ARMSTRONG—Rules replacing the Agricultural Waste Control Regulation kick in October 1, but producers should take steps now to ensure they’re in compliance. The province unveiled the Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice (AEMCoP) in February. Come October 1, producers need a risk assessment if they plan to apply manure or other nutrients to land located …
Province extends deadline for meat consultation
MERRITT—The province’s latest bungle in the seemingly endless consultations on meat processing in the province have added yet another note of frustration to the voice of Julia Smith. Smith, president of the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association, is baffled at the province’s reasoning for not including industry in a request for feedback from local governments about …
Minimize the risk of corn silage fires
ENDERBY—AgSafeBC urges farmers to inform themselves on the risks of corn silage fires. The organization is working with the BC Ministry of Agriculture, BC Dairy Association, WorkSafeBC and relevant fire departments to determine the reasons behind five incidents of smouldering corn silage in the eastern Fraser Valley in September 2018. Two of those episodes were …
Oregon hazelnut optimism inspires BC growers
ALBANY, OR—Close to 900 hazelnut growers attended the annual Nut Growers Society of Oregon, Washington & BC (NGS) summer tour in Albany, Oregon on July 31. The event included a bus tour, seminars and a trade show that attracted growers from all three jurisdictions, including members of the BC Hazelnut Growers Association (BCHGA). The highlight …
Maan Farms keeps the focus on family
ABBOTSFORD—It’s a familiar story in Abbotsford: an immigrant family needed to find jobs and became berry growers. Gradually, the next generation got involved, then the next. While all this is true for Maan Farms, the way the Maan family is going about growing their business to encourage the next generation to farm is anything but …
Soda Creek social highlights land-matching
SODA CREEK—Puddle Produce Farm owner and operator Brianna van de Wijngaard partnered with Young Agrarians to host the first Cariboo land social on August 11. The event included a farm tour, potluck social and a discussion of farming on leased land. The gathering was designed to provide an overview of the Young Agrarians’ land matching …