The PRFA had a jam-packed year! Learn all about it Dec 1st

2024 WAS A SPARK-LING YEAR!!

With 2 NEW Projects, the SEPT Soils Series and several other amazing Events, the PRFA has lots to share about what’s been going on in 2024.

Hear all about it on Dec 1st at the Tower Lake Hall.

Curious about what is going on with these Fire Wagons, Fire Schools and using Prescribed Fire for brush control?  Take in an the amazing keynote presentation prior to our AGM (Dec 1st).

   

What has the PRFA been up to in 2024? Come to the Tower Lake Hall on DEC 1st to hear all about it.

With 2 NEW Projects that started this year and several amazing Events, the PRFA has lots to share about what’s been going on in 2024.

Please register at: https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/dec-1st-agm-and-keynote-presentation-on-fire-in-the-peace/

   

Also take-in an amzing keynote presentation regarding Fire prior to our AGM (Dec 1st).

Please Express your Interest in any of our Fire Related Activities for 2025

Have an interest in Fire Schools (Wildland Fire Training), Prescribed Fire or advertising on our Fire Wagons?

Please let us know, by clicking on the following link and selecting the appropriate “Expression of Interest” tickets.  This will help us make a good plan for 2025 and keep you informed.  peaceforage.bc.ca/event/expression-of-interest-for-fire-related-activities/

 

Fire Related Activites for 2025:

1a) Fire Schools: Wildland Fire Training provides (1) training on how to fight fire safely and (2) knowledge of fire and fire behaviour.  The Training includes I100, S100 and S185 which are all the basic courses required by BC Wildfire Service standards.   Prior to training, participants will complete a short online course and take a brief online exam (open book) to obtain their I100.  During the 2-day training, participants will be in-class (1st day), in the field (2nd day) and will complete written, oral and field exams.

1b) Intermediate Fire School: Intended for people who already received Wildland Fire Training and are able/willing to step into a leadership role during rural wildfire emergency responses.  This training will include concepts around guard construction, initial attack and working with heavy equipment.  Participants will also increase their understanding of the Incident Command Structure (ICS) and language employed during an emergency response.

2) Prescribed Fire Participation: In order to take part in an Prescribed Fire during the late winter or early spring of 2025, participants must have previously attended a Fire School (Wildland Fire Training).

3) Sponsorship and Logo Promotion on Fire Wagon Trailer: Display your logo on our Fire Wagons.  Fire Wagon #1 and #2, are Wildfire Structural Protection Trailers and will be used throughout the Peace Region to support wildland firefighting in Rural Areas of the Peace Region.

Cattle Feed Balancing Training – last chance to register

Learn about how to use CowBytes software to balance feed rations with cattle nutritionist Barry Yaremcio.

CowBytes Training, Oct 24th, from 9am-4pm in FSJ (Pomeroy Hotel).

Please bring your laptop (necessary) and feed test results (optional).

Hands-on, practical & go home with a ration built for your operation.  Barry will teach the software program and formulate rations with participants.

For more info & to register go to: https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/cowbytestraining/

Want to make sure your cows are getting all the nutrients they need from the feed you have?

Learn about how to use CowBytes software to balance feed rations with cattle nutritionist Barry Yaremcio.

CowBytes Training, Oct 24th, from 9am-4pm in FSJ.

Please bring your laptop and feed test results (optional).

Hands-on, practical & go home with a ration built for your operation.  Barry will teach the software program and formulate rations with participants.

CowBytes ration-balancing software allows beef cattle producers to formulate their own feed rations. Producers can input various combinations of feed and byproducts at different prices to reduce feed costs while meeting animal production targets.

Register @ https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/cowbytestraining/

Want Training in Cattle Ration Balancing?

SAVE THE DATE: Oct 24th (9am-4pm), FSJ

CowBytes training with cattle nutritionist Barry Yaremcio.

Hands-on, practical and go home with a ration built for your operation.  Barry will teach the software program and formulate rations with participants.
Please bring your laptop & feed test results.   FREE CowBytes software included in the training for all participants.
CowBytes ration-balancing software allows Canadian beef cattle producers to formulate their own feed rations.

Interested in Building a Dugout for Livestock Watering?

Dugout Field days in the South Peace October 3rd, and the North Peace October 4th   for livestock producers looking to build a dugout (or dugouts) for livestock watering purposes (or anyone looking to build a dugout for water storage).

Please use the following link to register: https://submit.digital.gov.bc.ca/app/form/submit?f=836af7a0-8745-4c78-8b05-ec8d805ce8a3

If you have any questions please feel free to contact Brenna Schilds (250-224-6053c, 250-795-4101w, Brenna.Schilds@gov.bc.ca)

Tonight at 6pm: Cover Crops & Supper at South Peace Grain (please register)

Tonight: Cover Crops & Supper at 6pm in Dawson Creek (South Peace Grain).

RESULTS will be shared from cover crop trials completed in Fairview, AB.
Soil health benefits from cover crops will be discussed as well as how cover crops can fit into livestock operations.
Speakers from Peace Country Beef and Forage Association (PCBFA) and Cover Crops & Co.
FREE FOR MEMBERS.

CBC Story features PRFA Fire Wagon’s and member Jack Thiessen

CBC story on last week’s FIRE WAGON reveal and Pasture Walk featuring prescribed fire on pasture.
https://www.cbc.ca/listen/live-radio/1-429-what-on-earth/clip/16088446-raising-cattle-fighting-wildfires.-some-ranchers-all.
 
Funding for the prescribed fire project:
This project is supported by the Government of Canada under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, the Canadian Cattle Association and the BC Hydro Agricultural Compensation Fund.
 
Funding for the Structural Protection Units (or Fire Wagons as we call them):
We gratefully acknowledge the financial support of the Province of British Columbia through the Ministry of Agriculture and Food.

Aug 20th: Grazing Series, New Meeting Location

LOCATION UPDATE:  Here is a pin to where you will turn off the Siphon Creek Road to access the pasture (https://maps.app.goo.gl/taky1dhkDH1FWvJr8) and the pin to the NEW pasture meeting point (https://maps.app.goo.gl/F7hzzcmXs1tktAyv7).   Where you turn off the Siphon Creek Road is approximately 1/2 a mile south and 1/2 a mile west of their yard site, which was the old meeting location.
Join us tomorrow (Aug 20th) for an evening PASTURE WALK AND TALK regarding grazing based on plant growth and continuous forage rejuvenation.
7pm at Ben Harrington & Tara Holme’s near Cecil Lake. The event is free for PRFA members! For more info, maps and to register go to:

Aug 20th: Grazing based on plant growth & continuous rejuvenation

Join us next Tuesday (Aug 20th) for an evening PASTURE WALK AND TALK regarding grazing based on plant growth and continuous forage rejuvenation.
7pm at Ben Harrington & Tara Holme’s near Cecil Lake. The event is free for PRFA members! For more info, maps and to register go to:

Fire Wagon 1: Revealed for Peace Region Producers

FIRE WAGON #1 was revealed on Tuesday evening (Aug 13th).  Nadia Mori (PRFA) and Sonja Leverkus (Northern Fire WoRx & Shifting Mosaics) described how they applied for and obtained funding for “Fire Schools and Fire Wagons” to provide ranchers/farmers in the Peace Region with training and access to top notch gear to protect their properties.

