As you travel on Highway 97, or the Cariboo Highway as it is known near Cache Creek, one of the local homesteads has a longstanding history along B.C.’s longest highway.

On behalf of Agriculture Minister Norm Letnick, Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart is visiting Scotty Creek Ranch today and presenting the family-run operation with a Century Farm Award.

In January 1916, Archibald G. Hunter obtained about 59 hectares (145 acres) of land near Cache Creek and it was recorded with the Department of the Interior. Thirty years later, Archibald’s son Michie Thomas Hunter had just finished serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force in the Second World War. Michie applied for a veteran’s loan and purchased the property from his father. Michie owned the land until his death in 1990. The property went to his wife Elsie Louise Hunter.

In 2009, another generation was added to the Scotty Creek Ranch ownership history as Elsie added her two daughters, Marilyn and Iva, to the title. When Elsie passed away in 2010, the property went to her daughters, who continue the proud family tradition today. The ranch has been raising beef and contributing to British Columbia’s agricultural history and the provincial economy for the past 100 years.    

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 British Columbia. The Century Farm award program was created in 1994 to mark the centennial of the Ministry of Agriculture.

Quotes:

MLA for Fraser-Nicola Jackie Tegart –

“It is an honour to present the Century Farm Award to one of our area’s pioneer ranching families and to say thanks for their efforts in our local community. Congratulations, Scotty Creek Ranch, on a century of contributing to British Columbia agriculture.”

Scotty Creek Ranch co-owner Marilyn Campbell –

“Our family is very proud to accept the Century Farm Award. Our grandparents and parents made a huge commitment to ranch and farm back when life was not easy. We appreciate all their efforts so now the third and fourth generation has the opportunity to run this family farm 100 years later.”

Learn More:

For more information about B.C.’s Century Farm Program:
http://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/century-farm-awards