Cariboo
July 6, 2018
Vancouver Island – Coast
July 6, 2018
Kootenay
A cattle loving region inspired by history
In BC’s southeast we find the Kootenay region. Bordered by Alberta and the United States, the region’s valleys are separated by the ruggedly famous high mountains of the Canadian Rockies. In the Rocky Mountain Trench and Grand Forks area cattle ranching is prominent, while in the Creston Valley fruits and vegetables reign supreme*.
Ranches represent about one-third of the region’s 1,100+ farms, but a moderate climate gives the area the ability to support a wide range of crops, from apples and cereals to vegetables, tomatoes, and cabbage*. Kootenay’s mountain slopes feature summer grazing for livestock while hay and cereal are grown for winter in the valley bottoms.
A small food and beverage processing sector features local meat, honey, fruit, and vegetables*. Increasingly locals understand and appreciate and benefit from the dairy, brewing, and livestock feed all made right in their backyards.
*Source: Agriculture in the Classroom, Canada. “A Guide to BC Agriculture Resources”. Pg. 21.
