Image: New Siberia Farms / A local dairy farm is celebrating a milestone birthday Saturday, August 23, after serving the Chilliwack community for 100 years.

By Alyssa Conti

CENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY

Chilliwack farm recognized for historic farming legacy

Aug 23, 2025 | 2:27 PM

CHILLIWACK — The B.C. government has now honoured a local family farm for its contributions to more than 100 years of agriculture in the community.

New Siberia Farms, located on the north end of Fairfield Island in Chilliwack, is receiving the Century Farm Award in honour of the Balakshin family’s hard work on the land.

“The story of the Balakshins highlights how a family came to B.C. and built a business through hard work, adaptation and perseverance that farmers need to succeed,” said Minister of Agriculture and Food Lana Popham.

Their journey began when Andrew Alexander Balakshin and his wife, Maria Vassilievna Balakshin, fled Russia and eventually immigrated to Canada under the condition that they work as farmers.

Andrew and Maria bought 10.12 hectares of land for $772 — the same plot that became New Siberia Farms in 1925, when the family began raising chickens and cows.

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The family enthusiastically kept the farm growing. Their third daughter, Ann, became Canada’s first licensed baby chick sexer in 1937, with their second daughter, Irene, following her steps.

The New Siberia Farms Hatchery in 1944. Source: New Siberia Farms

Nicholas, their only son, became manager of the farm in 1947. It has then been passed down through the family to its current owners, Bill and Janice Balakshin, who have served the farm since 1982.

“This Century Award is a celebration of our farm’s longevity and a tribute to the vital role family farms play in preserving our agricultural heritage, ensuring the health and well-being of future generations,” said Tom Balakshin, who will be taking over the farm’s future as its fourth-generation descendant.

New Siberia Farms now spans a total of 30.76 hectares, expanding from poultry raising to organic dairy production. The farm has a herd of 55 milking cows producing roughly 3,300 litres of milk every two days.

Century Farm Awards honour farms, ranches and agricultural organizations that have been active for 100 years or longer.

The family is hosting a centennial birthday party at New Siberia Farms until 5 p.m. today (Aug. 23).