This summer’s high temperatures have yet to match last summer’s heat dome, but producers and the provincial government aren’t letting their guard down. “So far, the animals are holding okay in terms of production but … we’ve been watching the forecast carefully,” says BC Dairy vice-chair Sarah Sache, who farms in Rosedale. Temperatures in the …
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Hog farm invaders convicted
Two leaders of a high-profile farm invasion in April 2019 have been convicted on charges of break-and-enter and mischief. Amy Soranno and Nick Schafer opted for trial by jury in the hope of better pleading their case and shining a light on farming practices in the province. But after a short trial, the jury ended …
Wireworms require vigilance
Corn growers need to be on top of crop protection this year in order to make the most of a tough season. Wet weather delayed planting of various feed crops across the province this year by two to three weeks. Growers of forage corn have been particularly affected, with plantings in the Cariboo described as …
Animal activists on trial
The trial of three activists charged in the invasion of Excelsior Hog Farm in April 2019 began in Abbotsford on June 27. Amy Soranno, Nick Schafer and Roy Sasano are charged with a total of 14 counts of break and enter and mischief. The initial stage of the trial is the Crown laying forth its …
Women offer ‘cutting-edge’ skills
ARMSTRONG – To work in meat processing, one requires strength, passion and specialized skills. But for Amber Baryla, getting into poultry processing came out of necessity. She ended up falling in love with her new career choice anyway. “I didn’t come from a farm family. I worked in the auto industry in sales for a …
Dairy wins a price increase
Dairy farmers have won a rare mid-year price hike to address rising costs of production, but it falls short of what’s needed to keep pace with inflation. The Canadian Dairy Commission approved a 2.5% increase in the farmgate milk price this week in response to a request the Dairy Farmers of Canada made at the …