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August 15, 2020 - 10:15 AM
A Port Alberni family is being honoured after working on their farm for four generations.
Located near Stamp Falls Provincial Park, the Darby family recently earned B.C's Century Farm Award.
“The Darby family’s story is so rich and an important chapter in our British Columbia family farm history,” said agriculture minister Lana Popham, in a provincial news release. “They have been providing their community with locally grown and raised products for decades.”
The farm was purchased in 1916 by Sidney J. Darby and his brother, Melville B. Darby. Sidney was married to Elizabeth Darby, who came to the Alberni Valley as a young girl and was an Alberni Valley pioneer. Sidney died in 1960, and the farm was passed on to his two sons, Jim and Ted Darby. Elizabeth continued to live on the farm until her death in 1981, according to the news release.
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In 1976, Ted was killed in a farm accident, but Jim continued to farm with his wife, Phyllis. They raised their children on the farm and in 2013, their daughter Heather moved back to the farm with her children. Jim passed away in 2016 and Phyllis in 2017. Heather and her sister Doreen now manage the family farm together, according to the news release.
Over the years, Darby Farm has produced dairy, produce, hay, beef and eggs and still produces hay, eggs, beef and garlic today.
“My children and I have the honour and privilege of living on our century-old farm because of the love, labour and sacrifice put forth by my grandparents, uncle and parents,” Heather said in the news release. “One hundred years of family and farm history made possible because they were able to live and work together, combining skills and resources to ensure that the farm remained productive and available to future generations. My sister and I are very grateful and proud to accept this award in honour of them.”
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.
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