This event is supported by the BC Climate Agri-Solutions Fund (BCCAF). Funding for the BCCAF has been provided by Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada through the Agricultural Climate Solutions – On-Farm Climate Action Fund. BCCAF is delivered by the Investment Agriculture Foundation. To learn more, visit www.bccaf.ca

Mike Witt's field trip in Nitrogen Management will include an introduction to regulation (AEM code), the nitrogen cycle, manure, other non-synthetic amendments, methods to improve use (soil mapping, inhibitors, application methods), and the impacts of equipment operations. We will also show the Living Labs, including cover crops for nutrient management and advanced manure injection.

Agenda:
10:00 – Meet and greet at the property
10:15 - Brief review of the Nitrogen cycle and regulatory requirements (AEM Code), best practices for N mgmt (4R's)
10 45 - Look at the importance of legumes in crop rotation (look at alfalfa nodules on site)
11:15 - Discuss advanced techniques for applying and retaining manure, including current Dairy Living Labs, and look at application equipment and cover crops.
11:45 - Demonstrate other advanced equipment that can be used for sensing and calculating crop N requirements, including chlorophyll reading and soil zone mapping / variable rate application advantages.
12:15 - Finally, discuss other technologies to reduce N application requirements, such as inhibitors and biostimulants.
12:45 -We'll then go to Cambium Cider Co and Orchard for further discussion and questions whilst sitting down to a delicious farm to table lunch. We will also be participating a cider tasting, where we will learn about their third-generation orchard, sustainability, the sterile moth program, switching over to organic, and the cider process.
4:00pm – Wrap up and depart

Mike's education and experience qualify him as an expert in Nitrogen Management. He has done most of his work in cover cropping and nitrogen management for livestock (beef and dairy). He is currently involved as an Agrologist for BC Living Labs (administered by IAF) in both the Forage/Beef and Dairy sectors. In addition to his professional consulting and advising work, having his farm operation allows him to implement them at home.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken throughout the tour. These will be used by BCIA for marketing and publicity in our publications, on our website, newsletters, and on social media. Should you not wish to have your photo taken and used for these purposes, please advise the photographer at the time.

Due to limited spots on this tour and lunch orders being individual, if you cannot attend try to provide as much notice as possible so that someone else may benefit from this tour.