Well-known Chilliwack agriculturalist Walter Goerzen is the recipient of the BC Dairy Industry Achievement Award announced at the BC Dairy Industry Conference in Vancouver, November 27. “The successes and achievements of our industry are built on the contributions, and the skill and the dedication of our leaders, and this award is meant to honour those …
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National dairy commission raises milk prices
Hallowe’en saw the Canadian Dairy Commission treat milk producers to news of a 2.3% price increase on February 1, 2026. The increase is determined by the National Pricing Formula, which is based half on the variation in the indexed cost of production and half on the consumer price index (CPI). Dairy prices per the CPI …
Sheep commission considered
Sheep growers are the latest producer group to pitch the idea of a commission under the oversight of the BC Farm Industry Review Board. During the BC Sheep Federation’s annual conference in Vernon on October 4-5, members discussed the idea of establishing a commission as one of several options to encourage a viable future for …
Province funds avian flu upgrades
Fraser Valley poultry farms will receive up to $30,000 each from the province for barn upgrades that reduce the risk of avian influenza. Announced August 15, the $2.5 million Novel Tools and Technologies Program will fund tools such as air filters and ultraviolet light systems to ensure they’re receiving clean, virus-free air and water. “Despite …
Regions selected for livestock tax deferral
Dry conditions in wide swaths of eastern BC means ranchers in the regions can take advantage of the federal livestock tax deferral provision in 2025. The provision is triggered when drought, excess moisture or flooding cause forage shortfalls of 50% or more. On August 18, federal agriculture minister Heath MacDonald announced that the Northern Rockies …
Sweetpea Farms focuses on sustainable meat
VERNON – Kaitlyne Peden wants to make a difference in how people perceive their food. In her first full year operating Sweetpea Farms, the 25-year-old is raising chickens, turkeys and hogs on 15 acres of her parents’ 50-acre property on Westside Road outside Vernon. “I started out because I wanted better quality meat for our family,” …