BC Climate Change Adaptation Program

Agricultural water management in a changing climate
2021-11-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free webinar will highlight projects in Delta and Kootenay & Boundary regions that are implementing proactive strategies for increasing agricultural water resilience. Changing precipitation patterns and average temperatures are resulting in hotter and drier summers, increasing the water needed for healthy crops and livestock while reducing the available water supply.
This session is the last in a four-part series by CAI discussing ways climate change is impacting BC farmers and ranchers and sharing resources and research that enable adaptation.
Presentations will include:

Strategies for improving water conservation on farms — lessons from the Kootenay & Boundary region: Andrew Bennett, Living Lands Agroecology
Modelling, monitoring and sharing salinity data for agricultural water management in Delta: Leisa Yee, Delta Farmers’ Institute, and Andrew Nadler, Peak HydroMetSolutions

When & where

Tuesday, November 9, 2021
10-11 a.m. Pacific Time
Online via Zoom — a link will be shared after registration

The webinar will be recorded and posted to the CAI YouTube channel after the entire series has wrapped up. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when the recording has been published.

Investigating crop suitability for changing climate conditions
2021-11-02 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free webinar will discuss tools, from phenological models to on-farm research trials, that can support decisions about crop selection. Crop selection is an important strategy for adapting to new climate conditions as well as improving resiliency as weather becomes less predictable.
This session is the third in a four-part series by CAI discussing ways climate change is impacting BC farmers and ranchers and sharing resources and research that enable adaptation.
Presentations will include:

Tools and tips for doing your own on-farm crop trial research: Catherine Tarasoff, Agrowest Consulting
How phenological models for BC wine grapes can lead the way for choosing crops and varieties for a changing climate: Dr. Elizabeth Wolkovich, University of British Columbia

When & where

Tuesday, November 2, 2021
10-11 a.m. Pacific Time
Online via Zoom — a link will be shared after registration

The webinar will be recorded and posted to the CAI YouTube channel after the entire series has wrapped up. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when the recording has been published.

Monitoring and supporting pollinator populations in a changing climate
2021-10-26 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free webinar will highlight approaches to strengthen knowledge of regional pollinator populations and crop-climate-pollinator interactions. Pollinators play an important role in seed and fruit production as well as crop yield and quality.
This session is the second in a four-part series by CAI discussing ways climate change is impacting BC farmers and ranchers and sharing resources and research that enable adaptation.
Presentations will include:

Where’s the baseline? Quantifying pollinator biodiversity in BC’s central interior: Aija White, University of Northern BC
Using iNaturalist to engage citizens in pollinator and beneficial insect monitoring on Vancouver Island: Bonnie Zand, Bonnie’s Bugs IPM

When & where

Tuesday, October 26, 2021
10-11 a.m. Pacific Time
Online via Zoom — a link will be shared after registration

The webinar will be recorded and posted to the CAI YouTube channel after the entire series has wrapped up. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when the recording has been published.

Managing changing pest pressures in a changing climate
2021-10-19 10:00 - 11:15 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free webinar will highlight the challenges of changing pest populations and provide examples of collaborative efforts to improve pest management. As average temperatures warm and seasonal conditions become more variable, the risk of damage to agricultural production from insects, diseases, weeds and invasive species increases.
This session is the first in a four-part series by CAI discussing ways climate change is impacting BC farmers and ranchers and sharing resources and research that enable adaptation.
Presentations will include:

Regional agricultural pest monitoring in the Peace: Talon Gauthier, Peace Region Forage Seed Association, and Keith Uloth, BC Peace Pest Monitoring
Increasing pest monitoring and IPM practices on Vancouver Island: Bonnie Zand, Bonnie’s Bugs IPM
Developing IPM guides with small-scale and diversified growers: Marjolaine Desseareault, E.S. Cropconsult

When & where

Tuesday, October 19, 2021
10-11:15 a.m. Pacific Time
Online via Zoom — a link will be shared after registration

The webinar will be recorded and posted to the CAI YouTube channel after the entire series has wrapped up. Subscribe to our newsletter to find out when the recording has been published.

Creating a resilient range unit: Day 2
2021-09-22 09:00 - 16:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
These free field days will share information about how to create a more resilient range unit.
Tour range livestock watering developments in the Cariboo and learn about considerations for water developments and the planning process.
Day 2 will feature a solar power water development and provide information about steps to calculate available forage and plan for a water development. Participants can also attend an optional social lunch at Riske Creek’s Burger Barn. Day 1 will feature a gravity-fed water development.
Lee Fennel will deliver a special presentation about solar watering systems.
When & where

Wednesday, September 22, 2021
9 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Meet at Big Lake Community Fire Hall

You are welcome to RSVP for one or both days.

