“This grant and project will create resilience, improved animal welfare, increased productivity, and peace of mind!”
Lakeland Farms Inc., located in BC’s Cariboo region, has long recognized the necessity of adapting to increasingly frequent extreme weather events. After enduring the devastating wildfires of 2017 and 2018, the farm took decisive action to safeguard its future by participating in the Beneficial Management Practices (BMP) Program’s Extreme Weather Preparedness (EWP) category and got a Farm & Ranch FireSmart™ Assessment completed.
Through this project, Lakeland Farms Inc. worked with a certified FireSmart™ BC Farm & Ranch Assessor to evaluate vulnerabilities and implement tailored recommendations. With the project costs covered by the program, the farm was able to fire-smart its outbuildings, infrastructure, and surrounding vegetation—critical steps for a property located in an unprotected fire area with no local fire department.
The outcomes of the project have been significant. By investing in proactive fire mitigation strategies, Lakeland Farms Inc. has achieved substantial cost savings by reducing the risk of catastrophic loss and minimizing potential insurance premiums. The upgraded fire-smarted infrastructure is now more durable and resilient to the challenges of extreme weather, ensuring the continued welfare of livestock and uninterrupted operations.
As Mike Schroeder, the farm’s owner, noted, “We’ve faced some incredible extreme weather events over the past 5 years. This grant and project will create resilience, improved animal welfare, increased productivity, and peace of mind! The extra funding will move us along to more improvements on the farm faster. Thank you!”
Above all, the project has enabled sustained productivity and positioned Lakeland Farms Inc. for long-term business continuity. By embracing proactive climate adaptation, the farm has not only protected its assets but also enhanced its competitiveness in an unpredictable environment. The BMP EWP initiative stands as a testament to how forward-thinking investments yield lasting benefits for both farm operations and the broader community.
Funding for the BMP program has been provided by the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a $3.5 billion, 5-year agreement between the federal, provincial and territorial governments. Additional funding has been provided by CleanBC. The program is delivered by IAF.
