Cover cropping is a method of planting that helps build healthy soil and can be practiced in any farming operation. Cover cropping keeps the ground covered and helps with continued carbon sequestration in non-production areas. They significantly reduce emissions from nitrogen fertilizers by providing healthy nutrients to the soil. When carefully chosen and managed properly, cover crops can benefit production for farmers and help mitigate climate change.

Farmers will have a chance to meet and hear from 3 farmer panelists from across the province. Panelists will introduce themselves and give a brief introduction into their experience with cover cropping. Our moderator will alternate between asking pre-determined questions and questions from participants. Farmers on the call will have the opportunity to ask our panelists questions and learn about cover cropping in 4 different regions of BC.

GUEST SPEAKERS

Felix Egerer, Unsworth Vineyards

Felix worked as the Viticulturist at Tantalus Vineyards in Kelowna from 2018 until recently when he moved to Vancouver Island and now runs the vineyards at Unsworth. He as Academic training at UC Davis and Geisenheim University as well as harvest experiences in cool climates around the world. His focus lies on establishing and maintaining regenerative agriculture systems, especially with regards to soil management.

Les Willims, LH Willms Inc.

Les and Hannah Willms run LH Willms Inc. and both have deep roots in farming. The farm has been in his family since 1968 and Les took over the operation fully in 2002. They grow canola, wheat, and barley on 3,000 acres in Rose Praire. They grow a number of different cover crop varieties and are determined to trial what they can to find the best fit for growing cover crops in the North.

Matthew Carr, Linden Lane Farms

Matthew is the owner of Linden Lane Farms, a diversified organic market garden and nursery that focuses on production, research and education. The farm is 150 acres consisting of a mixture of forest, pasture, 6 acres of which they cultivate. Matt is the lead agrologist at Cultivate Horticulture and specializes in production horticulture focusing on organic and soil-health based systems. He has two Prairie Horticulture Certificates and a Bachelor of Science major in Horticulture and minor in Soil Science from the University of Saskatchewan.

This event is organized by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund and FarmFolk CityFolk. Funding for the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund.

To learn more about the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund, visit www.bccaf.ca.