Ranch gets Century award

Photo: Marilyn Campbell

They've been working their land for 100 years.

Saturday, the descendants of the Hunter family are being acknowledged by the B.C. government with a Century Farm award.

Fraser-Nicola MLA Jackie Tegart is presenting the award to members of the family-run Scotty Creek Ranch, off Highway 97 near Cache Creek.

In January 1916, Archibald G. Hunter obtained about 59 hectares (145 acres) of land near Cache Creek and it was recorded with the Department of the Interior. Thirty years later, Michie Thomas Hunter bought the land from his dad with the help of a veteran's loan, following his service with the Royal Canadian Air Force in World War Two.

In 2009, another generation was added to the Scotty Creek Ranch ownership history when Hunter's wife Elsie added her two daughters, Marilyn and Iva, to the title. They continue the family tradition today.

The ranch has been raising beef and contributing to B.C.'s agricultural history and the provincial economy for the past 100 years, according to a government release.

"Our family is very proud to accept the Century Farm award. Our grandparents and parents made a huge commitment to ranch and farm back when life was not easy. We appreciate all their efforts so now the third and fourth generation has the opportunity to run this family farm 100 years later," said Marilyn Campbell, co-owner of the ranch.

Century Farm awards honour agricultural organizations that have been active for 100 years.