2 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
Mark’s Ten Seedling Tips BY MARK MACDONALD, WESTCOAST SEEDS GARDEN WISDOM BLOG
ou’ve selected your seeds, you’ve invested in unfamiliar seed starting equipment, you’ve planted the seeds, and now the damn things are coming up! What to do?!
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Lesson One: Take it easy. Remember that seeds are just like any other embryo, and that their parents have bestowed upon them a supply of food to get them started. As seeds germinate, they use this food to unfurl their first leaf/leaves, and to pop out a tiny, rudimentary root with which to take in water and nutrients. As those first leaves unfurl, the plants will begin taking energy from the sun through photosynthesis. My approach is to lay off all fertilizers until it’s time to transplant them into their permanent growing spots. They need bright light and a steady, but moderate supply of water. Lesson Two: Watering is part of the process. If you’ve used sterilized seedling mix to start your seeds indoors (a sensible choice, in my opinion), you can rely on it to provide even
moisture and drainage of excess moisture. You want the soil to feel just moist. After some practice, you will be able to look at the soil surface and judge by its colour whether more water is needed. If not enough water is present, the soil will be a lighter colour, it will feel dry to the touch, and your seedlings will shortly begin to show signs of stress by wilting. If too much water is present, the roots of the seedlings will not have access to the oxygen that normally fills spaces between soil particles, and the plants will drown. Too much moisture can encourage the growth of mould and even the fungus that causes damping off, which is something to avoid. Lesson Three: You can’t over-apply light. The grow lights & reflectors on the market are better than they used to be. Some credit is owed to the ingenuity of marijuana growers. Keep your grow lights close to your plants (10cm / 4 3 above the top leaves) 12 to 18 hours of bright light every day. This will make the plants compact and strong. Lesson Four: Heat mats work and can shorten the germination period by several days. With tomatoes and peppers (which can be agonizingly slow sprouters), the difference is substantial. Once your seedlings sprout, take them off the mat so the soil cools down. Use the heat for germination, and then move
your seedlings to a cooler environment to slow down their growth. Stout, strong seedlings are what you’re looking for. Lesson five: Air circulation is your friend. Once seedlings sprout, remove the plastic dome. Seedlings do not benefit from intense humidity. If you leave a domed seed tray in direct sun, you can end up with a tray of steamed seedlings. Air moving around your seedlings will reduce mould and fungus, and will help strengthen the stem tissues of the plants. Lesson Six: Cats can’t help it. At least mine can’t. She loves to pull seedlings out of the trays and spit them out. Keep seedlings protected from cats, toddlers and other curious onlookers! Filling the spare space on your planting table with watering cans, pots and other objects keeps cats from investigating in the first place. Lesson Seven: Stay rational. It’s easy to become emotionally attached to seedlings, and that can interfere with both judgment and actual success with seeds. One gardener asked me in early March at what point should she be potting on her sunflowers, because they seemed to be getting big. Well, the brutal truth is that she planted them too early: By the time it’s warm enough outside to transplant them, they will be huge, with confined roots that won’t be able to develop the sturdy anchor to remain upright. My advice was to toss the plants away and plant new seeds at an appropriate time. You wouldn’t sow them indoors
before the middle of March, and that’s the very earliest. But simply discarding plants that you have grown from seed can be too much to bear for many. Emotional attachment can lead to other mistakes. Plants rarely benefit from being fawned over. It’s a useful exercise to plant 500+ of something, because you just can’t afford to fuss over them. Try not to obsess over individual seedlings. Lesson Eight: Potting on — moving one seedling into a larger container with more soil to allow for root growth. Plants are growing below the soil as well as above. Healthy roots allow mature plant to take in moisture and nutrients easily. There is no hard and fast rule about when it’s appropriate to pot on. In the case of tomatoes, you may be able to gently tip the root ball out of the existing pot and judge by the number of visible roots if potting on is called for. Handle seedlings only by the root ball. Their stems are easily bruised. Cells in a 12-cell seedling flat are much larger than those in a 128-cell flat. More room means the seedlings can stay in the 12-cell flat for two to three weeks longer than one planted in a 128 flat. If you see roots emerging from your jiffy pellet, it’s time to pot on. Those roots want to grow into more soil.
Lesson nine: Label everything. The greater the variety of seeds you are planting, the easier it is to lose track of which is which. I did this last year by carelessly mixing up some peppers at my home garden. Pepper seedlings look, for the most part, interchangeable, so I had to wait until they actually set fruit to tell them apart. So err on the side of caution and label as you go. The tenth and final lesson: Start all leafy greens indoors in trays. I like the 72 and 128-cell trays particularly for this purpose. It’s worth the effort of tediously planting a single seed per cell, and then germinating on a heat map. After the majority have sprouted, I remove the heat mat and put them in a bright, but cool room. I have a south facing sun room, but if I didn’t, I’d get some artificial light with a growlight. When they have reached the right size, I pop them out of the cells with a length of dowel, and transplant them into a prepared row. This is the most economical way of planting leafy greens. There’s no over-planting or thinning involved. If some seeds don’t germinate, let the soil mix dry out and it can be reused.
