ABOUT NEW SIBERIA FARMS

New Siberia Farms is a certified organic dairy farm on the north end of Fairfield Island in Chilliwack, BC. It has been a family-run operation since 1925 when Andrew and Mary Balakshin first arrived, fleeing Russia. Initially starting with potatoes, the farm shifted to dairy and eventually expanded to include a chicken hatchery. The farm has endured challenges such as the Great Depression, the 1948 flood, and the collapse of the hatching market in the 1960s, but it has remained resilient. Over the years, the focus shifted entirely to dairy farming, and today, New Siberia Farms supplies organic milk to British Columbia.

Bill and Janice Balakshin, who took over the farm in 1981, made a significant shift towards organic farming in recent years, becoming certified organic after a gradual process. Their approach has always prioritized animal welfare, with cows enjoying regular outdoor time and minimal stress. Bill and Janice value community and collaboration within the organic farming network, finding support and a shared vision through organizations like Organic BC and local conservation groups. This connection to the larger farming community has also informed their commitment to sustainable practices, such as improved feed quality and soil health management.

Looking to the future, Bill and Janice are focused on stewardship and preserving the farm's natural environment, including their riparian zones and wildlife. Through collaboration with the Fraser Valley Conservancy, they’ve worked to restore native plantings along the farm's sloughs, improving the ecosystem and contributing to biodiversity. Their ongoing efforts to reduce environmental impact, such as recycling plastics and overseeing fields to preserve soil integrity, reflect their commitment to sustainability. 

In 2025, New Siberia Farms will celebrate 100 years of farming on the same parcel of land. It won't just be a celebration of the farm’s longevity but a tribute to the vital role that family farms play in preserving our agricultural heritage and ensuring the health and well-being of future generations. Family farms like theirs are essential in maintaining local food security, promoting environmental stewardship, and fostering strong community bonds. As New Siberia Farms looks forward to the next hundred years, they hope to continue to champion the values that have kept their farm thriving for generations.
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TIMELINE

1844

Alexander Nicholas Balakshin was born into a farmer’s family in the town of Yalutorovsk in 1844. He picked up the buoyant energies of his enterprising father and got his early education from Decembrists residing in Yalutorovsk. He was also a practicing lawyer in the city of Kurgan.
Source: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

1874

Andrew Alexander Balakshin was born January 6, 1874. The family moved to the outskirts of Kurgan, where his father entered into a partnership to start a potato growing operation and processing plant.
Source: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

1899

In 1899 Andrew Alexander married Maria Vassilievna Kharlamoff, the youngest daughter of a prominent Kurgan merchant.
Source: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

1900

In 1900 the cooperatives boom swept the country. A. N. Balakshin got involved in the movement, and his efforts culminated in 1907 in the Union of Siberian Creamery Associations, of which he became first president, until in 1913 he went to England in semi-retirement. Andrew sold his interest in the partnership to become president and managing director of the Creamery Union.
Source: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver
Source:  Union of Siberian Creamery and Other Cooperative Associations, 1919

1917

In 1917, the revolution made changes. The head office of the Union was moved to Omsk. A.A.B. became chairman of the advisory commission for the administration of Admiral Kolchak. 
Source: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

1919

In 1919, the family to move to Vladivostok. 

1920

In June 1920, he moved his family as refugees to China. They settled in Shanghai with daughters Natalie, Irene, Ann and son Nicholas. The Siberian Agricultural Corporation was created. 
Source: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

1921

A. N. Balakshin died in November 1921.

1922

Daughter Natalie was sent to Seattle to attend university. She married there and became an American citizen. She later settled in Portland, Oregon. 

1923

In August 1923, the family moved to Tientsin and started negotiations to emigrate to Canada. 
Source: Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Sobor, Vancouver

1925

In July 1925 the family made their way to Japan and boarded a Canadian Pacific steamship to Vancouver. When they arrived, in order to comply with the immigration rules at the time, they had to settle as farmers. The Chilliwack area was found to be a most desirable place for a farm and they settled at 10639 Bell Road in Chilliwack where the family is still actively farming four generations later. 

1937

Ann became the first licensed baby chick sexer in Canada. Irene followed after her. 

1941

As the second world war raged on, increased demand for food and agricultureal products stimulated the farm. By the end of 1943, the farm was paid for. A.A.B. entered the poultry breeding program and installed electric incubators where chicks were sold throughout Western Canada.

1944

A.A.B purchases a 20-acre farm across the road at 10680 Bell Road.
A.A.B's son Nicholas marries Era Dieff.
The Hatchery was built.

1947

Nicholas became manager in 1944 and in 1947 became the second generation to own New Siberia Farms.

1948

The devastating flood of 1948. Water filled all the low-lying areas of the farm. Eventhough they were told to evacuate, they stayed with the animals hoping the dyke would hold. They stayed put and so did the dyke. 

1956

On the eve of his 82nd birthday, A.A.B. died on January 5, 1956. 

1962

The hatching market crashed and they closed the hatchery. The focus was set on dairy.

1971

Nicholas' son Bill starts farming full-time. Bill will be the third generation of Balakshins farming at 10639 Bell Road.

1981

Bill marries Janice Drainie and together they farm at 10639 Bell Road for 44 years and counting, the longest ownership managing New Siberia Farms.

2020

On March 1, 2020, New Siberia Farms' milk officially becomes certified Organic.
First load of certified organic milk to leave New Siberia Farms.