You’re invited to a Pastured Poultry Production and Policy Primer at Fresh Valley Farms in Armstrong, B.C. co-hosted by Young Agrarians and the Small-Scale Meat Producers Association (SSMPA). Join us if you want to learn about raising poultry, connect with other poultry farmers or share your experiences and ideas for provincial and national farm policy. We will gather at Fresh Valley Farms, a fourth-generation certified organic farm run by Annelise Grube-Cavers and Steve Meggait, who raise beef, chicken, turkey and heritage pork on pasture.
The day will start with an introduction circle, followed by a dive into the basics of poultry farming, spanning from production practices to developing resilient business plans as a new entrant into poultry. We will also hear from poultry farmers and industry experts about best practices for placing chicks and brooding, risk assessment tools for poultry producers, avian influenza in pastured poultry settings and more. After soaking up stories, tips and tricks and key information about how to make it in the poultry sector, we will share a delicious meal together, featuring Fresh Valley Farms products.
In the afternoon, we will circle together to enjoy a policy session with industry experts and a group discussion. During the policy session, we are excited to hear farmer experiences, questions, ideas and dreams for the future policy landscape of poultry in B.C. and across Canada. The day will wrap up with informal time to socialize with other farmers and to learn a bit more about Fresh Valley Farms, the SSMPA, and Young Agrarians programs and support services.
Incorporating the knowledge generated from this event, YA hopes to address the most pressing barriers faced by farmers in the network who are the future of our food systems. Working with the federal and provincial governments to focus on new entrants, YA aims to create more momentum for programs and services for new, young and underrepresented farmers, including advocating for Canada’s first National New Farmer Strategy that would include land access and targeted capital access. SSMPA will be gathering feedback from existing and aspiring poultry producers which will be considered and incorporated into policy recommendations being brought to the provincial government and regulatory bodies. We want to hear what resources you have accessed to build your farming dreams, what barriers you encountered and what supports you need to do the work of growing food for our communities. We can’t wait to dive in!
DIRECTIONS/PARKING: Fresh Valley Farms is located off the Vernon-Sicamous Highway in Spallumcheen. Please follow parking directions upon arrival. Carpooling is encouraged to save parking space for everyone! Please do not bring pets to the event. Kids are welcome, and there will be some childcare available at the event. More information below.