Tom Walker
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Articles by Tom Walker
Effective Neck Pain Treatment Options in Miami: A Comprehensive Guide
Neck pain is a common ailment that affects people of all ages, often resulting from factors like poor posture, stress, injuries, or underlying medical conditions. In the bustling city of Miami, where an active lifestyle is the norm, the prevalence of neck pain can be particularly pronounced. Understanding the various treatment options available is essential for anyone seeking relief.
Vineyards enter new year with recovery in sight
Silver Lining DCCs hit farms hard Dairy producers on alert: AI Popham picks up where she left off Editorial: Staying connected Back 40: Roots to growth in an agrarian community Viewpoint: Polarized legislature offers industry an opportunity Mega-barns on Delta farmland raise concerns Sidebar: Noise concerns from air show Dairy meetings look forward to more stable times Ag Briefs: Property sales continue as fruit sector retrenches Ag Briefs: Farm-class properties rise Ag Briefs: Creston bee...
BC Tree Fruits shuts down
Provincial efforts to stabilize the tree fruit sector have been up-ended by BC Tree Fruits Co-operative’s decision to wind up operations. The co-op announced the decision “with profound sadness” on July 26, a day after a board meeting that identified low crop volumes and challenging market conditions as insurmountable challenges. It ceased accepting fruit immediately.
Grasslands tour puts spotlight on common ground
KAMLOOPS – The annual Grasslands Conservation Council of BC (GCC) field day visited Tunkwa Provincial Park on June 8, with participants learning about the park’s creation and management of the surrounding grasslands. Tunkwa Provincial Park was created in 1996 to protect a portion of the area’s extensive mid-elevation grasslands, as well as lakes, wetlands and forests on the South Thompson Plateau between the towns of Logan Lake and Savona.
Weekend Snapshot
Looking back at another Saturday and Sunday on two wheels, three folks from our global bikepacking community share scenes from their rides in today’s Weekend Snapshot. We join them in British Columbia, Colorado, and Peru this time. Peek at all three and share a shot from one of your recent adventures using the quick submission form here… Today’s Weekend Snapshot features a particularly dreamy mix of quiet dirt roads that make us want to drop everything and head out for a loaded tour.
Alaska Magazine | The Wanderer
On the peaks above the Coleen and Sheenjek Rivers, where patches of bare ground dotted the south-facing hillsides and meltwater plunged toward both rivers, hardy Pasque flowers swayed in the breeze. Golden eagles, having returned from southern wintering areas, circled the summits seeking ptarmigan camouflaged in the rocks. A few ground squirrels, fresh out of hibernation, skittered their alarm calls as the wolf trotted by on the trails carved by migrating caribou.
US vs. China: A Confrontation That Makes No Sense
The Chinese Embassy in Mexico registered strong objections to the sanctions imposed by the U.S. on 17 Chinese and Mexican entities and individuals allegedly involved in the proliferation of equipment used in the production of illegal drugs, in particular fentanyl. The Chinese legation maintained that the irrational punishment imposed by Washington adversely affect the rights and interests of the targets of the sanctions.
Jonathan Pie to host a spoof BBC phone-in
Ranting news reporter Jonathan Pie is to make his first radio series, to be initially released as a BBC podcast. The broadcaster has ordered a ten-part series from the ever-angry alter-ego of actor Tom Walker, which will be released on BBC Sounds before airing on Radio 4. Call Jonathan Pie is based around him hosting a late-night phone-in show, while listeners will also hear Pie’s frequent clashes with his production team, as well as BBC senior management, behind the scenes.
Wentworth Falls writer Peter Gawler works on Last King of The Cross with John Ibrahim
"John was involved from the outset. From the early days of brainstorming through plotting and drafting of episodes he had input... the thing about John, he's a natural raconteur. He instinctively knows how to tell a good story," said Gawler. "In fact he and I spent a lot of time debating amendments to scenes. His number would come up on my phone, I'd hear that wicked chuckle...
