24


COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • JANUARY 2018 Labour elusive for


nursery sector Survey to flesh out causes


by DAVID SCHMIDT


LANGLEY – Labour is the most critical issue facing BC Landscape and Nursery Association members, board chair Len Smit reported at the association’s annual meeting in Langley, November 29. Since it cuts across all


sectors – nursery growers, retailers and landscapers – the BCLNA has made it a priority. The association has


BC Landscape & Nursery Association president Len Smith, left, presents the Young Member of the Year Award to Keith Wildeboer of TG Nursery and Sons Ltd. DAVID SCHMIDT PHOTO


earmarked $10,000 to attend three career fairs on behalf of the industry and worked with Hort Education BC to promote the industry. In May, the BCLNA


completed phase one of a five phase labour market project. It has now begun phase two, hiring a research firm to conduct a detailed labour market survey. “The purpose of this multi-


year project is to [develop] labour force strategies that address the underlying causes” of the shortages, Smit reported. “This project is one of the


most significant projects the BCLNA has ever undertaken,” added BCLNA chief operating officer Hedy Dyck. Water remains a priority for


growers, growers chair Steven Folkerts reported. Well registration remains a concern as does minimizing water use. He noted a recent growers meeting described a sensor- based irrigation project now underway at Van Belle Nursery while a future meeting will provide assistance with the


BEHIND EVERY GREAT TRACTOR IS A GREAT TRACTOR.


Since 1989, Maxxum® series tractors have earned a reputation for longevity, reliability and


productivity. For the next generation, Case IH introduces the new ActiveDrive 8, 24-speed transmission – featuring eight powershift speeds in three electronically shifted ranges. Use the middle range for working speeds between 2.4 and 10.7 mph, without torque interruptions or range changes. The new Heavy-Duty MFD front axle – the toughest front axle ever offered on Maxxum tractors – is built to take on your toughest tasks. Ideal for beef, dairy and row crop operations, models range from 116 to 145 HP and include a 2WD option. Choose from three configurations: the ActiveDrive 4 semi-powershift transmission, new ActiveDrive 8 dual-clutch transmission, and CVXDrive™


continuously variable transmission. To learn more, visit caseih.com/Maxxum.


SEE US AT THE PACIFIC AGRICULTURE SHOW JAN 25-27 CALIBER EQUIPMENT LTD.


SEE US TODAY!


34511 Vye Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 8J7 604-864-2273 www.caliberequipment.ca


CALIBER EQUIPMENT LTD 34511 Vye Road Abbotsford, BC V2S 8J7 604-864-2273 www.caliberequipment.ca


All rights reserved. Case IH is a trademark registered in the United States and many other countries, owned by or licensed to CNH Industrial N.V., its subsidiaries or affiliates. www.caseih.com


1-866-820-7603 or 1-403-462-1975 BAUMALIGHT.COM


1-866-820-7603 or 1-403-462-1975 BAUMALIGHT.COM


technical aspects of spraying. Growers also plan to hold a workshop on the impact of upcoming increases to the minimum wage. While the BCLNA’s financial health is as well as it has ever been, treasurer Garfield Marshall noted there are dark clouds on the horizon. He noted membership numbers are stagnating, limiting available fees. More importantly, participation in the CanWest Hort show is declining, as it is at all nursery trade shows.


Award winners


Highlighting the awards was the 2017 BCLNA Lifetime of Outstanding Service Award which went to Dave Redekop of Aldergrove Nursery. Although Redekop had been informed he was this year’s award recipient, it was presented posthumously as he had passed away two weeks earlier at the age of 93. Redekop began his nursery


career in 1944 soon after establishing Aldergrove Nursery which has since grown to 75 acres and 24 employees. Redekop was “renowned” for the number of people he advised, the BCLNA noting “many learned the skills they need from Dave and started their own business.” Another major award went


to Keith Wildeboer of TG Nursery and Sons, who was named the BCLNA’s young member of the year. Earlier in the year, TG Nursery had been named the BCLNA Grower of the Year.


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52