Image supplied by Bradner Farms / In 1912, Caleb and Winifred Manuel arrived in Vancouver from Lewisport, NL.
Farming award

Abbotsford family celebrates more than 100 years of farming

Aug 12, 2022 | 12:22 PM

ABBOTSFORD — For more than 100 years, the Donaldson family of Bradner Farms has been cultivating crops to nourish their community.

Now, four generations of a family and their contributions to agriculture are being recognized with a provincial Century Farm Award.

Lana Popham, Minister of Agriculture and Food, said seeing multiple generations continue the legacy of a family farm for over 100 years is very special.

“Congratulations to the Donaldsons on this milestone and thank you for your commitment to regenerative farming and to providing quality products to the Fraser Valley and the rest of the province,” she said. “Your family’s accomplishments are inspiring, and I look forward to seeing the next generation continue to succeed with Bradner Farms.”

In 1912, Caleb and Winifred Manuel arrived in Vancouver from Lewisport, NL. They settled in the Abbotsford community of Bradner, and that’s where it all began.

The Manuels built a farmhouse, started farming daffodils, poultry, and dairy. In the present day, the family’s current generation of farmers lives in that very same farmhouse.

“Farming is our passion. It’s a legacy that four generations of our family have devoted their lives to,” said Sarah Yoder of Bradner Farms. “Our family is proud of our heritage, the challenges that we’ve overcome—including natural disasters—and our great customer base that trusts our products. Our farm’s history connects one generation to the next, and we look forward to continuing to build on that legacy and history while we continue feeding our community.”