Reprinted with permission. westcoastseeds.com/ blogs/garden-wisdom/ marks-ten-seedling-tips
A DVERTISING F EATURE – T IMES C OLONIST
I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019 •
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
WELCOME TO THE 9TH ANNUAL ISLANDS AGRICULTURE SHOW “Prospering in a Time of Uncertainty” e are very excited to be hosting the show, for the first time, in the Capital Region. The Saanich Fairgrounds is a fantastic location, and both the Fair and the Capital Region have a long history of supporting agriculture. Our theme this year is “Prospering in a Time of Uncertainty”. Whether it is climate change or trade regulations, new laws or technologies, there is no doubt we are facing ever increasing change and uncertainty. That uncertainty will present challenges for some, while opening doors to opportunity for others. We have put together a conference schedule designed to educate and inform on topics such as crop and pest management, land linking, weather and climate impacts, water and waste regulations, and many others. Don’t miss this year’s exceptional keynote speaker, Leona Watson, and her discussion on young farmers, the Movers and Shakers that will break down barriers and move agriculture into the future. In addition to the educational sessions, wander through the trade show featuring over 60 exhibitors ready to show you the latest in farm equipment, professional services and
CONTENTS: Mark MacDonald’s Ten Seedling Tips .....................................................................2 President’s Message and Welcome......................................................................3 Central Saanich Welcome .....................................................................................4 Saanich Fairgrounds Welcome ............................................................................4 Farm Credit Canada Welcome ............................................................................. 6 Vancouver Island Seedy Saturday and Sunday ................................................... 7 Horseshoe Trivia ....................................................................................................7 Show Exhibitors and Map RCMP Barn...................................................................8 Show Exhibitors and Map Main Pavilion ...............................................................9 Conference Schedule: Friday, February 1.............................................................10 Conference Schedule: Saturday, February 2 .........................................................11 IAS Site Map ...................................................................................................... 12 Vancouver Island – Coast Agriculture Highlights..................................................14 Vancouver Island – Coast Agriculture Highlights..................................................15 Food For Bees .....................................................................................................16 Bee Forage Plants ............................................................................................. 17 Interesting Facts About Pumpkins ....................................................................18 Blueberry Scones Recipe .................................................................................. 19 Farm Grants Available ..........................................................................................19
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CORY VANDERHORST, PRESIDENT, ISLANDS AGRICULTURE SHOW, 2019
26 JANUARY 2019 — Brought to you by The Victoria Times Colonist in partnership with the Islands Agriculture Show. Editor: Jenus Friesen For submissions into next year’s Agriculture feature, contact Gary Johnston. Phone: 250-380-5243, email:gjohnston@timescolonist.com
support programs. We encourage everyone to attend the welcome reception on Friday afternoon to hear from local dignitaries, network with fellow farmers from across the Island, and sample some delicious local food and beverages. Thank you to our sponsors, trade show exhibitors, volunteers and attendees. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to showcase and celebrate agriculture on Vancouver Island. We hope you enjoy the show! ON THE COVER: MARSH DAISY ROOSTER THE
MIGHTY ROOSTER IS LOOKING OUT FOR
YOU AT ALL TIMES.
YOU
PUT UP WITH HIS
LOUD AND NOISY CROW, HIS BOSSINESS AND HIS NEED TO PULL YOUR FEATHERS.
HE’S
NOT
JUST A PRETTY FACE, HE WILL RISK HIS LIFE TO SAVE YOU, SO APPRECIATE HIM FOR ALL THE SWEET AND GOOD THINGS HE DOES, AND FORGIVE HIM FOR THE REST.
THE MARSH DAISY ORIGINATED IN LANCASHIRE, ENGLAND. THEY WERE
NAMED
AS SUCH POSSIBLY DUE TO THEIR ROSE COMB THAT LOOKS LIKE A
THEY
MARSH DAISY
FLOWER.
HAVE STRIKING COLOURS AND AN
UPRIGHT STANCE.
THEY
ARE GENTLE, FREE
RANGING, AND GOOD AT FLYING.
