SEPTEMBER 2019 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC


Province urges armyworm


precautions Infested hay poses a significant threat if transported


by JACKIE PEARASE ENDERBY—The province is


asking North Okanagan producers affected by Western yellowstriped armyworm to help prevent spreading the pest. In early August, BC Ministry


of Agriculture staff in Kelowna reported that a load of cut hay infested with armyworms was sold and shipped from a farm in the North Okanagan. “There was only one report


of hay being distributed and it stayed within the North Okanagan,” says BC Ministry of Agriculture entomologist Susanna Acheampong. “We were able to get the directive out to make sure we are not responsible for spreading it.” Farms in Enderby,


Armstrong and Spallumcheen were infested with the pest last season and again this spring and summer. Acheampong says the


ministry also had reports from Lumby within the breakout period in June. The first hatch of


armyworms in the North Okanagan occurred in late May, with massive outbreaks in early to mid-June.


The second hatch of the


worms was in mid-July but the number wasn’t as high as in June.


The final hatch of the


worms was expected in mid- August.


Enderby farmer Paul Eichinger said this year’s infestation was less than last year.


He noted fewer


armyworms emerged from a second hatching in July and those numbers dwindled further after a heavy downpour. Eichinger’s farm is one of


several being monitored for the pest. Traps and regular visits from a ministry entomologist are keeping tabs on the infestation. Acheampong says


producers and stakeholders formed an armyworm committee. It met after the initial outbreak in June and again in late August. “We are probably going to meet at the end of the season to make sure that we know that we have plans in place for next year,” adds Acheampong. “I think we are moving in the right direction.” With the pest currently


Feast for the eyes


Rain didn’t dampen the interest or the flavours at the 11th annual Feast of Fields Okanagan event at Caldwell Heritage Farm in Kelowna, August 11. Freddy’s Brewpub had delicious bites to complement the craft beer that they’ve been brewing for over 19 years. MYRNA STARK LEADER PHOTO


identified only in the North Okanagan, the agriculture ministry is advising producers to limit the movement of infested hay, produce, farm equipment and trucks to other parts of the province. A tip sheet has been distributed to North Okanagan hay producers as well as provincial livestock associations and the Certified Organic Associations of BC. Eichinger had not seen the ministry’s tip sheet but said


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his practices are consistent with its recommendations. He ensures his equipment is clean and hay shipments do not occur immediately after harvest. The province’s tip sheet


urges farmers: • do not move or sell hay immediately after baling, as armyworm larvae take refuge under swaths or bales;


• store bales for one to three weeks prior to transport to


allow worms to move out or die;


• inspect bales to ensure there are no worms before transporting or selling;


• inspect purchased hay for worms prior to unloading;


• clean hay equipment, farm trucks and other equipment with an air or water spray to prevent worms from travelling between farms;


• inspect equipment coming onto your property for worms.


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