Jack Thiessen discussed how training & access to the equipment in these trainers gives local ranchers/farmers the ability to react quickly to wildfire in their community. Since ranchers/farmers are often the first boots on the ground, access to training & gear will help them be part of the solution to protecting their homes & livelihoods.

Special thank you to the Thiessen family for providing the delicious refreshments & snacks.

Please also check out our third evening of the AUG Grazing Series (Aug 20th) and our final evening (Aug 27th).
#bcagri #peacecountry #bcfarmers #bcbeef #peaceregionlivinglab

TONIGHT: Fire Wagon REVEAL & Learn About Prescribed Fire to Control Brush

Join tonight (Aug 13th, 5:30pm) for a REVEAL of our incredible FIRE WAGON (Wildfire Structural Protection Trailer).  Also learn about the benefits of Prescribed Fire (Rx) to control brush on pastures.

5.30pm Meet at Jack Thiessen field site (pin for location: https://maps.app.goo.gl/wrixLUoGhG4YDE69A)
6pm Trailer walk-through & refreshments
6.30pm Wildfire Response Trailer Overview with Q&A
7.30pm Wildfire protection through prescribed fire
8pm Pasture walk on prescribed fire site
9pm WrapUp

For more information, maps and to RSVP(Members)/REGISTER(Non-Members) please go to: https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/auggrazingseries2024_aug13/

Please also check out our third evening of the series (Aug 20th) and our final evening (Aug 27th).

 

 

Registration OPEN for SEPT Soil Workshops

During September the PRFA will be offering a Soil Workshop Series on Sept 10th, 17th and 24th.
Come to one day or all three.

If you are interested in learning about soil types, matching forages to soils and managing weeds these soil workshops are for you!

Please go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/events/ to REGISTER.

 

Using Prescribed Fire to Control Brush and Fire Wagon REVEAL

Join us next Tuesday (Aug 13th) at 5:30 for a REVEAL of our first FIRE WAGON (Wildfire Structural Protection Trailer).

Around 7pm Jack Thiessen will discuss the benefits of using Prescribed Fire (Rx) to control brush on pastures and we will walk through a prescribed fire completed this spring.

For more information, maps and to RSVP(Members)/REGISTER(Non-Members) please go to: https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/auggrazingseries2024_aug13/

Please also check out our third evening of the series (Aug 20th) and our final evening (Aug 27th).

 

 

Forest to Pasture by Logging & Intensive Grazing

The first week of the AUG Grazing Series was held at Glenn Hogberg’s on Tuesday (Aug 6th).
He showed us a quarter section that was logged over 20 yrs ago and then converted to pasture through intensive rotational grazing.
We also looked at his gravity fed watering system, which feeds water from a dugout to several tanks in the pastures.
The group also stopped at a manure composting area to see how Glenn puts his piles in long, narrow windrows to make it easy for him to flip & fluff the piles to add oxygen which speeds along the composting process.
For more information on this evening pasture walk & talk please check out an article in our upcoming fall newsletter, which will arrive in our member’s mailboxes mid October.
Not a member? Please consider purchasing a membership online to receive our quarterly newsletters and monthly emails that keep you up to date on the events we are holding and our R&D projects.
Next week the AUG Grazing Series is at Jack Thiessen’s near Buick.  Starts at 5:30pm. Our first FIRE WAGON will be showcased (Wildland Sturctural Protection Trailer) and then Jack will discuss using Prescribed Fire (Rx) to deal with brush.  We will also look at a prescribed fire completed this spring (April 2024).
  

AUG GRAZING SERIES: starts Aug 6th at Glenn Hogberg’s near Progress

Join us next Tuesday (Aug 6th) for the first of four evening sessions in August.

Glenn Hogbert will be discussion long-term aspen regrowth suppression and pasture watering systems.

For information, maps and to register please go to  https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/auggrazingseries2024_aug6/

 

The second evening (Aug 13th) is at Jack Thiessen’s near Buick (5:30pm start) where Jack will be discussion controlling brush with prescribed fire and we will be revealing one of the two FIRE WAGONs.  For more info, maps and to register, please go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/auggrazingseries2024_aug13/

The third evening (Aug 20th) is at Ben Harrington & Tara Holme’s near Cecil Lake where Ben & Tara will be talking about timed grazing based on plant growth and continuous forage rejuvenation.  For more info, maps and to register, please go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/auggrazingseries2024_aug20/

The fourth evening (Aug 27th) will be a Supper & Social at South Peace Grain in Dawson Creek with disucssions on cover crops and how they can fit into livestock operations.

How is the Peace Region Living Lab different than regular research?

Perspecitves from Agriculture and Agrifood Canada researchers Jesse MacDonald (Science Coordinator for the Peace Region Living Lab) and Dr Shabtai Bittman (Co-Principal Investigator for the Peace Region Living Lab).

 

 

The Positive Effect of Agriculture on Greenhouse Gases

 

For more information on the PRFA sites & how the PRFA is part of the Peace Region Living Lab go to:
For more information on the entire Peace Region Living Lab (PRLL) Project go to: https://peacelivinglab.ca/about/
For more Peace Region Living Lab (PRLL) videos go to the PRLL YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@peaceregionlivinglab

How Agriculture Can Help Sequester Carbon

For more information on the PRFA sites & how the PRFA is part of the Peace Region Living Lab go to:
For more information on the entire Peace Region Living Lab (PRLL) Project go to: https://peacelivinglab.ca/about/
For more Peace Region Living Lab (PRLL) videos go to the PRLL YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@peaceregionlivinglab

How did Agriculture Soils Develop in the Peace Region?

Dr Kristin Hannan shares her science perspective on how agriculture soils in the Peace Region developed.

For more information on the PRFA sites & how the PRFA is part of the Peace Region Living Lab go to:
For more information on the entire Peace Region Living Lab (PRLL) Project go to:
For more Peace Region Living Lab (PRLL) videos go to the PRLL YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/@peaceregionlivinglab

Summer Tour: NOW June 20th

Our Annual Summer Tour will be featuring 3 producers in the South Peace near Pouce Coupe and it will now be held on June 20th.

If you already marked June 13th on your calendar, please cross it out and mark “Summer Tour” on June 20th.

Topics will include: fertilizing hayfields, corn as livestock feed, off-grid summer water, a stock dog demo with Dennis Gellings, and more.

