This is the 49th issue of our electronic news update.
New Executive Director
As per the board memo dated December 13, 2021, the BC Chicken Marketing Board has appointed Woody Siemens as Executive Director effective Jan. 4, 2022.
Grower Feedback for Draft Long Term Pricing Decision
The BC Chicken Marketing Board (BCCMB) has posted the *Draft* Pricing Review Decision on our website. Individual growers have an opportunity provide feedback in writing until February 4th, 2022 at 12:00 NOON.
General Orders
As per the BCCMB memo dated July 9, 2021, a gap analysis concluded that the elements of the BC Poultry Biosecurity program overlapped Chicken Farmers of Canada's On Farm Food Safety and Animal Care programs.
Effective January 16, 2022 (the start of period A-174), all sections of our general orders referencing biosecurity will refer to national programs . A complete set of our current general orders is available on our website in the Governance section.
Broiler Quota Ads
Looking to purchase 11,000 birds of broiler quota. (Fraser Valley)
Contact Joel at:
604-798-1365
Looking to purchase 10,000 birds of broiler quota. Please contact Richele at:
604 -897-1858
2022 Election
In March of 2022, the term of BCCMB elected grower Ray Nickel will expire. Our external election officer, Della Oberhoffner from the BC Council of Marketing Boards will be sending additional information late January.
Coping in Times of Crisis
We can't imagine the devastation and lasting effects the recent flooding will have on farmers and their families.
The Do More Ag Foundation has partnered with Telus Health MyCare to provide BC farmers and their families with free mental health counselling sessions. Sign up here.
AgSafe BC has partnered with the United Way - Lower Mainland. Fraser Valley growers can connect with BC based councillors who are part of the agricultural community and understand the struggles associated with farming. Read more here.
More flooding resources are available on our website here.
Consumer Engagement Opportunities
Help us dispel myths and build trust with BC consumers
Help us Celebrate Canada's Agriculture Day on February 22, 2022 from 5:30 to 7:00 pm by participaing in a cook along with our friends at BC Agriculture in the Classroom and Feed BC.
You will cook along with BC Ag in the Classroom Chef Randle, preparing the main dish of CHICKEN of course) along with providing an introduction about you and your farm. You will have a chance to answer some questions that Chef Randle asks about their chicken farming (we determine these questions ahead of time). This is a great opportunity to get your spouse, children and other family members involved in consumer engagment while preparing a delicious supper.
If you are interested in participating please contact Cheryl Davie Tel: 604-308-5775.
Save On Foods needs family photos of BC chicken growers to use in their store behind the chicken counter. Seeing your photos help assure their customers that they are supporting local farmers. They currently have posters featuring local ranchers but none with chicken growers. There are funds available to cover the costs of a photographer.
See some samples of what the posters will look like here. Please contact Cheryl Davie if you can help. Tel: 604-308-5775.
BC Poultry Association Updates
Yellow Biosecurity Status
Given the finding of low path Avian Influenza in wild birds at the Reifel Bird Sanctuary in Delta, BC, (read more here) and the worsening situation in Europe and Asia, the BCPA biosecurity status committee is recommending that all producers remain at yellow - heightened biosecurity status.
The BC Poultry Association urges all BC chicken growers to get their annual flu shot for several reasons
1. They are free to all poultry producers and their families
2. It takes two weeks for the flu shot immunity to develop.
3. Anyone working on a rapid response team (humane destruction, biocontainment, surveillance, movement control) is under the jurisdiction of the CFIA and requires a flu shot.
