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Kootenay & Boundary Edition
Regional Newsletter
May 2025
Our May highlights include the opening of the Tree Fruit Climate Response Fund and the extension of the AgriStability enrollment deadline to July 31.
Upcoming events
- May 14, 21: Ask a Poultry Vet Webinar
- May 15: Grape Entomology webinar
- May 21: Hose Reel Irrigation Field Day - Fort Steele
- May 30- June 1: Poultry Health Workshops - Grand Forks & Nelson
Programs and Funding Opportunities
- Tree Fruit Climate Change Response Fund - Now Open
- Join the B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporters
- Business Risk Management programs
- Nuffield Scholarship Applications
Resources
- Regional Snow Pack Update
- Introducing BC AgriWeather
- Indigenous Pathfinder Service
- AgSafe Resources for TFWs (WorkWell)
- Irrigation and Water Planning Tools
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
Ask a Poultry Vet - Webinar
This month, the BC Poultry Health Network is hosting two online events that we hope small flock owners will join us for! Our Ask A Poultry Veterinarian session will be on May 14, 2025 at 7:00 PM, and our webinar session will be on May 21, 2025 at 7:00 PM! Registration for all our events is available on our website at the link below!
This month, our Ask A Poultry Vet session will offer another opportunity for an interactive Q&A on poultry health and disease prevention related topics! Please visit our website for webinars on many topics frequently discussed, like lice, mites and parasites, common diseases, anatomy, and treatments!
This project is funded with support from the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia and funding provided by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
AAFC Grape Entomology Webinar
Introduction and update on the grape entomology program at AAFC Summerland
- Date: May 15, 2025
- Time: 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM PDT
- Virtual / Zoom webinar
Dr. Asim Renyard is the new Research Scientist – Entomologist for grapes and tree fruits at the AAFC Summerland Research and Development Centre. Dr. Renyard’s work focusses on insect behaviour, ecology, and pest management. Prior to joining AAFC, his research spanned diverse systems including forests and urban settings where he studied the behaviour and pest management of ants. At AAFC his lab’s research on grape entomology will focus on understanding grape pest phenology and their role in vectoring grapevine diseases. Additionally, his lab will explore how naturally occurring vegetation or experimentally manipulated cover crops affect the abundance of pests and beneficial insects.
Free AgLife Connector Training from the AgLife Network
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
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.
Hose Reel Irrigation Field Day
Learn how to best manage a hose reel and boost yields while conserving water. Learn from Tony Pighin how hose reels have worked on his ranch!
- Speaker: Daniel van Beek, Southern Irrigation
- Date: May 21, 2025
- Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
- Location: Tony Pighin's Ranch (7122 Maus Creek Rd, Fort Steele, B.C.)
Poultry Health Workshops
In person workshops coming to a community near you - from the BC Poultry Health Network.
There are tentative plans for a poultry euthanasia training in Grand Forks on the evening of Friday, May 30, and a full day poultry health and disease prevention workshop Saturday, May 31, and in Nelson on Sunday, June 1. Plans are still being coordinated for these events, so they may be subject to change.
More details will be posted at the link below when
available: Coming Events – BC Poultry Health Network
This project is funded with support from the Investment Agriculture Foundation of British Columbia and funding provided by the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
The 2025 British Columbia Tree Fruit Climate Change Response Fund is now open for applications. This $10 million, one-time fund supports B.C. tree fruit growers in response to the significant challenges faced over the past four years, and the ongoing threats impacting the sector.
Growers who meet the program criteria are encouraged to apply as soon as possible on the PODS Applicant Portal. For full program details, including eligibility requirements and Terms and Conditions, please visit the Tree Fruit Climate Change Response Fund website.
How to Apply:
- Register for a free BCeID account if you haven’t already.
- If you are a Production Insurance (PI) policyholder, use the same email address you have on file with Production Insurance when creating your BCeID. This links your information.
- Log in to the PODS Applicant Portal to access the application.
- If you hold a 2024 PI policy, a draft application has already been created for you in the portal — go to "My Applications" and click the downward arrow to "Edit" your draft. You do not need to start a new application if you are a PI policyholder.
- Report any additional Eligible Acres (beyond your insured crops), if applicable.
- Submit your application by May 19, 2025.
Eligibility Highlights:
- Applicants must have at least 1 hectare (2.47 acres) of tree fruit production planted before November 30, 2024.
- A minimum of 100 trees per acre is required.
- Payments are capped at 70 eligible acres (28.3 hectares).
- Final payment rates will be determined after applications close and acreage is verified.
If you have questions or need support with the application, please contact:
236-602-2376 or TreeFruitClimateChangeResponseFund@gov.bc.ca
Please submit your application as soon as possible to secure payment.
2026 Nuffield Scholarship Applications Are Now OPEN
Nuffield Canada’s scholarship is an opportunity to develop global perspectives, expertise and leadership capacity in Canadian agriculture. The scholarship includes:
An 8-day Contemporary Scholars Conference with scholars from around the world (location TBD)
Global Focus Program, where small groups of 8 to 10 scholars may spend six weeks on the road together
Individual Research Travel anywhere in the world within a 2-year timeframe, for a period of no less than 10 weeks, to study their chosen topic, with six weeks of that being consecutive travel, culminating in a final report
Application Intake: April 1 - June 30 each year.
Who is eligible: Canadians between the ages of 25 – 50, from primary production to value-added processing to governance or communications
Value: Six Canadian scholarships are awarded per year, valued at $20,000.
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.
Please visit the program website here: B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program - Province of British Columbia for more information and to register as a Crop and Livestock Reporter.
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)
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.
Regional Snow Pack Update - April 1
As of April 1st, the average snowpack levels in our region are listed below as a percent of normal.
- Upper Columbia: 80%
- East Kootenay: 78%
- West Kootenay: 85%
- Boundary: 98%
Find updates on snow pack levels every month from the River Forecast Centre at the link below - next update expected on May 8 or 9.
Snow Conditions and Water Supply Bulletin - Province of British Columbia
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.
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.
Preparing for New Housing Standards
Starting in January 2027, new federal housing requirements will affect employers in B.C. who provide housing for temporary foreign workers. These proposed requirements apply to employers in primary harvesting, primary fruit and vegetable processing, and seafood processing employers.
To get ready, the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Agriculture and Food are asking employers who provide or will provide temporary foreign worker housing to complete a short, anonymous survey. The survey opens on May 7 and closes June 20, 2025. It will help the Province understand how prepared employers are to meet these new proposed housing requirements and how best to support employers to meet them.
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
Irrigation and Water Planning Tools
B.C. Water Calculator
Estimate livestock and irrigation water demands and Dugout Calculator
Agriculture Irrigation Scheduling Calculator
Tool to help manage scheduling of irrigation
B.C. Irrigation Management Guide
Provides information for British Columbia’s farmers and ranchers on ways to optimize water use. Including examples for all applicable irrigation assessments throughout this publication, and blank worksheets are also appended for self-evaluation.