For more details and to register please go to: https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/summertour_june20th/

2 Seats Now Available for April 26-27th Wildland Fire Training

2 Seats just became available for the April 26-27th Wildland Fire Training at Arras Fire Hall (previously sold out).
Register at https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/wildlandfiretraining_april26-27/

A few seats are up for grabs for the April 27-28th Wildland Fire Training at Arras Fire Hall (west of Dawson Creek).
For more info and to register, please go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/wildlandfiretraining_april27-28/

 

Why is Rotational Grazing Beneficial?

Producer Josh Stobbe shares why it is beneficial for him to invest the time to move his cows more frequently.

How can livestock help build good soil?

Watch this short video featuring member Josh Stobbe describing how livestock are great nutrient recyclers on pasture.

NEW R&D Page for Peace Region Living Lab Project

Interested in learning more about the Peace Region Living Lab (PRLL) and how the Peace River Forage Association is involved in the Project with 8 other partner groups?

Go to the NEW Peace Region Living Lab R&D page on our website peaceforage.bc.ca/rd-project/peace-region-living-lab/.

There is a description of the project, videos, newsletter articles, maps, progress notes and links for more information.

Wildland Fire Training in April: Register ASAP to secure your seat

Incredible, timely opportunity to (1) receive training on how to fight fire safely and (2) increase knowledge of fire & fire behaviour.

Training will be provided by Northern FireWoRx and will include I100, S100 and S185 which are all the basic courses required by BC Wildfire Service standards.

Click on the link’s below to REGISTER and secure your seat today.
1. April 22-23rd, at Aitken Creek (Jack Thiessen’s), 5 seats for PRFA Members @ $200/seat
2. April 23-24th, at Aitken Creek (Jack Thiessen’s), 5 seats for PRFA Members @ $200/seat
3. April 26-27th, at Arras Fire Hall, 25 seats available, PRFA Members $200/seat & Non-Members $275/seat.
4. April 27-28th, at Arras Fire Hall, 25 seats available, PRFA Members $200/seat & Non-Members $275/seat

With each two day Fire School:
  • the first day will be in-class (8am-8pm, please pack a lunch, supper will be provided).
  • the second day will be in the field (8am-approx 5pm, please pack a lunch).

For more information go to peaceforage.bc.ca/events.

 

UPGRADE to view our WEBINAR LIBRARY – now available!

Our website’s WEBINAR LIBRARY is available to members with an Enhanced Membership when they login.

UPGRADE TO ENHANCED NOW AVAILABLE: If you already have a 2024 BASIC Membership but would like to upgrade to an 2024 ENHANCED Membership to view the WEBINAR LIBRARY, please check out our online BASIC TO ENHANCED upgrade (for $25).

If you are not a member and want to check out the 15 webinars in our WEBINAR LIBRARY, please look at our Enhanced Membership online.

Recordings of our recent Feb 28th Regenerative Grazing Webinar with Greg Judy AND our Mar 12th Pasture Rejuvenation Webinar with Breeanna Kelln were added to the WEBINAR LIBRARY yesterday.

 

 

2 New Recordings in WEBINAR LIBRARY

Did you miss our Feb 28th Regenerative Grazing Webinar with Greg Judy or our Mar 12th Pasture Rejuvenation Webinar with Breeanna Kelln?

Recordings of both webinars are availabe on our website’s WEBINAR LIBRARY and available to members with an Enhanced Membership when they login.

 

 

If you are interested in becoming an Enhanced Member, please check out our Enhanced Membership online.

For members with a 2024 Basic Membership that want to upgrade to an Enhanced Membership, please check back as this option will be available shortly.

 

March 12th at Noon: Webinar about Pasture Rejuvenation & Sod Seeding

Register for this great webinar, featuring Dr Breeanna Kelln, at https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/webinar-sod-seedingandpasture-rejuvenation/

FREE for Members.    If you aren’t a member please consider becoming one (https://peaceforage.bc.ca/information/membership/)

More from Dr Breeanna Kelln: introducting non-bloat legumes into existing stands article and a video with the Beef School on rejuvenating pasture with non-bloat legumes

JUST RELEASED: what we do & who we are, new video

CHECK OUT this wonderful video that showcases the Peace River Forage Association and WHAT WE DO.

It is now available to everyone to view and share on our YouTube channel.

 

 

WEBINAR TOMORROW: Grazing with Greg Judy

Join us for ‘Regenerative Grazing Builds Healthy Soils & Profitable Farms’ with the iconic Greg Judy. 

Feb 28th @ 07:00 PM MT

FREE for members of PRFA of BC.

To REGISTER: https://peaceforage.bc.ca/event/webinar-grazing-builds-healthy-soils-and-profitable-farms-with-greg-judy/

Along with his wife Jan, Greg Judy runs Green Pasture Farm, a grazing operation on 1620 acres of leased & owned land near Clark, Missouri.  Greg and Jan went from near bankruptcy in 1999 to paying off a 200-acre farm and house in 3 years with custom grazing on leased land and are completely debt free today.  Holistic High Density Planned Grazing is used to graze cow/calf pairs, bred heifers, bulls, and stockers. 

BELOW GROUND Soil health event, NEXT WEEK (Feb22), FSJ

Within commuting distance, an amazing line-up of speakers to discuss our soils in the Peace Region.
Peace Region Living Lab is hosting this event in Fort St John; next year it will be somewhere else in the AB Peace.
Check out the day’s agenda below.

Online Grazing Club: 3 more sessions

Thursdays at 7:30pm local time on February 8th, 15th and 22nd.
ONLINE GRAZING CLUB: 3 remaining sessions featuring Cover Crops, Off-Stream Watering & Riparian Areas and Adapting to Rapid Changes.
Register once (for all the meet-ups): https://bcforagecouncil.ca/events/

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Resources from Grant Writing Webinar

On January 10th an Introduction to Grant Writing webinar was presented by Clear Course on behalf of the Peace River Forage Association of BC and the Peace River Regional District.

In case you missed the webinar or would like to review, here is a pdf of the presentation (PRFA_2024-Grant-Writing-Webinar_FINAL) and a recording of a previous grant writing webinar.

Clear Course has also provided additional grant writing resources.

  1. Agriculture Funding List Summary: Ag-Funding-List_Summary_Jan 2024_FINAL
  2. General Grant Resources: General-Grant-Resources_FINAL
  3. Common Grant Responses: Common-Grant-Responses_FINAL
  4. Grant Writing Tips: Grant-Writing-Tips_FINAL
  5. Class Estimates: Class-Estimates_FINAL

If you would like the following handy documents to use while grant writing, please send an email request to communications@peaceforage.bc.ca

  • Grant Proposal Preparation Form
  • Budget Template
  • Project Tracker Template

For upcoming grant writing events offered by the PRRD, please go to prrd.bc.ca/services/grants/#information-sessions–workshops

JUST RELEASED: sizzle reel for the Peace River Forage Association

This short video highlighting the PRFA and forage in the Peace Region is now available on our YouTube channel.

