British Columbia – Severinski Farms in Pitt Meadows celebrates 100 years of their family-run dairy farm in the Lower Mainland and B.C.
In 1910, Stephen Severinski immigrated to Canada from Yugoslavia and started the farm. In 1921, he purchased a two-hectare parcel of land in Cloverdale, but moved the farm to Pitt Meadows, where it remains to this day.
The dairy farm quickly expanded to 32.4 hectares, while the family grew with the arrival of 10 children. The farm was passed on to Stephen’s son, then eventually to Stephen’s grandson, Kevin, in 2000.
The farm is currently owned by Kevin and his wife, Audra Severinski. For more than a century, three generations of Severinskis have supplied dairy products to the neighbouring communities.
Kevin describes, "It's a great life, but you definitely are tied to it. And it just really makes you think that for a hundred years, you know, someone has been here milking cows every single day."
The Severinski Farms has been honoured with the Century Farm and Ranch Award for the family’s tradition, work, and dedication to dairy farming for 100 years. "It's so lovely to celebrate a family farm that, over the past 100 years, has grown and continues to provide fresh dairy and produce for British Columbians today," explains Lana Popham, Minister of agriculture, food and fisheries.
The family happily celebrated the award with their closest friends and family. “It was really nice to have that moment with family and, you know, all three generations were there, my parents were there, us and our kids," says Kevin.
The BC Government's Century Farm Awards honour pioneers whose farm, ranch or agricultural organization has been active in B.C. for 100 years. Severinski Farms will receive a sign to put up at the farm.