No images? Click here
Cariboo Central Coast Edition
"The Roots"
Regional Newsletter
May 2025
Welcome to the May 2025 newsletter! We have several May learning opportunities to highlight and some big funding programs opening for applications soon.
The May newsletter includes:
Upcoming Spring Events
- May 8: On-Farm Research Info Session: Regenerative Climate Resilient Vegetables
- May 14, 21: Ask a Poultry Vet
- May 20, 27: Free AgLife Connector Training from the AgLife Network
- June 3-5: Get Certified. Protect B.C.’s Ecosystems
- June 9-24: Producer Emergency Awareness Sessions
Programs and Funding Opportunities
- B.C. Crop and Livestock Reporter Program
- 2026 Nuffield Scholarship (applications are now OPEN)
- Knowledge and Technology Transfer Program
- Business Risk Management Programs
Resources
- Orange Hawkweed Alert
- Snow Survey and Water Supply Bulletin April 1
- B.C. Indigenous Pathfinder Service
- WorkWell by AgSafe
- CFGA BC Demonstration Site Updates
- Preparing for New Housing Standards
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
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.
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.
Get Certified. Protect B.C.’s Ecosystems.
ISCBC is hosting an in-person Pesticide Applicator Certification Courses, running June 3–5 in Williams Lake. These courses are designed for professionals managing industrial vegetation and noxious weeds in rights-of-way, restoration areas, and other regulated landscapes. Whether you're working along transportation corridors, utility lines, railways, or disturbed sites, this certification delivers the tools and knowledge to apply pesticides safely, effectively, and in compliance with provincial legislation. It's a key step in protecting B.C.’s ecosystems while advancing your technical capacity.
What You'll Learn:
- B.C. and federal legislation governing pesticide use
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM) principles and decision-making
- Herbicide selection, mixing, application, and equipment calibration
- Emergency response protocols and correct use of PPE
- Identification and management of priority invasive plant species in B.C.
*Includes three days of instruction, calculations practice, a backpack sprayer demo, and the provincial certification exam
Course Details:
Williams Lake
June 3–5
Thompson Rivers University – WL Campus, Room 1254
Register Here
$600 per seat (includes all study materials and exam fees)
Questions? Contact: training@bcinvasives.ca
Seats are limited—early registration is strongly recommended.
Producer Emergency Awareness Sessions
There are six BCAC Emergency planning sessions upcoming in Cariboo:
- June 9, 2025 at 1:00 PM in Prince George
- June 16, 2025 at 7:00 PM in Dawson Creek
- June 17, 2025 at 10:00 AMin Fort St. John
- June 23, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Clinton
- June 23, 2025 at 2:00 PM in 100 Mile House
- June 24, 2025 at 10:00 AM in Williams Lake
New Organic BC Podcast Episodes
Don't miss these all-new episodes of the Organic BC podcast!
- Cover-Cropping in the Vineyard Context with Agrologist Lisa Wambold
- Bending the Rules of Rotational Grazing*
- Stewardship on the North Thompson: Joseph Moilliet of Aveley Ranch*
- Two Arguments for Late Season Cover Crops
* Produced in collaboration with the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association
These podcasts were funded in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
Don't Miss Our Latest Video Releases
This month, we released two new videos on our YouTube channel!
Integrating Legumes into Dairy Forage Systems
Take a trip to Nicomen Farm in the Fraser Valley, a 350-acre operation that produces grass-fed milk, silage and hay, and replacement cows for other dairies. Dive into the farm’s partnership with BC Living Lab and how they’re incorporating legumes within their grazing and cropping systems to help with nitrogen balancing, soil health, higher yields, and so much more.
Watch the video here.
Inter-Row Cover Cropping with Legumes
Visit Woodgrove Farm in Chilliwack! With support from the BC Living Lab, they’re exploring inter-row cover cropping in their hazelnut orchards, deliberately planting and maintaining cover crops between tree rows to improve the health of the soil, the trees, and even the farmers. Join us for a look at their trials, with a special focus on incorporating legumes and measuring their impact on nitrogen levels, soil carbon sequestration, and overall soil health.
Watch the video here.
These videos were funded in part by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC.
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.
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.
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)
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
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.
Orange Hawkweed Alert
Ever noticed the ditches along Highway 97 full of bright orange blooms? Chances are, you’ve spotted orange hawkweed (Pilosella aurantiaca) - an invasive plant making itself more at home in the Cariboo in recent years.
Once established, orange hawkweed is difficult to eradicate due to several evolutionary advantages it has over our native flowers. It creates dense mats that can completely crowd out native plants growing in the same area. A small population of orange hawkweed can easily expand as each plant produces hundreds of seeds. The seeds and root fragments of orange hawkweed spread via human activity both intentionally and unintentionally, allowing it to travel large distances and colonize new locations.
Due to these factors, orange hawkweed poses serious economic and ecological risks to newly colonized areas. Their competition with native and domestic species impacts local ranchers and agriculturalists by reducing yields and quality of forage crops which can result in low stocking rates. Orange hawkweed also impacts biodiversity, native flora and fauna, as well as endangered species.
Prevention is the primary method of control to ensure this plant does not spread further. Do not grow this plant at home. If you see orange hawkweed at a plant nursery, talk to the owners about non-invasive alternatives. If you come across this species while recreating in local or provincial parks, trails, wildspaces or public areas reporting it using the Report Invasives BC App is a great way to make the right people aware of its presence. An early and aggressive response is the best way to keep orange hawkweed from continuing its spread.
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.
CFGA BC Demonstration Site Updates
See rotational grazing in action across the country. The CFGA has a wide range of demonstration sites and demonstration days to ask questions, connect with those who are implementing it and discover ways to apply it in your own operation.
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
