LEGENDARY THOMAS BAIRD

Sandra Baird fondly remembers hearing stories about her legendary grandfather Thomas Baird. His knowledge and keen eye for premium cattle made him one of British Columbia’s steeliest judges and buyers of show cattle.

Thomas moved to Vancouver in 1927, and soon established the first public stockyards in the city, at the foot of Fraser St. Through the ensuing years, he was asked by several ranchers to assist them in selecting their stock.

JIM BAIRD FOUNDED BAIRD CATTLE CO LTD

Thomas’s son Jim Baird followed in his father’s footsteps. He, his wife Joan and their four children moved to Ladner in 1962. Ten years later, Jim founded Baird Cattle Co Ltd.
“He also operated the Feedlot in Surrey, where we are still feeding cattle today,” adds Sandra of her father Jim.

An astute businessman, Jim also partnered in Ladner’s J&L Beef Packing Plant, selling J&L Beef to butchers, restaurants, and grocery stores.

In honour of the Baird’s long rich ranching history, the fourth generation established J. Baird Cattle Co. “This is a new venture in the cattle business, farm gate sales,” explains Sandra. “We sell our meat directly to the public, from our own farm store. We started our sales at the Ladner Market, and opened our store this summer.”