BC’s dairy industry took quick and decisive action last week against Cedar Valley Farms, an organic dairy in Abbotsford, following allegations of animal abuse. BC Milk Marketing Board circulated a note to industry on October 27 saying that it had suspended the farm’s licence following the receipt of information from the BC SPCA “regarding violations …
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Cheesemakers felt the heat this summer
DUNCAN – Keeping their animals cool and fields productive were challenges for many dairy farmers this summer, but those with processing facilities in their operations also struggled to ensure adequate milk production. Dairy and artisan cheese producers on Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland took a double hit as the heat stressed their animals and …
New licences, new inspections
The rollout of the province’s new meat licensing regime October 1 will also mean stepped-up inspections of on-farm abattoirs. In addition to an annual inspection by the province, Farmgate Plus licensees (formerly Class D and E abattoirs) that slaughter cattle will also undergo inspection by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency. The inspections aim to preserve …
Province announces wildfire recovery funds
With close to 870,000 hectares burned across BC this year to date, the province has announced $20 million in financial assistance for ranchers and farmers hit by drought and wildfire. “This year’s drought and fires have been incredibly difficult for many BC ranchers and farmers,” BC agriculture minister Lana Popham said in a statement announcing …
Beef export markets grow
Many producers are moving cattle to market early this fall, but all signs point to strong demand. The export value of fresh and frozen beef was up 25% in the first seven months of the year, according to Industry Canada trade data, and Canada’s recognition in May by the World Organisation for Animal Health (OIE) …
Producers face unannounced welfare checks
NANAIMO – BC SPCA has put commercial livestock producers around the province on notice that it intends to launch unannounced inspections of their operations under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. Six sectors have been chosen for the inspections, which will initially take place on Vancouver Island as part of a pilot program. BC …