British Columbia farmers and ranchers are getting a much-needed financial boost to help safeguard their operations from increasingly severe weather conditions, as the province expands support through its Beneficial Management Practices program.
The provincial government announced up to $1.25 million in new funding under a category focused specifically on Extreme Weather Preparedness, designed to help agriculture operations cope with the impacts of wildfires, floods, extreme heat—and now, extreme cold.
“From wildfires and extreme heat to flooding and cold weather, B.C. farmers and ranchers are constantly working in these challenging conditions,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “This program helps producers get ready for unexpected periods of harsh weather so they can continue providing the food that we all rely on.”
Beginning October 8, 2025, farmers can apply for funding on a first-come, first-served basis, with up to $50,000 available per applicant for approved projects. Over 35 projects are expected to be funded in this round.
Eligible projects under the program include:
- Protecting crops and livestock from extreme temperatures;
- Farm building retrofits;
- FireSmart assessments;
- Feed storage solutions;
- And other creative, farm-specific adaptations.
“It’s like putting on fire insurance”
Kevin Boon, General Manager of the B.C. Cattlemen’s Association, welcomed the funding as a practical step for producers who know what they need but often can’t afford to act.
“This is designed for the farmer to do what the farmer or rancher needs to do on his own place,” said Boon in an interview. “It lets you be a little more creative to adapt it to your operation. There’s always something else you could do, but $50,000 can mean the difference between disaster and staving it off.”
Boon likened the support to buying insurance: “Hopefully, you never need it, but if you do, it’s there.”
He added that while major infrastructure upgrades can be costly, many fire-prevention and weather-proofing projects—such as hay sheds, automatic watering systems, or firebreaks—are feasible within the funding limit.
Producers already seeing impact
The program is already making a difference for some operations. Stephanie Wollen, owner of Wollen Sons Ranch, shared how support from the BMP program allowed her family to install automatic waterers—a critical upgrade that ensures livestock have fresh water even during drought.
“For over 70 years, three generations of our family have been manually watering each season, in all types of weather,” said Wollen. “We now have a fresh water supply to our cattle, even in drought conditions.”
A calmer year, but preparation still key
While 2025 brought a relatively mild wildfire season compared to recent years, Boon emphasized that the long-term trend toward more frequent and intense weather events demands ongoing preparation.
“This summer has been almost ideal,” Boon said. “But we know that’s not always the case. The weather’s been unpredictable year to year. It’s all about being ready for the next one.”
Despite dry conditions late in the season, cooler nights helped reduce fire activity. Boon noted that feed supplies are also in better shape than in past years, aided by good rainfall and a reduced cattle herd following 2023’s drought.
“Overall here in B.C., we’re above average in hay supply,” he said.
Investment in food security
The BMP program, including the Extreme Weather Preparedness category, is delivered in partnership with the Investment Agriculture Foundation of B.C.
“Helping farms and ranches prepare for extreme weather is essential to protecting B.C.’s future food security,” said Jack Dewit, chair of IAF. “We’re proud to continue serving as a trusted partner in delivering programs that support B.C.’s agriculture and food sector.”
