ABBOTSFORD – An investigation of Cedar Valley Farms by the BC SPCA has resulted in charges being recommended against the farm and key individuals in relation to documented instances of animal abuse last year. “The recommended charges will be before Crown counsel for a decision as to whether or not they will approve charges against …
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Young ranchers head to Penticton
BC ranchers Raelynn Blumhagen and Morgan Kitchen are two of 24 semi-finalists for this year’s Cattlemen’s Young Leaders mentorship program, an initiative of the Canadian Cattle Association. Blumhagen ranches with her family at Jaffray. A fourth-generation farmer, she is raising the fifth generation while running about 400 cow-calf pairs on 1,200 farmable acres. The semi-finalists …
Producers take steps against heat
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 …
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 …