Where’s The Beef? For The Poole Family, It’s In Vanderhoof
Nechako Lakes MLA John Rustad presents centennial award to members of the Poole Family photo courtesy BC Gov
Vanderhoof, BC – A long-time ranching family in Vanderhoof has been recognized for their hard work and contributions to the community by the provincial government with a Century Farm Award.
"I congratulate the Poole family on this major milestone of 100 years in farming, as they are one of the reasons that the Nechako is one of the top cattle ranching areas in the province," says area MLA John Rustad. "Vanderhoof was the first agricultural settlement in the province and the Poole family was one of the founding families of the region."
Charles and Alfred Poole and their families travelled by covered wagon to settle in the Nukli Lake area back in 1912. After discovering the quarter section of land they had purchased was swampy and unfit for farming, the families found suitable land in the Mapes District, southeast of Vanderhoof. Charles Poole obtained a pre-emption claim for the property in 1913, and a certificate of title in 1924.
The property has always remained in the family. The original holding of 160-acres is now a 3500-acre beef operation, with the majority of responsibility now falling on Arthur Poole and his son, Dale. "The farm today is the result of a lot of hard work by all members of the Poole family," says Arthur Poole. "Today, the fourth generation continues to raise beef cattle. If one could only imagine the changes the farm has seen in the last 100 years."
"Poole Farms was one of the first of the now nearly 4,000 ranches in BC and an important part of our $206-million dollar beef industry," says BC Agriculture Minister, Norm Letnick. "I applaud the family’s dedication and contribution that they’ve made to the BC economy over the past century."
Comments
I know what the Poole family is all about. But what is a Rustad?
Congratulations. 100 years of hard work – chores seven days a week in every type of weather imaginable!
I have a soft spot for farmers and ranchers. My cousins in south-central Saskatchewan are still working the family century farm. When they received their plaque, they threw a big party for the unveiling. They made it into a family reunion – four surviving generations were there.
Thats a tough racket if those numbers are right.$51,500.00 per ranch is less than a government employee makes. They do it because they love it I guess. Congratulations to the Pooles.
http://www.cattlemen.bc.ca/industry.htm
Some different numbers for the cattlemen’s association web page. Perhaps someone knowledgable can explain the difference.
“Approximately 4,086 cattle ranches operate in BC, making up 4.5% of Canada’s national cow herd”
“The total economic contribution of the industry is estimated at $600 million annually, or 0.25% of the provinceâs GDP.”
Thanks Gus, but that is still relatively low.
Many families were relocated from Saskatchewan to the Vanderhoof area during the huge drought of the 1929/30’s.
They were given a box car by the railway, and were allowed to bring cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, horses, etc;. They homesteaded the land, and over the years developed good farms and ranches, and got into the lumber business’.
BC and Canada, have a very rich and interesting history, however we seldom hear anything about it.
We need more success stories like the one above.
Congratulations! Hard work and dedication started this country, and I thank you and your family for helping us get to where we are today!
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