Growing Opportunities

August 2023 - Issue 18

AG COORDINATOR UPDATE

It's August, and let's just say it has been a challenging summer. Between the twin emergencies of wildfires and drought, there have been a lot of conversations about how to manage the pasture and crop shortage. Many producers have found innovative ways to water animals when the usual sources have dried up. The rain has been a welcome relief and has helped with the wildfire situation, but unfortunately does not make up for the unseasonably dry weather in May and June.

This newsletter is focused on some of the resources and programs intended to support producers as they make management decisions in preparation for winter and next year's growing season.

Access to Feed Program

The BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food is funding an Access to Feed program that is being administered by the BC Cattlemen's Association (BCCA). The Access to Feed program is available to producers throughout British Columbia. The BCCA are working with the BC Dairy Association, BC Forage Council, and the BC Horse Council to make sure information about the program is communicated widely. This is an information resource program, at this point there is no funding available to assist with shipping and/or feed costs. The BCCA website has the Access to Feed program information on its main page.

Beneficial Management Practices Program

The Beneficial Management Practices program administered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC (IAF) is open and receiving funding applications. This program has cost-share funding available for producers to do on-farm equipment or infrastructure projects. There is also money for people to complete management plans (e.g., nutrient management) and or technical/engineered designs (e.g, stream crossings). The Beneficial Management Practices program guide has information on eligibility criteria, general policy information, and details for specific project applications. Two intakes are open right now: Management Plans, Technical Assessments & Engineered Designs, and Riparian, Grazing & Water Infrastructure projects. Other funding windows will open as we move into fall (see program website).

A reminder that anyone who wants to apply for programs administered by IAF needs to be registered in the client portal. Go to the main IAF website to register for the portal, check out other funding programs, and to get their contact information if you have questions or need help.

Veterinary Services for Producers Survey

The Regional District of Bulkley-Nechako has been collaborating with other stakeholders to advocate for a variety of solutions that would ultimately increase veterinary service capacity for our region. Two provincial ministries have been engaged throughout this process, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills and the Ministry of Agriculture & Food. In March of this year, the Ministry of Post-Secondary Education and Future Skills announced that they have permanently doubled the number of subsidized seats for B.C. veterinary students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatchewan (more information here).

Recently, the Chief Veterinarian's Office at the Ministry of Agriculture & Food distributed a survey with the following information:

"The B.C. Ministry of Agriculture and Food is collecting information to inform their understanding of the availability of veterinary services for food animal producers in different regions of the province. We are asking food animal producers to participate in a survey to help the Ministry make informed choices that deliver needed results.

The survey will take about 10 to 12 minutes to complete and is open to all food animal producers in the province. Results will be analyzed and combined with other information (veterinarian interview, reports) and reported in aggregate to preserve anonymity.

The survey will be open until September 15, 2023. A link to the survey can be found here."

Summer Successes!

Farmers' Markets Around the Region

Farmers' Markets around the region are going strong. The RDBN has been attending markets throughout the season, distributing FireSmart and other emergency information, and doing market takeovers. Some Farmers' Markets are participating in the BC Farmers' Market Nutritional Coupon Program again this year - such a great program for getting local food out into the community!

Our Communities!

One thing that we noticed this summer is how across the region, people held our community fabric in place throughout the summer. Different governments worked together to manage the wildfire events, local organizations held, and are planning, agriculture events where people can gather to share their experience and stories, and individuals have stepped forward when needed to help out.

Upcoming Events

104th Annual Bulkley Valley Exhibition

August 24 – 27, 2023 at the Fall Fairgrounds in Smithers.

104th BVX 2023

BC Livestock, Vanderhoof Regular Sale

Next sale is August 25, 2023.

BC Livestock

BC Forage Council Field Day: Tatalrose Lake Ranch Demonstration Site

Check out relay annual cropping and various electric fencing and livestock watering systems.

Register

Please let us know what you'd like to see in the next Growing Opportunities eNewsletter!

Megan D'Arcy, Agriculture Coordinator
Phone: 250-692-0783
Email: megan.darcy@rdbn.bc.ca