Peace Edition
Regional Newsletter
May
Feature of the Month:
- Your Input Requested: Help Shape Future B.C. Agriculture and Food Programs and Services
- Looking for the Farmer's Information Service (FIS) website content?
Upcoming Events:
- May 28-29 and 30-31: Basic Wildland Fire Training
- June 18: 2026 Peace River Forage Association Summer Pasture Tour
Accepting Applications:
- Accepting Samples: Plant Health Laboratory
- Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council's Growing Opportunities Program
- Funding extended until May 15: Indigenous-led Small Scale Greenhouse Training
- Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program
- Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (Stream 3)
- Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program
- Funding Update: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP)
- 2026 Community Fund for Mental Health
Business Risk Management Programs:
- AgriStability
- Production Insurance
- Risk Management Resource Bundle
Flood, Drought, and Wildfire Preparedness
- 2026 Snowpack below normal, variable across regions
- BC Premises Identification Program (BCPID)
Tools:
- Fertilizer Cost Calculator
- Checklist For Livestock and Forage Producers
- Nutrient Application Plans
- Gross Margins Calculator
- Forage U-Pick Tool
- Pest Degree Days and Delta-T
- Job Connector website updated
Resources and Services:
- Organic Nitrogen Sources – Choosing What Works for Your Farm
- Keep it Clean 2026 Product Advisory
- Nutrient Management Practices
- Virtual Fencing Webinar Recordings
- 2024 Sector Snapshots
- Video: Silvopasture in BC - an Introduction and Overview
- Silvopasture Resources
- Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR)
- The 2026 Census of Agriculture is here
Your Input Requested: Help Shape Future B.C. Agriculture and Food Programs and Services
The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food is asking B.C.’s industry associations and agricultural organizations, as well as B.C. producers and processors and other interested parties, to complete a short survey to help guide future programs and services.
Your input will help the Ministry better understand where support is needed most across the agriculture and food sector. The survey focuses on identifying priority areas for future programs and services, as well as gathering feedback on how funding programs are designed and delivered.
Survey details:
- Takes about 15 minutes to complete
- Deadline: Wednesday, June 10th
- Survey link: https://submit.digital.gov.bc.ca/app/form/submit?f=3fe4d6db-bc21-490e-a821-cb195e2fac20
Your participation is important. Your feedback helps inform what matters most to B.C. producers and processors.
Looking for the Farmer's Information Service (FIS) website content?
The Farmer’s Information Service (FIS) in the Peace closed as of March 31, 2026.
The content from the program’s website has now been moved to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food's Energy Development on Agricultural Lands webpage.
On the new webpage, you can find information about who to contact with inquiries, concerns or complaints related to energy projects on agricultural lands, the Guide to Negotiating Lease Agreements, tips for meeting with land agents, pipelines vs. flow lines and more.
Basic Wildland Fire Training
When: May 28-29, 2026
Where: Aitken Creek Rd (see registration page for a map to the exact location)
When: May 30-31, 2026
Where: Rose Prairie Community Hall
Knowledge of fire and fire behaviour; training on how to fight fire safely.
Two-day Basic Fire School:
- the first day will be in-class from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (PT) with supper provided. Please pack a lunch and snacks.
- the second day will be in-class and in the field from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (PT), please pack a lunch and snacks.
Training will be provided by Northern FireWoRx and will include ICS100, S100 and S185 which are all the basic courses required by BC Wildfire Service standards.
This event is being organized and hosted by the Peace River Forage Association of B.C. and registration is open on their website until May 24.
2026 Peace River Forage Association Summer Pasture Tour
When: June 18, 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (PT)
Where: Near Hudson’s Hope, Venator Ranches
Join the Peace River Forage Association of BC for a great day of all things forage!
Highlighting rejuvenation, pasture pipeline watering systems, irrigation, meat packing plant, value-added farm products, and direct marketing.
Lunch will be provided.
Please register by June 16 on the PRFA Website.
Accepting Samples: Plant Health Laboratory
The Plant Health Laboratory at the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food in Abbotsford is accepting samples!