Creating a resilient range unit: Day 1
2021-09-21 14:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
These free field days will share information about how to create a more resilient range unit.
Tour range livestock watering developments in the Cariboo and learn about considerations for water developments and the planning process.
Day 1 will feature a gravity fed water development. Day 2 will feature two different sites, including a solar power water development, and an optional social lunch.
Lee Fennel will deliver a special presentation about solar watering systems.
When & where

Tuesday, September 21, 2021
2-4 p.m.
Meet at Highway 20 – Baliffe Road Junction

You are welcome to RSVP for one or both days.

Monitoring pests, pollinators and beneficial insects on Vancouver Island
2021-06-10 19:00 - 20:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This webinar will explain how to document pests, pollinators and beneficial insects impacting agriculture on Vancouver Island. Gaining information about these species will increase understanding about how to respond to new threats and protect species that may be disappearing.
When

Online
Thursday, June 10, 2021
7-8 p.m. Pacific Time

Okanagan agriculture wildfire preparedness information exchange
2021-06-10 09:00 - 10:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This interactive webinar session will give producers the opportunity to hear from and speak with representatives from the BC Wildfire Service, the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen, Search and Rescue, and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
Discussion items include:

Wildfire communication news for the agriculture sector
Wildfire outlook for 2021, presented by the BC Wildfire Service
Wildfire mitigation activities planned by the BC Wildfire Service and Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen
What happens during a wildfire emergency
Timeline of actions and coordination between organizations
Roles and responsibilities
Understanding evacuation stages
Temporary access permits and what you need to know during an evacuation

When & where

Online via Webex
Thursday, June 10, 2021
9-10:30 a.m. Pacific Time

To register, follow the link below and select “Emergency Management EOC” in left column. Then choose Agriculture Wildfire Preparedness Info Exchange from the centre column. Before the event, you will receive the webinar link, with telephone option. Email the organizers for more information.

Scheduling and monitoring: irrigate better with Bruce Naka
2021-06-09 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
Join irrigation specialists Bruce Naka and Andrew Bennett to discuss ways to save money and optimize irrigation on your farm.
This session starts with the soil and root systems to calculate how much water you’ll need and when to apply it, followed by an introduction to the basics of automation and soil monitoring to really make the most out of your investment in land, seed and equipment, and your time.
When & where

Online
Wednesday, June 9, 2021
6:30-7 p.m. Pacific Time – guest speaker
7-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time – Q&A

East Kootenay agriculture wildfire preparedness information exchange
2021-06-03 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Edmonton)
What
This interactive webinar session will give producers the opportunity to hear from and speak with representatives from the BC Wildfire Service, the East Kootenay Emergency Program and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries.
Discussion items include:

The East Kootenay Emergency Program’s 2021 wildfire preparedness activities for the agriculture sector and rural residents
Wildfire outlook for 2021, presented by the BC Wildfire Service
Wildfire mitigation activities planned by the BC Wildfire Service and Regional District of East Kootenay FireSmart program
Planned fuel treatments
What happens during a wildfire emergency
Understanding evacuation stages and temporary access permits
Roles and responsibilities
Preparing your farm/ranch/property for a wildfire emergency

When & where

Online via Zoom
Thursday, June 3, 2021
9:30-11 a.m. Mountain Time

To register, follow the link below. Before the event, you will receive the webinar link, with telephone option. Email the organizers for more information.

Emission design: irrigate better with Bruce Naka
2021-05-26 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
Join irrigation specialists Bruce Naka and Andrew Bennett to discuss ways to save money and optimize irrigation on your farm.
This session looks at delivery equipment, from subsurface drip to wheelmoves to pivots and guns, comparing differences in efficiencies, application rates, uniformity, labour, maintenance and cost.
When & where

Online
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
6:30-7 p.m. Pacific Time – guest speaker
7-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time – Q&A

Pipe design: irrigate better with Bruce Naka
2021-05-12 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
Join irrigation specialists Bruce Naka and Andrew Bennett to discuss ways to save money and optimize irrigation on your farm.
This session takes the mystery out of sizing lines and laying out laterals to meet your farm’s needs based on principles of hydraulics.
When & where

Online
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
6:30-7 p.m. Pacific Time – guest speaker
7-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time – Q&A

Road map for a sustainable agricultural weather monitoring network in BC
2021-05-12 09:30 - 10:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This webinar shares findings from a comprehensive report — Roadmap for Sustainable Agricultural Weather Network in BC — that provides a roadmap for establishing and maintaining a BC agri-weather network, including:

The status of meteorological monitoring within BC
An assessment of baseline coverage of agricultural areas
Guidance for an operational structure that builds on existing assets
Tangible action items for improving weather monitoring and tools for agriculture in BC

When & where

Online
Wednesday, May 12, 2021
9:30-10:30 a.m. Pacific Time

Watch the replay on ACARN’s YouTube channel.

