The Pain family, a pioneer farming family is receiving a Century Farm Award recognizing the contribution they have made to B.C.’s agriculture industry and the provincial economy over the past 100 years.

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick, Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone is presenting the award to the Pain family this evening. The celebration will be taking place at Grandview Acres and inside the cozy lodge on the family’s property that was once a ski resort in the Kamloops area.

The Pain family farming story began in April 1915 when Frederick and Ada received title for their Knutsford land and began building their family home as their son Reginald was born the year before. Young Reginald went to Anderson Creek School and worked with his father raising beef cattle and gradually increasing the farm operation.

In 1947, the farm was passed on to Reginald and he continued to live in the original house where he and his wife raised two children, Ada and Fred. The farm was eventually passed on to them in 1979 and Ada and Fred remain the owners today.

Over the years, the Pain family have continued to raise beef cattle and be part of the local cattle ranching community. Decades ago, Grandview Acres played host to skiers and today the lodge continues to be busy as it is used for weddings, reunions and community dances.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for 100 years. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C. The Century Farm award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quotes:

Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick -

“From skiing to cattle ranching, the Pain family has done it all over the past century. Congratulations to all of the family members on their achievement and their contribution to our British Columbia agriculture history.”

Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Todd Stone -

“It is a pleasure to present this award to one of our area’s pioneer farm families. Congratulations to the Pain family on their century of dedication to the local agriculture community.”

Ada Mogge, owner, Pain Family Farm/Grandview Acres -

“We are proud to be a third and fourth generation 100 years plus family farm and the hard work and commitment of our grandparents and parents have given us this opportunity to live our country life which we all respect and cherish. Cattle ranching is a way of life that supports our traditions and family ideals - a reward for all of us. Our family is very proud to accept the Century Farm Award.”

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.’s Century Farm Program: http://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/regional/CenturyFarmAwards/CenturyFarms.htm

Grandview Acres: http://www.grandviewacreskamloops.com/

Media Contacts:

Dave Townsend
Government Communications and Public Engagement
Ministry of Agriculture
250 356-7098
250 889-5945 (mobile)

Ada Mogge
Pain Family Farm/Grandview Acres
250 372-1609