THE MARSH DAISY BREED DOES NOT MIND GETTING WET. — GETTY IMAGES COOPSANDCAGES.COM.AU/BLOG/ULTIMATELIST-CHICKEN-BREEDS/
4 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
Welcome to Central Saanich e are honoured to be hosting the 2019 Islands Agriculture Show at the Saanich Fair Grounds — the historical Saanich Fair has been held in Central Saanich on Labour Day weekend since 1867. Central Saanich is home to approximately 185 farms offering an abundance of locally grown food, hay and equestrian activities (to name a few). About 60 per cent of our land is in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR). We are committed to protecting it as part of a secure food supply for the region. A community rooted in a rich history of farming, Western style agriculture has been practiced on the Saanich Peninsula since shortly after the settlement of Victoria in 1841. Beginning in the 1860s, local food was grown to support the increasing population
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as settlers arrived. Central Saanich agriculture has, at various times, comprised many farm types, including grain, dairy, poultry livestock, tree fruit, tree seed, field flowers and bulbs, nursery and vegetable production. With changing farm economics, some farm types have declined and others have increased in number. Various agriculturerelated services, including suppliers and processors, have come and gone. The area has operated under a federal quarantine order since 1965, when the golden nematode was found in local potato fields. This restriction has had significant impacts on crops grown and produced and local equipment movement ever since. FARMING IN CENTRAL SAANICH TODAY Today, farm-direct marketing of
local produce and specialty livestock products, wineries, horse and hobby farms are increasing, while traditional largerscale commercial produce operations are being threatened by competition from international suppliers. Most recently, non-farming uses are competing more intensively for farmland (e.g., lifestylers wanting rural estates, wildlife habitat, environmental protection, recreation). PROSPERING IN A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY Despite the favourable climate, today’s farmer operators are facing a number of challenges. But farmers — new and established — are innovative, and through agri-tourism, they are attracting tourists and the local public onto their farms with the additional pull of pumpkin
patches, wedding venues, farm yoga and more. SUPPORTING OUR FARMERS Central Saanich is working to support farmers. Issues include drainage, worker accommodation and farmland protection. We pride ourselves as a farming community and highlight this regularly, along with the need to support our local farmers. We are proud supporters of the Peninsula Country Market, which brings the community out to purchase from local farmers every Saturday morning from June to October. Enjoy! We hope you are able to share, learn and be inspired here at the Saanich Fair Grounds, and we are thankful for your visit to Central Saanich. May your 2019 season be a great one!
Saanich Fairgrounds hosts the 2019 IAS 2019 ISLANDS AGRICULTURE SHOW SAANICH FAIRGROUNDS 1528 STELLYS CROSS ROAD SAANICHTON, BC V8M 1S8 Trade Show and Conference Sessions Friday, February 1, 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, February 2, 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. “PROSPERING IN A TIME OF UNCERTAINTY.” he Islands Agriculture Show is the only agricultural trade show serving the farm and food community on Vancouver Island, the Coast and Gulf Islands. The Islands Agriculture Show provides a venue for farmers, rural landowners, farm organizations, equipment dealers, service providers and the general public to learn, connect and engage. You can register at www.iashow.ca, or for more information, call Shari Paterson at: 250-748-0822.
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EVERYTHING LOOKS BETTER FROM SAANICH Saanich blends both the rural and urban on southern Vancouver Island. Welcome to this diverse community. Entrepreneurs, artists, communitybuilders, farmers and families call Saanich home. More than 110,000 people live here, and has the largest population on the Island. Saanich borders six other municipalities, including British Columbia’s capital, Victoria. Saanich’s motto is ‘Populo Serviendo’, meaning “serving the people”. Saanich works to enhance the quality of life for citizens, visitors and future generations here and in the region, and strives to live in harmony with each other and the environment, with an aim to further all citizens’ economic, physical and social well-being. www.iashow.ca
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6 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
YOUNG FARMERS DAY FRIDAY, FEB. 1 The Islands Agriculture Show is an event for all ages. Students and families are encouraged to attend to learn about local agriculture and how farms operate. Join 4H at the Islands Agriculture Show for Progressive Agriculture Safety Day on Friday, Feb. 1. This educational opportunity is available for all ages, with four safety stations set up that will cover farm, fire, animal, and electrical safety and lessons on first aid. RSVP. Register online at: iashow. Or phone: 250-748-0822. Free t-shirts and bags for registered students who attends.
YOUNG AGRARIANS LAND LEASING WORKSHOP Speaker: Arja Jones Martin Got Land? Want Land? Join Young Agrarians land matcher, Azja Jones Martin, for a session exploring the nuts and bolts of leasing land. Session 1 begins with a mini networking session, then looks at what goes into creating a solid land arrangement, including key factors in land assessment, best practices for leasing, regulations, and how to build strong relationships. You’ll come away with a solid understanding of land access resources available to support both farmers and farmland owners. Everyone is welcome – farmers, landowners, veggie growers, orchardists, apiarists, livestock farmers — the more the merrier! Bring your questions!
Farm Credit Canada welcomes you to the 2019 Islands Agriculture Show n behalf of everyone at Farm Credit Canada, welcome! FCC is proud to once again be the presenting sponsor for the Islands Agriculture Show — it’s always a great opportunity to connect. As many of you already know, FCC is more than a lender — we are an agricultural organization. We are passionate about all sectors of Canadian agriculture, agribusiness and agri-food. And we are committed to being there to support, strengthen and celebrate this industry. “One of the ways we support the industry is by working to advance the conversation around mental health,” says Michael Hoffort, FCC President and CEO. “Agriculture is a growing and dynamic industry that offers many exciting opportunities. But we also know there are times when things don’t go as expected and problems are compounded by exhaustion, a sense of isolation and not always having access to local support resources.” At FCC, we know from experience that ag producers and industry professionals are extremely resilient. To underscore the importance of resilience in our
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industry, we have brought Léona Watson in as keynote speaker for this event. We are confident her message about young farmers persisting in an ever-challenging environment will speak to many of you. But we also want to make it clear that when we hit a rough patch, we don’t have to suffer in silence. You also may have previously received a copy of the publication, “Rooted in Strength”, which we developed in collaboration with mental health experts from across the country. Additional copies are available at the FCC booth if you’d like to grab one. Our hope is this booklet can be a resource to help lift the stigma around mental health by promoting awareness, encouraging dialogue and enabling people throughout the agriculture industry to seek support if they need it. “Mental health in agriculture is an important conversation,” says Hoffort. “Our industry is rooted in strength and community. We’re all in this together.” Here’s to a great Islands Agriculture Show. Enjoy the event! The Farm Credit Canada team fcc-fac.ca
AZJA JONES MARTIN Azja is the Vancouver Island Young Agrarians Land Matcher, offering hands-on, personalized land access support to farmers who are looking for land, and landowners who would like to lease their land for farming, through the new BC Land Matching Program. Based in the Cowichan Valley, Azja is passionate about helping maximize the potential of farmland and new and young farmers establish sustainable farm businesses. Azja is co-founder of Little Mountain Farm, a CSA business which produces naturally grown veggies for about 80 families on South Vancouver Island.
