The scale of this year’s outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza now rivals the massive outbreak of 2004 that saw farms throughout the Fraser Valley depopulated. An additional 13 commercial farms have been infected over the past week, putting the number of commercial premises impacted since mid-November at 42, the same number as was infected …
Food prices outpace income
The average BC family’s food bill has increased more than 9% this year, according to the annual Canada Food Price Report, and a further increase of up to 7% is possible in 2023. The effects of inflation and declining disposable incomes among consumers will make it not just more expensive but harder for consumers to …
COVID-19 response reviewed
“Government and society pulled together to do what needed to be done” when COVID-19 hit the province in early 2020, despite being unprepared for a province-wide emergency. That’s the finding of an independent review of the province’s response to the pandemic, released December 2. Report authors Bob de Faye, Dan Perrin and Chris Trumpy – …
Senate report highlights need for flood plans
CHILLIWACK – When dairy farmers on the flooded Sumas Prairie started evacuating their herds to buddy farms in November 2021, West River Farm in Rosedale took in eight bottle-fed calves. “They were freezing cold,” recalls dairy farmer Sarah Sache. “They were in the water, so it took quite a lot of work to keep them …
Avian influenza spreads
Sixteen commercial poultry farms in the Fraser Valley have tested positive for highly pathogenic avian influenza over the past week, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The cases bring the total number of properties affected in the province to 59, with commercial operations now the focus of concern despite ongoing government outreach aimed at …
Dairy meetings highlight costs
BC dairy producers met for business meetings and networking last week, but producer income loomed large on the minds of many. Price hikes have failed to keep up with rising production costs. Several producers remarked that they’re always two years behind current circumstances. During the open discussion that followed the annual general meetings of the …