Originally released at our Dec 1st AGM; it’s now available for everyone to view and share.

Check it out

SAVE THE DATE: February 22nd

Buckle-up for day of lively discussions at BELOW GROUND: Soil Health Seminar for Peace Region Farmers and Ranchers.

The event will take place in FSJ on Feb 22nd 9am-4pm.

For more information go to peacelivinglab.ca/event/below-ground-2024/

Register at eventbrite.ca/e/below-ground-soil-health-seminar-for-peace-region-farmers-ranchers

Tickets: Single tickets $35, Farm unit tickets (2 people) $60, Students (post secondary or youth below 18) $20, and Peace Region Living Lab producer partners – FREE.

Did you miss the WINTER FEEDING SEMINAR?

Many thanks to the 40+ members who were able to join us December 1st for the Winter Feeding Seminar with Barry Yaremcio and our 2023 AGM.

If you were not able to make it to the Tower Lake Hall or if you would like to revisit Barry’s seminar, please check out the following links:

2023_WinterFeedingSeminar_BarryYaremcioPresentation_Dec1

2023_WinterFeedingSeminar_BarryYaremcioPresentation_Dec1_part1of2-min

2023_WinterFeedingSeminar_BarryYaremcioPresentation_Dec1_part2of2-min

Non-member tickets for WINTER FEEDING SEMINAR now available.

Winter Feeding seminar with acclaimed speaker Barry Yaremcio.  Learn about the PRFA’s latest at the AGM, and finish the evening with a delicious country supper.

We have added a non-member ticket price of $35 for the seminar.

  • However, instead of this non-member ticket for the seminar, for only another $15 please consider purchasing a a membership online or at our AGM.   You’ll then be able to learn about what the PRFA has been up to this year, plans for 2024, and enjoy a delicious supper.  Membership comes with our quarterly newsletters (mailed), monthly member emails and member discounts at events.
  • If you plan to purchase a membership at the AGM please RSVP as a member and we’ll settle up at the AGM.

Get your questions answered on how to make it through a feed shortage with good animal health and performance.
Bring along your feed testing results!

The event is free for members and supper is by donation (at the door). Please RSVP to save your plate. 

AUG Grazing Series – stay tuned for details.

Watch out for details regarding locations/RSVP for our upcoming Back to Basics AUG Grazing Series over the next few days.

When the information is released you will be able to find it on the Events tab of our website and on our social media (FB and Inst).  If you are a member you will also receive an email.

PRFA T-shirts Available Online

Did you know you can purchase a trendy PRFA t-shirt online?  You betcha!

These shirts commemorate our 30th Anniversary and have the coolest slogan on the back.

And they are only $15 plus shipping. Even better!  To avoid the shipping come out to one of our summer events and we’ll deliver the shirt to you there.

Check them out at peaceforage.bc.ca/product/prfa-t-shirt/ or find them on our homepage.

Online Registration is now open for our June/July events

Click on the posters or links for event information and to register:

 

Reminder: Send us your Spring Farm Photos by April 15th

Want a chance for your spring farm photo to be featured on the cover of spring newsletter?

Email communications@peaceforage.bc.ca your photos before April 15th.

SAVE THE DATE: Summer Pasture Tour (June 15th)

Come out to the Goodlow area and take in our annual summer tour.

We will visit a number of producers to showcase their practices and facilitate peer-to-peer learning.

The day ends in a scrumptious supper and fun social.

Mark your calendars and join us to learn from fellow producers!

 

An itinerary will be available in early May, as well as registration/tickets, and a map to the exact starting location.

 

If you are interested in supporting this event please contact Nadia Mori (coordinator@peaceforage.bc.ca, or toll free 1-866-516-3101).
We are looking for the following sponsors:

Coffee sponsor $250
Host farm sponsor $500
T-shirt sponsor $600
The “Loo” sponsor $750
Supper sponsor $1,000
Speaker fee sponsor $1,500

Great Video Tutorials for Calving Season

The Beef Cattle Research Council (BCRC) has some great video on their you-tube channel (BeefResearch) to help producers out during calving.

The videos include: Difficult Calving, Rescusitating Newborn Calves, Handling Colostrum, Spotting Dehydration and Tube Feeding.

Please check them out by following the links.

Difficult Calving:

Rescusitating Newborn Calves:

Handling Colostrum:

Spotting Dehydration:

Tube Feeding:

 

SOLD OUT: Holistic Management Course starts this Friday (Jan 13th)

Congratulations to the eight farm units that were able to reserve a spot for our Holistic Management Course.

After our coordinator (Nadia Mori) was able to drastically reduce the cost to producers, the spots were booked up in a few days.

Instructor Kelly Sidoryk will be teaching the 6 day course over two weekends (Jan 13-15th and Feb 17-19th).  For more information go to peaceforage.bc.ca/event/holistic-management-training-6-day-course/

LAST CHANCE to Register for our AGM

Join us for Lessons, Legends and Laughter : Celebrating 30 years as an Association.

Attend our Dec 1st Annual General Meeting to receive an

For more information and to REGISTER please click here or go to our Events page.

 

 

 

Dec 1st: Memories, T-shirts, Supper and a Give Away

Attend our Dec 1st Annual General Meeting to receive an

Join us for Lessons, Legends and Laughter : Celebrating 30 years as an Association.

For more information and to REGISTER please click here or go to our Events page.

 

 

GIVEAWAY valued at $1500 for NOV Grazing Workshop, starts Nov 22 – only a few spots left!

The PRFA is providing this Workshop Series to help (1) walk producers through the Advanced Grazing Systems Training and (2) build their Rotational Grazing Plan.

  • Both of these are required to apply for On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) funding for rotational grazing that is dispersed by the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association (CFGA).
  • Participants do not need to apply for funding to take this workshop.  It will also be great for folks who just want to (a) learn more about rotational grazing or (b) take the time to finally get their grazing plan down on paper (or computer) and have something in-hand rather than just an idea in their head.

One participant will win a giveaway that is valued at $1,500 (to get a water trough that supports their rotational grazing system).

To Register: please click here.

Location: Dawson Creek

Time: 7-9pm on Tuesday Nov 22nd, 29th and Dec 6th

Open to: PRFA Members.  If you are not a member please consider becoming one (memberships are available online).

Rotational Grazing Funding – LAST CHANCE to register for our workshops.

The PRFA is providing two Workshop Series to help (1) walk producers through the Advanced Grazing Systems Training and (2) build their Rotational Grazing Plan.

Both (Training and Rotational Grazing Plan) are required to apply for On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) funding for rotational grazing
that is dispersed by the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association (CFGA).

