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by DAVID SCHMIDTPRINCE GEORGE – The BC Cattlemen’sAssociation (BCCA) is receiving up to $144,000from the federal and provincial governmentsto develop a business and marketing plan for anew mid-size federally-inspected beefprocessing plant in the Prince George area.BCCA general manager Kevin Boon stressesthis is only a viability study and does not meana plant will be built.“This is to see if it’s worth trying,” Boon says.Currently, BC has only two federallyinspected plants capable of processing smallnumbers of cattle and several dozenprovincially-licenced abattoirs, but the majorityof cattle are processed in Alberta or the US.Boon readily admits a lot of processingplants failed during the BSE crisis “for anumber of reasons” and the study is intendedto ensure a new plant does not suer the samefate. Although “there is money there right now”to build a plant, the BCCA has cautionedagainst moving too quickly. “Our biggest fear is that someone will buildit (without first determining what is neededto make it successful). This isn’t about apacking plant – it’s about a whole industry,”Boon says, noting interested investors(primarily retailers and exporters) “aren’t thatfamiliar with the cattle industry. They justPostmaster, Please returnUndeliverable labels to:Country Life in BC1120 East 13th AveVancouver, BC V5T 2M1CANADA POSTESPOST CANADAPostage paid Port payéPublications Mail Post-publications40012122Vol. 102 No. 8Farm tour City in the Country showcases innovative agriculture 11Poultry Practice codes hope to establish baselines 13Dairy National ingredient strategy could spur growth 29Lifein BCThe agricultural news source inBritish Columbia since 1915August 2016 • Vol. 102 No. 8Chicken boardready to sign onthe dotted lineFeasibility study for northern abattoirPlease see “FEEDLOT” page 2YCOUNTRYby DAVID SCHMIDTABBOTSFORD – The BC ChickenMarketing Board (BCCMB) was expected tosign Chicken Farmers of Canada’s newoperating agreement at the CFC summermeeting in Toronto in late July, after nallygetting approval to do so from the BC FarmIndustry Review Board.FIRB issued its approval on June 30 buttold the BCCMB to hold o until after July15 to give BC processors another chance toappeal FIRB’s decision. The processorswaited until the last minute before decidingagainst further appeals.“This is very good news,” said ChickenFarmers of Canada chair Dave Janzen, aChilliwack chicken grower, and BCCMB chairRobin Smith, almost in unison.Clay Hurren, 12, a junior member from the Armstrong Beef Club, parades his Simmental cross steer, Gus, in front of acaptive audience of buyers at the annual 4-H Stock Show at the IPE fairgrounds, July 9. (Cathy Glover photo)Proud as punchIRRIGATION LTD1-888-675-7999www.watertecna.comPROVINCE WIDE DELIVERYPROVINCE WIDE DELIVERYGrowing morewith less waterFREE PTO PUMPSee our ad on page 37for details!1-888-770-7333Quality Seeds ... where quality counts!YOUR COMPLETESEED SOURCEPlease see “CHRONIC” page 2Eight years of negotiationsover allocations at an end
CHRONIC UNDERALLOCATIONS From page 1Country Life in BC • August 20162“Now we can get on withlife,” Smith said.The issue was predicatedby Alberta’s demand for ahigher allocation than theywere entitled to under theprevious agreement, saying itled to chronicunderallocations for theprovince. Failure to resolvethe issue in a timely fashionled to Alberta withdrawingfrom CFC.In July 2014, after over sixyears of negotiations, all 10provinces reached anagreement-in-principle (AIP)on a new allocation formulagiving Alberta and Ontario alarger share of futuregrowth. Final text over a year agoIt took another fourmonths to develop amemorandum ofunderstanding on the AIP andtill May 2015 for the provincesto agree on the nal text of anamended national operatingagreement and send it out forthe required signatures.Nineteen signatures arerequired, including two fromBC – BCCMB and FIRB.Although Alberta participatedfully in the negotiations andhas been abiding by theallocations, Alberta is notamong those signatoriessince the province is notocially a CFC member.“Until we have all 19signatures, Alberta can’t takethe amended operatingagreement to its supervisoryboard and minister to ask forapproval to rejoin CFC,”Janzen says, adding“obviously (CFC) wouldn’thave tried to get the 19signatures if we weren’t surewe would get (Alberta) back.”Challenges, all aroundAlthough CFC got 11 of therequired signatures by theend of 2015, it has taken timeto get the rest. The operatingagreement drew ocialchallenges in BC,Saskatchewan and Manitobaand unocial challenges fromQuebec and Nova Scotia. WithFIRB’s decision, all but theBCCMB chair Robin SmithFEEDLOT INDUSTRY WOULD NEED TO EXPAND From page 1want the meat.” A viability study completedlast year indicated BC couldsupport a federally-inspectedpacking plant but certainsectors of the productionchain would need signicantinfrastructure development. As an example, there wouldhave to be an increase in BC’sfeeding (feedlot) industry asmost BC ranchers are cow-calfoperators who send theircalves to Alberta or the US fornishing.Locating the plant in PrinceGeorge is another key as BCcattle production movessteadily northward. “The cattle industry isdoomed in southern BC,”Boon states, so building aplant in the south would alsobe doomed.The plan would be to builda plant capable of handling200-250 head per day withroom to expand to doublethat size. “We would start with50,000 head per year andhopefully increase to 100,000head per year, whichrepresents about half the BCcalf crop.” Export standardsThe plant would be built toexport standards to takeadvantage of both domesticand export marketopportunities and give thelocal industry the exibility todo specialty programs such aswhat Earl’s Restaurants want.CALL FOR AN ESTIMATELARRY604.209.5523TROY604.209.5524 TRI-WAYFARMSLASER LEVELLING LTD.IMPROVEDDRAINAGEUNIFORMGERMINATIONUNIFORMIRRIGATIONFAST ,ACCURATESURVEYINGINCREASECROPYIELDS We service all ofSouthern BC12:6(59,1*7+()5$6(59$//(<:H·YHEHHQSURXGO\IDPLO\RZQHGDQGRSHUDWHGVLQFHRSHQLQJLQ$QGZLWKWZREOHQGLQJSODQWVZH·UHRQHRI%&·VODUJHVWGLVWULEXWRUVRIJUDQXODUOLTXLGDQGIROLDUIHUWLOL]HUV2XUEX\LQJSRZHUDQGSUR[LPLW\WRWKH)UDVHU9DOOH\PDNHVXVWKHORJLFDOFKRLFHIRUWUXFNORDGVKLSPHQWV2.$1$*$1)(57,/,=(5/7'“The big plants (in Alberta)can’t do that,” Boon notes. He believes that if thefeeding industry expands tosupport a mid-size plant, itwould help rather than hinderexisting provincially-licencedabattoirs.“Right now, those plantscan only access cattle atcertain parts of the year.Expanding the feedingindustry would increase thenumber of nished cattleavailable to them,” Boon says.Last year’s viability studyindicated such a plant has thepotential to generate anadditional $250 million inannual beef and byproductsales, increase value-addedexports up to $180 million,and create up to 180 new full-time-equivalent jobs withinthe plant and about 620spino jobs.Those jobs could prove tobe the biggest stumblingblock of all.Increased training needed“Worker availability couldbe our biggest hindrance,”Boon says, noting that if aplant is built there will be aneed for increased trainingresources.The BCCA is providing upto $16,000 of its own moneyto fund the study, to becompleted by March 31, 2017.When completed it will bejointly owned by governmentand industry and be availableto anyone interesting inpursuing the opportunity.“If we want the cattleindustry in BC to continue togrow, we have to follow up onthis,” Boon says. Quebec challenge have nowbeen resolved. Once BC signs,CFC will have 17 of the 19signatures.Quebec’s supervisoryboard has given theagreement its tentativeapproval, subject to approvalby its minister and subject tothe Quebec chickenmarketing board passing abylaw agreeing not toapprove any changes to theagreement without priorapproval from its supervisoryboard.With the operatingagreement apparentlyreaching a successfulconclusion, both BCCMB andCFC can now move on toother equally, and perhapsmore, pressing issues.For CFC, the big issue is“plugging leaks in the dam” atthe border.“The new agreement givesus the unity and strength weneed to keep working withthe federal government onimport controls,” Janzen says.“The amount of chicken that’scoming in to Canada eitherfraudulently or creativelymakes this agreement lookpretty small.”For the BCCMB, the bigissue is live pricing.Price review underway“We’ve started a review ofpricing in BC,” Smith says,claiming “a lot has changed”since FIRB imposed thecurrent pricing formula onthe industry ve years ago.He says the current formulameans “we’re allowing fourother provinces (AB, SK, MBand ON) to set our price andI’m not sure that’s right forBC.”Smith says the board hasgiven itself “all Fall” to workwith all the parties to developa formula which meets theBCCMB’s mandate to ensure“a reasonable return for ourgrowers and a competitiveprice for our processors.”www.tractorparts4sale.caABBOTSFORD, BCBus. 604/807-2391Fax. 604/854-6708 email: sales@tractorparts4sale.caWe accept Interact, Visa and Mastercard MENSCH SAND THROWER W/JD LOADER QUICKATTACH ............... 3,700BALE SQUEEZE FLEXIBAL MODEL W/JD OR ALO QUICKATTACH ... 1,750KVERNELAND 2428 10 FT WIDE, 3 PT DISC MOWER/NO CONDITIONER, LIKE NEW ........................................................................................ $9,500CLAAS 470S SINGLE ROTARY RAKE, 15FT, GOOD CONDITION ...... 6,500NEW IDEA 3739 MANURE SPREADER, TANDEM AXLE ................. 14,500JD4200 FOUR BOTTOM ROLL OVER PLOW, SPRING TRIP................. 5,500JOHN DEERE 5500 4X4, LOADER, 83 HP, FWD/REV, OPEN STATION, LOADER ATTACH INCLUDED............................................................... 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August 2016 • Country Life in BC 3by DAVID SCHMIDTLANGLEY – After a small trialrun late last summer proved asuccess, BC blueberry growersand packers have plans to shiptonnes of fresh blueberries toChina this year.BC Minister of AgricultureNorm Letnick visited DriedigerFarms in Langley, July 3, towatch workers package berriesfor the Chinese market.“This is a big marketopportunity for BC growers,”Letnick said, claiming it couldgrow into a $65 million marketin future years.After years of eort by theBC Blueberry Council, Canadaand China nally agreed on anexport protocol for BCblueberries last year. Theprotocol not only requirescomplete product traceabilityfrom eld to package butrequires each eld and eachpacker planning to shipberries to China to rst becertied to Canada GAPstandards by the CanadianFood Inspection Agency.“All our elds have beencertied so we are ready toexport,” Rhonda Driedigersaid. “We are very proud to beone of the rst BC companiesto be approved for exportingfresh blueberries to China. Welook forward to developinglong-term relationships andincreasing demand by theChinese consumer for BC'sexceptional qualityblueberries."Finding and developingnew markets like China areincreasingly necessary as BCcontinues to increase itsblueberry acreage andproduction.BC is already is one of thelargest highbush blueberry-growing regions in the world.In 2015, BC farmers harvestedabout 70,000 tonnes ofblueberries, a 7% increasefrom 2014. 2016 production isexpected to at least equal thatof last year. Letnick notes the provincenow has international tradeoces in 13 countries topromote its agrifood products,saying building exportmarkets is a key priority of theBC Agrifood and SeafoodStrategic Growth Plan.Inaugural shipment of BCblueberries off to Chinaby DAVID SCHMIDTLANGLEY – The Fraser Valley’s cool, wetsummer has not dampened the spirits of BCberry growers. Anything but.Although the season started early becauseof the unseasonably hot and early spring, rainand lower temperatures in June and early Julyserved to improve what could have been apoor year for production.“The cold, wet June really helped ourstrawberry crop,” Langley grower, packer andprocessor Rhonda Driediger of Driediger Farmssaid in early July. She noted one second-yeareld of Puget Alliance strawberries whichproduced only 29,000 pounds last year yieldedabout 115,000 pounds this year.“We had too much heat last year,” she said.Driediger notes she processed over 250,000pounds of strawberries this year, more thandouble what she put through her packing plantlast year.Cool weather boosts berry yieldsBC Blue! BC Minister of Agriculture Norm Letnick, left, and Abbotsford South MLA Daryl Plecas, right,join Rhonda Driediger of Blueridge Produce in Langley and Abbotsford berry grower David Mutz tocelebrate the rst exports of fresh BC blueberries to China. (David Schmidt photo)Please see “LARGER” page 6More Crops. Less Ash.604-864-227334511 VYE ROAD ABBOTSFORDSTORE HOURSMONDAY-FRIDAY, 8-5 SATURDAY 8 TIL 12CLAAS PU 380GRASS PICK UP12.5’ WIDTH$4,900UNIFARM CW4404 BASKET3 PT HITCH TEDDER$3,900NH H7550 MID PIVOT MOWER CONDITIONER13’ CUTTING WIDTH $26,900 CLAAS 3900TC MOWER CONDITIONER, 12.5’ CUTTING WIDTH $29,900JD 7450 PRODRIVE SPFH4X4 KP, 10' GRASS PU, 676 6 ROW CORNHEADCALL FOR PRICING.Pre-ownedTractors &Equipmentwww.caliberequipment.ca
Alberta premier Rachael Notley’s governmentstirred up a hornet’s nest last fall when it introducedBill 6, making Workman’s Compensation coveragemandatory on the province’s farms and ranches.There was widespread resistance from theagriculture community that resulted in severalamendments to the legislation that came into eecton January 1. Until then, Alberta was the onlyprovince that exempted agricultural workers fromcompensation coverage. When it comes right downto it, you have to wonder what took them so long.Farming and ranching are dangerous work – workthat often involves workers not found in any otheremployment category. What other eld ofendeavour generates workplace fatality statistics forchildren under 15 and adults over 80? Typical Canadian farms and ranches are familyenterprises. In most cases, the family lives in theworkplace. Being home means being at work andmuch of that work cannot be accomplished in eightscheduled hours from Monday to Friday. Theworkload often demands long hours every day forweeks on end, leaving workers tired and distracted.Couple this with a workplace that is liable to be anycombination of loud, dusty, slippery, sharp,poisonous, hot, cold, mean, scared, heavy or hungry,and you have a recipe for trouble.The farm population as a whole is steadily ageingand as it does, the attendant physical humandecline will make farming and ranching increasinglydangerous. Statistics from Canadian AgriculturalInjury Reporting (CAIR) paint a worrying picture.From 1990 to 2012, there were 2,324 fatalities onCanadian farms and ranches. 272 were childrenunder 15 years of age, 341 were 70 to 79 years ofage and 163 were over the age of 80.Complacency born of years doing familiar andrepetitive tasks also complicates matters. The simpletruth is farm and ranch workers, kids, adults andelderly, work in a dangerous, complicated andunforgiving environment where a simple moment ofinattention can spell disaster. Few of us who have been at this any length oftime will struggle to recall our own close calls, orworse. Sadly, most of us will know others injured orkilled accidentally. While some jobs are inherentlymore dangerous than others, all workers deservesafe working conditions. Period. WorkSafeBCregulations may seem onerous but they aredesigned to ensure job safety. There is no rationalargument against that aim. As a construction sitecompensation board inspector responded manyyears ago to my observation that the regulationsseemed complicated and onerous: “Yes, they are;but the sad reality is every word of them has beenwritten with someone’s blood and grief.”Safety is no accident (no pun intended).Compensation board regulations might make yourfarm or ranch a less dangerous place to work butonly leadership and commitment from within canmake it truly safe. Every farm or ranch needssomeone to lead by example and make safety thepriority for every family member and employee. At the very least, everyone should reect on andassess their own situation and concerns,communicate them to those they work with andformulate a basic safety plan. The resources to goforward from there are available from AgSafe BC[www.agsafebc.ca]. In addition to on-line resources,AgSafe has regional safety consultants covering theentire province. AgSafe also oers a Certicate ofRecognition (COR) for agricultural employers whoimplement an eective Occupational Health andSafety plan which could lead to a 10% reduction inWorkSafeBC premiums.How much will safety cost? Awareness, basiceducation and changes in attitude and behavioursmight be achievable at little or no cost at all. Seatbelts, replacements for missing guards, a saferhandling chute, or occupational rst aid training willall cost something but compare those costs to thevalue of the health, safety and life of those who liveand work on your farm and ranch. While writing this, I have been rememberingthree good friends, all experienced, involved inmachinery accidents. One died in a tractor roll-over,one lost an entire arm in an implement drive shaft,and one was pinned under a tractor and survived 25chest fractures. A formal safety plan might not haveprevented any of their accidents but it could have.And that’s reason enough for everyone to have one.Summer is here and fall’s not far o. Statisticallythey are the most dangerous seasons for ranchersand farmers. Stay safe out there. Editor & Publisher Peter WildingPhone: 604/871-0001 • Fax: 604/871-0003E-mail: countrylifeinbc@shaw.ca • Web: countrylifeinbc.comAssociate Editor David SchmidtPhone: 604-793-9193E-mail: davidschmidt@shaw.caAdvertising Sales & Marketing Cathy GloverPhone: 604/328-3814E-mail: cathyglover@telus.netProduction Ass’t: Ann Morris • Senior Researcher: Phil “Bones” GordonCOUNTRYLifeAdvertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, that portionof the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance forsignature will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at theapplicable rate.In the event of a typographical error which advertises goods or services at a wrong price, suchgoods or services need not be sold at the advertised price. Advertising is an offer to sell, and maybe withdrawn at any time. All advertising is accepted subject to publisher’s approval.All of Country Life in British Columbia’s content is covered by Canadian copyright law.Opinions expressed in signed articles are those of the writer and not necessarily those ofCountry Life in British Columbia.Letters are welcome, though they may be edited in the interest of brevity before publication.All errors brought to our attention will be corrected.The agricultural news sourcein British Columbia since 1915Published monthly byCountry Life 2000 Ltd.Vol. 102 No. 8August 2016in B.C.1120 East 13th Ave, Vancouver, BC V5T 2M1 Publication Mail Agreement: 0399159 GST Reg. No: 86878 7375 Subscriptions: $18.90/year • $33.60/2 years • $37.80/3 yearsAll prices incl GSTSafety doesn’t take a holiday on the farmThe Back 40BOB COLLINSCountry Life in BC • August 20164If you build it, they will come.That famous line from “Field ofDreams” seems so appropriate asthe BC Cattlemen’s Associationponders whether building a newbeef processing plant in PrinceGeorge is a good idea or not.In the movie, Kevin Costnerplays a farmer who hears amysterious voice telling him that ifhe builds a baseball diamond inhis cornfield, the great baseballplayers of old will come to utilizeit.It appears the BCCA has heardthe same mysterious voice in thenight, telling them that if a plant isbuilt in Prince George, the BCcattle industry will be transformed.If that voice is to be believed,the BC feedlot industry wouldexpand dramatically in northernBC giving BC cattlemen a readymarket. The plant would fostermid-scale production of grass-fedand/or hormone-free beef or anyother type of specialty beefconsumer whims may demand infuture. The plant might evenattract cattle from northernAlberta ranchers, who could find itmore economical to ship theiranimals west to Prince Georgethan south to High River.The BCCA also has a Kevin,(Kevin Boon) to lead theirinvestigation and now thegovernment has given them themoney to find out whether that isfeasible or if they are, as manybelieve, simply dreaming inTechnicolor.History is not on their side.Many have tried and failed. TheBlue Mountain packing plant inSalmon Arm is the most obviousexample. Twice, investors pouredmillions into that plant only to seeit fail miserably. Will this be any different?Our Kevin thinks so and wehope he’s right. The BC cattleindustry could certainly use a shotin the arm to turn around an ever-shrinking industry.To them we say: dare to dream!Dare to dream
Time for stakeholders’ frank discussion on supply managementAugust 2016 • Country Life in BC 5countries provide both directand indirect subsidies butdon’t suffer the same sort oftrade backlash because of thedifferent way those subsidiesare viewed.MismatchIn fact, the milk sectorlooks, to the casual observer,like the supply-managedcommodity that’s currentlyunder the most duress.There’s a well-documentedmismatch betweenproduction and consumerdemand that’s resulted inever-rising butterfat imports.There’s a thriving grey marketin US milk solids that arecrossing the border byexploiting a poorlyunderstood loophole. Ourexports are unwelcomebecause of supplymanagement while at thesame time, our domesticmarket is opening to dairyimports, suggesting Canadianproducers are likely to loseout market share with nochance of a replacement.Left unaddressed, it will bedeath by a thousand cuts.Rather than sticking theircollective heads in the sandand hoping for the best, Istrongly believe supply-managed producers wouldbe best served by having apainful conversation amongstthemselves. They should betaking a long and hard lookat what criticisms of thecurrent system might bemost valid, and attempting toaddress them.There’s still plenty of timeto take a more proactiveapproach to this situationand nobody appears to bemaking a case for leavingfarmers high and dry, holdingthe high-priced bag of quotathey just bought.Gord Gilmour isAssociate Editorof Manitoba Co-operator.A few years back, whileworking as a writer forCountry Guide, I spoke atsome length withSaskatchewan-basedagriculture economist MurrayFulton about how farm policyis typically set in Canada.He told me that what tendsto happen is something hecalled “punctuatedequilibrium” – which is to saythat Canadian agriculturepolicy tends to reach a stateof consensus on a topic, thenremain there for quite sometime.Over time, new issuesappear and pressure beginsto slowly build under thesurface. Eventually it beginsto bubble up, reach a boilingpoint, then boiling over in aflash of action – like thedeath of the Crow Rate or themove to an open market forwestern wheat and barley.Pressure buildingHe also told me, in hisopinion, we were probably atthe start of the process wherethe pressure would begin tobuild on supplymanagement. With thebenefit of hindsight, he’sbeginning to appeardownright prescient.There’s little doubtpressure is rising. Varioustrade agreements threaten toboth undermine it and capfuture growth. Columns inboth the farm press andmainstream mediaincreasingly take issue with it.Broken ranksRecently, Maxime Bernier,a Conservative MP fromQuebec and candidate forthe party’s leadership, brokeranks and said it is time toreform the system. Apair of University ofManitoba researchersrecently received anational economicsaward for a policypaper examining theoutsize impact supplymanagement has on poorhouseholds.In a nutshell, their casestates that supplymanagement is a regressivetax that rich and poor alikepay at the same rate, and thehigher prices of basic grocerystaples is driving poorhouseholds to less healthyand wholesome options.Drip by drip, the dam isbreached and change nowappears inevitable – thequestion is no longer if, butwhen, how and by whosedesign, in my opinion.So far, supply-managedcommodity groups havetaken a fighting stance,battling every perceivedthreat. It’s certainlyunderstandable. After all, thecurrent system appears tohave functioned well forthem for decades now. But ina strategic sense, I believethis is an error. After a while,policy-makers will justconclude the farmers inquestion are resistant tochange and they’ll impose asolution, like it or not.When the punctuation isreached, governments tendto act the same no matter theparty in power or the issue atplay. It can be summed uppretty simply: distract them,rip the bandage off and runlike hell. It would be nice tothink a new generation ofleaders might actually displayleadership, but don’t counton it.If they won’t, industry willneed to or risk being saddledwith a deal they’ve had littleinput on.Many subsidies out thereI’m not suggesting givingaway the farm, of course, andI don’t think even the mostardent free marketproponents are either. Thetruth is a lot of commoditiesare subsidized in a lot ofdifferent ways in a lot ofdifferent places. But whatmakes supply managementunique is that it’s beensingled out as a trade-distorting policy andessentially shuts Canada outof export markets forcommodities, in particulardairy, while spinning offunintended consequences athome.Agricultural economists AlMussell, Doug Hedley andKamal Karunagoda examinedthis in a widely discussedpolicy paper, Canadian DairyExports: The Knowns,Unknowns, and Uncertainties.In it, they noted many otherViewpointGORD GILMOUR604.556.7477DUNCAN5410 Trans Canada Hwy. 250.748.8171KELOWNA103-1889 Springfield Road250.860.2346NANAIMO1-1277 Island Hwy. 