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Islands Edition
Regional Newsletter - September 2024
Water Storage Field Days
A series of 3 field days on Water Storage for Agriculture were conducted throughout the Island region from Aug 13-15th. They were led by Bruce Naka, a consultant certified by the Irrigation Industry Association of B.C. and included key design and operational components, costs and benefits, storage capacity and sizing, site selection, maintenance, and regulatory considerations. These field days included site tours and discussions of dugout storage ponds and rainwater capture cisterns for irrigation of various crops. They were held at sites on Saltspring Island, Cowichan and Comox.
These events were well received and the feedback from some producers indicated that were happy to have an expert to ask technical questions about water storage and irrigation systems. There was also much value gained by the contributions of knowledge and experience on water storage between the participants and site hosts. All of the events were well-attended and several people commented that the presenters did a great job of tailoring the content and technical level to the audience.
Drought level has been decreased to level 4 for the East and West sides of Vancouver Island. This means that “adverse impacts to socio-economic or ecosystem values are likely” [at present] with recommended responses being conservation actions including local water restrictions and regulatory action where appropriate. Drought levels are updated every Thursday at 9 a.m. on the B.C. Drought Information Portal.
Digital Drought Resources:
Drought levels are currently being monitored in all watersheds on Vancouver Island. Weather will dictate drought levels set by the province. For current drought information please check in on the BC Drought Information Portal (gov.bc.ca)
- Drought in Agriculture resources
- Calculate your evapotranspiration, growing degree days and more at Farmwest.com
- BC Agriculture Water Calculator
Current Drought Condition Reports:
Water Management Resources
Learn more about financial assistance for agricultural producers impacted by drought on the Ministry’s Drought in Agriculture webpage. This page also contains key drought resources and information on livestock, crop, and irrigation management during drought. Links to information on flood forecasting, preparedness, and mitigation are found on our Flooding webpage.
Please visit the Ministry’s Drought in agriculture web page to access our library of water management resources for producers.
Livestock Drought Management Field Days coming soon!
Are you a livestock producer that has been affected by drought? Are you looking for more information to help you make decisions for your farm on continuing beyond a drought season? Join the Livestock Drought Management consultants (Greg Tegart, PAg. and Mike Witt, PAg.) for discussions about pasture health, forage rejuvenation, and animal nutrition.
- Tuesday, Sept 10: Courtenay
- 10am-noon (Hillcrest Farm): Managing for pasture health and animal nutrition
- Wednesday, Sept 11: Cowichan
- 9 am-noon (Keating Farm): Pasture rejuvenation in a multi-species grazing system (lunch provided)
- 1:30-3:30 pm (Promise Valley Farm): Forage stand diversification and forage quality
- Thursday, Sept 12: Metchosin
- 9:30-11:30 am (Brass Bell Farm): Pasture rejuvenation in a multi-species grazing system
- 1:00-3:30 pm (Parry Bay Farm): Managing for pasture health and perennial forage rejuvenation (lunch provided)
Details and registration are available at 2024 Drought and water management workshops and engagement (Please note this will connect you with the BC Cattlemen’s Association; however, field days are available to all livestock producers and are not limited to cattle.)
Brought to you by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food in partnership with the BC Cattlemen’s Association.
BCHGA Annual Summer Field Day
Join us for our largest event of the year! Meet hazelnut farmers from across the province to learn about growing, harvesting and marketing hazelnuts.
We have an exciting day planned. We’ll tour three local ChilIliwack orchards on our way to the main venue where we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch and network with fellow hazelnut enthusiasts! Don’t forget to check out our vendor trade show and enter your completed trade show passport for an extra ballot in the door prize draw. The afternoon sessions will start promptly at 1:30pm and will cover soil testing, updates from Oregon with Nik Wiman of OSU, value added options and marketing hazelnuts. AND if we’re very lucky there will be two harvesting demos at the end of the day!
Funding for this Knowledge and Technology Transfer program event is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
South Island Farmers' Institute Innovation Series
The Innovation Series features and celebrates farm innovation on the South Island.
On September 8th, David Spencer from Applied Bio-Nomics is offering a tour of their lab in North Saanich.
On September 22nd, David Chambers welcomes SIFI Members to Madrona Farm for a tour and potluck.