The Plant Health Laboratory provides diagnoses for plant health problems affecting crops and plants grown in B.C., including:
- Plant diseases
- Assessments for non-pathogenic (abiotic) disorders
- Insect pests
Collect a sample that shows the problem. A whole plant with roots and soil is best. If the plants are small, send several. If insect damage is suspected, collect the insects if possible as well as damaged plant parts.
Refer to "How to submit plant samples for diagnosis" for detailed information on collecting and packaging a sample.
Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council's Growing Opportunities Program
Summer applications are now open for Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council's (CAHRC) Growing Opportunities Program!
This intake includes more spots available, giving agricultural employers across Canada additional opportunities to hire post-secondary students and support work-integrated learning (WIL).
Bringing a student onto your team can help add capacity during busy seasons while giving students valuable hands-on experience in the agriculture sector.
What employers can expect:
Wage subsidy support for eligible placements
A streamlined application process (about 20–30 minutes)
Ongoing support from the CAHRC team
Indigenous-led Small Scale Greenhouse Training
Limited Time opportunity! Funding for this project ends May 15, 2026. Please contact Julian Napolean as soon as possible as one-on-one support may be limited.
Beneficial Management Practices Program
Submissions are open for:
- Extreme Weather: Plans & Assessments
- Planning Technical Assessments, or Engineered Designs (P&D) (Basic, Complex, and Biogas)
Book a Call:
Starting on the application open date for each category, you can book a 10-minute phone consultation with an Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) staff member. Prior to booking an appointment, please start your draft application and provide the ID number (similar to: BMP-202425-0####).
Funding is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative. Additional funding has been provided by Clean BC. The program is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF).
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program (Stream 3)
The Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program Stream 3 application window closes on May 28, 2026, at 4:00 PM (PT).
This stream funds assessments, engineering studies, or plans that:
- Are required, often by law, before implementing on-the-ground infrastructure work
- Improve understanding of regional watershed and water supply constraints, enabling applicants to determine the appropriate type and scale of infrastructure required to achieve their project goals
- Support long‑term, climate‑resilient planning
This program is funded by the government of BC and administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation.
Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program
Applications are open for the Summer Student Farm Worker Bursary Program until funding is fully subscribed.
Notification of the closing date will be provided via the program webpage and newsletter.
The Student Summer Farm, Food and Fisheries Bursary Program (SSB) supports summer labour needs, youth engagement and work experience in the agricultural sector in BC. Full-time students employed in BC agriculture, food, beverage or seafood processing, fishing and aquaculture sectors during the summer season are eligible to apply for a bursary of up to $3,000.
Students can contact ssb@iafbc.ca or 250-940-6150 with any questions about the program or to receive support with their application.
This program is funded by the governments of Canada and British Columbia.
Funding Update: Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP)
Program funds for the Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program (KTTP) 2026–2027 have now been fully committed.
Applications submitted from May 4 onward will be placed on a waiting list and reviewed in order of receipt if funding becomes available.
Organizations with complete and eligible applications will be contacted should funding become available. Note that submission of an application does not guarantee funding.
For questions, contact: Knowledge.Transfer@gov.bc.ca.
Funding for the Program is provided in part by the governments of Canada and British Columbia through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative.
2026 Community Fund for Mental Health
Help bring mental health support to your agricultural community at little to no cost. This fund provides access to the Talk Ask Listen workshop, equipping participants with practical skills to support wellbeing and build stronger, more connected rural communities.
Applications are open until May 20, 2026.
Open to agricultural groups, municipalities, associations, and community champions.
Applicants must:
- be led by a local non-profit, association, or community group
- identify a Community Champion responsible for organizing the event
- aim to engage a core group of 8 advocates
- aim to reach 30+ attendees
Applicants may apply before finalizing their core group.
Take action for mental health in your community!
This initiative is sponsored by Farm Credit Canada.
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.
AgriStability
IMPORTANT DEADLINE CHANGE:
The Statement A submission deadline has changed!