Vancouver Island Seedy Saturdays & Sundays Seedy Saturdays are a remarkable phenomenon. Seedy Saturdays are fun, inexpensive events where you can swap and exchange seeds with other seed savers, attend workshops and talks, meet vendors and buy seeds from seed companies. Saturday, Jan. 26, 9 to 3 South Galiano Community Hall, 141 Sturdies Bay Rd. Guest speakers, vendors, seed library, and seed exchange/swap. Details: seedlibraryofgaliano@gmail.com Qualicum Beach Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 to 3:30 QB Civic Centre, 747 Jones St. “Seeding the Future” 10:30 a.m. Carolyn Herriot: ‘Eco-Nutrition: The Future of Food’ 12:30 p.m. Larry Church: ‘Mason Bees Through the Seasons’ 70+ participants, seed swap, master gardeners, seedy cafe, Milner Garden’s, ‘Shoots with Roots’ children’s program, door prizes & raffle. Collection of pesticides and herbicides. qbseedysaturday.ca Denman Island Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 2, 10 to 3 Community Hall, Denman Island Seed swap, Seedy Cafe, Speaker and vendors. Contact: vtimmons@telus.net Salt Spring Island Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 9, 10 to 3 Farmer’s Institute, 351 Rainbow Rd. Victoria Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 16, 10 to 4:30 Victoria Conference Centre, 720 Douglas St. Victoria’s premier seed and garden show, local organic, sustainable gardening and food security. 16 speakers and workshops, 70+ vendors and exhibitors, seed and book exchange, cafe, children’s area, door prizes. jamesbaymarket.com/SeedySaturday Mayne Island Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 16, 12 to 3:30 Mayne Island Agricultural Hall, 430 Fernhill Rd. Trade saved seeds, connect and share knowledge with other keen gardeners. Tofino Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 23,Tofino Botanical Gardens Presentations, farmer's co-op, seed swapping and hayrides!
Sooke Seedy Saturday Saturday, Feb. 23, 10 to 3 Sooke Community Hall, 2037 Shields Rd. Gear up for gardening! A one-day seed and local food growing event, showcasing seed and plant vendors, seed exchange table, educational displays. Comox Valley Seedy Saturday Saturday, Mar 2, 10 to 3 Florence Filberg Centre, Courtenay Sointula Seedy Saturday Saturday, Mar. 2, Finnish Organizational Hall Cobble Hill Seedy Saturday Saturday, Mar 9, 10 to 2 Cobble HIll Hall, 3550 Watson Ave. cobblehillfair.ca/14-events/67-seedy-saturdayis-on Port Alberni Seedy Saturday Saturday, Mar 16, 10 to 2 Char’s Landing, 4815 Argyle St. Grow Your Own. Wear your green for Saint Patrick’s Day.
HORSESHOE TRIVIA orseshoes bring more than good luck and serve as more than a tool for the backyard game. Horseshoes keep working horses’ feet healthy and safe from wear and tear while providing support and traction. Test your knowledge by seeing how many of these trivia questions you can answer correctly.
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1. A person who shoes horses is known as what? Answer: Farriers trim and apply horseshoes. 2.True or false: Attaching horseshoes to the animal is a painful process. Answer: False. The density and relative insensitivity of the hoof makes it possible to secure the shoes to the horse without causing discomfort. 3. How are horseshoes attached? Answer: A farrier may use nailing or gluing to attach the shoes. 4. Who invented the horseshoe? Answer: According to Encyclopedia Britannica, horseshoes are a Roman invention. The Roman poet, Catullus, mentioned a mule’s loss of its shoe in the first century BC. 5.What were primitive horseshoes made of? Answer: Materials included booties made from hides and woven from plants. Romans
were the first to use leather and metal in horseshoe designs. 6. How many nail holes are in a horseshoe? Answer: Seven. 7. Can a shoe help improve a horse’s health? Answer: Yes. A skilled farrier can create shoes to alleviate gait flaws and conformation issues in a horse. Conformation is the outline of a horse as dictated primarily by his bone and muscle structures. 8. How often do shoes need to be replaced? Answer: Horses tend to be shod every six weeks. If a shoe is overly worn or if the toe is overgrown, this may happen more frequently. 9. Do race horses wear horseshoes? Yes. Racing horses tend to wear shoes made of aluminum because of their light weight. Show horses also may wear aluminum shoes. The material used can be customized depending on the need of the shoe for the horse. — MC
Powell River Seedy Saturday Saturday, Mar. 16, 9:30 to 2:30 Powell River Rec Complex Duncan Seedy Sunday Sunday, Mar. 17, 10 to 2 Tentative: Si’em Lelum Gymnasium, 5574 River Rd. Campbell River Seedy Saturday Saturday, Mar. 23, 10 to 1 Campbell River Community Centre Seeds, plants, gardening expo and information. Details: K. Chappell: 250-286-5306 seeds.ca/events
1970 Keating Cross Rd. Saanich 975 Langford Parkway, Langford 5410 Trans Canada Hwy. Duncan 1-1227 Island Hwy. Nanaimo 587 Alberni Hwy. Parksville
250.652.9188 250.940.4499 250.748.8171 250.753.4221 250.248.3243
8 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
RCMP BARN 2019 EXHIBITORS
4H Safety Stations
QH
Poultry in Motion
OD
McBarleys Juice
R1
BC Agriculture Council
R2
BC Agriculture Council
R3
BC Assessment
R4
District of Central Saanich
R6
Iritex Pumps and Irrigation Inc.