Tuesdays 7-9pm: Dawson Creek (Nov 22nd, 29th and Dec 6th) and Fort St John (Jan 17th, 23rd and 31st)

Open to PRFA Members.  If you are not a member please consider becoming one (memberships are available online).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is a federal fund that was announced in Feb 2022.  It will offer cost-share funding for three project streams: (1) nitrogen management, (2) cover cropping and (3) rotational grazing. Other activities, such as outreach, education and training are also supported.

 

Want to access funding for Rotational Grazing? Come to our workshops.

The PRFA is providing two Workshop Series to help (1) walk producers through the Advanced Grazing Systems Training and (2) build their Rotational Grazing Plan.

Both (Training and Rotational Grazing Plan) are required to apply for On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) funding for rotational grazing
that is dispersed by the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association (CFGA).

Tuesdays 7-9pm: Dawson Creek (Nov 22nd, 29th and Dec 6th) and Fort St John (Jan 17th, 23rd and 31st)

Open to PRFA Members.  If you are not a member please consider becoming one (memberships are available online).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is a federal fund that was announced in Feb 2022.  It will offer cost-share funding for three project streams: (1) nitrogen management, (2) cover cropping and (3) rotational grazing. Other activities, such as outreach, education and training are also supported.

 

Celebrate 30 Years of Lessons and Laughter

Lessons, Legends and Laughter : highlights of and insights into the past 30 years.

By attending our Dec 1st Annual General Meeting you will also receive an

For more information and to REGISTER please click here or go to our Events page.

Online Land Forum (Nov 14-30th)

Looking for more info about land access and the B.C. Land Matching Program?  Young Agrarians is hosting an Online Land Forum Nov 14 – 30 with lots of amazing sessions. Learn more and register here: youngagrarians.org/bc-land-forum-2022

Land Forum sessions are for landholders and land seekers, and will cover the following topics:⁠
☀️ Leasing basics and info on farm business planning⁠
☀️ Skills-building in negotiation to support the success of land sharing relationships⁠
☀️ You’ll hear from Land Matchers, farmers and experts from around B.C.⁠

 

Is the OFCAF funding for Rotational Grazing confusing? Come to our workshops.

The PRFA is providing two Workshop Series to help (1) walk producers through the Advanced Grazing Systems Training and (2) build their Rotational Grazing Plan.  Both of these are required to apply for On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) funding for rotational grazing that is dispersed by the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association (CFGA).

Tuesdays 7-9pm: Dawson Creek (Nov 22nd, 29th and Dec 6th) and Fort St John (Jan 17th, 23rd and 31st)

Open to PRFA Members.  If you are not a member please consider becoming one (memberships are available online).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is a federal fund that was announced in Feb 2022.  It will offer cost-share funding for three project streams: (1) nitrogen management, (2) cover cropping and (3) rotational grazing. Other activities, such as outreach, education and training are also supported.

 

What will be on the back of our Anniversary T-shirts?

Attend our Dec 1st Annual General Meeting to find out what the back of our Anniversary T-shirts will say!

You will also receive a

Join us for Lessons, Legends and Laughter : Celebrating 30 years as an Association.

For more information and to REGISTER please click here or go to our Events page.

 

 

Want to apply for the On Farm Climate Action Fund cost-share funding for Rotational Grazing?

The PRFA is providing two Workshop Series to help (1) walk producers through the Advanced Grazing Systems Training and (2) build their Rotational Grazing Plan.  Both of these are required to apply for On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) funding for rotational grazing that is dispersed by the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association (CFGA).

Tuesdays 7-9pm: Dawson Creek (Nov 22nd, 29th and Dec 6th) and Fort St John (Jan 17th, 23rd and 31st)

Open to PRFA Members.  If you are not a member please consider becoming one (memberships are available online).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is a federal fund that was announced in Feb 2022.  It will offer cost-share funding for three project streams: (1) nitrogen management, (2) cover cropping and (3) rotational grazing. Other activities, such as outreach, education and training are also supported.

GIVE AWAY: Grazing Conference ticket at our AGM

Attend our Dec 1st Annual General Meeting to receive an

Join us for Lessons, Legends and Laughter : Celebrating 30 years as an Association.

For more information and to REGISTER please click here or go to our Events page.

Advanced Rotational Grazing Workshops for Producers (Nov/Dec 2022 and Jan 2023)

The PRFA is providing two Workshop Series to help (1) walk producers through the Advanced Grazing Systems Training and (2) build their Rotational Grazing Plan.  Both of these are required to apply for On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) funding for rotational grazing that is dispersed by the Canadian Forage and Grasslands Association (CFGA).

Tuesdays 7-9pm: Dawson Creek (Nov 22nd, 29th and Dec 6th) and Fort St John (Jan 17th, 23rd and 31st)

Open to PRFA Members.  If you are not a member please consider becoming one (memberships are available online).

BACKGROUND INFORMATION – On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF)

On Farm Climate Action Fund (OFCAF) is a federal fund that was announced in Feb 2022.  It will offer cost-share funding for three project streams: (1) nitrogen management, (2) cover cropping and (3) rotational grazing. Other activities, such as outreach, education and training are also supported.

NEW DATES for Holistic Management Course

The six day training course will now be held in January & February 2023.

For more details and to register please check out our Events page or Click Here.

We are seeking further funding to reduce the course fee for you.

Want LESS STRESS for your COWS & YOU?

Want LESS STRESS FOR YOUR COWS & YOU?
Join us on Oct 15th (9am-4pm) for a Low Stress Livestock Handling Clinic with Dylan Biggs. Dylan has decades worth of experience giving clinics as well as an extensive background in ranching and stockmanship.  He and his wife Colleen, own and operate TK Ranch, which is located in the endangered Fescue Grasslands of east-central Alberta (26km S of Coronation and 55km NE of Hanna).

 

Wildfire Training for Peace Region Producers

Check out this great video of the June fire schools https://youtu.be/M3em5Eeh7TE.
The PRFA proudly supported the hosting of two fire schools in collaboration with the Peace River Regional Cattlemen’s Association. Over 4 days of training, 21 Peace region producers were certified in basic wildfire suppression and fire entrapment avoidance training. Funding for this project was provided through the Beef Cattle Industry Development Fund.

Upcoming Low Stress Handling Clinic

Dylan Biggs will be coming to the BC Peace on October 15th (9am-4pm) to provide a Low Stress Livestock Handling Clinic. Dylan has an extensive background in ranching, holistic management and stockmanship, and provides sought-after workshops and training seminars on these topics. He and his wife Colleen, own and operate TK Ranch, which is located in the endangered Fescue Grasslands of east-central Alberta (26km S of Coronation and 55km NE of Hanna).

Click here for more information and to register.

