Regional Newsletter (The Roots) - February 2025

Cariboo Central Coast Edition

"The Roots"

Regional Newsletter
February 2025

So many events in the Cariboo this month! In this edition look out for:

Events

Livestock and Farm Management Workshops
Online Soil Health Webinars series
Silvopasture Webinar series, back by popular demand
Kersley Farmer's Institute Annual Winter Workshop

Programs and Funding Opportunities

Beneficial Management Practices Program Updates
AgriStability and Crop Insurance program updates

Resources

BC Forage Council is seeking farm partners for fall rye and tillage practices projects

February Invasive: Flowering Rush

Flowering rush (Butomus unbellatus) is one of the most difficult aquatic plants to eradicate - once it has established, it employs several layers of adaptations and defenses to remain present in ecosystems. It is also an Early Detection Rapid Response (EDRR) species alongside black henbane.

Flowering rush has many ecological, economic, and social impacts. Growing exponentially through seeds and root systems, a population left unmanaged will quickly establish a massive monoculture that can outcompete all native species. These monocultures disturb natural shorelines, and reduce spawning areas for fish, and food sources for species such as muskrats. It can affect entire shorelines and boat launches by reducing access to recreational activities. Flowering rush can regrow from any portion of the plant left behind, making hand-pulling an entire population impossible.

First brought to North America as an ornamental pond flower, flowering rush was prized for its pink triangular flowers and easy maintenance. Unfortunately, it managed to escape, establishing several large populations across North America. There are currently only four lakes in B.C. that have confirmed sightings of flowering rush, the Fraser Valley, the Cariboo, Squamish-Lillooet, and the Central Kootenay regions. The established population in the Central Kootenay has been eradicated, while the other three populations have been contained.

Prevention is the primary method of control to ensure that this plant does not further its spread. Do not grow this plant at home. If you see flowering rush at a plant nursery, talk to the owners about non-invasive alternatives. If you come across this species in a waterbody in B.C., it is critical to report it using the Report Invasives BC App as soon as possible. An early and aggressive response is the best way to keep flowering rush in check.

Updated AgriService BC Website

The AgriService BC website has been updated with improved searchability and accessibility features, an events calendar, an educational videos page and more!

AgriService BC connects you to ministry programs, resources, education and events. Find tools and services to help your farm succeed in B.C.

www.gov.bc.ca/agriservicebc

Livestock and Farm
Management Workshops
for Forage and Livestock Producers

Register

The Kersley Farmers Institute Annual Winter Workshop

The Kersley Farmers Institute Annual Winter Workshop is back!

The 2025 Winter Workshop: Pork Production & Equines

Date: February 15, 2025
Time: 9:30 am - 2:00 pm PST
Location: Kersley Community Hall.

Join local guest speakers & fellow producers to network and learn from each other.

Your $25 event registration fee includes your 2025 KFI Membership

Tea/Coffee & Lunch will be provided

Register via Eventbrite http://bit.ly/4g3XcMi

Winter Webinars
Wednesdays 6:00 - 7:00 pm (PST)

The following webinars are provided by the Kootenay Boundary Farm Advisors:

Drones on the Farm

February 12, 2025

Join local drone pilots and geospatial experts Vadim Stolyarov and Santiago Botero of Above Sensing for an insightful presentation on leveraging drone technology to enhance your farming operations.

Explore DIY drone applications, professional mapping services, data management tips, and more! Q&A to follow.

Free! Register here

Farm Water Storage

February 19, 2025

Learn how to boost water storage on your farm! Join farm water planner and general advisor Andrew Bennett to explore legal, physical, and economic considerations, from dams vs. dugouts to licensing, siting, costs, and funding. Q&A to follow.

Free! Register here

Electric Fence How-To

February 26, 2025

Join KBFA advisor Andrew Bennett to learn how electric fences can solve farm challenges, from protecting chickens to keeping out wildlife. Explore fence types, installation tips, and how to get funding for your project. Andrew will share practical insights and advice, followed by a Q&A to address your needs.

