WESTWOLD — The Salmon River watershed is a complex ecosystem. A variety of water use interests, long-term environmental impacts and minimal mitigation efforts make the river problematic. A key issue is the river’s importance as a salmon-bearing stream, which makes it especially vulnerable to regulations designed to protect aquatic life. But the watershed is also …
Okanagan egg producers chosen
Residents of BC’s Okanagan Valley will soon have two new commercial egg producers shipping to grocers, with the BC Egg Marketing Board’s recent selection of Chris Grohmueller of Armstrong and Sajid Hameed of Salmon Arm as new entrants. “Both Sajid and Chris are already well known in their communities for the quality of eggs they …
BC farmland values flat
BC land values held the course in the first half of 2023, according to Farm Credit Canada, in an October 4 report on farm land values. The mid-year update indicated a cautious approach to land purchases and spending generally, which FCC chief economist JP Gervais credit with slower demand and, in turn, appreciation. “With higher …
Foreign worker compliance up
National farm groups have welcomed the results of an Employment and Skills Development Canada report indicating a 94% compliance rate with employment regulations and standards by employers participating in the Temporary Foreign Worker program (TFWP). “We are proud of our members’ track record with the TFWP compliance,” says Ryan Koeslag, executive vice-president with Mushrooms Canada, …
Prepare your orchard for extreme weather with a cooling system
SPONSORED CONTENT According to a University of British Columbia research team, “We learned that an average orchard typically loses around 10 percent of their yield in a regular year due to heat damage, causing a financial loss of almost $1,000 per acre. However, after losing up to 25 percent of their yield last year because …
Apple crop down, quality up
BC’s apple harvest is in full swing, and early estimates indicate a slightly smaller crop but high-quality fruit. Overall production is expected to be down about 10% this year, thanks in part to a 5% decline in acreage as well as weather. The growing season in the Interior started about two weeks later than usual …