Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund approves funding for five projects

PEACE RIVER REGIONAL DISTRICT, B.C. – The BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund (PACF) board of directors has approved $71,314 in grant funding to support five agricultural production and related projects in the Peace Region.

Grant recipients include:

$20,650 to the Bear Mountain Grazing Association for reserve water resiliency. The Bear Mountain Grazing Association (BMGA) was incorporated in 1955 as a primary grazing reserve. Cattle enter the pasture at the end of May and remain there until the middle of October. The pasture runs 28 miles long and contains 50-plus dugouts, used predominately for watering cattle. Due to the prolonged drought situation in the Peace region, the pasture is now in a situation where many dugouts are at dangerously low levels and in some cases dry. With this funding, the association will take advantage of the low water levels in approximately 25 of these dugouts and make improvements to allow for safer cattle access and increase the water holding capacity.

$20,000 to Bryan and Bobbi-Lee Woodward for ranch livestock upgrades. This project aims to transition from a small-scale summer cattle grazing operation to a year-round cow/calf operation through livestock watering and handling improvements. Two winter watering locations will be established, and the barn will be upgraded with a maternity pen, two calving pens, and an insulated pump room that doubles as a calving supply room and tack shed. These additions will enhance productivity, ensure reliable water sources, and improve livestock safety during calving. The maternity and calving pens will reduce livestock stress and provide safe, weather-protected spaces for calves during challenging births or extreme weather. The project includes purchasing livestock waterers, installing construction supplies, and upgrading an existing pump room.

$12,875 to David Braun for pasture management. The applicant plans to improve their property by clearing and rebuilding 250 meters of fence along the property line, enlarging a small water supply dugout, fencing the dugout, and installing solar-powered water pump systems. They will also cross-fence the pasture, replacing weathered fencing to support rotational grazing and enhance pasture management. Enlarging the dugout by removing the berm will enable it to fill in spring, supporting rotational grazing. Rotational grazing through smaller pastures prevents overgrazing, improves weed control, and enhances manure distribution, allowing for increased livestock production. Solar water systems will keep cattle out of the dugouts, ensuring clean water access and improving livestock health and productivity.

$11,250 to Dalton and Chantel Odden for temporary wildlife fencing. The ranch wildlife fencing project will utilize portable buffalo panels to create movable wildlife fencing around livestock feed. This fencing will minimize feed waste, damage, and contamination caused by wildlife, reducing input costs and improving feed quality. With better feed access and quality, the ranch can produce healthier, higher-yield cattle, enhancing overall productivity. Lower feed waste and costs will also allow for reinvestment into other areas of the ranch, such as feed production and cattle expansion, boosting agricultural output in the Peace region.

$6,539 to Shayne and Rachel Turnbull for a fibre processing facility. This project aims to establish a wool and fibre processing facility to support Windy Valley Farm and local producers, clubs, and guilds. The applicant has invested in wool processing machines and plans to house them in a steel shipping container, providing an economical, pest-free space for fibre storage, picking, and carding. Currently, the Peace region lacks local fibre processing facilities, leaving small-scale sheep, goat, alpaca, and llama producers with costly and time-consuming options such as shipping to distant mills or hand processing. Many resort to burning or burying wool due to prohibitive costs. This facility will offer producers a viable way to process fibre, reducing waste and offsetting shearing expenses. By providing access to locally processed fibre, the project benefits farmers, artisans, and consumers. It will support local crafts like quilting and weaving, maximize the value of animal products, and strengthen connections within the region’s agricultural and artisan communities.

Quotes:

Rick Kantz, chair, BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund
” The projects funded through the BC Hydro Peace Agricultural Compensation Fund highlight the resilience and innovation of our agricultural community in the Peace region. From improving water resources and livestock management to supporting fibre processing and sustainable grazing practices, these initiatives are essential for strengthening food security and fostering economic growth. Agriculture is the backbone of the Peace region, and investments like these ensure farmers and ranchers have the tools they need to adapt, thrive, and continue contributing to the vitality of our communities.”

Bear Mountain Grazing Association
“This project is extremely important to the tenure users of the Bear Mountain Grazing Association in ensuring an adequate supply of clean, accessible water for cattle. This funding will allow us to clean several dugouts throughout the grazing reserve.”

Shayne and Rachell Turnbull
“We are very happy to have our project selected for support from the BC Hydro agriculture fund. Having support to establish a wool processing facility will enable our farm to process our own wool fibre as well as wool for other local producers. Our goal is to make better use of the fibre products from our animals, and to increase the availability of locally produced fibre around the Peace region.”