Free! Register here

Online Soil Health Webinar Series:

All webinars will take place 7:00 pm - 8:00 pm (PST), please click on the links below to register for each of the webinars.

February 24 - The Impacts of Soil Compaction on Soil Health
February 26 - Managing Forage Stands for Soil Health and Productivity
February 28 - Managing Vegetation for Snow Capture

Contact Catherine Tarasoff catherine@agrowest.ca if you have any questions.

The Impacts of Soil Compaction on Soil Health

Managing Forage Stands for Soil Health and Productivity

Managing Vegetation for Snow Capture

Back by popular demand...

Tuesday, February 25, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Thursday, February 27, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Tuesday, March 4, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 pm
Thursday, March 6, 2025, 6:00 - 8:00 pm

Webinars will cover introductory, planning, management-practices and case-study information and materials.

Following the webinars, participants can register for one-one-ones to discuss their own ideas, operations or questions with topic experts.

All webinars will be held via Zoom. No charge for registration. To register please visit the event landing page and follow the registration link. Register for any or all of the sessions in the series.

Learn More

Virtual Nutrient
Management Plan Training

Nutrient management plans (NMPs) are used to help farmers efficiently meet their production objectives and protect the environment. This NMP training program will provide trainees with the expertise to use planning tools and produce NMPs as a service to farmers or for their own farm. Course content focuses on how to build a plan that meets objectives laid out in the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management.

The Ministry of Agriculture & Food is organizing a one-full day online facilitated session of the NMP training course. Visit the nutrient management plan training website to learn more.

Date: February 26, 2025
Time: 9:00 am - 3:00 pm PST

Participants will receive the Zoom link prior to the event day.

For further inquiries, please reach out to Ahmed Lasisi at ahmed.lasisi@gov.bc.ca.

Register

Online Event:
Camera-Guided, Tractor-Mounted Weeding Equipment

On March 3rd, join Organic BC for an engaging online session featuring tractor-mounted, camera-guided weeding equipment! This session is a unique opportunity to gain valuable insights, share experiences, and get answers to all your questions about these weeding systems.

Reps from leading manufacturers (Carre, Einbock, Raven Industries and Lemken/Steketee) will present key specs and capabilities

Three farmers will share their firsthand knowledge of how these systems have performed in different farming environments, plus valuable tips for optimizing their use

Take part in an interactive Q&A where you can ask questions directly to the reps and farmers and really dig into the challenges and advantages of this technology

This event is free but registration is required. Save your spot here.

Financial support was provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

The BC Agriculture and Food Export Program has extended the deadline for applications to 4:00 pm PST, Monday, February 10, 2025.

BCAFE helps B.C. businesses expand and sustain their export markets. It offers cost-shared funding for market development outside B.C. Funding for this program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.

Application Dates: January 6 – February 10, 2025.

Find out more by visiting bcagricultureandfoodexportprogram.ca.

Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program

25/26 BMP Program Details Are Here!

The BMP Program is a cost-share incentive program designed to help farm and ranch operations address risks identified in their Environmental Farm Plans (EFPs).

Applications for the 25/26 BMP Program opened on January 14, 2025, beginning with Planning, Technical Assessments, Engineered Designs, and Water Infrastructure BMPs.

Important Dates and Details

Applicants are encouraged to begin drafting their applications as soon as the application window opens.

This preparation will ensure readiness for submission, including addressing questions, gathering details, and obtaining quotes. Submissions will be accepted between 9:00 am PST and 4:00 pm PST on the designated dates.

Intake Windows by BMP Category

Planning, Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs BMPs
- Applications open: January 14, 2025
- Submissions open: January 14, 2025 (Ongoing until funding is fully committed)
Water Infrastructure BMPs
- Applications open: January 14, 2025
- Submission window: February 10, 2025 – February 21, 2025
Biodiversity and Riparian & Grazing BMPs
- Applications open: February 20, 2025
- Submission window: March 13, 2025 – March 20, 2025
Soil Carbon, Energy & Fuel Efficiency, and Nutrient & Waste Management BMPs
- Applications open: March 4, 2025
- Submission window: March 25, 2025 – April 1, 2025

What’s New for 2025/26?