R7
Agriculture and Agri Foods Canada
R14 District of North Saanich R15 BW Structures Inc R16 Leather Better R18 Alberni Clayoquot Regional District R19 Harbour City Equipment
R52
R45
R34
R27
R14
R44
R35
R26
R15
R7
R20 Harbour City Equipment R21 Harbour City Equipment R22 Harbour City Equipment
R53
Vendor R23 TD Agriculture Services Loading Door
R25 Vitazyme (Vital Grow Distribution) R26 Hi Pro Feeds R34 Tractor Time Equipment
Vendor Loading Door
R35 Tractor Time Equipment
R43 R54
R42
R36
R25
R37
R24
R16 R17
R6
R36 Southern Drip Irrigation Ltd. R38 Grober Nutrition R39 Peninsula Co-Op
R5
R40 West Coast Seeds R41 BC Agriculture in the Classroom
R55
R41
R23
R38
R18
R4
R43 Alfatec Products R44 Tractor Time Equipment
R56
R40
R39
R22
R19
R3
R45 Tractor Time Equipment R52 Small Farm Canada
R21
R20
R2
R53 Watertec Irrigation R54 Canadian Kawasaki Motors R55 Canadian Kawasaki Motors
R1 LOUNGE ENTRANCE
Kitchen 18 X 37
R56 Canadian Kawasaki Motors
A DVERTISING F EATURE – T IMES C OLONIST
I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019 •
CEDAR ROOM 2019 EXHIBITORS C1-
MNP LLP
C2
MNP LLP
C3
Bank Of Montreal
C4
Norseco INC
C5
Professional Ag Distribution
C6
South Island Prosperity Project
C7
Osborne Seed
C8
Traceability Adaption & Value Chain Programs
C9
Farm Credit Canada
C10 Island Tractor C11
Top Shelf Feeds Inc.
C12 World Tree C13 Scotia Bank
Entrance
C1
C3
C2
Entrance
C14 Country Life in BC C15 Terralink Horticulture Inc C16 BC Association of Farmers Markets C17 Cowichan Green Community (sharing booth) C17 EDC
C22
C16
C15
C4
C23
C17
C14
C5
C24
C18
C13
C6
C25
C19
C12
C7
C26
C20
C11
C8
C27
C21
C10
C9
C18 Frontlink Inc. C19 Vancouver Island Economic Alliance C20 AgSafe C21 Western Financial Group C22 Investment Agriculture Foundation C23 Evergro C24 Ministry of Agriculture C25 Ministry of Agriculture C26 Enex Fuels C27 Quality Seed West
50’
Entrance
Entrance Foyer
9
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 1, 2019
10 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: LEONA WATSON “Movers and Shakers: How Young Farmers Persist in an Ever Challenging Environment” Leona Watson is a Canadian, award-winning Olds College student who is passionate about agriculture and life. Léona has struck a perfect balance in applying the time-honoured principles she learned within her family farming roots. Her parents, the late Jean and Joanne Dargis, taught their five daughters the powerful combination of education and enthusiasm in moving not only the agricultural industry forward, but in truly living life to its’ fullest.
PRESENTING PARTNER:
FOUNDING PARTNERS:
Ministry of Agriculture
SILVER SPONSOR:
BRONZE PARTNERS:
HOST FACILITY:
I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019 • 11
CONFERENCE SCHEDULE SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 2, 2019
A DVERTISING F EATURE – T IMES C OLONIST
SAANICH FAIRGROUNDS SITE MAP
12 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
MEDIA SPONSORS:
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For more information visit www.kawasaki.ca Š2018 Canadian Kawasaki Motors Inc. Always ride responsibly. Always ride within the limits of your skills, your experience and your machine. Wear an approved helmet and protective clothing. The actions depicted here took place under controlled conditions with professional riders.