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Country Life in BC • August 20166by PETER MITHAMKELOWNA – Growingdemand for housing toaccommodate long-termmigrant workers is fuellingdemand for permanent ratherthan temporary structures onfarms.The province has longmaintained that just onepermanent residence ispermitted per parcel landwithin the Agricultural LandReserve. The reserve wasestablished in 1973 to protectrural land from development,meaning any additionaldwelling, whether for animmediate family member orfarm workers, is limited to amanufactured home.Such temporary structuresare deemed not tocompromise the productivecapacity of the land, thoughlocal governments have theauthority to allow for extradwellings for farm workers “ifthe number of residences iscommensurate withagricultural activities beingundertaken on the parcel.”But the guidance in theregulations is creatingpressure on municipalitiessuch as Kelowna, which iselding requests fromorchardists who want to housedozens of workers on a singlefarm property.“The number of workersthat they need is more thanthe ve or six they might haveneeded in the 1970s,” explainsMinister open to permanent housing for temporary workersMelanie Steppuhn, a land useplanner responsible forsuburban and rural planningwith Kelowna. “So the farmworker housing is becomingconcentrated. They want themon one farm rather thanhaving them all on ve farms.It’s much more convenient forthem to house them on one ortwo farms.”While applications for farmworker housing typicallynumber no more than ve ayear, farmers are increasinglyseeking permission to buildlarger, permanent residences.“We’re not getting a lot ofthese requests but whenthey’re bigger, they do tend tohit the news,” Steppuhn says,noting the concerns oftencome from rural residents whoaren’t involved in farming. “More and more people arebuying homes like severanceparcels and smaller parcelsand living on them, or largerparcels, even, and leasingthem out as farms, who arenot farmers,” Steppuhnexplains. “[They] have verylittle patience and interest inthe farm activities that areprotected under the Right toFarm Act.”Yet concern regarding farmworker housing isn’t just fromcranky neighbours.Greenhouse operators inDelta encountered issues adecade ago with respect tofarm worker housing. Ratherthan lodge them at a hotel orsome other kind of leasedpremises, there was a desireto accommodate them onsite.But in a municipality thatwas grappling with the issueof monster homes onfarmland, the issue was a hotpotato. Temporary housingwas the way to go, said Deltamayor Lois Jackson, addingstewardship of the landbeyond the needs of thepresent was key.Guidelines for hostingtemporary workers limitthemselves to saying thatworkers only require housingthat meets governmentstandards and passes musterwith either a municipalinspector, commercialinspection service or third-party inspector.The province has regularlystudied the issue, issuing itsmost recent revision of thestandard that aims to providea baseline for municipalbylaws just last year.Agriculture minister NormLetnick told media in Junethat the provincial standardremains the ocial stance onthe matter but he’s open todiscussing the matter if there’sa signicant need for a newform of worker housing.“The preference, accordingto the bylaw, is for them to betemporary structures – somekind of manufactured homethat can removed at somepoint in the future if the needno longer existed,” he toldCBC. “[But] I’m always open toconsider things that would bebest for agriculture.”Current standard recommends temporary structures SUCCESSTHEN KELLO-BILIF STRONGER IS BETTER,SELLS LIKE NOTHING T IS THEN KELLO-BILIF STRONGER IS BETTER, THE BESTT IS OFFSET DISCSINGLE AND DOUBLEWIDE MODEL 225oil for constant lubricationings operate in a 90W gear -floating duo-cone seal. 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T4P 1N1Deerr,.kelloughs.comKELLOUGH’SMONTHOF THE TUREFEALARGER CROP THAN 2015 From page 3David Mutz of Berry HavenFarms in Abbotsford secondedher comments.“Raspberry plants like cool,wet weather so we expect alarger crop than last year,”Mutz said, adding the largercrop is a mixed blessing.He notes packers andwholesalers still have a glut ofraspberries in storage so pricesare down from a year ago.“There is more competitionin the market but prices aredown for both fresh andprocessed raspberries,” Mutzsaid, adding prices “will still beprotable for growers but notas ridiculous (high) as lastyear. 34856 Harris Rd | Abbotsford BC 604-826-3281 www.matsquiagrepair.com The ISO Touch Control Unit allows the McHale Fusion 3 to be fully automatic. 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August 2016 • Country Life in BC 7Shuswap-based food co-op rallies for agricultureby TOM WALKERSALMON ARM – TheSalmon Arm area has a historyof co-operation around foodproduction. In 1907, localgrowers founded the SalmonArm Farmers Exchange topack, market and ship apples.When those growers couldn’tget loans from the local bank,they formed their own SalmonArm Savings and Credit Unionin 1946.Area citizens who areconcerned about their foodformed the Shuswap FoodAction Co-op (SFAC) andregistered as a not-for-prot in2009. The co-op aims to raiseawareness around foodsecurity issues with theultimate goal of creating alocal food policy. “It’s all about education,”board member Ronn Boeursays. “We are dedicated toimproving food availability,food quality and food securityin the Salmon Arm-Shuswapregion.” Throughout the month ofMay and June, the SFAC held aseries of “Shuswap FoodConversations” on topics suchas food costs and yourbudget, food waste, food co-operatives, globalization andfarm practices. The sessionswere held at the recentlyopened Urban Market, anindependent full servicegrocer oering many productsfrom local growers andprocessors in the Salmon Armarea.Country Life in BC attendeda session focused on“Consumer Power” in relationto food. About 15 attendeeslistened to several shortpresentations and broke intodiscussion groups. One of thetopics was “Do we (theconsumer) have any power toinuence the producer orsupplier? If so, how do weexercise it?” Ronn Boeur shared aninteresting story. He and hiswife stopped buying storebrand cheese from localgrocer Askew’s Foods whenthey noticed a change in theavour. They spoke with storeemployees and were told thatnothing had changed.However, the cheese labelwas re-written to list“modied milk ingredients” asone of the product contents.Recently, Boeur noticed thecheese was now beingadvertised as “traditionallymade without modied milkingredients.” He’s is nowheading back to buy some. “Be the change you want tosee,” Boeur advocates. But it’s not just abouteducation. The SFAC developed a foodcharter that was presented toSalmon Arm city council in2012. “Received as information,but never adopted,” saysboard member John McLeod.They have also gainedrepresentation on theEnvironment ActionCommittee and theAgriculture AdvisoryCommittee for the city as wellas Interior Health’s ShuswapHealthy CommunitiesCoalition and worked on theColumbia Shuswap RegionalDistrict’s “AgricultureStrategy” that was completedin 2014. That’s a lot of meetings forthe likes of retired dairyfarmer McLeod, who recentlymade a presentation to theOpposition StandingCommittee on Agriculture. “Thirty years ago, everyonehad a connection or knewsomeone with a connection toagriculture,” says McLeod.“But that’s gone now. Thereisn’t the support foragriculture.”McLeod has worked withlocal farmer Lesley Gurney,who donated an acre of landfor a community garden. “Over the last three years,we have worked with SalmonArm Family Resource Centerwho sourced funding throughthe Evergreen Foundationand the Shuswap Foundationto help with tools, plants,seeds, machine work and dripirrigation,” McLeod explains.“This spring, the rst gardenwas planted.” McLeod says he received aspreadsheet from the city ofSalmon Arm that lists thenames and addresses of everyALR property within the citylimits. “Many of these propertiesare not used or are under-used for agriculture,” saysMcLeod. “This could be ahuge asset in thedevelopment of our land bankMembers of theShuswap Food ActionCo-op were delightedto receive copies ofCountry Life in BC at oneof their get-togethers inSalmon Arm.(Tom Walker photo)Please see “CO‑OP” page 8KuhnNorthAmerica.comINVEST IN QUALITY®MatsquiAg-RepairAbbotsford, BC604-826-3281Noble Tractor & EquipmentArmstrong, BC250-546-3141 Noble Tractor & EquipmentKamloops, BC250-851-3101Visit your localKuhn KnightDealer today!FAST, COMPLETE MIXING AND PROCESSINGVT 100 SERIES VERTICAL MAXX® TWIN-AUGER MIXERS• Redesigned cone augers provide superior feed movement and auger clean off• (TQPVUKFGCPFTGCTFQQTQRVKQPUƂVCYKFGTCPIGQHHGGFKPIUKVWVCVKQPU • Simple, dependable heavy-duty drive320 – 760 cu. ft. mixing capacities • truck & trailer models
Okanagan cherry growers resorted to helicopters to dry their unharvested cherry crops in July. Theprocess caused several complaints from nearby residents over the noise, but with cherry seasoncoming to a close it is a short-lived activity and only necessary when it rains. (Jennifer Smith photo)Country Life in BC • August 20168by JUDIE STEEVESKELOWNA – Rare wetweather in the rst half of Julyin the Okanagan, plus astormy June, has caused aturnaround in the expectedgood fortunes of cherrygrowers this season.What had been forecast tobe a large crop of early, good-quality fruit has now beendowngraded to a much-reduced crop of fruit. Theproduct suers from splitscaused by water sitting in thestem bowl of the cherryduring hot weather, just as itmatures and is ready to pick.Some larger growers havespent huge sums of moneyhiring helicopters to hoverover orchards, blowing thatwater o the fruit immediatelyfollowing a rainstorm, ordriving through the rowsblowing air into the trees todry the fruit, but there will stillbe damage.That means growers mustsort out damaged fruit in theorchard before it heads to thepacking plant where itundergoes further sorting,both to remove imperfect fruitand for size, and it meansthere will be large quantitiesof cull cherries for which thereare few alternate uses.Low grade or commercialapples are used to make thepopular apple cider by the BCTree Fruits Co-operative but,so far, cherries are not used tomake a cider-type product. Infact, they’re not used in manyvalue-added products.Co-op CEO Alan Tyabji sayspears are the next fruit theyplan to use for a ‘perry’ andthey will be followed bypeaches, before cherries.He says the co-op hadanticipated handling a cherrycrop in the range of 12 millionpounds this year, as tree fruitsstarted the spring three weeksearlier than normal, with amild winter and warm spring.However, by June (due toweather), that gure haddropped to nine millionpounds. By mid-July, it wasdown to 7.5 million pounds.He estimates the co-ophandles about half theprovince’s cherry crop with anumber of growers packing atplants located in theirorchards, mainly because it’sso crucial the fruit is chilledimmediately after picking tomaintain good quality andrmness.That’s also why the co-ophas spent millions of dollarson eight hydro-coolers to chillfruit throughout the cherrygrowing areas of the province– close to where the fruit isWeather takes its toll on Okanagan cherry cropOne grower lost 65% of his crop due to splittinginventory.” He is working on a plan tocanvas these properties to seeif they would be interested inregistering with the idea ofleasing or renting and theywill be linked with the YoungAgrarians and the Land Linkwebsites. “We are presently workingon a renewed three yearstrategic plan with the help ofconsultant Mike Simpson ofthe Fraser Basin Council andLaura Kalina of Interior Healthand lead of the KamloopsFood Policy Council,” McLeodadds. “We are very fortunateto have these two excellentresources leading thisinitiative.”Boeur calls the 15 regularsthat attend the meetings his“core.” Two years ago, a publichealth nurse working on hermasters developed a food hubdocument for the SFAC. “I think the creation of afood hub is the direction weare moving in,” he says. CO‑OP WORKING ON PLAN From page 7grown – before it’s shipped tothe packing plant.Southern areas hit hardestBC Cherry Associationpresident Sukhpaul Bal ofKelowna admits the weatherhas caused somedisappointing damage,particularly for growers in thesouth of the valley, but hesays the undamaged fruit is ofparticularly good quality andvery large.“It’s always a gamble withcherries,” he comments.In some blocks, he says helost 65% of his crop tosplitting. Even though he soldsome for juice, it still costs farmore to have the fruit pickedthan what it sold for.Some growers lost halftheir crop, particularly in thesouth where fruit maturedPlease see “BATTERED” page 9www.tubeline.ca 1.888.856.6613For better management and spreading performance of poultry litter, Nitro spreaders can be equipped with an optional poultry litter beater assembly. The interchangeable quick-drop beater system allows operators to conveniently switch between the vertical or poultry beater assemblies offering flexibility to both producers and custom operators.Contact your Tubeline dealer today and find out how Nitro Spreaders can help you put litter in its place.
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 9Employee honoured for 50 years of serviceearlier and was more susceptibleto the rainstorms that batteredorchards in early July.Changes need to be made tothe provincial crop insuranceprogram to make it work forcherry growers, he noted. Theymay lose an entire block of anearly variety but because theyhave better success with a latervariety, no claim is triggered, heexplains.As machinery hummed andclicked in the background at theVaughn Avenue packinghouse,sorting out fruit destined forexport markets, Tyabji recalledthe ‘old days’ when growersexperienced one in ve goodyears in the cherry industry.Today, he said, it’s muchbetter, with only the occasionalyear like this one, when MotherNature plays the weather card ongrowers.“I want to cry when I see theamount of splits in the cull binshere,” commented Tyabji.The large-sized cherries soprized they receive a premium inexport markets such as China, arealso those that are rst damagedby heavy rains because of theirsize.They are the fruit sorted forexport, while smaller-sized fruithead for domestic markets whereconsumers are not prepared topay such high prices. The fruitquality, he noted, is the same.Financially, cherries are themost lucrative crop handled bythe co-op, although apples arethe most handled in terms ofquantity.The co-op employs about 800union members, with about 270packing cherries in the summer,and it handles fruit for about 450contract growers.In recent years, $20 million hasbeen spent on facility upgradeswith plans for a further $10million in the near future, saidTyabji.Market returns for fruit are ne,he said, and they’re notanticipating the weather-damaged fruit they have to dealwith this year will have a hugeimpact on BCTF.The biggest hurt from thisyear’s weather-damaged fruit willbe to growers, he said.“We’re concerned in terms ofgrower returns,” he commented.In coming years, based ontrees that have already beenplanted but not yet producing,Tyabji said they anticipate theywill be handling 14 millionpounds of cherries each seasonso upgrades are needed just toincrease their capacity forhandling a further four millionpounds of cherries.BATTERED BY RAINSTORMS From page 8by JUDIE STEEVESKELOWNA – She’s seen enormouschanges in the cherry industry in BC asshe celebrates 50 years working in theindustry for the BC Tree Fruits Co-op.Isabel Roseen of Wineld wasrecognized last month by CEO AlanTyabji in front of her colleagues on thepackinghouse oor at the Kelownaplant. They were then all invited to shareher celebratory cake during their lunchbreak o the packing oor.He thanked her for her service andtalked about what teamwork and familyare all about.When she began in the industry, itwas picking fruit, but as Tyabji jokinglypointed out, she’s not very tall andpicking those sweet fruits from the old-fashioned tall, spreading trees meantshe had a long way to fall if a misstepwas made.So, she went to work for the packingindustry – in those days, for the VernonFruit Union, which ran fourpackinghouses in the northern part ofthe Okanagan Valley.Tyabji recalled there were about 30small packing plants all over theOkanagan Valley who all sold their fruitto BC Tree Fruits.Today, they all come under thebanner of the united BC Tree Fruit Co-opand Roseen works at the north endKelowna packinghouse until herretirement in July.“Now, we’re all part of one strongcommunity,” he noted.Looking back, she recalled that muchof the work that’s now automated wasdone by hand –from stampingboxes to sortingfruit.Fromprocedures thatwere done by onemachine at a time,everything hasnow beencomputerized.In the earlydays, you had tolearn what all thestamps meant inorder to knowwhere fruit was destined, but todaymachines look after most of that, shenotes.“Every year, there was something newor some renovation,” she recalled,admitting sometimes it seemed thechanges took them backward and othersforward.It’s rare these days that an employeeworks for one company for half acentury and Tyabji noted she hasworked through the industry’s ups anddowns, working shoulder-to-shoulderwith many others in the orchardbusiness.Isabel RoseenA WELL WORKED FIELDIS A THING OF BEAUTYKubota’s family of hay tools - more power, better designand outstanding efciency just when you need it the most.Abbotsford1521 Sumas Way, Abbotsford1-888-283-3276Kelowna1090 Stevens Rd, Kelowna1-800-680-0233Vernon7155 Meadowlark Rd, Vernon1-800-551-6411www.avenuemachinery.ca
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August 2016 • Country Life in BC 11by RONDA PAYNEABBOTSFORD – Each year,the City of Abbotsford’sChamber of Commerce playshost to two bus loads ofpeople interested in ndingout what’s new and worthcelebrating in the agriculturalindustry. Statistics drawn fromthe city’s website note that70% of the region’s 389 squarekilometers are in theAgricultural Land Reserve.There were 1,282 farms in 2011and 2010 gross receipts werepegged at $635 million. That’sa lot of zeroes in support ofbig agricultural in Abbotsford. Hey, Man, it’s just hempPete Scales is the owner ofACI Food Processing, whichcold presses and de-hullshemp. The origins of thebusiness weren’t nearly assimple as that, however. ACIstands for Absorbent ConceptsInc. – the name Scales chosewhen he started research anddevelopment to nd naturalbres absorbent enough tohelp prevent further corrosionin aircraft. “That was 25 years ago,” hesays. “I discovered hemp breis antibacterial. It’s absorbent. Ithought I’d hit the jackpot…but hemp was illegal in thoseyears.”When Scales was laid ofrom his job about two and ahalf years ago, he rememberedthe hemp. While thegovernment had begun tomake changes to itsantiquated ways, the industrywas still not ready for hisoriginal ideas so he wenttowards the nutritional routeof development. Absorbentbres for aircraft is a far cryfrom the products hiscompany makes today.“What we do here, we dowith a passion for humanhealth,” Scales says.ACI does three major thingswith close to 100,000kilograms of hemp eachmonth: they process hempseed into oil, they create a de-hulled product for breakfastcereal and other producers’products (Silver Hills Bakery,Holy Crap cereal, Anita’s Mills)and they package hemp seedsin one pound to 2,000 poundpackages. They also create ahemp protein supplement andare working on getting a bresupplement to market.100% organicScales ships his productsinternationally but because hebrokers much of it, he doesn’tknow what the buyers do withthe product. For example, theresins from hemp oil are aningredient in car door panelsand even Airbus aircraft nosecones. Perhaps not asimportant to BMW or Lexus,but ACI is the only 100%organic hemp processor inNorth America.Even without the TCP (thehallucinogen in marijuana),Scales says hemp hasnumerous health benets.“Health-wise, hemp isincredibly important to thehuman system,” notes Scales. Hemp is aligned to humanDNA and delivers a number ofimportant benets likecannabinoids (only found inhemp, echinacea andmulberries), omega 3s and 6sand is the highest source ofvegetable protein available.Because omega oils aresensitive, ACI has mutedlighting, refrigeration, triple-ply bags and a nitrogentreatment to eliminateoxidization pre-shipment.There is a growing marketin BC for hemp as analternative but serious, andwell-managed crop.Acres of sushi and sake riceBehind the Bakerview Eco-Dairy is the northern-most ricepaddy in the world. MasaShiroki is an artisan sake makerwho is also growing table ricein this surprising location. It was when he was talkingto a group of wine makers thathe recognized he couldn’tparticipate in discussionsabout how the weather andother factors inuences thevintage of his sake. He’dalways imported his rice fromJapan. “Why not?” led Shiroki tochanging the highest latitudefor rice growing from 43° or44° to 49°.Shiroki’s rice seedlings aregrown at Bevo Farms inLangley, where they’ve beenstarted for the last four or veyears. The two inch tallseedlings are planted in Maywith a planter, then harvestedin September. Water in thepaddy keeps the weeds downand is drained at the end ofAugust, although water levelsvary during the growthprocess to invigorate the rootsor stimulate growth. “There’s always unused landor wasted land in BC,” Shirokisays. “Contact us as we’ll makeit productive land.”The best land for ricegrowing is almost alwaysunused because it doesn’tdrain. With two two-acre eldsin Abbotsford and 14 acres inSurrey, Shiroki grows rice forhis sake production and alsowhat he describes as aavourful organic brown tablerice and white rice. “Restaurants have beenordering it,” he says. “It’s a bigdraw at the farmers markets,too.”It’s hard work, but it comeswith rewards. A two acre plotyields 2,700 kilograms (afterdrying) at $10 per kilogramretail. Shiroki is working withthree dierent rice varietiescurrently, including anornamental rice plant.Additionally, he has beenproviding his growing datafederally. City in the Country showcases innovative agricultureSake maker Masa ShirokiSee “HOP” page 12An ACI employee shows a tour guest the result of pressing oil outof hemp. 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Country Life in BC • August 201612HOP PROCESSING EXPANDING From page 11It takes a lot of work to growrice (not to mention the needto import the appropriateequipment) but Shiroki isproving rice can be a viablecrop in the Fraser Valley. Unused landCountry Life in BC readersare already familiar withDwayne Stewart, owner ofValley Hops, who has beenworking to get landownersand farmers on-track withbringing their unused landinto production with hops.What readers may not knowabout is the expansion of theprocessing side of thebusiness, BC Hop Co., whereStewart is the generalmanager. BC Hop works toharvest, process and distributelocally grown hops undermanagement with Valley Hopsand is expanding to make thebusiness even more ecient. Brian Zaporozan, partnerand VP in BC Hop, takes on theoperations and qualitymanagement of theprocessing side of thebusiness. He guided tourparticipants to theconstruction site of the newfacility. “Hops processing isprimarily automated afterpicking,” Zaporozan says.“There aren’t too many ofthese kinds of facilities inNorth America.”The type of facility to whichhe is referring is the 11,500square foot processing facilitydesigned to take a process ofthree to ve days down to lessthan 24 hours. “We’ll be one of the only inNorth America to do it thatspeed from eld to coldstorage,” he says. “It improvesthe quality of the end product.Hops oxidize really quickly.”The building, expected tobe completed in August, willhouse European equipmentand technology and is fundedin part by the GrowingForward 2 program. With thedemand for locally grownhops rising, brew masters wantthe best quality ingredientspossible, consistently.Zaporozan says this newfacility will deliver just that. “We are currently looking attrademarking our process,” henotes. Fields of 10 acres and largerare the ideal size for cominginto production with ValleyHops and making use of theprocessing facilities BC Hopwill oer through the newplant. The unexpected fuzzy fruitSince 2008, George Petkovhas grown eight acres ofpergola-supported kiwis onleased land in Abbotsford. Hegrew up in Macedonia (partof the former Yugoslavia),being trained in viticulture1.866.567.4162Cuts From The Bottom Up.Maximize your productivity, reduce costs, and save valuable time with a Bale Knife from HLA Attachments. Available in 3 sizes, the Bale Knife uses a serrated cutting edge to easily cut through your 4, 5, and 6 foot silage and hay bales. 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He worked at acouple of local wineriesbefore starting his own kiwifarm. “This year, I expect 200,000to 250,000 pounds,” he saidof the anticipated harvest. While kiwi aren’t native inthe Fraser Valley and don’thave pests or diseases, Petkovhas found himself fightingsquirrels. He’s going to trychicken wire and electricfencing for his next battleround. “They can eat a lot of [kiwi]buds in one day,” he says ofthe rodents. Weeds are a problem aswell but, as his farm isorganically managed, Petkovturns to vinegar to spraywhat pops up. Training the vinesPetkov imported the tissuecultures of the Hayward kiwivariety from Italy and spent afew years training the vinesto the wires. The capitalexpenditures were high in theearly years for poles, wire,drip irrigation and more; now,it’s primarily labour. “Every year you have toprune,” he notes. There is alot of summer pruning.”There are eight femaleplants to each male, but themales grow vigorously,sometimes blocking out toomuch sun from the canopy.They can also block theflowers from growingupwards and block the sunfrom sweetening the fruit.Bees do some of thepollination but kiwi can alsobe wind pollinated so Petkovhas used a blower when thespring is too cold for bees. “They are very vigorous,”he says of the shallow-rootedplants. “They can grow up to80 or 90 years. Fullproduction is at about sixyears.”Hand-pickedKiwi don’t ripen on thevine. They are hand-pickedwhen the inner seeds areblack but then go into coldstorage to ripen. When ripe, Petkov sells thelargest amount of hisproduction to the BC SchoolFruit and VegetableNutritional Program but alsosells to IGA and a couple ofother local distributors. Salesin the early years werechallenging because buyersdidn’t believe a kiwi could besuccessfully grown locally,but Petkov has proven it can. The Fraser Valley is hometo a wide range of agriculturalactivities but it seems it’smore than just the expectedgrowing here. Farmers andproducers alike are looking tonew and innovative additionsto the province’s agriculturalgrowth.Sam Glasgow of Valley Hops
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 13Pan-Canadian poultry practicecodes receive final approvalby PETER MITHAMABBOTSFORD – Canada’sNational Farm Animal CareCouncil has released newcodes of practice for poultryproducers, developed inconsultation with theCanadian Federation ofHumane Societies.Released earlier thissummer, the new codes ofpractice govern broiler, eggand turkey producers acrossCanada. They follow therelease of 14 other codesgoverning the productionand transport of animals frombison to mink and rabbits.The farm animal carecouncil describes the codesas “powerful tool[s] formeeting rising consumer,marketplace and societalexpectations relative to farmanimal welfare.” With myriadcertification standards in themarketplace, the codes aimto establish a baseline foranimal care practices.Earls controversyGeoff Urton, manager,stakeholder relations for theBC SPCA, pointed to therecent controversy over thedecision of Earls RestaurantsLtd. to source beef producedin accordance with theCertified Humane standarddeveloped by Humane FarmAnimal Care of Herndon,Virginia.Canada’s beef code ofpractice was released in 2013and Urton said it establisheda minimum standard for beefproduction in Canadaapproved by humanesocieties across the country.It’s been the basis for theNational Cattle Feeder’sAssociation code and one theCanadian Cattlemen’sAssociation is developing.But these codes, andstandards such as CertifiedHumane, are simplyelaborations of the nationalbaseline.“[Our national] codeshould now be serving as theunderpinning of anyassurance system that’s beingdeveloped in Canada for thewelfare of beef cattle,” Urtonsaid, noting that audits areincreasingly part of theequation. Raising the bar“[It] will ensure … virtuallyevery cattle owner in thecountry over the next fewyears does get some kind ofaudit, which is reallyimportant for raising the bar,”he said of the cattlemen’snew code. “But you’re alwaysgoing to have consumers andretailers who want to gofurther.”This being said, consumers,activists and producersthemselves all have a chanceto provide feedback on thenational codes of practiceduring a comment period.Public comment on the newpoultry code was solicited infall 2015.“People have a chance tofeel like they’ve had a voice,”Urton said of the commentperiod. “Regardless of theirdietary choices, Canadiansare very passionate aboutthese issues – Canadians arevery passionate about animalwelfare, in general.”But between those whowant more humaneconditions for livestock andthose who feel no conditionbut utter freedom isappropriate, Urton said themost productive commentsare those that govern actualproduction practices ratherthan the liberation ofanimals. Constructive comments“The most practicalcomments, the mostconstructive, are the onesthat are going to get used bythe committee in any actualwording amendments thatwe make to the code,” hesaid.Complete details of thenew poultry codes of practiceare available online[http://www.nfacc.ca/codes-of-practice/chickens-turkeys-and-breeders].With so many competing certification standards inthe marketplace, the codes aim to establish baselinesNew poultry code of practice follows in footsteps of 14 other codesestablished governing the production and transport of livestock.(File photo)Call WaterTec Today and Get Your Free Estimate !vern@watertecna.com kristen.weir@watertecna.comMECHANIZED IRRIGATIONGrowing More With Less Water CENTER PIVOTS, LINEARS, CORNERSToll Free in Canada 1-855-398-7757 www.AgSafeBC.ca#AgSafetyChampFARMERS HELPING FARMERSNominate yours today at Let’s grow together.BMO is pleased to announce the appointment of Phillip Kunz to ourAgriculture Team, based in Cloverdale. Phillip has been with BMO for 12 years and was raised in Cloverdale. PHILLIP KUNZphillip.kunz@bmo.com604-574-6878You can call on yourBMO Agri-Specialist to help yougrow your business.LYNN LASHUK, P.AgAGRICULTURE MANAGER250-979-7827lynn.lashuk@bmo.comDIANE MURPHYVICE PRESIDENT, AGRICULTURE604-504-4980604-302-8784diane2.murphy@bmo.comJoin us MONDAY AUGUST 15 at Westwood Plateau for the8th annual BMO SACCOMANIACS AGRICULTUREFOR AUTISM CHARITY GOLF TOURNAMENTPlease register at http://www.saccomaniacsgolf.comIAIN SUTHERLANDAGRICULTURE MANAGER604-504-4978604-751-0292iain.sutherland@bmo.comSTEVE SACCOMANOSENIOR AGRICULTURE MANAGER604-504-4976604-703-5161steve.saccomano@bmo.com
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August 2016 • Country Life in BC 15by DAVID SCHMIDTVICTORIA – After close totwo decades under theguidance of Jim Collins, theBC Farm Industry ReviewBoard (FIRB) has a newexecutive director.During Collins’ lengthytenure as ED, FIRB’s role wasexpanded from simply being asupervisory board andappellate tribunal for theprovince’s regulatedmarketing boards andcommissions to hearingcomplaints under the FarmPractices Protection (Right toFarm) Act and acting as anappellate tribunal for animalcustody decisions by theBCSPCA under the Preventionof Cruelty to Animals Act.Retirement for CollinsCollins retired at the end ofJune and has been replacedas executive director byKirsten Pedersen. Pedersenholds a Master’s of PublicAdministration degree fromthe University of Victoria andhas been with theBC public servicesince 1990, the past20 with the BCMinistry ofTransportation andInfrastructure.Most recently, shewas the BCMT&Isouth coast regionaldirector, overseeingthe operation of theprovincial highway system inthe Lower Mainland,Vancouver Island, SunshineCoast and Gulf Islands. Prior tothat, she wasexecutive director ofpolicy and planningfor transportation.Pedersen joinedFIRB in mid-June andocially took over asexecutive directorupon Collins’retirement, June 25.This is not theonly change at FIRBas BC Minister of AgricultureNorm Letnick also appointedtwo new members to the FIRBboard. Named to the boardfor two year terms beginningJuly 31 and ending July 31,2018, were Al Sakalauskas andDiane Pastoor. Both haveextensive backgrounds insupply management. A formerassistant deputy minister ofthe BC Ministry of Agriculture,Sakalauskas was generalmanager of the BC EggMarketing Board beforeretiring over a year ago.Experience that countsA BC native, Pastoor spentmany years as a chickengrower in Saskatchewanwhere she served as chair ofthe Saskatchewan ChickenMarketing Board andrepresented that province atChicken Farmers of Canada.Sakalauskas and Pastoorreplace Andy Dolberg andDiane Filmore who eachcompleted two terms onFIRB’s board.Daphne Stancil, whose rstterm on FIRB expired at theend of July, was reappointedfor a second term also endingJuly 31, 2018.Even though John Les’s rstthree-year term as chair ofFIRB was not due to expireuntil the end of November,the June 30 orders-in-councilalso included his earlyreappointment. Les’s term aschair has been extended foranother three years and isnow set to end November 30,2019.New executive director, board members for FIRBCommission won’t regulate specialty hatching egg productionKirsten Pedersenby DAVID SCHMIDTABBOTSFORD – Aftergetting their knuckles rappedby the BC Farm IndustryReview Board (FIRB) regardingtheir handling of specialtyhatching egg quota issue, theBC Broiler Hatching EggCommission has decided towash its hands of the wholeaair. However, that decisiondoesn’t sit well with TrevorAllen and Casey van Ginkel,who successfully appealedBCBHEC’s original order.As reported in the June2016 issue of Country Life inBC, FIRB cancelled theBCBHEC’s original orderregulating specialty hatchingegg producers and orderedthe commission to report tostakeholders and FIRB by theend of June as to whether ornot it would regulate specialtyproduction, saying BCBHEC’srecommendation must be“fully supported by a processconsistent with SAFETI(strategic, accountable, fair,eective, transparent,inclusive) principles.”In its report to FIRB,BCBHEC says it has decidednot to regulate specialtyhatching egg production.Although FIRB gave theBCBHEC that option, Allen andvan Ginkel insist that wasnever their intent.“We were appealing theallocation, not the quota,”Allen states. “We alwayswanted quota. It’s ludicrousthat a hatching eggcommission could nd noreason to regulate yet theyboast about the benets ofsupply management on theirwebsite.”While BCBHEC’s reportdefends its decision usingFIRB’s SAFETI, Allen and vanGinkel charge the commissionhas missed a key element inthe process: consultation withthe stakeholders.“Not operating properly”The commission “is notoperating properly,” vanGinkel says. “I was a foundingmember of the chickenspecialty marketing advisorycommittee in 2005 and havean idea of how it’s supposedto happen.”Allen notes ve of the sixaected producers delivered aletter to the BCBHEC at thebeginning of April agreeingon regulation and specicquota allocations for eachproducer. While the BCBHECacknowledges the letter, itsreport to FIRB only states aresponse will be part of “theBC Hatching Egg AsianBreeder Producer Work Plan.”FIRB seems to side with theproducers that BCBHEC’sinitial report is not goodenough. In a June 23 letter toBCBHEC chair CaseyLangbroek and Claire Hunter,Allen and Van Ginkel’s legalcounsel, FIRB states it is theirexpectation “that fulsomeconsultation with specialtybreeder producers and otherstakeholders will beconducted before any nalrecommendations are placedbefore BC FIRB.”Van Ginkel says that’s allthe producers want.“We justwant to see change and see(the commission) functioningproperly.”Roll-over protective structures (ROPS) and seatbelts save livesWe’re working with you to make sure all farmers go home safe. For resources and videos on safe equipment operation, visit worksafebc.com/agriculture.FOR SALE ...GRAIN LOOP, GRAIN STORAGE & ROLLER MILLSOUTHERN PLUS FEEDLOTS250-498-3077 freding@telus.net
Country Life in BC • August 201616While the use of cover cropsis a preference for eachindividual farmer dependingon their farm’s prole, researchout of the University of NewHampshire has shown thatone of the most useful covercrops that can be planted tosuppress weeds and increasesoil production values isforage radish. True, New Hampshire is inthe US northeast and somedistance from BC, but itexperiences cool, short-seasoncropping niches that we cansee here. Cover crops are plants thatare grown after the cash crophas been harvested and theyare used to protect the soilfrom erosion and the loss ofnutrients, suppress weeds,enhance soil fertility, andprovide habitat for pollinatorsthe following spring orbenecial soil organisms. Theycan also be planted on fallowland adjacent to producingelds.According to a 2012 reportby the Delta Farmland andWildlife Trust, forage cropsgrown for livestock feed (hay,pasture or silage) in the FraserRiver delta are often grazed byherbivorous waterfowl such assnow geese and wigeon,resulting in damage to thecash crops. Cover crops aregrown not only for erosionprotection,suppression of weedsand enhanced soilfertility but as apotential means tolure waterfowl awayfrom productiveforage elds and to osetwaterfowl grazing damage.The most common cover cropsare winter wheat and barley.“Control of weeds andimprovement of soil qualityand soil health are issues thatevery farmer struggles to dealwith,” says Richard Smith,assistant professor ofagroecology, UNH AgriculturalExperiment Station. “Covercrops are tools that farmerscan use to address theseissues simultaneously;however, not all cover cropsare equally capable ofsuppressing weeds orcontributing to soilenhancement, particularlyunder the climatic conditionsthat are typical of our [NewHampshire] region. Thisresearch is aimed atdetermining which cover cropspecies might be most usefulfor farmers in our region.”Taking advantage of covercrops has a cost factor in termsForage radish sets thestandard for cover cropsof seeding, equipment time foreld preparation and labour.Then, a lot may depend on theweather at the chosen time forplanting and/or harvesting. Onthe BC south coast, a very wetfall in 2010 led to fewer covercrops planted and not manyharvested. The researchers in NewHampshire examined thegrowth of eight dierent covercrops that would be grownfrom fall through to thefollowing spring before theplanting of the summer cashcrop. Summer vegetable cropsincluded snap beans, broccoli,sweet corn and spinach orcorn silage. Researchers planted covercrops at the experimentstation’s WoodmanHorticultural Research Farmeither as monocultures (onecover crop) or bi-cultures(mixture of two cover crops).Crops planted included annualryegrass, winter rye, alfalfa,crimson clover, white clover,hairy vetch, soybean, andforage radish. Researchers alsoincluded a control in which nocover crop was grown. The study extended for twoyears which allowed scientiststo evaluate not only theaverage value for each covercrop but its consistency inproduction. “Based on our research, wefound that forage radish wasconsistently among thehighest biomass-producingtreatments in the fall, providedexcellent fall weed suppressionand resulted in some of thehighest production values inthe test-crop,” says Smith. “Wewere particularly surprised withhow well the forage radishperformed, both in terms of fallgrowth and fall weedsuppression, and how much ofan impact it had on thesubsequent test-crop despitethe fact that it died in thewinter.” The study is valuable in thatit allows farmers science-basedinsights into the application ofcover crops that reduce theneed for costly andenvironmentally stressfulagrichemicals. The goal, saysSmith, is to developbiologically-based practicesthat are appropriate for theiroperations and that improvethe farmers’ bottom line. Smith says that agricultureis a vital part of any regionaleconomy and theimplementation of practicesthat benet local farmproduction such as plantingcover crops should be ofinterest not only to farmersbut anyone who believes ineating local or regionallyproduced food or who valuessustainable agriculturalpractices.Further research will look ata wider range of cover crops,times of planting and theirperformance under varyinggrowing conditions. Inaddition, scientists will look ata mixture of plant species andthe additional services covercrops provide to agriculture. The study by Smith and histeam entitled In-Season andCarry-Over Eects of CoverCrops on Productivity and WeedSuppression appeared recentlyin the journal AgronomyJournal.ResearchMARGARET EVANS“Serving British Columbia proudly since 1946”MachineryLimitedCOMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE in the FRASER VALLEYwww.rollinsmachinery.caROLLINSR410 HP NEW HOLLAND’S FINEST LARGE SERIESCVT T8 TRACTOR$319,600.00 CASHFOR INFO CALL 1-800-242-9737OPPORTUNITYKNOCKS!A Firsthand Understanding Of Your Family’s Wealth PrioritiesMark Driediger, CFP, Senior Wealth AdvisorAssante Financial Management Ltd.www.MarkDriediger.com | (604) 859-4890 Farm Transition Coaching Customized Portfolio Strategy Retirement Income PlanningPlease visit www.assante.com/legal.jsp or contact Assante at 1-800-268-3200 for information with respectto important legal and regulatory disclosures relating to this notice.Your Farm. Your Family. Your Future.Field trials in New Hampshire, with similar growing conditions to parts of BC, are showing that forageradish outperforms other winter cover crops with excellent weed suppression and crop enhancement.(Photo courtesy of La Coop Prod’Or, Laurentides, Quebec)
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 17In its heyday, Valley Auction in Armstrong would drop the gavel on upwards of 50,000 head annuallyand draw huge crowds, like this one at a BC Angus Association purebred sale in the 1990s. (CathyGlover le photo)by TOM WALKERARMSTRONG – The northOkanagan ranching industrylost a valuable service whenValley Auction held its lastcattle sale at the end of June.After 30 years, the Armstrongcompany has merged its cattlesales operations with BCLivestock. Company owners Don andPeter Raan did not respondto several interview requests,however other industrypersonnel say the move is areection of the market. “The volume of cattle isdown drastically NorthAmerica wide, let alone in BC,”says Jono Rushton of McClaryStockyards in Abbotsford. “Itmakes it more and moredicult for auction marts to beviable.” BSE was the culprit“It’s like Donny (Raan) says,BSE killed them. A lot of guysgot out of the business,”explains Kevin Johnson of BCLivestock Producers Co-opAssociation. “It costs a pile ofmoney to operate these barnsand you can’t do it on 15,000head of cattle. They just don’thave the customer base downthere any more; it’s a changeof the times.”The Raans were quoted inlocal press as saying theirannual cattle sales haddropped from a high of 50,000head to barely 11,000.“A lot of the auctions thatare here are here because theyhave been here for a very longtime,” says Rushton. “They arenot carrying debt. It’s not anindustry you are going tocome into.” “Cattle isn’t lucrativeenough to be involved in itunless you want to beinvolved in it. It’s a way of life, Isuppose,” adds Rushton. Valley Auction will continuewith the estate sales,consignment, machinery ando-site sales.“We’ve got 100,000 head ofcattle in four barns,” saysJohnson, explaining that BCLivestock has auction marts inVanderhoof, Williams Lake,Kamloops and Okanagan Falls.“In Alberta, they have 200,000head in one barn and theycan’t keep the door open.” “BC is a little bit uniquebecause we are so spread outbetween auction barns,”Johnson adds. “In Alberta, youValley Auction bidsadieu to cattle salesmight nd 15 barns within a100 miles. But they are startingto amalgamate over therealso.” BC Livestock is lookingforward to working with theRaans, who have won awardsfor their auctioneering skills. “They bring a lot ofknowledge to the table. I thinkit is a great t,” says Johnson.“Having them bring theirknowledge of how to sellcattle, their customer base, thecontacts they have in thebusiness, is a huge asset to BCLivestock.” “I would like to think we willend up with an extra 1,000head annually through OKFalls,” says Johnson. “And Iwould like to say we willprobably end up with 7,000head through Kamloops.” Convenience has a price,Johnson admits. “If you are a rancher in theNorth Okanagan, you will incura little bit more on thetrucking costs to Kamloops,but I think you will gain thatback on the price that you willget for your animals.”Dairy herds have beengrowing in the NorthOkanagan and Johnson saysthat will be a priority for theRaans. “We do have a plan in placefor Don and Peter to work onthat.”TRACTOR & EQUIPMENT LTD.KAMLOOPS580 Chilcotin Road250/851-3101TOLL FREE 1-888-851-3101ARMSTRONG4193 Noble Road250/546-3141TOLL FREE 1-800-661-3141NOBLECASE 2290 1980, 128 HP, CAB, NO 3 PT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,500CASE 2090 1982, 108 HP, CAB, 3PT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21,500NH TS115A, DELUXE 2004, 95 HP, CAB 4X4, LDR . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41,800NH 3045 45 HP, 4X4, CAB, LDR, LIKE NEW ONLY 215 HOURS . . . . . . 36,500MF 5613 2015, 100 PTO HP, CAB, 4X4, 16X16 POWERSHIFT TRANS, MF946 LDR, ONLY 345 HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107,500JD 3130 80 HP, 2X4, CANOPY, JD 148 LOADER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13,500NH 1412 1999, 10’4” CUT, FLAIL CONDITIONER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10,900CASE IH DC102 2010, 10’4” CUT, ONLY 80 ACRES USE . . . . . . . . . . 25,900CASE IH 8312 1997, 12’ CUT, SWIVEL HITCH . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,500HESSTON 545 1999, 4’X5’, SILAGE SPECIAL, TWINE TIE . . . . . . . . . . 12,500VERMEER 554XL 4’ X 5’, SILAGE SPECIAL, TWINE TIE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,500CASE IH 8455 4’X5’, TWINE TIE, C/W GATHER WHEELS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,900CASE IH 8465 5’X6’, TWINE TIE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8,900NH575 1996, ¼ TURN, HYD DENSITY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11,500NH 1037 104 BALE, 3 WIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,500NH 1032 69 BALE, 2 WIDE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,500SUPREME 700T 2010, TWIN SCREW . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 28,000www.nobletractor.comREADY! 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See our ad on page 38 for rates!It’s your business.And you need to keep up date on the news andevents that affect you and your farm operation.It’s what we have been doing for almost a century!Subscribetoday!COUNTRYLifein BCThe Agricultural News Source inBritish Columbia since 1915 www.bchereford.ca Aug 31 to Sept 4 - IPE, Hereford Mark Of Excellence Show, Armstrong, BC Sept 9 - BCHA AGM & Banquet, Best Western Inn, 3070 264th St. Aldergrove, BC Sept 9 - 11 - 73rd Annual Lakes District Fall Fair, Hereford Mark Of Excellence Show, Burns Lake, BC Sept 10 - West Coast Hereford Club, North Bluff Farm Hereford Mark Of Excellence Show, Aldergove, BC Sept 24 - Pacific Invitational All Breed Female Sale, BC Livestock Co-op, Williams Lake, BC Sept 22 - 25 - Richardson Ranch 7th Annual Online Sale, www.richardsonranch.ca BCHA President: 604-582-3499 BCHA Secretary: 250-699-6466 Visit for details “The dairy farmers areviewed a bit dierently by theranching community,”Rushton says. “They don’t kindof view them as the sameindustry, which is kind of silly,”adding that dairy is their‘bread and butter’ the Fraservalley.It’s an aging population,Rushton points out. “A lot of older guys areretiring from the cow/calfindustry,” he says. “With thekids, if you give them theranch in order for them tomake a go of it, well, thatdoesn’t really y so there’s noyoung people around.” “Part of the auction industryis it’s a bunch of stubbornpeople who have stuck aroundthis long,” says Rushton. “Youraccountant tells you you’recrazy. It is one of thoseindustries that is old schooland there is something that iscomforting in that.”
Country Life in BC • August 201618by JUDIE STEEVESARMSTRONG – Despite thefact her parents were bothprofessional musicians, BC’swinner of her colleagues’Agrologist of the Year award,Andrea Gunner of Armstrong,says she hung out at the vetclinic and roamed the woodsas a kid.Even though she beganmusic lessons at the age offour and was expected to playthe piano, violin or guitar, shefound there wasn’t a lot of joyfor her there. “It just wasn’t in my blood,”she recalls.Instead, the time sheremembers was spentoutdoors, in the elds andwoods around her hometownof Vernon.And, by the age of six, she’dset her heart on becoming avet instead of tickling theivories.Her father suggested thatpeople will always have to eatso that goal was rearrangedaround agriculture insteadand she entered UBC in animalsciences.Due to a professor who wasa mentor, she made a furtherswitch into horticulture,graduated in 1986 and wenton to do post-grad work ineconomics and marketing in1990. She became aProfessional Agrologist in1992.Today, she and herhusband have a nine-acrepoultry farm permitted by theBC Chicken Marketing Boardwhere they pasture feed 2,000chickens and 300 turkeys ayear, with a further 3,000 to3,500 chickens on the vesatellite farms they mentor,providing those youngfarmers with their own milledfeed and processing the birdsas well.They bought the farm as anacreage in winter, when it wascovered in snow. They realizedit hadn’t been a working farmin decades.But when they tookpossession that summer, theweeds were six feet high andthere were stumpseverywhere. They began torealize they had quite a jobahead of them.Gunner says they used pigsto help get rid of the weeds,then sheep and then goatsbefore implementing theirplan to pasture-feed chickensand turkeys.They have their own feedmill and processing planttoday, as a result of theintroduction in 2007 of a newmeat inspection regulationthat put many BC small-scale,livestock-based farms out ofbusiness.Gunner found herselfimmersed in educating thepolicy-makers and publicabout the impact of thatlegislation. But, it wasn’t therst time she went on thepublic speaking circuit,educating the communityabout agriculture.“It’s needed in thisindustry,” she comments. “As aprofessional agrologist, it’sone way I can help,” she adds.Farmers, she believes, haveto take an interest in tellingtheir stories to the community.People often don’t realizethat farmers get what’s leftwhen everyone else along theline has taken their slice of thepie, she comments.In addition to working as anadvocate for food security andfor farmers, she uses her linkswith the arts network in thecommunity to get the farmmessage out and hasorganized a number of eventswhich benet both groups.She has also served the BCInstitute of Agrologists,including sitting as presidentin 2009.Looking back, she says it’svery rewarding to nd that aworkshop or talk she’s given –possibly years ago – has had asignicant impact on someoneand their farm operation ortheir outlook on farming.And, she is enjoyingmentoring young farmers. “It’s really fun. They haveideas and energy and weprovide perspective,” shecomments.Mirroring her owndeparture from her parents’vocations, only one of herchildren is headed intofarming, and then it’s intoranching rather thanhorticulture or small animals.Asked to consider whatadvice she has for farmers withan eye on success inagriculture, she says it’s reallyimportant to think outside thebox; to do the research; tostretch yourself beyond yourcomfort zone; look for the newinnovation or the gap youmight ll; to know your ownresources and to do thenumbers on paper beforetaking that rst step intosomething new.She’s very positive aboutthe new crop of farmers,noting they make rationaldecisions, rather thanbehaving like starry-eyedromantics about getting intoagriculture.Mentoring young farmers a specialty for BC’s agrologist of the yearFormer president of BC Institute of Agrologists pasture feeds 2,000 chickens, 300 turkeysAndrea GunnerArtex Cow Cooling Solutions“Offering Efficient and Effective Ventilation Solutions Expertise”Precision Farm Supplies Ltd. Abbotsford, BC778-809-4858www.precisionfs.caFANSINSTOCK
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 19by TOM WALKERKELOWNA – The OppositionStanding Committee forAgriculture and Food was backon the road this spring, withstops in Cranbrook andKelowna.“We feel this should be anocial committee in thelegislature,” says committeeco-chair and NDP MLA forSaanich South Lana Popham,pointing out the Liberalgovernment dismantled theSelect Standing Committee forAgriculture in 2001. “Until thattime, we are going to continueto meet as we have.”The problem, according toPopham, who is also the NDP’sspokesperson for agriculture,is that “we create agriculturepolicies on election cycles andfarmers do not work on thosecycles.”“Agriculture should be anon partisan issue,” echoedcommittee member and NDPSkeena MLA Robin Austin. Last year, the committeehosted meetings in WilliamsLake, Courtney/Comox,Chilliwack and Vancouver.They tabled their rst report inthe legislature last November. “It was a bit like presentinga petition,” Popham allows, asthey have no ocial standingin the legislature. However,Popham believes they areproviding a valuable focus forfarmer concerns. “Everywhere we go, we arefully booked,” she says. “Overand over, we hear that thegovernment should reinstatethe standing committee.”“I think that we are takenseriously because we takepeople seriously,” she adds.“What was interesting isthat the Minister of AgricultureNorm Letnick presented hisreport [the BC Agrifood andSeafood Strategic GrowthPlan] at the same time. Ipromise it was a coincidence!”says Popham. “But every timethe minister’s report gotmedia, we had a counter pointof view.”The standing committee’sreport makesrecommendations under“existing policy in need ofimprovement” and “in need ofnew direction.”The report expressedconcerns with regulatory,nancial and administrativebarriers – particularly thosethat impact new and smallfarm operators. There was acall for better informationsharing, training and technicalassistance, more workaddressing the comingchallenges to farmers fromOpposition ag committee listening to farmer concernsNDP’s Standing Committee continues tour of provinceclimate change and a call formore support for BC farmproducts and businesses.Looking forward, the reportaddressed issues for theAgricultural Land Reserve, adesire to return the ALR to onezone, better scrutiny of use(particularly for carbon credits)and the establishment of aprovincial farmland trust. Popham believes that in anopen public forum, people feelfree to express their truebeliefs. “We get amazingpresenters,” she says.“Monsanto came and spoke inCranbrook. We hear a lotabout sustainability, organicagriculture, extension services,the barriers new farmers faceand underutilized land.” “I feel strongly that weshould be looking atprocurement contracts (usinglocal food in public institutionssuch as hospitals and schools)to incent production,” saysPopham. “It’s a no brainer.Everyone across the provinceagrees with this. It’s not ouridea. Just having that stabilityof the domestic market, itincents that land to go intoProfessionalServicesView over 100 listings of farm properties atwww.bcfarmandranch.comBC FARM & RANCHREALTY CORP.Buying or Selling a Farm or Acreage?GORD HOUWELINGCell: 604/793-8660GREG WALTONCell: 604/864-1610Toll free 1-888-852-AGRI (2474)Call BC’s First and OnlyReal Estate Office commited 100% to Agriculture!Helping industry build & implement practical & sustainable programs & publications To see past projects and potential scope of services visit www.qfirst.ca Ph: 604-309-3509 E: qfirst@telus.net For more information or to pursue an idea contact: Annette Moore B.Sc.(Agr), M.Sc., P.Ag. Quality First in Agriculture Inc. Jack Reams P.Ag. Agri-Consultingv BC Farm Business Advisory Services Consultantv Farm Debt Mediation Consultantv Organic Consultant & Inspectorv Meat Labeling ConsultantPhone: 604-858-1715 Cell: 604-302-4033Fax: 604-858-9815 email: marlene.reams@gmail.comCONFIDENTIALITY GUARANTEEDDustinStadnykCPA, CAChrisHendersonCPA, CANathalieMerrillCPA, CMATOLL FREE 1-888-818-FARM | www.farmtax.caExpert farm taxation advice:• Purchase and sale of farms• Transfer of farms to children• Government subsidy programs• Preparation of farm tax returns• Use of $1,000,000 Capital Gains ExemptionsApproved consultants for Government funding through BC Farm Business Advisory Services ProgramARMSTRONG 250-546-8665 | LUMBY 250-547-2118 | ENDERBY 250-838-7337www.agri-jobs.ca | Phone: 604-823-6222 | Email: info@agri-labour pool.comWe do the work for you! Agri-jobs.caOur business is helping your business GROW, since 1974.Connecting employers with the right employee!Contact us to nd out how we can fill your position:Looking for HELP on your farm?www.agri-jobs.ca | Phone 604-823-6222 | Email info@agri-jobs.caproduction.” Kelowna presenters spokeabout creating food hubs tofacilitate the exchange of foodfrom farmer to consumer:locals supporting locals. “I believe Canada’s foodsovereignty is hanging in thegallows of globalization,“ saidJohn McLeod of the ShuswapFood Action Co-op. “We cannot allow foreign multi-nationals to control our foodand its production.” He talked about how milkfrom his family farm in theNorth Okanagan is shipped toVancouver, processed andthen trucked back to SalmonArm for sale. He urged BritishColumbians to look at theCommunity EconomicDevelopment InvestmentFund model in Nova Scotiathat has successfully raisedand invested $40 million forlocal enterprises. Kelowna cherry grower NeilDendy advocated for strongerRight to Farm legislation. Hisorchards are experiencingsignicant losses when newlyplanted young trees are eatenby local deer. He also saidthere is a need for continuedresearch and extensionsupport for better farmpractices. “In the 1950’s, tree fruitgrowers were using about 500lbs of nitrogen per acre. Today,we are using about a fth ofthat but we can get better byknowing more about plantphysiology.”.Farmers in Cranbrook and Kelowna had an opportunity to address a panel of opposition membersthis spring, with many expressing concerns over food sovereignty, right to farm legislation and lack ofextension support. (Tom Walker photo)
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Country Life in BC • August 201622by TOM WALKERKAMLOOPS – The BC Association ofAbattoirs (BCAA) held their annual meeting inKamloops May 26-28. A full day of workshopscovered a variety of topics including marketing,WorkSafeBC and illegal facilities.Member concerns included the potentialdierences in regulation standards between Aand B, and D and E slaughter facilities andemployment issues. Members were told theywould be able to speak individually with theprovincial manager of Jobs, Tourism and SkillsTraining.“Where does the line start?” joked out-goingBCAA president Mike Noullett. Sandy Vanderbyl of the BC Meats programgave an overview of major projects to date. Thesecond phase of the BC Abattoir’s Food SafetyEnhancement program has now beencompleted with all abattoirs. Vanderbyl saysthey are currently developing Phase 3.She outlined the recently launched 100% BCLamb program that follows the model set upfor BC Beef. BC Chicken will follow. The BC’sBest Raw Pet Food project is continuing todevelop. Bonnie Windsor from Johnston’s Pork toldthe story of how their successful marketingcampaign has evolved. She said it began withchanging the name from Johnston Packers toinclude “Fresh, Local, Quality” and identifyingwho their customers were in order to solidifytheir position as a niche supplier. “We are marketing to the consumer whocares,” says Windsor.Attention grabbing slogans such as “Don’tCook Bacon in the Nude” and “Bacon is aVegetable” on t-shirts and aprons has helped toboost the company’s prole. “We are in a situation in this province wherewe compete with commodities, so we have tobe dierent,” says Windsor. Consumers love theswag. “It costs us nothing; they are paying for ourbrand.” “Customers want a relationship with you,”Windsor says. “Facebook has gone crazy for us.It has provided a platform where we can have ahumorous relationship with customers, andprovide recipes with very little eort.” Inspection issuesThe dierences in oversight for class D and Eslaughter facilities came under re. Part of theproblem is that A and B facilities are underMinistry of Agriculture (BCMA) jurisdiction andAbattoirs struggling withBC licensing regulationsD and E under the Ministry of Health. “We should all be playing on the same eld,”says Noullett. There are currently 48 class A facilities(slaughter, cut and wrap) and 22 class B(slaughter only) operations. At these facilities,each animal is pre- and post-harvest inspectedby a Ministry of Agriculture ocial on site, andwholesale, retail and direct-to-consumer salesare allowed across the province. Needs of rural areasD and E licenses were developed to ll thesmaller needs of rural areas that do not haveaccess to a full scale facility, such as HaidaG’waii. They may only sell within their ownregional district, are restricted in the number ofanimals they can process and are subject toperiodic inspections by the provincial healthministry. The current 44 D and E facilities have lowercapital and operating costs. Meat processedcan be sold at local farmer’s markets, forinstance, at a very competitive price. Association members pointed out the cutand wrap portion of an A establishment is alsosubject to provincial health ministry inspection,which can be intermittent. BCAA executive director Nova Woodburynotes that Ministry of Health (BCMA)inspections are usually complaint driven,conrming that there is always Ministry ofAgriculture inspector on site for the slaughterprocess.That could indicate inconsistency, saymembers. ”If they aren’t checking on us, they certainlyaren’t checking on the D and E guys,” says afrustrated Richard Yntema.“You are not going to strengthen the foodsafety aspect of the industry if you allow thoseplaces to continue,” added Yntema. “We have been asking for one agency,” saysNoullett.Gavin Last, executive director of the FoodSafety and Inspection Branch oered that thegovernment is working on a regulatorysolution.“It is changing,” Last promised.WorkSafeBC reported injuries in the abattoirindustry are two and a half times the provincialaverage, according to Manager of Industry andLabour Services Chris Back. He said that meantoperators were paying more than two timesthe provincial base rate to insure their workers. 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August 2016 • Country Life in BC 23WORKER SAFETY From page 22by PETER MITHAMARSTRONG – Residents whodraw water from the Hullcaraquifer near Spallumcheenhave won the right to see theresults of governmentanalyses of local soil andwater.The province hadsteadfastly refused to sharethe documents, arguing thatthe analyses – which itrequired of H.S. Jansen & SonsLtd., the farm widelysuspected of being the sourceof the contamination – werecommissioned by a third party.This meant that thedocuments, while provided tothe province, were not theproperty of the province andtherefore privilegedinformation which it could notdisclose.However, the province’sinformation and privacycommissioner, ElizabethDenham, quashed thatargument with her order inlate June that the provincedisclose documents regardingthe aquifer, which has beensubject to a drinking wateradvisory since spring 2014.Approximately 150 residentswho rely on the aquifer havebeen advised not to drink thewater, leaving them with fewalternatives – all of themcostly.Matter of public interest“Public bodies [must]proactively discloseinformation that is clearly inthe public interest. In this case,it is clear that the ongoing riskto clean drinking water in theHullcar Valley constitutes amatter of public interest,”Denham wrote. “ResidentsOngoing risk to clean drinking water trumps privacyhave been under a wateradvisory for two years; in orderto restore public condence inthe measures undertaken bythe ministry, residents shouldhave access to the soil testresults and analysis thatsupport those measures.”Denham’s order promises toensure the province’sdisclosure of materials relevantto the Hullcar aquifer untilthere’s a resolution of thecontamination that triggeredthe water advisory.However, she said goodfaith and the public trustshould encourage thegovernments candour ratherthan the order of a watchdogsuch as the province’s privacycommissioner or the public’shounding.“Public bodies need to aidapplicants throughout thefreedom of informationBack reviewed WorkSafeBCon-line planning tools thatwould help members reducetheir costs. “Over-exertion and fall fromthe same level are the biggestcost injuries in your industry,”he says, with 16,000 workerdays lost. “Bring down the number ofinjuries and get people back towork more quickly,” says Back.“If you are performing betterthan the average of theindustry, you will pay less” (foryour WorksafeBC coverage). Illegal slaughter is a concernfor the industry. Brent Smithwith the Ministry ofAgriculture’s EnforcementOcer Meat InspectionProgram discussed a numberof unlicensed operations,including a facility processing1,000 squab a week in theLower Mainland. “The organized high volumeguys that are undercuttingyou guys are not hard to nd,”says Smith. “The diculty isgetting information andpictures and grounds to do aninspection.”Sourcing and retainingworkers is a chronic problemfor abattoir employers,explained Woodbury. Theassociation is working toorganize an “industrial meatcutter” program, likely in theKamloops area. “This is not a commercialbutcher program for someonewho works in a meat shop,”Woodbury points out. “It takesa whole dierent set of skills totake apart a full carcass intomanageable sections andretain the most value that theshop butcher can then cutsteaks from.”Ken Faulk is the new BCAApresident while outgoing MikeNoullett remains on the board.Dave Fernie has re- joined as adirector. Bonnie Windsor,Jacques Campbell, DennisGunter and Richard Yntemawere all re-elected.process. Applicants shouldnever have to defend theirmotives for requestinginformation,” Denham said.“This report is a reminder to allpublic bodies about theirmany obligations to the publicunder BC’s access and privacylaws.”The reports are availableonline at[https://www.oipc.bc.ca/report/investigation-reports/].The information includesthe basis for allowing theJansen farm to spread liquidmanure above the aquiferwhile the water advisory wasin place. Disclosure of theinformation followsSpallumcheen councilgranting the Jansen farm apermit in late May forconstruction of a 33,920-square-foot expansion to itsbarn.Town had concernsWhile all conditions forissuing the permit itself weremet, Spallumcheen mayorJanice Brown issued astatement underscoring thetown’s concerns with theprospect of an expansion ofthe farm’s operations.“Spallumcheen Council isvery concerned that the dairybarn addition willaccommodate additional cowson the farm and produce moremanure to manage,” shewrote.Brown noted that the farmis located above thecontaminated aquifer. Whileshe acknowledged that hasn’tbeen denitely determined tobe the source of nitratescontaminating the aquifer,Brown said council felt itsactions showed a disregard forthe community’s concerns.Disappointed Council“Council is disappointedthat the building permitapplication for this dairy barnaddition has been submittedwhen the sources of the highnitrate levels in the Hullcaraquifer have not beenconrmed and an action planto remediate the aquifer hasnot been implemented,”Brown said in the statement.Al Price, co-chair of the SaveHullcar Aquifer Team, pointedout in his own statement thatthe Jansen family didn’t needto be so antagonistic. “Aside from doing what thegovernment allows, theowners of the dairy farm couldhave some consideration fortheir neighbours,” he wrote,adding in a note tostakeholders: “We willcontinue to try to make thegovernment see that it doesn'thave to be us and them, theJansens or the residents. Itcould force changes to thefarm's nutrient managementpractices, or its equipment,and we could all get along.”INVEST IN QUALITY®Matsqui Ag-RepairAbbotsford, BC604-826-3281Noble Tractor & EquipmentArmstrong, BC250-546-3141Noble Tractor & EquipmentKamloops, BC250-851-3101Huber Farm EquipmentPrince George, BC250-560-5431KuhnNorthAmerica.comDownload ourForageXpertapp today toƂPFVJGRGTHGEVtool to optimizeyour harvest! SIMPLICITY. VERSATILITY. QUALITY.SR 100 GII SERIES SPEEDRAKES® WHEEL RAKES• Adjust windrow widths independently to match crop pickup widths• Superior terrain following without the need for hydraulic float• Rear wheels raise last for cleaner windrow ends• Fast, easy switching between transport and field positions8-, 10- and 12-wheel models • 15'10" – 23'4"Bonnie Windsor
CASE IH TM200FIELD CULTIVATOR, 26.5’ WW,REAR HYD HITCH KIT $39,950JOHN DEERE 512 DISK RIPPER7 SHANKS, OFFSET DISKS, CLEANUNIT $22,500GENIE 842 TELEHANDLERPALLET FORKS, 1610 HOURS$49,500’06 KRONE BIGX 650 CHOPPERMOTOR: 2100 HRS; CUTTER HEAD:1700 HR, CROP PROC $99,95006 NH TM1554WD, AC, HEAT, 850TL SELF LEVELINGLDR, 5200 HRS $59,950AGWAY BF50003PT ROUND BALE FEEDER$9,950CASE IH CAMO SCOUT, 4X4, MUDTIRES, RECEIVER KIT, WIND-SHIELD/CANOPY $9,950FarmersEquip.com888-855-4981LYNDEN, WAPRICES IN US DOLLARS#21925$9,950$9,950#27178$99,950#22791 $59,950$59,950#19329$9,950$9,950#22558$39,950$39,950#22535$22,500$22,500#15525$49,500$49,500$99,950by TOM WALKERKELOWNA – If you drivealong the Kelowna lakeshoreon a long weekend, it’s easy toforget it’s a farm town. You’llpass a lot of convertibles onthe road. Sunbathers,swimmers, paddle boardersand boaters cram the beachesand the lake. But with almost40% (8,621 ha) of the land inthe city within the AgriculturalLand Reserve, Kelowna isdenitely a farmingcommunity. “It may not be obvious butwhat some of thestakeholders pointed out isthat agriculture is part of thefabric of our culture,” saysTracey Guidi, sustainability co-ordinator for City of Kelowna.“It is what started ourcommunity and peopledenitely embrace it.” Guidi is leading thedevelopment of a newagriculture plan for Kelownaand at this point, it lookspretty positive foragriculture.“The message we get fromfarmers is that agriculture isan industry. It’s not just somepastoral activity where you goand pick a bucket of apples,”says Guidi. “That is what theywould like to see comeacross.” “The ag plan wasinnovative in its day,” saysGuidi. “It was one of the rstones done in theprovince.” But a lothas changed sincethe rst plan waswritten in1998.Agri-tourism andhousing fortemporary farmworkers weren’treally issues backthen. “And of coursethere has been aton of growth since1998,” Guidi adds.She says the new ag planwill play an important role inguiding the OcialCommunity Plan (OCP). Arevised ag plan will feed intothe next update to the OCP,which is scheduled for 2017.Indeed, 55% of city land(12,000 ha) is zoned A-1(agriculture and yes, morethan is in the original ALRclassication). Permanent growth boundary“We are hoping that thevision of the new plan will beto preserve and protectagriculture land goingforward,” says Guidi. Sheexplains one of the ways themost recent OCP has donethis was to create a“permanent growthboundary” within the citylimits. The permanent growthboundary protects lands thatare outside the boundary asCountry Life in BC • August 201624Kelowna takes collaborative path in developing ag planagriculture anddirectsdevelopment forthe city to be insidethe boundary. “It is actuallysaving the citymoney by having itdensify,” Guidipoints out. “There is 365 kmof interface withthat boundary andpressure to developalong it,” Guidi adds. “That ispart of the reason we need toupdate the ag plan; is tostrengthen that.”The 18 month processinvolves several steps. Firstly,the city met with theAgriculture AdvisoryCommittee several times andprepared a draft missionstatement. Then, stakeholderssuch as the BC Fruit Growers,the BC Cherry Association,regional district and FirstNations were invited to aplanning session.Next were two communitymeetings and an on-linesurvey. “We have had over 550surveys already completed,which is phenomenal for arst kick,” Guidi says. “Mostly,people really grab on to itwhen they have a draftpolicy.” “This rst stage is reallyissue identication,” explainsGuidi. The issues are familiarto other agriculturecommunities. “Non-farm use of course,”says Guidi, such as running atransport company from ALRland. Farm weddings shut downWith agri-tourism, Kelownacouncil has recently shutdown on-farm weddings at aproperty that was notlicensed to operate while theyand the Agricultural LandCommission did allowceremonies only and a craftdistillery on a property thatwent through the applicationprocess. The ALC noted“challenges for agriculturedevelopment due to severetopography” and concludedthe proposed non-farm usewould have “no impact on theagriculture capacity of theproperty.”Likewise, council hasapproved the installation ofmobile trailers for temporaryworker housing but turneddown an application for apermanent worker “hotel.” “We have actually initiatedsome work (on workerhousing) regionally as well,”says Guidi. “We are workingfor consistency so if wedecline an application, thatsame application it is notgoing out to the regionaldistrict.” Water access crucialWith the need for climateadaptation, water access hasbecome an issue. “The recent provincialagriculture survey showedthat 86% of the farm lands arebeing irrigated,” Guidi pointedout. Access to land and landpricing continue the list.And then there is thevacant or under-farmed land.“The province identiedabout 1,500 acres that areunderutilized,” says Guidi.“That’s opposed to being usedas a hay eld that somepeople think of asunderutilized but it is anactual use.” Kelowna is the site ofnumerous “estate” propertieswhere large homes are builton ALR property that is un-farmed or under-farmed.“There is a deniteopportunity there,” Guidiadds.There will be two moreoccasions to be involvedagain. “This fall, we go back out tothe public and stakeholdersagain saying here is somedraft policy and direction,”Guidi says. “Then, in February,we will go back a third timewith the draft plan.“Tracey GuidiSila Grow welcomes you to ourANNUAL CORN FIELD LUNCHBomi Farms [3315 Trinity Valley Rd, Enderby]in early September Same enthusiasm, different style!KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR EXACT DATEUnder new ownershipwww.SILAGROW.com1•800•663•6022SUMMER TIMEis Angus time!TOM DEWAAL . PRESIDENT . 250.960.0022JILL SAVAGE . SECRETARY . 250.679-2813www.bcangus.caJuly 28-30 Showdown Truro, Nova ScotiaAugust 9-14 Dawson Creek ExhibitionAugust 19-21 Nechako Valley ExhibitionAugust 25-28 Bulkley Valley ExhibitionAug 31-Sept 4 IPE Armstrong (Gold Show)September 2 BC Angus AGMSeptember 9-11 Lakes District Fall Fair(Gold Show)September 24 Pacific Invitational SaleBC ANGUSLIZ TWAN PHOTO
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 25On a recent visit toSwitzerland, I was given theopportunity with Kathy Mere,my cousin’s wife, to visit asmall ock of Skudde sheepowned by Hans Gugger andhis partner Eliane. My Germanbeing rudimentary andGugger’s English being equallylimited, Kathy, a professionaltranslator of many languages,acted as intermediary betweenus. Gugger, it turns out, keepsthe breed records of all SwissSkudde sheep.The farm is located inMamishaus, on picturesqueside hills in the canton of Bern.Electric netting is used tosubdivide specic areas.Outside their immediategrazing area, Gugger said hewould be cutting the adjacentlong grass on a steep bank byhand as soon as it dries up abit.The Skudde is a small, hardysheep, with mature ewesweighing about 25 to 40 kg.They are white, brown or grey.They originated on relativelybarren areas where good grassis often absent and wherelambing ease, resistance toworms and overall goodhealth is a high priority. Beforethe days of easy access topurchased feed, veterinarycare, wormers and antibiotics,these were the essentialcharacteristics for survival inthese areas. Thus, Skuddebreeders select heavily forthese traits while activelydiscouraging inbreeding.They breed, in part, topreserve the breed, prevent itfrom dying out, to preserve itsoriginal characteristics and, incase their genetic strengthsmay one day be wanted toimpart traditional factors.To meet this end, theirpaper records note, amongother things, the geneticpresence of each ram as notedby all its registered lambs andrelatives in Switzerland, withdierent numbers of pointsadded for each sibling, parentand grandparent. To avoid toomuch line breeding, the ram is‘retired’ once the number of itsospring gets to a certaincount and not permitted foruse on registered ewes again.A count of 39 ospring isconsidered very close toretirement age.The degree of inbreedingcan be calculated before eachmating.Gugger demonstrated apaper record on one of hisewes, Mimosa. She has theusual identifying information,including the gure 20 for hergenetic presence and fourratings for dierent attributes(where six is the highest score)as rated by a judge who visitsthe farm. The rst two guresindicate generalpresence and last twogures include ratingsfor conformation andeece. They do not goto ocial shows.Skudde is classiedas a rare breed withinSwitzerland with a head countof approximately 1,000including rams, ewes andlambs. There are Skuddesheep also in Germany andother nearby countries butthere is little or no import oframs.“Permitted, but not beingdone,” said Gugger, notingalso there is no AI of sheep inSwitzerland.“It is not a meat breed – norlucrative,” he added with a wrysmile. But their fertility andhealth is good, their eece hasvalue and input costs are low.If the lambs are not goodenough to be kept forbreeding or there is no marketfor them, they are slaughteredat about eight months. Thecarcasses of the ewe lambs willyield about three kilos of meat:two legs, two roasts, chopsand stewing meat.They have a vet living aboutfour kilometres from them butA rare breed of sheep in SwitzerlandColumnist Jo Sleigh gets a tutorial on Skudde sheepExpertise like ours – is RareCUSTOM SLAUGHTER SERVICES PROVIDEDPROVINCIALLY INSPECTED ABATTOIR BC#34PROUD 4-H SPONSOR and CARCASS CLASSPROCESSOR for the PNE 2016ashiq@meadowvalleymeats.com604/465-4752 (ext 105)fax 604/465-474418315 FORD ROADPITT MEADOWS, BC V3Y 1Z1• BEEF• VEAL• BISON • LAMB • GOAT • DEERMEADOW VALLEY MEATSWool GatheringsJO SLEIGHHans Gugger looks over his ock of Skudde sheep and a couple of alpacas on his Swiss farm. (JoSleigh photo)many do not utilize theirservices. “Swiss vets specialize andmany know little about sheepunless they have done studiesof their own, under their owninitiative,” says Gugger. He knows of one vet whohad made a point of studyingalpacas but that is unusual.Few vets are interested insheep.Breeders can send feces to alab to have worm counts doneand treatment suggested. Heuses his own microscope tocheck his sheep.In Switzerland, there areassociations for variousspecic breeds of sheep, butothers have none. A fewassociations run furthereducation courses but it isoften dicult to get peopletogether as everyone alwaysseems so busy.Some aspects of sheepbreeding and rearing is thesame as in Canada; somedierent. As a comparison, inCanada, there is no denitionof the maximum number ofsheep needed to formallyidentify a breed as rare. Whena breed is described informallyas rare, the reference is madeonly to that breed’s presencein Canada and not in othercountries.jeffmc@shaw.ca250-616-6427 or 250-758-8454 JEFF MCCALLUMVANCOUVER ISLAND FARM EQUIPMENTNEW & USED TRACTORS & FARM EQUIPMENTMake ISLAND Farming Easier!MCHALE R5 BALE HANDLERS 2 MOVING ARMS . . . . 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Country Life in BC • August 201626by EMILY BULMERSALT SPRING – Ruckle Provincial Park on SaltSpring Island has a unique agricultural focus. Thisliving museum is a showcase for family farming from1872 to the present day. Nestled inside this 1,000acre park is a 200 acre working farm which has beenworking continuously since 1872. Henry Ruckle, an immigrant from Ireland, boughtland on Salt Spring Island to set up a homesteadand farm and make his fortune. He purchased hisrst 80 acres at roughly a dollar per acre in 1872. Inthe early days, Ruckle produced oats, wheat, peas,hay, a large vegetable garden, turkeys, cattle, pigsand sheep. In a matter of about 20 years, Ruckle hadcleared elds and gardens out of raw cedar andarbutus forests with little more than the tools hemade and his own force of determination. “A man who understands farming and has a littlecapital will do as well or better here than any placein North America,” he said of Salt Spring Island in abrochure from 1895.After working the farm for more than 40 years,expanding his holdings to 1,200 acres and plantingan apple orchard of over 600 trees, Ruckle died in1913. His sons remained on the farm until 1930when his grandson, Henry ‘Gordon’ Ruckle, movedinto one of the houses with his young wife, Lotus,and continued the farming tradition. Gordon loved his farm and his land and was aProvincial park on Salt Spring home to working farmMike Lane stocks his farm stand with everything from jams to dried apples, bringing in about $15,000 per year onthe honour system alone. (Emily Bulmer photo)No excuse not to!EEEEEEmmmmmmmpppppttttttyyyyyyyy PPPPPPPPeeeeeeeessssttttttttiiiiiiiiccccciiiiidddddeeeeeee CCCCCoooooonnnnnnttttaaaaiiinnnnnnneeeeerrrr RRRReeeeccccyyyyyyyyyyyyccccccllliiiinnnnggggggggggg PPPrroooogggrraaaammm>>>>>>>#1Only rinsed containers can be recycled #2Helps keep collection sites clean#3Use all the chemicals you purchase #4Keeps collection sites safe for workers#5Maintain your farm’s good reputation FFFFFFooooorrrrrr mmmmmooooooorrrrrrrreeeee iiiiinnnnnffffffooooorrrrrrrrmmmmmmaaaaaatttttttiiiiiiiioooooonnnnnnn oooooorrrrr ttttoooo fifififififinnnnnnnddddd aaaaa ccccccoooooollllllllleeeeccccccttttttiiiooooonnnnnn ssssiiitttteee nnnnnneeeeaaaaaaaaaarrrrr yyyyyyoooouuuuuu vvviiiissssiiiiiitttcccllleeeaannfffaaarrmmmmmmss..ccaattt{{{{{{{Now, take your empty fertilizer containers along for the ride!well known conservationist. He once said, “You can’town land – you can only preserve it for futuregenerations.” And preserve it he did in 1972 whenhe turned over a large portion of the land to the BCgovernment, which then became Ruckle ProvincialPark in 1974. The arrangement excluded the 200acres of working farm to which the Ruckledescendants have a Life Tenancy Agreement. Today, Mike and Marjorie Lane work the farm.They have raised many of the crops and livestockraised by the original Ruckles, giving the park aliving history feel. Lane confesses he’s been slowingdown a bit. “We’re down to 85 ewes. It is a lot of work... I’vebeen at this for 25 years or so.” He laughs, “Its a longtime without a day o.” The Lanes raise lambs, sell wool and other valueadded products, including dried apples from someRuckle Historic Farm isBC’s oldest continuouslyrunning family farmPlease see “WORD” page 27
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 27drainage is our specialtyVALLEY FARM DRAINAGE31205 DEWDNEY TRUNK RD, MISSION • Fax 604-462-7215604-462-7213 • www.valleyfarmdrainage.comProudly supporting Canadian industryusing Canadian productLASER EQUIPPED & GPS CONTROLLED TRENCHED AND TRENCHLESS APPLICATIONSSUPPLIERS OF CANADIAN MADE BIG O DRAINAGE TUBINGFOR SALETURNKEY WHOLESALESOIL PACKAGING BUSINESS• With equipment and well establishedcustomer base• Located in the Lower Mainland• Gross sales approx. $375K – 400K per year• Business to move to your location by 2017For further information reply toSoilbusiness4sale@gmail.comAll inquiries will be answered promptlyTractor safety trainingfor all farmers in BC, at no cost!www.AgSafeBC.caAgSafeFORMERLY FARSHABook today!Call: 1.877.533.1789 Contact@AgSafeBC.caTRAINING CO-SPONSORED BYof those original trees plantedin 1895.“We try to make farmproducts last longer than theynormally do by dehydrating ormaking jam, saving seeds andherbs. That farm stand doesabout $15,000 a year on thehonour system alone overabout four months and that’spretty good.” The Lanes havean excellent reputation fortheir products and do noadvertising because all theirproducts are spoken for aheadof time. “There’s one Ruckle left andI leased the farm from themabout 20 years ago. I startedas the park ranger in thecampground at night andthey needed help so I startedhelping and the next thingyou know, I bought a tractorand was plowing the elds. Iguess about 18 to 20 yearsago, they asked me if I wantedto lease the farm. I said sureI’d love to – I’d never been afarmer. The one way I look atis the richest guy on SaltSpring couldn’t aord my life‘cause this land isn’t for sale.” Lane works the farmorganically. “When I rst started here,the wireworm was so bad Icouldn’t even grow corn. Thelarvae of the click beetle is thewireworm and it eats the rootso of grass, and these oldelds were full of them. SinceI’ve had the turkeys andpheasants here, we have nomore wireworm problems.They eat all those beetles andthere aren’t any larvae.” Lane is reective about theconservation aspect of thepark and his role as a farmer. “I think that farming is avery good way to keep theland healthy. Lots of peoplecome here and enjoy theplace ... and it is a beautifulspot because it is a farm. If thefarm wasn’t here, it would bea road through the forest likethe rest of Salt Spring Island.” He is also passionate aboutpassing on an understandingabout farming to the publicand the next generation. TheLanes have had many youngpeople stay with them overthe years and work on theWORD OF MOUTH From page 26Sheep graze within public view at Ruckle Provincial Park, bringing agriculture to the fore on theprovince’s oldest working farm still held by the original family. (Emily Bulmer photo)Interpretive signs bring the history of the Ruckle Farm to life. (Emily Bulmer photo)farm as hands. “The best thing I can dohere is pass on some of theknowledge and help peoplesee what a working farm lookslike.” At this point, RuckleHistoric Farm is the longestcontinuously running farmheld by the same family.There are manyinterpretive signs describingthe historic farm buildingsand much of the old Ruckleproperty can be accessed byhiking trails that wind aroundthe rocky shoreline andthrough the meadows andforests. The working farmitself is not accessible to thepublic and dogs have beenprohibited from somesections of trail due toongoing livestockinteractions. There are drive-in sites but the most scenicare the walk in sites thatoverlook the water. For apiece of farm history and abeautiful combination ofhistoric farmland, ocean andforest, Ruckle Provincial Parkis a worthwhile stop.
28Country Life in BC • August 2016HANDLERS EQUIPMENT39451 No. 3 Rd. Abbotsford604-850-3601 | handlersequipment.comAURORA TRUCK CENTRE2206 Nadina Ave. Houston250-845-7600 auroratruckcentre.comTRACTOR TIME4377 Metchosin Rd. Victoria250-929-2145 | tractortime.com Celebrating 25 years of business!Call Joel for cash & finance price options604.850.3601 Ext. 225Shown: 1526WORLD’S #1 SELLING TRACTOR.MAHINDRA 15263-cyl Mitsubishi diesel, 4x4, 26 HP, Shuttle Shift transmisison,1,560 lbs loader liftManufactured byMitsubishi in JapanINDUSTRY’SBEST WARRANTY.PERIOD.INDUSTRY’SBEST WARRANTY.PERIOD.NOT 5 YEARS. NOT 6 YEARS. A FULL 7 YEARS.
DŝůŬDĂƌŬĞƟŶŐŽĂƌĚDĞŵďĞƌƉƉŽŝŶƚŵĞŶƚďLJƚŚĞDŝůŬ/ŶĚƵƐƚƌLJĚǀŝƐŽƌLJŽŵŵŝƩĞĞ;D/ͿThe British Columbia Milk Marketing Board (BCMMB), under federal and provincial law, promotes, controls and regulates the production, transportation, packing, VWRULQJDQGPDUNHWLQJRIPLONÁXLGPLONDQGmanufactured milk products in BC.A Board member is due to be appointed by MIAC with an effective date of December 2, 2016 for a three-year term. (Reference: BCMMB Election and Appointment Rules and Procedures, May 19, 2015)Board duties include the analysis of detailed statistics in relation to production, product quality, consumption patterns, and industry economic impacts, and direct involvement in regional, national and international policies.The person appointed will have strong skills in communication, complex analysis and decision-making. Good background knowledge of the dairy industry and supply management is important. Board members are required to relate well to and have WKHFRQÀGHQFHRISURGXFHUVSURFHVVRUVsuppliers, Board staff and other stakeholders.This part-time position is suitable for an individual who can commit to Board and other meetings, likely or approximating three WRÀYHGD\VDPRQWKDQGZKRFDQXQGHUWDNHsome travel.This Board Member cannot be a licensed producer.The BC MIAC invites applications from TXDOLÀHGLQGLYLGXDOVZKRDUHNHHQWRPDNHDQactive contribution to the dairy industry.7RDSSO\IRUDQLQWHUYLHZTXDOLÀHGDSSOLFDQWVare asked to please send their resume via HPDLOLQFRQÀGHQFHE\6HSWHPEHUto:miac@milk-bc.com Attention: Walter Goerzen, Chair Milk Industry Advisory Committee (MIAC)August 2016 • Country Life in BC 29by DAVID SCHMIDTABBOTSFORD – BC milkproducers got good news andbad news in July. The goodnews came from Dairy Farmersof Canada (DFC), whichannounced an agreement-in-principle with Canadian dairyprocessors on a new nationalingredient strategy at itsannual meeting inCharlottetown, PEI, in mid-July.The bad news came from theBC Milk Marketing Board(BCMMB), which announcedthe blend price for a standardhectoliter of milk droppedover $6.00 from May to June.The blend price for a standardhectoliter was $76.7878 in Maybut only $70.3650 in June.The blend price is based onusage statistics from theprevious month, i.e., the Juneprice was based on actual milkutilization in May. The pricedrop in June was attributed tohigher-than-expectedequalization payments andaudit adjustments for the Mayproduction.After Dairy Farmers ofOntario implemented a newClass 6 at the beginning ofApril, giving its processors areduced price for skim milkand liquid MPC (milk proteinconcentrate) used to makecheese, all other provincesagreed to match the new pricefor skim milk and liquid MPCtheir processors were using inClass 3 milk products. Theysubsequently expanded theprogram to include skim milkand dry MPC used in Class 2products (yogurt and icecream). Although thetemporary agreement was setto end July 31, it will likely beextended until the newnational ingredient strategy(NIS) is implemented.“We had predicted the pricewould go down but theamount of equalizationpayments (over $4.5 million)was disappointing,” saysBCMMB general manager BobIngratta. Although he expects the“downward pressure” on theblend price to continue untilNIS is implemented, “I wouldbe surprised if the equalizationpayments and auditadjustments were as high asthey were in June. We expectblend prices to be higher thanthey were this month.”The national ingredientstrategy is intended toimprove the eciency andevolution of the market andstimulate growth andproduction of value-addedproducts from the structuralsurplus accumulated throughexisting policies.Although details of thestrategy will only be releasedafter all provinces have ratiedit, Ingratta says, “I think wehave achieved” that objective. “It sets up the opportunityfor signicant growth in the BCdairy industry,” he says, adding“from what I’ve heard, ourproducers are pretty pleased.” “As our dairy industryoperates under supplymanagement, it is importantthat farmers and processorswork together to beresponsive to the evolution ofthe market, and this is exactlywhat this agreement inprinciple is all about,” JacquesLefebvre, president and CEO ofthe Dairy ProcessorsAssociation of Canada, said ina mid-July media release.While DFC announced itaims to implement the strategyby September 1, that won’thappen as implementation canonly begin after all provinceshave ratied it. Ingratta says BCdoes not expect to sign theagreement before the end ofSeptember as it needs priorapproval from the BC FarmIndustry Review Board to doso. To obtain that approval, theBCMMB must rst consult withall stakeholders, then make arecommendation to FIRB.“Our target is to have itratied by the end ofSeptember,” he said.Although Ingratta hesitatesto call it Jim Byrne’s legacy, hedoes credit the BCMMB’soutgoing chair as one of thearchitects of the newagreement.“(Byrne) represented theWestern Milk Pool (on thenegotiating committee) andhas done a great job forproducers in BC and acrossCanada.”Byrne reached the end ofhis six-year tenure as BCMMBchair at the end of July andhas been replaced by BenJanzen of Yarrow. Janzen is therst (former) milk producer tochair the board since itspresent structure was adoptedover two decades ago. Heserved on the BCMMB as anelected producer from 1996 to2012. Although he has sinceretired from milk production,he continues to live on thefarm and remains a chickengrower and hatching eggproducer.In his nal report toproducers, Byrne said he“thoroughly enjoyed servingthe industry as best I could.”His service not only includedsix years as chair but over adecade as a BCMMB stamember. He told producersthe new ingredient strategy“will provide direction forstrengthening the Canadiandairy industry as world-wideactivity inuences and aectssupply management inCanada.”Noting Janzen’s previousexperience as both a producerand board member, Ingrattacalls his new boss “the rightguy to lead that eort as webuild a bridge to the future.”National ingredient strategycould spur BC dairy growthBen Janzen has taken over as chair of the BC Milk Marketing Board.He replaces Jim Byrne who reached the end of a six-year tenure.(File photo)2017 Tree Fruit Replant ProgramANNOUNCEMENT:Application forms and the updated requirements of the 2017 Tree FruitReplant Program will be available August 1, 2016 on the BCFGA website,www.bcfga.comProject applications (along with the required Replant Plan) will bereceived between August 1 and October 31, 2016. Please avoid the lastminute rush and get your application in early.An horticultural advisor is required to help prepare and sign individualapplications for the 2017 Tree Fruit Replant Program. The followinginformation will be provided to assist growers in completing applications.a. A list of qualied advisors.b. Information on project grading.c. Program operational policies.d. A series of reports on replanting and variety performanceand selection are available and should be referenced whenpreparing a Tree Fruit Replant Program Application.The Tree Fruit Replant Program provides funding for quality projects.Applications will be rated by a committee of horticultural experts. Therating of individual applications will be based on meeting the programrequirements and on the quality of the Replant Plan. Projects will beplaced in order of rating for projects, and the top-rated projects will beapproved until all funding is utilized.The Tree Fruit Replant Program is a 7 year, $9.4 millionprogram, funded by the Province of BC.BC FRUIT GROWERS’ ASSOCIATION1-800-619-9022 (ext 1)email: info@bcfga.comwww.bcfga.com
Country Life in BC • August 201630by DAVID SCHMIDTALDERGROVE – It may havebeen the third annual BCVeggie Day in the rest of theprovince but at TopGroGreenhouses in Aldergrove, itwas also BC Goji Day.TopGro was one of fourDelta, Aldergrove andAbbotsford greenhouses toopen their doors to the publicearlier this spring, but ownerPeter Breederland was just asinterested in showing peoplehis 10-acre goji berry orchardas his 10-acre pepper house.After growing bell peppersfor almost 20 years,Breederland made somemajor changes in 2010-11.Inside the greenhouse, heswitched to growing minisweet peppers while outsidethe greenhouse he planted a10-acre goji orchard as well asanother half-acre under-tunnel housing.“I like to be innovative andadventurous,” he said.Native to China, thenutrient-rich bright orange-red berries are highly-prizedfor their health properties,with some claiming the gojiberry is a veritable fountain ofyouth. Despite that, gojiberries are still largelyunknown and his 10-acreorchard makes Breederlandthe largest commercial gojiberry grower in NorthAmerica. Although he believed therewould be a ready market forthe berries since “nine out often Orientals already knowthem,” he was forced tobecome a trailblazer as therewas no information on how togrow them commercially.That’s why the half-acreunder the hoop-house tunnelis so important. “With thetunnels we can play with theclimate and get to know theplants better.”He is trying ve dierentpruning techniques to seewhich works best, modifying aberry picker to pick theberries, and spreading thepepper plant prunings underthe goji plants to provide anorganic fertilizer. Since heuses biological pest controlsin his greenhouse, bringingthe pepper prunings into theorchard also brings biologicalsout to the berries.Breederland admitsbringing a new berry onto themarket is a daunting task butbelieves it will ultimately besuccessful. “It’s going to be afew years before we becomeprotable but I’m convinced itwill work.” He notes his products arealready available in 40 storesin BC and several more inAlberta. His product lineincludes a smoothie booster,fresh berries in a clamshelland, as of May, whole frozenberries.Greenhouse growerbecomes goji trailblazerProvince makes judgementcall on tree planting in ALRPeter Breederlandof TopgroGreenhouses inAldergrove is therst commercialGoji berryproducer in BC. Inaddition to 10acres of eldproduction, he hasa half-acreresearch plot in atunnel house.(David Schmidtphoto)by PETER MITHAMVICTORIA – Victoria isgiving explicit guidance tolandowners that want to planttrees in the Agricultural LandReserve, following concernover the activities of Englishconsumer goodsconglomerate ReckittBenckiser Inc.Reckitt Benckiser hadplanted thousands of hectareswith trees as part of anambitious scheme to green itsoperations and oset carbonemissions from its productionof goods ranging from Durexcondoms to French’s mustard.Public backlash to theprogram saw the companystep back from its activitieswhile the province – whichwas blindsided by theprogram – said the matter wasin the hands of theAgricultural Land Commission.Having identied variousproperties where trees hadbeen planted, agricultureminister Norm Letnick toldCountry Life in BC that the nextstep was up to the landcommission, which had theregulatory powers to takeaction. “We’ve got the propertyidentication numbers andforwarded that informationover to the Agricultural LandCommission,” Letnick said atthe time. “The next step’s upto the commission. … They’llhave to look at the le anddetermine what action, if any,they want to take.”Now, the province itself hastaken action, tellinglandowners that if they wantto plant more than 20hectares (or about 50 acres)with trees for a use other thanfood production oragroforestry, they’ll needPlease see “PROJECTS” page 31All rights reserved. Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or afliates. www.caseih.comSEE YOUR CASE IH DEALER TODAY! We rethought every inch of the new Case IH 2000 series Early Riser® planter with your productivity in mind. We applied Agronomic Design™ principles to make it simpler, faster, more durable and more productive. And we provided you with a bundle of industry rsts — from our rugged new row units that create the only at-bottom seed trench to our state-of-the-art in-cab closing system — that give you even more control. The result is unmatched accuracy and emergence for a better plant stand and, ultimately, yield. Start rethinking productivity today at caseih.com/newearlyriser.RETHINK HOW PRODUCTIVE YOU CAN BE. WE DID. CALIBER EQUIPMENT LTD.34511 Vye RoadAbbotsford, BC V2S 8J7604-864-2273www.caliberequipment.ca34511 VYE RD . ABBOTSFORD604/864-2273VANCOUVER TOLL FREE 604/857-2273CHILLIWACK TOLL FREE 604/795-2273www.caliberequipment.caNEW & USED EQUIPMENT SALES • PARTS • SERVICE
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 31PROJECTS THWARTED From page 30by PETER MITHAMVANCOUVER – Ten yearsago last month, federal andprovincial agricultureministers met to discuss thevalue inherent in providingpublic goods – such as thereduction of greenhouse gasemissions associated withclimate change – on privateland.Such “environmental goodsand services” have long beenseen as an important butundervalued aspect of farmoperations.The idea still sparked awewhen US Secretary ofAgriculture Tom Vilsack satdown with Scientic Americanearlier this year for aninterview and said thatagriculture could be part ofthe answer to a changingclimate.With California in the fthyear of a ve-year drought,despite a much-needed doseof precipitation this pastwinter, Vilsack said many ofthe biggest farms in the USstill don’t want to hear aboutclimate change.It’s seen as a threat to theirway of life – not because itimpacts growing conditions,but because it means bigchanges in how they go abouttheir business.Vilsack pointed out,however, that climate changeisn’t just disruptive to farmers.It’s actually a problem theycan solve in the natural courseof doing business.Power generation andtransportation are the mostsignicant contributors togreenhouse gas emissions inthe US, at 56% of the total in2014, making renewablepower and electric carspopular topics of discussion.While buildings account for12% of greenhouse gasemissions in the US, they’vewon the lion’s share ofrecognition for greenpractices through certicationprograms such as LEED(Leadership in Energy andEnvironmental Design).Least damagingAgriculture is one of theleast-damaging sectors,accounting for just 9% of totalgreenhouse gas emissions inthe US.Yet the sector is oftenvilied for the deleteriouseects of methane, apersistent greenhouse gaswhose number one source islivestock. Cattle gas, asmethane, is a reason whypeople should switch to grass-fed beef, adopt vegetariandiets and generally seefarming as bad for theenvironment.Vilsack doesn’t deny thatagriculture can do better – buthe also sees better farmingpractices as part of a holisticstrategy to reduce human-related climate change.“There are other industriesand other sectors that alsohave to do their part. Butagriculture needs to be part ofthe solution,” he said. “Weneed to do a better job ofhow we raise livestock andhow we graze to maintainsequestered carbon. We needto continue to focus onenergy eciency andrenewable energy.”The kinds of changerequired open “an incredibleamount of innovation, jobopportunities and businessAgriculture may help mitigate changing climateRanchers are often vilified for the damaging effects of methane, a greehnouse gasgrowth if we do this right. It’sa lot of dynamic activitywithin agriculture to attractyoung people whereas beforethey were discouraged.”Ambitious cityThe message rings true inBC, which is home to DavidSuzuki, Osetters CarbonNeutral Society andVancouver, a city whoseambitions to become theworld’s greenest includesurban agriculture among itsstrategies.Moreover, new entrants tothe sector are frequentlyembracing organic and low-impact farming practices thatwere often novelties to theirparents and grandparents. The federal government,recognizing the enthusiasmfor such practices, recentlylaunched the AgriculturalYouth Green Jobs Initiative.The program aims to fundinternships for post secondarygraduates who are 30 years ofage or younger, meetcitizenship requirements andare interested in working inthe agriculture industry.Two options exist, one foron-farm programs thatprovides $10,000 per internfor placements of at least fourmonths, and another forbusinesses active in theagriculture sector who wish toemploy an intern “toundertake environmentalactivities, services or researchthat will benet theagriculture sector.” The latteroption provides $16,000 thatfunds up to 80% of theinternship (again, of at leastfour months).The internships mustcompete by March 31, 2017.REASON 3: Our Alexander Knives, when paired with our patented Vertical Knives, create an unparalleled cutting action. The curved carbide coated cutting edge and angle of the Alexander Knives increases the aggressiveness of cut to improve the processing rate of round baled forages, especially coarser forages. Our Vertical Knives, which are mounted on our slide plate, improve processing and feedout of high forage rations. Together with our four other exclusive auger features, we produce a faster and more uniform mix than sluggish conventional augers, which typically take too long to process forage, resulting in too many fine particles in the shakerALEXANDER KNIVESVERTICAL KNIVESSIX REASONS WHY OUR SQUARE-CUT AUGER RESISTS SORTING:www.JAYLOR.com | 800.809.8224SIX REASONS WHY OUR SQUARE-CUT AUGER RESISTS SORTING:REASON 3: Our Alexander Knives, when paired with our patented Vertical Knives, create an unparalleled cutting action. The curved carbide coated cutting edge and angle of the Alexander Knives increases the aggressiveness of cut to improve the processing rate of round baled forages, especially coarser forages. Our Vertical Knives, which are mounted on our slide plate, improve processing and feedout of high forage rations. Together with our four other exclusive auger features, we produce a faster and more uniform mix than sluggish conventional augers, which typically take too long to process forage, resulting in too many fine particles in the shaker box. Nutritionists say if you want to resist sorting you’ll need a TMR with optimum shaker box results, and with a Jaylor you can deliver that ration every time.SIX REASONS WHY RESISTS SORContact your local dealer for a demo today:AVENUE MACHINERY CORPAbbotsford 604.864.2665Vernon 250.545.3355SERVICE ANYWHERE!FREE ESTIMATES CALL 604-530-2412www.superiorpaving.caMENTION THIS AD FOR SPECIAL DISCOUNT!Replacing gravel or dirt and repaving withasphalt invari ably guarantees a healthy increase in your farm’s value, now and intothe future. We have the men and equipmentto do the job right the first time. We own our own asphalt plant and we’vebeen paving BC for nearly 40 years! Paving the way to 100% customer satisfaction!www.canadianorganicfeeds.comFOR QUALITYCERTIFIEDORGANICFEEDS FOR BAGGED or BULK ORDERS:Darren JansenGeneral Manager604/794-3701organicfeeds@gmail.comCUSTOM ORDERSCertified to Canadian National Standardspermission from the ALC.“The 20-hectare thresholdwas determined as a result of[stakeholder] discussions,recognizing 20 hectares islarge enough for mostagricultural purposes, andcarbon sequestration projectswould require a larger landarea than that to be feasible,”the province said in astatement.The move promises to shutdown the use of farmland forcarbon sequestration projects,though monitoring andenforcement will still bethrough the existingcomplaint-driven process.Stakeholders including theAgricultural LandCommission, BC Cattlemen’sAssociation and the BCAgriculture Council wereamong those consulted asthe province drafted itsexplicit guidance forlandowners.
Country Life in BC • August 201632What were the early days of the COABC like? Just ask this group of COABC veterans: from left to right,Heather Pritchard, Andrea Turner, Robert Hettler, Paddy Doherty, Carme Wakeling, Linda Edwardsand Joppa Wills. (David Schmdit photo)Proudly certifying Producers and Processorswithin BC and Alberta.FVOPA provides year round certification services compliant with the Canadian Organic Standards (CAN/CGSB) and in accordance with the BC Certified Organic ISO 17065 recognized program. Products may be sold Canada-wide and in international markets. FVOPA ensures an efficient, professional certification process for all farm, processing and handling operations. Inspectors are lOlA trained and qualified making FVOPA a leading Certification Agency.Message 604-607-1655Email: admin@fvopa.cawww.fvopa.caPhone 604-789-7586P.O. Box 18591Delta, BC V4K 4V7Phone: 778-434-3070 Admin cell: 604-789-7586PO Box 19052 Email: admin@fvopa.caDelta, BC V4L2P8 www.fvopa.caby DAVID SCHMIDTVERNON – Although theCertified OrganicAssociations of BC (COABC)and its subsidiary certifyingbodies are now thrivingorganizations, it did not startthat way. Seven vanguards ofthe local organic movementreminisced about the sector’searly days during the recentCOABC conference in Vernon. “We started farming beforestandards,” notes HeatherPritchard, one of the foundersof Fraser Common Farm andthe Glorious Garnish andSeasonal Salad Company inAldergrove. “Our farm wasconsidered quite quirky.” The first farm to growarugula commercially,Glorious Garnish got a bigboost in 1986 when theNorthwest Territoriescontracted them to provide asalad mix for their restaurantat Expo 86.“We then went to eightother restaurants,” Pritchardrecalls. Harvey Snow came to helpHowever, growers werereluctant to get organized soit took them a long time toform bioregional associationsand start establishingstandards. Helping them wasHarvey Snow, the BC Ministryof Agriculture’s organicextension officer in the 1980s. Fraser Valley growersformed the BC Association ofRegenerative Agriculture(BCARA). When BCARAinsisted on limiting itself toselling locally, Snow, by thena BCARA member and a largeorganic vegetable grower inDelta, broke away to form theFraser Valley OrganicProducers Association(FVOPA), which would adoptthe ISO certification requiredto ship products outside theprovince. Ironically, BCARAhas since also become anISO-certifying body. “It is a testament to thegrowth of our industry thatwe had to go to ISO-certification,” says LindaEdwards, a Cawston organicorchardist and consultant,who has also served aspresident of both COABC andthe Pacific AgriculturalCertification Society, BC’slargest ISO-certifying body.SOOPA one of the firstOne of the firstassociations to be formedwas the SimilkameenOkanagan Organic ProducersAssociation (SOOPA).“We became partners in aconventional orchard inCawston and wanted to grownaturally,” recalls Joppa Wills. “We sold organics with astory,” she says, noting theysold Woodwards (then amajor Vancouverdepartment store andgrocery) their first organiccherries and apricots. Soon a story was notenough. After distributorstold them it was gettingharder to sell organic fruitwithout certification, Willsand nine other local“natural/organic” growersformed SOOPA with the helpof Harold Madsen, then ascientist at the PacificAgriculture Research Centrein Summerland, who becametheir first third-partyverification officer.The North OkanaganOrganic Association alsocreated organic standardsbut they were “philosophical,not regulatory,” recalls RobertHettler of Pilgrim’s Produce inArmstrong. When mostregional associations decidedto unite as the COABC in1993, he became its firstsecretary.Dedication nonpareilDespite having “nobudget,” COABC founderswere extremely dedicated.“People would drive up to 14hours to attend monthlymeetings,” Hettler said.Just as with BCARA, theCOABC had a lot of earlyinternal struggles as not allgrowers were initially infavour. Some even formed ashort-lived second group, theBC Alliance of OrganicGrowers.“We didn’t want to be partof COABC and standards,”recalls Andrea Turner, nowCOABC’s vice-president.But the associationpersevered. Paddy Doherty,an early COABC president,says it was critical indeveloping relationships withgovernment and buildingwhat has become a multi-million dollar business.“We were a happeninggroup,” Doherty said, notingthey convinced then BCMinister of Agriculture CorkyEvans to give them a $2million fund which they usedto develop the BC andCanadian organic sector.Everything changedWhen Edwards was hiredin the late 1980s todocument what washappening in the BC organicsector, there were only 47acres of certified organicapples in the Similkameenregion. After Australianresearch described thepotential of matingdisruption to manage codlingmoths in 1990 and the SterileInsect Release facility wasbuilt in Oliver, “everythingchanged.”“We grew to over 400 acresof organic apples within twoyears,” Edwards said.“Growers didn’t want totake it over but I am so gladwe got the SIR program,”Wills added.Current COABC presidentCarmen Wakeling saysCOABC’s biggest legacy is thecommunity it has created.“We have been lucky tostand true to our principles,”she said, adding “this is ourway of changing our foodsystem.”Thriving organic organizations evolved from humble beginningsSeven pioneers of the local organic movement present a retrospective of the sector’s early daysThe MK Gravity Box comes in four models, available with optional extensions. Ranging from 270-745 bushel capacities, MK Martin has the perfect sized Gravity Box for your operation. An optional box divider with dual doors is available on select models.Available for all Gravity Boxes, the optional Grain Shield Tarp Kit has a ratchet free locking system which protects your harvest from blowing away and inclement weather.For more information contact your nearest MK Martin dealer or visit us online.
