Declining risk factors for highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) have prompted the BC Poultry Association to lower the industry’s biosecurity threat level from red to yellow. The decision, taken last week, is effective immediately. “While BC is no longer in an active outbreak that mandates a red-level response, risk remains elevated,” the association said in …
BCPVGA gets new general manager
BC potato growers have hired a new general manager. Jennifer Winning succeeded long-time general manager Leisa Yee in January and made initial contact with growers during the Pacific Agriculture Show in Abbotsford later in the month. Winning is no stranger to agriculture, however, having created the Food for Friends program, an initiative that connects local …
Snowpack declines – but winter’s not over
Drought isn’t top of mind for most people in the middle of winter, but staff at the province’s River Forecast Centre are keeping tabs on the snowpack, mindful of its importance to watersheds across the province. While the provincial snowpack was 107% of normal at the beginning of the year, a strong high-pressure ridge in …
Reclassification sparks farm definition debate
NANAIMO – A farm property should be taxed as a farm even if the farm operation includes value-added processing, according to a Nanaimo cidery facing a big boost to its property tax bill. Big Bang Cider sits on 17.5 acres at 1235 Nanaimo Lakes Road, a location chosen because it lies within the Agricultural Land …
BC women break barriers in agriculture
ABBOTSFORD – The Canadian Agricultural Human Resource Council (CAHRC) wants to see more women assume roles in agriculture, not only to achieve gender parity throughout the industry, but also to help reduce labour and skills shortages. The organization’s March 2025 report, From the Field to the Boardroom: Women Driving Change in Agriculture, cites Statistics Canada …
Chilliwack grower named BC-Yukon OYF
Corne Quik, co-owner of Chilliwack-based flower growers, Quik’s Farm Ltd., was named the 2026 BC-Yukon Outstanding Young Farmer on January 22 at the Pacific Agriculture Show. “I’m in business with my two brothers, Andries and Leo, and Mom and Dad are still there as well,” he said in his presentation to about 50 people. “Our …