A family ranch known for its landmark barn is being recognized with a Century Farm Award for its contributions to the Cariboo region and the B.C. farming community.  

“Our province’s agricultural sector was built by pioneer farmers who purchased land and started producing food for their communities,” said Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food. “In the Cariboo, the Sanford family has been doing just that for a century at Nine Mile Ranch, nine miles northwest of Quesnel. Their commitment to family and community is a reason to celebrate. Congratulations, Sanford family, on your Century Farm Award!”

The legacy of Nine Mile Ranch began in the early 1920s when Walter Sanford, a druggist from London, England, and his wife, Cristiana, an opera singer, arrived in Canada. When visiting their son, Jim, and daughter, Ivy, in Bouchie Lake in August 1922, the Sanfords bought the property that would become Nine Mile Ranch.

Jim and his wife, Wyn, took over operating the ranch in the 1930s. The land at that time was bush, and Jim and his son, Jim Jr., worked tirelessly to clear the land and create pasture and fields. In 1937, they logged behind the home and peeled enough logs in one day to build the landmark hip-roof barn that adorned the ranch for many decades. Unfortunately, the roof was destroyed during a windstorm in 2020, changing the view along the road where the original home once stood.  

Jim Jr. and his wife, Annice, had three children, Bill, Joan and Alan, who all grew up on the property and attended nearby Bouchie Lake School. The ranch continued to grow as well. Hereford cattle replaced the dairy cows that occupied the valley in the early years. Eventually, other cattle breeds, such as Simmental, were introduced in the 1980s, followed by Angus.

Today, Alan and his wife, Lorraine, and their four children, Robin, Reanne, Riley and Ross, run the ranch's cattle operation. One hundred years after Walter and Cristiana's arrival, the Sanford family has expanded to include another generation: eight of their great-great-great grandchildren now visit or live on the property.

“Beef cattle have become not only our passion, but our way of life, and we have taken great pride in producing quality cattle and beef for sale in our local community,” said Reanne Sanford. “After 100 years, there is a lot to be grateful for, and we are certainly thankful for the opportunity to farm this land that has provided for generations of this family.”

The Century Farm Awards honour pioneers whose farms, ranches or agricultural organizations have been active in B.C. for 100 years or more. Each award celebrates the rich heritage of farming and ranching in British Columbia. The Century Farm Award program was created in 1994,  which was the Ministry of Agriculture’s centennial.

Learn More:

For more information and to nominate a farm or organization for a Century Farm Award, visit: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/industry/agriculture-seafood/programs/century-farm-awards