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14 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
VANCOUVER ISLAND - COAST
AGRICULTURE HIGHLIGHTS EXTRACTS FROM THE 2016 CENSUS OF AGRICULTURE – COAST AND BC MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE
FOR
FARM ENTERPRISE OF B.C.’S TOTAL CROPLAND, THE MAJORITY (64.1 PER CENT) IS IN HAY, FOLLOWED BY 29.8 PER CENT IN FIELD CROPS, 7 AND THE REMAINING 6.1 PER CENT IN FRUITS, FIELD VEGETABLES, AND SOD AND NURSERY PRODUCTS. THERE WERE NEARLY 1,600 FEWER BEEF CATTLE FARMS – BY FAR THE LARGEST DECLINE OF ALL FARM TYPES – WHILE AT THE SAME TIME, THERE WAS AN ALMOST EQUAL INCREASE (1,400) IN THE NUMBER OF HAY FARMS.
VANCOUVER ISLAND
The region produces a diversity of both crops and livestock. Crops include: forage, tree fruits, grapes, berries, field vegetables, greenhouse vegetables, nursery and floriculture. Livestock farms raise beef, dairy, hog, poultry and eggs, sheep, lamb, goats, and horses.
TOTAL LIVESTOCK RECEIPTS, FROM THE SALE OF CATTLE, HOGS, POULTRY, EGGS, DAIRY, HONEY AND OTHER ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS REACHED $1.46 BILLION.
OVER
ONE QUARTER OF BRITISH COLUMBIA’S GROSS FARM RECEIPTS ARE GENERATED BY THE GREENHOUSE AND NURSERY SECTORS.
Meet our Agriculture Services Specialist
IN 2016, B.C.
We know that farming is more than a business – it’s a way of life. We are committed to serving Canada’s farm communities by providing flexible financial solutions that let you get on with the business of farming. We’ll take the time necessary to understand your unique needs. Together we can meet today’s challenges and anticipate tomorrow’s opportunities. Michelle Curcio Account Manager Vancouver Island 250-246-0859 michelle.curcio@td.com 1-351 Tran Canada Highway, Duncan
TOTAL LIVESTOCK RECEIPTS, FROM THE SALE OF CATTLE, HOGS, POULTRY, EGGS, DAIRY, HONEY AND OTHER ANIMALS AND ANIMAL PRODUCTS REACHED $1.46 BILLION.
Brian Gordon Area Manager - Business Banking Victoria 250-507-0088 brian.gordon@td.com 1070 Douglas Street, 4th Floor, Victoria
Ready for you
PRODUCERS LED THE NATION IN FARM SALES OF BLUEBERRIES, CHERRIES, RASPBERRIES, GARLIC, APRICOTS AND LEEKS, AND RANKED SECOND IN FARM SALES OF GREENHOUSE VEGETABLES, FLORICULTURE PRODUCTS, NURSERY PRODUCTS, MUSHROOMS, GRAPES, CRANBERRIES, PEACHES, LETTUCE, PUMPKINS, PEARS, BRUSSELS SPROUTS, NECTARINES AND WATERMELONS.
B.C.’S AGRIFOOD AND SEAFOOD INDUSTRY TOPPED $14.0 BILLION IN 2016, UP 6.4 PER CENT OVER 2015. TOTAL 2016 SALES INCLUDE: PRIMARY PRODUCTION AGRICULTURE FARM CASH RECEIPTS: $3.03 BILLION. AQUACULTURE AND COMMERCIAL FISHERIES LANDED VALUES: $1.17 BILLION. FOOD AND BEVERAGE PROCESSING SALES $9.80 BILLION.
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VANCOUVER ISLAND - COAST
AGRICULTURE HIGHLIGHTS OVER 17,500 FARMS UTILIZED 2.6 MILLION HECTARES – LESS THAN THREE PER CENT OF THE PROVINCIAL LAND BASE – TO PRODUCE OVER 200 AGRICULTURE PRODUCTS. (2017)
THE TOP 10 COMMODITIES IN TERMS OF FCR IN B.C. IN 2017 WERE: DAIRY PRODUCTS; CHICKENS; GREENHOUSE VEGETABLES; FLORICULTURE; BEEF; MUSHROOMS; NURSERY PRODUCTS; EGGS; BLUEBERRIES; AND SWEET CHERRIES.
ORGANIC FARMS THERE
WERE 569 FARMS IN B.C. (2.9 PER CENT OF ALL FARMS), REPORTING CERTIFIED AND/OR TRANSITIONAL ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE IN 2011. OF THESE, 470 FARMS REPORTED CERTIFIED ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE AND 113 FARMS REPORTED TRANSITIONAL ORGANIC PRODUCTS FOR SALE (NOTE THAT FARMS COULD REPORT BOTH TRANSITIONAL AND CERTIFIED AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTS FOR SALE).
