War in the Middle East has delivered a generational shock to energy prices, meaning BC farmers can expect a prolonged period of higher costs not just for fuel but also for fertilizer. While much of western North America’s nitrogen fertilizers are produced locally rather than imported, Okanagan Fertilizer Ltd. president and CEO Ken Clancy says …
New leadership at AgSafe BC
Cameron Stockdale is the new executive director of provincial farm safety organization AgSafeBC, succeeding Wendy Bennett. Bennett left AgSafeBC in September 2025, following 12 years with the association, most recently as executive director. AgSafe posted an ad for a general manager in December, with applications due by January 16. Stockdale took the helm of the …
Pacific Time decision creates issues
BC’s decision to ditch seasonal time changes will leave much of BC in the dark on winter mornings, with southern BC not seeing the sun rise until at least 9:30 am. The province shifted to permanent Daylight Saving Time on March 8, with one week’s notice by Premier David Eby. The new Pacific Time zone …
Title concerns add uncertainty to land deals
WILLIAMS LAKE – An initial offering of 12 ranches totalling more than 45,000 acres by Monette Farms, one of Canada’s largest farm operators, ended without bids – a sign, according to industry sources, that uncertainty surrounding Aboriginal title is scaring off buyers. The offering of the properties last November through Ritchie Bros. Auctioneers Inc. was …
Farm finds resilience going with the grain
AGASSIZ – A family-run mixed organic farm on Seabird Island highlights the potential for grain and other crops in the Fraser Valley, and the importance of diversification to long-term resilience. “This is the start of the really fertile valley floor land that runs all the way to Delta,” says Hannah Exley, daughter of Jim Grieshaber-Otto …
Avian influenza returns
Two premises in Langley tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza this week, even as a control zone in Abbotsford was revoked after meeting post-outbreak surveillance requirements. The two premises include a commercial flock announced February 23 and a non-commercial flock on February 24. The detections move the industry back to a red biosecurity level, …