Happenings

March 30, 2013 - 10:30AM - 3:00PM

The EcoDairy Egg Hunt

Come celebrate Easter at the EcoDairy on March 30 and enjoy a special egg-hunt themed tour! The Easter Bunny has already been sighted at the EcoDairy hiding eggs throughout the barn for children to find as they make their way around our beautiful building. We have some great prizes to give away, an Easter craft table and free coffee and tea for the grownups. We are also making the day even sweeter by offering a very special Easter price of $17 per family, that's more than 25% off our regular price! We can't wait to see you there!

February 11, 2013 - 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Free Barn Tour Experiences for Kids and Youth on BC Family Day

The multi-award winning Bakerview EcoDairy will offer families a very special dairy adventure on BC's first Family Day while supporting a great local cause. Kids and youth up to the age of 18 will receive a free dairy barn tour with any donation of a non-perishable food item to the Abbotsford Food Bank on February 11, 2013 from 11am until 4pm.

Seniors and adults will enjoy the same tour for the amazing admission fee of just $5 per person including tax (regular cost is from $7 - $9 per person).

During the EcoDairy tour, families will see a short, fun animated movie of Vicki the talking cow, meet the Vitala cows in their cow-comfort 5-Star Mootel, watch Robbie the Robot milk the cows and peek at Avatar, the Anaerobic Digester.

For more information, call us on 604 557 5481.

December 24, 2012 (All day) - January 1, 2013 (All day)

Holiday Season Tour Hours

The EcoDairy will be closed for tours on December 24, 25, 26, 31 and January 1. We will be open on December 27 - 30 and January 2 - 6 from 11am until 4pm. 

Our regular winter hours are:

Thursday - Saturday: 10am until 4pm

Sunday and Holidays: 11am until 4pm.

Closed: Monday - Wednesday (except for pre-booked group.school tours).

We wish everyone a happy and save festive season!

November 24, 2012 - 11:00AM - 3:00PM

Coats for Kids at the Bakerview EcoDairy

The Bakerview EcoDairy is once again teaming up with the Abbotsford News in support of the Salvation Army's Coats for Kids campaign. Come and join us at the EcoDairy for our event kick-off event Coat the Cookie. Bring along your gently used or new winter coats and other winter clothing for donation and enjoy free kids activities including decorating gingerbread cookies, Christmas crafts and free tours of the EcoDairy for children up to the age of 10. Nature's Pickin's will also be offering free hot chocolates throughout the day. We hope you can join us!

April 4, 2012 (All day)

EcoExcursion in the Valley

We are partnering once again this year with the Faser Valley Trout Hatchery, the Old Spaghetii Factory and the Greater Vancouver Zoo to bring to life the EcoExcursion in the Valley. This exciting, full-day adventure for kids features a visit here at the Bakerview EcoDairy for a guided tour along with the chance to meet our friendly animals at our petting zoo, a visit to the Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery for an afternoon of fishing from the rainbow trout stocked ponds, dinner at the Old Spaghetti Factory, and a nighttime interactive tour of the Greater Vancouver Zoo along with the opportunity to experience the wonders of the Zoo while enjoying a cozy campfire.

The EcoExcursion in the Valley is available year round.

For more information on book reservations, please click here.

March 1, 2012 (All day)

Nature's Pickin's at the Bakerview EcoDairy

We’re excited to announce that the good folks of Nature's Pickin's will be working together with the Vanderkooi family to establish Nature’s Pickin’s at the Bakerview EcoDairy. We will be closing the Market from March 1st through to early April for renovations. The EcoDairy's very own Vitala products will be available at both Nature’s Pickin’s locations. During renovations, please visit their location at 34261 Marshall Road.
February 17, 2012 - 3:30PM - 6:00PM

Teachers' Afternoon Out

The Bakerview EcoDairy would like to cordially invite all teachers and administrators from the Abbotsford School District to attend our Teachers' Afternoon Out on Tuesday, February 21st. The event will be hosted at the Learning Centre at the EcoDairy and will feature informal Learning Centre, dairy barn & Anaerobic Digester tours, complimentary refreshments, plus information on and copies of our Bakerview EcoDairy Student Workbook, Teacher's Guide and Student Activity Sheets. (If you would like an electronic copy of our Workbook and/or the Teacher's Guide prior to your tour, please contact us in advance.)

