Statistics Canada’s index of farm input costs for the final quarter of 2023 show a slight easing in British Columbia, but elevated levels versus two years earlier. Total farm inputs indexed 153.1 at the end of 2023 versus a baseline of 2012 (up 53.1% versus the baseline), down two points from the previous quarter. However, …
NEWS
Bylaws seek to silence Salt Spring roosters
SALT SPRING ISLAND – On an island that proudly features a rooster crowing contest at its annual fall fair, real roosters have ruffled enough feathers in the community that the issue has landed a local couple in court. Following a three-year campaign of complaints by the neighbours of CJ McNichol and Alia Elaraj to silence …
Haskaps hold potential for northern growers
VERNON – With limited provincial resources, haskap berry producers must forge their own paths toward business viability and success through value-added products and direct-to-consumer marketing. “I didn’t want to make a mistake and pick something that’s really hard, which is kind of ironic because I ended up with something really hard,” says Indigo Valley Farm …
Province to oversee livestock welfare
The province is poised to assume responsibility for farmed animal welfare in BC, establishing a new division within the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food to take over from the BC Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. Policing of animal welfare, including that of farmed animals, has been the statutory responsibility of the …
AI hit chick placement
A glimpse of just how hard highly pathogenic avian influenza hit the BC poultry sector last fall is seen in Statistics Canada data related to the placement of chicks and poults. Data released last week for the period through February indicates a sharp drop in placements in October and November at the height of infections, …
Veles continues with BC Veg
Natalie Veles has been reappointed as an independent commissioner with the BC Vegetable Marketing Commission. Veles was one of two independent commissioners appointed in early 2022 following a governance review that aimed for a more accountable and diverse board at the commission. Veles was selected alongside Craig Evans to serve following a competitive application process. …