BC Tree Fruits transition continues

BC Tree Fruits Co-op has lost long-time horticulturist Hank Markgraf.

The son of orchardists and a graduate of Washington State University, Markgraf joined the co-op in May 1988.

A comment wasn’t immediately available regarding the reasons for Markgraf’s departure. However, it comes as the co-op seeks new executives to oversee its operations.

It posted an ad at the end of November for a new CEO to replace Stan Swales, who had been with the co-op for just two years. He was the co-op’s third CEO since the amalgamation of packinghouses in 2008. An ad for a successor to Warren Everton, who had served as CFO since February 2013 was posted at the same time.

The co-op has not commented on the progress of the competitions, nor announced a deadline for the selection of new leadership.

The co-op has more than 430 members across the Okanagan Valley, and received sharp criticism in a report last summer regarding the competitiveness of the tree fruit sector.

with files from Tom Walker

There was a good crowd at the Lake Country Garlic Festival and craft market in Lake Country on Sunday. This was the first time a festival has been held in the area. Hosted at Ghostly Garlic’s farm, about a half dozen garlic producers said sales were good. Brandi-Lee grows several varieties at Bessette Creek Farm at Lumby. ... See MoreSee Less

3 weeks ago

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BC SPCA is providing further information regarding inspections of commercial farming operations planned for this summer. A dozen operations -- two from each of the beef, turkey, egg, broiler, hog and dairy sectors -- will be subject to unannounced inspections, with at least two inspections set to take place by the end of August. "All specific and identifiable information is privileged and a matter between the farmer and the BC SPCA," the association reports, including instances where access is denied. The inspections are allowed under the province's Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, which authorizes the BC SPCA to enforce its provisions regarding animal welfare. ... See MoreSee Less

1 month ago

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Still would want to see the credentials of the "inspectors" - don't want just kittie cat and doggie dog lovers on my place. Other countries use people with experience in livestock , vet practices and departments of agriculture. These SPCA people seem to want to discredit the present dairy cattle inspections and farm vets already doing that job.

Do donations to the SPCA pay the agents to do these unannounced inspections?

“See And note 14:2 (Believes on reasonable grounds) “ uthority to enter without a warrant 14 (1) In this section, "critical distress" means distress in an animal of such a nature that (a)immediate veterinary treatment cannot prolong the animal's life, (b)prolonging the animal's life would result in the animal suffering unduly, or (c)immediate veterinary intervention is necessary to prevent the imminent death of the animal. (2) An authorized agent who believes on reasonable grounds that there is an animal in critical distress in any premises, other than a dwelling house, or in any vehicle, aircraft or vessel, may enter the premises, vehicle, aircraft or vessel without a warrant for the purpose of taking any action authorized by this Act to relieve that critical distress.” We are talking about “critical distress here” and also “Reasonable grounds” to enter.

If you are mad about this, i hope your farm is first on the list for inspections.

Cover cropping, nitrogen management and rotational grazing practices that offer environmental benefits and help improve soil health are eligible for funding through the On-Farm Climate Action Fund, a $200 million federal initiative that will run through 2024. Part of the Agriculture Climate Solutions initiative, the projects could lower greenhouse gas emissions by up to two million tonnes by 2024 and by one million tonnes a year afterwards. The deadline for applications is September 26. Announced in this spring’s federal budget, the funding will not be affected by a possible federal election September 20. Country Life in BC is the agricultural news source for BC's farmers and ranchers. buff.ly/2H3dK8k ... See MoreSee Less

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With yet another wave of hot weather hitting the province, the BC wildfire season remains “extraordinary," according to Mark Healey of the BC Wildfire Service. Healey addressed residents of Falkland affected by the White Rock Lake fire last night, and said this year is like nothing he’s seen in his 40 years of firefighting. “This is the most volatile fire season I have ever seen,” he said, citing the extremely dry conditions and number of communities impacted. Residents expressed concern over the lack of information provided and ongoing obstacles to using local equipment and expertise. While the BC Wildfire Service, local fire departments and police work together, the divisions and separate responsibilities of each were also highlighted during the townhall. ... See MoreSee Less

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Congratulations to Morton Serbon of Maximus Vineyard Management, Miguel Angel Fontalvo of Monte Creek Winery and Troy Osborne of Arterra Wines Canada who were all elected by acclamation during the online annual general meeting of the BC Grape Growers Association on August 9. During the same meeting, the BC Wine Grape Council filled five positions on their nine-member board, electing treasurer JP Fowler of Quails' Gate Estate Winery (member-at-large >250 acres), vice chair Ross Wise of Black Hills Estate Winery (winemaker, 20-250 acres), Severine Pinte of La Vieux Pin and Lastella wineries (winemaker, 20-250 acres), Carl Van Der Merwe from Arterra Wines Canada (vineyard > 250 acres), and Michael Abbott of Blue Grouse Estate winery as director representing areas outside the Okanagan. ... See MoreSee Less

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