The Salt Spring Abattoir will open for the 2021 season the week of March 15 for red meat and the beginning of May for poultry. Its going to be an interesting year!
Some important key dates:
- 1st available date for lambs: March 25
- 1st available date for poultry: May 18.
- June/July poultry days for 2021 are already filling up.
To producers of beef and pigs – please advise the time of year you will want a booking and we will add potential dates to the calendar. Don’t forget it’s a requirement for all lambs, beef animals and pigs to have official tags.
Covid Protocols
Unfortunately, the pandemic is still with us. When dropping off livestock or picking up meat please keep your distance and wear a mask.
New Vacuum Sealer
An enormous thank you to Anna J Pugh Law Corporation and an anonymous donor for providing us the funds to purchase a new Vacuum Sealer. Pricing information for Vac packing poultry cuts will be posted on the website. We will order bags sized for other applications if there is interest- let us know.
The Abattoir is Hiring
We are looking for new members for the red meat team this season for kill days and for cut & wrap. If you know of anyone who has the skills or who might be interested in learning new skills, please tell them to contact us by email: ssiabattoir@gmail.com
Pricing Updates
Please be aware of the new pricing for 2021, details are now posted on the Abattoir website (https://saltspringabattoir.ca/prices/) Please note that there is no longer a 2% covid surcharge.
Country Grocer Receipts
One long standing method the Abattoir has received financial support is by the Country Grocer Receipts program. It is a simple as dropping off your receipt in bin #127. Unfortunately, due to COVID and the way Country Grocer’s exit is now set up many people have forgotten about this option. So next time you are in Country Grocer, don’t forget to do a quick detour left to drop off your receipt before heading out the door.
Membership Dues
Unfortunately, with last years zoom AGM many members forgot to pay their $20 member ship fees. This year we are encouraging all users to take out a membership in the Abattoir Society to show your support for this community asset. We have a small group of dedicated volunteers working to keep the abattoir going and to respond to the needs of your farm business as well as committed staff who come back year after year because they also believe in this valuable service for the farming community on SSI. We will be adding the membership fee of $20 to your first invoice but of course, it’s up to you if you choose not to join.
Winter Maintenance Update
Over January and February, thanks to the hard work of Murray and Sequoia, we were able to complete the annual maintenance tasks including replacing the floor in the evisceration trailer. .
And the BIG NEWS
If you haven’t heard the good news, your abattoir, has been awarded a Community Economic Recovery Infrastructure Program (CERIP) grant of $222,525 for an expansion to increase processing capacity to support famers and meet demand for local meat. Thanks to Anne Macey for her hard work and dedication in putting together the successful application.