If you're interested please contact info@sifarmersinstitute.ca for details, and visit https://sifarmersinstitute.ca/
Please reach out if there are innovative places you think the community would enjoy or if you would like to welcome farmers to visit. If you’re interested in joining the South Island Farmers' Institute, sign up here: https://forms.gle/F2iuL1vrBenWGTvs6
These events are free, funded by the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program. Funding for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Managing Weeds in a No/Low Till System
Learn how to keep weeds under control without repetitive tillage at Sandown Centre!
Sunday, October 6 · 1 - 3 pm PDT
Location
Sandown Centre
1810 Glamorgan Road North Saanich, BC V8L 5S9
In order to adopt regenerative no/low till management systems, farmers must adapt their management strategies for dealing with weeds. Shellie MacDonald will facilitate a two-hour hands-on workshop at Sandown Centre identifying and explaining different techniques for dealing with weeds in a no/low till context.
This workshop is free with funding provided by the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program. Funding for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer program is provided by the governments of Canada and British Columbia
through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
Don’t miss out on Early Bird Ticket sale!
Farm Management Canada’s Agricultural Excellence Conference
Date: November 19-21, 2024
Location: Abbotsford-Chilliwack
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.
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
Second intake of the B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program – Accepting applications now!
The B.C. On-Farm Technology Adoption Program is live 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.
Accommodation For Employees
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food would like to remind producers who have employees living on site, or are providing housing for employees off-site, that the accommodation must abide by the Industrial Camps Regulation. The B.C. Guidelines for Industrial Camps Regulation is a helpful resource that
provides guidance, best practices, definitions, and interpretation of the Industrial Camps Regulation.
If you have any questions, please refer to the relevant Health Authority Contacts on the Government of British Columbia's Industrial Camp webpage
What to Do with Excess Manure?
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.
Pasture Walks and Field Scouting
Whether you have forage fields or pastures, it is important to get out and walk the land to evaluate what is happening throughout the growing season. A quick look at soil health and moisture, along with plant vigour and productivity can help you evaluate what is going on and make decisions on the next steps. This article provides information on pasture walks and field scouting, along with some guiding questions for forecasting and looking ahead.
This is the second article in the monthly Livestock Drought Management Article Series. All articles can be found here: Drought articles - Province of British Columbia (gov.bc.ca)
Farming Fundamentals at VIU
This fall and winter VIU will be offering three new micro-credentials with an agricultural focus. 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.
Access to Feed Program
Available to all livestock producers.
A program provided by the BC Cattlemen's Association was created to connect feed suppliers to livestock producers that are in need of feed due to drought.
Submit applications if you have feed available for sale including: type of hay/ quality, bale type & size, equipment to unload, ability to handle a b-train or step-deck delivery, your contact info & location.
Contact hay@cattlemen.bc.ca or 250-306-6277
Spring is a great time to increase wildfire resiliency. Take action to reduce the impacts of wildfire on your agriculture business!
The updated Farm & Ranch FireSmart website includes:
- Farm & Ranch Wildfire Plan: Guide & Workbook
- Open Burning Practices for Farmers and Ranchers: Factsheet
- Farm & Ranch FireSmart Assessment: Information & Example Assessment
What’s your Wildfire Plan? Check out the updated website and get prepared.
BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund
The BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF) is accepting applications from BC producers!
This is your chance to apply for cost-shared funding to implement cover cropping, nitrogen management, and rotational grazing.
- Nitrogen Management up to $30,000
- Cover Cropping up to $30,000
- Rotational Grazing up to $20,000
Don’t wait to submit your application – applications are open until funding is committed.
BC Vegetable Marketing Commission
The BC Vegetable Marketing Commission oversees the regulation of vegetable production in British Columbia. Previously limited to southern regions, the Commission expanded its jurisdiction province-wide starting January 1, 2024. However, due to inquiries, they're deferring full implementation until January 1, 2026, to consult stakeholders and develop a plan. For more info, visit www.bcveg.com or contact the Commission's General Manager.
Contact BCVMC:
#207 - 15252 32nd Ave
Surrey BC
Canada, V3Z 0R7
Tel: (604) 542-9734
Toll Free in BC: 1-800-663-1461
E-mail: info@bcveg.com
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