BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is deeply concerned by the recent reports that the lands that have been farmed by Heppell’s Potatoes for more than three generations are now at risk of industrial development, announced BCAC Executive Director, Danielle Synotte.
B.C. farmers and ranchers have travelled from across the province for the first time in three years for BC Agriculture Council’s (BCAC) annual Ag Day in Victoria to emphasize their commitment to bringing healthy and quality food and plants to the homes of British Columbians.
Last week, Statistics Canada released new data from the Census of Agriculture that told readers that the agriculture sectors’ contributions to the provincial economy are growing. Operating revenue in the province totalled $4.8 billion in 2020 which is a significant increase over revenue in 2019 of $3.9 billion.
Last week, Statistics Canada released new data from the Census of Agriculture that told readers that the agriculture sectors’ contributions to the provincial economy are growing. Operating revenue in the province totalled $4.8 billion in 2020 which is a significant increase over revenue in 2019 of $3.9 billion.
As of today, BC Agriculture Council’s (BCAC) Fund for Farmers has reached nearly $800,000 in donations announced President, Stan Vander Waal. Canadians donated in response to flooding in B.C. communities last November after learning of the devastating impacts to farmers and ranchers, particularly in Abbotsford, Merritt, and Princeton.
Richmond farmer Bill Zylmans and long-time agriculture consultant Christine Koch were recognized for their contributions to B.C.’s agriculture sector this evening at the virtual B.C. Agri-Food Industry Gala hosted by BC Agriculture Council (BCAC). In addition, Royal Bay Secondary teacher Robin Ruff was presented with an Outstanding Teacher Award by BC Agriculture in the Classroom (BCAITC).
Get your bids in now! BC Agriculture Council (BCAC) is thrilled to announce that the BC Agri-Food Industry Gala Online Auction is open for online bidding now to April 3. British Columbians can bid on over 100 items including entertainment, accommodation, gift cards, memorabilia, and more!
For the second time in 20 years, the BC Agri-Food Industry Gala will take a virtual format as farmers, ranchers, and supporters from across the province tune in to celebrate the agriculture sector in British Columbia. BC Agriculture Council’s (BCAC) virtual Gala will air on March 30, 2022, at 6:00 P.M
BC Agriculture Council is accepting donations on behalf of our province’s farmers and ranchers who have been impacted by the recent severe weather events. The organization has already received $100,000 in donations, including $30,000 from Scotiabank, $25,000 each from CIBC and Envision Financial, and $20,000 from Mertin Auto Group in Chilliwack
It has been two years since British Columbia’s farmers, ranchers and industry leaders last gathered for Ag Day in Victoria where they connected with government to discuss matters impacting the sector. While the annual event won’t take place in Victoria this year, Ag Day will go forward virtually, beginning today. This year’s discussions will focus on three top priorities for agriculture: food security, water security, and labour.
Nathan’s roots in poultry farming run deep, growing up on Flokstra farms, and he currently holds the position of farm manager at Fir Lane Farms. He possesses a keen desire to expand his knowledge and actively participate in the poultry industry. Furthermore, Nathan’s involvement with the “Poultry in Motion” program, where he will be working shifts at the PNE, exemplifies his strong commitment to the industry’s development and future prosperity.
Arshdeep brings over 15 years of experience growing and marketing peaches, apples, cherries, and pears in the Okanagan Valley. He proudly carries on his family’s farming legacy through the management of Lakeview Fruit Corporation and Vanview Fruit Packers Ltd., businesses rooted in B.C. since 1994 and spanning over 80 acres of tree fruits.
As a member of the BC Young Farmers Committee, Arshdeep is passionate about advocating for the tree fruit sector, exploring innovation, and empowering youth to sustain agriculture for future generations. He’s committed to creating opportunities for young farmers and strengthening B.C.’s farming industry through collaboration and leadership.
Jeff is a third-generation Canadian farmer, his Opa started dairy farming in the sixties and his father started poultry in the late eighties. Jeff has always had a passion for poultry farming, working closely with his father during their transition from conventional chicken production to organic and specialty production. Enjoying the responsibility of making critical decisions as his father transitions out of day-to-day management. Jeff hopes to pass the family farm on to his son when the time comes.
Russell spends his time acting as Herd Manager at Westview Dairy Farms, which he and his father operate together. He milks and cares for almost 300 cows on their operation nestled in the Matsqui Valley between Abbotsford and Mission. Russell is a keen advocate for agriculture, his passion led him to pursue an Animal Science Technology Diploma from Lakeland College. Russell is an active community member and when not volunteering he can be found sampling local delicacies, spending time with family, or finding a new adventure. Russell joined BC Young Farmers in 2020 and is excited to use his energy and experience to push the envelope for agriculture on a provincial scale and in his own backyard.
