ABBOTSFORD – Production volumes are rising as BC hazelnut orchards mature following replanting with varieties resistant to Eastern Filbert Blight. “We’re about 10 years in after replanting … and we’re starting to see a lot of good yields,” says Steve Hope, co-owner of Fraser Valley Hazelnuts in Chilliwack, who delivered the hazelnut market outlook during …
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Summer school cultivates future farmers
CHILLIWACK – There’s a high school in Chilliwack where summer school has a waitlist. “Every year, we have students transfer into our school to take the ag program,” says Sardis Secondary School agriculture program teacher Joe Massie. “And we have 100 high school students signed up for [the summer program]. We also have 40 elementary …
Apple commission vote underway
BC apples growers should know within two weeks whether or not a proposed apple marketing commission will move forward. A vote on the proposal was announced in late May, and is set to conclude later this month. “The vote closes at midnight on July 14, and unless there is an extension, the results should be …
New nursery specialist appointed
The landscape and nursery sector has a new specialist at the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food. Metro Vancouver regional agrologist Drew Bondar has taken over the role, formerly held by Karina Sakalauskas, who was appointed specialist for field vegetables and potatoes last fall. “We are pleased that Drew put his hand up to step …
Comeau reappointed to milk board
BC Milk Marketing Board chair Janice Comeau has been reappointed to the role for a third term. Comeau’s current term expires July 31, but a June 27 order in council reappointed her to a third term expiring July 31, 2027. “We look forward to her continued leadership as she helps guide the industry forward to …
Shrinking cattle herd drives prices to record highs
CRANBROOK – North America’s cattle markets are largely explained by simple supply and demand. When there are lots of cattle available, ranchers receive lower prices. When the herd size is smaller, prices trend higher as the market competes for a lower number of animals. This cycle repeats every 10 to 12 years in the cattle …