COUNTRY LIFE IN BC • AUGUST 2018
Forage action plan nears
completion Wildlife tops list of challenges for producers
by TOM WALKER SMITHERS – The province is
developing a forage action plan for private land, BC Cattlemen’s Association members heard at their annual general meeting in Smithers in June. “Our goal is to increase and improve the quality and quantity of forage on private land,” BC Ministry of Agriculture livestock specialist Geneve Jasper told ranchers. Seven regional
engagement sessions have been held across BC to date. Agriculture staff have reviewed local data and practices in other jurisdictions. Industry reps and regional agrologists were interviewed and an online survey completed. “We wanted to establish
background and identify challenges, priorities and areas for action,” says Jasper. “Forage is our biggest commodity by area in the province.” In 2016, 78% of farm
acreage in BC was in forage and pasture, including tame pasture and land seeded to alfalfa, corn for silage and forage for seed. BC forage production fed 776,000 livestock animals in the province that year, including beef and dairy cows, sheep, lambs and goats, horses, llamas, alpacas and bison. Across the province, more than half of producers regularly test their forage for protein, dry matter and minerals the online survey found, while about the same number conduct regular soil testing. “But we still have a lot of
producers who do not regularly test either their forage crop or their soil,” notes Jasper. Some 70% have adopted
new forge management techniques such as grazing systems, but financial costs
limit innovation. Wildlife challenges
Wildlife is the top challenge forage producers across the province face, she says.
“Every region noted this as
an issue, whether it was waterfowl, ungulates or bears,” she explains. Other challenges include
the availability of water and suitable, fairly priced land for growing forage, as well as climate and weather changes. “Drought conditions are becoming more common, as is too much water at certain times, such as we have seen this year,” she says. The survey highlighted the challenge of controlling invasive plants, pests and diseases on forage land. “It’s evolving as a
significant challenge across BC,” says Jasper. “There is a lack of monitoring, and producers would like to see more of a focus on future
See FORAGE on next page o Forage accounts for more farm acreage than any other crop in BC. HEART OF THE VALLEY PHOTO
• BEEF • VEAL • BISON • LAMB • GOAT • DEER
29
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ANGUS TIME
September 29th AGM, Williams Lake October 6th Shades of Autumn
Production & Prospect Sale, Houston October 13th
BC Elite Female Sale, Prince George
BC ANGUS GOLD SHOWS August 29th
September 7th - Burns Lake
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