The following content reflects the broader vision of the Washington State University Decision Aid System, the platform on which BCDAS is built.

WSU Mission Statement

The WSU Decision Aid System (DAS) is a premier source of time sensitive information to guide crop management. We collaborate with scientists and outreach specialists to integrate weather data, monitoring data, models, and management information that assist producers in making effective decisions and remaining competitive in the global market.

WSU Strategic Vision

The development of DAS is guided by four goals:

1. Implement science based tools to support decision making in entomology, plant pathology, horticulture, soil science, and related fields.
2. Use technology to enhance the delivery of information to multiple crop industries.
3. Create web and smartphone based solutions for key agricultural challenges.
4. Collaborate with WSU DSS teams and regional partners to expand tools and share innovations across industries.

How it Works & Who It Supports

BCDAS combines BC weather data, research based models, and regionally relevant management information to deliver timely, practical guidance for orchard and vineyard decision making. Designed for growers, orchard/vineyard staff, consultants, researchers, and horticultural advisors across BC’s tree fruit and grape industries, the platform provides real time and forecasted insights to support in season planning and timely responses to changing conditions.

BCDAS is accessible on smartphones, tablets (iOS/Android), and desktop computers. Users create a free account, select nearby weather stations, and choose the models relevant to their operation.

The system supports informed, timely management through:

• Tracking pest and disease development based on local weather
• Identifying optimal spray timing to improve efficacy and reduce unnecessary inputs
• Understanding crop phenology and growth stages
• Highlighting risk windows for infection, heat events, or other time sensitive issues
• Improving short and medium range planning using forecast based projections
• Accessing science based management information through a mobile friendly interface

Weather and Data Inputs

• Environment Canada BC weather stations
• Weather Source short term forecasts
• Daymet historic climate data
• BC Tree Fruit Production Guide management references

Testimonials

In 2026, over 50% of survey respondents said they rely on BC DAS as a primary decision-making tool. Check out some testimonials below:

“This tool is very important to our industry. We would be destitute without it.”

“With modern sprays requiring precise timing, BC DAS is essential. It gives me the degree day and weather information I need to avoid wasting money on poorly timed applications. BC farmers already lack extension support unless we pay privately — BC DAS is reliable, useful, and easy to access for my week to week planning.”

“BC DAS is extremely useful. The apple scab model is especially important for timing sprays — without it, I wouldn’t know when to spray or if we’ve had an infection. I also help 10–15 growers who aren’t comfortable with online apps, so even those who don’t use DAS directly still benefit from it.”

“BC DAS is critical for precision farming. Without it, we’d spend significantly more labour hours on planning and forecasting.”

“DAS is a critical tool for our farm. It removes a large portion of monitoring that we would otherwise have to do ourselves.”