The first week of the 2020 season is in the books and it was great to see everyone at the abattoir after our winter shutdown. We processed some sheep, a goat and some rabbits for the first day and it was nice to get back to business.
Some important key dates:
- Animal Welfare & Transportation Regs Training Session March 19th
- Beef processing March 25th Full
- Open for Lamb bookings April 1st & April 15
- 1st Poultry processing April 8th for Easter only if enough demand
- June 4 & June 25 poultry days fully booked already
Please look at the on-line calendar and book well in advance to ensure you get the dates you want.
Latest news:
Producers meeting
On February 20th we had a Producers meeting regarding the future of the Abattoir & Livestock Production on SSI with approximately 30 participants. Anne Macey presented information regarding the current operations and challenges and then that was followed by a very productive brainstorming session. Over the next few months we will be reviewing feedback and priorities, but it was clear that The Abattoir Society needs to communicate more with the producers, and hence, this monthly newsletter.
The Abattoir is Hiring
We are looking for a new member for the poultry crew this season. If you know of anyone who would like to work 1 day a week on Thursdays starting in May please tell them to contact us by email: ssiabattoir@gmail.com
New Poultry Processing Options
Just a heads up, and keep you eye on the website. For the 2020 season we will be introducing new cut and wrap options for poultry. Details haven’t been firmed up yet, but the staff have suggested providing the option of breaking down birds into parts. Currently there isn’t a vacuum sealer however if this service is used it will be purchased when funds allow (or if a donation is made – hint hint).
BC Abattoir Association Training
Thanks to the BC Association of Abattoirs and the BC Ministry of Agriculture we have a set of new training materials regarding the requirements for transporting livestock to the abattoir and for maintaining a high standard of animal welfare. There are new procedures that need to be followed and additional record keeping for producers bringing in animals.
On March 19th there is a training session for all staff regarding these new requirements If anyone is interested in attending the training, there are a few spots available for Abattoir Members. Please contact Anne Macey for details and to reserve your spot (annemacey@shaw.ca).
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 repairs to floors and coving in the evisceration trailer and coolers and make modifications to the cooler doors. Other improvements included galvanising the beef cradle to extend its life. Still to do is replace all the fingers on the poultry plucker; after 7 years of service and 33,500 birds its time.
Sadly we lost a valued member of our maintenance team this winter. Michael Hogan, an Abattoir Director from 2015 –2017, coordinated all the repair and maintenance work for several years.
Reminders:
- Sequoia is coordinating lamb sales to for Country Grocer. Please contact him directly (sequoia.lesosky@gmail.com or 250 538 7742) if you would like to sell your lambs through him to Country Grocer.
- If you are taking your own offal, please remember to pick it up and bring the rinsed garbage pails back as soon as possible or bring your own so you don’t need to do a return trip. Last season we had difficulty sourcing buckets because they were either sitting full or not returned when needed.