BC Institute of Agrologists

❌ EVENT CANCELLED ❌ Okanagan Branch tour of the Regional Compost Facility - July 31st, 2024

This event has been cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date! Stay tuned for more info!

https://loom.ly/5kJLuls

🌟 Event Recap: Essential QGIS for Agrologists Webinar Series 🌟
We recently wrapped up a fantastic series of webinars led by Dr. Paul Pickell, diving deep into the world of Quantum Geographic Information System (QGIS) software.

Here’s a quick rundown of what we covered:

May 13: Essential Mapping with QGIS
🔹 Navigated the QGIS user interface
🔹 Imported and displayed spatial data
🔹 Applied map projections specific to British Columbia
🔹 Designed and exported your first map

May 29: Essential Suitability with QGIS
🔹 Overlaid and weighted layers to determine suitability
🔹 Calculated proximity measures
🔹 Queried and filtered layers
🔹 Analyzed Digital Elevation Models (DEM)
🔹 Modeled water run-off and mapped wet areas

June 5: Essential Hydrology with QGIS
🔹 Focused on Sumas Prairie as a case study
🔹 Explored essential hydrology tools and techniques
🔹 Applied knowledge to real-world scenarios following recent research on Lake Sumas

June 12: Essential Imagery with QGIS
🔹 Imported and visualized remotely sensed imagery
🔹 Calculated multispectral indices
🔹 Monitored and classified vegetation

June 26: Essential LiDAR with QGIS
🔹 Imported and visualized 3D point cloud data from LiDAR
🔹 Derived digital elevation models (DEMs)
🔹 Calculated vegetation heights
🔹 Created 3D maps and visuals

These interactive sessions provided a comprehensive introduction to using QGIS for spatial data analysis, relevant to practicing agrology in British Columbia. Attendees gained hands-on experience and practical skills through case studies and real-world applications.

If you missed any of the sessions, recordings are available for post-registration. https://loom.ly/YtILJss

A big thank you to Dr. Paul Pickell and all participants for making this series a success. Stay tuned for more opportunities to enhance your GIS skills! 🌍🗺️

📅 Event Recap: VAN Branch & PRSSS Soil Health and Trivia Night

On June 20, 2024, from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, the Vancouver Branch, in collaboration with the Pacific Regional Soil Science Society (PRSSS), hosted a fantastic evening of soil science fun and professional development at Jigspace Vancouver!

🌱 Event Highlights:
Presentation by PRSSS: Kicked off with an engaging overview of soil health indicators and PRSSS's offerings.
Soil Health Trivia: Participants tested their knowledge in a competitive trivia game with a focus on soil health.
Networking Opportunities: Attendees connected with fellow agrologists and soil enthusiasts, sharing insights and experiences.

Food & Drinks: Enjoyed light appetizers and a drink ticket provided for all guests.
Whether you’re a new agrologist, an aspiring soil scientist, or simply passionate about soil health, this event offered valuable learning and networking opportunities.

📍 Location: Jigspace Vancouver, 8889 Laurel St unit 106, Vancouver, BC V6P 3V9.

A big thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to a great evening of learning and fun! Stay tuned for more exciting events. 🌟

𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗣: 𝗩𝗶𝗰𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗮 & 𝗜𝘀𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱𝘀: 𝗔𝗿𝗯𝘂𝘁𝘂𝘀 𝗚𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗡𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝘂𝗿 🌱

On June 15, 2024, members of the Victoria and Islands-District 3 branch enjoyed an enlightening tour of Arbutus Grove Nursery, led by Crop Manager Steven Kiiskila, PAg. Steven shared his extensive knowledge and over 25 years of experience in the forest nursery reforestation industry, guiding participants through the nursery’s 10-hectare facility where 14 million seedlings are produced annually. Attendees learned about the meticulous processes involved in seed preparation, quality assurance, and custom-growing techniques for diverse clients, including forest companies and First Nations bands.

The event offered valuable insights into the art and science behind growing 20 different species of container seedlings, emphasizing quality and sustainability. It also provided an excellent networking opportunity for articling registrants to connect with other branch members and professionals in the field.

