ABBOTSFORD – Many young farmers face necessary upgrades to facilities when they take on the family business. Sometimes, maintaining the status quo isn’t always an option. Andrew and Stephanie Penner went big when they took over their layer operation from Andrew’s parents two years ago. The barns were already at capacity and they knew the …
Poultry
Poultry and hops a winning combination
ABBOTSFORD – The vast difference between the farm they started in 2005 and what it’s become as Ray and Tracey Bredenhof have expanded from broiler production to hops is testimony to not only their own efforts but the support of their community. “By getting involved, opportunities come up. You meet great people and you learn …
Chilliwack family cracks open direct sales
CHILLIWACK – A foray into farmgate egg sales using an automated, cashless vending machine is proving advantageous for Brightside Poultry in Chilliwack. Richard and Jacqueline Boer have the first farm in North America to use the egg vending machine, made by Roesler Vending in Germany. Launched last September, the option to buy local, organic free-range …
COVID-19 spread tracked
Broad testing has shown the extent of COVID-19 infections at the various agri-food businesses hit hard by the disease. Provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry announced April 28 that testing of workers at United Poultry in Vancouver and Superior Poultry in Coquitlam had yielded a total of 80 cases. The two plants represent a small …
Consumers buying local
Demand for fresh, local food products is soaring as BC consumers stock up and hunker down to wait out the pandemic. Groups representing several commodities report strong sales, with livestock growers being particular beneficiaries. “The population needs to eat, and grocery store shelves are being cleaned out at an unprecedented rate,” says the BC Livestock …