Objectives of the Peace River Forage Association
- To promote, encourage, develop and protect the forage industry.
- To maximize information transfer and to increase forage knowledge.
- To develop forage opportunities & appropriate methodologies to apply knowledge effectively.
- To encourage maximum profit for members.
- To represent forage producers of the Peace River region in issues important to them.
The Peace River Forage Association was started in the summer of 1992. A research & development committee was formed and they developed the goals & objectives by which the Association operates today.
In 1994, Peace River Agriculture Strategic Planning Society funded the BC Forage Council / BC Ministry of Agriculture, Food & Fisheries forage varietals & cultivar trials through our association. This helped the association pinpoint various worthwhile forage activities that could be carried out to the economic benefit of the local farming and ranching sector.
Our history as an organization is a colourful one and worth a read when you have time click on the History button.
In 1998, a comprehensive work plan was developed that defined a number of forage opportunities. This vision for the association's ongoing projects was revisited, discussed and updated in 2000.
The Peace River Forage Association of BC began with a dozen committed individuals with a goal of having 100 members. Our association has surpassed that goal. As of November 2006, there were 100 members representing a broad range of areas in the BC Peace River region.
Currently the PRFA of BC Board of Directors includes 7 directors, with 5 committee chairs. We also have advisors from Prairie Farm Rehabilitation Administration, Kiwanis Enterprise Center, BC Ministry of Agriculture, Alberta Agriculture, Peace River Regional District and 3 forage contractors. Through funding for R&D projects, the forage association has hired energetic summer students and technicians.
1999 Environmental Stewardship Award
The Peace Region Forage Association of BC was presented with the BC Cattlemen's Association Environmental Stewardship Award in 1999. Tom Pittman, District Agriculturist in Fort St. John, made the nomination for the award. A judging panel consisting of a cattle producer, representatives from industry, environment & conservation organizations and a government official approved it. This award was received due to the 20 subprojects that the association had undertaken. These projects focused on four key areas: communicating, improving forage & grazing systems, addressing the wildlife situation & developing water systems. These projects are being carried on today.
Sharing Information
Information is shared with members of the Peace River Forage Association of BC in several ways: newsletters, forage facts, tours, field days & winter forage club meetings.
Forage First Newsletters
A newsletter " Forage First" is mailed out 3 to 4 times a year. It communicates ideas with about 200 forage enthusiasts. It is compiled, published and distributed by the Communication Committee of the Association.
Forage Facts
The objective here is to compile useful tips and experiences to share with other forage producers. To date, 46 forage facts have been compiled & more are in progress. In the past our association appreciated funding from Peace River Agriculture Development and the Investment Agriculture Foundation. We especially thank all the supporters of the biannual Goods & Services Auctions for the seed money for this worthwhile project.
View the complete list of Forage Facts
Forage & Livestock Tours
We have held very successful tours every year since 1992. In 2001, over 150 people toured innovative ranches in the Groundbirch, Lone Prairie & Chetwynd areas. In 2003, the association hosted a tour in the Vanderhoof area.To see more information on the tours, go to the History section of our website.
Field Days, Mini Tours & Winter Forage Club Meetings
The Association hosts several Friendly Field days & mini-tours each summer, as well as Forage Club meetings in the winter.
Please contact us for more information.