Electric Fencing: tomorrow @ 7pm, please register

Our August Grazing Management Series “Back to the Basics” continues tomorrow.

To learn more about ELECTRIC FENCING  (& to register) click on the link below.

 peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-electrical-fencing/

More information on the remaining session:

Aug 30th: Water Systems, peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-watering-systems/

 

A HUGE THANKYOU  to our series sponsor ARC RESOURCES!!!

ARC Resources Ltd.

 

Pasture Nutrition: tomorrow @ 7pm, please register

Our August Grazing Management Series “Back to the Basics” continues tomorrow.

To learn more about PASTURE NUTRITION  (& to register) click on the link below.

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-pasture-nutrition/

More information on the remaining 2 sessions:

Aug 23rd: Electric Fencing, peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-electrical-fencing/

Aug 30th: Water Systems, peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-watering-systems/

 

A HUGE THANKYOU  to our series sponsor ARC RESOURCES!!!

ARC Resources Ltd.

 

Grazing Rules & Principles: tomorrow @ 7pm, please register

Our August Grazing Management Series “Back to the Basics” kicks off tomorrow.

To learn more about GRAZING RULES & PRINCIPLES  (& to register) click on the link below.

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-grazing-rules-principles/

More information on the remaining 3 sessions:

Aug 16th: Pasture Nutrition, peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-pasture-nutrition/

Aug 23rd: Electric Fencing, peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-electrical-fencing/

Aug 30th: Water Systems, peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-watering-systems/

 

A HUGE THANKYOU  to our series sponsor ARC RESOURCES!!!

ARC Resources Ltd.

 

August Grazing Management Series, starts Aug 9th: REGISTER TODAY

Join us for a series of 4 Tuesdays to learn about Grazing Management with four local ranchers (@ 7-9pm).

Aug 9th: Grazing Rules & Priciples
Aug 16th: Pasture Nutrition
Aug 23rd: Electric Fencing
Aug 30th: Water Systems

 

To REGISTER: Go to our Events page or click on the links below.   See you there!

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-grazing-rules-principles/

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-pasture-nutrition/

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-electrical-fencing/

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-watering-systems/

 

A HUGE THANKYOU  to our series sponsor ARC RESOURCES!!!

ARC Resources Ltd.

 

Back to Basics: Grazing Management Series in August, Tuesdays @7pm

Starting August 9th, join us for a series of 4 Tuesdays to learn about Grazing Management with four local ranchers (@ 7-9pm).

Aug 9th: Grazing Rules & Priciples
Aug 16th: Pasture Nutrition
Aug 23rd: Electric Fencing
Aug 30th: Water Systems

Please bring your questions.

 

To REGISTER: Go to our Events page or click on the links below.   See you there!

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-grazing-rules-principles/

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-pasture-nutrition/

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-electrical-fencing/

peaceforage.bc.ca/event/aug-grazing-series-watering-systems/

 

A HUGE THANKYOU  to our series sponsor ARC RESOURCES!!!

ARC Resources Ltd.

 

Our FIELD DAY was a hit!

Over 50 producers joined us on June 18th to take in our afternoon field day and scrumptous supper with live entertainment.

Here is an article featuring the FIELD DAY from our Summer Newsletter.

Forage_First_91_2022June_pg 3 4

Quarterly Newsletters direct to your mailbox are one of the benefits of becoming a member. If you are interested please check out our memberships online.

FIELD DAY, Sat June 18th @ 1:30pm.

Come join us for a Field Day and lip smacking supper in Rose Prairie (20 min North of Fort St John).

1:30pm Welcome: Coffee & Pie
1:45pm Host farm introduction (Collins Ranch, Aron & Sherri Collins). We will also discuss (a) soils & tissue sampling, (b) field scouting and (c) fertility with Norm Dueck and Brenna Schilds.

5:30pm Transition to the Rose Prairie Hall for a supper (6pm) and evening entertainment (7pm).

The afternoon will start in a marked field 3 minutes from the Rose Prairie Hall (registrants will be emailed directions).

Bathroom facilities for the afternoon are at the Rose Prairie Hall.

Please Come Celebrate our 30th Anniversary with us!

Field event is FREE for members, and supper is $30 or $50/couple.

REGISTER at peaceforage.bc.ca/event/healthy-forages-from-the-ground-up/

PEACE FM features our Podcast at 8am on Saturdays

Tune into 94.5 in Chetwynd or 104.1 in Dawson Creek on Saturday Mornings (8am) to hear our Knowledge For Resilience in the Peace Podcast.

Or you can go to peaceforage.bc.ca/information/podcasts/ to listen to any or all of the first 8 episodes.

Knowledge For Resilience in the Peace is a cross-commodity podcast series that shares knowledge to Peace agriculture producers from researchers, experts and peers; affording more producers the opportunity to adopt production practices they may not otherwise have implemented.

Two New Episodes with Podcast Knowledge for Resilience in the Peace

Check out the latest two episodes in the podcast series Knowledge for Resilience in the Peace.

Episode 7: Can Direct Marketing make your Farm more $$, with Darwin Lindford and Michelle Schaeffer

Two Peace Region producers, Darwin Lindford from RC Rafter Holdings and Michell Schaeffer from Whiskey Creek Ranch share some of their successes and challenges with direct marketing. Both operations use regenerative agriculture principles in their land and livestock management, run a range of livestock and are also members of the Small Scale Meat Producer Association.

Episode 8: Unlocking your Soil’s Potential Without Breaking the Bank, with Norm Dueck

Norm has been involved in agriculture in the BC Central Interior, Bulkley Valley, Cariboo, Robson Valley and the BC and AB Peace region since 1999 as a Certified Crop Advisor and consultant for beef, dairy and grain farmers.  Over the years he has gained valuable knowledge working with lime, pulp mill sludge, wood ash and biosolids in on-farm applications as part of an in-depth fertility program. Norm currently lives in the Nechako Valley of Central BC, where he owns 150 acres of land which allows him the opportunity to put into practice some of the things he preaches.

 

Save the Date: June 18th, Healthy Forages from the Ground Up

The Peace River Forage Association is celebrating 30 years!  Please come join us for an in-person field visit, supper and evening entertainment near Rose Prairie (20 min North of Fort St John).  Bathroom facilities for the day will be at the Rose Prairie Hall.

The afternoon will begin at a marked field of Aron and Sherri Collins’ (3 minutes from the Rose Prairie hall, @ 1:30pm).

We will discuss (a) soils & tissue sampling, (b) field scouting and (c) fertility with Norm Dueck and Brenna Schilds and learn about the Collins Ranch with Aron & Sherri.

At 5:30pm we will transition over to the Rose Prairie Hall for a supper (6pm) and evening entertainment (7pm).