Jacintha was born and raised on a cattle farm in Vanderhoof, B.C. She has had a passion for animals her entire life and raised dairy and beef projects in 4-H. In 2011, Jacintha travelled to Australia where she travelled around to work on different farms, eventually meeting her husband while they were combine harvesting. Jacintha and her husband moved back to Vanderhoof in 2016 to begin setting up their own farm. They started with chickens, then purchased cattle and now they also raise sheep. Last fall, Jacintha and her husband purchased their own operational farm, and have been loving every minute. Jacintha is a 4-H Leader with Nechako Valley Dairy and Beef and is actively involved with the 4-H Council. She originally joined BC Young Farmers as an ex officio with the BC Cattlemen’s Association and is excited about her role with BC Young Farmers.
Tyler Heppell is a 5th generation potato farmer from Cloverdale B.C. He is the production manager at Heppell’s Potato Corp; a family run business since 1920. Tyler worked in sales for 5 years before returning to the family farm. Heppell’s Potato is one of the largest potato producers in British Columbia, and the largest grower of squash. One of the mission statements of the farm is to educate the younger generation about farming and foster the growth and learning for new farmers entering the agriculture section in Canada. Through online videos, field trips, and Ugly Potato days, Heppell’s has been able to impact millions.
Kaitlin is the Fish Health and Food Safety Laboratory Manager for a salmon farming company on Vancouver Island. Previously living and working on remote fish farms around north Vancouver Island, Kaitlin now works with a team of fish health technicians, veterinarians, and processing plants to oversee the health and food safety of Atlantic Salmon from egg-to-plate. Alongside her employment, she is a part of the Young Salmon Farmers of BC (YSFBC). YSFBC is a committee that encompasses young professionals in the aquaculture sector who strive to promote a positive dialogue and increase public education about the sector while providing a voice for the next generation. Kaitlin graduated from Dalhousie University Agriculture Campus with a BSc in Animal Science; during her studies, she worked on a dairy farm and enjoyed volunteering at the sheep barn. Although her farm setting looks a little different than her counterparts of BCYF, she is passionate about utilizing her background and current employment experience to bridge the gap between agriculture and aquaculture for Canadians.
Corne grew up on his family’s farm, Quiks Farm Ltd, which has instilled in him an entrepreneurial heart and a passion for agriculture and people. Today, alongside his father and two brothers, he co-owns the farm serving as the General Manager of their bouquet production facilities, greenhouses, outdoor growing spaces, and maintenance. The demands of this position with its challenges and joys each day make for a very diverse job, where no two days are the same. Corne completed 2 years of postgraduate business schooling at UFV which taught him the basics of business but his most significant career growth has been a product of being hands-on and involved each and every day alongside his team.
Campbell Woike is a 3rd generation farmer from the Cowichan Valley on Vancouver Island. Poultry is his family’s primary farming operation but they also operate a CFIA licensed Egg Grading Station and market and sell 100% of the eggs they produce from their 70,000 laying hens. Campbell is the General Manager of the farm. His family also has a small 10-acre hazelnut orchard, 300 acres of field crops and a small 50-head cow-calf operation. Campbell is a graduate of Olds College – Agriculture Management Diploma with a major in finance. He volunteers as an ambassador with BC Egg at events educating people about egg farming. He is a Director of the Vancouver Island Egg Producers Association and the BC Egg Producers Association. This year he was selected to be part of the Egg Farmers of Canada Young Farmers program. At 22 he is the youngest member of BC Young Farmers and is excited to be part of the committee. Campbell hopes he can bring his level of hands-on farming experience along with the expertise he has in finance and marketing to help highlight B.C.’s Young Farmers.
Rebecca and her family operate Winners Holstein Farms, a 450 cow dairy farm in Cloverdale, B.C. In addition to milking cows, Rebecca has helped add a small beef herd to the farm and market beef products online to her community. Rebecca attended university in Saskatoon, working towards a bachelor’s degree in agriculture where she focused on animal sciences. During her time in Saskatoon, she volunteered at the university barns during lambing season, at the dairy, and vaccinated poultry. Rebecca has volunteered with the Mainland Young Milk Producers and was deeply involved in 4-H for more than a decade – at the club, district, provincial, and national levels. She enjoys networking with like-minded individuals, sharing ideas, and learning about other sectors in agriculture.
