Kootenay & Boundary — BC farm and ranch wildfire preparedness support
2021-03-04 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.

Vancouver Island — BC farm and ranch wildfire preparedness support
2021-04-08 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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Climate adaptation research for BC agriculture
2021-12-07 09:00 - 2021-12-09 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This virtual workshop will feature discussions on major climate change issues affecting the agriculture sector:

Extreme heat and drought
Wildfire risk and recovery
Carbon sequestration on agricultural lands

Each topic will be the focus of a three-hour morning session, including presentations and panel discussions with producers, researchers and other experts, to explore pathways forward for adaptation and mitigation.
This is the sixth annual provincial workshop on adaptation research for BC agriculture organized by ACARN.
When and where

December 7-9, 2021
Each morning from 9 a.m. to noon, Pacific Time
Online via Zoom — a link will be shared after registration

Climate adaptation research for cattle and forage resilience
2021-12-14 09:00 - 16:00 (America/Vancouver) | Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel, 225 Lorne Street, Kamloops, BC, V2C1W2, Canada
What
This free, in-person workshop will bring together farmers and ranchers, researchers and government representatives for a day of collaborative discussions focusing on resilience for BC’s cattle and forage sectors.
Topics will include adaptive management for cropping and water management, linking adaptation and carbon sequestration, and future research needs.
This session is part of the annual Climate adaptation research for BC agriculture workshop organized by ACARN.
When and where

Tuesday, December 14, 2021
9 a.m. – 4 p.m. Pacific Time
Sandman Signature Kamloops Hotel in Kamloops, BC
Breakfast and lunch will be provided
Space is limited and proof of COVID-19 vaccine is required by the venue

Delta | Farm flood preparedness workshop
2022-01-25 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
Update: This event is now a virtual, interactive workshop happening over two morning sessions.
A free workshop for Delta farmers to:

Increase their understanding of potential flood scenarios for their operation
Identify the areas and infrastructure on their farm that are most vulnerable to floods
Begin to populate a flood preparedness plan using the Farm Flood Readiness Toolkit

The workshop will be led by Chris Marsh, an emergency management professional with over 25 years of public service and public safety experience.
When and where

Day 1: Tuesday, January 25

Delta’s flood risk and response, assessing risk and asset vulnerability

Day 2: Thursday, January 27

Options for protecting assets, evacuation and relocation of livestock and farm workers

9:30-11 a.m. Pacific Time, each day
Online

Sessions will be interactive and will not be recorded.

Soil health indicators and on-farm measurements
2022-01-26 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free, interactive webinar will provide information about why soil water infiltration is an indicator of an agricultural soil’s physical properties and how to measure progress over time.
Speakers will include:

Jamie Haynes, forage producer and rancher in Rock Creek
Dr. Tom Pypker, soil scientist, hydrologist and associate professor at Thomson Rivers’ University
Dr. Catherine Tarasoff, research scientist and university educator working to support producers carry out their own on-farm research

The session will include an overview of an on-farm research template to support adequate water infiltration.
When and where

Wednesday, January 26, 2022
10-11:30 a.m. Pacific Time
Online via Zoom

Check out two other events that support on-farm research: seeding rates and how to design your research.

Seeding rates and on-farm measurements
2022-02-02 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free, interactive webinar will provide information about seeding rates and what strategies to use to measure success.
Speakers will include:

Wayne Ray, forage producer in Vanderhoof
Tyler Morrison, forage producer and rancher in Cranbrook
Dr. Catherine Tarasoff, research scientist and university educator

The session will include an overview of an on-farm research template to test new crops, as well as a guide to conducting on-farm research.
When and where

Wednesday, February 2, 2022
10-11:30 a.m. Pacific Time
Online via Zoom

Check out two other events that support on-farm research: soil health indicators and how to design your research.

Okanagan | Farm flood preparedness workshop
2022-02-08 09:30 - 11:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
Update: This event is now a virtual, interactive workshop happening over two morning sessions.
A free workshop for Okanagan farmers to:

Increase their understanding of potential flood scenarios for their operation
Identify the areas and infrastructure on their farm that are most vulnerable to floods
Begin to populate a flood preparedness plan using the Farm Flood Readiness Toolkit

The workshop will be led by Chris Marsh, an emergency management professional with over 25 years of public service and public safety experience.
When and where

Day 1: Tuesday, February 8, 2022

Okanagan’s flood risk and response, assessing risk and asset vulnerability

Day 2: Thursday, February 10, 2022

Options for protecting assets, evacuation and relocation of livestock and farm workers

9:30-11 a.m. Pacific Time, each day
Online

Sessions will be interactive and will not be recorded.

How to design your own on-farm research
2022-02-08 10:00 - 11:30 (America/Vancouver)
What
This workshop will support producers to work through their ideas about on-farm research and introduce them to the following resources and tools:

Testing new crops
Using mulches to reducing water use
Improving soil health with water infiltration
Conducting on-farm research

The workshop will be facilitated by Dr. Catherine Tarasoff of AgroWest Consulting
When and where

Tuesday, February 8, 2022
10-11:30 a.m. Pacific Time
Online via Zoom

Check out two other events that support on-farm research: soil health indicators and seeding rates.

Pest management for vegetable growers
2022-02-16 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free, interactive, online workshop offers small-scale vegetable growers an opportunity to learn about pest management frameworks using real examples that can be applied to the specific needs and concerns of individual farms.
The session will cover:

Six key components of integrated pest management (IPM)
A problem-solving tool for disease-pest identification
Guiding questions to aid in management decision-making
Q&A time

The workshop will be led by Marjolaine Dessureault and Dru Yates, IPM specialists with E.S. Cropconsult Ltd., who will also guide participants through IPM guides for small-scale farmers they developed in collaboration with BC growers over the last two years.
When and where

Two options:

Wednesday, February 16, 2022
Tuesday, March 1, 2022

9 a.m. to noon Pacific Time
Online via Zoom
Capacity is limited to 30 participants for each session

Sessions will be interactive and will not be recorded.
To register on Eventbrite, click on the date above that you wish to attend.

Pest management for berry growers
2022-02-23 09:00 - 12:00 (America/Vancouver)
What
This free, interactive, online workshop offers small-scale berry growers an opportunity to learn about pest management frameworks using real examples that can be applied to the specific needs and concerns of individual farms.
The session will cover:

Six key components of integrated pest management (IPM)
A problem-solving tool for disease-pest identification
Guiding questions to aid in management decision-making
Q&A time

The workshop will be led by Marjolaine Dessureault and Dru Yates, IPM specialists with E.S. Cropconsult Ltd., who will also guide participants through IPM guides for small-scale farmers they developed in collaboration with BC growers over the last two years.
When and where

Wednesday, February 23, 2022
9 a.m. to noon Pacific Time
Online via Zoom
Capacity is limited to 30 participants

Sessions will be interactive and will not be recorded.