Please RSVP by February 17th by contacting either info@ecodairy.ca or 604-557-5481.

We look forward to meeting with all of you!

December 3, 2011 (All day)

Bakerview EcoDairy Supports The Salvation Army with Winter Clothing Drive

Following on the success of last year's Coats for Kids campaign, the Bakerview EcoDairy is once again teaming up with the Abbotsofrd News in support of The Salvation Army. The winter clothing drive supports vulnerable individuals and families who are in need of warm clothing.

“We welcome donations of clean, gently used or new winter coats, boots, hats and mitts for children and adults alike,” says Ingrid Epp, Manager, Guest Experiences, Bakerview EcoDairy. “While outgrown winter clothes may be taking up extra space in our closets, they can be a life saving gift for someone less fortunate.”

“It’s difficult to keep up with the need once the cold weather hits,” adds Deb Lowell, Public Relations Director, The Salvation Army. “There are many marginalized people here in Abbotsford who are experiencing challenges with the basic necessities of daily living, and given the drastic change in weather conditions, they could use our assistance right now with weather appropriate clothing .”

The campaign will officially kick off at 1pm on Saturday, December 3rd during the Fieldstone Vintage Market (noon-5pm) at the Bakerview EcoDairy on Sumas Way.

Get into the holiday spirit by donating winter clothes to the campaign. Children who bring a donation of clothing to the event will receive a complimentary guided tour of the EcoDairy (valid on December 3, 2011 only).

There will also be crafts and activities for the kids, an antique toys display and sale, and more than 30 vendors selling their vintage inspired and handcrafted wares at the Fieldstone Vintage Christmas Market on December 3rd.

November 18, 2011 (All day)

Give the Gift of Edu-tainment!

Need a fantastic stocking stuffer? EcoDairy Tour Gift Certificates are on sale now for under $10!

 

$1 Off regular tour fees - Adult, Senior & Kids Certificates

$3 Off regular tour fees - Family Gift Certificate

October 21, 2011 - 9:00AM - 5:30PM

Teachers Day Out

The Bakerview EcoDairy would like to cordially invite all teachers, education assistants and administrators to our Teachers Day Out on Friday, October 21, 2011 (non-instructional day). The event runs from 9am-5:30pm (drop in) and will feature informal EcoDairy tours, complimentary refreshments, plus information on and copies of our Bakerview EcoDairy Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide. Guests may also participate in several workbook activities. Please RSVP by October 17, 2011 to info@ecodairy.ca or 504-557-5481.

September 24, 2011 - 9:00AM - 6:00PM

Fieldstone Vintage Market

The Bakerview EcoDairy is teaming up with Birch + Bird this fall to bring you Fieldstone Vintage Market! This outdoor European-style marketplace will feature local artisans and vintage sellers and will take place on the EcoDairy.

July 19, 2011 (All day)

Congratulations to Christine Wiebe for Guiding Her 50th Tour!

Everybody at the EcoDairy would like to extend our gratitude and our congratulations to one of our hard working volunteers, Chrstine Wiebe, for guiding her 50th tour at the Bakerview EcoDairy Learning Centre. We salute Christine for her outstanding volunteerism, passion & commitment to both the EcoDairy and to our community.

Thank you, Christine!

(Picture: Christine, left, Esther, right - two of our tour guides)

June 29, 2011 (All day)

Anaerobic Digester Launch

Today marked the launch of BC's first small scale on-farm Anaerobic Digester at the Bakerview EcoDairy. Invited guests attended the launch to tour the facilities and to get acquainted with the Digester and the digestion process. Project partners, politicians, community leaders, and local business representatives helped us celebrate the launch that was capped by speeches from Hon. Rich Coleman, Hon. Michael de Jong, MLA John van Dongen, Mayor George Peary, and Michael Weedon of BC Bioenergy Network. Everybody at the EcoDairy would like to thank all of those that attended for their continued support. We would also like to extend an invite to the public to come tour our facilities and to learn a little bit about the anaerobic digestion process.

Press Release

Event photos

June 25, 2011 (All day) - September 30, 2011 (All day)

Overnight Eco Excusion in The Valley

The Bakerview EcoDairy has teamed up with The Greater Vancouver Zoo, Old Spaghetti Factory and The Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery to bring you an exciting and educational overnight adventure! 