Tools to Live By
New book details iconic Alaskan The Handcrafted Life of Dick Proenneke (written by Monroe Robinson and published by Lost Art Press, 2021) is a lavish book that should be subtitled: “The Bible of Wilderness Cabin Craft,” a must-reference for every rural and wilderness dweller or dreamer. Dick Proenneke’s life and legacy, documented in his book, , and subsequent documentaries, is a vivid testament to the wilderness lifestyle.
Adventures and Aurora
Borealis Basecamp launches new offerings Three nights deep in the backcountry of the million-acre White Mountains National Recreation Area outside Fairbanks is a good example of a hard adventure. A soft adventure, says Adriel Butler, could be one hour riding a snowmachine through a powder field. Butler is the owner of Borealis Basecamp, which he aims to make the go-to resort in interior Alaska for those types of soft adventures.
Soldier’s Summit
80 years of the Alaska Highway The 11,000 workers who built the Alaska Highway over the course of eight months in 1942 were divided into units that were tasked with constructing a section of the 1,600-mile road. These crews forced their way through the wilderness toward one another, until the road sections connected. The most famous of these meetings took place near Beaver Creek on October 25, 1942, when two bulldozer operators came crashing through the woods toward one another.
Packers say they’ll work together to fix industry
KELOWNA – A group of packers have sent a letter to BC apple growers outlining their commitment to work together and offering a number of suggestions to improve the industry. But the BC Fruit Growers Association says the suggestions are not substantial enough and will ask the province to step in. The 11-member group includes some of the province’s biggest packers, including BC Tree Fruits Co-op, Consolidated Fruit Packers and Sandher Fruit Packers.
There is a future for BC’s apple industry
NARAMATA — The new president of the BC Fruit Growers Association is a life-long farmer who believes he can influence a change in the province’s tree fruit industry. “I’ve been involved in farming all my life,” says Peter Simonsen, an organic grower who was elected to head the 133-year-old association at its annual convention at the end of February.
Grape growers assess damage
Scott Walsh takes cuttings from grapevines that may have been damaged by extreme cold temperatures over the holidays. Tom Walker photo. January 12, 2022 byTom Walker Grape growers are assessing damage from a late December cold snap that hit the central and northern Okanagan Valley.
Sustainable Communities Workshop then Manatee County Stand Down on Peace & Justice and Justice Matters at 9am Oct. 20
Missed the show? Listen on or archives! On Wednesday October 20 at 9am Bob and Tom on the Peace & Justice Report interviewed Alia Garrett. Alia is the Sustainability Outreach Coordinator for Sarasota County University of Florida, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences. There will be a Sustainability Communities Workshop November 10 with dozens of speakers. WSLR is a media sponsor.
Phosphate dangers, then a community health survey on Peace & Justice, at 9am Wednesday, August 25
This Wednesday, August 25 at 9am, our first guest will be Erik Crown, Director of the new film PHOSFATE. See below for a description of the film. On the second half of our show our guest will be Dr. Lisa Merritt of the Multicultural Health Institute. Dr. Merritt will share the results of a new Data Across Sectors for Health (DASH) health survey of Sarasota, including specifics for the Newtown and Amaryllis neighborhoods.
Protecting apples and profits - Fruit & Vegetable Magazine
Protective netting has a wide range of benefits in apple production. While netting is primarily installed to protect apples from hail and sunburn, there are a number of additional advantages, as well. A recent installation in the North Okanagan region of British Columbia reveals a variety of positive results.
Hardy Characters of the Alaska Road Commission
Prior to statehood, the Alaska Road Commission (ARC), a division of the War Department, constructed roads throughout Alaska. In the early years, before the introduction of motor vehicles, ARC cut and built numerous dog sled and wagon trails through the wilderness, as well as shelter cabins along those routes. Many of the workers were gold rush pioneers, who, having failed to strike it rich, supported themselves through seasonal labor.
