Cariboo Central Coast
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Cariboo Central Coast Edition
"The Roots"
Regional Newsletter - September 2024
Post Harvest Nitrate Testing (from the Ministry of Agriculture & Food website)
A post-harvest nitrate test is a measure of the amount of unused nitrate remaining in a portion of the soil after a crop has been harvested. Samples should be taken at a time and depth that will represent the unused nitrate from the past growing season; after harvest but before autumn rain leaches nitrate out of the upper portion of the soil sampling zone.
When and how deep to sample
Producers should complete a PHNT to a 30-cm depth. Because nitrate leaches more easily in coarser-textured soil than finer-textured soil, the last date for 30-cm sampling is earlier in sandy soils than in other soils. See recommended ‘sample before’ dates below. The BC Soil Information Finder Tool can be used to help determine if an area has sandy soil (i.e. sand, loamy sand, sandy loam), in some regions of B.C.
If soils are not sampled before the dates noted above, samples should be taken to a 60-cm (24-in) depth to capture post-harvest nitrate which has moved lower into the soil profile. In forages, a soil sample should be taken after the latest guaranteed harvest, providing a valid report on nitrogen use up to that point in the season. Waiting to sample after a later potential harvest may cause producers to sample to a 60-cm depth to have meaningful PHNT results.
The latest sampling dates on average for a 30-cm post-harvest nitrate sample.
Sample preparation and shipping
Since soils that are kept warm and moist will continue to accumulate nitrate through microbial activity, samples should arrive at an analytical laboratory within 48 hours. Samples that need to be stored before being sent for analysis should be stored in a refrigerator. Samples should not be frozen as soil nitrogen can change forms while freezing and thawing and an accurate result cannot be obtained. If samples will not arrive at a laboratory within 48 hours, then they can be spread on paper to air dry before being shipped.
Want to learn more about the PHST and what it means for your operations?
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/soil-nutrients/nutrient-management/what-to-apply/soil-nutrient-testing/post-harvest-nitrate-testing
Want to know how to take a soil sample?
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/assets/gov/farming-natural-resources-and-industry/agriculture-and-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/soil-nutrients/soil_sampling_guide_summary.pdf
Soil sampling website with handling, sampling and nutrient testing labs:
https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/soil-nutrients/nutrient-management/what-to-apply/soil-nutrient-testing/soil-sampling-guidelines
Watch for analysis tools in the October issue.
- 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 (August 28, 2024)
AgriStability Enhancement Program 2024
The Government of British Columbia developed the 2024 BC AgriStability Enhancement Program which offers greater coverage and helps agricultural producers manage income losses due to extreme weather, marketing challenges or natural disaster in 2024.
2024 BC Enhancement Program details:
- Late Participation for AgriStability 2024 ensures you can enroll in the AgriStability program until April 30, 2025.
- The BC Government will pay a higher compensation rate to AgriStability Participants for the 2024 Program Year; BC will top up AgriStability's existing 80% compensation rate to 90% on margin declines greater than 30%; learn How AgriStability Works.
- The higher compensation rate applies to all producers in British Columbia who are enrolled in AgriStability for 2024.
- The B.C. Government will increase the existing AgriStability $3 million payment limit to $6.2 million.
Contact us, dedicated staff are available to assist you with the Enhanced AgriStability Program.
- Visit: AgriStability 2024 - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
- Phone: 1-877-343-2767 toll-free. Support is available in English and Punjabi.
- Email: AgriStability@gov.bc.ca
Business Risk Management Programs
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.
CLIENT EXPERIENCE SURVEY – WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!
The Ministry is undertaking a project to improve the client service processes related to AgriStability and Production Insurance. Please help us by participating in a short survey about how you learned about our programs and your experience of enrolling.
The survey will be open until September 16, 2024.
Thank you for participating! Your valuable feedback will help us improve the service delivery of these important programs.
UPCOMING PROGRAM DEADLINES:
AgriStability 2024 program year enrollment until April 30, 2025
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
Herd Management and Feed Considerations
As summer transitions into fall weather conditions, herd management and feed considerations are important for winter planning. Effectively monitoring herd health and adjusting feed quality/quantity are critical for making informed management decisions. Balancing these factors can significantly impact both productivity and profitability, especially when considering actions like adjusting herd size and/or feed rations. This article offers strategies for optimizing herd management during challenging conditions such as drought, by focusing on pregnancy testing, early weaning, body condition scoring, and alternative feed sources.
This is the third article in the monthly Livestock Drought Management Article Series. All articles can be found here: Drought articles
Please refer to the BC Drought in Agriculture website for more information, resources and tools on drought for forage crops and irrigation management, livestock management and other topics, as well as financial assistance for agricultural producers impacted by fire and drought.
Second Intake of the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program – Accepting Applications Now!
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is open and accepting applications for the second intake until October 6, 2024. The Program provides cost-shared funding to eligible participants to adopt new technologies on-farm to enhance profitability, productivity, and/or efficiency to help alleviate the impacts of labour shortages and rising operational costs. The program is competitive, funding is not guaranteed.
B.C.-based farmers can apply now, and successful recipients will be awarded up to $100,000 to fund projects to adopt innovative technology that can improve labour efficiency. Financial support is provided under the Sustainable Canadian Agriculture Partnership, a federal, provincial, and territorial initiative and the program is delivered by Innovate BC. There is up to $2 million available.
To learn more, please visit:
- Information Bulletin: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024AF0036-001338
- B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program website: https://www.innovatebc.ca/programs/bc-on-farm
In case of questions, please contact Innovate BC: integratedmarkets@innovatebc.ca
Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program
The next intake of the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program will open on September 9th, 2024.
The program aims to support the competitiveness, resiliency, and innovation of B.C.’s agriculture and food sector through facilitated knowledge and technology transfer.
Funding is available up to $1,500 for expert speakers/presenters at conferences and AGMs, and up to $7,500 for hands-on events focused on skill development (e.g. workshops, field days).
New for this intake: Applications will be adjudicated on a first-come, first-served basis.
For information on eligibility and how to apply, read the Program Guide at https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/knowledge-transfer-events.
B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program
Application intake for the B.C. Agri-Business Planning Program will be opening on Monday September 9, 2024
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 will be available under two streams:
1) Agri-business skills and leadership development
Eligible Activities: Specialized training, courses, registration, fees, and tuition for:
- Business management including topics such as: - Financial analysis - Cash flow management - Human resource management - Cost of production - Benchmarking - Business leadership - Business management conferences
2) Business planning, preparedness, and disaster recovery
Eligible Activities:
- Development of immediate and long-term recovery plan for businesses that have been impacted by an external event that interrupts the normal production or flow of operations and puts the stability of the business at risk.
- Update or renew a business plan focused on one, or a combination of - Business structures - Business strategy - Cash flow and financial analysis - Human resources - Product development - Production economics - Risk assessment and mitigation - Succession/transition planning - Value added ventures
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
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.
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.
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.
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 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!
