Wildfires in the area between the Okanagan and Similkameen valleys have shaped up as the biggest direct threat to BC ranchers this fire season, after last year’s intense, large-scale fires. The Keremeos Creek wildfire 21 kilometres southwest of Penticton remains classed as out of control, and at 17,171 acres is the largest blaze outside the …
Pat Bowen’s achievements recognized
The BC Grape Growers’ Association and the BC Wine Grape Council honoured federal research scientist Pat Bowen of the Summerland Research and Development Centre with a lifetime achievement award at the annual grower day, August 11, in Penticton. “Pat was instrumental in developing our industry into the internationally competitive region that it is today,” says …
Budget consultation picks priorities
The annual hearings of the province’s budget committee – formally known as the Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services – has picked three key funding priorities for the agriculture sector in the 2023/2024 fiscal year. The committee’s report, issued August 11, flagged calls for greater provincial funding of agriculture, presentations regarding the importance …
Abuse charges recommended
ABBOTSFORD – An investigation of Cedar Valley Farms by the BC SPCA has resulted in charges being recommended against the farm and key individuals in relation to documented instances of animal abuse last year. “The recommended charges will be before Crown counsel for a decision as to whether or not they will approve charges against …
BC equipment dealers merge
Two of BC’s largest farm equipment dealerships have merged. Douglas Lake Equipment Inc. and Avenue Machinery Corp. announced the merger this week via social media. The combined entity will have eight locations, and has no plans to lay off staff. “Avenue Machinery and Douglas Lake Equipment will continue operations under their respective names,” the announcement …
Young ranchers head to Penticton
BC ranchers Raelynn Blumhagen and Morgan Kitchen are two of 24 semi-finalists for this year’s Cattlemen’s Young Leaders mentorship program, an initiative of the Canadian Cattle Association. Blumhagen ranches with her family at Jaffray. A fourth-generation farmer, she is raising the fifth generation while running about 400 cow-calf pairs on 1,200 farmable acres. The semi-finalists …