Please REGISTER at peaceforage.bc.ca/event/healthy-forages-from-the-ground-up/

Cattle Market WEBINAR VIDEO and Herd rebuilding PODCAST

In case you missed our CATTLE MARKET UPDATE: RIDING OUT UNCERTAINTY webinar with Anne Wasko, the webinar recording is on our website and available for members to view for a SHORT TIME (until May4th).
If you are a member, please go to our website and login (by clicking Login at the top of the home page or the blue Member sign-in button).  Then click on the webinars button on the right side of the homepage or go to peaceforage.bc.ca/information/webinars/.

Also, check out our latest podcast with Brenna Grant from Canfax who shares insights on different herd rebuilding strategies following drought.

If you want to become a member go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/information/membership/ and purchase an Enhanced Membership.  Within a few months only Enhanced and Friends of Forage Members will have access to our Webinar video library.

   

Anne Wasko Cattle Market Update Webinar (April 20th @7pm) – Please WATCH LIVE

REGISTER for the webinar at peaceforage.bc.ca/event/cattle-market-update-webinar/

Please try to WATCH the webinar LIVE.
The webinar recording will only be available for TWO weeks  after final editing to PRFA of BC members (due to the time sensitive nature of the information).

FREE for members of PRFA of BC and SP Stockmens and $20 for non-members.

Anne has been a cattle industry market analyst for 30 years and a regular contributor on www.realagriculture.com/

A HUGE THANK-YOU to our webinar sponsor Farm Credit Canada.

   

 

 

 

 

TIME is RUNNING OUT: Register NOW for Cattle Market Update with Anne Wasko (April 20th at 7pm PT)

Cattle Market Update – Riding out Uncertainty with Anne Wasko, a market analyst for over 30 years with the Canadian cattle and beef industry.
Please register at peaceforage.bc.ca/event/cattle-market-update-webinar/.
FREE for members of the PRFA of BC  and the SP Stockmens Association and $20 for non-members.

Registered participants will receive an email with the webinar zoom link 2 days before the webinar and another 2 hours before the webinar.  If you don’t notice these emails in your inbox, please check your spam folder.

After final editing, the webinar recording will be available to PRFA of BC members on our website peaceforage.bc.ca/information/webinars/ for TWO weeks only (due to the time sensitive nature of the information).

A HUGE THANK-YOU to our webinar sponsor Farm Credit Canada.

Vermicompost WEBINAR VIDEO and Vermicompost PODCAST

In case you missed our VERMICOMPOST at FARM SCALE webinar on Wednesday, the video recording is now on our website and available for members to view.
If you are a member, please go to our website and login (by clicking Login at the top of the home page or the blue Member sign-in button).  Then click on the webinars button on the right side of the homepage or go to peaceforage.bc.ca/information/webinars/.

Check out our latest podcast about a local success story of making outdoor vermicomposting work even with -40 degrees Celsius winter weather! peaceforage.bc.ca/information/podcasts/

If you want to become a member go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/information/membership/ and purchase an Enhanced Membership.
Within a few months only Enhanced and Friends of Forage Members will have access to our Webinar video library.

     

TIME is RUNNING OUT: Register NOW for Vermicompost at a Farm Scale (April 13th at noon)

Vermicompost at a Farm Scale with Rhonda Sherman, an Extension Solid Waste Specialist in the Horticultural Science Department at NC State University.
Please register at peaceforage.bc.ca/event/vermicompost-webinar/.
FREE for members of the PRFA of BC and $10 for non-members.
Check out more information on Composting & Vermicomposting.

The Profitable Mindset Podcast for Farmers

The Profitable Mindset is a podcast helping farmers get the mindset they need to build a profitable farm business.

Charlotte Smith is a Marketing and Mindset Coach for Farmers.   She gives farmers strategies they need to have a farm and life they love.

Checkout episode #102: How this California Farmer Doubled Her Sales to 200K in 2021, or #109: Do This if You’re Afraid Customers Will Leave After a Price Increase

Checkout GOOD GRAZING MAKES CENT$

If you graze livestock this group has something for you (especially if you graze rangelands).

GOOD GRAZING MAKES CENT$ was launched February 2022, and aims to provide practical, applicable and economically feasible range management practices which can ultimately improve productivity of the land and the bottom dollar of the ranch through conservation and collaboration between range scientists and ranchers.

They have a Youtube channel.  One video introduces the group and another helps you meet some of the ranchers and range scientists that are involved.

 

Knowledge for Resilience Podcast, check out episodes 1-4

The cross-commodity podcast series shares access to knowledge from researchers, experts and peers, affording more producers the opportunity to adopt production practices they may not otherwise have implemented.  In the first four episodes listen to conversations on (1) Adaptive Grazing Management and Portable Fencing, (2) Mighty Microbes, (3) Common Misconceptions in Agriculture and (4) Key Pest Monitoring in the Peace.

 

Upcoming Webinar with Anne Wasko: Cattle Market Update – Riding out Uncertainty

SAVE THE DATE: April 20th at 7pm.
Anne Wasko has been a market analyst for over 30 years focusing on the Canadian cattle and beef industry. She is currently the market analyst for Gateway Livestock Exchange,  and a regular contributor to RealAgriculture.com and RealAg radio on Sirius.  Anne was also the Senior Market Analyst for Canfax for 21 years.
Please register at peaceforage.bc.ca/event/cattle-market-update-webinar/.
FREE for members of the SP Stockmens & PRFA of BC and $20 for non-members.

A HUGE thank you to our webinar sponsor.
Farm Credit Canada

Did you miss our FEEDING DURING THE FREEZE Webinar?

If you missed our FEEDING DURING THE FREEZE webinar last night, the video recording is now on our website and available for members to view.

If you are a member, please go to our website and login (by clicking Login at the top of the home page or the blue Member sign-in button).  Navigate back to the home page and then click on the webinars button on the right side of the homepage.  Alternatively, you can click on Information on the top toolbar and then click on Webinars in the drop down menu.

If you want to become a member go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/information/membership/ and purchase an Enhanced Membership.
Within a few months only Enhanced and Friends of Forage Members will have access to our Webinar video library.

Feeding cows this winter? Check out our WEBINAR on Nutritional Changes in Later Gestation

If you are feeding momma cows check out Barry Yaremcio’s webinar regarding Nutritional Changes in Later Gestation.  This webinar is available to members on our website https://peaceforage.bc.ca.

Members can login (by clicking Login at the top of the home page or the blue Member sign-in button) and then click on the webinars button on the right side of the homepage.  If you want to become a member go to https://peaceforage.bc.ca/product/basic-membership-2022/

Barry also has a couple podcasts on Optimal Cattle Nutrition, which are available for everyone to listen to at https://peaceforage.bc.ca/information/podcasts/

Have you heard of the BC Peace Agri Weather Network?