The Island’s
EXPERTS
with the Best Selection LEGISLATION INTRODUCED ON NOV. 5, 2018, MAKES IT CLEAR THAT LAND IN THE AGRICULTURAL LAND RESERVE (ALR) IS FOR FARMING AND RANCHING IN BRITISH COLUMBIA, NOT FOR DUMPING CONSTRUCTION WASTE OR BUILDING MEGA-MANSIONS. GOV.BC.CA
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Food for Bees HONEY BEE COLONIES • The number of farms reporting honey bee colonies increased 10% from 155 farms to 171 farms in 2011, but the number of colonies decreased 24% from 7,461 to 5,698 colonies. • In 2016, there were 2,640 beekeepers in the province of BC. [Stats Can] • In 2016, there were 24,906 queen bees raised in BC. Of these, 4,863 were sold. • There were 27,567 bee colonies used for contract pollination, resulting in an estimated income of $2,553,543 for crop pollination. BC Beekeeping Production Stats 2016.
The Food For Bees initiative promotes the planting of bee forage on public and private lands, to support wild pollinator populations. MOSAIC OF BEES ON FLOWERS Bees and other pollinating insects are important for the pollination of plants and food crops that produce fruits, seeds and forage for animal feed. They also play a key role in maintaining a healthy environment. Studies have shown that an abundance and diversity of nectar and pollen bearing plants enhance pollinator populations. This, in turn, supports greater biodiversity and a healthier sustainable environment. It is expected that after a few years of implementation, many areas will show increases in pollinator abundance and species diversity.
SELECTING BEE FORAGE PLANTS Some plants are highly attractive to bees because they offer pollen and nectar which bees need to reproduce, support their brood and survive the winter. These types of plants are commonly called “bee forage”. When selecting bee forage for bees, choose plants suitable for the climate, soil and water conditions. Also consider the physical environment of the planting location and its attractiveness in the landscape design. SHORTAGES OF FOOD FOR BEES During the last few decades, populations of pollinator insects have been declining, especially in agricultural areas. Since pollinators play an important role in the environment, they are regarded as “indicator species.” Declines in their abundance and
diversity signify the environment is under stress and may become unsustainable in the future. Many factors have contributed to pollinator declines, including agricultural activity, exposure to pollutants, destruction of undisturbed vegetation, habitat fragmentation, alteration of soils and ground water, and climate change. Not only have pollinators declined, the combined effects of these factors have often resulted in an overall loss of biodiversity of many local habitats. To counteract such trends, wild pollinator populations should be enhanced where possible. Studies have shown that one major contributing factor to pollinator losses is the temporary shortage of floral food sources during the summer season. Large acreages of single crops (mono-cropping) and removal of undisturbed vegetation have sharply reduced forage availability
in agricultural areas while established landscape practices in urban areas have often created local habitats void of food for bees, or ‘bee forage’. The temporary lack of forage availability results in reduced reproductive rates of wild pollinators and in some cases has led to starvation. HOW TO HELP THE BEES The Food For Bees initiative seeks the voluntary involvement of public and private institutions including provincial government, public agencies, school districts, municipalities, districts, farmers and mining companies involved in reclamation projects.The retail nursery sector is also encouraged to reach out to consumers and provide educational information about choosing bee-friendly plants. FARMERS Crop producers can effectively counteract food shortages for
wild pollinators by dedicating small strips of land along the edge of fields, along ditches and berms for the planting of nectar and pollen-bearing plants that bloom throughout the summer season. LAND RECLAMATION PLANNERS Planners in the public and private sectors who are involved in the reclamation of forestry, mining and industrial sites can incorporate plantings of indigenous and endemic plants that provide summer forage for bees, while naturalizing the site. GARDENERS & LANDSCAPERS Home gardeners and urban landscapers can include beefriendly plants into residential and commercial landscapes. www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/i ndustry/agriculture-seafood/animals-and-crops/animal-production/bees/food-for-bees
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SUGGESTED BEE FORAGE PLANTS Consider the following: • Climatic conditions as they relates to winter hardiness; • Soil quality and drainage; • Moisture during summer; • Maintenance requirements of planted bee forage (e.g. pruning, reseeding); • Esthetic quality to the local landscape; • Seasonal availability and cost.
Bee Forage Plant List The following plants are recommended selections to provide bee forage. This list is not all-inclusive; there are other suitable nectar and pollen bearing plants. Lupine Lavender Borage, Star Flower Cranesbills Geranium Bigroot Geranium Hyssop Anise Hyssop Phacelia Catmint Fuschia Onion, Chives, Garlic Butterfly Weed Bee Balm, Wild Bergamot Sweet Clovers
WEST COAST SEEDS
I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019 • 17
Cosmos Scabious Pincushion Flower Golden Rod Eryngium, Sea Holly Snapdragon Fleabane Spider Flower, Rocky Mountain Bee Plant Foxglove Artichoke Hollyhocks Verbena
Black-eyed Susan Sunflower Veronica Lavatera Cornflower Poppy Sage, Salvia Heather
HAS DEVELOPED SEVERAL WILDFLOWER BLENDS TO BUILD A SUSTAINABLE FUTURE AND HELP BUMBLE BEES: THE BUMBLE BEE BLEND AND THE BIODIVERSITY BLEND. GIVE ONE OR BOTH A TRY. YOU’LL BE AMAZED AT THE LIFE IT ATTRACTS TO YOUR GARDEN
Here’s to
WEARING OUT YOUR WORK GLOVES We’re proud to finance the people, the dreams, and the future of Canadian agriculture. Here’s to Canadian agriculture. Here’s to you. fcc.ca
FEBRUARY 12
18 • I SLANDS A GRICULTURE S HOW | F EBRUARY 1-2, 2019
Interesting facts about pumpkins alloween isn’t complete without jack-o’-lanterns, and jack-o’-lanterns can’t be made without pumpkins. Plenty of people are familiar with pumpkins, thanks to their connection to Halloween, and of course, pumpkin pie, but few may know some of the more interesting aspects of this vegetable.
