MARCH 2017 • COUNTRY LIFE IN BC


5


Sustainability, supply management go hand-in-hand Viewpoint


Business people


sometimes wince when the word “sustainability” is mentioned because they relate it to “going green.” However, definitions of “sustainability” rarely include the word “green.” Instead, the verb ‘to sustain’ usually refers


and welfare.


2. Producing safe chicken for Canadians.


3. Preserving the health of the land and of farms.


4. Providing value to Canada, and affordable food to Canadians through supply management. All chicken farmers


CHERYL DAVIE, P.Ag


to a process or action that continues over a period of time – one that keeps going. The minimizing or elimination of resource use and waste are only two elements of sustainability. Being strong in financial, industrial, social and behavioural areas of business are also essential to achieve true sustainability. When Canadian chicken farmers started exploring the true meaning of sustainability, they found it was at the core of almost everything they did. They also found that the risk management method of supply management is essential to maintaining sustainability in the poultry sector. Chicken Farmers of Canada identifies their four key values of sustainability as: 1. Protecting bird health


in Canada participate in a national, mandatory Animal Care Program that is enforced and includes


third party audits. They’re also involved in a comprehensive Antimicrobial Use Strategy that includes surveillance, education, research and reduction.


Safe food In addition to the animal


care program, Canadian chicken farmers have developed a mandatory On- Farm Food Safety Assurance Program which has received full recognition from the federal, provincial and territorial governments. By following this program, farmers ensure that chicken produced in Canada is safe for Canadians. They also have an effective and responsive traceability system that includes communication and operational plans for dealing


with potential disease outbreaks.


Healthy land No one depends more on


the land, soil and water than farmers. Farmcrest Foods, a farm-to-plate operation in Salmon Arm, grows about 85% of its own feed, minimizing the carbon footprint of feed transportation. Owners Richard Bell and Alan Bird take their responsibility to protect nearby Shuswap Lake from their farming activities seriously. Farmcrest’s nutrient management protocols include storing manure on a concrete pad to prevent run off and testing soil regularly. Farmcrest has an Environmental Farm Plan and regularly gets expert advice from a certified crop advisor. Through careful nutrient management, Farmcrest has improved soil health, reduced odour, and decreased its use of synthetic fertilizers. Farmcrest’s achievements in minimizing waste and extending the life of resources were recognized at a national level last year with the 2016 Canadian Poultry Sustainability Award.


Affordable food Canadian Chicken Farmers


use supply management to match their production to national demand. Chicken is the least expensive and most popular meat protein in Canada. From 2013 to 2016, the average retail price of chicken rose just 7.1%, while pork rose 19.2% and beef increased 33.7%. By ensuring farmers receive a fair return for their work, supply management eliminates the need for subsidies. Sustainability is more than


reducing or eliminating waste and extending the life cycle of resources. For businesses, sustainability is about reducing all present and future costs to enable


www.OkLandBuyers.ca


profitability, competitiveness and longevity. Supply management supports the sustainability values of the Canadian chicken industry through the mandatory programs in animal care and food safety that are regulated by provincial marketing boards. Canadian chicken farmers are proud to provide a sustainable chicken industry to Canadians through supply management. Cheryl Davie, P.Ag, is manager of strategic initiatives and analysis at the British Columbia Chicken Marketing Board and former chair of the Net Impact chapter at the University of Alberta.


182 CREIGHTON VALLEY RD, LUMBY | Beautifully maintained 147 acre farm. 53'x122' Hay Cover/Machine Shed, 25'x30' Shop, 22'x33' Equipment Shed, large capacity Twister Grain Bin and quaint log cabin. Water licence on Creighton Cr, 3 phase pump system delivered to 4 wheel moves via 6" buried mainline. Planted to forage corn, barley, alfalfa. 30 minutes east of Vernon, 5 minutes from Lumby. Property has great potential for dairy, beef or horticultural operation. Very attractive property waiting for your dream home. MLS® 10122677 $1,595,000


PAT DUGGAN Farm | Ranch | Residential


Bus: 250/545-5371 (24 hr) Cell: 250/308-0938 email: patduggan@royallepage.ca “Farmers helping farmers with their real estate needs”


Downtown Realty 4007 - 32nd Street, Vernon, BC V1T 5P2


Toll Free: 1-800-434-9122 www.royallegpage.ca


OPEN HOUSE TUESDAY, MARCH 21 10 til 3


Pre-owned Tractors & Equipment


JD 250 SKID STEER


NEW TIRES 12-16.5 $18,500 NH H7550


MID PIVOT MOWER CONDITIONER 13’ CUTTING WIDTH $26,900


CLAAS 3900TC


MOWER CONDITIONER, 12.5’ CUTTING WIDTH $29,900


JD 7450 PRODRIVE SPFH 4X4 KP, 10' GRASS PU, 676 6 ROW CORNHEAD CALL FOR PRICING.


3 USED CLAAS SP FORAGE HAR- VESTERS COMING IN. CALL FOR DETAILS AND PRICING


www.caliberequipment.ca


604-864-2273 34511 VYE ROAD ABBOTSFORD STORE HOURS MONDAY-FRIDAY, 8-5 CLOSED SATURDAYS


First and Still Foremost.


Look to CLAAS for all your hay and forage needs and experience success across the entire harvesting chain. The CLAAS family of prod- ucts offers rugged durability and continuous reliability. CLAAS balers and hay tools have been leading the way with innovative technology and an unparalleled range of features suitable for any size operation.


NEW PRICE


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52