The British Columbia government is celebrating Frederickson Farm and its 100 years of ranching in B.C. with a Century Farm Award.

The local farm is being recognized for its history and contribution to the B.C. agriculture industry.

The story begins in the summer of 1917 when Smith Frederickson arrived in the Peace River area to claim some land. After returning home to Roosville in the Kootenays for his belongings and new bride, Myra Roo, the pair returned to the Peace to begin their new life. The land was covered with trees, mostly willows and poplar, but also spruce and pine, which were used for buildings. Forage has been in production and harvested on Frederickson Farm almost 100 times.

Along with farming, Smith had the reputation as a self-taught horse doctor for successfully treating horses, which were the main source of transportation at the time. Myra planted a large garden and raised chickens and hogs and picked wild berries to preserve to last all year. Smith and Myra had four sons: Ernie, Kenneth, Earle and Doug. The three eldest sons farmed, homesteading land around their father’s, while Doug, the youngest, pursued a career off the farm. During this period cattle were a mainstay and grain production was starting to boom, creating more work for the Fredericksons.

After Myra passed away in 1943, Kenneth sold his land to Earle and bought another piece of property in the valley. One of Kenneth’s sons, Dale, began farming alongside his father in 1984 until 1992, when Ken retired. Dale married Sharon who had grown up farming in Saskatchewan. In 1996 they purchased the original homestead from Ernie who had inherited it after Smith’s passing in 1973.

The farm has been in the Frederickson family for three generations, and Dale hopes that one of his children will someday take over the land and cattle ranching to continue the tradition of the Frederickson farm.

Century Farm Awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for a century or longer, as well as pioneers whose farms and ranches have been in families for 100 years or more. Each Century Farm Award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching families and organizations in B.C.

Quotes:

Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture –

“Century Farm Awards are a wonderful opportunity for us to recognize agriculture organizations that have made a long-term contribution to our proud British Columbia agriculture sector. Congratulations to the Fredericksons in reaching this milestone. Your efforts are appreciated, both in your local community and throughout British Columbia.”

Dale Frederickson, owner, Frederickson Farm –

“This year marks the 100th anniversary of the arrival of my grandfather Smith Frederickson to the homestead, known as head office. With his new bride, Myra, alongside him, they started what would become a family farming tradition in our family. It’s a tradition that involves hard work and family ideals and, together with like-minded neighbours, we helped build this community and we are very proud to accept this award. We would also like to thank the Province for recognizing the pioneers.”

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