There was a time when large bands of sheep grazed the high alpine ranges in BC’s Okanagan and North Thompson regions. Dozens of BC sheep ranchers sent big flocks averaging two to three thousand head with shepherds and dogs to graze open native pastures mostly above the treelines. These ranges proved so productive that many fat lambs were loaded directly onto rail cars to Vancouver markets under the “BC Alpine Lamb” label. The region boasted some of the largest sheep flocks in Canada. In addition many boxcars full of wool were gathered and shipped from Kamloops on an annual basis. But alas for myriad reasons, the big range flocks all but disappeared from the area. All but one – the legendary Aveley Ranch flock run by the Moilliet family in Vavenby BC.
Your humble writer recently had the opportunity to visit this iconic sheep operation and to see what the future holds for the flock and its dedicated owners and managers. It was established back in 1913 by Tam Moilliet who homesteaded the original property and began the sheep flock. By 1923 he was pioneering the grazing of sheep in the high alpine range on nearby Foghorn Mountain. That grazing was continued by his son Jack and further continued by grandchildren Ian and Valerie. The family is now planning to turn over the business to another generation with Ian’s son Joseph. That would probably make the Moilliet ranch the longest continuous family sheep operation in the country. Considering the operational challenges and marketing cycles the sheep industry has faced, the fact that this operation still continues is a credit to this family’s determination and dedication to sheep production.
The Moilliet flock is raised under traditional practices with lambing outdoors using pens and holding paddocks. Interestingly they charge tourists to help them at lambing time. They employ shepherds during the summer range grazing season. Their experience with shepherds is highlighted with anecdotes about the interesting characters they have employed over the years. The flock itself is based on the Corriedale breed, which is somewhat unique in Canada and has been selected for over 100 years to survive rugged grazing conditions. The late Jack Moilliet once noted that the sheep thrived on eating alpine lupins even though they are somewhat poisonous, adding “the sheep that couldn’t eat lupins died a long time ago.”
As with any sheep flock predation is a major problem for the Aveley ranch to this day. Cougars, bears, coyotes and wolves have all plagued the flock, and the family and its shepherds have waged an endless battle to control the menace. Today the flock is protected by a pack of six guard dogs mostly of the big white Kuvasz breed. Those that are of the belief that predators only kill to eat need only see the graphic evidence of multiple sheep losses that the Moilliets have suffered over the years from the wanton slaughter by predators that killed for fun.
The Aveley flock has traditionally grazed on nearby Foghorn Mountain which is reached in July by means of a trail blazed by the family. The ranch has also participated is BC forestry grazing projects to control unwanted vegetation on replanted clearcuts. Ian notes that participation has been sporadic over the years and is at the whim and interest of forestry department managers. The late Jack had a negative view of trees in general noting that his range was being “infested” with trees which reduced grazing productivity. It’s a perspective that is probably shared by many BC cattlemen who use government grazing leases. Part of the problem is that grazing leases and ranges are managed by government foresters who have little understanding or sympathy for livestock.
In addition to the sheep operation, Aveley ranch is also in the hay business growing and harvesting 15,000 bales per year. Their hayfields and home pastures are irrigated by a unique low cost gravity fed sprinkler irrigation system. They are also in the agri-tourism business running a Bed and Breakfast sideline and farm tours – they even maintain their own family museum. Today the family is expanding into a woodlot business. As to the future – the flock is scheduled for expansion as a new generation takes over. It bottomed out at 565 ewes this year and is planned to return to 1,300 ewes which is its traditional size. Its reassuring that in today’s commercial agriculture business with its relentless drive towards consolidation, that long time family farming operations continue to thrive with a new generation.