The Robson Valley has a rich heritage of gardening and agriculture

The Robson Valley has a rich heritage of gardening and agriculture from the early years of the twentieth century. Even before the Grand Trunk Pacific Railway was completed, experiments to find what would grow in the area were being carried out. A few men came up the Fraser River by riverboat, sternwheeler or canoe, found a promising piece of land and planted a variety of seeds.

An early traveller was F. A. Talbot, who described the valley as "The New Garden of Canada." It was also new in the sense that most of the weeds and plant diseases had not yet arrived. Magnificent crops could be grown, but over time unwanted plants made their way in.

The McBride Farmers' Institute, which was the only "official" voice for the community for the first twelve years, also started the Fall Fair-the first one being held in 1918. Competition was strong to show how well "exotic" plants could be grown in the area, such as apples and vegetable marrows and a variety of flowers. Farm crops such as wheat and oats, root vegetables and strawberries and raspberries were commonly grown and sold locally and in Jasper and Prince George. In recent years, most crops have been forage for cattle, horses and sheep, but some grain is still grown. For many years, farmers grew certified seed.

With warmer winters, the experimenting of the early years has been continuing with plants from further south growing successfully.

It was a matter of great pride to a farmer when the first piece of equipment of its kind was purchased, and note was made in the local paper. An exhibit of valley farm equipment is being developed by the Valley Museum and Archives Society beside the ball park across from the railway station in McBride.