- Deadline: June 30, 2026 (was September 30)
- Final deadline: September 30, 2026 (was December 31)
To be eligible for payments, participants must complete and submit a Statement A every year. Learn more about How to file your Statement A. Our new online forms make it faster and easier to participate, and if you ever need help, just give us a call — we’re here to support you!
- Call 1-877-343-2767,
- Email AgriStability@gov.bc.ca, or
- Visit our website gov.bc.ca/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.
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? Production Insurance Representatives are available to help with claims, application and renewal process.
- Phone: 1-888-332-3352 toll-free
- Email: ProductionInsurance.Kelowna@gov.bc.ca
- Visit: Production Insurance - Province of British Columbia
Risk Management Resource Bundle
In agriculture, adopting proactive risk management helps you stay resilient and make smart decisions for your farm business!
With access to the appropriate tools and resources, risks can be identified, assessed, and managed in a proactive and structured manner. Effective risk management supports informed decision making by helping producers plan ahead, reduce potential impacts, and position their operations to respond to both challenges and opportunities.
In collaboration with Farm Credit Canada, Farm Management Canada is excited to launch its Risk Management Resource Bundle, which offers a simple offline starting point for managing farm risk.
You will receive:
- A starter guide
- A risk assessment worksheet
- An action plan
2026 Snowpack below normal, variable across regions
2026 snowpack is below normal provincially with significant regional variability. Early and accelerated snowmelt, combined with warm and dry conditions, are increasing drought risk—particularly in the southern coast and southern interior, where snowpack is well below normal. Some northern and higher-elevation regions remain near or above normal, with localized flood risk.
See the May Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin and an interactive map for information about your area.
BC Premises Identification (BCPID) Program
Warming spring weather increases the likelihood of seasonal hazards like flooding, drought and wildfires.
The BC Premises Identification program supports emergency planning and responses where animals may be affected. Accurate information helps emergency officials coordinate response and evacuation planning more effectively.
BC Premises Identification information improves the ministry’s ability to:
- Quickly identify and contact animal owners impacted by emergencies
- Support timely response to animal disease events
- Coordinate better disaster responses such as wildfires and floods
Outdated information can delay emergency coordination during fast-moving events.
Take steps to prepare now and update the following information online at this site: https://apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/ext/pid-ext/login.page
- Premises location and access details
- Livestock species and maximum approximate numbers onsite
- Emergency contact information
Resources:
To learn more about wildfire preparedness for farms and ranches, visit: https://firesmartbc.ca/farm-and-ranch/
For more information on evacuation alerts and orders, visit: https://www.emergencyinfobc.gov.bc.ca/
If you require additional assistance or cannot access the online system, please contact the BCPID unit staff at 604-556-3001 or 1‑888‑221‑7141 (Monday to Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM), or email BCPID@gov.bc.ca
Fertilizer Cost Calculator
Many producers are aware that fertilizer costs, particularly nitrogen-based fertilizers, have risen dramatically over the past couple of months. To help producers compare fertilizer costs and plan nutrient applications, the Ministry of Agriculture and Food has developed a Fertilizer Cost Calculator tool.
The Excel-based tool allows producers to enter current fertilizer prices, their crop nutrient requirements, and the application rate of each fertilizer to determine the overall cost of fertilizing each field and compare different fertility options.
With this Excel-based tool you can:
- Compare the cost of different fertilizers on a $/lb of nutrient basis
- Develop the most cost-effective fertilizer blends to meet crop demands
- Determine your fertilizer rate and cost/acre
- Calculate how much fertilizer you need for a specified area and the total cost
Download Calculator: Fertilizer Cost Calculator
Contact AgriServiceBC (AgriServiceBC.gov.bc.ca) or your local Regional Agrologist to find out more about nutrient management.
Checklist for Livestock and Forage Producers
Some regions are at risk of drought this upcoming season. The Checklist for Livestock and Forage Producers can be a valuable tool to determine strategies to help mitigate impacts. Preparing and making a plan can help producers determine strategies early on.
