Soil Regeneration, Next Generation

Wednesday, August 21, 2024, 08:00 to 16:15

Big Bear Ranch, Horsefly, BC

A full day guided tour of Big Bear Ranch in beautiful Horsefly was held in which we will saw sustainable, regenerative agriculture in action, including agroforesty,  soil building practices and sustainable livestock production.   

Topics covered with our hosts and guest speakers included:

• Building soil with cover cropping and no-till pasture rejuvination

• Certified organic production of beef, lamb and pork

• Agroforestry practices for climate adaptation, animal welfare and regenerative agriculture

An afternoon of shared experiences, ideas and networking with two local guest speakers who will share their knowledge and experience on soil health, soil biology and building soil organics to support crop production.  

Presentations

Corn Grazing in the Cariboo 

with Jeremy Farmer, Roddie Creek Ranch, Quesnel

Jeremy shared his experience in using techniques to build soil organics to support the production of feeder corn. He also discussed how he uses his high-energy crop production to support a year-round grazing system in the North Cariboo.

The Soil Food Web

with Jesse Matthies

Jesse's presentation addressed the questions: What is the Soil Food Web? Why it is important for soil health? How can it be incorporated into your soil-building strategies?

A virtual, informal chat (via Zoom) was held on Wednesday evening, November 15th, from 7 to 9 pm. This was an opportunity for all agricultural producers, no matter what stripe or size of operation, to share challenges, successes, and I've 'never-seen-this-before' from this past season. 

For the Institute, this was an opportunity to learn what the priorities are within the many and varied sectors of Cariboo agriculture to help focus workshops and tours around these issues.

A free, one-day tour visited three Cariboo farms implementing sustainable, regenerative agriculture practices: Mackin Creek Farm, Hillside Garden and Roddie Creek Ranch.

Topics Explored:

• Composting techniques & use in crop production;

• Drone-seeded cover crops, cover cropping principles & species selection; and,

• Components of biologically healthy soils.

A full day workshop looking at the emerging and ongoing challenges and opportunties for agriculture in the Cariboo region.  Jointly sponsored by the Kersley Farmers' Institute and Organic BC with financial assistance from Community Futures North Cariboo.

A field day showcasing three diverse, innovative mixed farms in North Cariboo, discussing both the rich heritage and bright future for regional agriculture.

The tour started in Soda Creek at the Dunlevy Ranch, home to Soda Creek Sweet Corn. Other visits included historic Rocky Point Ranch to view their cover cropping and North Star House Farm, and its very diverse array of vegetable and livestock production.

This annual workshop highlights different facets of agricultural production in the North Cariboo with presentations on composting, greenhouse production, cash crops and pest management.  

The Opportunities workshop was paired with an evening networking and discussion session for new entrants to agriculture.  The New Entrants event allows new and experienced producers to share information and connections.

The Kersley Farmers' Institute was honoured to co-sponsor the first ever BC Interior Soil Conference, a 2-day event bringing together researchers and other soil management experts with producers from across BC.

The second annual Changing Opportunties in Agriculture workshop brought together another diverse line-up of agricultural speakers for the education and networking with local producers.  Topics discussed including building soil using organic methods, controlling erosion, improving soil tilth and grazing strategies to improve pastures.

The first of a series of annual Changing Opportunities in Agriculture workshops allowed regional agricultural interest to learn, connect and network. Topics discussed included grazing strategies, nutrient management, Haskap berrie cultivation and cover cropping.,