"Book a Call" Feature
Starting on the application open date, applicants can book a phone consultation with IAF staff to discuss their BMP application.
EFP Expiry Grace Period
A 6-month grace period is available for EFP renewals in 2025/26 for delays due to circumstances beyond the applicant’s control.
Return of the Farm Cap
A $100,000 farm cap applies to most categories, with an exception for Water Infrastructure, which has a $200,000 cap.

How to Apply

Applications must be submitted through the IAF Client Portal.
Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis according to the schedule.
Visit www.iafbc.ca/bmp/ to explore opportunities for your farm or ranch.
Subscribe to IAF’s program newsletter to stay informed about the BMP Program.

Don’t Miss Out!
The BMP Program is a multi-year funding opportunity with annual intakes. If you miss this intake, you can apply in the next round.

Prepare early, stay informed, and make the most of the BMP Program to benefit your farm or ranch operation!

Business Risk Management Programs

Business Risk Management 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 is a low-cost program that helps farmers manage large income losses. When your income drops because of disaster, poor production, rising costs, or bad market conditions, AgriStability can help.

2024 AgriStability Enhancement

AgriStability 2024 enrollment deadline extended to April 30, 2025
up to 75% for early payments (application deadline March 31, 2025)
increased compensation rate (90% for every dollar of margin decline), and
increased compensation limit ($6.2 million)

Upcoming AgriStability deadlines

March 31:

2024 early payment (interim) application deadline

April 30:

2024 late participation deadline
2024 program fee deadline (with penalty)
2025 program year and fee deadline

Staff are available to answer questions and help with the enrollment process.
Phone: 1-877-343-2767 toll-free. Support is available in English and Punjabi.
Email: AgriStability@gov.bc.ca
Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/AgriStability

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 B.C. Production Insurance is available for Berries, Flower bulbs, Forage, Grain, Grapes, Tree fruit and Vegetables.

Upcoming Production Insurance deadlines

March 31:

Strawberry crops application and renewal deadline
Vegetables application and renewal deadline

April 30:

Grain application and renewal deadline
Silage corn application and renewal deadline
Forage spring plantings application and renewal deadline

Staff are available to help with the application and renewal process.
Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
Visit: www.gov.bc.ca/CropInsurance

Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Advisors for BMP Applications

Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) Advisors can allot up to 5 hours per Beneficial Management Practices (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.

Upcoming BMP category application dates:

Biodiversity and Riparian & Grazing applications open on February 20, 2025.
Energy & Fuel Efficiency, Nutrient & Waste Management, and Soil Carbon applications open on March 4, 2025.

All BMP categories now have eligible activity details available! Take a look at www.iafbc.ca/bmp/ to explore the opportunities for your farm or ranch this coming season.

Learn More

Intercropping for Biodiversity Management and Livestock Forage Potential

This project will be engaging with six farm partners in collaborative research to explore the advantages of intercropping in promoting biodiversity and optimizing livestock forage within the North Okanagan, Thompson-Nicola and South Cariboo regions. The intake for farm partner expression of interest is now closed for this project, and the BCFC team is busy confirming the sites and building research plans for spring 2025 installation. More details about the project are available on the BCFC website.

Uncovering GAP:
New Mini-series from Organic BC

If you’re interested in pursuing GAP certification but are feeling overwhelmed by the process, then be sure to tune into the Organic BC podcast for three brand-new episodes on demystifying this certification! Join us as a BC farmer takes us through her journey to become GAP certified—the process, the expense and the pain points. (And, stay tuned for more information on our in-person field days coming up in early March, featuring mock GAP audits.)

Listen now at: organicbc.org/podcast