We thank Steven Kiiskila and the Arbutus Grove Nursery team for an informative experience. Photographs and footage from the event will be used for BCIA marketing and publicity. If you prefer not to have your photo used, please advise the photographer. We appreciate everyone’s participation and look forward to our next event!

𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗔𝗣: 𝗢𝗸𝗮𝗻𝗮𝗴𝗮𝗻-𝗗𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁 𝟮 𝗔𝗚𝗠

On February 15, 2024, the Okanagan-District 2 Branch of BCIA hosted a successful AGM at the Coast Capri Hotel in Kelowna. The event kicked off with a lunch session, followed by an engaging professional development event. Attendees had the opportunity to hear from an expert panel consisting of Nelson Jatel from OBWB, Chris Zabek from the Ministry of Agriculture, David Ensign from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, and Jennifer Morrison from the Salish Firekeepers Society, who discussed crucial topics under the theme "Fire, Water, Weeds and Everything in Between."

The afternoon continued with the AGM, where key discussions and decisions were made regarding the branch's future activities. This was followed by a networking session, allowing members to connect and share insights. A special highlight of the event was the presentation of the Professional Agrologist (PAg) certificate to Jason Azzam. Congratulations to Jason on this significant achievement and recognition of his dedication to the field of Agrology.

We appreciate everyone who participated and contributed to making this event a success. Your involvement is vital to the growth and development of our community. We look forward to seeing you all at our PD events this year!

𝗘𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗥𝗲𝗰𝗮𝗽: Educational Evening at Mighty Peace Brewing 🍺

The Peace River BCIA members recently gathered at Mighty Peace Brewing in Fort St. John for an educational evening centered around the brewing process. The brewmaster led an insightful presentation and tour, covering the selection of high-quality ingredients, fermentation, and packaging. The event emphasized the connection between agriculture and brewing, particularly the use of locally-sourced grains and hops and the role of sustainable farming practices. Attendees also learned about various brewing chemicals and processes, and tasted roasted barley varieties, with a notable mention of the brewery's practice of donating solid waste to local cattle farmers.

Following the tour, participants enjoyed a networking session with appetizers and drinks. This provided a unique opportunity for articling registrants and other members to connect, share insights, and discuss agrology in an informal setting. The event also featured an engaging environmental trivia contest, with Hal Fox emerging as the winner, adding a fun and competitive element to the evening.

Overall, the event was a great success, offering valuable insights into the brewing process and fostering a sense of community among Peace Region BCIA members. 👥

Thanks to Mighty Peace Brewing Co. for having us!

Our office will be closed on Monday, July 1st for the stat holiday. Wishing you a safe and happy long weekend!

Event Recap: Innisfree Farm Botanic Garden Tour 🌱

On June 8th, members from various branches gathered at Innisfree Farms on Vancouver Island for an enlightening guided tour. Experts led participants through the botanical gardens, discussing the principles of botanic gardens, the medicinal properties of various herbs, and the concept of biophilia. Attendees gained valuable insights into how reconnecting with nature can enhance mental and physical well-being.

Innisfree Farms, an internationally registered Botanic Garden and herbal farm, is dedicated to educating the public about herbal medicine, health, Shinrin Yoku (forest bathing), and biophilia. The farm's extensive collection of medicinal and food plants, native plant conservation efforts, and various educational programs emphasize healing and reconnecting people to nature.

Participants enjoyed the opportunity to explore the gardens at their own pace, enhancing their connection to the environment. While food and drink were not included in the tour, the on-site café provided refreshments. This event was a fantastic opportunity for members to expand their knowledge and enjoy the serene environment of Innisfree Farms.

Thanks to everyone for attending! See you at the next event!

From May 11 to 15, 2024, the Vancouver Convention Centre buzzed with excitement as industry professionals gathered for CIM Connect 2024. The event featured three full days of immersive learning and knowledge exchange, augmented by professional development courses leading up to the convention. Attendees had the opportunity to explore an expansive trade show where companies showcased cutting-edge products and services, fostering an environment ripe for networking and discovery.