Core knowledge lands Kelowna grower top award
KELOWNA – Learning from some of the best can help you be one of the best is a philosophy that’s served Kelowna orchardist Shane Witzke well. The BC Fruit Growers Association named Witzke as recipient of this year’s Golden Apple award at its annual general meeting in February. “I rely on what my field service advisors tell me,” says Witzke.
Beavers Make Their Mark on Alaska
Perhaps no other rodent garners as much popular imagery as the beaver. Their avatars appear in Super Bowl beer ads as well as for toothpaste, construction companies, energy drinks, and even men’s work pants described as “tougher than a giant angry beaver.” An iconic bush plane is named for them, and they star in their own animated television show. In Corvallis, Oregon, The Beavers represent the university athletic teams.
Mixing it up with cover crops - Fruit & Vegetable Magazine
Growing cover crops in vineyards is an increasingly popular practice for Canadian grapegrowers. They have a long list of positives for viticulture but cover crops have been particularly successful for one Okanagan grower. Gene Covert did not have to add any nitrogen to his vineyard last year and he plans to do the same this year as well.
Grafting: A good compromise compared to a full replant - Fruit & Vegetable Magazine
As wine drinker’s tastes have evolved, along with viticulture and vintner practices, vineyard managers must look for ways to change up varieties. “We had this block of Chenin Blanc vines,” says Troy Osborne, viticulture manager for Arterra Wines in the south Okanagan Valley.
In-Town Gallery Features Artist Mindy June Kelly
This March, In-Town Gallery, located on Chattanooga’s hip to historic North Shore, is proud to feature a special presentation of new mixed media art by Mindy June Kelly. The framework for her art is derived from old books, magazines, notes and manuals which she has collected over the years. Mindy takes these overlooked or forgotten bits of history and gives them a new life in her work by mixing these materials with paint, pencil, and ink to tell a new story.
Growers, wineries welcome sustainability launch
KELOWNA – The first wines certified under a new made-in-BC sustainability program could be on shelves as early as next spring. “We are excited to be finally launching our official certification process,” says Katie Pease, program manager for Sustainable Winegrowing BC (SWBC). Originally scheduled to launch this past April, COVID-19 delayed the program’s launch until November 1.
Picking up hitchhikers on the Alaska Highway
Tom Walker has his fair share of stories, including tales he’s heard picking up hitchhikers on the Alaska Highway. This famous Alaska Highway stop is the Watson Lake signpost forest in Yukon, Canada. Photo by Tom Walker. Fourteen times I’ve driven the Alaska Highway. Even though the road itself has improved dramatically over the years, winter weather always makes the drive a challenge. There’s the snow, the ice, the cold, and vast distances between services.
Province updates watering intentions
August 12, 2020 byTom Walker The province updated the intentions paper for its proposed livestock watering policy at the end of July. “We were surprised to see an updated intentions paper released, quite frankly,” says Princeton area rancher Linda Allison, noting the extensive consultations BC Cattlemen’s Association have had with the province over the last 10 years. “We voiced many concerns over this proposed regulation.
Small-lot farmers call for greater Infrastructure
ARMSTRONG – Small-scale producers say the province needs to rebuild rural food processing capacity if it wants them to thrive. While small, local producers have come into their own in recent years and drawn several aspiring farmers to rural acreages, the rules often restrict growth and leave them scrambling for the kind of support that was withdrawn as the economy became centralized. The provincial small-lot poultry quota of 2,000 birds a year is a case in point.
Fruit growers upset about labour
Photo / Tom Walker July 15, 2020 byTom Walker BC fruit growers are facing a fourth difficult year. A recent survey by the BC Fruit Growers Association indicates that more than 67% of growers plan to harvest less fruit this year as a result of COVID-19. “We were really surprised by the number,” says BCFGA general manager Glen Lucas.
Woodjam Ranch honoured
The Seelhof family of Woodjam Ranch in Horsefly is the recipient of the 2020 Ranch Sustainability Award from the BC Cattlemen’s Association. Photo / BCCA July 8, 2020 byTom Walker The Seelhof family of Woodjam Ranch in Horsefly is the recipient of the 2020 Ranch Sustainability Award from the BC Cattlemen’s Association, presented July 7 via an online ceremony. “Receiving this award means a lot to us,” says Chad Seelhof, noting the importance of the ranching community supporting one another.