The BC Peace has 21 automated weather stations.  Information regarding current conditions, forecasts and past weather can be found on the website http://www.bcpeaceweather.com/

Check-out this 3 minute video regarding features of the website https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PhfCCAzlPAE&list=PLQCxhsFC64y2opkGpEm7dDF9dOtsL8IlD&index=1

Check-out this 3 minute video regarding forecasts for the BC Peace weather stations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_GRfUiwZRK8

Check-out this 4 minute video regarding historical weather data for the BC Peace weather stations https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3AgKt8wCFCM

Check out these webinars on YouTube from Climate & Agriculture Initiative BC

The 2021 fall webinar series Tools and Approaches for Adapting to Climate Change, featured four sessions.

  1. Managing changing pest pressures. Watch the pests webinar now
  2. Monitoring and supporting pollinator populations.  Watch the pollinator webinar now
  3. Investigating crop suitability.  Watch the crop suitability webinar now
  4. Agricultural water management.  Watch the water webinar now

For more information check out their website:

 

New Board of Directors for PRFA of BC

At this year’s AGM the Peace River Forage Association of BC (PRFA) welcomed 3 new directors.  Chris Moat, Jody Watson and Brian Gilbert joined the board, and Josh Stobbe returned for another term.  The remaining directors include Kristina Schweitzer, Neil Ward and Shellie English.  Look forward to learning a bit about our new directors in the upcoming Winter Newsletter, which will arrive in member’s mailboxes early February 2022.

Thank you so much to parting directors Bess Legault, Shaun Grant and Jackie Thiessen for your dedication to the association, your efforts to support forage in the Peace and your flexibility in adapting to virtual meetings over the last couple years.

If you are not a member and would like receive our quarterly newsletter, please purchase a Basic Membership and check our website for other benefits to becoming a member.

Forage AGM Notice

Peace River Forage Association: Virtual Annual General Meeting

December 1, 2021

6:30 p.m. Peace Living Lab Information Session 

By Monika Benoit &/or Talon Gauthier, Contractor Peace Region Forage Seed Association

 8:00 p.m. AGM Business led by President Neil Ward

For more information please click on the PRFA 2021 AGM Notice-Agenda.

Please pre-register using one of the following options:

  1. through website: peaceforage.bc.ca/event/agm-for-the-prfa/
  2. by emailing us at: prfaevent@gmail.com
  3. by phoning or leaving a message: Heather or Sandra at 250 789 6885

Members Feedback Report

Early this year a Members Feedback Report was published in to 2021 Winter Newsletter.  This report summarized the thoughts of over 100 members regarding how the association has been doing and where the association should focus in the future.  It is a goldmine of information.  Please click here to check out what our members had to say.

Livestock & Feed Planning During Drought

The drought conditions and limited forage growth this past growing season are presenting some challenging times for livestock producers.
Tips on page 7 of our 2021 Fall Newsletter may help producers use feeds wisely.
Please also refer to an insert in the newsletter called BCRC Drought Related Resources or find the information on the BCRC website.

To view the entire 2021 Fall Newsletter members can check their mailboxes or click here.  If you are not a member, please JOIN US and click here to become a member.  Once a member you will receive our quarterly newsletters in the mail and have access to our most recent newsletters online.

Considering Frost Seeding?

It’s the time of year when questions come up about winter or spring frost seeding on rejuvenation sites. Julie Robinson compiled a flow chart to assist you in considering 3 key items. Read about it in the recently published in the Forage First Fall 2021 newsletter or try the link here:  Forage_First_88_2021Oct_pg 8 flowchart

This information can also be found on this website under the R & D Project Page, Interseeding to Improve Forage Quality & Quantity at the link here: https://peaceforage.bc.ca/rd-project/interseeding-to-improve-forage-quality-quantity/    Look under Factsheets and Documents.

‘FIESTY FORAGES’ Fall Field Workshop

On October 5th/2021 the PRFA of BC will be showcasing ON-FARM CLIMATE RESILIENCE.
Featuring: The Linford Farm, The Iddy Biddy Farm, Shellie English, Sandra Burton, Jay Woosaree, and many cool forages!

Please call/text Nadia 250-263-8802 to register for this this fun field workshop. $20/person.  Register by Oct 2 (spots are limited).
Click here for more information.

 

Podcast Episodes 1-11 are Available to Members

Please checkout the recently broadcasted episodes (1-11) of our podcast series “May the Forage Be With You.”

Featuring topics on forage varieties, cattle marketing, healthy soils & healthy farmers, cattle nutrition, pesky parasites and forages in equine nutrition.

May the Forage Be With You

The PRFA of BC proudly presents May the Forage be With You: a weekly podcast series with engaging forage, livestock, soil health and pasture management topics.

Check out our first episode: a chat about ‘Forage Breeding and Forage Varieties’ with Dr. Bill Biligetu.  Dr. Biligetu is a forage breeder and Associate Professor at the University of Saskatchewan. He is also the Saskatchewan Ministry of Agriculture Strategic Research Program Chair in Forage Crop Breeding. Find out more about the latest forage varieties in the works and the five basic questions to consider when you think about establishing a new forage stand.

Our next episode: discusses the How-Tos of Cattle Marketing (Part 1) with Brian Perillat, Manager of Canfax.  Although looking at cattle marketing charts can feel overwhelming, Brian can help you narrow down the key indicators to analyze, depending on the market you are interested in. Like anything, practice makes perfect, and Brian offers some easy first steps that you as a producer can take to get more comfortable with cattle marketing to ultimately capture more profits for your operation.

Please listen once a week, maybe while you eat lunch or cook supper.  You can click on the link and hear the episode on your morning commute. Or you can install the FREE Podbean App (Podcast App & Podcast Player – Podbean) to your phone or tablet, and download the episode ahead of time.  Search for the podcast series “May the Forage be With You” for our episodes. 

It’s going to be interesting, enlightening and fun too! Please come along for the ride.

Website Redesign

The PRFA is currently undergoing a redesign of our website with New Harvest Media. While the website may seem static or unchanged for this spring, it is still running and functional while a lot is going on behind the scenes for the redesign. Once transferring all of the existing pages to a new host and testing of the new site is completed, the new website (with its new look) will be live for members. We will of course let you know when our redesigned website is up and running.

Thank you to our Events Coordinator Samantha Dilworth

Thank you to our Events Coordinator Samantha Dilworth for her dedication, resilience and creativity in finding ways to provide events and extension during these Covid times.  Even though the Forage Extension and Mentionship Community Outreach Project is finished we hope there will be an opportunity to work together with Samantha in the future.

A summary of the 2021 Winter webinars are included in the spring 2021 newsletter (Forage First, 86th edition).

Other courses and pasture walks were covered in the winter 2021 and fall 2021 newsletter (Forage First, 85th and 84th editions.

If you don’t get a copy of our newsletter in the mail please join and become a member (click on the blue “Join” button on the home page for details).