Click here to find out more!

June 19, 2011 (All day)

Complimentary* Tours for Dads this Father's Day!

Tour highlights:

  • Short fun, animated video of Vicki, the cow, at the EcoDairy
  • Face-to-face amble through our Vitala dairy barn
  • A peek at our new Anaerobic Digester
  • Watching Robbie, the robot milk the cows – much like a self-serve pumping station

Enjoy our Animal Exhibit, Nutrifoods Market with Deli and Covered Patio.  The Learning Centre is open from 11 am – 5 pm.

*When accompanied by 2 paying guests

May 27, 2011 (All day)

EcoDairy Awarded Top Spot at Commercial Building Awards

Last night Abbotsford took home the top spot at the first Annual Commercial Building Awards held at the Coast Hotel in Langley. 

The reception and awards ceremony was hosted by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board and honoured the best in commercial building in the Fraser Valley.

Abbotsford can be very proud that the Bakerview EcoDairy, located on Sumas Way was acknowledged with two awards.  The first acknowledgement was for Excellence in Agriculture / Industry, and the second and most unexpected honour, for Judges Choice. 

These awards acknowledge the efforts of many local trades, City of Abbotsford officials, Tourism Abbotsford and the support of our local community.  The City of Abbotsford should be proud to showcase such excellence. 

May 8, 2011 (All day)

Complimentary* Tours for Moms This Mother's Day!

Tour highlights:

  • Short fun, animated video of Vicki, the cow, at the EcoDairy
  • Face-to-face amble through our Vitala dairy barn
  • A peek at our new Anaerobic Digester
  • Watching Robbie, the robot milk the cows – much like a self-serve pumping station

Enjoy our Animal Exhibit, Nutrifoods Market with Deli and Covered Patio.  The Learning Centre is open from 11 am – 5 pm.

*When accompanied by 2 paying guests

April 15, 2011 - 9:30AM - 12:00PM

Teacher's Morning Out at the EcoDairy

The Learning Center at the Bakerview EcoDairy invites all teacher and administrators of Abbotsford School District No. 34 to Teacher's Morning Out!  Join us on Friday April 15, 2011 (Pro-D Day) anytime between 9:30am and 12 noon and take part in our informal learning centre tours as well as complimentary refreshments.  Plus, receive information on our new Bakerview EcoDairy Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide (electronic versions of the guides are also available, please contact us for more info).  Please RSVP by April 12th to info@ecodairy.ca or 604.557.5481.  We look forward to seeing you there!

March 14, 2011 (All day)

The Vancouver Sun puts the spotlight on our EcoDairy and Market!

Check out our article in the Vancouver Sun! 

Moo-topia: Where cows milk themselves and manure generates power.  Article by Randy Shore, Vancouver Sun, March 14, 2011

(photo by Ric Ernst)

February 24, 2011 - 5:00PM - 7:30PM

Teacher's Night Out - Hosted by Bakerview EcoDairy and Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery

The Learning Centre at the Bakerview Ecodairy and The Fraser Valley Trout Hatchery invite all teachers and administrators of the Fraser Valley to TEACHER'S NIGHT OUT!  Enjoy complimentary refreshments and appetizers as well as informal and condensed site tours.  Plus, receive a copy of the new Bakerview EcoDairy Student Workbook and Teacher's Guide.  Drop in anytime between 5-7:30pm on Thursday February 24, 2011.  Please RSVP to info@ecodairy.ca or visit.fraservalley@gofishbc.com.  Hope to see you there!

February 15, 2011 (All day)

'The Express' on Shaw TV features the EcoDairy!

Tim Chung from Shaw TV's 'The Express' reports live from the EcoDairy.  View full video here: http://tinyurl.com/ecodairyontheexpress

January 26, 2011 (All day)

Bakerview EcoDairy is Awarded for Innovation in Agriculture

The Ninth Annual Agri-Food Industry Gala was held at the Ramada in Abbotsford on January 26th. It was an evening celebrating BC's food and wine industry and recognizing leadership in the agricultural industry in BC.  Guest speaker Bruce Vincent, an award winning speaker from Montana, challenged a captivated audience to take action in preserving their industries future.  The Bakerview EcoDairy was awarded by the Investment Agriculture Foundation of BC for Excellence in Innovation in the Agriculture and Agri-Food Industry, among many other well deserving industry leaders.  A great time was had by all and proceeds from the event were donated to the Abbotsford Food Bank.

