BC Farm Writers Association

May 2024 Newsletter

BCFWA members to gather in Chilliwack and West Kelowna for in-person events this summer.

Join Us in Chilliwack in June

Remember the last BC Farm Writers’ Association spring tour event? No? Then it’s time for another one! While full details are still being sorted out, on June 26, 2024 we will be visiting a lavender farm that was impacted by the 2021 flood and a farm/brewery also in the Sumas Prairie/Chilliwack area. There will be tours of both locations, lunch and an opportunity to hang out after a short and informal meeting covering the latest news from BCFWA and the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation. The fun begins at 11:00 AM PST. Put this must-attend social and informational event on your calendar and RSVP to bcfarmwriters@gmail.com to get full details. BCFWA will pick up at least part of the tab and, as David Schmidt used to say, “nothing wrong with a free lunch.”

Join Us in West Kelowna in July

Mingle with your BC Farm Writers' Association colleagues and explore the 2024 grape crop firsthand. We’ll tour the stunning Frind Estate Winery on Okanagan Lake, discover their vineyard practices, then delve into the science of winemaking at their state-of-the-art lab. Chief Winemaker Corrie Krehbiel will share insights into their philosophy, techniques, and wines, followed by a guided tasting. Later, we’ll dine on the beachfront patio. Don't miss this opportunity to learn, network and unwind by the lake.

Date: Monday, July 15, 2024 (so you have the weekend to come early).

Time: Likely a 3:00 PM PST start, but will confirm as soon as we know more.

Location: We'll meet at Frind Estate Winery, 3725 Boucherie Rd., West Kelowna.

Cost: BCFWA is covering the $35.00 per person tour/tasting fee. Dinner and other beverage costs will be the responsibility of each attendee.

RSVP: MyrnaLeader@gmail.com by June 15th.

Committee to Honour Legacy of David Schmidt

David Schmidt, a vibrant and respected BC agriculture writing community member and the longest serving member of the BCFWA executive, passed away in November 2023. A prolific contributor to Country Life in BC for almost 40 years, David was known for his solid, unbiased reporting on every subject of interest to farmers and farm life. David had high ethical standards in his craft and inspired many people.

In response to our members' request to honour David’s legacy, we have established the David Schmidt Legacy Committee (DSLC). This committee will play a significant role in preserving and celebrating the contributions of David Schmidt to the BC agriculture writing community. Thank you to Kathleen Gibson, Peter Van Dongen, John Van Dongen, and Tamara Leigh for stepping up to serve on this committee.

The committee still needs one more member and your unique perspective and expertise would be a valuable addition. If you are interested, please contact Cheryl at info@cheryldavie.com.

New BC Agriculture Communications Network

Cheryl Davie is leading a new BC Agriculture Communications network. This information group, made up of people with a communications role in BC Agriculture, is scheduled to meet for the first time on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at 10:00 AM PST via Microsoft Teams. The meetings will include a roundtable where attendees will introduce themselves, their organizations and upcoming events or campaigns. The goal is to create a supportive network of communicators in BC agriculture. If you are interested in attending, please get in touch with Cheryl at communications@agsafebc.ca.

You Could be a Winner!

Did you produce some brilliant writing in 2023? Enter your best work to the Canadian Farm Writers' Federation Annual Awards, which recognize the best of the best in a range of media categories. Awards are open to Canadian journalists, communicators and broadcasters who work in the agriculture, agribusiness, or food-related industries and will be presented during the CFWF Annual Conference Awards Banquet taking place on October 5, 2024. For more information and to submit your entry, visit the CFWF website at https://cfwf.ca/cfwf-awards/

Deadline to Enter: June 28, 2024.

CFWF Awards Program Needs Your Support

The Canadian Farm Writers' Federation is looking for sponsors and judges for their 2024 awards program. If you are interested, please contact Della at Awards@cfwf.ca.

Save the Date (CFWF AGM)

The Canadian Farm Writers' Federation AGM will be held on June 13, 2024 at 11:00 AM PST. BC Farm Writers' Association members are welcome to attend via Zoom and are eligible to cast votes. Register online at: https://quanglo.wufoo.com/forms/sidl8vk0hqtwcw/.

Save the Date (CFWF Annual Conference)

Canadian Farm Writers' Federation Annual Conference

Host: Atlantic Canada Farm Writers Association

Where: Halifax, NS

When: October 3 to 5, 2024

***Registration opens in June***

Click to learn more

Thank you to all our renewing members and welcome to our new members!