Seventeen candidates have stepped forward to produce organic milk in BC as part of the BC Milk Marketing Board’s expansion of its New Entrant Program (NEP) to organic producers. Unlike the regular NEP, a draw was not held to establish a short list of candidates. All applicants who submitted a completed application by the February …
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Avian influenza threat looms
The latest date for a case of avian influenza during a winter outbreak in BC is February 19, chicken producers were told at their latest general meeting last month. With that date fast approaching, the lack of cases since January 22 has been good news for poultry growers. But that’s no reason to relax, Woody …
Dairy farmers on the brink
ABBOTSFORD – A growing number of dairy farms in the Fraser Valley are considering selling as narrow margins get tighter and high financing costs complicate succession plans. “The dairy [sector] is particularly challenged,” says Karen Taylor, director of corporate finance, agriculture and agribusiness with BMO Financial Group in Abbotsford, who addressed a workshop the Centre …
Dairy producers raise alarm on costs
BURNABY – Producer income loomed large on the minds of dairy producers as the province’s three dairy organizations gathered online for their annual general meetings November 22. During the open discussion that followed the meetings, held online to facilitate attendance from across the province, the leading question asked was what was being done to improve …
BC Milk opens organic stream
The BC Milk Marketing Board’s is accepting applications until February 7 from potential new entrants in advance of a random draw that will select 10 candidates who will vie for the opportunity to be one of three new dairy producers beginning production by the end of 2024. But this year’s program will also include an …
Young butchers make their mark
PORT MOODY – Taryn Barker and Ronnie Keely were two BC representatives on Canada’s first-ever team in the World Butchers’ Challenge this year. Their experiences have inspired each of them to improve professional development opportunities in the province for those new to the sector. Barker of The Little Butcher in Port Moody had nothing but …