Bulkley-Nechako & Fraser-Fort George — BC farm and ranch wildfire preparedness support
2021-04-29 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver)
What

Training for wildfire and emergency response staff or planners on how farm and ranch operations are impacted by, and can prepare for, wildfire. Participants will leave the training better able to help agricultural operations complete wildfire plans and implement risk mitigation activities.
The workshop will provide an overview of the Farm & Ranch Wildfire Plan guide and workbook.
Who should attend

Wildland fire management agency staff
Fire department staff
Emergency management staff
Rural or urban planners and managers
Wildland Urban Interface specialists
Local FireSmart representatives

Participants must have a baseline level of knowledge and training regarding wildfire, such as FireSmart 101.
When & where
This free training is a virtual, all-day event, broken into morning and afternoon sessions.
Sessions are also being held for three other regions.

Irrigation anatomy: irrigate better with Bruce Naka
2021-04-28 18:30 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
Join irrigation specialists Bruce Naka and Andrew Bennett to discuss ways to save money and optimize irrigation on your farm.
This session introduces the A to Z of irrigation, from intakes and wells, through the maze of components for ideal pressure, flow, and water quality, out to headers, laterals, and emission systems.
When & where

Online
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
6:30-7 p.m. Pacific Time – guest speaker
7-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time – Q&A

Wildfire preparedness workshop for farmers and ranchers — Part B
2021-04-27 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
Part B of a two-part lunchtime workshop series for farmers and ranchers that will highlight potential wildfire risks to agricultural operations and the measures producers can take to prepare for and mitigate those risks.
The sessions will also cover key content in the Farm/Ranch wildfire guide and workbook.
Workshop B will cover:

Key considerations for risk reduction on agricultural properties, such as reducing combustibles, using fire resistant materials, and planning for sprinkler protection, including best practices unique to agriculture
Livestock protection planning
Employee and visitor evacuation planning, including for operations with multiple properties, seasonal workers and agritourism
Safety and legal considerations when burning
Insurance considerations and damage assessment and recovery after a wildfire

When & where

Online
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Part A: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Part B: Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Both sessions are highly recommended, but we welcome you to register even if you are only able attend one of the sessions.

Livestock surface water risk and forage assessment for BC range
2021-04-27 08:30 - 09:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This four-part series provides the tools to evaluate livestock surface water risk and increase forage access under changing climate conditions. These webinars will introduce a method for assessing the climate change risks to surface water sources and explain how to apply this process to water and range use management and planning.
Participants should plan to commit to attending all four live sessions as the content builds on what was covered in the previous session. In the case of unavoidable absences, recordings will be made available to registered participants immediately after the live session to allow them to catch up on any missed material before the next session.
When & where

Online
8:30-9:30 a.m. Pacific Time
Tuesday April 27 & Thursday April 29
Tuesday May 4 & Thursday May 6

Watch the replays on the ACARN website

Thompson-Okanagan — BC farm and ranch wildfire preparedness support
2021-04-22 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver)

Wildfire preparedness workshop for farmers and ranchers — Part A
2021-04-20 12:00 - 13:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
Part A of a two-part lunchtime workshop series for farmers and ranchers that will highlight potential wildfire risks to agricultural operations and the measures producers can take to prepare for and mitigate those risks.
The sessions will also cover key content in the Farm/Ranch wildfire guide and workbook.
Workshop A will cover:

Why a farm/ranch wildfire plan is important, understanding wildfire threat and impacts, and agency and producer roles during a wildfire
An introduction to resources available for planning and preparation
Steps to create a custom Farm/Ranch Wildfire Plan, including developing operational maps for planning and communication and inventories for livestock, response equipment and resources and water sources

When & where

Online
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Part A: Tuesday, April 20, 2021
Part B: Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Both sessions are highly recommended, but we welcome you to register even if you are only able attend one of the sessions.

Vancouver Island — BC farm and ranch wildfire preparedness support
2021-04-08 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver)

Kootenay & Boundary — BC farm and ranch wildfire preparedness support
2021-03-04 09:00 - 14:30 (America/Vancouver)

Climate adaptation research for BC agriculture
2020-12-07 09:00 - 2020-12-09 17:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free conference provides three days of webinars and workshops to discuss the latest research for agriculture adaptation in BC, from pests to soil to data collaboration.
Sessions include:

Applied research webinars for berry and vegetable producers
A keynote presentation from Dr. Hannah Burrack of North Carolina State University about managing spotted wing drosophila
Interactive workshops to discuss issues such as collaboration in pest research, a provincial agri-weather network and Indigenous perspectives on agriculture adaptation research
A student research forum

This is the fifth annual provincial workshop on adaptation research for BC agriculture organized by ACARN.
When & where

All virtual, on Zoom
Two morning sessions each day, starting at 9 a.m.
Two afternoon sessions each day, starting at 1 p.m.

