The province updated industry this week on efforts announced July 14 to match producers with feed supplies. Access to Feed, a provincially funded program delivered in partnership with the BC Cattlemen’s Association, will see BC Cattlemen’s match sellers of hay and feed domestically across Canada and internationally with farmers and producers. The program is providing …
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Poultry processing goes mobile
For the last two years, Ben Glassen of Nanaimo’s Glassen Farms has processed his own chickens and turkeys for retail sale as well as undertaken custom slaughter of poultry and game birds for personal consumption by others. But last week, he hit the road and began processing birds at neighbouring farms which he helped to …
Avian influenza returns
Canadian Food Inspection Agency officials have detected highly pathogenic avian influenza at a pigeon farm in Chilliwack, one week after revoking the last primary control zone established to control the disease’s spread among commercial operations in the Fraser Valley last fall. The detection was announced April 29, and came seven days after three primary control …
Northern vets in short supply
The province’s recent pledge to permanently fund 40 seats for BC students at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon was welcome news to the livestock and poultry sectors, but a new study says a local option is needed to support local food production. “As you go further north in and around the Peace, …
Producers at a loss with elk damages
LADYSMITH – Elk continue to damage farm infrastructure and government compensation is not enough, producers say. They want long-term solutions that balance land and species protection. “The grass that should be starting to grow, getting ready for crops come June, is chewed right down to half an inch on the ground. So, they’ve devoured all …
Province doubles vet seats
BC has stepped up to fund 40 seats at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon, making good on an initial investment last year with promises of permanent funding. This is double the number of seats funded in the past, and welcome news to livestock producers. “It’s been very difficult to access veterinary care …