Cattle industry seeks cash
May 6, 2020 byTom Walker There was some hope for the BC cattle industry in Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s announcement on May 5 of $252 million to support agriculture and food processing. Almost half the funds, $125 million, are earmarked for AgriRecovery initiatives to support producers facing additional costs as a result of COVID-19. The funds include $50 million for a cattle set-aside program aimed at supporting feedlots across Canada unable to move cattle to processing plants.
Updated FAQ Issued Regarding the Paycheck Protection Program and Qualification for Loans
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On Thursday, April 23, the Small Business Administration (SBA) and United States Department of Treasury released a new question 31 and related answer as a supplement to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Loan Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs), which they previously published and have periodically updated since the program began.
By Curt Hearn, Ron Snider, Craig N. Landrum, Tom Walker Verified, Robert L. Carothers, Marshall Page
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LexBlog
Plant closures a crisis for cattlemen
April 22, 2020 byTom Walker Ranchers are asking Ottawa to consider two programs to support the industry following significant reductions in processing capacity this week. “The situation has gone from serious to critical,” says Fawn Jackson, director of government and international relations with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association (CCA). She says the federal government appears to be looking to the provinces to get involved, while the provinces have yet to announce support.
Cold air hits cherries
April 15, 2020 byTom Walker Okanagan cherry growers are looking at a reduced crop this year after a series of cold events damaged buds. Up to 60% of buds were damaged when cold air swept into the South Okanagan on April 2. “I saw a low of -8°C in Summerland, and South Okanagan orchards were close to green tip,” says Charlotte Leaming of the field services staff at BC Tree Fruits.
Bee replacements grounded
April 1, 2020 byTom Walker BC beekeepers may not be able to import enough bees to replenish hives lost through the winter thanks to flight restrictions intended to halt the spread of COVID-19. “We were able to get some pallets of bees in from New Zealand at the beginning of March,” says Stan Reist of Flying Dutchman Apiary in Nanaimo and BC’s representative on the Canadian Honey Council. “One or two pallets of bees can be added to the cargo section of a commercial flight.
Abattoirs required to cut back overtime
KAMLOOPS – Provincially licensed abattoir operators have been put on notice that regular shifts for provincial meat inspectors must not exceed seven hours a day unless authorized by the province.
Meat inspection budget tightens
March 11, 2020 byTom Walker Abattoir operators have been put on notice that regular shifts for provincial meat inspectors must not exceed seven hours a day unless authorized by the province.
Cherry growers discuss trade
March 11, 2020 byTom Walker Trade and research were the topics at the annual meeting of the BC Cherry Association in Kelowna on March 3. The industry has grown substantially in the last 15 years, thanks to the opening of export markets. China, Japan and California are now major buyers of BC cherries. “But we need to continue to diversify those markets,” says David Geen, the association’s vice-president and chair of its market access committee.
Ag initiatives lack support across regions
DUNCAN – A six-member panel at a full-day event prior to the Islands Agriculture Show in Duncan on February 6 highlighted the complex and challenging nature of supporting local agriculture. Expanding the Influence of Regional Agriculture Support, organized by the Alberni- Clayoquot Regional District, attracted 50 people to the Cowichan exhibition grounds for a morning panel discussion and afternoon workshop.
Farm plans offer new opportunities for ranchers
VERNON – Winter weather chilled the turnout for the annual North Okanagan Livestock Association educational seminar in Vernon on January 15. Just half the 80 people registered made it to the event. “Some of our sponsors were not even able to make it,” says NOLA president Lani French. “The -20 temperatures and the poor road conditions kept people at home.” Nevertheless, the show went on.
Bison could be key to climate change resilience
MERRITT – How do you design a cow for the evolving Canadian climate? That’s the question Thompson Rivers University associate professor John Church asked the BC Bison Association in late October, noting the estimated increase in global temperatures could see cattle regularly exposed to summer heat approaching 40°C. Countering the effects of heat stress is a growing focus for North America’s cattle industry.
