Event Schedule & Locations

August 19th: Telkwa, BC - Fall Rye Research Discussion | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
August 20th: Vanderhoof, BC - Tillage Research Demonstrations | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
August 21st: Prince George, BC - Fall Rye Research Demonstrations | 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

What’s Included

Expert field demonstrations led by Regional Agrologists
Guidance on interconnections between soil health, climate resilience, and innovative practices
Information on relevant funding programs to support implementation
Farm partner experiences and BC Forage Council research methodology insights
Lunch provided daily
Hands-on learning from producer research partners
Open discussion periods connecting all subject areas
Take-home resources
Key Learning Outcomes

Soils 101 - Building the Foundation (Ahmed Lasisi & Deiter Geesing) Understanding the science behind the research! Learn soil moisture conservation strategies and how soil texture/structure influence water retention - the foundation that makes both fall rye and conservation tillage successful. Hands-on soil pit exploration reveals how different management practices have shaped soil layers over time, setting the stage for understanding why these research projects matter.

Climate Resilience in Forage Systems (Taylor Grafton & Experts Mike Witt, Jim Forbes, Greg Tegart with BC Cattlemen’s Association) Understand how all these research findings work together - how soil health practices support resilient forage stands, optimal grazing and hay-cutting timing strategies, and long-term sustainability in changing northern BC conditions.

Fall Rye Research Insights (Ministry Staff John Stevenson, Karen Tabe, Nicole Pressey with BC Forage Council & Mike Witt) Learn about collaborative research tackling northern BC challenges - soil quality improvement and noxious weed suppression, particularly hawkweed control. Hear directly from producers about their experiences with the fall rye project, while BC Forage Council researchers walk you through the demonstration installation process, data collection methods, and agronomic results from comparing roller crimper methods versus traditional harvest approaches.

Conservation Tillage Research (Ministry Staff John Stevenson, Karen Tabe, Nicole Pressey with BC Forage Council & Mike Witt)
Witness producer-driven research that emerged from Regional Extension Committee priorities - comparing no-till to conventional tillage practices for soil health and annual forage production. See how reduced tillage connects directly to the soil moisture conservation and residue management principles, while supporting the climate resilience strategies for sustainable forage systems.

The Big Picture Connection: See how understanding soil layers (Soils 101) informs tillage decisions (Conservation Tillage Research), which supports successful fall rye implementation (Fall Rye Research insights), which builds soil health and climate resilience - all demonstrated through real on-farm research partnerships designed for producers like you!

Funding for this event, in part, has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. Funding for this event is also provided [in part] by Farmers for Climate Solutions.