Learn more and register

Water authorizations and dam safety overview
2020-10-20 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free event is fourth in a webinar series, Water Management Best Practices: Strategies for Dryland Farms, to help producers improve water management practices.
Presenters include:

Ed Bryson, dam safety office
Rebecca Collier, water authorizations

The series is part of a project to help producers in Bulkley-Nechako & Fraser-Fort George adapt to warmer and drier summer conditions.
When & where

Virtual, on Zoom
Tuesday, October 20
6-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time

To learn more and register, email Serena Black.

Weather and climate data tools for on-farm decision-making
2020-10-20 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This webinar introduces some of the weather and climate-informed tools available to support climate change adaptation at the farm level in BC.
Presentations include:

BC Decision Aid System
BC Application Risk Management tool
BC Peace Weather-Agri Network

This free webinar is part of the Climate & Weather Data series by ACARN.
When & where

Virtual, on Zoom (recording available afterward)
Tuesday, October 20, 2020
10-11 a.m. Pacific Time

Learn more and register

Forage crop and variety selection for dryland farmers
2020-10-13 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free event is third in a webinar series, Water Management Best Practices: Strategies for Dryland Farms, to help producers improve water management practices.
Presenters include:

Mike Witt, Witt Precision Ag

The series is part of a project to help producers in Bulkley-Nechako & Fraser-Fort George adapt to warmer and drier summer conditions.
When & where

Virtual, on Zoom
Tuesday, October 13
6-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time

To learn more and register, email Serena Black.

Building soil carbon and soil tilth for water conservation
2020-10-06 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free event is second in a webinar series, Water Management Best Practices: Strategies for Dryland Farms, to help producers improve water management practices.
Presenters include:

George Powell, AgForInsight

The series is part of a project to help producers in Bulkley-Nechako & Fraser-Fort George adapt to warmer and drier summer conditions.
When & where

Virtual, on Zoom
Tuesday, October 6
6-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time

To learn more and register, email Serena Black.

On-demand cloud computing and open source technology
2020-10-06 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This webinar will provide a tour of ClimateEngine.org and ClimateEngine.com, two platforms that can support access to data relevant to the BC agriculture sector. This free webinar is part of the Climate & Weather Data series by ACARN.
When & where

Virtual, on Zoom (recording available afterward)
Tuesday, October 6, 2020
10-11 a.m. Pacific Time

Register now

Agriculture and water cycle: Agroforestry for water conservation
2020-09-29 18:00 - 19:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free event is first in a webinar series, Water Management Best Practices: Strategies for Dryland Farms, to help producers improve water management practices.
Presenters include:

George Powell, AgForInsight

The series is part of a project to help producers in Bulkley-Nechako & Fraser-Fort George adapt to warmer and drier summer conditions.
When & where

Virtual, on Zoom
Tuesday, September 29
6-7:30 p.m. Pacific Time

To learn more and register, email Serena Black.

Canadian climate data portals and new agriculture module
2020-09-22 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
A new agriculture module is the latest addition to national climate data portals. This free webinar, part of the Climate & Weather Data series by ACARN, introduces the portals and data available.
Presenters:

Prairie Climate Services Centre at the University of Winnipeg
Elaine Barrow, Senior Climate Advisor, Environment and Climate Change Canada

When & where

Virtual, on Zoom (recording available afterward)
Tuesday, September 22, 2020
10-11 a.m. Pacific Time

Learn more and register

Field day: Sorghum Sudangrass trial
2020-09-02 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Edmonton) | Morrison Ranch, 6895 HaHa Creek Road, Wardner, BC, Canada
What
Attend this free field day to learn how to easily measure yield and conduct your own on-farm trials.

Join a discussion with Dr. Catherine Tarasoff and rancher Tyler Morrison to look at the yield results of a Sorghum Sudangrass trial. The trial is comparing two different varieties of Sudangrass at high and low seeding rates under dryland conditions.
COVID-19 reminders:

KBFA is following Health Canada and Worksafe BC recommendations.
All activities are hosted outside in a spacious setting.
Participation is limited to 20 people to maintain a two-metre distance.
Coffee will be available, but food will not be served.
Stay home if you don’t feel well.

This event is part of a project delivered under the Farm Adaptation Innovator Program.
When & where

Wednesday, September 2
10 a.m. – noon Mountain Time
Morrison Ranch @6895 HaHa Creek Road, Wardner

Register now
