OLIVER – When wildfires get out of control, the consequences for people, livestock and property can be devastating. Having a livestock evacuation plan is critical to saving time and possibly lives. The Animal Lifeline Emergency Response Team (ALERT) Society is a volunteer organization based in the South Okanagan that’s ready to respond and animals need …
NEWS
Greenhouse growers propose infrastructure project
The BC Greenhouse Growers’ Association (BCGGA) has ongoing concerns around the availability of good, clean water for our greenhouses. During the water shortage and drought in the summer of 2015, agriculture minister Norm Letnick was quoted in the August issue of Country Life in BC saying that “commercial greenhouses and other large agricultural water users …
Accident claims safety advocate
QUESNEL – It was a sunny Friday evening as Mike Bailey, a long-time advocate of farm safety, was driving a tractor with equipment attached along Hwy 97 south of Quesnel. A pick-up truck driven by his wife, Katina, followed to ensure separation from other motorists. Shortly after 5 pm, a Greyhound bus bore down on …
Viewpoint: Ranchers work ‘dam’ hard for the public’s benefit
The one thing we can be certain about with water is that we will either have too much or not enough! While we have seen some extreme flooding and overabundance of water flows in the province this spring, we can almost bet that come the heat of the summer, we will have a shortage of …
Richmond sets large limit on farmhouse size
RICHMOND – Richmond council’s decision to permit farmhouses up to 10,764 square feet without having to seek a variance didn’t come without a fight. During two long nights of public hearings in May, presenter after presenter spoke out against council’s bid to allow homes in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) double the 5,382 square feet …
Small farm expo postponed
SURREY – Organizers of a new educational forum for small lot growers have cancelled the June event and are rescheduling for April 2018. The event promised two days of learning sessions and exhibits for the modern homesteader and while the educational program filled in quickly, organizers found exhibitors and other partners needed more lead time …