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Peace Edition
Regional Newsletter - September 2024
Fall is the time to control perennial invasive/noxious weeds!
As perennial plants prepare for winter, they start to store energy in their roots. This makes the Fall an ideal time to control perennial invasive/noxious weeds using systemic herbicides which will move down into the roots and cause damage or death. It is also a good time for mechanical control, by removing the flowering heads before they go to seed you can help weaken the root system as the plant will have expended energy creating flowers. All of this goes towards making it more vulnerable to winter cold, and weakening it for the Spring.
If you are finding invasive weeds in the Peace River Regional District (PRRD) you can report them to the Province and the Regional District using the Report Invasives App:
By filling out and submitting the online form: https://forms.gov.bc.ca/industry/report-an-invasive-species/
Or by calling 800-670-7773, or emailing the PRRD Environmental Services Team at environmental.services@prrd.bc.ca
Digging It!
SAVE THE DATE!
Dugout field days are coming to the B.C. Peace Region!
October 3rd in the South Peace and October 4th in the North Peace
Bruce Naka will be on site presenting information on how to build dugouts and looking at producers with successful dugouts and how they use them.
Topics include:
- How to calculate water needs and dugout size
- Dugout site selection considerations
- What to do with fill
- When and why to bring in a 'Qualified Professional'
- Regulatory considerations
- Drainage considerations
AND MORE! Keep an eye on your inboxes for information on registration and exact locations coming soon!
Pastured Pigs and Poultry Field Day and Workshop
Join the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association at Whiskey Creek Ranch for a fun and informative workshop/field day in Rose Prairie, BC on September 14th from 9:00am-4:00pm MST.
They'll consider how rotational grazing principles, regenerative agriculture and good biosecurity can be applied when raising pigs and poultry in pasture-based settings. Innovative tools and technologies are making it easier than ever to implement successful grazing management plans and the workshop will explore some of these exciting options as well as funding opportunities available to help implement these beneficial management practices.
Sign up via eventbrite by clicking the button below
Agriculture Water Infrastructure Program
Applications for AWP Stream 3: Assessments, Engineering Studies or Plans, are now open!
Are you a Producer, Improvement District, Local Government, Non-Profit, or Community Group looking to complete an assessment, engineering study or plan before starting a water infrastructure project? You could be eligible for cost-shared funding!
Applications are open until funding is committed.
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. No identifying information from crop reporters will be shared.
Drought Resources
The B.C. Peace and Northern Rockies regions remain at drought levels 3-4 (levels range from 0 to 5, with 5 being the most severe). Below is a list of some useful drought resources for producers:
- BC Drought Information Webpage
- Stock watering tips from the Beef Cattle Research Council
- Conservation resources and general information on drought in British Columbia
- Provincial Drought and Water Scarcity Response Plan
- Summary of Provincial drought levels, indicators, and approach to response
- River Forecast Center
- Drought in Agriculture Webpage
- BC Drought Information Portal - Click “Access Current Drought Conditions” button and then “Northeast” on the left side to monitor levels specific to your area
- Accounts of suspected unauthorized water use
- Report suspected unauthorized use to the RAPP line at 1-877-952-7277 or the online incident portal: https://forms.gov.bc.ca/environment/rapp/
Early list of Livestock Tax Deferral Regions for 2024
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
New Fire Wagon Revealed
FIRE WAGON #1 was revealed in August during one session of the Peace River Forage Association of BC's (PRFA) grazing series . Nadia Mori (PRFA) and Sonja Leverkus (Northern Fire WoRx & Shifting Mosaics) applied for and obtained funding for “Fire Schools and Fire Wagons” to provide ranchers/farmers in the Peace Region with training and access to top notch gear to protect their properties.
Funding for the Structural Protection Unit (or Fire Wagon) was provided by the B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food.
You can listen to a full story about Jack Thiessen and the Fire Wagon on CBC radio here: https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-429-what-on-earth/clip/16088446-raising-cattle-fighting-wildfires.-some-ranchers-all.
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 late enrollment is available 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
Beneficial Management Practices Program
Considering applying for 2025/26 Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) funding?
Take the time to review the requirements for the activities you'd like to complete by checking out the link below. They may require you to complete a plan, assessment or engineered design. Good news: the Planning, Technical Assessment and Engineered Design BMP category is still open and accepting applications for 2024/25!
Applications for the Planning, Technical Assessment and Engineered Design category are ongoing until funding is fully allocated.
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.
Employees Living On Site
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: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/health/keeping-bc-healthy-safe/industrial-camps
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 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)
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