December 6, 2010 (All day) - December 30, 2010 (All day)

Salvation Army and Vicki the Cow's Winter Warm-Up Drive

Join Vicki the Cow and the Salvation Army for our Winter Warm-Up Drive and help us make a difference in our community this season!  Donate gently used coats, boots, hats and mitts at our drop off location here at the Bakerview EcoDairy from December 6-30th. And, since you're here anyway, why not stop in and participate in some fun, festive activities which include making candy cane reindeer.  Activities run Saturday, December 11th from 11am - 4pm and Sunday, December 12th from 12pm - 4pm.

December 6, 2010 (All day)

Thank-you EcoDairy supporters, we couldn't have done it without you!

Last week The Business Excellence Awards were held to recognize outstanding individuals and organizations in Abbotsford that strive for excellence in our community. The Bakerview EcoDairy was honoured to be the recipient of the Agriculture and Agri-Business Excellence Award.  More than 500 people attended the annual Chamber event and it was humbling to join the company of nine other local entrepreneurs who were also recognized in other categories.

(photo courtesy of the Abbotsford News)

 

November 1, 2010 (All day) - December 21, 2010 (All day)

Passport to Christmas

The Magic of Christmas awaits...the Nutrifoods Market and Bakerview EcoDairy will be participating in Abbotsford's Passport to Christmas contest! So how does Passport to Christmas work? Local businesses in Abbotsford, like the Nutrifoods Market and Bakerview EcoDairy, will have a brochure, with various local businesses on them. Once you have received six stamps from any of the participating locations you may submit your entry to the draw. Not only will you find the most unique Christmas gifts you have ever discovered, but you can also win exciting prizes just by participating in the passport program!

October 29, 2010 (All day)

Vitala Cows Welcome VIP'S

Our Vitala Cows were excited to welcome some very special guests into their home today.   Mr. Allan Seckel, Deputy Minister to the Premier, and Mr. Wes Shoemaker, Deputy Minister of Agriculture, stopped by the EcoDairy earlier today for a tour led by owner Bill Vanderkooi.

October 16, 2010 - 11:00AM - 4:00PM

Vintage Fall Fair

Take your family to Bakerview EcoDairy’s first annual Vintage Fall Fair on Saturday, October 16, from 11am-4pm.  You will get a chance to visit the Abbotsford Downtown Farmers Market, which will set up their thriving marketplace on our picnic grounds. Free pony rides, horse and buggy rides and cow milking station are just a few of the activities your kids can enjoy. There will be lots of fresh food to sample, not to mention some delicious popcorn and cotton candy as well.  Live entertainment, a merry-go-whirl ride and balloon artist are just some of the activities available for the whole family!

September 25, 2010 - 12:00PM - 4:00PM

FH Canada Block Party

You are invited to the Poverty Revolution Family Block Party!  FH Canada welcomes friends and families to come out and support the Poverty Revolution and PRAISE 106.5 Water Well Project, a fundraiser to build 20 water wells in Ethiopia.  Come on down to the Nutrifoods Market and Bakerview EcoDairy Saturday, September 25th and take part in this fun family event.  Live music by THE WIEBES, bouncy castle, face painting, cotton candy and entertainment for the whole family! BBQ style food available with all proceeds going to FH Canada. Visit PovertyRevolution.org for more information.

September 10, 2010 - 9:00AM - 11:30AM

Mitsubishi's MiEV electric cars stop by for a visit

The Mitsubishi MiEV electric cars, Sparky and Zippy, stopped by the Nutrifoods Market and Bakerview EcoDairy on their Clean Across Canada tour before heading off to catch the ferry. Check out the coverage on Global TV! http://www.globaltvbc.com/video/index.html (News Hour, Full Newscast, Sept 10, minute 24)

August 25, 2010 (All day)

EcoDairy makes the news

The Globe and Mail has done a feature on our very own Bakerview EcoDairy.  Check it out:

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/your-business/grow/new-product-development/farmer-rips-page-from-corporate-strategy-handbook/article1683924/#

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/report-on-business/your-business/grow/new-product-development/the-pros-and-cons-of-vertical-integration/article1683927/

August 22, 2010 (All day)

Michael Ignatieff stops by the EcoDairy

 

Liberal leader Michael Ignatieff stopped by the EcoDairy this past Sunday to meet with more than 100 local Liberal supporters as part of his Liberal Express cross-Canada tour.


