Veterinarians are the latest to complain about a shortage of skilled workers in agriculture. BC faces the worst shortage of veterinarians in Canada, according to a 2019 labour market study by the Society of BC Veterinarians. The gap is approximately 100 vets a year, affecting both small and large animal care and limiting the support …
LIVESTOCK
Metro Vancouver reconsiders targeted grazing
Goats are natural-born weedeaters, but that doesn’t make them ideal for every city. While they’ve seen service in Kamloops and other municipalities in Western Canada, don’t expect them to be controlling invasive weeds in Metro Vancouver any time soon. Metro Vancouver’s climate action committee discussed a report April 16 that noted goats are ideal for …
Poultry sector receives $86.8 million
The federal government released details April 13 of the compensation arrangement hammered out with the poultry sector for concessions granted as part of the CP-TPP free trade agreement with Pacific Rim nations. The package, worth $691 million nationally, includes up to $86.8 million for growers in BC. Payments will be made to producers over 10 …
Producers beef up support for Island cattle
COURTENAY – Vancouver Island beef producers have banded together to establish a regional affiliate of the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Vancouver Island producers have been able to join the association in the past as individual members, but the new Vancouver Island Cattlemen’s Association will give the local industry official standing alongside 17 other regional organizations. “We …
Beekeepers suffer colony losses
High winter colony losses were among the issues discussed at the semi-annual meeting of the BC Honey Producers Association in late March. “I personally lost between 80% to 90% of my own colonies this winter and I have talked to others who have had the same results and some who have had no losses at …
Province reveals abattoir changes
A newer, simpler licensing system is on the horizon for BC abattoirs. During a meeting with the Small-Scale Livestock Producers Association on March 25, the province revealed that provincially inspected abattoirs (currently holding Class A and B licences) will be consolidated within a single licence class. On-farm slaughter will be allowed across the province, unlike …