The BCMMB, is working closely with transporters to manage milk pickup through these extremely challenging weather events. We understand the challenge of the unknown many producers are feeling while we attempt to recover. Please understand our transporters and BCMMB staff are working at all hours to get your milk picked up, but we cannot yet feasibly pickup all farms due to flooding, roadways, and resource constraints.
We cannot tolerate any abuse towards any staff of the Board or our transporters and ask that all producers remain respectful in all communications.
Milk Pickup:
We continue to be challenged in all regions in the province. Please read below for the up-to-date status for your region. We understand the challenge of the unknown many producers are feeling while we attempt to recover. Please understand our transporters and BCMMB staff are working at all hours to get your milk picked up, but we cannot yet feasible pickup all farms due to flooding, roadways, and resource constraints.
- Producers in Abbotsford that fall into the Sumas Prairie Boil Water Advisory, we cannot pickup your milk until after the Boil Water Advisory is lifted. You are asked that as soon as the boil water advisory is lifted, you dispose of all milk in your bulk tank, immediately wash your bulk tank and start filling once again. You MUST ensure your tank is clean and sanitized using potable water or we cannot pickup your milk.Once the Boil Water Advisory is lifted, pickup will be determined by accessibility. You may still be asked to only dump your milk at intervals when you would ‘normally’ be picked up – every other day. Trucks may be late, so your milk disposal should occur prior to the milking after your ‘normal pickup’ timing.
- Producers in Chilliwack, Most producers are now scheduled to be picked up and back on their normal schedule, although there may be delays. If no pickup occurs, you are asked to only dump your milk at intervals when you would ‘normally’ be picked up – every other day. Trucks may be late, so your milk disposal should occur prior to the milking after your ‘normal pickup’ timing. We still are unable to pick up all producers.
- Producers in Agassiz East of the Woodside Mudslide, Most producers are now scheduled to be picked up and back on their normal schedule although there may be delays. If no pickup occurs, you are asked to only dump your milk at intervals when you would ‘normally’ be picked up – every other day. Trucks may be late, so your milk disposal should occur prior to the milking after your ‘normal pickup’ timing. We still are unable to pick up all producers.
- Producers in the BC Interior, normal pickup has resumed yesterday and will occur on your ‘normal’ pickup day and time. A few producers were called specifically to dispose of their milk, this has not changed. If you were not called, expect milk pickups to resume. The organic producers in the region will have to continue disposal until further notice but we are actively working on solutions.
- Producers in Prince George/Bulkley Valley/Smithers will not be picked up until further notice. A few select producers have been called and will be picked up based on limited resources. There are no roads available to enter the Lower Mainland for milk delivery, and only limited access to Alberta. We are still actively working on solutions in this region.
- Producers in the Creston/Kootenays will have continued pickup as we can deliver to Alberta.
- Producers on Vancouver Island will have continued pickup, with limited disruption.
Disposal and Reporting
If you are asked to dispose of your milk, align the disposal with ‘normal’ pickup schedule into your manure pit, as we are unsure exactly when pickup can resume. Please do so responsibly. Before disposing, record your dipstick measurement and send in an email,
- Your dipstick reading
- IRMA
- date of disposal
To Lisa Gruban lgruban@bcmilk.com
Producers across the province can expect disruption to milk quality sample results and components although we expect these to resume shortly. We will do our best to test whatever possible but are uncertain what is available at this time.
We ask for your patience in our communication as we are working around evolving timelines and limited understanding of current road conditions.
If you have questions related to your farm, the impact on quota, quality, transport, or finances, the BCMMB staff directory can be found here: