Return to flip book view
Postmaster, Please return Undeliverable labels to: Country Life in BC 36 Dale Road Enderby, BC V0E 1V4CANADA POSTES POST CANADA Postage paid Port payé Publications Mail Post-Publications 40012122Vol. 108 No.2The agricultural news source in British Columbia since 1915 FEBRUARY 2022 | Vol. 108 No. 2FLOOD Dairy farmers assured recovery funding on its way 7 WEATHER Weather deals another blow to berry growers 13 SUCCESSION Robson Valley family realizes its dreams 29PETER MITHAM VICTORIA – The province is holding fast on a March 1 deadline for existing, non-domestic groundwater users to apply for a licence despite a low response rate. Sta from the BC Ministry of Forests, Lands, Natural Resources Operations and Rural Development have been making the rounds of farm meetings since last fall, with the result that 4,455 applications are now in the hands of government. A total of 1,654 decisions have been made. With existing users set to lose their water rights if they don’t apply by March 1, calls are growing for the province to extend the deadline for a final time to ensure users maintain legal access to groundwater and their historic water rights. “With only one in five historical groundwater users having applied for continued use, there are thousands of farmers, ranchers, and small business owners currently at risk of losing their access to groundwater,” BC Liberals interim leader Shirley Bond said in December in a statement backed by the BC Green party leader Sonia Furstenau. The province expects 20,000 wells to seek licences, of which approximately 8,000 are for agricultural uses. While farmers and ranchers have a relatively high application rate, many are frustrated by an application process many growers find don’t reflect their circumstances. A key issue is licensing to When ooding hit Sumas Prairie after heavy rains in November, Abbotsford poultry farmers and experienced reghters Krista Harris, left, and her wife, Cathy Van-Martin, jumped into action to help with the emergency response. Their story starts on page 19. SUBMITTEDGroundwater deadline firmSee USERS on next page oGrowing more with less waterwatertecna.comttttttttIRRIGATION LTD1.888.675.7999 888 6 9999888669999 Diesel & PTO Pumps PVC & Aluminum PipeIrrigation ReelsDRIP IRRIGATIONCentre Pivots1-888-770-7333 Quality Seeds ... where quality counts!YOUR BC SEED SOURCEPETER MITHAM ABBOTSFORD – Dramatic increases in grain prices mean many BC chicken growers face insolvency after a year of devastating weather events and scant progress on a new pricing formula. Driven by global demand and drought across much of western North America last year, feed prices rose dramatically last fall. By November 15, when the latest production period began, broiler producers and others in BC were paying more than $650 a tonne, just as a series of intense storms See FEED on next page oGrain prices hit chicken growers Insolvencies likelyFarmers helping farmers
USERS who don’t apply will lose historic rights nfrom page 1FEED prices are chipping away at profitability nfrom page 12 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCcrop, a change in practice that some well owners feel binds their rights to what they’re producing now. They fear this could prevent them from accessing water in the future if a new crop or management practice requires more water. Oliver grape grower Hans Buchler has contested the practice. He says concessions have been granted to grape growers, allowing them to claim extra water for cover crops used in vineyard management. But he says other growers haven’t been so lucky. “This allowance has not been extended to any of the other perennial row crops that do or can grow cover crops in the alleyways,” he says. This underscores the inequity inherent in the new licensing system, he adds. The province continues to urge growers to apply for a licence to their existing use, however, saying the details can be worked out later. Growers who don’t file an application by March 1 will lose their historic access to cut transportation lines and further restricted supplies. “We, as growers, have been hit hard, exceptionally hard,” Dale Krahn, president of the BC Chicken Growers Association, which represents more than 300 commercial growers across the province. “Further to that, we’ve got flooding issues which halted for awhile all grain and caused grain prices and transport to increase in price and we’ve got all the other input costs continually rising.” While provincial funding helped offset extraordinary costs to mills and producers in the Fraser Valley, high market prices were putting many growers in an untenable situation. Vancouver Island producer Aileen Dougan told the growers association meeting January 19 that when she entered the sector in spring 2020, feed costs were $515 a tonne. Today, they’re closer to $700 a tonne. “That’s a $200 increase, and yet we’re sitting at practically the same price that was being paid,” she says. “It’s a recipe for insolvency.” Breaking down the math, she said feed costs per kilogram of live weight work out to 30 cents – more when mortalities are factored in. Yet the price growers receive per kilogram has lagged, and dropped below what producers receive in Saskatchewan and Manitoba. BC typically has Western Canada’s highest live pricing. “The BC live price, relative to other Western provinces, is probably the lowest it’s ever been, aside from one other time in the last 20-plus years,” says Krahn. Worse, it’s been like this for the past two cycles, something growers asked the BC Chicken Marketing Board to address in November and again in January. “These are exceptional times, so we’ve applied for exceptional circumstances,” says Krahn. But the marketing board turned down the initial request, saying growers “did not present sufficient and substantive new evidence to vary its decision.” This didn’t sit well with Dougan, who says the marketing board doesn’t seem to be taking the situation seriously. “I don’t see the urgency in the board seeing this as a reality,” she says. But marketing board chair Harvey Sasaki disputed this. While “exceptional circumstances” requires “a demonstration of irreparable harm,” it doesn’t mean the board doesn’t recognize hardship. “[The decision] wasn’t saying that the board didn’t recognize that the circumstances facing the industry with feed costs was going unnoticed or unrecognized,” he says. “We served notice to the Farm Industry Review Board that we would be considering an amendment to our pricing order for A-174.” But that amendment depended on consultation with stakeholders, including processors. A meeting took place January 19. An amendment to the latest pricing order had not been published at press time. A further complication lies in the fact the board can only make pricing recommendations; final approval lies with the BC Farm Industry Review Board, which has restricted the marketing board’s decision-making capacity under the terms of an ongoing supervisory review. Years of discussion have been working towards a new pricing model, with the latest roundtable set for January 28. But that would still take months to implement. Abbotsford-based grower Ravi Bathe says growers need to urge the province – which oversees FIRB – to give the marketing board the leeway needed to set prices. While feed prices in Saskatchewan and Manitoba are lower, the marketing boards in those provinces responded to rising costs by increasing live prices so producers wouldn’t be caught out. “Those provinces are stepping up and supporting their growers and now we’re seeing their live prices higher than ours,” he says. “Who is going to stand up and support the growers in BC?” Bathe, who has shifted his own production to the Interior, says industry can’t wait for the marketing board to act. The situation facing producers is too dire. “It’s such a critical point,” he says. “We need to put their feet to the fire and say, ‘Your counterparts on the Prairies are stepping up and you’re not. You’re letting us down, and soon there’s going to be none of us left.’” water, and be treated as new users. They’ll have to undergo a more rigorous application process, and may wind up with a smaller allocation than they would have had they secured a licence based on their historical priority. The new licensing regime took effect in 2016. It aimed to entrench a first in time, first in right system in the province by having historic rights registered and given priority over new users. All users are also charged a fee for the use of groundwater Patrick is an experienced portfolio manager that brings a focused nancial and estate planning team to clients to ensure the best and most eective investment decisions are made now and in the future. The RBC Wealth Management investment and planning program provides income security and tax minimization in the context of a holistic nancial plan and road map for each client.TAX TIPS“Multiple wills covering your farm corporation can save on probate costs.”www.tractorparts4sale.caABBOTSFORD, BC Bus. 604/807-2391 email: tractorparts4sale@shaw.caWe accept Interact, Visa and Mastercard FORD 7000 2WD OPEN ST 83HP 540 PTO GD COND . . . . . . . . . . . 7,000 VICON PS602 FERTILIZER SPREADER, 3 PT, 1,000 KG CAPACITY . . 2,200 MASHIO CM4500 14’ PWR HARROW W/ROLLER GD COND. . . . 14,000 FELLA TS1601 ROTARY RAKE, 3 PT HITCH, TWIN ROTOR, 25 FT WORKING WIDTH, GOOD CONDITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,500 YANMAR FX42D 2WD OPEN STATION, 42HP PSHIFT TRANS, 4 SPEED PTO. 2961 HRS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6,500 CLAAS 350T AND 370T PULL TYPE ROTARY RAKES . . . . 4,500 & SOLD! SIP 165G THREE POINT DRUM MOWERS, GD COND. . . . . . . . 2,800 ea NH 256 ROLLARBAR 10 FT SIDE DELIVERY RAKE, GROUND DRIVEN, PULL TYPE, GOOD CONDITION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,200 JOHN DEERE HD BALE CONVEYOR 40FT ON ADJ FRAME WITH AXLE, PTO DRIVEN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1,200 LOEWEN 9612 VERTICAL MIXER . GOOD CONDITION . . . . . . . 14,000NEW REPLACEMENT PARTS for MOST TRACTORS & FARM IMPLEMENTSGD Repair LtdTractor/Equipment Repair Mobile Service AvailableThe location of Happy Hollow Farm, Princeton, was misidentied in the story Interior ranchers feel forgotten, January 2022.OOPS!based on volume. This fee is payable by existing users from 2016, regardless of when a licence application is made. The province encouraged existing non-domestic groundwater users to apply with the promise of a waiver for the application fee, which starts at $250. But low uptake has resulted in three extensions of the deadline. A year ago, the province told producers there would be no further extensions. During the first two years, more than 2,100 existing-use applications were filed. The volume plateaued in 2020 at approximately 4,000. The past 18 months have seen just 450 new applications made, with the greatest increase taking place since outreach ramped up last fall. —With les from Tom Walker
IAFBC takes over environmental programsAgriculture council exits program delivery COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 3SANDRA TRETICK VICTORIA – The BC Agriculture Council ocially handed over delivery of the Environmental Farm Plan (EFP) and Benecial Management Practices (BMP) programs to the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC on December 1. The transition became necessary when BCAC announced in June that it would step away from delivering government programs through its subsidiary ARDCorp to focus on advocacy for farmers and ranchers. At the time, outgoing executive director Reg Ens told Country Life in BC that advocacy was BCAC’s core role and “being the voice for the industry” was the best use of resources to help the industry. BCAC recommended that IAF take over responsibilities for the EFP and BMP programs and the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food, and Fisheries agreed. IAF now delivers the programs on behalf of the governments of BC and Canada, with funding under the ve-year Canadian Agricultural Partnership. The program expires in March 2023, and discussions are underway on its successor. The shift leaves BCAC free to advocate on behalf of BC producers in discussions on the replacement to CAP. More than 6,000 environmental farm plans have been completed since the EFP program began in BC in 2004. EFPs are prepared by farmers and ranchers in consultation with a network of 24 planning advisors to improve awareness of on-farm environmental risks. BMP is a cost-shared incentive program that supports farm and ranch operations mitigating risks identied in their EFPs. Last year, 207 applications were approved for a total of $1.25 million by March 31. While the BMP program is currently closed to new applications, it reopens this spring. IAF chair Jack DeWit says IAF will continue to work with BCAC and the ministry to ensure these programs evolve and improve over time. “The EFP/BMP are very important programs to producers, and I am very pleased that IAF has been chosen to deliver these programs for the nal year of the ve-year CAP funding agreement,” says DeWit. “I know the IAF sta are committed to providing excellent client service to our producers.” BC farmers are unlikely to notice much dierence in how the program operates, despite its new home. IAF says it is committed to providing continuity for the remaining 15 months, made possible in part by former BCAC staer Michelle Redekopp joining the IAF team. Key elements of the program will also remain the same, but some contact information has changed and program information is now housed on the IAF website [www.iafbc.ca]. IAF is undertaking a pilot project to allow producers to complete their EFP online. IAF also took over delivery of the Climate and Agriculture Initiative BC from ARDCorp in January. ARDCorp remains a wholly owned subsidiary of BCAC, but is not currently running any programs. Representatives from the governments of BC and Canada are negotiating program priorities for the next ve-year federal-provincial-territorial initiative, the Project advisor Dave Melnychuk, left, discusses an Environmental Farm Plan at Mardalen Holsteins in Chilliwack. Previously administered by the BC Agriculture Council, the EFP is now being delivered by IAFBC. SUBMITTEDwww.hlaattachments.com1-866-567-4162 HLA grapples for compact tractors are now available with electric actuators in place of hydraulic cylinders. Ideal for tractors with limited hydraulic ports, these grapples are controlled with a supplied actuator switch and comes with the required wiring kit.successor to CAP, which has yet to be named. It is not known what the new priorities will be, how the programs will look, or which organization will be delivering them. Producers are being urged to contact their industry associations or BCAC to suggest priorities. YOURHelping YouHelping Youcoucountrylifeinbc.comylifeinbc.comFARM NEWS UPDATEScountrylifeinbc.com
Advertising is accepted on the condition that in the event of a typographical error, that portion of the advertising space occupied by the erroneous item, together with reasonable allowance for signature will not be charged, but the balance of the advertisement will be paid for at the applicable rate. In the event of a typographical error which advertises goods or services at a wrong price, such goods or services need not be sold at the advertised price. Advertising is an offer to sell, and may be 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 of Country 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.36 Dale Road, Enderby BC V0E 1V4 . Publication Mail Agreement: 0399159 . GST Reg. No. 86878 7375 . Subscriptions: $2/issue . $18.90/year . $33.60/2 years . $37.80/3 years incl GSTThe agricultural news source in British Columbia since 1915 Vol.108 No. 2 . FEBRUARY 2022Published monthly by Country Life 2000 Ltd. www.countrylifeinbc.comPublisher Cathy Glover 604-328-3814 . publisher@countrylifeinbc.com Editor Emeritus David Schmidt Associate Editor Peter Mitham news@countrylifeinbc.com Advertising Sales & Marketing Cathy Glover sales@countrylifeinbc.com Production Designer Tina Rezansoff Whaddayamean, PW?The rst tractor I ever owned is in pieces in the shop: a 1956 Ferguson TO 35. I bought it 45 years ago and for nearly 10 years it was all we had. It hasn’t run for some time but there was a general consensus in the family to resurrect it as a nostalgic reminder of how things were when we started farming on our own. We had the tractor before we had kids so for them it is like a member of the family. If all goes according to plan, it is going to look and run like it did when it was new. Sadly, no amount of bodywork or replacement parts will be able to do the same for the original operator. The Ferguson 35 and Massey Ferguson 35 that succeeded it were produced from 1954 to 1965. They were ubiquitous on the farms where I grew up. I went to work milking cows on a 160-acre farm right out of high school. There was a 50-cow milking herd and almost all of the tractor work was done with a single 32 hp MF 35. There was an older 50 hp tractor as well but it saw little use. The fact that so many of those original tractors are still working is a testament to the utility and durability of the design. Parts are still readily available, and copies manufactured under licence are still being sold to Asian and African markets. It is hard to imagine any of the newer tractors in our barn being worthwhile candidates for restoration 65 years from now. There are still agricultural applications for small tractors, but farming has outgrown them in many situations. The 35 was ideal for pulling the irrigation pipe trailer around the farm but it is only half the size required by the reel move. Most of the dairy farms from 60 years ago are gone and none of the ones remaining could fully function with a single 30 hp tractor. Those little 35s sold new for about $2,200. If you are vey lucky, you might nd one that still runs for the same amount today. The restoration of old tractors has become a popular activity. There are clubs, groups and associations devoted to preserving and restoring old tractors of any and all stripes, and there are many businesses catering to the process with a mind-boggling selection of parts and information. On public display, the old iron always draws attention. The antique tractor pulls at our local fall fair regularly play to a full house, with everyone from pre-schoolers to their grandparents cheering them on. Almost any time a farm or ranch has been in the same family for a couple of generations or more there will be an old tractor – refurbished or not – tucked away in a shed or proudly on display. Those tractors all have stories to tell. To strangers they may just be old machinery, played out and obsolete – eyesores even – but they are part of the family narrative to those who remember driving them when they were young, or can’t ever look at the old John Deere without seeing Grandad raking hay in the far meadow. In a box of old family photos, there is a picture taken in Dog Creek of 2-year-old me standing on the seat of an International A tractor. Though I have no recollection of that tractor or the photo shoot, I appear to have a determined grip of the steering wheel and was no doubt doing some pretty important work. There are similar pictures of my own children doing the same kind of work on the little Ferguson, and there are grandchildren here now willing to take a turn at the wheel. That alone is enough to justify all the time and eort. Bob Collins raises beef cattle and grows produce on his farm in the Alberni Valley.The Back 40 BOB COLLINSOId tractors pull loads of memoriesWe acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada.4 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCOld, time-honoured traditions in Europe hold that February 1, the midpoint between the winter solstice and spring equinox, marks the start of the farmer’s year. Often, as it does this year, the date coincides with the start of the lunar year. It’s a time of new beginnings, a chance to hope that the past year – especially one such as last year – is well and truly behind us, and that brighter days await. But not too bright. Other lore holds that if the groundhog – or marmot or badger, depending on the location – emerges from its den and sees its shadow, winter will last another six weeks, until the equinox. While scientic studies have shown no positive correlation between the day’s weather and that of the next six weeks, the groundhog is savvy enough to know that everything has its shadow side. A future bright enough to require shades is more than likely casting shadows somewhere. And governments are oering bright visions indeed for the future of agriculture. Here in BC, we have the Regenerative Agriculture and Agritech Network, with its vision of more productive and less environmentally harmful farming practices. A cleaner, greener agriculture and agrifood sector is also the vision of the federal government, which is investing millions to support climate adaptation initiatives for agriculture and the adoption of clean tech on farms. These are positive steps to address the wilder and weirder weather of recent years, phenomena attributed to human-related climate change. But the sunny vision has a shadow side: someone has to pay for it. While taxpayers like you and me fund government grants to producers, the regulatory demands industry faces in the name of mitigating climate change can only be recovered over the long term. The signicant capital costs are tough to pass on to consumers as part of normal cost increases. Most require nancing, and as interest rates and other costs rise, the shadows deepen. Many younger farmers aren’t used to dealing with ination, or rising interest rates. We’ve seen asset values increase, but nancing has steadily decreased in cost since the highs of the early 1980s and currently sit near historic lows. This year could mark the end of that era. Higher production costs are pushing the price of food and other consumer products up, increasing demand for higher wages. This in turn increases costs for businesses, pushing the cycle towards a repeat unless interest rates rise to discourage spending. To try and save money, some farmers are reducing inputs to cut costs, but this also risks reducing revenue. Other farmers feel exiting the industry is better than sticking around to lose money. This is the case for dozens of apple growers, and chicken producers say high feed costs mean many of them could be on the way out, too. Government has talked for years about the need to act on climate change, but the costs have kicked action down the road. Now, the costs are mounting exponentially, both of past inaction and well-intentioned remedies to recent damage. It’s no wonder the groundhogs have gone back into their burrows. But farmers don’t have that luxury. Most want to be sustainable operators, having experienced rst-hand the eects of extreme weather. But the triple bottom line hinges on nancial sustainability, and just like climate change, that requires everyone to pitch in – from government infrastructure programs to the processors, retailers and shoppers who buy what the farmer grows. Spring shadows
FEBRUARY 2022 5 COUNTRY LIFE IN BC Animal agriculture is in the crosshairs Farmers have to speak up in defence of their practices and change Animal agriculture is coming under increasing scrutiny and disruptive innovations are proposed How can industry best respond According to the World Economic Forum WEF s Meat category Plant based protein is created from plant raw materials combined with proteins fat and fibre Impossible Foods and Beyond Meat for example are now in your supermarket The Very Good Butchers are selling plant based meat alternatives at many locations in BC Plant Based by KATHLEEN GIBSON Foods of Canada notes 25 retail sales growth for the Future group Industrial plant based foods and animal agriculture is beverages in 2020 over 2019 inherently resource intensive The cultivated or cellular exacerbating some of the meat process assembles world s most serious problems specific cuts of meat by including land use conversion feeding animal stem cells in environmental degradation bioreactors with an oxygenand climate change To rich cell culture medium that create a global food system causes immature cells to that is inclusive efficient and differentiate into muscle fat sustainable we must and connective tissues In transform protein production December 2020 the first methods cultivated meat was sold to The Good Food Institute the public in Singapore in the GFI one of the WEF s form of Eat Just s cultivated partners is a US based nonchicken bites Future Fields in profit working internationally Edmonton is one of a few to accelerate alternative Canadian companies currently protein innovation with a working in this space mission to end factory Fermentation as GFI farming It expects a explains it allows for a significant shift from decoupling of the original conventional meat over the source of a target molecule coming decades that will and its production method mitigate agriculture related This decoupling vastly deforestation biodiversity expands the search landscape loss antibiotic resistance for biomolecules with unique zoonotic disease outbreaks and valuable functions Three and industrialized animal types of fermentation are in slaughter the works Traditional fermentation Rising investment adding live micro organisms Alternative protein to existing products is technologies for meat dairy already used for beer yogurt seafood or egg products are or tempeh Biomass attracting strong support and fermentation leverages the funding around the world and fast growth and high protein in BC Alternative proteins fall content of many into three categories plantmicroorganisms to produce based cultivated and large quantities of protein fermented Some products Precision fermentation uses draw from more than one microbial hosts as cell Viewpoint factories for specific functional ingredients Examples include Perfect Day s dairy proteins Clara Foods egg proteins and Impossible Foods purified soy leghemoglobin protein used to flavour its burgers Precision fermentation may or may not involve engineering the host organism s DNA Specialists in disruptive technologies suggest that they need three things in order to take hold proof of concept market demand and infrastructure in order to scale All three protein alternatives have concept and market Plant based proteins have achieved scale Cultivated meat and new fermentation applications are straining towards it but since they require bioreactors pharmaceutical grade clean facilities and large inputs of energy they may be held back by capital costs climate impacts and other issues What are the implications for our existing livestock sectors Many producers are already contemplating their future as they deal with working and rebuilding in fire and flood disaster zones As well as claiming immediate attention these disasters can provoke discussion about the future of animal agriculture in general Critiques off base Some of the alternatives critique is off base Not all animal agriculture is factory farming Besides providing meat livestock have other roles grazing tilling fertilizing and can provide useful by products Some of the disruptions may be useful There may be contexts where both livestock and alternative proteins make sense for resilient food systems Finally and most importantly industry could sit down with governments to look at structural issues Alternative protein advocates speak to the symptoms of structures that industry and government created decades ago scaled for efficiency and production of cheap food without accounting for environmental and social www FarmRanchResidential ca Farmers helping farmers with their real estate needs Share sale of 140 acre going concern dairy with 6 titles on Shuswap River in Enderby Dbl 6 herringbone parlour 130 acres irrigated cropland Two updated homes 103 kgs of quota cattle feed farm equipment in addition to purchase price MLS 10244486 6 400 000 Pat 250 308 0938 Thea 250 308 5807 QBUEVHHBO SPZBMMFQBHF DB UIFBNDMBVHIMJO SPZBMMFQBHF DB PXOUPXO 3FBMUZ t OE 4U 7FSOPO t 0 DF NEW DATES 4147 HWY 97 FALKLAND 6475 COSENS BAY RD COLDSTREAM March31 April 2 2022 Abbotsford Tradex 604 291 1553 info agricultureshow net costs Now pandemic and climate informed we know that longer supply chains with more concentrated links are less resilient more diverse modular and regionally distributed structures would serve us better It s time not for a reflexive defence of the industry as we know it but a major grounded rethink of livestock production and processing respecting the physical realities of where it is located the management processes that organize it the policies that regulate it and the subsidies that support it Farmers already under climate pressure know what they are doing and how to adapt They can speak to their sector and they can help change it Kathleen Gibson lives and grows food in Victoria on the traditional territory of the Lekwungen speaking peoples She worked from 2003 11 on livestock industry adaptation to BC s Meat Inspection Regulation including redesign of the licensing and inspection systems
6 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCCombat Phytophthora root rot to maintain yieldOrondis® Gold fungicide protects blueberries from the devastating effects of Phytophthora root rot. It contains metalaxyl-M (Group 4) and oxathiapiprolin – the only Group 49 fungicide on the market – for powerful protection under a wide range of weather conditions. It also provides excellent residual control for longer lasting protection. For more information, visit Syngenta.ca, contact our Customer Interaction Centre at 1-87-SYNGENTA (1-877-964-3682) or follow @SyngentaCanada on Twitter.Always read and follow label directions. Orondis Gold is a soil application of Orondis Gold A and Orondis Gold B fungicides. Orondis®, the Alliance Frame, the Purpose Icon and the Syngenta logo are trademarks of a Syngenta Group Company. Other trademarks are property of their respective owners. © 2022 Syngenta.Orondis_Gold_Print_Ad_2022_CountryLifeBC_10_25 x 14_65.indd 1 2022-01-11 1:16 PM
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 7PETER MITHAM ABBOTSFORD – The new year kicked o with assurances that nancial assistance was in the works for Lower Mainland dairy producers as the Mainland Milk Producers met for their annual general meeting in Abbotsford, January 7. Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun welcomed producers to the city, praising them for their strength and integrity during and after the November oods that displaced 3,000 residents and impacted 1,100 properties. “Though the local dairy community has experienced undeniable heartache and loss resulting from the ood, it’s also demonstrated that it’s also a community that’s resilient,” he told the meeting of approximately three dozen producers. “As a city, we are committed to advocating for our agricultural community to help ensure it gets the aid it needs so that agriculture on Sumas Prairie can be restored to where it was before the ood.” Braun has written both the provincial and federal agriculture ministers urging nancial support, and followed this up just before Christmas with letters to the premier and prime minister. Braun’s pledge was backed up by Mission-Matsqui-Fraser Canyon MP Brad Vis, who said the widespread impacts of the ooding highlight the importance of funding for the vast range of infrastructure the benets urban communities as well as agriculture in the region. “Right now, we have a real window of opportunity to get the money that’s required to make sure that our agricultural lands are protected going forward,” he says, calling out diking infrastructure in particular. Current formulas for calculating disaster assistance won’t cut it, he says. Abbotsford, let alone smaller communities, need greater assistance than what’s currently prescribed. “The 80-20 formula – the 20% that small towns are supposed to recover in times of disaster – probably isn’t going to work, even for Abbotsford, this time around,” he says. “For Abbotsford to Dairy farmers assured recovery funding on its wayFraser Valley dairies are still mopping up after flooding cover 20% of total cost of damage is beyond the scope of even a mid-sized municipality.” While the federal government has pledged $5 billion towards recovery and rebuilding, details have yet to be announced. Details also had yet to be revealed at the time of the meeting regarding AgriRecovery support to growers. It was set to be announced by the end Abbotsford mayor Henry Braun praised Fraser Valley dairy producers for their strength and integrity during the November oods at the Mainland Milk Producers’ annual meeting in January. BRAD MUELLER / FACEBOOKSee MONEY on next page o
8 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCMONEY will cover extraordinary expenses nfrom page 7of January. “It’s coming along well,” said Casey Pruim, who reported to members from the BC Dairy Association. “It will be good when it’s here.” He said producers can expect to receive support with “on-farm, extraordinary expenses” in a variety of areas including animal welfare (feeding, barn cleaning and restoration, mortality disposal and transportation) and production infrastructure (barn cleaning and restoration, wastewater systems, fencing, and rental of temporary production facilities). The loss of forage crops and restoration of agricultural land would also be eligible as well as costs related to the rebuilding of protective infrastructure such as drainage ditches and riprap. Many producers have said they have yet to see a cent from government, making the disbursement of emergency funds by other organizations invaluable. Pruim reported that BC Dairy’s ood recovery fund had collected $850,000 and funds were set to begin owing to farmers in late January. A committee is working with Westgen to coordinate disbursements. Despite the delay in federal funding, BC Milk Marketing Board vice-chair Tom Hoogendoorn extended thanks to BC agriculture minister Lana Popham. While the province faces challenges balancing its budget, he praised her for oering moral support to producers. “Huge kudos to our ag minister,” he said. “She’ll text you at all hours just to see how you’re doing.” Significant issues But he also pointed out that the industry faces signicant issues. Retail sales of milk have fallen short in recent months, production has been negatively impacted by weather events, and trade issues continue to challenge the industry. “The CUSMA deal is a killer. [Imports] just get in every part of our operation, but we still expect the market to increase 2% every year,” he said. “We hope to move out of the COVID cloud at some point this year, and market demand should normalize.” Strong support for domestic dairy products favours local producers, who were encouraged to rally behind the Blue Cow logo that marks products made entirely with milk from Canada and to take proAction seriously. “The Blue Cow is worth nothing without proAction, because everything that we do in proAction actually backs up what the Blue Cow stands for,” Comox Valley producer and Dairy Farmers of Canada director Dave Taylor said. The point was driven home by keynote speaker Gilles Froment, senior vice-president, government and industry relations with Lactalis Canada (formerly Parmalat), who praised BC’s response to recent allegations of animal abuse at a local dairy farm. While this could have had the power to undermine public trust, Froment said the industry acted quickly when it heard that its code of practice – part of the proAction program – was not being followed. This showed it took violations seriously, reinforcing the program’s benet to Lactalis. “What I want to make sure is that I can trust the program is delivering an overall policy that is good,” he says. “You have done a tremendous job of keeping us informed as processors on how things were evolving.” BC SPCA hits pausePETER MITHAM BC SPCA has paused a pilot of unannounced inspections of livestock farms launched last fall in view of November’s ooding. Two farms from each of the beef, turkey, egg, broiler, hog and dairy sectors were set for visits from a BC SPCA inspection team as part of the pilot. The teams included provincial agriculture ministry sta and a vet. A report to the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries was expected by the end of December, but November’s rains put a halt to the work. “We agreed to halt them while the province was in a state of emergency,” says Marcie Moriarty, chief prevention and enforcement ocer with the BC SPCA. The latest wave of COVID-19 infections further complicated matters, impacting the availability of the attending vet. “The intent is to nish these soon,” Moriarty told Country Life in BC last month. The ooding has also delayed BC SPCA’s investigation of Cedar Valley Farm in Abbotsford, where video evidence documented incidents of animal abuse last year. The farm is currently operating under the oversight of a manager reporting to the BC Milk Marketing Board. Moriarty couldn’t provide details of the investigation, which it expects will result in a recommendation of criminal charges. “This is a high-priority case for us,” says Moriarty. In a separate incident, BC SPCA removed 216 beef cattle from a farm near Shawnigan Lake on January 20 with the assistance of the BC Dairy Association. The seizure occurred after the animals' owner failed to comply with orders to address issues related to care, feeding and shelter of the animals. An investigation is expected to result in criminal charges. bcfarmandranch.com | 1-888-852-AGRI (2474)BC’s only brokerage dedicated 100% to farm, ranch and agricultural real estate.In an unprecedented year of heat waves, forest res and oods, BC’s agriculture community never stopped working, so we all could have food on our tables. Our heartfelt thanks to you all.
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 9Soaring fertilizer prices add to cost pressuresClose management will have several benefits this yearGlobal demand and production constraints are contributing to a substantial increase in the price of fertilizer this year. FILE PHOTOPETER MITHAM ENDERBY – Higher costs for fertilizer and other inputs are forcing BC producers to pay closer attention to where they spend their money this year. Statistics Canada’s industrial price index pegs the price of chemical fertilizer at 225.7 in November, up from 97 a year earlier. That’s a 133% increase, with the sharpest rise happening since September. The increases have been driven by global demand and production constraints, including in Canada. “We are seeing what in the industry we’d call a tightness in the supply chain on nitrogen fertilizer in particular,” says Ken Clancy, president and CEO of Okanagan Fertilizer Ltd., which operates bulk blending plants in Enderby and Williams Lake. “Everything that we’re hearing from North American producers is that they’re sold well into April and May already.” This isn’t the rst shortage Clancy has encountered in his 30-year career. The past decade has seen two major price spikes, one about seven years ago and the other during the nancial crisis of 2008-2009. But this year, a truck shortage is further complicating supply issues. “It’s been extremely dicult for us to get trucks lined up, and either ship product into our fertilizer plants or to ship product out,” he says. “The whole supply situation is really, really complicated and dicult right now.” The challenges were agged in a presentation Christophe LaFougère, who oversees the dairy practice of international consulting and market research rm Gira Food, made to the BC Dairy Association, January 19. Nitrogen fertilizers depend on natural gas, and soaring gas prices in Europe have prompted at least one major producer to shut down production. Others have scaled back output until gas prices fall back to reasonable levels. “The major fertilizer producers have reduced, by around 40%, their fertilizer production, not to mention those who have closed their plants,” he says, noting that this could reduce forage production and in turn milk yields. “We tend to think there will be a problem with fertilizer this year, and that would mean we could see a slow reduction … in the yield per cow.” Clancy doesn’t expect BC producers to scale back, however. Despite a doubling in prices and backlogged orders, fertilizer remains a better deal than feed. “We haven’t seen a lot of reduced demand because of the high prices,” he says of fertilizer use. “It’s still economic to do it, even with these high prices on fertilizer, because the price increases on the commodities that they’re growing more than oset the prices on fertilizer.” However, many may take a second look at how they use inputs. “This is a good year for farmers to be managing their crop production and their fertilizer use quite intensively,” says Clyde Graham, executive vice-president of Fertilizer Canada, a national trade association with 50 member companies across Canada. The association encourages farmers to use the right source of fertilizer at the right rate, the right time and the right place to get the biggest bang for their buck. “Working with a certied crop advisor is important to get the best value out of every dollar spent on fertilizer,” adds Graham. Strategic use of synthetic fertilizers is also an important element of environmental management, he says. Using less also means more for the industry as a whole. Clancy says fertilizer suppliers are working to ensure domestic fertilizer supplies keep moving. While most of Canada’s phosphate fertilizers are imported, Canada is typically a net exporter of potash and nitrogen fertilizers. “[Companies] are doing their level best to make sure that farmers get the quantities and the types of fertilizer that they need for spring seeding,” he says. “It’s really important that growers, as soon as they can, provide their agro-retailer with information about the kind of crops they’re growing … so they can plan for servicing their needs.” Clancy, for his part, doesn’t expect any of his customers will be short this year. “I do think we will be able to meet the needs of all our customers here this year. It’ll be a little bit more hair-pulling, a little bit more complicated,” he says. “Having said that, we’re still a couple of months away from spring.” 1.800.282.7856 Find out more at terraseco.comFiXaTion CloverFrosty CloverCrimson CloverDC Red CloverHybrid CloverForage PeasFiXaTion CloverFrosty CloverCrimson CloverDC Red CloverHybrid CloverForage PeasTerra Seed Corp GROW YOUR OWN NITROGENServing the Okanagan and Fraser Valley We’ve been proudly family owned and operated since opening in 1976. And with two blending plants, we’re one of BC’s largest distributors of granular, liquid and foliar fertilizers. Our buying power and proximity to the Fraser Valley makes us the logical choice for truckload shipments. OKANAGAN FERTILIZER LTD 1-800-361-4600 or 250-838-6414
10 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCPRINCE GEORGE | KAMLOOPS | KELOWNA | CHILLIWACK | NANAIMO WWW.PCE.CA | 1-877-553-3373Ready For Anything.MEET THE 110-120 HP 6M TRACTORSThe 6110M & 6120M Features a:• First-Class Cab• 20 HP Boost with IPM included• PQT, AQT, CQT, or IVT transmission• Super tight turning radius• JDLink & AutoTrac intelligence• Matching 6R Loader with e-ControlsBuild it your way.0% FINANCING + $13,000IN DISCOUNTS!SOME RESTRICTIONS MAY APPLY. SEE DEALER FOR DETAILS. OFFER VALID JANUARY 1 - APRIL 30, 2022.PETER MITHAM ABBOTSFORD – One of the biggest increases in milk prices the dairy industry has seen in years took eect February 1, and both processors and producers are watching anxiously to see how the market responds. An increase of 8% in uid milk prices was announced in November by the Canadian Dairy Commission, well above the 2% increase in each of the past two years. It’s the most signicant price increase since 2005, says Gilles Froment, senior vice-president, government and industry relations with Lactalis Canada, which acquired Olympic Dairy Products Ltd. in Delta through its acquisition of Ultima Foods last year. Froment worked with the Canadian Dairy Commission in 2005 and called the latest increase “a huge, huge challenge.” “The last large price increase was in February 2005, and the price went up about $5 per hectolitre, or 7.5%,” he told the Mainland Milk Producers annual general meeting in Abbotsford on January 7. “It took the industry about two and a half, three years to recover the market that we lost because of the price increase.” Consumers in BC face a double-whammy, as many dairy beverage containers will also be subject to a 10-cent deposit from February 1 as part of the extension of producer responsibility for packaging. But the timing could be worse, says Froment. The good news about the current increases is that they’re taking place as part of a range of cost pressures. “I personally think it’s not going to be too bad, because everything is going up signicantly, and dairy is just trying to keep up with the rest of the retail market,” he told producers. While a minor increase in the price would be tough for retailers to accept, forcing processors to swallow it and aecting the overall value chain, a large increase is impossible to ignore. “Now, with a big increase, it may be hard to pass the whole increase, but it’s very hard to say we’re not going to pass any increase,” he says. “If a retailer tells us he’s not going to accept any increase, then it’s very clear to us that we’re stopping to ship.” And no retailer wants that. However, drawing on his economics background, Froment told producers that the annual price increases that are the norm in the dairy sector have the least impact when inationary pressures are low. While the poultry and egg marketing boards review pricing on a regular basis throughout the year, the dairy sector opted for annual price increases through a gentlemen’s agreement among stakeholders in 1995. Were the industry to face repeated, large increases of 5% or 10% a year, the industry might have to consider a more gradual schedule for revising prices. Froment also warned of additional costs on the horizon that will further challenge the industry, further squeezing margins if producers and processors can’t pas those costs along to consumers. “When we look at sustainability, just to keep up with everything that we’re being asked from government, in terms of carbon tax, in terms of environmental stewardship, in terms of everything we have to do, it’s probably going to be 20%, 25% of our capital expenses over the next ve to six years,” says Froment. The expenses are over and above the investments needed to keep plants competitive and equipment in working order. “That’s not investing in new lines, that’s not changing equipment that’s antiquated that you have to modernize. ... It’s just trying to keep up,” he says. “The question is, how do you pass those costs to the consumer at the end, over and above the price increases?” While the dairy industry in BC is keen to see more processing capacity, Froment made clear that the costs being imposed on the sector by government are going to make that dicult. “This will aect our ability to innovate and invest in the sector,” he says. “If my margin is 2%, I’m not going to invest as much as if my margin at the end of the day is 4% or 5% or 8%. There’s a huge dierence. … We want to continue to grow, but we need sustainable and protable growth.” He urged farmers to speak up, agging rising costs as a key issue for the sector. “We have to stop talking to ourselves, and start talking to people who can change things,” he says. Higher milk prices, costs raise stakes at retailRecouping costs a long-term challenge for sectorGILLES FROMENT
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 11Growers face recertification challengesRemediation protocols for flood-affected properties are unclearNovember's oods raised the contamination risks at fruit and vegetable operations in the Fraser Valley, creating special challenges for farmers who intend to renew their CanadaGAP certication this year. RONDA PAYNETRACTOR TIMEVICTORIA 4377C Metchosin Rd. 250.474.3301 30 minutes from Victoria and 15 minutes from Hwy#1 in Metchosin.tractortime.comPREMIUM TRUCKPRINCE GEORGE1015 Great Street250.563.0696WILLIAMS LAKE 4600 Collier Place 250.398.7411premiumtruck.ca handlersequipment.comHANDLERS EQUIPMENTABBOTSFORD 339 Sumas Way 604.850.3601HOUSTON 2990 Highway Crescent 250.845.3333Mahindra 9125MORE BUILT-IN WEIGHTHEAVY DUTY STEEL FRAMEPETER MITHAM ABBOTSFORD – Growers of fruits and vegetables enrolled in CanadaGAP may face complications this year if their properties were aected by ooding last fall. CanadaGAP advised producers in December that a site-specic hazard assessment will be needed if their operations were ooded following November’s extreme rainfall events. Hazards may include a range of microbiological, chemical and physical hazards from sewage to glass. “For food safety recertication in 2022, each operation aected by ooding will be expected to have completed an operation-specic risk assessment of the potential hazards on their site(s) prior to planting,” a memo from CanadaGAP stated. The risk assessment and any actions taken in response must be documented as part of the farm's record-keeping process. However, addressing the hazards won’t be easy. “Relevant expertise and guidance for industry on mitigating the eects of catastrophic ooding and post-disaster remediation are currently lacking,” notes the memo. “It could take some time for recommendations to be developed.” It adds that food safety consultants “may not have adequate expertise to assist with recommendations, although they may be able to help with determining elements to consider in a risk assessment.” Weather challenges had a signicant impact on CanadaGAP enrolment last year. Participation in the national food safety certication program fell 9%, the rst drop since it debuted in 2008. CanadaGAP has 3,000 participants from across North America’s fresh produce sector. BC accounts for the largest proportion of participants at 34%. But in the latest program year ended August 31, participation fell 14%. CanadaGAP executive director Heather Gale said a leading cause of departures was “producers leaving groups that were CanadaGAP-certied because of increasingly stringent rules for group certication” following a revision to align with Global Food Safety Initiative (GFSI) standards. CanadaGAP has been aligned with GFSI since 2010, giving it global standing. However, many producers say the regulations are onerous. While most retailers now require it, many smaller growers have turned to direct marketing options for local sales where certication isn’t required.
12 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCDustin Stadnyk CPA, CAChris Henderson CPA, CANathalie Merrill CPA, 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 Exemptions Approved consultants for Government funding through BC Farm Business Advisory Services ProgramARMSTRONG 250-546-8665 | LUMBY 250-547-2118 | ENDERBY 250-838-7337View over 100 listings of farm properties at www.bcfarmandranch.comBC FARM & RANCH REALTY CORP.Buying or Selling a Farm or Acreage?GORD HOUWELING Cell: 604/793-8660GREG WALTON Cell: 604/864-1610Toll free 1-888-852-AGRI Call BC’s First and Only Real Estate Office committed 100% to Agriculture!PROFESSIONAL SERVICESOmicron forces rescheduling of ag showsThe rise of the omicron variant of COVID-19 in mid-December has resulted in several key industry events postponing or rescheduling their dates this winter. Both the Pacic Agriculture Show and Islands Agriculture Show made the dicult decisions to postpone in-person events until protocols around COVID-19 stabilize. Pacic Agriculture Show organizer Jim Shepard originally set January 17 as the date to decide whether or not to postpone proceedings or pivot to a wholly virtual event. But the cancellation of organized events through January 18 led him to act early so exhibitors knew whether or not to make travel arrangements. “Given (the) uncertainty and the recent uptick in COVID cases, we have made the decision to move the show to new dates, March 31-April 2,” Shepard said in an e-mail to stakeholders December 27. Sponsors and exhibitors supported postponing the show as “the best and most responsible option.” An e-mail the following day from the Lower Mainland Horticultural Improvement Association announced that the annual growers short course would move with the show. While eld work might mean educed in-person attendance, growers will continue to have to option to attend virtually and access sessions in the weeks following the course. BC Agriculture Council’s annual gala was also postponed. It typically precedes the show but will now take place Friday, April 1. The Islands Agriculture Show planned for Cowichan Exhibition Park on February 11-12 also made the decision to reschedule. Plans were not rmed up at press time but the organizers were considering a summer date for the event. —Peter Mitham Sumas Prairie farmers sue government Two farms on Sumas Prairie are asking BC Supreme Court to certify a class action against the city of Abbotsford, Fraser Valley Regional District, and the province for “gross negligence” with respect to the actions before, during and after the ooding that hit Sumas Prairie in November. Dairy farmer Ted Dykman of Dykman Cattle Co. on Vye Road and Caroline Mostertman of Ripples Estate Winery (part of C.P.M. Farms Ltd.) on Tolmie Road are lead plaintis in the suit, led by the Vancouver law rm Slater Vecchio LLP on December 23. The suit claims the three governments, as well as unnamed corporate entities delegated with responsibility by government for monitoring and responding to ooding, failed to warn property owners, residents and businesses of the ooding and to respond in a timely and appropriate manner. According to the statement of claim, Dykman, Mostertman and other class members “seek to hold the Defendants accountable for their gross negligence and to recover their losses.” The court ling outlines the history of ooding on Sumas Prairie, and notes how the situation was handled in Washington State before detailing the steps taken in Canada and how the response fell short. “Despite the well-documented history of ooding and consequential devastation in the Sumas Prairie, the Defendants failed to provide any or adequate Ag Briefs EDITED BY PETER MITHAMCALL FOR AN ESTIMATE LARRY 604.209.5523 TROY 604.209.5524 TRI-WAY FARMS LASER LEVELLING LTD.IMPROVED DRAINAGE UNIFORM GERMINATION UNIFORM IRRIGATION FAST, ACCURATE SURVEYING INCREASE CROP YIELDS We service all of Southern BCwarning to the Plaintis and Class Members,” the writ states. If warnings had been given, the writ says that members of the proposed class action would have been able to take steps to safeguard the possessions and mitigate the damage. “The duty of care owed by the Defendants to the Plaintis and Class Members is informed by the inherent danger and foreseeably high risk of serious injury, death and loss of personal and real property if the Defendants fail to adequately warn or act in a timely manner,” the write claims. “Had the Defendants properly warned the Plaintis and Class Members of the risk posed by the weather and related circumstances that eventually caused the Sumas Flood, then the Plaintis and Class Members could have taken steps to prevent or mitigate their losses.” This did not happen, though the writ says the plaintis should have known that ooding was certain given the weather forecasts. The defendants have not yet led a response to the claim, which has yet to be heard by the courts. However, in media briengs in the immediate aftermath of the onset of ooding, ocials with both Abbotsford and the province repeatedly described the situation as unprecedented, dynamic and dicult to predict. A timeline for certication of the class action, which could potentially include hundreds of property owners, has not been given. In addition to general damages, damages for services provided by family members and special damages, the action seeks punitive damages for misconduct that “departs to a marked degree from ordinary standards of decent behaviour” and oends “the moral standards of the community.” Costs and such other relief as the court deems just are also sought. Representatives of Slater Vecchio did not respond to a request for comment. — Peter Mitham BC Tree sells another property A diligent divestment strategy has seen BC Tree Fruits Cooperative sell close to $40 million in real estate since 2020. The latest deal saw the co-op sell its warehouse at 858 Ellis Street to Mission Group, a development company based in Kelowna, for $23.8 million. The sale was announced in mid-December, nearly eight months after the closing date for bids in April 2021. The deal will complete in March. The sale came in nearly $4 million over the listing price of $20 million, testimony to the strong real estate market in Kelowna. The price set a new local record, a nod to a prime, large scale location that will anchor an eventual makeover of that part of Kelowna. In the meantime, Mission Group says it will seek tenants for the industrial property. The deal followed the sale a year earlier of the co-op’s headquarters in downtown Kelowna for $7.5 million. The co-op sold its Osoyoos packing house to winery owner Markus Frind the same month, also for $7.5 million. With its balance sheet augmented by proceeds from $38.5 million in real estate transactions, the co-op is considering its options. “The cooperative will decide how best to use the funds, including a focus on debt repayment,” says the co-op’s director of strategic initiatives, Laurel van Dam. —Peter Mitham Taking your safety program to the next level?Certificate ofSAFETYCORRecognitionYou may already be on the path to COR.Contact AgSafe to find out!
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 13Weather deals another blow to berry growers Spring may provide clearer picture of damageFraser Valley raspberries took a hit last season after a heat dome scorched fruit just as it was about to be picked. Major rain events late last fall could mean there is root rot, even on high ground. JESSE BRARKATE AYERS ABBOTSFORD – The mid-winter freeze in the Fraser Valley could have further damaged berry plants already impacted by ooding in November. Overnight temperatures in the Lower Mainland dipped sharply on Christmas Day and by December 28 the daily low was -16.9°C. Sub-zero temperatures continued into the new year before more seasonal temperatures returned during the second week of January. Normally, local temperatures in the period range between -1°C and 6°C. But to what extent the conditions will impact plants will depend on variety and dormancy. “I think there is still a signicant amount of uncertainty right now,” says Jesse Brar of Bumbleberry Farms, which grows 75 acres of raspberries for the fresh market and processing. “There are a few challenges that we faced last year with the raspberry crop. First was the heatwave we had, which did aect the new primal cane growth that we’re going to harvest in 2022.” The deluge of rain last fall also did not do raspberry crops any favours. Nearly 60 acres were ooded by the atmospheric river events in mid-November. While most raspberry acreage lies outside Sumas Prairie, the industry still felt the impact. “There’s a bit of an unknown with the excessive amount of rain that we had,” says Brar. “That occurred while the plants were going dormant. So, there’s some uncertainty there. Raspberries are very susceptible to root rot, so excessive moisture can negatively aect them.” But the Arctic inow that brought freezing temperatures was accompanied by strong winds that drove down temperatures even further. “I don’t think the temperatures are as signicant as the wind factor. I think with the additional wind, there could be some damage,” says Brar. “Those were extreme temperatures when you factor the wind into it. … But you know, it’s hard to say while the plants are still dormant.” Damage as a result of windchill is also a concern for BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries berry specialist Carolyn Teasdale. “Most berry cultivars grown in the Fraser Valley are tolerant of temperatures below freezing when they are fully dormant,” she says. “(But) high winds in conjunction with freezing temperatures are a concern. Raspberries are sensitive to desiccation of canes from wind chill.” Damage caused by the wintry weather will be clearer once the plants emerge from dormancy. “The impacts of cold temperatures on berry plants will become more apparent in the spring at the bud break or lateral growth stage,” says Teasdale. BC Raspberries chair Jordan Alamwala agrees. He believes it is still too early to determine how the ooding and subsequent freezing will aect raspberry plants. Fortunately, the province extended the application deadline for the current round of funding under the raspberry replant program. Originally launched in 2020, it responded to concerns about the competitiveness of the sector that saw acreage drop to 2,347 acres in 2020 from 3,185 acres in 2016. Production has also declined, falling to 5,676 tons in 2020, down from 9,965 tons in 2016. By supporting the planting of new, more competitive varieties, the replant program aims to position growers for success. This year’s funding initially had an application date of December 6 but the COMMITTED TO AGRICULTURE in BRITISH COLUMBIA rollinsmachiner y.comCHILLIWACK • 1.800.242.9737 . 44725 Yale Road West • 604.792.1301 LANGLEY • 1.800.665.9060 |. 21869 - 56th Avenue • 604.533.0048 CHEMANIUS • 1.250.246.1203 . 3306 Smiley Road KELOWNA • 250.765.8266 . #201 - 150 Campion Street TRACTORS CASE 5220 CAB, LOADER, 2300 HRS [U32765] ..................... 32,000 JD 1023E LOADER, MID-MOUNT MOWER [U32762] ............... 17,900 JD 4040 CAB, 2WD, 9,400 HRS [CNS782] ............................ 21,000 JD 5090GN 900 HRS, CAB, 4WD, BERRY TRACTOR [U32597] 64,900 JD 790 4WD, LOADER [U32483] ........................................... 16,900 NH TC30 4WD, LOADER [U32744] ......................................... 14,900 NH TS6.140 [N 31303] ......................................................... 93,500 NH T6.145 LDR READY, CREEPER, AUTO SHIFT, NEW [N31878] 117,150 NH T6.145 AUTOSHIFT, CREEPER, 40 KM, NEW [N31920] ...... 110,150 QUALITY USED EQUIPMENT CUB CADET LAWN TRACTORS NEW 2021 UNITS, RIDE-ON, O’TURNS . CALL FELLA 4 BASKET TEDDER (CHEMAINUS) [U40094) .................... 4,950 KUBOTA DM2028 3 PT DISC MOWER, HYD FOLD (CHEMAINUS) [U40093] ..........................................................9,500 MCHALE FUSION VARIO 2017, 14,000 BALES, [U32135] ......... 85,900 MCHALE 3100 FRONT DISC MOWER [U32621]........................ 18,750 MCHALE R3100 REAR DISC MOWER [U32620] ....................... 18,750 NH C232 TRACK SKIDSTEER, DEMO SPECIAL, 500 HRS, ROPS, GOOD CONDITION [N31179] ................................................. 61,000 NH 185 SPREADER HYD ENG GATE, MECH APRON [CNS780] .. 13,000 NH 575 HAY BALER HYD PICKUP/TENSION [CNS779] .............. 16,000 NH 1432 DISCBINE 2 PT SWIVEL HITCH [CNS781] ................. 13,000 NH FP240 CORN/GRASS HEAD, CROP PROCESSOR [CNS786] .. 47,500 NH FX40 2006 PROCESSOR, GRASS & CORN HEAD [U32641] 135,000 NH W50C TC WHEEL LOADER 200 HOURS [U32646]............... 75,900 SUPREME 900T FEED MIXER, SINGLE AXLE DUALS, 1000 RPM CV, 10’ FLAT CONVEYOR [U40115] ...................... 75,000 agriculture ministry extended the deadline to January 5 due to the ooding. The replant program provides cost-shared funding for raspberry elds that will be planted this spring. Successful applicants receive reimbursement for a portion of costs on plantings of one to 10 acres following a satisfactory eld inspection. “At Bumbleberry, we have applied … because we are replanting an area of raspberries,” says Brar. “That program has been a long time coming but I think it’s denitely going to be instrumental in sustaining the BC raspberry industry.” YOURHelping YouHelping YouWEEKLY FARMNEWS UPDATESSign up for FREE.coucountrylifeinbc.comylifeinbc.comKLYMSATESE.
14 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCCherry growers assessing winter damageNew database will make it easier to manage coldsnapsCherry growers will soon have access to a database that will predict how much cold their trees can withstand, and when they should be taking action to prevent damage to buds and bark. MYRNA STARK LEADERTOM WALKER LAKE COUNTRY – Okanagan cherry growers looking for signs of damage from the late December cold snap will soon have a plant hardiness database like the one grapegrowers have to help them. “I’ve been out checking on blocks since early January,” says Coral Beach Farms Ltd. horticulture director Gayle Krahn. “It looks like we are going to be okay. We are very happy.” Based in Lake Country, Coral Beach is Canada’s largest sweet cherry producer, with orchards running from southeast Kelowna north to Pritchard on the South Thompson River, where temperatures dipped to -29°C on December 27. “That was enough to cause minor damage to some primordial buds, but I expect that come bloom time it won’t be enough to really notice,” says Krahn. Like grapegrowers, Krahn does her own bud sampling. She collects ower clusters from across an orchard, warms them up to room temperature, cuts open the buds and inspects them and counts the percentage that are live and dead. As with grapes, damage to cherries can vary with varieties. “Sentennials tend to be a bit more sensitive to the cold and even if they don’t show bud damage, I will frequently nd more spur damage,” explains Krahn. “I won’t really be able to tell how that will impact the trees until we see what buds have set in the spring.” Krahn has observed some bark damage but it isn’t as severe as two years ago. “I have seen mild streaking in vascular tissue, but I have found it in the past and the crop comes through just ne, so I’m not really concerned,” she says. “It’s not the dark nasty stu that I saw in January 2020 and for now we do not have a need to change our pruning practices.” Krahn explains that while the 2020 event only saw a drop to -20°C, it followed a warm spell of 3-5°C. “The temperatures this past December were almost all below freezing and there was a slow drop down to the -29. The trees had time to acclimatize and I think that is what saved us,” she says. Coral Beach has its own equipment that allows it to test bud hardiness in the same fashion as the grape hardiness project at the Summerland Research and Development Centre. “But my equipment only takes the temperature down to -25,” says Krahn. “I know that when buds are still viable down to that temperature we are pretty safe most of the time, but to test anything lower than that, I would have to buy much more expensive testing equipment.” Predicting hardiness But she won’t have to spend the money, thanks to a project at Summerland being led by Elizabeth Houghton, a graduate student at UBC Okanagan. Houghton hopes to develop a predictive model for cherry cold hardiness, similar to what exists for grapes. It could be ready by next year. “This model aims to help them get a better sense of the temperatures that their crops can withstand,” she says. “Growers will have a resource to turn to when they are facing a cold snap event like late December.” Houghton is currently collecting cold hardiness data for the Sweetheart variety from ve sites between Summerland and Coldstream. She follows a similar procedure and uses the same equipment Summerland uses for grapes to estimate the temperatures that can damage 10%, 50% and 90% of buds. “If the data says a cherry grower is likely to get damage at a certain temperature, they will know to turn on their wind machines,” says Houghton. “And they can get out and start scouting their orchard for damage.” Krahn, who is helping out with the project, says she is excited to receive the data. “It’s a fantastic project. It is going to help cherry growers a great deal,” she says. “The database that Elizabeth is building will be invaluable, especially with the variabilities in our climate now, it is so up and down.” Quality Pre-Owned Tractors & EquipmentAGOC ALLIS 6690 W/LDR . . . . . 23,000 ANDEX 773 RAKE . . . . . . . . . . . . 12,500 JAYLOR MIXER WAGON . . . . . . . . 13,500 JCB 409 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47,000 JD 348 BALER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,000 JD 5100 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 62,500 KUHN FC313 MOWER TG . . . . . 20,000 KUHN 4 BOT ROLLOVER PLOW . . . . 19,900 KUBOTA BX2200 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7,500 KUBOTA R320 LDR . . . . . . . . . . . 14,000 KVERNELAND 4032 MOWER . . 16,000 MASCHIO DC4000 POWER HARROW . . . . . . . . . . . .12,500 NH 570 BALER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16,000 TYCROP HIGH DUMP 16’ . . . . . . . 9,500 WACKER NEUSON 750T . . . . . . . 62,500 WOODS DITCH BANK MOWER 15,000JUWEL – EASE OF USE AND SAFETY OF OPERATIONFOR ANY STRATEGIC TILLAGE PRACTICELOOK TO LEMKENJuwel mounted reversible ploughs from LEMKEN combine operational reliability and ease of use to deliver excellent performance.@strategictill | lemken.caVanderWal Equipment is now a LEMKEN dealer.■ Optiquick for ploughing without lateral pull ■ TurnControl for safe plough turning ■ Hydromatic for disruption-free ploughing even in stony soils ■ Skimmer with easy adjustment options – all without tools■ Also available as M version with hydraulic turnover deviceVAN DER WAL EQUIPMENT (1989) LTD. 23390 RIVER ROAD, MAPLE RIDGE, BC V2W 1B6 604/463-3681 | vanderwaleq.com
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 15Grape growers grapple with cold damageYear-end temperatures damage vine tissueBC Grapegrowers Association director Felix Egerer of Tantalus Vineyards discusses sap ow pruning at a workshop at Phantom Creek Vineyards in Oliver. TOM WALKERTOM WALKER KELOWNA – Mother Nature took a nal shot at BC farmers as 2021 came to a close, sending temperatures in the northern half of the Okanagan Valley plunging past -27°C on December 27. While the cold didn’t break any records, it had the potential to be lethal for grapevines. Summerland Research and Development Centre viticulture research technician Brad Estergaard warned growers in a special email of the dangers. “Winter temperatures in the hills surrounding Kelowna and areas to the north dipped below -27°C over the Christmas holidays,” he says. Working with a decade worth of data, Estergaard estimated that buds could handle temperatures between -23°C and -25°C, but anything colder could cause more than 50% damage. “Widespread winter bud and vine damage is unfortunately to be expected,” he warns. Samples collected December 21 from the Kelowna area showed that 50% of Pinot Noir buds would be killed at -24.4°C and Riesling buds would suer the same losses at -24.9°C. Those are the two top varietals for Tantalus Vineyards in southeast Kelowna. “We recorded -24.5,” says Tantalus vineyard manager Felix Egerer, who was busy assessing the damage in early January. “I cut sample canes and bring them inside to warm up for two days and then I cut open the buds to see if they have died. I also look for tissue damage to see if the vine itself has suered freezing,” he explains. Egerer says properties further north saw colder temperatures, with Harper’s Trail Estate Winery on the South Thompson River near Kamloops reporting -30°C. Properties south of Peachland were largely spared. While temperatures at Kelowna reached -27°C on December 27, Penticton was -21°C and Osoyoos only -16°C. Winter damage assessed A grower workshop the BC Grapegrowers Association held January 13 provided timely information on assessing winter damage. “Bud damage is the rst level of freezing impact that a vine will suer,” says Washington State University viticulture extension specialist Michelle Moyer, Viticulture Extension Specialist, who spoke to more than 100 participants via Zoom. “Trunk damage is next and while the top bark layer, the phloem, can often suer yearly damage, it repairs itself easily. However, xylem damage is critical and can often lead to vine removal and replacement.” A poll of 37 growers at the meeting reported 65% were seeing up to 25% bud damage while 11% had 30-45% bud damage, 11% reported 50-60% damage, 5% reported 65-75% damage and 8% reported a 80-90% loss. However, the results depend on site and variety. One grower in the Similkameen reported an average loss of 30% across all sites but a few blocks, particularly Syrah, sustained 60% losses. Arterra Wines Canada viticulture director Troy Osborne says local variation is The grape bud hardiness index developed by Summerland Research and Development Centre retired viticulture researcher Carl Bogdano gives grape growers an indication of how a cold spell will aect their vines. Every two weeks, sta from Summerland as well as technicians from Sebastian Farms and Arterra Wines, collect cane samples of the most popular varieties at select sites across the Okanagan Valley. Grape buds are carefully cut from the canes, placed on temperature monitoring trays and gradually cooled in specialized freezers. As the moisture in the bud freezes, it gives o a spike of energy, and that temperature is recorded as the lethal temperature exotherm 50 (LTE50), the temperature at which 50% of the buds sampled have frozen. Summerland graphs the results for 17 cultivars from 13 dierent Okanagan sites and distributes the data to industry. “There are a number of reasons why we do this work,” says Bogdano. “The index gives growers an indication of the risk of freezing damage that cold temperatures will have on their vines, and that in turn dictates the sort of mitigation they will need to take in their vineyard.” The data lets growers that have wind machines know what temperature to turn them on at during a cold snap, or if they are automatic, what temperature to set them for. “The machines are expensive to run, so they need good temperature data,” says Bogdano. If temperatures at a vineyard site are in the range of those shown on the index, then growers will have an idea of how much bud or trunk tissue damage they might expect, and they will go out and sample the damage and adjust their pruning accordingly. When temperatures dip below -25°C, growers also need to check for trunk damage and cut vine trunks back to below the damage to encourage new shoots come spring. Given the several microclimates across the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys, Bogdano says it is extremely important for growers to know their own vineyards. “One of the rst things I noticed when we really started looking at winter temperatures and grape vine hardiness, was the huge variations in temperature up and down this valley,” he says. If an Arctic front settles in and there is no wind, Bogdano says there can be a 10°C dierence between vineyards even a half-kilometre apart. “One vineyard is going to have no winter damage and the one next door is going to be practically wiped out,” he explains. “You have to know the cold spots on your own site. That’s where you need to check on things.” —Tom Walker Grape bud hardiness indexSee LOSSES on next page oK_\9:=il`k>ifn\ijË8jjfZ`Xk`fejlggfikjcXYfli]fik_\ki\\]il`kj\ZkfiYpgXik`Z`gXk`e^`e1J^[897]h_Ykbjkh[9ekdY_bÊiBWXekh'$9ecc_jj[[WdZM[ij[hd7]h_YkbjkhWbBWXekh?d_j_Wj_l[M7B?$J^[9WdWZ_Wd>ehj_YkbjkhWb9ekdY_bÊi($BWXekh9ecc_jj[[$?dj[h]el[hdc[djWbI[WiedWb7]h_YkbjkhWb)$Meha[hd[]ej_Wj_edi$;`[pflbefn69:=>8jlggfikj9:=>8d\dY\i]XidcXYflie\\[jYp1Fhel_Z_d]Wii_ijWdY[je89<=7c[cX[hijeYecfb[j[BWXekhCWha[j?cfWYj7ii[iic[dji\ehj^[I[WiedWb7]h_YkbjkhWbMeha[hFhe]hWc"XWYa[ZXoWdWYYh[Z_j[ZH[]_ij[h[Z9WdWZ_Wd?cc_]hWj_ed9edikbjWdj$E\\[h_d]WZ_iYekdjje89<=7c[cX[him^e[d]W][=h[[dIfWha9edikbj_d]I[hl_Y[ijeWii_ij]hem[hijedWl_]Wj[ckd_Y_fWbXobWmiWdZ7]h_YkbjkhWbBWdZ9ecc_ii_edhkb[i\eh\Whcmeha[h^eki_d]$9:=il`k>ifn\ijË8jjfZ`Xk`fe($/''$-(0$0'))s`e]f7YZ]^X%Zfdnnn%YZ]^X%Zfd
16 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCLOSSES nfrom pg 15MANUFACTURING A VARIETY OF ATTACHMENTS INCLUDING BRUSH MULCHERS | ROTARY BRUSH CUTTERS | PTO GENERATORS | AUGER DRIVESDRAINAGE PLOWS | TREE SPADES | TREE SAWS & SHEARS | BOOM MOWERS | TREE PULLERSFELLER BUNCHERS | EXCAVATOR ADAPTERS | SCREW SPLITTERS | TRENCHERS | STUMP GRINDERSsales@baumalight.com | BAUMALIGHT.COMDale Howe 403-462-1975Locate A Dealer Onlineimportant to remember. “You need to have a detailed picture of where and what losses you have,” he says. “You need an average across all your blocks but you need separate data for the cold spots you know you have in your vineyard as they will have suered the most.” Osborne shared data charts that he uses to record losses while Moyer shared a formula to calculate the number of buds to leave based on damage rates. The data will help growers plan their pruning practices. With bud damage it is important to leave signicantly more buds than usual as killed buds will not produce shoots. “It’s always a balancing act,” says Osborne. “If you prune out too many, you risk losing crop load and if you leave too many, you will be back in early summer to shoot thin.” Xylem damage requires cutting back the entire vine to a point below the damage. But there is still a possibility that the plant may not recover. “After the two winter freezes in ‘08 and ’09, we pulled out 50 acres of tender varieties,” recalls Osborne. “We left a damaged block of Sauvignon Blanc, but it has never fully recovered and is still limping along.”Farmers face delays from lab closuresProvincial health lab is working to restore services after floodBARBARA JOHNSTONE GRIMMER & PETER MITHAM ABBOTSFORD – Cleanup continues at the BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries premises in Abbotsford, which was signicantly impacted by ooding in November. Both the BC Animal Health Centre and plant health laboratory in Abbotsford are closed until further notice, with the facility’s incinerator, power systems and other equipment sustaining signicant damage. Work to assess and repair the damage continues, including the removal of damaged equipment and materials, and the restoration of impacted areas of the building. “The ministry is actively working towards resuming services at the lab to support the agriculture sector,” says Jennifer McGuire, the ministry’s assistant deputy minister responsible for the science, policy and inspection division that includes the labs. When the premises ooded, all activities including the testing of both animal and plant samples were halted. With a Containment Level 2+ rating for biological hazards, all specimens, materials and equipment in the facility remained safe and secure. Biological threats were never at risk of being released into the environment. Producers have been directed to send plant samples to labs on Vancouver Island as well as A&L Canada Laboratories in London, Ontario. The livestock sector should contact provincial labs in Alberta, Saskatchewan and Manitoba. University of Guelph is also oering testing services to BC producers for both plant and animal samples. Producers are advised to call before submitting samples. The situation is having a widespread impact on diagnostic testing for both plants and animals. Prior to the closure, the Animal Health Centre ranked as the leading accredited full-service veterinary lab in Western Canada, oering more than 400 laboratory diagnostic tests for agents in both wild and domestic creatures. These include avian inuenza, which BC chicken growers are on alert for this winter following detection of a low-pathogenic strain in wild waterfowl in Delta in December. The lab has also supported eorts to identify and control infectious laryngotracheitis (ILT) in poultry, which has been a particular issue in ocks over the past two years. “Samples are currently being sent out of province,” BC Chicken Growers Association president Dale Krahn advised growers meeting on January 19. “Most of them are being sent to Manitoba, so there’s a long turnaround time for that, so [it’s] more important to be vigilant than ever.” The closure is creating opportunities for private labs serving the horticulture sector. “Now that the BC lab is shut down, the biggest opportunity for us is to start lling some of the diagnostic services locally,” says Grant McMillan, regional manager with ICMS Inc. in Abbotsford. ICMS received $22,750 last year the through agricultural enhancement grant program administered by the Abbotsford Community Foundation to expand the plant pathology lab it established in 2016. One focus will be helping producers identify herbicide and fungicide resistance, but it will also be able to provide other, more basic services on a fee-for-service basis. “We got a spray booth shipped out from our Manitoba oce,” he says. “The intent with that is to start using it to provide herbicide resistance screening to growers. There’s herbicide resistance out there, but no one’s doing the diagnostics services.” Hops and blueberry growers have been sending tissue samples to Guelph for analysis, including DNA sequencing of pathogens. “It would be great to be able to do that locally and get the results,” says McMillan, noting the recent funding will support these eorts, too. While there is no timeline for reopening the province’s labs to the public, the ministry says sta will be back in the building once it is safe to do so.
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 17Forage council sets sights on growth New funding will support research, extension work in 2022The BC Forage Council has a couple of pasture rejuvenation projects under its belt in the Central and Northern Interior as well as the Kootenay Boundary region. BC FORAGE COUNCILProudly 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 202-4841 Delta Street admin@fvopa.ca Delta, BC V4K 2T9 www.fvopa.ca Proudly certifying Producers and Processors across CanadaFraser Valley Organic Producers Association (FVOPA) offers year-round certication services for producers, processors, packaging and labelling contractors, retailers, distributors and various organic service providers. We pride ourselves on exceptional customer service and are always happy to welcome new members. FVOPA certies to the Canadian Organic Standards and to the Canada Organic Regime (COR). Certied products may bear the Canada Organic logo and be marketed Canada-wide and internationally. 2022HORTICULTURE GROWERS’ SHORT COURSECfn\iDX`ecXe[?fik`ZlckliXc@dgifm\d\ek8jjfZ`Xk`fe?fik`ZlckliXc>ifn\ijJ_fik:flij\)'))DXiZ_*($8gi`c)KI8;<O8YYfkj]fi[#9:?dfWhjd[hi^_fm_j^j^[FWY_ÓY7]h_Ykbjkh[I^em<Xicp9`i[I\^`jkiXk`fe1DXiZ_.k_8KK<E;@EG<IJFEFI9PN<9@E8IIXjgY\ii`\jJkiXnY\ii`\j=`\c[M\^\kXYc\GfkXkf>i\\e_flj\Dlj_iffdj8cc9\ii`\j=cfi`Zlckli\=I@;8P8GI@C(jk=Xid9lj`e\jjDXeX^\d\ekCXYfli8^i`ZlckliXcNXk\iDXeX^\d\ek;`i\Zk=XidDXib\k?Xq\celkjM\^\kXYc\:XeeXK\Z_J8KLI;8P8gi`c)e[9cl\Y\ii`\jFi^Xe`Z?fgjH;=?IJ;HEDB?D;7JNNN%8>I@:LCKLI<J?FN%E<KPh: 604-857-0318 | growers@agricultureshow.net?:WdZcWjY^_d]lWYY_d[fWiifehjh[gk_h[Zje[dj[hJH7:;N$K?LIJ;8PD8I:?*(jkKATE AYERS PRINCE GEORGE – The BC Forage Council’s annual general meeting brought together 20 members to discuss changes to the board of directors, nancials and research projects. Four of the directors in attendance were newly elected, including David Zirnhelt, Cariboo; Chris Solecki, Lakes District; Eugen Wittwer, Bulkley Valley; and Wyatt Cook, Boundary. “We've grown substantially in the past ve or so years, as we see an increase in demand for support and information related to the forage sector in BC,” says BCFC general manager Serena Black. “We are really thrilled to welcome four new board members to council and are grateful to have current directors continue their commitment.” The largest and perhaps most exciting portion of the AGM was the review of ongoing and future research projects that intend to protect and advance forage crops in the province. “A lot of the discussions amongst the directors is how key the forage industry is. It is the backbone of our cattle industry,” says Thompson Rivers University associate professor and council director John Church. “How critical that is in the management of forage on both private and public land.” BC Forage Council is partnering with the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC and the BC Cattlemen’s Association to apply for funding through Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada’s Agricultural Climate Solutions program, a $185 million, 10-year program that supports farming practices that address climate change. The council conducted several important projects last year, some of which will continue this year. “We have a couple pasture rejuvenation projects in the Central and Northern Interior and in the Kootenay Boundary region,” says Church. “Sites were prepared, and hard work went in last year.” These projects are run in partnership with TRU and funded though Climate and Agriculture Initiative BC, the Beef Cattle Industry Development Council and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. The council also participated in a pest monitoring and landscape dynamic assessment with the University of Northern British Columbia, CAI and Mitacs. Also with CAI, the council “did a project on selecting suitable and adaptive dryland forage crops and varieties,” says Church. In addition, he says BCFC conducted “a number of Central Interior fertilizer trials.” Outside of planned programming, the council is helping deliver the emergency ood forage program the province announced in December to support commercial livestock operations in the Fraser Valley aected by ooding in November. Last year, despite the pandemic, the council successfully ran a forage seminar series in the Central Interior. “We weren’t able to have our annual eld day in person that we normally would, but we got some external funding to organize some extension events,” says Church. “We specically focused on topics like forages and soils.” The online sessions were well attended and numbers matched and in some cases exceeded in-person numbers. This year, BCFC hopes to carry out more projects if its bid for federal funding succeeds. “(BCFC) spent a lot of time talking about upcoming potential projects. This centres around the development of living labs, doing on-farm research,” says Church. “The BC Forage Council was also approached by AAFC in Lacombe to do a project that may be funded by the Beef Cattle Research Council on the impacts of forage management on the productivity and soil health of mature grasslands.” Overall, BCFC had a successful and productive 2021 and the group hopes for more in-person learning this year. “We're looking forward to a really rich season of extension over the next few months, with webinars, podcasts, factsheets and more being developed and delivered. We also look forward to eld days being planned for the summer, and the opportunity to continue doing applied, farmer-led research across the province,” says Black. “We've felt the impacts of extreme weather events in 2021 and are looking at opportunities for producers to increase their ability to have a reliable source of forage, so we can continue to produce sustainable food sources for our communities.” RENEWyourSubscriptionDon’t forget toRESubscripforg
18 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCARMSTRONG HORNBY EQUIPMENT ACP 250-546-3033 CHILLIWACK ROLLINS MACHINERY LTD 604-792-1301 CHEMAINUS ROLLINS MACHINERY LTD 250-246-1203 FORT ST JOHN BUTLER FARM EQUIPMENT LTD 250-785-1800 KELOWNA ROLLINS MACHINERY LTD 250-765-8266 LANGLEY ROLLINS MACHINERY LTD 604-533-0048 WILLIAMS LAKE GRASSLAND EQUIPMENT LTD 250-392-4024 VANDERHOOF GRASSLAND EQUIPMENT LTD 250-567-4446Decades of delivering great service in the Peace Country. 9008 - 107 Street, Fort St John 250-785-1800 butlerfarmequipment.ca Hurry, offers end March 31, 2022. Stop by today or visit nhoffers.com.It’s never too early to plan for the new season ahead—or save. Take advantage of big savings available now on a wide range of reliable New Holland tractors, haytools and material-handling equipment. New Holland has everything you need to go big this year—and the savings to make it easier. Trade-ins are welcome! 0% Financing*Cash Back offers!andGO BIG WITH PRESEASON SAVINGS DURING DEALER DAYS.BIG SAVINGS.A NEW SEASONSTARTS WITH*For commercial use only. Customer participation subject to credit qualification and approval by CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. See your New Holland dealer for details and eligibility requirements. CNH Industrial Capital Canada Ltd. standard terms and conditions will apply. Down payment may be required. Not all customers or applicants may qualify. Offer good until March 31, 2022, at participating New Holland dealers in Canada. Taxes, freight, set-up, delivery, additional options or attachments not included in suggested retail price. Offer subject to change or cancellation without notice. © 2022 CNH Industrial America LLC. All rights reserved. CNH Industrial Capital and New Holland are trademarks registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates.
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 19B Jack Farms business partners Barry and Jessica Krahn, and Krista Harris and Cathy Van-Martin. Harris and Van-Martin took an active role in the emergency response during November's oods. SUBMITTEDMower ConditionersKuhnNorthAmerica.comVisit your local British Columbia KUHN dealer today!INVEST IN QUALITY®www.kuhn.comTHE MOST COMPLETE HAY LINE Cut • Dry • HarvestSave time, money and improve hay quality with KUHN.THE HAY AND FORAGE TOOL SPECIALISTS Mowers Mergers Rotary Rakes Wheel Rakes Tedders Harvesting high-quality hay and forage is the focus of KUHN's hay tool innovation. Our commitment is to help yougain a maximum return on investment by providing products known for performance, reliability, and longevity.Matsqui Ag-RepairAbbotsfordNorthline EquipmentPouce CoupeHuber Farm EquipmentPrince GeorgeFarmers step up in emergency operationsEOC, firefighting experience help industryKATE AYERS ABBOTSFORD – First-generation poultry farmers Krista Harris and Cathy Van-Martin ask fellow egg producers many questions about production and welfare to ensure they have their chickens in a row. They take time to make business decisions with their business partners Barry and Jessica Kragh. But in addition to managing B Jack Farms, an organic free-range commercial egg operation, Krista is a full-time reghter in Abbotsford. Her wife Cathy recently retired from reghting after a 27-year career. When ooding hit Sumas Prairie last November, the couple didn’t waste time asking questions. Harris responded to emergency calls the night of November 17 during a second eort to evacuate remaining residents on Sumas Prairie. “My crew was going door-to-door in the middle of the night to assist with delivering the evacuation order,” she says. When she wasn’t at work, she oered support as an emergency operations centre rep for the poultry sector to plan routing to move water, feed, birds and eggs. As an emergency and disaster response specialist, Van-Martin pulled many 16-hour days as a voluntary ECO director during the ooding. She had been part of previous Eons on the government side of things, helping with COVID-19 responses in the City of Burnaby and during the wildre season in the Clinton area. These skills came in handy on behalf of industry. “Representing industry was dierent,” says Van-Martin. “Being on the other side and being a little bit excluded from the information channels was a challenge. Anytime there’s a disaster, it’s common that communication breaks down between multiple levels of government and multiple ministries of government. We did sort of see that happen as we moved into the second week of the response.” However, thanks to the BC Poultry Association’s at-the-ready emergency operations centre, reps were able to get to work right away. The association had built out an ECO following the last two avian inuenza outbreaks and had systems in place. “Because we have this standing ECO, we activated before some of the government and ministries did,” says Van-Martin. “We had a lot of success early on, right out of the gate – accessing the ood and evacuation zones and getting necessary supplies to producers.” Water was a priority as many producers lost access to city water for several days. ECO members were able to start shuttling water between farms that had wells and those that did not. “All the people we had involved already were just a phone call or email away,” says Van-Martin. “This distribution list we already have made it really easy for us to get up and running fast. That made a huge dierence for us to be able to protect and take care of a lot of the birds that we have down there.” The ve poultry boards in BC responsible for turkeys, hatching eggs, chickens, eggs and broiler breeders collaborated during the response phase. “The agility of industry is really awesome,” says Van-Martin. “We didn’t necessarily know each other professionally a lot before, but everyone just worked seamlessly together to take care of all the impacted people down in the zone.” Part of Van-Martin’s day-to-day tasks was to create action plans and report to the Abbotsford ECO. She would in turn receive briengs from the agriculture branch director. But information on response, operations and decision-making was elusive. “I assigned our deputy director of planning, which happens to be Harris, to try and gain information from Environment Canada and any other sources she could get because I wasn’t able to ever get the actual situation reports that were generated by the Abbotsford ECO,” says Van-Martin. While information was shared within municipalities, regions and the province, those trying to plan on the ground were not part of the conversation. That complicated the development of action plans. “It was a challenge not having all the information and it became more complicated as more layers of government became involved in the response,” says Van-Martin. See FLOOD on next page o
20 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCFLOOD response lacked communication on decision-making nfrom page 19The world may be changing, but farmers are as reliable as ever. While others are calling in sick, or staying in bed because the weather isn’t great the farmers of BC are out there getting the job done. You’re an undeserved blessing to us all and we want to say - Thank You Farmers!THANK YOUFARMERSABBOTSFORD1-888-283-3276VERNON1-800-551-6411KELOWNA1-800-680-0233“Decisions were being made and it’s a top-down structure. By the time we were informed of the decision, we didn’t have any input into the decision-making process. We weren’t able to point out ways the decision could be altered to be more of a win-win for government and industry.” Van-Martin and other ECO members look forward to making more connections with government ocials and decision-makers in future as well as involving more stakeholders in training and exercises. Fortunately, B Jack Farms sits on a hill overlooking Matsuri Prairie and was largely unscathed by the ooding. But the couple know many farmers who were forced to evacuate. Some remain o their properties while others lack heating. “It was an extremely challenging and stressful time, and it was disastrous for some farmers who we received mentorship from,” says Harris. “Our hearts went out to them and the animals that were aected. It was devastating.” During the series of intense atmospheric rivers that rolled across the region, feed companies were also part of the ECO and showed exibility and resilience. “Feed was a signicant concern from the get-go. Feed is what keeps these birds alive, and it became a top priority,” says Harris. “There were challenges but all the suppliers in BC and Alberta collaborated. … All the companies worked together to be creative and diligently worked to make sure any farm that needed feed was able to get what they needed.” B Jack Farms is also fortunate in that the family sources organic feed from a local mill, which proved to be especially useful amidst a slew of road closures. “Our feed company was consistent, and they communicated with us daily,” Harris says. “We were lucky to not have any disruptions.” Through the extreme winter weather in late December and early January, Harris and her family focused on the positives and tried to make the most of a rare white Christmas in the Lower Mainland. “The biggest challenge is keeping snow cleared and making sure trucks can get in for feed and eggs. I don’t know how much more the world can throw at us, but it’s hard to complain after what some people have been through this year,” says Harris. “We all have our health, and the birds don’t care what it’s like outside. They just expect us to take care of them.” During the most demanding times, the family nd refuge in the barn. “When life is stressful, chaotic, busy, annoying or limiting, with everything we’ve been through the last couple years, you go in the barn every single day at the same time. It’s so consistent,” says Harris. “It’s routine and pattern. You go out there and it gives you purpose. You interact with the birds, and it just balances you out. That’s something all of us enjoy. Sometimes you just need to go to the barn.” Abbotsford EOC staff helped map routes so local farmers received supplies and pickups when oods hit in November. KRISTA HARRIS
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 21That’s a whole lotta eggs! Krista Harris, far left, and Cathy Van-Martin have partnered with Krista’s sister Jessica and her husband Barry Krahn to turn the family’s hobby into a thriving commercial egg farm. SUBMITTEDKATE AYERS ABBOTSFORD – What started as a childhood hobby has turned into a full-on commercial operation for sisters Krista Harris and Jessica Krahn and their families. The pair manage a 5,000-hen layer operation on Matsqui Prairie in Abbotsford, originally developed as a means to keep the property in the family after their father’s sudden passing in 2014. “We naturally tended towards chickens because we had backyard chickens growing up and that is what we were most comfortable with,” says Harris. “In the Fraser Valley, there are so many poultry farmers, so it seemed accessible, and we had some knowledge of it.” An initial bid for quota through the BC Egg New Entrant Producer Program in 2016 was unsuccessful but in 2017 they received quota for 3,000 birds. Since then, Harris and her wife Cathy Van-Martin as well as Jessica and her husband Barry have grown the farm to 5,000 birds. It operates as B Jack Farms, a name that honours their late father Jack and doubling as an acronym for the partners’ names: Barry, Jessica, and Cathy, Krista. Their mother Lynne and children help out on the farm, too. “We [transitioned] from experience and comfort as hobby farmers to a full-on commercial farm in 10 months. We had to clear land, put in roads, build a barn,” says Harris. “We are so appreciative of the opportunity to enter the egg sector and the only reason we were able to be up and running so quickly was because we were paired with a phenomenal farming mentor through the new producer program.” As rst-generation farmers, the four partners had to do a lot of research and ask questions along the way. They also credit their quick start-up and success thus far in part to a healthy support network within the egg sector. “We’ve met so many farmers and people in the industry … and have a plethora of people to call at any time. We soaked up everything they had to oer us and created a lot of cool relationships along the way,” says Harris. “In the egg industry, nobody is competitive. We all are better o every time someone has an outstanding ock. Now we rely on each other as a farm team and the broader egg sector. We rely on talking to other people who have done this a long time and are generous with their time.” Despite having not grown up on a commercial operation, compassion and enthusiasm for chicken welfare runs through the entire family. “All of us love the birds. The birds are the most important thing to us,” says Harris. “We took great care in selecting the housing system we wanted.” The partners chose an aviary system and produce organic eggs. “We wanted to be able to walk in the barn and interact with the [birds]. We wanted our kids to be able to help and participate as well as our mom,” says Harris. “And to make sure whoever is in there is comfortable and safe, sees the birds healthy and happy.” Harris describes their barn as a jungle gym for the birds with perches and nest boxes over three levels. “It’s a really cool thing to watch the birds navigate the system. We chose that system purposefully and have been so thrilled with it. It produces happy birds and extends their laying cycles,” Harris says. They also installed lighting that simulates sunrise and sunset. A manure belt system keeps the barn tidy and smell to a minimum. Eggs laid in the nest boxes roll away from the birds to keep them clean. While B Jack Farms has been fortunate to receive strong and healthy pullets, condence is one challenge the new farmers face. “We really relied on and continue to rely on learning. We document everything and … compare data day to day, month to month, ock to ock,” says Harris. “Being new farmers, we don’t have knowledge that some grew up with. We rely on the data and production and feed numbers. Those are our indicators of how we’re doing and how the birds are doing. You want to make sure you’re doing the best you can to produce healthy birds and delicious eggs.” For people interested in egg farming and who have the means, Harris recommends asking plenty of questions. “Make those relationships. Be willing to accept advice and help. … If you’re willing to welcome a whole industry worth of people into your life, The birds come first at B Jack First-generation farm includes three generations in operation
22 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCAgricultural Grade Products - Made in the U.S.A. Contact your local Nelson Irrigation dealer today!NEW HANGINGSPRINKLER SOLVESPROBLEMS FORORGANIC GROWERS15-50 PSI8.5-75 GPH9-16’ RAD.PREMIUM PERFORMANCE ON HOSE REEL TRAVELERSIntroducing the S7 Spinner - a new Nelson innovation designed to combatrising energy and labor costs. The S7’s modular design allows quick and easynozzle exchange - and the Quick Clean (QC) technology reduces irrigatorhours — simply turn, flush and reconnect. Special insect protection helpsprevent plugging or stalling. Find out more at WWW.NELSONIRRIGATION.COM®Ranchers waiting for federal fencing funds ‘It’s going to be critical for us to be able to utilize as much of this land as possible’KATE AYERS KAMLOOPS – Following a year of heatwaves, drought, res and oods, ranchers who lost fencing and other infrastructure to last summer’s wildres and November’s intense rainfall are still waiting for federal assistance and provincial approval to carry out important work before spring turnout. The Disaster Financial Assistance Arrangements program supports fence repairs on Crown land. Last fall, BC Cattlemen’s Association’s general manager Kevin Boon said federal assistance was slow to materialize. The situation has not changed much since then. “We’re still awaiting DFAA approval for the majority of the fencing. The province has stepped up right now for the interim,” Boon says. “We’re sure we’ll get it, but it’s just needs to be nalized. The assessments are in for how much. It’s getting that nal go-ahead from the federal government.” In the meantime, BCCA has an agreement with the province “to get us through to the end of March so that we’re able to start some of the work,” Boon says. The delay in wildre fencing support means that additional DFAA program allocations for fencing damaged by ooding is still in the pipeline. “At this point, because we didn’t have the rst one done, the assessments for ooding are going in as well,” says Boon. Though assessments are ongoing, he believes that ood damage to Crown land fencing is minimal. For fencing repairs on ranches that were damaged by rushing water, “we are still awaiting nal conrmation of AgriRecovery, which will cover the private lands and stu in there for fencing and infrastructure,” Boon says. “We still haven’t seen an announcement from the government on that yet. But we are condent it is coming.” Since about 90% of summer feed for cattle in the province comes from Crown land and feed is in short supply, rangeland is crucial for ranchers to maintain their cattle herds. “It’s going to be critical for us to be able to utilize as much of this land as possible,” says Boon. “Coming out of last year’s drought and the situation of loss of feed through re, drought and ooding, it put us in a state where we haven’t got reserves out there. So, we will really need to manage those grasslands this year in a very responsible way.” Fencing plays an important role in cattle management and land protection, preventing cattle from entering sensitive or compromised areas. “The other thing is containment. To make sure they aren’t wandering out on public roads,” Boon says. To help with cattle management and containment, BCCA purchased seven electric fencing units that are self-contained and solar-powered to easily install and take down large stretches of fencing. In addition to waiting for federal approval for fencing, BC ranchers are waiting for provincial approval to repair riverbanks. “The one thing we are most concerned about right now is doing repairs on the damage to the waterways and banks,” Boon says. “A lot of land, a lot of property, a lot of infrastructure, houses, barns, corrals disappeared. There’s no bringing that back in a lot of these cases but we need to be able to do some work on riverbanks … before we see the spring runo. Otherwise, we are going to see further erosion. We haven’t got a lot of feedback at this point as to exactly what programs or what abilities there will be to do that work.” Boon believes now is the best time to start those repairs while water levels are receded, and producers can access and assess the damaged areas. Obtaining the necessary approvals is the sticking point. “There is a very stringent permitting system with the (BC) Ministry of Environment and DFO. However, DFO is working very well with us in these river areas,” says Boon. “Now is the time to do it because the ooding has really damaged those sh egg supplies ... so we’re not going to do any more damage.”COPPER CREEK RANCH PHOTO
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 23Integrated control strategy keeps predators at bayRanchers can limit wildlife conflicts humanelyResearchers at the University of Wisconsin say there is no scientic proof killing wolves protects livestock. FILE PROVINCIAL LIVESTOCK FENCING PROGRAMApplications Close: August 31, 2022View program updates at cattlemen.bc.ca/fencing.htmToll Free: 1.866.398.2848email: fencebc@cattlemen.bc.ca In partnership with:KATE AYERS 70 MILE HOUSE – Ranchers share their land with a variety of wildlife, and pride themselves on being good stewards of the natural environment. But co-existing with predators is a challenge. Statistics from the Livestock Protection Program, administered by the BC Cattlemen’s Association, reports that predators have attacked or harassed nearly 1,450 animals – primarily beef cattle – since 2016. While conict mitigation often employs lethal force, researchers at the University of Wisconsin say there is no scientic proof that killing wolves protects livestock. This has put the practices of ranchers like Joe Engelhart of the Spruce Cooperative in Longview, Alberta in the spotlight. Raised in BC, Engelhart manages the co-op’s herd with an eye to protecting livestock without killing wildlife. He’s now participating in a study led by Naomi Louchouarn, a doctoral student and member of the Carnivore Coexistence Lab at the University of Wisconsin. The lab focuses on four main challenges to coexistence between humans and carnivores on a global scale. The group studies risk and prevention of predation on domestic animals, risk and protection of human-induced carnivore mortality, the benets of carnivores for people and ecosystem health and the law, ethics and scientic integrity that support peaceful coexistence with predators. In addition to the Longview project, the research team also has sites in Rwanda, Russia, Columbia and Kenya. Engelhart mitigates predation based on prey and predator behaviour. He ensures the cattle herd remains calm when out on range to keep cow-calf pairs together. This management technique ensures ospring don’t get separated and become targets for predators. Engelhart also spends a lot of time on range, which is more work but deters wolves from getting close to the animals. This time in the saddle complements Engelhart’s understanding of the landscape. He knows the wolves’ preferred locations and avoids those areas. Engelhart’s practices make sense to Louise Liebenberg, who raises beef and sheep at Grazerie, a High River ranch that’s the rst in Canada certied Wildlife Friendly. Certication is awarded following an audit by the Wildlife Friendly Enterprise Network, based on Bainbridge Island, Washington. (Reviews, including an applicant interview, have replaced in-person audits during the COVID-19 pandemic.) Liebenberg was determined to use alternative production and management practices to reduce her animals’ interactions with wolves. “It was almost inconceivable to me to hunt and trap [predators],” says Liebenberg, who is originally from South Africa. “I made the decision to do everything in my power to manage my livestock where we wouldn’t need to do that.” Since many ranchers believe the only good predator is a dead predator, Liebenberg knew she would get a lot of questions about her conservation-focused ranch. “We did it mostly as a way to start a conversation. What does ‘wildlife friendly’ mean and how do you do that? It’s hard to make changes in ranching circles and we saw this as a way to open the door,” she says. At Grazerie, Liebenberg uses a holistic, integrated approach to keep wolves, coyotes, bears and cougars on their toes. Predators often habituate, so using a combination of methods can help keep predators at bay. Liebenberg removes deadstock from grazing areas to prevent attracting See PREDATOR on next page oSpring 2022 OnlineAuctionFARM & EQUIPMENT For a GreatYear ofAuctions! Thanks!Consignment Mar. 28 - 31st Selling Online April 1st beekmanauctions.com
24 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCPREDATOR control nfrom page 23Producer Check-o Supports Beef Industry Projects.www.cattlefund.net 1.877.688.2333www.cattlefund.net 1.877.688.23332763 Ernst Rd. Quesnel, BC V2J 6H6Bob Miller, PresidentKristina Moller, Secretary/Treasurerpredators a practice BC’s LPP also recommends. “Predators are imprinted [at a young age] on what they think is standard food. You don’t want predators getting a taste for livestock,” says Liebenberg. “They like convenience and will often predate on whatever is easiest. ”She recommends disposing of carcasses in a compost pile layered with straw, old hay, woodchips, manure and dirt. Carcasses typically decay in about 10 days. Controlling the controllable is another approach Liebenberg uses on her ranch. “You can’t control what the predators do but you can control what your livestock are doing, when and where,” she says. “We lamb in the dead of winter. The lambs are born in January and sold in June. The ewes then go out to graze and they don’t have young lambs at their sides. The coyotes that have pups in May and are looking to feed their puppies don’t have the convenience of a nice little lamb morsel.” Liebenberg also advises producers to know what they’re dealing with on ranges. This includes learning how many predators are in the area and understanding predator habits and behaviours. For example, wolves prefer to hunt from bigger ocks compared to smaller groups, Liebenberg says. She recommends keeping birthing areas small and easy to manage. Well-maintained fencing can be an excellent tool to keep livestock safe, if designed with the predator in mind. A cost-shared program oered through Grizzly Bear Coexistence Solutions in the Kootenays helps producers design and install electric fencing that’s proven 95% eective in protecting beehives from bears. But design is critical. The fences need a strong power source, proper grounding and a design that prevents unintended run-ins with wildlife. Bryan Cunningham, a sheep producer in 70 Mile House, once used electric fencing for his 20-head Dorper ock. He notes that the fencing worked well to keep his sheep in but deer would get tangled up in it. He now relies on the LPP and guardian dogs. He had wolf predation problems until he used the LPP over a three-year period. “It worked really well. We don’t seem to have any issues now,” Cunningham says. Other potential options to deter predators include sound, lights and human activity. These tools need to be used in rotation, though, as predators can learn your habits and work around them. “The changes don’t require a huge outlay of money and they don’t mean animals will never be predated on, but you have to layer things, says Liebenberg. “The more layers you have, the less convenient it is for predators to come.” By the numbers Between January 1, 2016 and March 31, 2019, the BC Livestock Protection Program recorded 1,293 livestock killed, injured or harassed by wild predators. Broken down by species, 819 calves, 170 beef cows, 138 lambs, 91 ewes and 59 beef yearlings were targeted. In 2020, LPP sta worked on 100 les involving conicts between predators and livestock. By the end of last October, the program was down to 50 les.
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 25Peace producers work to expand meat processing Site C fund supports development of a new red meat plantChristoph Weder is getting ready to launch a slaughter, cut and wrap facility at his ranch in Hudson’s Hope that will benet not just his own operation but other beef and bison producers in the region. SUBMITTEDFarm and Rural Residential Properties in the Peace Country are our specialtyAnne H. ClaytonMBA, AACI P App, RIAppraiserJudi LeemingBHE, AIC CandidateAppraiser250.782.1088info@aspengrovepropertyservices.ca“Serving and Supporting the Community Together”PROVINCIALLY INSPECTED ABATTOIR B.C. #34ALL SIZES MARKET GOATS & LAMBS604.465.4752 (Ext 105)FAX 604.465.4744 ashiq@meadowvalleymeats.comKATE AYERS HUDSON’S HOPE – BC farmers and ranchers continue to grapple with meat processing challenges in the province. Despite government eorts to amend licensing and nancial supports, livestock and poultry producers struggle to get their meat products to market. The issue is particularly acute in remote areas of the province. While many can have small-scale plants, larger facilities are more challenging despite the proliferation of small-scale producers. This is where a $50,000 grant to Christoph Weder of Venator Ranches Ltd. in Hudson’s Hope by the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund is set to make a dierence. Weder is launching a slaughter, cut and wrap facility on his operation to increase the harvest of beef and bison in the Peace region. Announced in December, the funding will help nance the construction of a provincially licensed processing facility. The project is one of 19 projects funded during the latest round of awards. “We will basically be 90% complete by April and hope to have our licence in place by mid-summer and start slaughtering by September,” says Weder. His goal is to process 30 animals a week, equating to 1,500 animals a year. “I have three full-time sta that we will involve in the slaughtering side of things. We’ll only slaughter one day a week and process four days a week,” Weder says. The new facility will serve cattle and bison producers from Fort St. John, Chetwynd, Hudson’s Hope and Peace River Valley, but the plant will also have an immediate impact on the viability of Weder’s business. “I ran a meat company called Heritage Angus Beef for 10 years and sold it, so this is not new to me, how to market meat. There’s a great opportunity in BC with ve million consumers and not a whole lot of processing on the beef side of things,” says Weder. There are 22 provincial plants licensed for cattle but they handled just 22,584 animals last year or about 5% of the BC herd. Other initiatives, like the new BC Beef Producers Inc. plant in Westwold, have yet to become operational, while others have stalled due to challenges securing labour. Weder has relied to date on the two provincially licensed red meat plants in the Peace River Regional District, Lawrence Meat Packing in Dawson Creek and South Peace Colony Meats in Farmington, but accessing them requires driving at least two and half hours one way – a signicant amount of time and expense. With strong demand for local meat, building his own plant is a move that makes sense. “We’re doing really well with direct sales,” says Weder. “We wouldn’t be able to expand unless we built this plant because there are only two other plants in Peace Country that can custom process our stu. [Both] of them are at full capacity and there’s no way we can grow our business based on using their facilities.” The completion of Weder’s abattoir will “improve the economic bottom line of beef and bison producers through increased farm gate sales,” Northern Development Initiative Trust said in a statement announcing the grants. “This funding for Venator Ranches’ slaughter, cut and wrap facility will provide extensive benets to cattle and bison producers in the area,” says Northern Development’s CEO Joel McKay. Also funded through Northern Development and BC Hydro is the new Agricultural Impact and Opportunities Initiative. “This is a proposal-based initiative that provides grant funding for large-scale agriculture projects that will benet the agriculture and agri-foods economy in the Peace Region. The deadline for applying to the AIOI is February 11,” says McKay. To further expand access to custom harvesting for small producers, the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association plans to build an on-farm red meat abattoir in Rose Prairie to process beef, pork and sheep. As of September 2021, about $130,000 had been invested in the project. SSMPA will continue to work on securing funding from the Northern Development Initiative Trust for the facility. It applied for funding during the latest intake for the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund but was not successful.
26 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BC@matsquiagrepairHIGHEROUTPUTCall today to demo any of our McHale models today!www.matsquiagrepair.com34856 Harris Rd, Abbotsford BC V3G 1R7604-826-3281B9000PR0 GLIDEThe McHale Pro Glide B9000 is fitted with 9.8ft cutter bars and has a cutting width of up to 28ft when coupled with an F3100 front mower. With standard features such as, unique patented ground following technology, hydraulic ground pressure control and heavy duty bed design which make the Pro Glide a smart choice for farmers and contractors alike.A Heavy Duty, High Output Choice
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 27An initiative to improve Canadian goat genetics has had a welcome inux of cash from the federal government. MYRNA STARK LEADERProudly offering quality farm equipment and wholesale farm product delivery across BC.Call, email or visit us onlineinfo@reimersfarmservice.com855.737.0110reimersfarmservice.comCheck out our Einbock Tillage Equipment For Organic FarmingTine Weeders t3PX$SPQ$VMUJWBUPSTr3PUBSZ)PFT $BNFSB(VJEBODF4ZTUFNAND On In StockAEROSTAR Tine WeedersDELTA Drain Tile Cleaner *NQSPWFT%SBJOBHFr$POEJUJPOT4PJMr&DPOPNJDBM 3FMJBCMFr-PX.BJOUFOBODFr4BGFBOE1SPWFOSPECIAL PRICING On In Stock BARBARA JOHNSTONE GRIMMER OTTAWA – Canada’s sheep and goat industries have united to launch a collaborative project that will improve and integrate genetic improvement services in Canada, and benet both breeders and commercial producers. Federal agriculture minister Marie-Claude Bibeau announced an investment of $495,000 in the Canadian Centre for Swine Improvement (CCSI) to enable sheep and goat organizations to collaborate with CCSI to develop an integrated genetic services system to improve productivity of sheep and goats and increase supply. The funding is provided through the Canadian Agricultural Strategic Priorities Program. The collaboration is to integrate genetic services, train farmers to adopt new technologies, and stimulate research and development. Duncan goat producer Sandy Howell, president of the Canadian Goat Society, says the main intention of the project is to collect more genetic information and get more producers actively involved. The investment is to help them advance the industry, like the dairy cattle industry. “It will be fabulous, to push a button and nd information right away,” says Howell. “This is really great.” Goat numbers have doubled in Canada over the past 30 years. BC goat numbers have increased over that time, but not doubled. Howell says growth is coming, and past trends will and modernization of the genetic improvement services. CGS secretary manager Russell Gammon says the individual organizations couldn’t have come up with these solutions or had the money to do it on individually. “We needed each other,” says Gammon. “They have a ne system now, but they need a better one – better accuracy, easier to use, and better uptake by more change. Howell and several other dairy goat producers in BC are enrolled in a national genetic improvement program. She is looking forward to the enhancements from this project that will allow them to grow the industry in the direction they need to go. The project will be facilitated with the added expertise of respected Canadian livestock geneticist Dr. Jacques Chesnais, known for his work as senior geneticist at Semex Alliance. There will also be signicant improvements and merging of the various databases used by both sheep and goat industries, and enhancement BC goats to benefit from genetics investmentSheep have led the way but goats are catching upSee GOATS on next page o
28 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCGOATS will benefit from collaboration with swine, sheep groups nfrom page 27GroberNutrition.com | 1.800.265.7863 |Contact the DairyCrop team:Gerry DeGroot (604) 819-4139James Robinson 236.986.7693Evan Davidson (604) 991-6708FUEL YOUR ANIMALS, RIGHT FROM THE START™Blending the art and science of young animal nutrition to bring you premium products with innovative ingredients Our team can assist you on your farm with quality products, custom feeding plans and troubleshootingYour animals deserves the best. Contact your DairyCrop team today, to learn how we are more than milk replacerproducers. This will be a dramatic improvement for dairy goats.” In the early stages they will be merging databases to give the systems cost eciencies while updating software and operating systems. The genetic evaluations for goats up to now have been done by the CCSI. Brian Sullivan of CCSI has a background in goats and was the senior geneticist prior to becoming CEO of the organization. “Better integration of services will enhance these organizations’ abilities to deliver on their respective breed improvement mandates, while the breeders and commercial producers will benet from improved genetics,” says Sullivan. Gammon says that the goat industry nationwide has been slower than the sheep industry when it comes to genomic selection and testing. However, in BC more goat producers have been utilizing genetic testing than sheep producers, seeing the value for the dairy goat sector in herd improvement. The sheep industry has Genovis, an on-farm genetic evaluation program available to all Canadian producers supported by CEPOQ. It is also supported by OSF, CSBA, and CGIL, and the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Aairs. Princeton purebred sheep producer Bev Greenwell, BC director with the CSBA, says a key improvement will be to the CLRC website, which manages registrations. It will be connected to Genovis and become more useful. The upgrading and integrations of the various systems will hopefully improve uptake by producers. A bonus to all of this has been the benets of collaboration, something that surprised Gammon from the start as they eshed out their ideas in a working group. As their collaborations deepened, he found the assistance from others in the agriculture industry heart-warming. “It is an amazing side benet that was not an intentional goal,” says Gammon. “The assistance we have had from others involved in this initiative has been inspiring.” Gammon wants the goat industry to be ready, knowing they are lagging behind the sheep industry in traceability, tagging and scrapie testing. As regulations shift that will allow more importation of genetics, the knowledge and support they have gained from sheep industry partners has been invaluable. “The word for 2022 is synergy,” says Gammon. “The collaboration we are experiencing in this project is pure synergy.” CCSI is collaborating with the Canadian Sheep Breeders Association (CSBA), Ontario Sheep Farmers (OSF), the Canadian Goat Society (CGS), Canadian Livestock Records Corporation (CLRC), Centre for Genetic Improvements of Livestock (CGIL), Centre d’expertise en production ovine du Quebec (CPOQ), AgSights, and the Canadian Meat Goat Association. BC’s sheep breeders are participating through the CBSA. BC goat numbers have been on the rise for the past 30 years but not as much as those nationally. BOB COLLINS
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 29Laura and Ray Johnson use horses to power most of their farm equipment. It’s a choice that honours their farm’s history, they say. SUBMITTEDHave you herd? VBP+ TrainingWorkshops or Webinarsare Free!Looking to learn moreabout how to raisehealthy beef cattle?Open to producers of allsizes!free to all beef producersin bc!Insurance products and services are provided through Assante Estate and Insurance Services Inc. Please visit www.assante.com/legal.jsp or contact Assante at 1-800-268-3200 for information with respect to important legal and regulatory disclosures relating to this notice.Financial planning for farm families Farm transition coaching Customized portfolio strategy Retirement income planningDriediger Wealth PlanningMark Driediger, CFP, FEA, Senior Wealth AdvisorBrent Driediger, BAA, CPA, CMA, CFP, Wealth Advisorwww.DriedigerWealthPlanning.com | 604.859.4890 Assante Financial Management Ltd.TRACEY FREDRICKSON DUNSTER – Once a thriving farming community in the Robson Valley of northern BC, Dunster is better known these days for its history as a railway town, arts and culture, and a limited amount of beef and dairy farming. Good agricultural land remains, however, and opportunities for small-scale farming are behind economic initiatives to bring more young farmers to the area. Memories of growing up on the family farm in Dunster remained strong for Ray Johnson long after he nished school and moved to Alberta to become an agriculture mechanic. When he met his future wife Laura, who also has a farming background, their life goals became clear: turn their shared passion for farming and family into a sustainable, protable business and lifestyle. When the couple inherited the farm in 2013, they gave up their conventional life in Alberta, packed up their three young children (eventually to become ve), and moved back to Dunster. A decade later, their goals have been realized. Half of the 150-acre property has been cleared for production and the remaining half is forest. Three acres are devoted to growing fruits and vegetables which support a successful Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) program, and ve acres to growing ancient and heritage grains. “Our goal has always been to grow nutrient-dense food using regenerative farming practices that work in harmony with the land,” points out Laura. “The farm is in an area where the Fraser River used to run before time changed its course, so the soil is a rich silt with few rocks and limited clay deposits. The growing season is shorter here than in southern parts of the province and has long history of growing excellent root vegetables.” With support and coaching from Garry and Wendy Lowe, a veteran farm couple who have since retired, the Johnsons were inspired to start market gardening. They also adapted the Lowes’ proven growing methods to produce and mill ancient and heritage grain varieties. The grains were bred before the use of chemical fertilizers and have a robust root system that maximizes nutrient uptake from the soil. Among the varieties grown are Twin Meadows Northern Success, bred by the Lowes during their time in the Robson Valley. It is an exclusive early-maturing high Robson Valley family realizes its dreamsHeavy horses, tradition breathe life into family farmquality wheat with short beards or awns which discourage wildlife such as deer and elk from eating the crop. Buckwheat and Marquis Wheat are among the other grains grown on the farm which are processed using the Johnsons’ Austrian made stone mill to produce sifted ours and other value-added products. The family is currently selling these products primarily through FOLLOW USLIKE US@countrylifeinbcOLLOW USSee DRAFT next page o
30 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCBUSINESS smarts make the lifestyle possible nfrom page 29CLAAS DISCO 9400C TRIPLE MOWERS $53,800 CLAAS 860 SP FORAGE HARVESTER 12.5’ PICKUP & 6-ROW CORNHEAD $93,700 CLAAS XERION 4500 VC TRACTOR CALL FOR PRICING & DETAILS CLAAS JAG 870 SP FORAGE HARVESTER 10’ PICKUP & 6-ROW CORNHEAD CALL FOR MORE DETAILS/PRICING CLAAS 970 SP FORAGE HARVESTER 10’ PICKUP & 10-ROW CORNHEAD CALL FOR MORE DETAILS/PRICING CLAAS 4000 4-ROTOR RAKE CALL FOR DETAILS FELLA TS 880 CENTER DELIVERY RO-TARY RAKE CONSIGNMENT UNIT $16,000 X 2 FENDT 930 MFD CAB TRACTOR CALL FOR DETAILS KRONE SWADRO TC 760 CENTER DELIVERY ROTARY RAKE $19,900 MF 399 2WD, ROPS TRACTOR COMING IN SOON NH BB340 LARGE SQUARE BALER CALL FOR DETAILS SUPREME INTERNATIONAL 700T MIXER WAGON TWIN SCREW CALL FOR DETAILS TAARUP 338 10’ MOWER COND. COMING IN SOON VEENHUIS MANURE TANKER TRIPLE AXLE WITH BRAKES $140,000 0.99% for 60 MONTHS ON ALL CLAAS HAYTOOLSOACwww.caliberequipment.ca STORE HOURS MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8-5 SATURDAYS CLOSED ‘TIL SPRING604-864-2273 34511 VYE ROAD ABBOTSFORD More Crops. Less Ash.their CSA program but is looking at other marketing channels for the future. An unusual sight on modern farms is draft horses such as the team of Belgians the Johnsons use for ploughing and tilling the soil for the farm’s grain production. The horses also help plough and till the vegetable eld in preparation for planting, and horse-drawn cultivating tools are used to help with weed management. Most farms have replaced genuine horsepower with tractors over the years, but the Johnsons believe that draft animals still have merit in the modern world of small-scale farming. “We use the horses as much as possible but also use a small tractor for jobs where taking the time to saddle up the team would take longer than the actual job to do,” says Laura. The use of horses to work the soil is also a salute to the couples’ farming ancestors, specically Ray’s father and maternal grandfather who both had an anity for working horses. “We love the connection we feel with the land when working the soil with horses, and they support our desire to lower our environmental impact and make our farm more sustainable,” Laura says. Learning takes place at all levels for Johnson twins Katie and Anna, 12, Lee, 9, Sara, 4, and even one-year-old Bo. The whole brood is home educated and extremely involved in the farm. Every year each child picks a crop they want to grow. “Katie’s experience growing sunowers last season – a big hit in the CSA boxes – has taught her how to grow the owers, apply feedback from customers, and make money in the process,” Laura says. On harvest days, the whole family works as a team to harvest, wash, bunch and pack the vegetables for delivery. Little Sara has chosen to grow carrots this year and is very excited for all 800 feet of row. The older children have been discussing starting either a small, pastured poultry or rabbit operation. Lifestyle aside, the business of farming is always top of mind for the Johnsons. “Understanding cash ow is really important. You need to gure out in the beginning what you can grow to make money right away until the farm becomes established,” Ray points out. “We are constantly thinking about expanding into new side businesses and researching the viability of each project.” “So many people have said that you can’t farm for a living here,” adds Laura. “If we had listened to those naysaying voices, we wouldn’t be here doing just that – making a living and living our dream. We will forever be grateful to the folks who encouraged us, and we try to keep that going by supporting other aspiring farmers on their journey.” Making memories on the farm. Ray Johnson shares his passion for farming with son Bo, 1. SUBMITTED
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 31Johannes and Julaine Treur of Creekside Creamery are nding success making cheese, but also building connections with the community. PETER MITHAMPETER MITHAM AGASSIZ – Community connections underpinned the resilience of Fraser Valley dairy producers last year, as a sequence of extreme heat, rainfall and cold challenged their operations. But as Mother Nature delivered blow after blow, they emerged as an essential part of rural BC's food supply, as the Treur family of Agassiz discovered. “We were able to supply nursing homes and isolated First Nations communities. Neighbours picked up jugs of milk to deliver to housebound friends and total strangers,” said Julaine Treur, who with her husband Johannes launched Creekside Creamery at their organic dairy farm on Seabird Island last summer. “It’s been gratifying to see many of those new faces returning every week now! We’ve had to increase production to keep up with demand.” An established advocate for farmers on social media, Treur said the creamery was a response to popular demand among followers for their products. Those products – milk, meat and eggs – became essential when disaster struck last fall. “It wasn’t really that we were looking to bring in a lot more income,” she says. “It was more feeding your consumer on a personal level.” Situated towards the end of a country road o Hwy 7, she thought they were too far o the beaten track. But in 2018, they tested the waters with cuts of beef raised on their farm. “We had some extra beef steers that we were set to slaughter for ourselves and we had some extra so we decided to sell some of that,” she says. “That became quite the thing. A lot of people from Agassiz or further away – Surrey or Vancouver – were coming out for our beef, and they started asking for dairy, of course, so that was how we thought maybe we could make this work.” An opportunity presented itself when Florian Bergoin, who was producing French alpine-style cheeses at La Belle Vallée Fromagerie in Quesnel, wanted someone to take over his operation. Between 2018 and 2020, Bergoin had produced cheeses with milk from the neighbouring Fox Dairy Farm. But in July 2020 he announced that the Treurs would take over the venture, using milk from their farm to produce his recipes. Johannes traces dairy and cheesemaking in his family back at least ve generations and the idea of continuing the tradition excited him. “Normally your milk gets picked up by a milk truck, and this way you actually see it going from the cow straight to people’s mouths, which is really rewarding,” he says. A year-long training period began in the run-up to opening last summer. Johannes makes cheese two days a week, using vat pasteurization to process milk from the family’s herd of Brown Swiss cows. The system also allows Creekside to process uid milk for sale by the bottle from an on-farm dispenser. Cheesemaking takes place in the same modular unit Bergoin used in Quesnel. Production includes both waxed and natural rind cheeses, but the range is expanding. Its most popular cheese to date is a Raclette but it also produces a spreadable fresh cheese, curds and Belper, a grating cheese. Creekside processes 2,000 litres a week, a fraction of its daily milk production of about 2,000 litres. “We’re quite busy already, with both the farm and this. The more you push your sales, the more cheese you have to make, but that makes everybody busier,” says Johannes. He wants to perfect his own cheesemaking craft before bringing on an assistant. “You can’t teach someone else if you’re not 100%,” he says. Sales have exceeded expectations. While uid milk sales are relatively predictable thanks to supply management, there are more variables at play in direct sales of value-added products. “We thought we would sell ve wheels of cheese a month,” says Julaine. “That’s how much we estimated based on how much we wanted to make and age and sell, and we sold that in the rst two days that we opened. It took o a lot quicker, and it’s remained really steady since then.” The farm’s natural setting, proximity to Harrison Lake and clean, welcoming appearance as well as the following on social media have all helped make the farm a destination. It's one of a number of local producers, with its on-farm store selling local coee, preserves and honey. Cedar Isle, a local grain grower, is just down the road. “It’s people specically looking for local, and very hyperlocal,” Julaine says of the farm’s following. Creekside may consider restaurant and wholesale opportunities in the future, but for now the Treurs are happy continuing to build connections with their existing customer base. Many are happy to have a go-to source for local dairy and meat, while others are experiencing it for the rst time. “The best part is when we give people samples of the cheese and you watch their faces light up as they love the avour, the texture,” says Julaine. “That’s really cool.” Creamery builds a taste for local connectionsSocial media laid the foundation for farm diversification5.25 USED EQUIPMENT L/P RTR1250 2018, 50” TILLER . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2,950 MAS H125 TILLER, 2012, 50” . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3,500 N/H FP230 27P GRASS HEAD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17,500 USED TRACTORS KUBOTA T2380 2017, 48” DECK . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,500 KUB Z122EBR-48 2017, 48” DECK, 160HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,800 KUB GR2120-54 2010, 54” DECK, GRASS CATCHER, BLOWER. . . . . 9,000 KUBOTA BX2360 2010, 1,900HRS, TRAC/MWR . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9,750 KUB Z724KH-54 2018, 54” DECK, BAGGER, 35HRS . . . . . . . . . . 14,500 KUB F3680, 2006, 72” DECK, GRASS CATCHER, DUAL HYD VALVE 16,900 (2) TORO 328D 48” MOWERS, 2,900 HRS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4,500 KUBOTA B2650 2018, 475 HRS, ROPs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18,000 NEW INVENTORY: *NEW* GREENWORKS COMMERCIAL CORDLESS BLOWERS, CHAINSAWS, STRING TRIMMERS, HEDGE TRIMMERS, LAWNMOWERS. 82/48 VOLT KUBOTA RAKES, TEDDERS, MOWERS, POWER HARROWS . . . . . . . . CALL JBS VMEC1636 VERT. SPREADER, SAWDUST & SAND THROWER CONSTRUCTION KUB KX080-3 2011, 6,200HRS, RUBBER, THUMB, 2 BKTS . . . . . 69,800 ISLAND TRACTOR & SUPPLY LTD. DUNCAN 1-888-795-1755 NORTH ISLAND TRACTOR COURTENAY 1-866-501-0801 www.islandtractors.comISLAND TRACTOR
32 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCINSECTICIDEMultiple modes of action on your toughest pests. · Broad-spectrum, rapid insect knock-down control combined with extended residual control· Controls all damaging stages of target insects, including eggs, immatures and adults· Easy-to-use, pre-formulated mixture® CORMORAN is a registered trademark of ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Canada Ltd. Always read and follow pesticide label directions. © 2021 ADAMA Agricultural Solutions Canada Ltd.CORMORAN® INSECTICIDESerious Insect Protection Scientists learn how plants respond to heat stressSteroid hormones help protect plant proteinsFew people can forget the impact of last summer’s heat dome. The town of Lytton recorded Canada’s highest ever temperature at 49.6°C followed tragically by a devastating wildre. July 2021 was the hottest month ever documented in many places. Southern European countries saw temperatures above 45°C with an all-time high of 48.8 °C in Sicily, Italy. Climate change has been driving an increase in heat waves in greater frequency, greater duration and higher temperatures with severe consequences for people, livestock, animals and plants. Now, scientists at the Technical University of Munich have found that a special protein in plants responsible for switching certain sections of DNA on or o is regulated by a transcription factor called brassinosteriods, or BES1. Brassinosteroids are essentially a group of steroid hormones important for plant development and growth and their signalling functions will promote cell expansion and cell division. But they also have a protective ability. According to the scientists at TUM, when BES1 activity is increased, plants become more resistant to heat stress. When it is decreased, they become more sensitive to it. “Heat stress can negatively aect plants in their natural habitats and destabilize ecosystems while also drastically reducing crop harvests, thereby threatening our food security,” says Brigitte Poppenberger, a professor in Biotechnology of Horticultural Crops. To survive short periods of heat stress, plants activate a molecular pathway called the heat-shock response. It is common to all organisms and protects cells from toxic stress that damages proteins. The heat-shock response protects cells in a variety of ways, one of them being production of heat-shock proteins which work as molecular shields protecting proteins by preventing misfolding. The team worked with thale cress (Arabidopsis thaliana), a popular plant used in lab tests. Thale cress is a temperate climate plant with an optimum of 20-25°C for growth. It responds well to temperatures rising 5-10°C above optimum but, beyond that, it can suer from impaired cellular growth with negative impacts on development and reproduction. Poppenberger’s research group was able to clarify how a specic transcription factor – a special protein responsible for switching certain sections of the DNA on or o – is regulated by the brassinosteroids. This BES1 can interact with heat shock factors allowing genetic information to be targeted toward increased synthesis of heat shock proteins. To cope with sudden or extreme temperature increases, plants need to utilize the heat-shock response that Poppenberger refers to as an ancient signalling pathway that organisms used to protect their cells and maintain normal cellular and physiological activities. The group showed in their studies that BES1 is activated by heat stress and the activation is stimulated by brassinosteriods. “These results are not only of interest to biologists trying to expand our understanding of the heat shock response but also have potential for practical application in agriculture and horticulture,” says Poppenberger. She wrote in the report that plants strongly adapt to their temperature environment. Warmth accelerates growth but heat stress for all plants including crops is debilitating, threatening growth and yield, and ultimately successful crop production. Bio-stimulants are of benet to plants at all growth stages and, in some cases, they are incorporated in a variety of agricultural management systems to improve production in valuable crops such as fruits, cereals, oilseeds, corn and soybeans. Should bio-stimulants contain brassinosteriods, they can be tested for their ability to increase heat stress resistance. In addition, BES1 may prove to be a valuable target to advance breeding capabilities and develop varieties of important crops that oer greater resistance to heat stress thus ensuring reliable yields in future warmer years. Poster child of climate change From extreme heat to destructive wildres to extreme ooding, last year was one that dened British Columbia as the poster child of climate change. Everyone in the agriculture industry will be looking at the coming planting and growing seasons with a degree of caution and apprehension, wondering what the next weather system will bring. Research such as that from the Technical University of Munich sheds valuable light on how plants cope with heat stress at the cellular level and this information may well benet breeders and farmers in developing more resilient crop varieties in the future. The research was published in the EMBO Journal. Research by MARGARET EVANSYOURHelping YouWEEKLY FARM NEWS UPDATEScountrylifeinbc.comSign up for FREE today.YOURping Youpingpgpping Youc.comSignupfor
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 33Blueberry growers on the hunt for pollination optionsBees love blueberries, but finding hives is a challengeLee Gibeau, manager of beekeeping operations with the Honey Bee Centre in Surrey, has had good experiences with blueberries, but pollination isn't a slam-dunk. SUBMITTEDDrip TapetPlastic MulchtMulch layerstPTO PumpstIrrigation ReelstDiesel PumpstContact us today to place your order.www.tubeline.ca 1.888.856.6613@TubelineMFGFind us onNITRO 275RS SPREADERSACCUMUL8 & RETRIEVERBALEWRAPPERS SILAGE RAKERONDA PAYNE ABBOTSFORD – Busy as a bee could describe Craig Seale as he explores ways to provide the pollination his family’s Abbotsford farm needs. Seale is operations manager at Blueberry Junction on Huntingdon Road and attended the BC Blueberry Council’s virtual eld day last fall to see what else he could add to his trick bag. “I always try and participate in the educational sessions,” he says. “We pay ve gures a year for pollination, so it’s denitely a line item. I’d like to capture some of that for myself, but all of that comes with equipment and knowledge.” The farm placed up to 240 hives a year at its peak acreage, but even at 50 acres, it isn’t always easy to secure enough hives. There was a year when a scheduled beekeeper had all of his colonies collapse, leaving Seale to scramble for a solution. This year, Seale is considering working with Lee Gibeau, manager of beekeeping operations with the Honey Bee Centre in Surrey. Gibeau told growers attending the eld day that communication is perhaps the best tool to keep relations between blueberry growers and beekeepers running smoothly and the bees buzzing. While the Honey Bee Centre manages upwards of 5,000 hives a year – both its own and those brokered from Alberta – he suggests growers reach out to the many Prairie apiarists who remain willing to provide hives at $200 a season. “We have good experiences going into blueberries,” says Gibeau. It can be a win-win for beekeepers and blueberry growers to work together when needs are understood. Gibeau says the ability to get to the hives is critical. “For us, it’s less about the pollination aspect and more about access to the elds themselves,” he says. “We’re in there about four or ve times maintaining them.” This means elds must be dry enough for apiarists to drive in and that hives be placed in sites that support this ongoing access. “Pollination contracts are a good source of income for beekeepers and the nectar in blueberries is an early-season nutrient source for the bees,” he says. But blueberries aren’t a slam-dunk when it comes to pollination. The tight ower shape makes it a challenge for non-native pollinators like honeybees. Varieties like Duke, Draper, Elliott and Reka are easier to pollinate and Bluecrop is more dicult. “We’re starting to consider doing our own bees, of course, because the price of renting hives is becoming astronomical,” says Seale. “But, if you don’t factor in the hive loss when you’re thinking about it, then you’re a fool in paradise. There’s the possibility of getting a real kick from the honey, but [there’s a] real steep learning curve.” Taking on pollination himself is far from a done deal. Blueberry Junction has tried many options in the past such as buying bumblebees from Biobest and bringing colony nucleuses from Edmonton. Unfortunately, the nucs aren’t the best option in Seale’s opinion as they weren’t nearly as eective as more mature hives. There have been other eorts as well. “My dad, bless his heart, he tried some alfalfa cutter bees, but you can’t take something out of its natural environment, put it into yours and expect it to do the same things,” he says. “We’ve also tried mason bees.” “The rising price of bees is making it harder and harder for us and it’s driving us towards keeping our own colonies, but that’s also a tremendous amount of work,” he says. “If I can put in an extra hive and get another 10% in that section, I’m going to put that hive in. But if I’m not going to see that dierence, I’m not going to do it.”
34 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCRecently, I included the pronoun (she) following my name in my email signatures and my online events screen name. I hadn’t thought it necessary, and maybe even a bit silly, until I attended a diversity and inclusion training session held by the Central Okanagan Economic Development Commission. During the session, I learned the pronoun isn’t really about me. It’s to help the person who is communicating with me. “Myrna” isn’t the most common name so “she” means people don’t have to guess. It’s a simple example, but as the agriculture sector continues to diversify with new names and faces, it’s one we’re all likely to experience. On the heels of this, I listened to a diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in agriculture panel during the Canadian Farm Writers’ Federation annual conference last fall. Beef Farmers of Ontario has developed a DEI statement to spark conversations and a shift in the beef sector. BFO public engagement manager Jennifer Kyle says although some sectors in agriculture like food processing tend to have a lot of cultural diversity in their workforce, that’s not the case across Canada. Some members of their board recognized that if agriculture didn’t speak up on important social issues like Black Lives Matter, it could appear out of touch with customers and be left behind in society’s DEI journey. “It’s kind of easy to think that this isn’t a rural issue, but it really applies to us all,” says Kyle. It took multiple drafts and seven months until BFO had a DEI statement of values and a communications plan for release in 2021 The overarching statement is “We support all members of our community.” It includes actionable items such as: “BFO is committed to listening and learning and speaking up against prejudice and discriminatory language, behaviour and actions. BFO is committed to increased understanding of how policies and programs related to agriculture aect Indigenous peoples. We commit to working with these groups on contentious issues such as allowing agriculture use on Crown land. BFO is committed to advocating for more diversity, equity and inclusion in agriculture.” Kyle says feedback has been positive from members, industry and the broader agriculture sector, including many social media advocates from across North America. Partly due to the attention the statement garnered, BFO felt it needed to do more than proclaim its commitment to DEI. So, it hired Bloom, a Toronto-based human resources rm, to deliver a seven-week DEI training program. From May to July, 65 people, including farmers, participated in foundational sessions teaching DEI vernacular and terminology as well as sessions on anti-racism and restorative healing. Typically focused on the tech space, Bloom founder Avery Francis says she’d never worked with an agriculture organization. But Bloom went for it knowing that DEI work is about conversations. Francis stressed that who businesses hire matters but how people hire matters more. That means really thinking about increasing diversity. Kyle says BFO learned lots along the journey. As a result, the diversity committee is now a permanent xed committee. Today, it’s reviewing and updating BFO’s policies and programs. It’s also given BFO a seat at the table on other projects and initiatives. “We also learned that we have more diversity than we knew … one of our board members was a member of the LGBTQ community, and few knew that,” says Kyle. Although DEI impacts all of us and is the responsibility of everyone, she advises that DEI should start at the top of organizations/businesses, or at least have buy-in from the top. DEI isn’t once and done. It’s about change, which takes time. And even small steps make a dierence, like using “Hi everyone,” a more inclusive greeting than “Hi guys.” It’s also about acknowledging that talking about DEI is tough and doing it anyway. And knowing there will likely be resistance, much of it rooted in fear. “It doesn’t matter what you do, there’s always going to be pushback. … Our responsibility is to listen and acknowledge but we don’t always have to agree,” says Kyle. “The sustainability of our sector needs those who traditionally may have been cast as outsiders to join us. We need farmers of all types.” But it isn’t only up to organizations to change. I’m a white, heterosexual woman writing about agriculture. I believe I’m arming, open, warm and welcoming to all people, but I wanted to know. I checked my unconscious biases using an online tool at [implicit.harvard.edu]. It showed I have a minimal preference for straight people, fat people compared to thin and a more substantive preference for young people versus older people. While I wasn’t surprised by the result, bringing it to the forefront enables me to watch for my biases and choose a dierent path. As the saying goes, change starts with one person. I’m committed that it can begin with me. And if me, then maybe you, too. Marketing British Columbia to the World®www.landquest.comToll Free 1-866-558-LAND (5263)“The Source” for Oceanfront, Lakefront, Islands, Ranches, Resorts & Land in BC®CAPSTONE MOUNTAIN197 ACRES - BARE LANDBARNSTON ISLAND ACREAGE157 ACRE FARMSTEAD WITH COUNTRY HOME - BURNS LAKE, BCSKEENA RIVER RANCHTERRACE, BCLOG CABIN PUBSPENCES BRIDGE, BC732 ACRE TURNKEY BISON FARM WITH STARTER HOME - VANDERHOOF, BC2 HOMES, LARGE SHOP ON ACREAGE MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN SECHELTCHARMING CABIN AND OUTBUILDINGS TIMOTHY LAKE, BCSOUTHWEST FACING LAKEFRONT HOMECANIM LAKE, BCLESSARD LAKE RANCHANAHIM LAKE, BCSouth slopes of Capstone Mountain, 197 gorgeous acres with fabulous views of Capstone Mountain, and Moss, Skins and Ootsa Lakes all full of 昀shing opportunities. Privacy and tranquillity within lush 昀elds and trees - well suited for a home, hobby farm or retreat. $279,0004.58 acres highly productive Certi昀ed Organic farmland, with 296 ft frontage on the Fraser River. Leased to a dairy farm, getting 4 cuts of hay for silage, it is considered to be the best agricultural land on the island. A hidden gem. Live a quiet rural lifestyle, minutes from the city with great highway access. $1,095,000Looking for peace and respite only a short distance from urban convenience? This manicured ¼ section is an excellent turnkey opportunity. 157 acres of fertile farmland with a country home, outbuildings, pole barn, hay shed (with dual lean-tos), corral system, and 3 livestock waterers. $629,000World class luxurious 6,475 ft2 6 bdrm, 8 bath, timber-frame lodge crafted with the 昀nest products to be found, is a masterpiece in detail, design & décor. 305 acre ranch on the Skeena River 12 miles from the airport. Spectacular views. Ranch operators live in a separate log hous. $14,995,000This property offers opportunities: carry on with the pub business (45+ years), convert to a family restaurant, start a winery, cidery or craft brewery & grow your own fruit / hops on 6.4 acres, convert to an equestrian estate with a 4,000 ft2 log home, create a new licensed event venue 3 hrs from YVR, or … $688,000Perfect starter bison ranch with 61 head of bison included. Perimeter game fenced with 5 ft high tensile 昀xed knot page wire. Mixture of hay meadows, rough cleared pasture, coniferous plantation, and wetland. Starter home, outbuildings, greenhouse and corral system. $995,000Custom built 9-year-old 3 bedroom home with separate rental/guest home and a 32 x 48 ft workshop. Situated on 17+ acres of complete privacy surrounded by mature trees, only minutes to downtown Sechelt, close to golf course and marina. $2,200,000Recreational masterpiece located across road from Timothy Lake and only 10 minutes to Mt Timothy Ski Resort. Warm and inviting 600 ft2 2 bedroom cabin, large covered deck and various well crafted outbuildings. Fully furnished. The complete package! $429,9001.18 acre gem with165 ft of prime southwest facing low bank walk on pebble beachfront. Privacy well-treed with timber. Year-round paved access. 3,382 ft2 4-bedroom home. Lake views from the living room, kitchen and dining room. Newer high-end dock. $849,000 Priced to sell! Perfect opportunity for anyone with a self-sufficient attitude and desire, to live their off-grid dream. This private, peaceful homestead offers 650 acres and a 486 AUM range. It is surrounded by fresh water, fresh air, sunshine and endless wildlife. NEW PRICE $519,000JOHN ARMSTRONG 250-307-2100Personal Real Estate Corporationjohn@landquest.comRICH OSBORNE 604-328-0848Personal Real Estate Corporationrich@landquest.comCHASE WESTERSUND 778-927-6634Personal Real Estate Corporationchase@landquest.comRICH OSBORNE 604-328-0848Personal Real Estate Corporationrich@landquest.comROB GREENE 604-830-2020rob@landquest.comCHASE WESTERSUND 778-927-6634Personal Real Estate Corporationchase@landquest.comJASON ZROBACK 1-604-414-5577 JAMIE ZROBACK 1-604-483-1605MATT CAMERON 250-200-1199matt@landquest.comSAM HODSON 604-809-2616Personal Real Estate Corporationsam@landquest.comFAWN GUNDERSON 250-982-2314Personal Real Estate Corporationfawn@landquest.comVisit our WebsiteDiversity, equity, inclusion is an ongoing processKnowing our unconscious biases can help us choose betterViewpoint by MYRNA STARK LEADER
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 35Positive results aren’t always sensationalBut self-isolation has its benefitswww.tjequipmentllc.com 360-815-1597 FERNDALE, WA ALL PRICES IN US FUNDS2001 JD 7210 W/ LOADER, 4WD, 110 HP, POWER QUAD, 10,048 HRS, RECENT MOTOR REBUILD $46,0002013 JD 6115M 4WD, 115 HP, POWERQUAD, 5513 HOURS, 540/1000 PTO, 2 REMOTES $40,0001983 JD 4250 2WD, 133 HP, 8615 HOURS, QUAD RANGE, 2 REMOTES, 540/1000 PTO $38,5001983 IH 5488 4WD, 205 HP, 7756 HOURS, 18 SPEED PARTIAL POWERSHIFT, BIG 1000 PTO, DUALS $26,500The annual January submission for this Farm Story column has always been a little light on stories based on actual farm work performed during the writing period. Not to put too ne a point on it: the writer (me) is not doing much work and therefore must transform various aspirations, theories and distractions into story content and stretch it all to article-sized length. This year, I (the writer) am even less agriculturally active than normal as I am, if you must know, awaiting a COVID test result. I have been adjured to stay home and stay away and I am banned from the kitchen. Several books are open and on-the-go, food and drink are presented to me in completed form, and even the washing-up is removed from my potentially diseased hands. A negative result may have serious implications as the silver lining peeks through the storm clouds. Unfortunately for me, a demanding headache, a relentlessly scratchy throat, a regrettable cough and an uncharacteristic fatigue detract from the fun of it all. I suppose if it’s COVID for real, then it won’t be the usual snies. I have not been completely idle, compelled by multiple massive dumps of snow to go help clear the greenhouse roof. It sits light and uy on the tight plastic and solid frame, but I am jaded enough to know that in Pemberton, rain is never far from falling. I am out of breath after this light activity. I feel relaxed about my situation. This strikes me as ironic as my most relaxing memory of this past summer stems from that 15-minute post-vaccine observational waiting period. I fondly remember sitting there in the shade, gazing at the view of the mountains. I believe it must have been during that tiny little enjoyable weather window between the heat dome and the heat wave and mere hours before the Pemberton mosquito population absolutely blossomed. I suppose I should feel guilt or shame for the hours that passed after my dawning awareness of symptoms and the slightly more sluggish dawning awareness that my highly skilled and practiced ability to ignore discomfort and carry on with life was not something to be proud of anymore. If my son hadn’t had a sudden fever spike and a most alarming voluntary afternoon nap, I am not sure I would have bothered with a deeper investigation of my own symptoms this time either. Thusly goaded into symptom acknowledgment, and having discovered the government on-line self-assessment tool, I did what I was told to do: isolate and test. We’ll know in a few hours, I guess, although apparently the labs are very backlogged. The testing site in my little town was bustling with symptomatic customers, so Farm Story by ANNA HELMERthat’s not too surprising. My focus is not sharp, and I am achy, making this article a bit of a struggle to complete. Theoretically, I could still ignore this illness, should the need for outside farm work arise. Pushing through discomfort on a farm. Gosh, I wonder sarcastically to myself, how can I ever come up with enough words for an article on that topic. The snow seems to be accumulating again. The greenhouse will need another clearing. Can I help with that if I am a COVID case? Will the government send someone? A vacant stare and a pause in typing whilst I mentally embellish that scenario. Entertaining. Bing-bong. I have a text. The results are in. It’s easy to spot the word “positive”, inevitably in red, and the next week stretches long in front of me. Anna Helmer was inside in Pemberton, with other people doing all the work, but now everyone has it and it’s not very sensational. SweetCountry Life in BC columnist Bob Collins explains the ner points of making maple syrup to his nearly-four-year-old grandson Jack Collins, who was soon able to explain the whole process to his mother. SUBMITTED“Serving British Columbia proudly since 1946”Machinery LimitedROLLINS RToll Free 1-800-242-9737 www.rollinsmachinery.com info@rollinsmachinery.caChilliwack 1.800.242.9737 . 47724 Yale Rd W Langley 1.800.665.9060 . 21869 56th Ave Chemainus 1.250.246.1203 . 3306 Smiley Rd Kelowna 250.765.8266 . 201-150 Campion StToll Free 1-800-242-9737 www.rollinsmachinery.comChilliack 1.800.242.9737 | 44725 Yale Rd W Langley 1.800.665.9060 | 21869 - 56th Ave Chemainus 1.250-246.1203 | 3306 Smiley RdChilliwack 1.800.242.9737 . 47724 Yale Rd W Langley 1.800.665.9060 . 21869 56th Ave Chemainus 1.250.246.1203 . 3306 Smiley Rd Kelowna 250.765.8266 . 201-150 Campion StAre you READY for WINTER feeding?
36 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCThousands of BC farmers and ranchers turn to Country Life in BC every month to nd out what (and who!) is making news in BC agriculture and how it may affect their farms and agri-businesses! www.countrylifeinbc.com/subscribeCREDIT CARD # _________________________________________________________________ EXP _____________ CVV _____________ o NEW o RENEWAL | o ONE YEAR ($18.90) oT WO YEARS ($33.60) o THREE YEARS ($37.80) Your Name ____________________________________________________________________________________________ City ________________________________________________ Postal Code _______________________________________ Phone _________________________ Email _______________________________________________________________ MAIL TO: 36 DALE RD, ENDERBY, BC V0E 1V4 subscriptions@ countrylifeinbc.com Please send a _______ year gift subscription to ______________________________________________________________ Farm Name ___________________________________________________________________________________________ Address ______________________________________________________________________________________________ City _________________________________________________ Postal Code ________ ______________________________ Phone _________________________ Email _______________________________________________________________ Clay makes his intentions known to AshleyWhen we left off last time, Ashley was dressed and waiting when Clay arrived in Newt Pullman’s classic Packard to go to her graduation. He was early, but he said he had something he wanted to talk to her about before they got to the school. Rural Redemption, part 143, continues. When Clay came to the stop sign at the end of the road, he turned right. “Where are we going?” asked Ashley. “I figured we could take a drive down past the farm and go to town the long way. It will give me a chance to get the hang of this car a little better.” They turned onto the road past Hap and Edna’s. Before they got to Doug McLeod’s place, Clay swung off the road to the left and drove through the fringe of forest that led to the long field that separated the two farms. “Where are we going?” “Somewhere nice and quiet where we can talk before all the hooferaw starts.” “Hooferaw?” “Yeah, I know. Blame my mom. Whenever we got carried away when we were little, she always wanted to know what all the hooferaw was about.” “Are we coming out here to get carried away?” “I meant the hooferaw at the school and the party you don’t know about.” Clay followed the wagon track across the field to one of the big maple trees by the river. He parked in the shade. The river was summer-slow. “I love this spot,” said Ashley. “Your Aunt Edna brought Mom and Chris and I swimming here when we just moved here. It’s where we first met Mr. McLeod, before we knew he was one of our teachers. He was raking hay and he came over to get a drink and check out my mom.” “Seriously?” “Oh yeah, he totally was. Mom said he wasn’t, but she was all blushing and flustered about it.” “You could hardly blame him, I guess. I was in the same boat the first time I came across her daughter. The women in that family are hard to ignore.” Ashley gave Clay a dig in the ribs with her elbow. “So, what is the topic of this conversation you want to have” “Us.” “What about us?” “Exactly,” said Clay. “What about us? You’re graduating today and you’ll be 19 in seven months or so. I’ll be getting my ticket in another couple of months and school will be over for me. We’ve never really talked about what happens then.” “I thought you had a job waiting at that gas factory they’re building up the coast. I’m enrolled at the community college for September. I just thought we would figure it out when the time comes.” “Well, a couple of things have changed for me, Ash.” “What things? Do you still have the job?” “Yeah, if I still want it.” “Is something wrong back in Maple Creek?” “No, but there are a couple of problems here I need to deal with.” Worry came over Ashley’s face. “What problems?” “The first one is you.” “What’s the problem with me?” Clay stared into her eyes. “I’m in love with you, Ash.” There was a long moment of silence. “That might not be very much of a problem,” said Ashley, “because I’m in love with you, too.” “Are you sure about that?” asked Clay. “I’ve been sure about that for the last year and a half. I told my mom and dad after the third time you took me out.” “Wow! What did your dad have to say about that?” “He said I should stop being silly and grow up. He said guys like you were only after one thing. I told him it sounded like he was speaking from personal experience, and you weren’t anything like him.” “What about your mom?” “She said she was happy for me, but I was pretty young and I should slow down and wait to see if you felt the same way. She said how you feel in the beginning doesn’t always last. I think she was speaking from personal experience, too. When did you figure it out?” “I forced myself not to admit it until you turned 18. But there’s no point in denying it anymore.” “Are you sure it’s not just this dress? Clay chuckled and shook his head. “It’s a great dress for sure but it has nothing to do with how I feel about you.” “So, tell me then, handsome.” Clay told her again and kissed her. He pulled a box from his shirt pocket. “This is for you. Happy graduation.” It was a silver locket with her initials engraved on the front. On the back it said “With love from Clay” and the date. He helped her fasten it. “So, that’s one problem solved. What’s the other one?” Clay raised his hand and gestured to the field. “This,” he said. Ashley turned and looked down the long field. “The field is a problem?” “Sort of. I have to decide if I want it or not.” “Maybe you’ve got that tie on too tight. You’re not making any sense. Maybe we should go back to the part where you’re in love with me.” “Alright. Bear with me,” said Clay. “I’ve got two brothers who are both married and working the ranch with my mom and dad. Eventually they will take over but there isn’t much chance they could afford to give me anything, so my mom asked me if I was interested in having this instead.” “Isn’t this part of your aunt and uncles place?” “Kind of. It was all my grandparents’ place. After grandma died, it was split up between my Uncle Norm, Aunt Edna, and my mom. My Aunt Edna and Uncle Hap bought out Uncle Norm, but this 80 acres still belongs to my mom.” “Wow! Are you going to take it?” “It’s worth a small fortune but I’d never take it just to sell it off. My mom could do that without me. It’s part of the farm. But there’s more to it than that. None of my Fitzpatrick cousins are coming back to the farm and my aunt and uncle have made me an offer to stay on and take over part of the cows and quota.” “Do you want to do that?” “I’m definitely interested but I need your help to figure it out.” “Clay, I just keep my horse here. I don’t know the first thing about any of the rest of it. It’s up to you.” “Before I can figure it out, I need to know if this is somewhere you would want to stay and could farming for a living be part of that?” ... to be continued Woodshed Chronicles by BOB COLLINS
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 37FCC gives 4-H clubs a financial boostBC clubs, regions and districts to receive $13,000The “Pitt Crew” from Pitt River 4-H Lamb and Swine Club is one of 26 4-H clubs from across the province awarded $500 each by Farm Credit Canada to support club activities. SUBMITTEDFOR BAGGED or BULK ORDERSDarren Jansen Owner604.794.3701organicfeeds@gmail.comwww.canadianorganicfeeds.comCertified by Pro-Cert Organic Systems Ltd.GATORGATOR LOTTERYLOTTERYGRANDGRANDPRIZE:PRIZE:John Deere XUV 560E 4X4GATOR utility vehicleMust be 19+. Know your limit. Play within it.BUY YOUR TICKETS NOWwww.4hbc.caKATE AYERS COWICHAN – BC youth will be able to continue learning to do by doing with the help of $13,000 from Farm Credit Canada’s 4-H Club Fund. FCC announced grants of up to $500 each to 26 4-H clubs across BC in December to support program development, resource material purchases, volunteer supports or cover local event costs. The Cowichan 4-H Holstein Club was one of the appreciative BC recipients. Club leader Michelle Laszczyk looks forward to recognizing the many volunteers that make 4-H programming possible and supporting local businesses. “Throughout the year we have multiple volunteers help us with our program. We get volunteers from our community to put on demonstrations for youth in our club. For example, demonstrating how to clip a calf prior to their rst show of the year,” says Laszczyk. Volunteers also help judge projects, including public speeches and educational display boards. All club leaders volunteer their time as well. “As appreciation for the hard work and time all of these dedicated people oer, our club likes to appreciate them with a thank-you gift,” says Laszczyk. “We not only get the opportunity to recognize our dedicated volunteers but also get to support a small local business in the process by purchasing our gifts from them.” Last year the Cowichan 4-H Holstein Club had two members and one Cloverbud member. Registration opened in December for the 2022 club year. “We are hoping for a few additional members this year,” says Laszczyk. The Pitt River 4-H Lamb and Swine Club in Maple Ridge was also a 4-H Club Fund recipient. Club leader Gina Spencer looks forward to oering new club materials and experiences for members. “The support from FCC is very much appreciated as this year we are adding the beef project to our 4-H club. With the start up of the beef project there will be costs such as 4-H programming materials and stalling equipment supplies for upcoming fairs,” Spencer says. “We have ve members in our club who have committed to the project for this and we are looking forward to lots of learning!” In 2021, the club had 15 members who completed swine projects and Spencer believes that nancial support for local clubs ensures youth can continue to develop new skill sets and build relationships. “With the generous funding that FCC provides to … 4-H clubs, it opens up opportunities for the members to explore projects they may not have tried before. The investment may have a ripple eect and impact in the future of these 4-H members as well as create lasting memories in the members’ lives,” says Spencer. “My daughter had two years in the 4-H beef project with another club and it made such an impact that she went on to Olds College in Alberta to obtain an agricultural management diploma.” Spencer nods to the number of 4-H alumni, parents and friends who make club programming possible through their time and expertise. “Without our volunteers, our club would not have the success it has,” she says. The pandemic has nearly halved its membership in the Hooves and Hounds 4-H Club in Kamloops over the last couple years. This, combined with competing needs as a result of wildre and other disasters, has negatively impacting fundraising. FCC’s grant is particularly welcome. Hooves and Hounds will be putting its grant towards a variety of new projects as it looks to the future. “Our club does a lot of lessons with our horse and dog groups. So, we are going to put some of the money towards education for the kids,” says club leader Laura Paget. The group also hopes to update their its sign. “It’s been wonderful to get this opportunity because fundraising is not that easy to do anymore,” says Paget. “We are so thankful for anything we can get from outside sources.”
38 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCThis is an easy, tasty and attractive way to serve a steak dinner, with everything included, for a healthy and satisfying Valentine’s Day dinner for two. Serve with a full-avoured BC Merlot or Syrah. 10 oz. (300 g) rib or ribeye steak freshly ground black pepper chill powder ground cumin two bacon slices dab of butter 4 large mushrooms • Season tender steak of your choosing with freshly ground black pepper, plus a sprinkle each of chilli powder and ground cumin. • Cook bacon; remove from pan and pour o fat. Melt a dab of butter in the pan and add sliced mushrooms and the white part of the green onion over medium heat. Soften green onion with mushrooms, stirring occasionally. Add blue cheese to melt and add enough cream to make a sauce. Add the green bits of the green onion. Crumble or dice bacon and mix in and remove it all from the heat. • Barbecue steak to medium rare. • Slice steak. • Pile rinsed and dried spinach on each plate and top with steak slices, then top with the rewarmed bacon and mushroom mixture. • Serves two. STEAK WITH BLUE CHEESE, BACON SPINACHSteak with a special blue cheese and bacon sauce makes Valentine’s dinner for two scrumptious. JUDIE STEEVESFor your sweetieIt’s still mid-winter outside in February so any occasion is an excuse for a treat to lighten the dull days, to my way of thinking. If you raise your own beef or purchase a 4-H animal from a friend or neighbour, you probably still have a tender steak or two in the freezer. Liberate it for this delicious meal and celebrate with your favourite sweetie or anyone you love for Valentine’s Day. My sweetie is also my comrade in the kitchen, whether it’s chopping or cleaning up, and we really have fun cooking together—as well as enjoying the fruits of our kitchen labour afterwards, perhaps by candlelight. This steak recipe is ideal for a couple to make together, with one taking over the barbecue and preparing and cooking the steak, while the other makes the topping and Jude’s Kitchen JUDIE STEEVESprepares the plates with a bed of fresh, baby BC spinach leaves to receive the juicy steak slices. Dessert can be as simple as a dish of ice cream or frozen yogurt, with a couple of these heart-shaped chocolate crispy cookies on the side. I always freeze fresh BC fruit such as raspberries, strawberries, blueberries or even pitted cherries when they’re in season, for use when the snow is drifting These are not about nutrition, but they are crisp and rich and chocolatey, perfect for your favourite Valentine. They are a little bit tricky to roll out. Don't try to roll them too thin. 1 c. (250 ml) butter 1 1/2 c. (375 ml) our 1 c. (250 ml) icing sugar 1/3 c. (75 ml) cocoa • Pre-heat oven to 300° F. • Soften the butter, then cream it. • Sift our, sugar and cocoa and gradually mix into butter to form a soft dough. • Chill the dough, in thirds, if it seems too soft to roll out. • Roll out a third of the dough on a lightly oured board to about 1/8-inch thick. • Cut hearts out with a cookie cutter and put on an ungreased cookie sheet. (If decorating with coloured sugar sprinkles or candy hearts, you may wish to do so before baking.) • Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. • Cool a bit before removing from the pan. • These can be decorated with piped frosting or with candy hearts or red and white sugar sprinkles, or a combination of all those. • Makes about 36 cookies. CHOCOLATE SWEET HEARTSdown outside instead of rays of sunshine. They’re perfect in a frozen yogurt dessert at any season of the year. In fact, frozen slices of peaches, nectarines or apricots work well too, with a squish of lemon, in a yogurt dessert. Or, combine dierent fruits that go well together. Keep it local Almost all the major ingredients for this dinner, except the cocoa, can be purchased from local BC sources, so your meal can be a celebration of BC farmers as well as your loved one. It’s vital that we support local agriculture instead of regularly importing food from halfway around the globe for our daily meals: in terms of reducing our waste of energy for transportation, improving our nutrition with locally grown food, enjoying food that tastes fresher and better; and in terms of increasing the local economic impact of every dollar we spend on food by keeping it circulating in the local economy. There’s no need to go overboard by banning chocolate or coee from your diet, but you can certainly substitute apples for oranges, potatoes for imported sweet potatoes, BC lamb for New Zealand, and eat asparagus, lettuce and tomatoes when the local stu is available. Instead, think of serving local vegetables which keep well through the winter months. Think carrots, squashes, onions and Brussels sprouts until the rst spring spears of asparagus from BC elds are available – or choose greenhouse-grown local produce. Just think, it’s only a month or so until the beginning of spring, and in the meantime, celebrate the last bit of winter with a sunny celebration. 4 large mushrooms 2 green onions 2 oz. (60 g) blue cheese 2 oz. (60 ml) heavy cream baby spinach leaves crumbles of bacon and bits of green onion, to garnishWhen dining out isn’t an option, you can still dine well
COUNTRY LIFE IN BC FEBRUARY 2022 | 39ZcXjj`Ô\[j7Zflekipc`]\`eYZ%ZfdfiZXcc1-'+%*)/%*/(+C@E<8;J1),nfi[jfic\jj#d`e`dld(*gclj>JK#\XZ_X[[`k`feXcnfi[`j%),;@JGC8P8;J1),gclj>JKg\iZfclde`eZ_M[WYY[fjcW`ehYh[Z_jYWhZi$TRACTORS/EQUIPMENTREAL ESTATEWANTEDFOR SALEFOR SALEHAYSEEDBERRIESFor Tissue Culture Derived Plants of New Varieties of Haskaps, Raspberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Saskatoon Berries and Sour Cherries, Please Contact:DISEASE FREE PLANTING STOCK OF NEW BERRY CROPS 4290 Wallace Hill Road, Kelowna, BC, V1W 4B6info@agriforestbiotech.com250.764.2224www.agriforestbiotech.com NEW POLYETHYLENE TANKS of all shapes & sizes for septic and water storage. Ideal for irrigation, hydropon-ics, washdown, lazy wells, rain water, truck box, fertizilizer mixing & spray-ing. Call 1-800-661-4473 for closest distributor. Manufactured in Delta by Premier Plastics Inc. premierplastics.com Feeders & Panels that maintain their value!ROUND BALE FEEDERS BIG SQUARE BALE FEEDERS FENCE PANELS CATTLE & HORSE FEEDERSHeavy duty oil field pipe bale feeders. Feed savers, single round bale feeders outside measurement is 8’x8.5.’ Double round bale feeder measurement is 15’x8’. Silage bunk feeders. For product pictures, check out Double Delichte Stables on Facebook Dan 250/308-9218 Coldstream DON GILOWSKI 250-260-0828 Royal LePage Downtown Realty Ltd BUYING OR SELLING OKANAGAN FARM, RANCH OR ACREAGE? COURTENAY HEREFORDS. Cattle for Sale: yearling bulls and bred heifers. John 250/334-3252 or Johnny 250-218-2537.PYESTERDAY’S TRADITION - TODAY’S TECHNOLOGYMANAGERS Phil Brown 250-293-6857 Catherine Brown 250-293-6858 ccr.princeton@gmail.com www.coppercreekranch.com PRINCETON, BC Raising registered polled & horned Herefords & F1s. BREEDING BULLS FOR SALE.RAVEN HILL MEADOWS: Coneygeers bloodlines - call for seedstock. 250-722-1882. NanaimoLIVESTOCKLIVESTOCKIt’s the top linethat makes the Bottom LineBC SHORTHORN ASSOCIATION Scott Fraser, President Bob Merkley, BC Director 250-709-4443 604-607-7733MARCH DEADLINE FEB 19DeBOER’S USED TRACTORS & EQUIPMENT GRINDROD, BCUSED JD TRACTORS 60-100 HP JD 1120 TRACTOR W/LDR 14,500 JD 6505 4WD, 90 HP, LOADER AVAILABLE CALL JD 7200 4WD OPEN STATION PWR QUAD TRANSMISSION CALL JD 7810 75,000 JD620 21’ disc dbl fold 20,000 ED DEBOER 250/838-7362 cell 250/833-6699 CURT DEBOER 250/838-9612 cell 250/804-6147• ROCK PICKER converted potato harvester. Asking $2,500 • MF 12’ disc harrow, $3,500 Contact Carl 604-825-9108 or email ourgoodearth@live.com1-888-770-7333Excellent ROUND BALES, grass mix haylage. 800 lb bales. 604-220-4903Two three-year-old purebred SHORTHORN COWS, bred for March calving. Call Bob 778-240-7233.Carrie Nicholson PREC* 250-614-6766 DISCOVER PRINCE GEORGE PRINCE GEORGE & AREA SUBDIVISION LOTS: PARADISE ESTATES: R2628217; R2628221; R2629299 and more lots available in this subdivision. GLADTIDING ESTATES: R2598853; R2598860; R2599054 and more lots available in this subdivision. SAXTON LAKE ROAD: R2610535 R2610527; R2610554 and more lots available in this area. EQUESTRIAN/CATTLE RANCH. Out-standing 445 acre property w/~250 acres in hay/pasture, updated home, MLS R2604494 $1,650,000 CRANBROOK HILL 77 acres w/dev potential minutes from UNBC. MLS R2640598 $1,500,000 HART HWY 54.95 acres. MLS R2640583. $750,000. CLOSE TO DOWNTOWN 8.3 acres. MLS R2610880 $295,000 160 ACRE parcel near Fraser Lake. MLS R2610887 $294,900 310 ACRES on Leg Lake (Fort Fraser). MLS R2610870 $374,900 LARGE 5 bed/2 bath home on 1.6 acres. MLS R2601948 $350,000 74 ACRES w/ 20,000 sq ft bldg., 40 acres cultivated. MLS C8041167 $1,700,000 ESCAPE the city. Two lots in Willow River, 22,500 sq ft. MLS R2591708, $44,900 69+ ACRES ON RIVER Approx 50 acres in hay. River, road access. MLS R2569334 $785,000 RANCH PARADISE 700 acres, 5 titles, 160 acres in hay. MSL C8038028 $1,244,421 VANDERHOOF 5.15 building lot. R2575990 $64,900 55 ACRES Dev potential close to airport. MLS R2435958, $544,900 112.02 ACRES IN CITY LIMITS. Potential for development. MLS R2435725. $1,300,000 VANDERHOOF 2 homes on 160 acres (95 in hay) MLS R2615764 $899,900 TREED LOT on edge of the Fraser. MLS R2622560 $250,000 160 ACRES waiting for ideas. MLS R2622568 $ 229,900 2 LOTS IN ONE PKG! 3.55 acres residential Quesnel R2628232 $199,000 SALMON VALLEY lot w/dev potential. MLS R2640612 $275,000 80 ACRES n of Aberdeen golf course. MSL R2627943 $285,000 2 ACRES SALMON VALLEY 3 bed/2 bath mobile, RV storage, gh, MLS R2642918 $419,000NEW HOLLAND STACK LINER 1033 for sale. In working condition, does need tuning. $4500. Worn hoses replaced, new oil . Text Noah 604 7915314coNEXT MARKETPLACE DEADLINE FEBRUARY 19Call Daryl 604-855-2287SHOP & INDUSTRIAL EQUIPMENT • BIG HYSTER FORKLIFT High Lift Lumber Style, 8 ft tines extensions on propane. $5,500 • 3PH HYSTER FORK LIFT Heavy Duty attachment. $,2200. Other fork-lifts and attachments. • FORD NH by-directional Attach-ments; Fork-Lift $3500, loader silage forks/grapple $1,000 • ROAD SANDER Dump or deck mount, self contained power unit, medium size. $2,200 • BIG ROAD SANDER S/A Semi Trailer with liquid additive applicator, S/C. Power, X. VGR Airport, mint condition. $12,500 • FORD 4610 Tractor, 60HP, Narrow and low profile 2WD, Nice Cond, $11,500 • GALLION CRANE All Terran 4X4, IH diesel, extension boom with cable winch. $4,750 • AIR COMPRESSORS Various electric shop and portable diesel trailer style. $750 to $5,500 • BAND SAW for metal, used little, $750. • SHOP WELDERS $250 and up. • BELT CONVEYOR gravel/soil HD in-dustrial 50’x3’ electric on wheels. $7,500 • SCREENER Double Deck separator, belt driven, has been used for wood chip. $2,500 • LOADER ASSEMBLIES: FORD/NH 8360, CASE 56L, IH Ind, Allied 784, Tiger, etc. Call for details. • EXCAVATOR RIST A TWIST 50” cleaning bucket, NEW! $2,600. Many other buckets, call for details. • NEW SKID-STEER Bale Spear $550, Pallet Forks $950, Also used pieces. • OLDER FARM TRUCKS & PARTS Call Jim’s cell for hard to nd items If you’ve been trying to reach me on my landline, please call or text my cell 604-556-8579 LOWLINE semen for sale (registered bull). Silverhills Lowlines 250-547-6465 littlecow@telus.net3 1/2 yr old dry GUERNSEY COW w/7 month-old crossbred calf optional. 250-442-2364S2-100 LORENTZ SOLAR PUMP w/module. New. $2,740 250-442-2364FOR SALE in Osoyoos: 2 electronic cherry PACKING LINES, 1 apple pack-ing line, harvest bins, and other as-sorted packinghouse equipment. Please contact Tony for more details 250-498-7705Purebred BLACK ANGUS cow/calf pairs born in October Bull now with cows, down sizing 12 pairs to go Call Ian @ 604-316-3517 or littlecookie_1994@hotmail.com Shadynook LowlinesImprove your efciency and moderate the size of your cows with top quality Lowlines 2-year-old bulls and yearling bulls and heifers available Enderby, BC 250-833-0491 vanderspoeld@gmail.comRegistered SHORTHORN COW w/heifer calf. Ginger was born April 5/18. Calf born Jan 20/22. This will be her second heifer calf. $3,500. 250 715 6297 mhof126@gmail.comWanted: Going concern POULTRY FARM or Quota. I'm interested in pur-chasing broiler, layer, or egg hatching operation. Must be located in BC. Please contact Manny at 250-689-4119. OLD GROWTH CEDAR RAILS Antique 12' old growth cedar fence rails $1000 plus GST/100 rails Call Max 604 858 4913CUSTOM BALING 3x4 BIG SQUARES SILAGE BALING/WRAPPING ED DEBOER 250/833-6699 CURT DEBOER 250/804-6147EDVENTURE HAY SALES ENDERBYYOURHelping YouHelping Youcoucountrylifeinbc.comylifeinbc.comFARM NEWS UPDATEScountrylifeinbc.comcouADVERTISING THAT WORKS!
40 | FEBRUARY 2022 COUNTRY LIFE IN BCkubota.ca | Cross more off your landscaping to-do list with the Kubota SVL Compact Track Loader. Compact and compatible with attachments such as graders, stump grinders, box scrapers, powered rakes and post hole diggers, it digs deep and gets the job done. It's all in a day's work, from a comfortable cabin.MANY JOBS. ONE SOLUTION.1521 Sumas Way, Box 369Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6(604) 864-9568avenuemachinery.caAVE010kubota.ca | 1521 Sumas Way, Box 369Abbotsford, BC V2T 6Z6(604) 864-9568AVE010OLIVER GERARD’S EQUIPMENT LTD 250/498-2524 PRINCE GEORGE HUBER EQUIPMENT 250/560-5431 SMITHERS HUBER EQUIPMENT 250/847-3610 VERNON AVENUE MACHINERY CORP 250/545-3355 ABBOTSFORD AVENUE MACHINERY CORP 604/864-2665 COURTENAY NORTH ISLAND TRACTOR 250/334-0801 CRESTON KEMLEE EQUIPMENT LTD 250/428-2254 DAWSON CREEK DOUGLAS LAKE EQUIPMENT 250/782-5281 DUNCAN ISLAND TRACTOR & SUPPLY LTD 250/746-1755 KAMLOOPS DOUGLAS LAKE EQUIPMENT 250/851-2044 KELOWNA AVENUE MACHINERY CORP 250/769-8700 PROUD PARTNER OF