Read more:

http://www.abbotsfordtimes.com/Ignatieff+drops+into+Abbotsford+Fast+sure/3436239/story.html#ixzz0xdgs1kbw

 http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/national/british-columbia/ignatieff-supports-hst-and-its-detractors/article1683935/

August 9, 2010 (All day)

Re/max: Abbotsford

Re/max has put together a video featuring the city of Abbotsford and the Vitala Cows from the Bakerview EcoDairy are featured in this short film. See if you can spot our cows enjoying the self grooming brush.
http://carlsonmedia.ca/2010/08/remax-abbotsford/

July 28, 2010 - 8:00AM

A local Beaver agrees that healthy and natural food can be found at the Nutrifoods Market!

It’s true that we have put every effort into preserving and encouraging animal habitation on our 80 acre site.  So much so that last night, a local beaver found our picnic grounds so inviting he decided to relax, take in the scenery and enjoy a bite!  

 

 

 

July 15, 2010 - 7:00PM - 9:00PM

Staff celebrated the opening of the Bakerview EcoDairy and Nutrifoods Market in flip flop style!

Getting together for an outdoor bbq provided our staff with the perfect opportunity to get to know each other a little better and to have some team building fun in the sun.  We believe Happy Staff = Happy Customers!

July 5, 2010 (All day)

The First Demonstration Farm of its Kind Gets Some Attention

Bill Vanderkooi, President of the Bakerview EcoDairy, has been very busy. Not just keeping our cows happy and comfortable but the media too! If you haven't had the chance to meet our big dreamer and fearless entrepreneur - take a moment to see Bill in action.
Read more

July 1, 2010 (All day)

Canada Day celebrations

The Bakerview EcoDairy is open. Drop by before or after your Canada Day celebrations and enjoy a family picnic on our grounds. The Nutrifoods Market has all the fixings you need!

July 1, 2010 (All day)

Fraser Valley food, wine and cow-cams in Abbotsford: Nutrifoods Market and Bakerview EcoDairy delight all at grand opening

By Rick Rake, Guest Blogger for Between the Vines
Where in Abbotsford do cows practically milk themselves? Where in Abbotsford are the environment and fair treatment of animals recognized as priorities? And where in Abbotsford can you witness it all and then pick up a basket of fresh food...
Read more

July 1, 2010 (All day)

Out and About in the Community

Marketing Manager Tanya Curtis was on best behaviour this Canada Day as she played co-host to Sergeant Casey Vinet of the Abbotsford Police Department.  Together they hosted Abbotsford's annual parade in honour of Canada's 143rd birthday!

June 24, 2010 (All day)

An Evening of Natural Indulgence

With the doors now open to the Bakerview EcoDairy and Nutrifoods Market, over 200 guests celebrated the occasion with us at our official opening and reception held on June 24th. Daryl Verbeek acted as Master of Ceremonies for the event and Bill Vanderkooi, CEO, Nutriva Group, was joined by MP Ed Fast, Minister Steve Thomson, MLA John van Dongen  and Mayor George Peary. Wonderful local, fresh and natural foods prepared by Executive Chef Jon Stewart, Ramada Plaza and Conference Centre.
http://nutrivagroupalbums.shutterfly.com/pictures/61 

June 23, 2010 (All day)

Bakerview EcoDairy Secures Funding to Build a Small-Scale On-Farm Anaerobic Digestion System.

After two years of hard work, Bill Vanderkooi’s vision of building an on-farm anaerobic digestion system at his Bakerview EcoDairy took a giant leap forward last month when he secured the necessary funding to make it a reality.
Read more

June 16, 2010 - 10:00AM - 5:00PM

Our doors officially open

The doors to the Bakerview EcoDairy are officially open! Enjoy a tour at the learning centre, visit our animal exhibit or drop by our Nutrifoods Market. There's a little something for everyone here.