H
• Indigenous to the western hemisphere, pumpkins have been grown in North America for 5,000 years. While they might be indigenous to the west, pumpkins can be grown in the eastern hemisphere as well. According to contributors to the
online pumpkin resource ‘Pumpkin Nook’, pumpkins are more popular in southern China than northern China. • History.com notes that pumpkin seeds do not have a long planting season. Ideally, seeds should be planted between the last week of May and the middle of June. This gives pumpkin lovers precious little time do their planting. Once seeds are planted, pumpkin lovers must wait somewhere between 90 and 120 days for the pumpkins to grow. That makes October a great and popular time to do some picking. • Pumpkin weighoffs have become popular events in many communities. At such events, growers of giant
pumpkins bring their largest ones to be weighed. In 2016, Belgian Mathias Willemijns grew a pumpkin that is believed to be the biggest ever grown. That pumpkin weighed an eye-popping 2,624.6 pounds. • Pumpkins support heart health. Perhaps because they’re most often associated with pumpkin pie and pumpkin-flavoured beer, the health benefits of pumpkins might go unnoticed. But pumpkins are rich in antioxidants that can help prevent damage to the eye, and the potassium found in pumpkins can have a positive impact on blood pressure. Pumpkins also are a great source of beta-carotene. Some
studies have linked diets rich in betacarotene with a reduced risk of prostate cancer. • According to ‘Fruits & Veggies — More Matters®’, a health initiative aiming to promote increased consumption of fruits and vegetables, pumpkins are fruits because they are products of the seed-bearing structures of flowering plants. Pumpkins are part of the gourd family, which means they’re closely related to fruits such as cucumbers, honeydew melons and cantaloupes.
Pumpkins are as fascinating as they are tasty, proving they are more than just a ubiquitous Halloween decoration. —MC
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Blueberry Scones The BC Farmers Market represents a community of individual farmers markets. Each market reflects the uniqueness of the neighbourhood and the diversity of their community. Here’s a recipe, courtesy of Jane Robertson and Kathy Scott of Flour Power, vendors at the North Saanich Farm Market.
Blueberry Scones Ingredients: 2 cups flour, + additional flour for kneading 1/4 cup sugar 1 tablespoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon salt 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen) 1 cup heavy cream 1 egg 1 tsp vanilla Sugar topping Cream 2 tablespoons sugar (raw/coarse sugar gives a nice crunch if you have it).
DIRECTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. 2. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in a large mixing bowl. Mix with a fork. 3. Add blueberries, toss in the flour mix. 4. Mix together the cream egg and vanilla, add to the flour mix and combine with fork until dough just comes together. 5. Using hand, knead the sticky dough in the bowl, turning and pressing the dough to incorporate the flour. 6. Turn the dough out on a lightly floured surface and form into a thick disc about 8 inches in diameter. Cut the disc into 8 wedges and place on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. 7. Paint the tops of the scones with some cream, then sprinkle with the coarse sugar. Bake 15 to 18 minutes, or until scones are golden brown. Enjoy!
bcfarmersmarket.org
Farm Grants for Winter 2019 Programs Available anadian federal and provincial governments have introduced a wide range of programs including grants, loans and other funding options for Canadian farmers and agri-business. Under current guidelines, producers of various agricultural commodities have a variety of funding options at their disposal. As an established farm owner, or new entrant into a particular sector, it is equally important to take full advantage of the programs that have been put into place by both the Canadian federal and provincial governments. Of particular interest to farmers should be the targeted programs for particular geographic areas. Some of the areas of focus for programs include the provinces of Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Manitoba, Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan and Ontario. Farmers located in the high priority areas are encouraged to apply for funding in a timely fashion. Farm grants and loans are just some of the funding opportunities that are available to Canadian producers. Farm grants and loans may be avail-
C
able for many farms in Canada. Some of the projects that are often eligible for government funding include: Equipment purchase or leasing Purchase of a new farm or farm land Building and leasehold improvements Livestock and equipment tracking Livestock and equipment financing Farm technology upgrades On-farm energy efficiency programs Farm projects to reduce environmental impact Subsidies for farm employees Agricultural R&D Farm Equipment Grants Recently funded 2019 programs have limited budgets. Applicants are served on a first-come-first-served basis. Farmers looking to capitalize on opportunities presented by the latest funding programs are encouraged to contact the Canadian Grants Business Center directly. If you would like to verify your potential eligibility for Government grants, loans or subsidies for a farm, agri-business or other enterprise, contact: farmgrants.ca Toll free: 1-888-231-00755.
PROJECT FUNDING AVAILABLE TO BC’S AGRICULTURE AND AGRI-FOOD INDUSTRY THROUGH IAF DELIVERED PROGRAMS!
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