Open to: All BCIA registrants and guests

Join the Victoria & Islands branch after their Yearly Regional Meeting for an afternoon tour of Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative, exploring the connections between agricultural land use, local food production, organic farming, soils, and water management.

Participants will learn about the history and development of the Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative and its role in supporting organic market farming and local food production. The tour will also explore the geological history of the valley and how its landscape, soils, and water influence agricultural use.

In the field, participants will examine soil texture and horizons and discuss water fluctuations, drainage, agricultural capability, and cropping potential. The tour will provide an opportunity to connect soil characteristics and site conditions with the practical realities of farming on the landscape.

Topics Covered

• Agricultural land use planning and local food systems

• Organic farming practices

• Floodplain farming and water management

• Soil analysis, texture, and horizons

• Agricultural capability and cropping potential

Learning Objectives

By the end of the tour, participants will have an opportunity to:

• Learn about the history of the Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative and organic market farming at the site.

• Explore the geological history of the valley and its relationship to water management and agriculture.

• Examine soil texture and horizons in the field.

• Discuss how water fluctuations and drainage affect agricultural land use.

• Consider how soil and site characteristics influence agricultural capability and cropping potential.

Presenters

Bob Maxwell, BSc, PAg (Retired)
Bob holds a Bachelor of Science in Physical Geography (Resource Management) from the University of Victoria and was a Professional Agrologist with the BC Institute of Agrologists from 1978 to 2007. During his career with the BC Ministry of Agriculture, his work related to the Agricultural Land Reserve included agricultural capability and soil surveys.

Bob and his wife operate Field Stone Farm on the Saanich Peninsula. He served with the Peninsula and Area Agricultural Commission for 20 years, including 11 years as Chair, and helped establish the Peninsula Country Market more than 30 years ago. Following his retirement from the BC Government, Bob continued consulting on farm surveys and bioterrain mapping.

David Peddie, Farm Manager, Oloron Market Garden & Co-director, Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative
David (he/him) runs Oloron Market Garden, a one-acre diversified organic vegetable farm at the Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative. He is also a long-time director of the cooperative and works for the BC Ministry of Agriculture and Food, specializing in climate-resilient farming.

Ri Blixrud, Farm Manager, Glade Farm & Co-director, Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative
Ri (they/them) is an organic farmer with a passion for “Hobbit” farming. Ri operates Glade Farm on two acres at the Lohbrunner Community Farm Cooperative and also serves as a Co-op Director, Education Coordinator, and Farm Manager.

Location & Parking

Parking at the farm is limited. Participants are encouraged to carpool from the Yearly Regional Meeting venue.

What to Bring

This is an outdoor walking tour. Please wear good walking shoes and dress for the weather. A raincoat or other rain gear is recommended if wet weather is expected.

Space is limited to 30 participants, so advance registration is required.

ATTENTION articling registrants!! The in-person event will be an excellent opportunity to network and meet with other branch registrants.

Please note that photographs and footage will be taken. 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.