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Ag in B.C.’s throne speech

Ag in B.C.’s throne speech
Feb 19, 2025
By Diego Flammini
Assistant Editor, North American Content, Farms.com

The government promises to take lessons from other industries and apply them to agriculture

B.C. Lt-Gov. Wendy Cocchia’s throne speech on Feb. 18 on behalf of Premier David Eby’s government mentioned agriculture and farmers only twice.

The first time referred to the government’s commitment to protect British Columbians against tariffs from the U.S.

“We will never back down from defending workers, farmers, businesses and livelihoods here in British Columbia and across Canada,” Cocchia said in the speech. “This is not a fight we started. This is not a fight we want. But we won’t ever roll over or let our guard down.”

The second mention came during a section about reducing red tape and other barriers.

The government touted its work on reducing timelines on some mining projects by more than 35 per cent and is looking to extend that work into other industries.

“Now, we are accelerating that work, while applying those lessons to other sectors, such as construction, forestry and agriculture,” Cocchia said.




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California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Video: California Farm Bureau 2025 Farm Dog of the Year Contest Winner - Willy - CAFB 107th Annual Meeting

Meet Willy: California Farm Bureau’s 2025 Farm Dog of the Year!

We’re excited to introduce Willy, a miniature long-haired dachshund with a big heart and even bigger courage, and the Grand Prize winner of this year’s Farm Dog of the Year Contest!

Willy may be small, but he’s become an indispensable partner on owner Marshal Hagedorn’s forestry and cattle operations in Shasta, Tehama, and Siskiyou counties. Adopted in 2023, he quickly found his place on the ranch, helping manage critters, tagging along for long days in the woods, and offering unwavering companionship during demanding logging work.

Willy has even taken naturally to moving cattle, surprising calves (and more than a few full-grown cows!) with his burst of energy from the tall grass. As Marshal put it: “He goes with me everywhere every single day.”

Congratulations to Willy and his family, a perfect example of how every good farm dog, no matter the size, helps keep California agriculture running strong.