Nutrient Application Plans
Under B.C.’s nutrient management regulations, Nutrient Application Plans (NAPs) have been phased in for fields for certain operations.
A Nutrient Application Plan (NAP) is a technical document that outlines the annual nutrient applications for each field on the farm to reduce high levels of post-harvest soil nitrate or soil test phosphorus. NAPs can help producers apply optimal amounts of nutrients to their crops, reducing fertilizer and nutrient costs while maintaining crop productivity and quality.
Who must complete a Nutrient Application Plan?
Under the AEM Code, B.C.’s nutrient management regulations, NAPs are required for fields that meet all of the following:
- The farm is 5 ha (12 acres) or more,
- The field is not located in either a vulnerable aquifer recharge area or a phosphorus-affected area
- Post-harvest nitrate soil test results are 150 kg/ha (134 lb/ac) or more, or a soil test phosphorus concentration of 300 ppm or more (using the Kelowna method)
Producers can develop an NAP themselves for each field that requires a plan using the BC Nutrient Management Calculator, which will produce a summary report containing all the necessary information required in an NAP.
How does a Nutrient Application Plan differ from a Nutrient Management Plan?
Nutrient Management Plans (NMPs) are required for certain operations located within high-risk areas and have more required components than NAPs. Producers who have a NMP for their operation are not required to have a NAP.
Gross Margins Calculator
Make every acre count with the Gross Margins Calculator!
Gross margin analysis can be used to evaluate the financial performance of various enterprises of a farm business within the short term. This analysis can assist in allocating limited resources (like land) to existing enterprises to find which combination optimizes profit.
The Gross Margins Calculator helps Canadian beef producers compare revenue and direct costs, like feed, fuel and seed, to better evaluate enterprise decisions and land use.
Forage U-Pick Tool
Choosing the right forage species and seeding rates can be confusing and costly.
The Forage U-Pick online tool helps Canadian producers match species to their specific soil and field conditions — for free.
Pest Degree Days and Delta-T
Pest Degree Days (PDD) and Spray Conditions (Delta-T) are now available on BC AgriWeather website at https://bcagriweather.ca to help with pesticide application decision-making.
Simply select the station on the map and click on “View Data” to access the tools. You can also “Pin this station” to create a shortcut to your favourite station(s) on the homepage.
Updated Job Connector Website
The Farm, Fish & Food Job Connector website has been refreshed just in time for the growing season. The updated site includes a section for job seekers to explore opportunities by area of interest and region, as well as a section for employers featuring helpful resources and information on hiring and managing. Explore the updated platform to connect with opportunities, resources, and workforce supports across B.C.’s agriculture, food, and seafood sectors.
Organic Nitrogen Sources – Choosing What Works for Your Farm
In this new video from Organic BC, dive into how farmers can choose and apply organic nitrogen sources both effectively and responsibly. Featuring insights from three farmers, it showcases their preferred nitrogen sources and highlights the practical considerations that determine what works best for different farm types and conditions.
Funding for this project has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions (ACS) – On-Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF).
Keep it Clean 2026 Product Advisory
Canada is an exporting nation, as such it is important to keep agricultural products clean and maintain trust with our international trading partners.
The 2026 Product Advisory outlines the market risks that can arise from using certain crop protection products on some crop types. Growers are encouraged to review this information before proceeding with crop management plans. Products listed in the advisory may restrict marketing options due to missing or misaligned maximum residue limits (MRLs) in our export markets or market acceptance issues by certain buyers.
Nutrient Management Practices
High fertilizer prices got you down on yields? Check out these nutrient management practices and resources to reduce fertilizer costs and keep your farm productive and profitable:
- Soil sampling and analysis to determine current soil nutrient concentration and need for supplemental nutrients.
- Determining appropriate crop nutrient requirements and application rates using the BC Nutrient Management Calculator.
- Following proper ‘4R’ management – applying nutrients at the right place, at the right time, using the right source, at the right rate:
- 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right Placement
- 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right Timing
- 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right Source
- 4R’s of Nitrogen Management - Right RateComparing fertilizer costs using the BC Fertilizer Cost Calculator.