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 33COMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE in the FRASER VALLEYwww.rollinsmachinery.caTRACTORSFORD 6640 – U30091 .............................................................. $14,900.00KUBOTA L4630 – U30107..........................................................19,800.00FORD 545A – U31132 – 2WD-LOADER-INDUSTRIAL.......13,300.00NH L170 SKIDSTEER – U31143.................................................16,500.00NH TZ25DA – U31086 – 4WD-LOADER-25HP ....................13,900.00QUALITY USED EQUIPMENTNH 278 BALER, 1975, FIELD READY ........................................ 6,500.00NH 320 BALER, 1984, FIELD READY ........................................ 6,500.00MF 1051 ROTARY CUTTER, 1996, GOOD CONDITION .......... 700.00KUHN/KNIGHT 5127 MIXER WAGON; SINGLE VERTICAL SCREW – U31246 .................................... 17,900.00NDE 1502 FEED PROCESSOR; FAIR COND. U31244 ....... 14,000.00LOEWEN 580 MIXER WAGON – U30093...............................11,500.00WALLENSTEIN GX900 – CNS504 – 3PT BACKHOE ............ 6,500.00JD 3970 FORAGE HARVESTER – U31194................................ 5,000.00JD 3950 FORAGE HARVESTER – U31195................................ 4,000.00QUICKE ALO 980 LDR – CNS602 – 3 FUNCTION-SOFT RIDE 5,900.00JD 450 MANURE SPREADER, HYD END GATE, UPPER BEATER (U31187) ........................................ 6,500.00FELLA TS 456T ROTARY RAKE (U31222) .......................................... 8,600.00“Serving British Columbia proudly since 1946”MachineryLimitedROLLINSRYOUR AUTHORIZED DEALER FORCHILLIWACK • 1.800.242.9737 | 44725 Yale Road West • 604.792.1301LANGLEY • 1.800.665.9060 | 21869 - 56th Avenue • 604.533.0048Wilf Smith WILLIAMS LAKE STOCKYARDS250.398.0813Cheryl Newman KAMLOOPS STOCKYARDS250.320.0870DeCody Corbiere VANDERHOOF STOCKYARDS 250.524.0681Al Smith BC WIDE MARKETING 250.570.2143Shawn Carter OK FALLS STOCKYARDS250.490.5809by RONDA PAYNELANGLEY – The summerwas already looking hot forthe Finley family before springhad even arrived. The ownersof Laurica Farm were bookingmore events (including thisyear’s Feast of Fields) thanmost farmers would sanelyagree to. According to CathyFinley, she does it becausemeaningful conversationsabout farming happen whenpeople are having fun on thefarm. Laurica was founded aboutthree years ago when theFinleys bought ve acres witha house and barn in southLangley. From there, it hasgrown into an adventure inrunning a farm on mostlyrecycled materials and apassion for engaging peoplewith their food.“Dairy is the only thing webuy once a week,” says Finleyof the ability to feed herfamily of four o the landwhile also hosting events,oering CSA boxes and sellingto restaurants and at farmersmarkets whatever might beleft over.“[Farming] has becomemore important to me,” shesays. “I just wanted to besustainable, just wanted tofeed my family organically,but now it’s more. Peoplecome here to see it. They wantto be involved in the journey.”It’s a mix of old-stylefarming where there arevegetable crops, anorchard, pigs,chickens, ducks andsheep all on thesame land but witha new take – a lookto sustainable,educational farmingthat gets people interested inhow their food is grown. It’san exercise is symbioticrelationships that is easy evenfor non-farmers tounderstand.“We found that we couldbuild a farm on reclaimedmaterials,” Finley notes. “70%of what you see here is fromreclaimed materials.”Most of the buildings, thegreenhouse, even themeshed-in orchard areconstructed from thingsdestined for the dump. Yetit goes beyond thebuildings. Other items thatmay otherwise go to thelandfill are fed to the pigswhich the Finleys are nowOld farmingpractices for newways of thinkingCountry Waysbreeding on site.“They get no commerciallycreated feed at all,” says Finleyof the Berkshire and Berkshire-cross heritage pigs’ diet.They also churn up theearth and fertilize it for cropplanting in a three-eldrotation. They deliver a greatdeal of nutrients to the soil,allowing for the fast pace offarming demanded at Laurica.“The vegetables alwaysfollow the pigs around,” shenotes. “I don’t know whyanyone farms without pigs.”The pigs are even lining theduck pond by digging it upand creating a natural claylining.The emphasis is to makeuse of animals instead ofmachinery, but a balancebetween selling the meat andmaking use of “animal labour”has to be found. The Finley’spigs are so popular they havebeen used at theirneighbour’s (Fraser CommonFarms) long table dinners withchef Chris Whittaker. Even the method ofheating the greenhouse isbased on reclaimed materialsand will allow for wintervegetables. The cob clayrocket mass stove is madefrom earth, straw, clay androcks. There’s also a plan for acob pizza oven. “You can burn all sorts ofthings in it,” Finley says. “JustLaurica Farm’s Cathy Finley keeps a watchful eye on her menagerie of farm animals at herdemonstration farm in Abbotsford. (Ronda Payne photo)Please see “MIXED” page 35
Country Life in BC • August 201634www.AgSafeBC.caWORKER SAFETYSHOULD BE YOURTOP PRIORITY Cherry growers prove there is life after retirementby SUSAN MCIVERNARAMATA – There’s nodoubt that Joe and TrishCiaramella, owners of CCOrchards in Naramata, arecrazy about cherries.“I love the romance of thetraditional cherry orchard,”says Joe, who picked cherrieson the Niagara Peninsula inhis youth.When Joe retired as anexecutive with Suncor, theCalgary-based energycompany, and Trish no longertaught French, the Ciaramellaswent looking for a cherryorchard.“I didn’t want to be re-organizing my wife’s kitchenwhen I retired,” Joe says.In 2007, he and Trishpurchased their 10 acreproperty, of which 3.5 acresare planted in cherries. “The orchard is nestledbetween a natural waterfalland a gully. It’s a peacefulpiece of paradise to me,” Joesays.The orchard containsplantings of the white-eshedRainier variety and ve redvarieties – Stella, Lambert, Van,Lapins and Sweetheart.“Rainiers are very sweet andare especially popular withAsians. But they are delicatewith a high cull rate,” Joe says.The Ciaramellas producemore Lapins than any othervariety.“These are some of thelargest, juiciest cherries thatgrow on trees,” says cherryconnoisseur Joe. Lapins werenamed in honour of KarlisLapins, a scientist at theSummerland research stationwho created the variety bycrossing Vans and Stellas, Joeexplains.Joe’s favourite variety isVans.“They produce magnicentblossoms and deep-red, sweetfruit. They’re typically used inBlack Cherry ice cream,” Joesays.He and Trish sell about halfof their crop as fresh fruit oneither a U-pick or We-pickbasis. Ciaramella cherries arealso juiced, dried, coveredwith chocolate and made intopreserves, jams and salsa, toname only some of their uses.“We try to make everythingyou can from a cherry tree.That includes a dried cherrystem tea infusion, cherry oiland teacher to fruit growerscame with challenges, startingwith how to raise cherries.“The former owner, BC TreeFruits and Charlotte Leaminghave all been very helpful,”says Joe, who also had to learnhow to operate and maintainfarm equipment.Orchard employees areprimarily university studentsand other young people fromQuebec.“They come as a rite ofpassage to pick fruit like theirparents and grandparentsdid,” Joe says.Increasingly moreemployees are from WesternEurope.“We even had one fellowfrom Siberia,” Joe says. The Ciaramellas are keenpromoters of agri-tourism andenjoy telling visitors abouthow fruit is produced andprocessed. In addition to acurrent vacation rental ontheir property, they areconverting the upstairs oftheir barn into a B&B. Looking to the future, Joesaid, “We want to continueoperating our orchard andkeeping the tradition ofOkanagan of cherryproduction alive,” Joe says.and balsamic cherryreduction,” says Trish, who willprepare gift baskets onrequest.Fresh-pressed CC Orchardcherry juice is used at BadTattoo Brewing in Pentictonto make R&B Cherry Wit beer.“Cherry pits make goodlandscape cover,” Joe says.Trish and Joe sell theircherries and cherry productsat Penticton Farmers’ Marketand farm-gate. Fresh cherriesare also sold to BC Tree Fruitsalong with the various cherryproducts at outlets in Calgary.The switch from executiveTrish and Joe Ciaramello, owners of CC Orchards in Naramata, grow six varieties of cherries includingthe light-eshed Rainiers and dark red Lapins shown above. (Susan McIver photo)Armstrong BC117th Annual IPEAugust 31 ~ September 4, 2016 AGRICULTURAL DISPLAYS & DEMOS.,'¶6:25/'0,':$<%$51'$1&(/,*+7+($9<+256(&203(7,7,2129(5&200(5&,$/9(1'2563$5$'(6$76(37$07+(5$0758&.086,&67$*(75$&72538//,1',(086,&67$*(3/8608&+025(Win a 2016 Dodge Truck!2nd Prize ~ $2,500 Cash3rd Prize ~ Armstrong Shopping Spree $1,000 valueGrand PrizeOnly 8,000 tickets availableDraw takes place September 4 at 8:30 pm-IPE Front GatesChances are 1 in 8,000 (total tickets for sale) to win a grand prize. BC Gaming Event Licence #85861Problem Gambling Help Line 1-888-795-6111www.bcresponsiblegambling.ca Know you limit, play within it. 19+2016 Dodge Ram 1500Only $10 per ticketFor info call 250 546-9406 or go to www.armstrongipe.comPLUS&35$:5$1*/(535252'(2)5(('5$:60,1,&+8&.:$*215$&(6:(67&2$67/80%(5-$&.6+2:677777777767$$$$$$$(6767$7$$*(((((((((((((7777$*6777$*$*(((((((((((((((((((((((((((((22www.tjequipmentllc.com360-815-1597LYNDEN, WAALL PRICES IN US FUNDSARTEX CH-4-02DRY MANURE SPREADER, 18 FT,TANDEM AXLE $18,000LOEWEN 3600 LIQUID MANURE TANKTANDEM AXLE, 28L-26 TIRES $15,0002003 NEW HOLLAND BB960ABIG SQUARE BALER, 964 HOURS,37,286 BALES $27,500BODCO 7200 LIQUID MANURE TANKTRIPLE AXLE, 28L-26 TIRES$29,000
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 35MIXED FARM From page 33Community is more than the dictionary’s definitionAccording to the dictionary,community is dened as “agroup of people living in thesame place or having aparticular characteristic incommon.” That’s it, a neatpackaged version of what itmeans to live in the samelocale as other folks or to sharea common trait, hobby or justanything else for that matter.Over my years of living in bothurban and rural parts of thiscountry, I’ve discovered thattrue community involves boththese things, but it goes fardeeper than a verbalor written denitionand adds one morevital component: agenuine concern forothers.Born and raisedfor the rst 25 years ofmy life in suburban or cityareas of the West Coast,moving to a tiny country townon the prairies wasn’t theshock that I or othersimagined it might be. In fact, IA Wannabe FarmerLINDA WEGNERimmediately fell in love withmost aspects of my new life. For the next three decades,hubby and I discovered thejoys and frustrations ofresiding in rural agriculture-based communities withpopulations of less than 1,500people. It was an environmentthat I described this way: Here,everyone knows all yourbusiness and what they don’tknow, they make up. On theother hand, if you’re in anemergency, the folks are rightthere to help. If it’s duringharvest, the farmers will evenshut down their ownoperations and take o thecrop for you. (To thisobservation, my suburbandwelling brother onceresponded with a grin, “Ohthey do that here, too. Theyjust don’t tell you they’regoing to take it.” A true cynic,he is.) Population alone isn’t thedetermining factor of a realcommunity. I’ve lived both incities and rural towns where,as a newcomer, I immediatelyfelt welcomed; conversely, inother areas it took far longerbefore that happened. Nomatter how large or small, it’simportant to remember thatpopulations are comprised ofindividuals.Some measure ofuniformity is also adetermining factor and that’sdened as a “feeling offellowship with others as aresult of sharing commonattitudes, interests and goals.”In other words, be it bakesales, painting in oils, quiltmaking or sports teams,community members arelinked by mutual support forsomething.More than a decade ago,we left an area comprised ofagricultural behemoths to becloser to family living on theWest Coast. Decades ago, thistown was home to Canada’slargest goat dairy farm; notnow but we can boast acommercial chicken hatcheryand, equally important, agrowing and vibrant small-farm component. Thecommon goals ofencouraging, supporting andconsuming local foodproduction are principlessupported by many – from ourmayor to the backyardgardener (that’s me).“The people who farm careabout their animals and theircrops. They nurture them,protect them and nourishthem from babies until it istime to harvest them. Likeartists, farmers care; they takepride in their work and theirsignature is on everythingthey grow.” (IsabelleSouthcott, editor, Powell RiverLiving)Last but far from least,community is about beingthere in both the good andthe bad. And honestly, who ofus hasn’t had days when itseemed that anything thatcould go wrong was going to.Or, in some cases already had.There is no better time thanthose times to have a friend orfriends step in to oer support;there’s no better feeling thanto be part of community thattruly cares for each other.No matter who or where weare, let’s keep growing, keepeating and keep caring. We allneed each other!sticks and twigs that fall to theground.”Some composting is donein the lasagna method tomake use of discardedpackaging materials. Bee hiveson site take care of pollinationneeds from the fruit andvegetable crops to the herbgarden (run by a localherbalist) and one of theFinley daughter’s cut owersgarden. Finley describeschickens as the farm’s naturalinsecticides as well as eggproviders and a rainwatercollection system to helpcompensate for the drysummers is well underway.Down to businessIt all sounds ratheridealistic, but as much as theFinleys love the lifestylethey’ve been able to create,they recognize the businessaspect of what they do as well.For example, they’ve chosento not be organic certied inorder to avoid the costs. “I prefer for our customersto come here and see how wedo things. They can decide ontheir own,” she says. “I don’twant to pass that cost ontomy customers. I think thatwhen people come out to thefarm and try the food, theyhave an interest in it – infarming as a whole.”Part of the plan is toencourage other farmers, boththose on their own land andthe herbalist and sheep farmeron the Laurica site.“They give up hoursworking on the farm in returnfor the space,” Finley explains. About three acres of thesite are planted with crops inwhat Finley describes as spinfarming on a larger scale. Sheis looking to nd more land toexpand the operation and thebarn, which once housedfamily games and activities,will be converted back into abarn.“We grow a lot in a smallspace,” Finley says. “And we’rebuilding a root cellar so theroot vegetables will lastlonger. It’s very intensivegrowing. A fast ip.”It’s a lot of work butsomething that Finley sees asimportant, not just for fellowfarmers, but for everyone.“If we don’t changesomething, the futuregenerations aren’t going tobe able to live the same kindof peaceful lifestyle we do,”she says. “Having peoplecome out [to the farm] for ameal tells its own message. Ifwe can use this as a platformto change the way peoplethink about food, then let’sdo it.”NOW accepting applications for theProvincial Livestock Fencing Programalong travel corridorsProvincial Livestock Fencing ProgramEligibility Requirements• Schedule 2 Highways, Schedule 1 Highways, and Railway Corridors.Secondary (sideroad) paved routes may also be considered.• Must be a livestock producer.• Fence must be part of an existing fencing system to contain livestock.Application forms available at:http://www.cattlemen.bc.ca/fencing.htmCall TOLL FREE 1.866.398.2848to have an application mailed to you.Application DeadlineAugust 31, 2016 for consideration for the 2017 construction year.FINALCHANCE TOAPPLYwww.oyfbc.com2017 OutstandingBC AND YUKON REGIONYOUNG FARMERNow accepting nominations!Do you know an OUTSTANDINGyoung farmer between the agesof 19 and 39 who derives two thirdsof his or her incomefrom their farming operation?We want to know about them!Nominate them NOW to be eligible to compete as one of BC’s OUTSTANDING YOUNG FARMERS in 2017!www.oyfbc.comOutstandingBC AND YUKON REGIONYOUNG FARMER PROGRAMNominee’s Name:Nominee’s Phone Number:Nominated by:Phone Number:MAIL nomination toHEATHER CARRIERE, 36376 STEPHEN LEACOCK DR., ABBOTSFORD, BC V3G 0C2 Email: zamacaconsulting@gmail.com2016 REGIONAL SPONSORS:GOLDFARM CREDIT CANADASILVERCLEARBROOK GRAIN & MILLING CO. LTD.INSUREWEALTHBRONZEBC BROILER HATCHING EGGCOMMISSIONWHOLE FOODS MARKET NATIONAL SPONSORSAGRICULTURE & AGRI-FOOD CANADAANNEX BUSINESS MEDIABAYER CROP SCIENCEBDOCIBCFARM MANAGEMENT CANADAJOHN DEEREMEDIAADFARMCOUNTRY LIFE IN BC2016 OYF winners Brian & Jewel Pauls
Country Life in BC • August 201636by GINA HAAMBUCKERSVERNON – Twenty-oneoutstanding 4-H members have beenawarded scholarships on behalf ofthe 4-H British Columbia programand its generous partners. The worthyrecipients are headed for post-secondary education in disciplinesranging from agriculture to nursing,literature and fashion.The overall amount awarded inscholarships this year is $54,500. “We are thrilled and delighted tobe awarding scholarships to such adeserving group of young people.Congratulations to all our recipients,”says Claudette Martin, 4-H BCmanager.Chernoff Family Foundation ($5000renewable over two years)• Rachel H. (Elementary EducationProgram, University of Victoria)• Katrina J. (Foundation YearProgramme, University of KindsCollege)• Aimee T. (Faculty of Science &Horticulture, Kwantlen PolytechnicUniversity)Chernoff Family Foundation ($1000renewable over two years) • Danika Z. (Applied SustainableRanching, Thompson RiversUniversity)• Taylor V. (Fashion Business &Creative Arts Diploma, JohnCasablanca Institution)• Paige T. (Animal ScienceTechnology, Lakeland College)• Erica B. (ARCT Teachers, RoyalConservatory of Music)• Clay K. (Applied Sciences, Universityof British Columbia)BC Youth in Agriculture Foundation($2000 each)• Christine K. (Bachelor of Journalism,Thompson Rivers University)• Hannah F. (Bachelor of Science,Thompson Rivers University)Wim & Annie Zylmans AgricultureMemorial Fund Scholarship ($500 each)• Neila S. (Associate of Science, NorthIsland College)BC Agriculture in the ClassroomFoundation ($1000)• Abigail T. (AnimalBioscience/Agriculture, University ofSaskatchewan)BC 4-H Foundation ($1000)• Jeremiah L. (Music – PianoPerformance, Kwantlen PolytechnicUniversity)Mutual Fire Insurance ($1000 each)• Steven D. (Faculty of Science,University of Victoria)• Rachel G. (Bachelor of Arts inPolitical Science, University ofVictoria)Western Producer ($1000)• Victoria F. (Bachelor of Science inNursing, University of the FraserValley)Saanich Fruit Growers ($1600 each)• Angela K. (Management: Wildlifeand Fisheries, University of NorthernBritish Columbia)Saanich Fruit Growers ($800 each)• Orrin W. (Bachelor of Kinesiology,University of British Columbia)• Cliff C. (Basic Certificate of ChristianStudies, Our Lady Seat of Wisdom)MNP ($1000 each)• Mackenzie K. (Natural Resource andEnvironmental Technology, Collegeof New Caledonia)• Brandon K. (Animal ScienceTechnology – Beef Production,Lakeland College)BC 4-H proud of its scholarship winners Twenty-sevensenior 4-Hmembers fromacross BCcompeted at the4-H BCProvincialCommunicationnals inKamloops,July 7-9.Rising to the top. Matthew S. (left), Jeremiah L. and Sara-Kate S.show o their public speaking awards after competing at the 4-HBC Provincial Communications Finals. (BC 4-H does not providesurnames for participants, citing privacy concerns.) (Photocourtesy of 4-H BC)by DAVID SCHMIDTPRINCE GEORGE – The BC Cattlemen’sAssociation (BCCA) is receiving up to $144,000from the federal and provincial governmentsto develop a business and marketing plan for anew mid-size federally-inspected beefprocessing plant in the Prince George area.BCCA general manager Kevin Boon stressesthis is only a viability study and does not meana plant will be built.“This is to see if it’s worth trying,” Boon says.Currently, BC has only two federallyinspected plants capable of processing smallnumbers of cattle and several dozenprovincially-licenced abattoirs, but the majorityof cattle are processed in Alberta or the US.Boon readily admits a lot of processingplants failed during the BSE crisis “for anumber of reasons” and the study is intendedto ensure a new plant does not suer the samefate. Although “there is money there right now”to build a plant, the BCCA has cautionedagainst moving too quickly. “Our biggest fear is that someone will buildit (without first determining what is neededto make it successful). This isn’t about apacking plant – it’s about a whole industry,”Boon says, noting interested investors(primarily retailers and exporters) “aren’t thatfamiliar with the cattle industry. They justPostmaster, Please returnUndeliverable labels to:Country Life in BC1120 East 13th AveVancouver, BC V5T 2M1CANADAPOSTESPOSTCANADAPostage paidPort payéPublications MailPost-publications40012122Vol. 102 No. 8Farm tour City in the Country showcases innovative agriculture 11Poultry Practice codes hope to establish baselines 13Dairy National ingredient strategy could spur growth 29Lifein BCThe agricultural news source inBritish Columbia since 1915August 2016 • Vol. 102 No. 8Chicken boardready to sign onthe dotted lineFeasibility study for northern abattoirPlease see “FEEDLOT” page 2YCOUNTRYby DAVID SCHMIDTABBOTSFORD – The BC ChickenMarketing Board (BCCMB) was expected tosign Chicken Farmers of Canada’s newoperating agreement at the CFC summermeeting in Toronto in late July, after nallygetting approval to do so from the BC FarmIndustry Review Board.FIRB issued its approval on June 30 buttold the BCCMB to hold o until after July15 to give BC processors another chance toappeal FIRB’s decision. The processorswaited until the last minute before decidingagainst further appeals.“This is very good news,” said ChickenFarmers of Canada chair Dave Janzen, aChilliwack chicken grower, and BCCMB chairRobin Smith, almost in unison.Clay Hurren, 12, a junior member from the Armstrong Beef Club, parades his Simmental cross steer, Gus, in front of acaptive audience of buyers at the annual 4-H Stock Show at the IPE fairgrounds, July 9. (Cathy Glover photo)Proud as punchIRRIGATION LTD1-888-675-7999www.watertecna.comPROVINCE WIDE DELIVERYPROVINCE WIDE DELIVERYGrowing morewith less waterFREE PTO PUMPSee our ad on page 37for details!1-888-770-7333Quality Seeds ... where quality counts!YOUR COMPLETESEED SOURCEPlease see “CHRONIC” page 2Eight years of negotiationsover allocations at an endIt’s timefor a change.The publisher of Country Life in BC isready to retire and this publication is nowoffered for sale.For more information,contact Peter Wilding604.871-0001countrylifeinbc@shaw.caCOUNTRYThe agricultural news source inBritish Columbia since 1915LifeYin BCYYHelping BC farmersGROW THEIRBUSINESS
