainable water management has transformed challenges into opportunities for growth. Since its inception in 1992, the farm has faced ongoing water scarcity and contamination issues, prompting a continuous journey towards water efficiency and safety. This led owner Andrea Gunner to discover the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Program.

“Farmers who have an Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) learn how to reduce agriculture’s impact on the environment. Many Environmental Farm Plan participants enjoy increased efficiency, profitability, and new customers as a result of increased environmental sustainability.” (Ministry of Agriculture and Food)

EFP Program Funding has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).

Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program

Funding remains available for this year’s Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program intake. Submit your application now to receive support for your knowledge or skill-building event.

A new infographic has been published summarizing the results from the 2024–25 Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program and the impact of last year’s funding on B.C.’s agriculture and food sector. Click the button below to learn more.

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

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 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.

2025 BC Cattlemen's Association Drought survey

As the extreme heat and dry conditions prevail across the province, BC Cattlemen's Association is seeking feedback from producers about the severity and extent of drought conditions throughout B.C.

We are collecting information such as forage yields, regional hay availability, feed prices, water availability and reservoir levels as well as impacts from forest fires.

Your input needed - ease of doing business in B.C.

Do you have some challenges and ideas for solutions on how we can make it simpler to do business in B.C.? The Province wants to hear from entrepreneurs, business owners and leaders in the business community to understand the barriers and improve competitiveness. 

New Compost Management Factsheets now available

To support BC farmers and landowners in producing, using and assessing compost effectively, the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food has created a new series of compost factsheets.

These resources provide science-based guidance on:

• The composting process
• How to start on-farm composting
• Troubleshooting issues
• Assessing compost quality
• and others! 

Read our Factsheets by following the link below.

New Soil Health Factsheets now available

Soil health is the foundation of productive agriculture, resilient ecosystems, and environmental sustainability. Soil health reflects the soil’s capacity to function as a living ecosystem that supports plants, animals, and humans. Learn about how B.C. farmers are using regenerative soil management practices to improve soil structure, fertility, and biological activity across different landscapes and farming systems.

Factsheet topics include:

1. Enhancing soil health and farm productivity through cover cropping and livestock integration
2. Revitalizing degraded land through bale and rotational grazing
3. Improving soil health through no-till, rotational grazing and cover cropping

Looking for more information on soil management? Visit our soil management page for more information. Additionally, check our Enhancing Soil water holding capacity through bale grazing factsheet.

Benefits of Riparian Areas Factsheets

Check out our four Benefits of Riparian Areas Factsheets to learn more about how maintaining healthy riparian areas on your farm can benefit your agricultural operation and contribute to ecosystem health.

Factsheet topics include:

1. Healthy Riparian Areas and Agricultural Land
2. Flood Mitigation and Water Resources
3. Improved Pollination, Pest Control, and Biodiversity
4. Soil Health

Read our Factsheets by following the link below.

Keep your plants healthy with B.C.'s Plant Health Laboratory!

Are you a grower or plant enthusiast in British Columbia? The Plant Health Laboratory is here to help you diagnose and manage plant health problems. From plant diseases to insect pests, our experts use advanced diagnostic methods to keep your crops thriving.

Services Include:

• Disease diagnosis
• Insect identification
• Soil testing for pH and clubroot detection

How to Submit Samples:

1. Collect a sample showing the problem (whole plant with roots and soil is best)
2. Package it properly to prevent damage
3. Submit it to our lab for a thorough analysis

Turnaround Time:
8 to 15 business days for most samples

Fees:

• Disease screen: $52.50
• Insect identification: $31.50

For more details, visit our website. You can also email: PAHB@gov.bc.ca or phone: 1-800-661-9903

The 2026 Census of Agriculture

The questionnaire for the 2026 Census of Agriculture has been published on the Statistics Canada website. 

New categories have been added to the commodity questions in the 2026 Census to identify emerging agricultural products. Questions on agricultural practices have been expanded to measure the breadth of environmental practices and environmental sustainability in the agricultural sector. Questions on the adoption of on-farm technologies and renewable energy production were updated with new or modified categories to better reflect current technologies.

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 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.

Funding for the B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

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