The Advantage May 2019

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WASTE A 10-year inquiry into the cascading effects of nitrate pollution in the Hullcar Aquifer near Armstrong has resulted in the province introducing new regulations on agricultural waste management and nutrient applications. On February 28 the Code of Practice for Agricultural Environmental Management replaced the AWCR policy that had been in place. Though a 10-year phase-in plan has the new rules being implemented in vulnerable aquifer recharge areas first, much of the Fraser Valley and Okanagan must meet the new requirements as early as July 15, 2020. The few remaining zones have until July 15, 2021. Inspectors under the Environmental Management Act will be enforcing compliance. As environmental stewards, most farmers are already very conscientious about waste management. It’s not a secret that high levels of nitrates in the water table are problematic, they pose health concerns and are particularly dangerous to nursing mothers, babies and toddlers. Exposure results in an increased risk of developing stomach cancer in those exposed to above normal levels. There are some changes and clarifications to proper waste storage. New rules make the steps needed to avoid runoff clearer. Open field storage and composting piles must now be covered from October 1 to April 1. Holding piles must not be placed over coarse textured soil. Liquid manure must be stored in a permanent storage structure, designed by a qualified professional. Existing earthen manure storage areas must be assessed for leakage. Some changes to when and how nutrients can be applied are also now codified, application of nutrients must not happen during the period of November 1 to February 1, nutrients must also not be applied during February, March, or October unless they need to be made available to the intended crop. The Code of Practice will have farms that are over 5 hectares develop Nutrient Management Plans. NMP’s will be based on post-harvest nitrate test results. If your soil tests for greater than 100Kg N/ ha, or phosphorus test results ≥200 ppm an NMP will need to be developed. Many farmers already have a comprehensive NMP because of the value they add in fostering good production. The B.C. government has a Nutrient Management Calculator available online at https://nmp.apps.nrs.gov.bc.ca/. If you’ve never put together a NMP you may want to seek the help of a Soil Specialist. As regulations tighten and provincial inspections rise, record keeping will become more essential to the farmer. In order to protect yourself from future litigation we recommend going above and beyond the base requirements. One of the major advantages of the precision farming technologies being offered today is their ability to accurately record what has been applied. The computer systems can then send this data from your tractor to a computer which makes compiling records an easy task. During development of your farms policies and procedures be mindful of the public perception of environmental issues, proactively working with your MLA’s and keeping an eye on upcoming laws will help prevent future issues. 6
Great Shot Marc McPherson won the Avenue Machinery BC Best 2018 photo contest with this photo of a Massey Ferguson 35 facing out into the field. It’s not hard to imagine that the tractor itself is feeling a sort of satisfaction with life. After 56 years of working the land this 35 is still nowhere near retirement. Marc uses the 35 year round. It’s used for running the snowblower in the winter and the sickle and baler in the summer. Avenue Machinery helps Marc keep the 35 running by providing ongoing parts support. PARTS HOT-LINE ABBOTSFORD 1-888-283-3276 KELOWNA 1-800-680-0233 VERNON 1-800-551-6411 7
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Page 3 and 4: SPECIAL DELIVERY For four generatio
Page 5: No machine has just one job TBird

The Advantage May 2019

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