BCIA proudly participated in CIM Connect 2024 with a booth staffed by a fantastic team of volunteers. Their dedication and enthusiasm were pivotal in representing our organization, engaging with attendees, and sharing insights about our initiatives. We also had the pleasure of meeting many students at the booth who are considering a career in Agrology, offering them guidance and information about the field. Volunteers are the backbone of BCIA, and their contributions are invaluable to our success. We extend our heartfelt thanks to all who volunteered and continue to support our mission.

Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to making CIM Connect 2024 a resounding success. We look forward to seeing you at future events!

🧡 National Indigenous Peoples Day 🧡

June 21st is National Indigenous Peoples Day, a time to honour and celebrate the rich cultural heritage, diverse traditions, and significant contributions of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples across Canada. At BCIA, we are dedicated to recognizing and respecting the profound connections that Indigenous communities have with the land, water, and natural resources.

This day is an opportunity to reflect on the importance of Indigenous knowledge and perspectives in the field of agrology and beyond. We encourage everyone to engage in learning and participate in local events and activities that celebrate Indigenous cultures and histories.

📣 BCIA is looking for Registrants who are subject matter experts in one or more of the following areas:

🌱 Cover Cropping
🌱 Rotational Grazing
🌱 Nitrogen management

BCIA is looking to hire trainers / presenters to organize and present virtual and / or in person training sessions on the above subjects over the next 6 months.

Details: This role is a term / contract position (paid per presentation / training session).

Qualifications: Ideal candidates must be a subject matter expert in one or more of the topics of Cover Cropping, Rotational Grazing, Nitrogen management

Compensation: Reasonably remunerated.
💻 Virtual training – Compensated ($800 - $1000 per session)
👩‍🏫 In-person training - Compensated ($2000 per session)

Background: The British Columbia Institute of Agrologists and the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF) are collaborating to bring a multi-faceted training series combining both in-person and virtual sessions to Agrologists within BC. The IAF is recognized as the leading provider of high-quality and cost-effective program delivery services to support the agriculture and agri-food sector in BC.

📩 To apply: Email your resume, a letter regarding your experience, qualifications, and proposed lesson plan to Jasmine Wong at [email protected]

🌲 PD Event Recap 🌳 Specimen Tree Wholesale Nurseries Tour

BCIA Fraser Valley and Vancouver Branch Registrants toured Specimen Tree Wholesale Nurseries Ltd. in Pitt Meadows on Wednesday afternoon, May 29, 2024. Sandy Howkins and Sharon Johnsen Howkins of Specimen Tree hosted the registrants and explained the nursery operation.

Specimen Tree is a 245-acre family operation started by Kris Johnsen in 1974, involving three generations. The highlight of the tour was the explanation and display of actual root growth and ideal root development of the trees. Sandy explained that pots with corners rather than round pots were better for many tree plant varieties. The hosts also exhibited some of the tree varieties unique to the farm as well as some varieties that were very difficult to propagate. Sandy explained that the nursery uses grafting and budding techniques as the asexual techniques to propagate some varieties of the trees. It was emphasized during the tour that the trees take several years from propagation to be market ready. Because of this reason, it is sometimes very difficult to explain pricing to tree buying customers.

Registrants’ many inquisitive questions were enthusiastically answered by Sandy and Sharon during the tour. The tour concluded with a mechanical tree digging demonstration, which according to the hosts helped the company in managing labour costs better.

Save the date! The Victoria & Islands Branch AGM will be taking place on October 12th, 2024, at the Fairwinds Golf Club in Nanoose Bay. Stay tuned for more updates!