- Using on-farm nutrient sources, such as manure or compost. Use the BC Manure Nutrient Calculator to determine nutrient availability.
- Planting nitrogen (N)-fixing cover crops to supply N to subsequent crops. Read the Cover Cropping Guide for British Columbia here.
- Adopting application and management practices to reduce N loss from volatilization or leaching. Learn more about managing nitrogen losses here
- Determining the economic optimum rate of N-fertilization for your crops based on N-fertilizer cost and expected plant yield. Learn more about economic considerations in N fertilization.
Virtual Fencing Webinar Recordings
Are you interested in learning how ranchers are making virtual fencing work for them?
Below are links to webinar recordings on YouTube from the Peace River Forage Association of British Columbia.
Webinar Replay (YouTube):
2024 Sector Snapshots
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food recently published the final 2024 Sector Snapshots. This series of five, one-page summaries provides a clear, high-level view of recent performance across B.C.’s agrifood and seafood sectors, including:
- All-Sector Snapshot: Year-over-year trends and key indicators (e.g., GDP, sales revenue, jobs, export value, etc.) for the combined agrifood sector (without double counting).
- Three Sub-Sector Snapshots: Snapshots for the subsectors of (1) agriculture; (2) seafood & fisheries; and (3) secondary manufacturing (food & beverage), each with sector‑specific metrics.
Trade Snapshot: Highlights of export and import values, top markets, and year-over-year trade trends.
An interactive version is available under the “Sector‑wide data” area of our website, or you can access the interactive tool by clicking the button below.
To view more statistics about the sector, visit the Ministry of Agriculture and Food publication site.
New AgriServiceBC Video: Silvopasture in BC - an Introduction and Overview
This AgriServiceBC video provides an introduction and an overview of silvopasture, exploring the principles and how and why it is being used in the grazing landscapes of the province. Silvopasture blends management of trees, forages and livestock together on the same piece of land. It is about managing the interactions – the tree-forage, forage-livestock and livestock-tree interactions, which change over time influencing your management decisions.
Applications of silvopasture are designed to include economic, environmental, and social functions. Starting with your objective – what you want to achieve – and evaluating it as a potential production approach compared with other approaches available to you is a critical first step.
The video is posted to the AgriService YouTube page and will soon be linked to the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, agroforestry webpage. New agroforestry resources will be posted as they become available over the next months.
Silvopasture Resources
Silvopasture blends trees, forages, and livestock management as an integrated practice on the same land unit. These systems can yield a variety of benefits including production gains, economic benefits, social values, and enhanced environmental stewardship.
Learn more about silvopasture from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/agricultural-land-and-environment/agroforestry
Silvopasture case studies – Producer perspectives: Two case studies join a third previously-posted fact sheet (Silver Hills Ranch) on the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food agroforestry page. These factsheets, authored by the producers, outline why and how they have adopted, and are using, silvopasture on their operations, as well as share lessons learned.
Read these stories from fellow B.C. producers:
Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR)
The Agroclimate Impact Reporter (AIR) is back for the 2026 season!
Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) invites you to help us better understand local conditions and the agricultural impacts of weather and climate in your region. We are particularly interested in impacts related to water supplies, feed production, soil moisture conditions, and crop stress.
As we begin the 2026 growing season, your input will be essential in helping us understand how these conditions are affecting you and your farm. Even if your area is not experiencing significant issues, please continue to complete the survey—reporting no impacts is still valuable information.
As in previous years, the survey will be available during the last week of each month from April through October. Email reminders will be sent around the 25th of each month.
New users can sign up for reminders by emailing droughtwatch@agr.gc.ca with the subject line “AIR.”
All survey responses are anonymous, and the information you provide cannot be linked to you or your email address.
The 2026 Agriculture Census
The 2026 Census of Agriculture has now begun!
Your participation in the Census ensures that it accurately captures the diversity of Canadian farms.
Missed the last e-bulletin? Catch-up on previous issues here.
