From grain and hay to cattle and bees - Birley Farm has done it all on property in Baldonnel, a town just outside Fort St. John.

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick, Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm has presented Birley Farm with a Century Farm Award recognizing the local pioneer-farming family and their contribution to British Columbia’s agriculture history and the provincial economy for the past 100 years.

Australian-born Kenneth W. Birley arrived in Canada in 1914 and chose a homestead on the plateau above the Peace River. The land was eventually transferred to his son K. Douglas Birley. Douglas bought additional land around the original homestead and in the 1960s ran a successful mixed farm operation with cattle, grain and hay.

Douglas Birley was one of the first beekeepers in the Peace region. His popular honey received the top prize at both the Pacific National Exhibition in Vancouver and the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.

In the 1980s, Kenneth’s grandson Richard Birley purchased the surrounding land. He continues as the owner of this land today.

Birley Farm has been certified organic since 1989. Richard is of one of the founding members of Peace River Organic Producer’s Association and a long-time member of the Certified Organic Associations of BC.

Today, the original parcel of land has been transferred to Richard’s sisters Sally Birley, Susan Birley and Sandra Gunn. The future looks bright as the love of farming has continued with the next generation. Kenneth’s great grandchildren have started a market garden this year.

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 -

“The Birley Family story is all about dedication. I want to congratulate the family on their dedication to family and to the local agriculture community. Here’s to another hundred years!”

Peace River North MLA Pat Pimm -

“It is a real pleasure to present this Century Farm Award to a pioneer Peace region farm family. Congratulations to the Birley family on their accomplishments and I wish them all the best as they continue their proud farming tradition in our area.”

Sandra Gunn, owner, Birley Farm -

“The Birley family is proud to have continued to farm in this area for four generations, especially since farming in the North has always been a challenge. We believe that now, more than ever, farmers must unite to ensure the longevity of food security, particularly in the Northeast. We hope that everyone will join us in celebrating a long tradition of agriculture here in the Peace region.”

Learn More: 

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

Media Contacts:

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

Richard Birley
Birley Farm
250 787-0635
birley@telus.net