Join the Vancouver Branch for a full-day behind-the-scenes tour of two of British Columbia's leading agricultural research facilities. This unique event offers participants the opportunity to explore cutting-edge research in crop production, environmental sustainability, and precision dairy farming while learning directly from the researchers advancing innovation in Canadian agriculture.

The day begins at the Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC) Agassiz Research and Development Centre, Canada's leading centre for integrated peri-urban agriculture research. Established in 1886, the Centre conducts research focused on horticulture, forage cropping systems, berry production, plant health, soil and water management, environmental sustainability, and integrated agricultural production systems. Participants will tour research facilities and field projects while learning how scientific research is helping build productive and sustainable agricultural practices.

Following a lunch break (participants must let us know dietary concerns when registering), the group will visit the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre (DERC). This guided tour will showcase ongoing dairy research and provide an inside look at modern livestock production technologies. Participants will tour the calf, heifer, and milking barns while exploring innovations such as automatic milking systems, automatic calf feeders, RFID animal tracking, activity monitoring systems, and precision feeding and watering technologies. The tour will also highlight how artificial intelligence and data-driven technologies are improving animal welfare and dairy management.

Learning Outcomes

Participants will gain insight into:

• Current agricultural research in crop production, plant health, soils, and environmental sustainability.
• Laboratory and field research conducted at the AAFC Agassiz Research and Development Centre.
• Modern dairy production practices and innovations in animal welfare.
• The application of precision livestock farming technologies, artificial intelligence, and data analytics to improve dairy herd management.

Tentative Agenda

Lab tour begins at 10 am. We will tour the lab block and visit a couple of labs based on availability.

10:05-10:20: Dr. Rhiannon Wallace Food Microbiomics lab

10:20-10:35: Dr. Paul Abram (Emily Grove) lab – Biological Control of Insect Pests

10:35-10:50: Pyae Aung (PhD candidate presentation)- Real-time soil water decision support tool (Main Conference Room)

10:50 Return to cars for driving out to field plots.

Field Tour

11:00-11:15 Dr. Jichul Bae - Weed Control plots

11:15-11:30 Dr. Charitha Jayasinghege – Berry and forage crop physiology plots

11:30-11:55 Dr. Shabtai Bittman and Derek Hunt – Farmlet Trial plots

11:55: Hard deadline to travel to UBC for lunch

12:00 – 13:00: Lunch at UBC Dairy supplied by Brew and Breeze Café.

13:15 – 14:45: UBC DERC tour with Graduate student led, PhD, research manager at UBC Dairy. New technologies and RFID monitoring.

15:00: Wrap up

What to Bring

• Closed-toe footwear (required)
• Water bottle
• Sunscreen
• Hat for outdoor field tour

Disposable boot covers will be provided where required.

Participants should enter from Highway 7 and proceed directly to the AAFC parking lot. Directions to the UBC Dairy Education and Research Centre will be provided during the event.

Lunch: Dietary concerns and lunch orders must be made at time of registration. Choose one beverage and one lunch item from the menu below. Registrations close August 17, 2026.

Parking is available on-site (confirmation pending with the venues). Registrations close August 17, 2026.

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.