📸 credit: Natasha Cowie, PAg

https://loom.ly/HYPeb0g

*️⃣ PD Event Recap *️⃣ Victoria & Islands Branch - Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture Tour

On April 27 in blustery spring weather, a group of Victoria & Islands Branch registrants gathered at the edge of a large grassy field, dotted with garden plots and graced by a huge Garry oak tree. Red-winged blackbirds trilled and swooped through vegetation in a seasonal wetland filling the middle of the field. A few farmers wove through the plots, tending to early season tasks. The group of agrologists were attending a tour of the Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture. As the tour began they quickly learned that the beauty and complexity of the landscape around them extends across both time and space, reaching across thousands of years and down through thick layers of soil.

Sandown’s Restoration & Stewardship Manager led the tour. Matthew Kyriakides, A.Ag. is a farmer, agroecologist, and soil scientist with eight years of practical farming experience. In addition to his role at Sandown, where he is responsible for developing and implementing a stewardship plan, he is conducting Ph.D. research with the University of Victoria’s Ecogastronomy Research Group on the environmental benefits and financial viability of various land care practices.

The Sandown Centre is an environment and food systems non-profit organization stewarding 83 acres of farmland, seasonal wetland, meadow, and forest on traditional W̱S͸ḴEM territory in North Saanich, B.C. Sandown supports and engages with emerging growers, researchers, community members, and regional farmers to work together to build a thriving, climate change-resilient, and sustainable local food system.

The land that is now stewarded by the Sandown Centre was likely once a Garry Oak Ecosystem, with meadows full of purple camas lilies (QʷⱢƏⱢ), a staple food for the W̱SÁNEĆ people. In the mid-1800s, the introduction of European farming practices disrupted the Indigenous food systems and agricultural practices. The area was farmed for grain and vegetables from the mid-1800s until the 1950s, when the farm fields were converted into a horse race track, which operated until 2001. The land is severely degraded, with extreme soil compaction, infill of rock and gravel, loss of biodiversity and invasive species pressure, loss of topsoil, and industrial debris. A substantial portion of the land functions as part of an integrated stormwater management plan for the District of North Saanich, capturing excess water that runs off from adjoining roadways and commercial areas.

The Sandown Centre for Regenerative Agriculture was founded in 2020, and began its Regenerative Farmer and restoration programs in the spring of 2021. Since its inception, Sandown has championed the land, following its organizational mission to showcase environmentally sustainable agriculture, demonstrate ecosystem and soil health restoration, and educate and empower the next generation of regenerative farmers.

Thanks to all the participants for attending and asking many great questions - lots of interesting discussion came up in the group. And special thanks to Matthew - a superb farmer and advocate for the land - for leading the tour and sharing his knowledge, experience, and passion with the group. For more information about the Sandown Centre, including an option to sign up for the Centre’s newsletter, visit: https://www.sandowncentre.com/

PD Lunch and Learn Webinar: "Preventing Burn Out" - The Do More Agriculture Foundation

📆 Available Dates: June 20th, June 26th, or June 27th
🕐 Time: 12 - 1pm PST
💻 Location: Online Via Zoom
⏰ PDH: 1.00
👤 Open To: BCIA Registrants and the Public.

Join us for an interactive and informative session designed to equip agricultural professionals with the knowledge and tools to recognize and manage the early signs of burnout, a prevalent yet often overlooked issue in the agricultural sector.

Key Aspects of the Workshop Include:
💡Understanding Burnout: Gain insights into what burnout is, how it differs from general stress, and why it is particularly common in the agricultural industry.
💡Recognizing the Signs: Learn to identify the early symptoms of burnout in yourself and others, including physical, emotional, and behavioral indicators.
💡Personal Self-Care Strategies: Explore personalized approaches to self-care, emphasizing the importance of maintaining personal well-being to prevent burnout.
💡Practical Tips for Busy Seasons: Receive actionable advice on managing workload and stress during peak agricultural seasons, ensuring sustainability and health.
💡Creating a Supportive Environment: Discuss ways to foster a work culture that acknowledges and addresses the risks of burnout, promoting mental well-being among all team members.

Learn more or register for one of these sessions at:
June 20th: https://loom.ly/fIeNn2I
June 26th: https://loom.ly/hEI5Ivk
June 27th: https://loom.ly/LnN4Pg8