Small farmers raise concerns about CanadaGAP
VERNON – Government efforts to provide greater assurances of food safety are creating apprehension among smaller farmers regarding the additional work they will face in order to satisfy customer requirements. Randy Irwin, corporate retail operations manager with Vernon-based Nature’s Fare Market, sums up the situation well. “The problem with CanadaGAP is that it is government-supported but not government-operated,” he says.
Cherry growers see record crop losses in 2019
LAKE COUNTRY – BC’s cherry industry often refers to 2016 as the Vietnam year because of the sheer number of helicopters used to dry the crop. That harvest, at 17,495 tons, was more than 1,200 tons short of the record 2015 harvest, even though plantings had increased by 150 acres. The loss had a farmgate value of nearly $4.5 million. But this year’s losses are set to be more than double that. At more than $10 million, it is the industry’s biggest single-year loss ever.
No-till takes centre stage at field day
ROCK CREEK – West Kootenay farmers had a field day in the hills above Rock Creek on September 10. “We had an opportunity to view both informal and formal field trials that the farmers are developing,” says Rachael Roussin, coordinator of the Kootenay and Boundary Farm Advisors, which organized the event. “But these field days also make a space for conversation among the farmers.” The first stop was at Doug and Erica Fossen’s cattle ranch.
Waste management webinar
November 13, 2019 byTom Walker The BC Cattlemen’s Association has followed up its six-part “Coffee Shop Talks” webinar series with a fall webinar on the new Agricultural Environmental Management Code of Practice (AEM Code). The webinar gives ranchers an opportunity to get up to speed on their responsibilities under the new code, which took effect February 28. “We had a very good turnout at the webinar – 91 participants – which is really good,” says BCCA general manager Kevin Boon.
Kelp farming gains traction in Alaska
The recent expansion of kelp farming in Alaska has Julie Decker, chair of the Alaska Mariculture Task Force, excited. “The 2018 Alaska Mariculture Development Plan aims to grow the mariculture industry in Alaska by $100 million in the next 20 years,” Decker explains. “The new applications we have seen from kelp farmers over the last two years are pretty exciting.” Wild fish capture is still king in Alaska, where growing fin fish is illegal.
Fishers to farmers - www.hatcheryinternational.com
The recent expansion of kelp farming in Alaska has Julie Decker, chair of the Alaska Mariculture Task Force, excited. “The 2018 Alaska Mariculture Development Plan aims to grow the mariculture industry in Alaska by $100 million in the next 20 years,” Decker explains. “The new applications we have seen from kelp farmers over the last two years are pretty exciting.” Wild fish capture is still king in Alaska, where growing fin fish is illegal.
Kelp farming in Alaska traces roots to hatcheries
Alaska’s burgeoning kelp farming industry has its success tied to two hatcheries and a law. Blue Evolution is working under a collaborative research and development agreement with NOAA to use the Kodiak Fisheries Research Center hatchery to grow the kelp seed that the company will supply to growers on partner farms. “NOAA provides a space (no lease), and we capitalize the equipment,” says CEO Beau Perry.
Hatcheries face climate change consequence
Todd Pearsons, senior fisheries scientist with the Grant Public Utilities District in central Washington state in the U.S., spoke about strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change on trout and salmon hatcheries in his presentation at the 69th Northwest Fish Culture Concepts last December. “Most of us have read papers and heard a lot of talk about the predicted climate change effects on salmonids,” says Pearson.
Strengthening Thailand's shrimp farmers
Robins MacIntosh, senior vice-president of Charoen Pokphand Foods (CP Foods) in Thailand, talked about building shrimp aquaculture in Thailand, as his plenary address at the Aqua 2018 conference in Montpelllier, France. “CP was founded on the principles of innovating technology to produce food more efficiently, of improving the livelihoods of Asian people and of providing healthy, delicious and affordable foods for the world,” says MacIntosh.
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