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 37When we left o last time,Henderson got himself into yetanother rage over the snow-covered roads, and threatenedto sell the house and move backto the city. Deborah said if hedid that, he’d better get a goodlawyer. Rural Redemption (part75) continues ...The Department ofHighways truck plowed theroad an hour and a half afterKenneth spun his way out tothe main road and drove oto the city. Shortly after, awhite pick-up drove up Tiny’sdriveway. “It’s Mr. McLeod!” saidChristopher. “Maybe he’s hereto tell us there’s no schooltomorrow.”Doug McLeod broke thesad news that it was allsystems go on the schoolfront to Christopher at theback door. “Sorry, Chris. I’m here to talkto your mother and sisterabout the spring musical. Areyour mom and dad home?”“Just my Mom. C’mon in.”Doug apologized for theintrusion and said that CecMontgomery’s passing hadkind of derailed Gladdie andthe spring musical plans andhe was touching bases andtrying to ll in some of theblanks before the meeting atGladdie’s on Wednesdayevening. He wanted to makesure Deborah was still onboard to play Daisy Mae andhe wondered if Ashley wouldtake on two or three smallerparts that called for singing. Ashley agreed reluctantlyand Deborah agreedwholeheartedly but wonderedhow he could possibly comeup with enough volunteers toll the whole cast and crew.“Oh, you’d be surprisedhow folks get together behindsomething like this when pushcomes to shove. If we’re reallyOh, what a tangled web we weave ...short of performers, we’ll skipa scene or two and have anarrator tell it instead. “Tyler Koski and his wife,Jade Song, volunteered tohelp out. Tyler is going to lookafter the sets. Lisa Lundgrenand Cynthia, her mom, aregoing to give him a hand andthey were kind of thinkingthat Chris might like to helpout, too.”Chris said he’d phone Lisaand check it out.“Jade oered to play thepiano and EddyEberhardt’s always awilling whiz on theaccordion. Turns out,Jade has a musicdegree and she’s willingto make the music workwith whatever players we canscratch up.”“How do you get away withjust talking your way throughsome of the scenes?” askedDeborah. “That’s not a problem. Ithink we’ve done it withalmost all the musicals. Glad’sa master at it and remember,the audience are your familyand friends and neighbours.They just want to come outand see folks they know taketo the stage. It would be hardto disappoint them.”Doug stayed for coee andsaid he was really lookingforward to another springmusical. Deborah said shewas really looking forward toit, too. Doug noticed that noone said anything aboutKenneth.“Do you think yourhusband might want to getinto the act?”Deborah looked him in theeye and shook her head. “I can guarantee you hewon’t want anything to dowith it.”***Kenneth sent a textmessage to Janice on his wayback to the city. Theyarranged to meet for coee atsix. Kenneth was drinking histhird cup when she arrived.She looked radiant. Kennethheld her chair.“You can’t imagine howI’ve missed you. I need to talkto ...”“You need to listencarefully before you do anytalking,” said Janice. “Thisconversation never tookplace, understood?”Kenneth gave her atroubled nod.“Good. The committeechair will be announced in themorning and you’ll wonderabout the choice but itdoesn’t really matter becausesomeone in the ministers’oce will be pulling all thestrings through a specialassistant to the chair. That’swho everyone, you included,will be taking their marchingorders from.” “Do you think they’reconsidering me for the specialassistant?”“Don’t you think you’dknow by now if that was thecase?” asked Janice.Kenneth nodded. “Who do you think it willbe then? And how do youknow about all of this?”“It’s me. I’m the specialassistant.”“You?”“Yes, Kenneth. Me. Don’tyou think I’m good enoughfor the job?”“Sure, sure you’re goodenough. I’m just surprised,”stammered Kenneth. “Howlong have you known?”“Since they tossedLinderman.”“I can’t believe you didn’ttell me.”“I was going to tell you atNew Year’s.”“I would have told you ifthe shoe was on the otherfoot,” said Kenneth.“Are you sure you wouldn’thave lied to me?”“Why would I lie to youabout something like that?”“You know, that’s exactlythe question I’ve been askingmyself. Why did you lie tome?”“What lie are you talkingabout?” asked Kenneth.Janice gave her shoulders ashrug. “Gee, I don’t know. Howmany lies did you tell me?”“If you mean the ski tripwith the kids? I was just tryingto make things easier foryou.”“Give me a break, Kenneth.You were trying to makethings easier for yourself.You’ve been around politicstoo long.”“What does politics have todo with it? That was betweenus.”“It was a lie between us.Lies, the lifeblood of politics.Eventually, you can’t tell onefrom another.”“Deception is the lifebloodof politics, not lies.”“Oh, really,” said Janice.“What’s the dierence?”“A lie speaks its own truth;deception can beinterpreted.”“Do you have any idea howstupid that sounds? A liespeaks its own truth?”“Think about it. It’s like thatblended tax thing years ago.The government said it wasunfair and regressive and theywouldn’t have anything to dowith it. They said it tooconcretely. When theyimposed it a couple ofmonths later, everyoneremembered exactly whatthey said and saw the truththat it was a lie and the wholething blew up in their face.”“And a deception is what?A lie without details? Abundle of lies that might notall be true? Something thespin doctors can weasel outof? So, explain why you liedto me about having to takeyour kids on a ski trip so youcould deceive me aboutspending New Years withyour wife so that you coulddeceive her about planningto spend New Years with me?I’d be interested to hear howyou dance around all that.” Janice stood and pulled hercoat on. “See you at work,” she said.To be continued ...The WoodshedChroniclesBOB COLLINSEVERY PURCHASE COMES WITH A FREE PTO PUMP1-888-675-7999www.watertecna.comMODEL 9300TURBINE DRIVESPRINKLER | INLET HOSEDIGITAL TACH$24,800MODEL 100/400TURBINE DRIVESPRINKLER | INLET HOSEDIGITAL TACH$29,400MODEL 110/400TURBINE DRIVESPRINKLER | INLET HOSEDIGITAL TACH$35,490SUMMER SAVINGS ON REELS*GET REEL THIS SUMMER!PROVINCE WIDE DELIVERYMANUFACTURED BYCIDC Check-offBCID Fund9WorkBeef atCheck-offCheck-offCIDC 9Ch9f9heck-of9at9W9Beef 9ork9WoFundCI-D FundBCID Producer Check-Off Supports Beef Industry Projects.www.cattlefund.net | 1-877-688-2333 & V¶¶VDGGDDQD& %GHLIILLUULH99H IHH% & V¶¶VDGGDDQD&Producti %GHLIILLUULH99Haon ProgrraProductimpleSied fopvelDe IHH%am ustrTTrcal. ctiar. Pmple, by psruceodpror ed f ed.ust.sroducer, by p 1:hP -866-398w 398- emeltBP@cat V:ilam E8482mthbp./vac.bc.nemelttac.www ac.bc.neLet rkemaonioseb ement pl you imelphusstrke - rds ndatadriven son- ty safed foormfa carlmani a&ty curiiose ement forrds , yy,e car .
Country Life in BC • August 201638Garden treasuresSubstitute raspberries for blueberries and these scones take on a whole new avour. (Judie Steeves photo)I was worried they’d find somethingMammograms save lives. Make an appointment, not an excuse. Get expert advice and share your stories atgohave1.comLisieʼs Blueberry SconesFor those who love to cook and eat, August in this part of theworld has to be one of the most exciting and rewardingmonths of the year as we harvest so very many fresh fruits andvegetables from our gardens and farms.The diversity of the agriculture sector in BC is astounding. It’sno wonder chefs from around the world tend to gravitate tothis province, passionate as they are about the opportunity tofocus on fresh, local, seasonal ingredients with which toshowcase their talents.In our home kitchens as well, we have the opportunity totake what’s ripe today as our cue to prepare delectable dishesfor those we love whilethe harvest is underway.Instead of cannedmandarins or mangoesimported from halfwayaround the world, wecan use fresh peachesfrom the tree in ours or our neighbour’s backyard or freshberries instead of frozen.We can pick beans right from the plant to toss in a stir-fry,steam in a pot or just eat raw, and the same can be said forjuicy tomatoes, still warm from the sun and full of avour thatbursts in the mouth. It’s in sharp contrast to the sad, avourlessorbs available out of season, imported from another countryand likely picked green and ripened en route.So, enjoy the bounty while it’s available this month andpreserve what you can’t eat for a taste of summer in the o-season, when freshly-harvested avours are only memories.I love to freeze tomatoes whole on sheets, then toss theminto bags in the freezer to remove in the quantity I need forwinter’s sauces or to add to casseroles. It preserves the avour ifnot the texture.Most herbs are best dried or allowed to steep in vinegar oroil for use in winter, while canning such appetizer treats as salsaand antipasto can ll the pantry shelves for o-seasonentertaining.In addition to garden-fresh vegetables, we have our pick offruit fresh from Okanagan orchards and the berry elds of theFraser Valley, perfect for adding to baked goods, salads, pies,desserts or breakfast cereal or smoothies.They also make excellent nger food for the lunch box, alongwith a few fresh, green snap beans, carrots, celery, peppers,cucumbers and patio tomatoesFlavour, convenience, economy and nutrition all at once!These are delicious for breakfast, brunch or for lunch, served with chunks of sharp cheddar.The second day, split them and put in the toaster to freshen them up.2 2/3 c. (650 ml) our 4 tsp. (20 ml) baking powder 1 tsp. (5 ml) salt1/3 c. (75 ml) ground ax seeds 1 orange, zest only 1/2 c. (125 ml) cold butter1/4 c. (60 ml) sugar 1 c. (250 ml) blueberries 1 c. (250 ml) milkPre-heat oven to 375 F.Measure dry ingredients into a large bowl and mix well. Cut butter in (using a pastry blenderor two knives) until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.Add blueberries. Mince orange peel and mix in. Add milk slowly and mix until just blended.As the mixture makes eight scones, you may divide the dough in half and pinch o a quarterof each side for each scone.Use your hands to press each at and roughly shape it into a round. Don’t over-handle thedough, though. Place each on a parchment paper-lined baking sheet.You may wish to brush the tops with milk and sprinkle a little sugar on top.Bake at 375 F for 15 minutes, then check if browned. Leave in a few minutes longer if needed.Variations: substitute lemon peel for the orange peel; substitute 1/2 c. each of chopped applesand walnuts for the blueberries; or 1 c. cranberries for the blueberries; or use 1 c. raspberries plusa half cup of chopped chocolate, white or dark; or fresh peaches instead of blueberries.Makes 8 scones or more smaller ones.Spiced-up SnapperReminiscent of sh dishes from down Mexico way, this delicious sauce is perked up with ajalapeno. I'm betting the sauce would be delicious with prawns or chicken instead of, or inaddition to a white-eshed sh. Use of the eshier plum or Italian type tomatoes is better thanJude’s KitchenJUDIE STEEVESPlease see “SPICED” page 39Spiced‑up SnapperPlease mail your application to1120 East 13th Ave Vancouver, BC V5T 2M1 604.871.0001SUBSCRIBE TODAY!SUBSCRIBE TODAY!The agricultural news source inBritish Columbia since 1915COUNTRYLifeYin BCNAMEADDRESSCITYPOSTAL CODETEL FAXEMAILo NEW o RENEWAL | o 1 YEAR ($18.90) o 2 YEAR ($33.60) o 3 YEAR ($37.80) (Prices include GST | Cheque or money order only please)NEWS & INFORMATION YOU NEED!Join thousands of BC farmers who turn to Country Life in BC each andevery month to find out what (and who!) is making news in BC agriculture and how those events (and people!) may affect their farmsand agri-businesses!SWEET IRON PHOTOGRAPHY
August 2016 • Country Life in BC 39SPICED UP SNAPPER From page 38Reminiscent of sh dishes from down Mexico way, this delicious sauce is perked up with ajalapeno.I'm betting the sauce would be delicious with prawns or chicken instead of, or in addition to awhite-eshed sh.Use of the eshier plum or Italian type tomatoes is better than beefsteak-types so the sauce isthick rather than runny.1 lb. (454 g) red snapper 1 onion 1 tsp. (5 ml) cumin1 tbsp. (15 ml) lime juice 2 garlic cloves 2 tbsp. (30 ml) cilantro1/2 tsp. (2 ml) coarse salt 1 lb. (454 g) tomatoes 2 tbsp. (30 ml) white wine1 tbsp. (15 ml) olive oil 1 jalapeno pepper salt and pepper, to tastePrick the white sh llets (you could substitute cod for the snapper) on both sides with a forkin a glass baking dish and sprinkle with the salt and lime juice. Refrigerate for an hour or two.Pre-heat oven to 400 F.Heat olive oil in a fry pan and sauté onion until soft, adding garlic near the end. Add skinless,chopped tomatoes, minced jalapeno and cumin.Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes and add the minced cilantro, white wine and salt and pepper, totaste.Pour the sauce over the sh llets and bake, uncovered, for about 20 minutes, or just until shis cooked through.Serves 2 to 3.Sharon's Mexi Green BeansFresh from a holiday in Mexico, this is my friend's version of veggies from down that-a-way, and it’s a great summer side dish, with fresh local green beans from the garden orfarm.1 lb. (454 g) green beans 2 tbsp. (30 ml) lime juice 1 chilli pepper2 tbsp. (30 ml) butter 3 tbsp. (45 ml) cilantro salt and pepper, to taste2 tbsp. (30 ml) lime juiceCut fresh green beans into two-inch pieces; mince chilli pepper and fresh coriander (cilantro).Melt butter in a large frypan over medium heat and add the beans, lime juice and chillies. Stirabout well, then cover for a couple of minutes to steam.Uncover and add the chopped cilantro, salt and pepper, to taste, mixing thoroughly until thebeans are still crisp, but cooked.Serves 4.Sharonʼs Mexi Green BeansNAME ____________________________________________OLD ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________________________PHONE ____________________________________________NEW ADDRESS ________________________________________________________________________________PHONE ____________________________________________COUNTRYLifein BCCanada Post will not deliver yourCountry Life in BC if they changeyour postal code, your streetname and/or address. If youraddress changes, please fill outthe form below and mail or fax itto us, or use email.Thank you!1120 East 13th AveVancouver, B.C. V5T 2M1Email: countrylifeinbc@shaw.caPhone 604/871-0001 • Fax: 604/871-0003Aug 16CHANGEOFADDRESS?Lola!NEWPOLYETHYLENETANKSof all shapes & sizes for septicand water storage. 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For photosand more info, call David at250/330-4494.FOR SALEFOR SALEToll Free 1-888-357-0011www.ultra-kelp.comULTRA-KELPTMCelebrating 30 YearsServing Western Canadian AgricultureCongratulations to:ROMYN HILL FARM LTD BRAD & JODI ROMYN • SORRENTO,B.C.2014 & 2015 TOP PRODUCTION HERDBC HOLSTEINFlack’s Bakerview • Kelp Products IncPritchard, BCLOVELY PUREBRED SHORTHORN HEIFER(15 months old, not papered). Readyto breed. Correct conformation, quiet,friendly temperament. Good home only.Call Ingrid 604/538-1092 or email[fourwinds.stevenson@mac.com]GOTLAND RAM LAMB, $450 WITHOUTpapers, (recordable, 76.6% purebred).Lovely disposition, silver-grey fleece. Sire isMr. Goodyarn, Spinners Choice winnerLMSPA wool sale. Contact: smrussel@sfu.ca.DeBOER’S USEDTRACTORS & EQUIPMENTGRINDROD, BCJD 7400 MFWD c/w cab, 3 pt, ldr 64,000JD 6410 MFWD, cab & ldr 54,000JD 6400 MFWD, cab & ldr 49,000JD 6400 MFWD, w/ldr 29,500JD 4240 cab, 3pt hitch 18,500JD 1830 diesel, with loader 10,500JD 2630 diesel, 65 HP w/ldr,comp engine rebuild 12,500JD 1120 diesel, w/ldr SOLDNH 1032 bale wagon, 70 cap. 5,500NH 1400 SP combine, diesel w/14’ directcut platform, 1400 original hours 8,500JD 220 20’ disc, ctr fold, complete newset of blades 16,500Ed DeBoer • 250/838-7362cell 250/833-6699Curt DeBoer • 250/838-9612cell 250/804-6147EQUIPMENT DISPERSAL:2011 CASE IH MAGNUM 180, 4 WD,Michelin rubber, c/w duals, CVT, deluxecab leather, 846 hrs., mint, $129,500.NH 790 harvester, grass head, metaldetector, nice condition, $3,500.NH 900 forage harvester, c/w grasshead, metal detector, good condition,$5,500.TWO BADGER 16’ TANDEM AXLE silagewagons, w/roofs, shop stored, excellentcondition, $6,500 ea.Call Tony 604/850-4718.
Country Life in BC • August 201640IF ONLY THE WEATHER CAME WITH A 6-YEAR WARRANTY.At Kubota Canada we make exceptional quality products. To prove it, we’ve introduced our best warranty ever: Enjoy a Free 6-year warranty or 3,000 hours* on BX, B and L Series tractors, and 6 years or 5,000* hours on applicable M Series tractors. Because we’re not only confident in our products, we’re also committed to providing our customers with the best possible experience.>OPJOL]LYJVTLZÄYZ[;OPZ^HYYHU[`PZVUS`]HSPKPU*HUHKH[V*HUHKPHU4HYRL[7YVK\J[ZKPZ[YPI\[LKI`2\IV[H*HUHKH3[K(]HPSHISLVU)?)34?44HUK4:LYPLZ[YHJ[VYZ:LL`V\YKLHSLYMVYJVTWSL[LKL[HPSZYour BC Kubota Dealers ...ABBOTSFORD AVENUE MACHINERY CORP 604/864-2665 COURTENAY NORTH ISLAND TRACTOR 250/334-0801 CRESTON KEMLEE EQUIPMENT LTD 250/428-2254DAWSON CREEK DOUGLAS LAKE EQUIPMENT 250/782-5281DUNCAN ISLAND TRACTOR & SUPPLY LTD 250/746-1755 KAMLOOPS DOUGLAS LAKE EQUIPMENT 250/851-2044KELOWNA AVENUE MACHINERY CORP 250/769-8700 OLIVER GERARD’S EQUIPMENT LTD 250/498-2524PRINCE GEORGE HUBER EQUIPMENT 250/560-5431 QUESNEL DOUGLAS LAKE EQUIPMENT 250/991-0406 VERNON AVENUE MACHINERY CORP 250/545-3355 0.9% FOR 72 MONTHS OAC