Total land size in acres
90 acres
Wooded Area
Yes - 50 acres
Cultivable Area
38 acres hay meadow. 2 acres gardens.
Expansion potential (acres)
Yes - gardens can be expanded at expense of hay meadows.
Current use
- Vegetable -
- Livestock -
- Hay & Forage -
- Orchard/Fruit -
- Other -
State of the surface of the cultivable area
The meadows are silts and sands with a few gravel lenses. Riparian areas snake through the meadows and steep sloping glacial material and rock surround the meadows.
Description and historical use of land available for farming
The land was homesteaded in the 1930's with expansion of the meadows in the 50's and 70's. The valley has been used primarily for hay meadows until we started West Chilcotin Gardens.
Road Access
Yes - Bush road for 6 to 7 month. Snowmobile access in the winter.
Electricity
Yes - We are off the grid but have ample solar power in summer. A generator in needed in the winter months.
Long-term goal or vision for land
We are looking for partnership with a family that wishes to develop agri-tourism or eco-tourism and possibly expand vegetable and fruit production. There is potential for sharing title to the land and building an additional residence. The remoteness is an attraction for tourism but is a liability for sale of fresh produce. The local market is really small and there is an existing greenhouse grower in Anahim Lake where we cooperative market our strawberries. We do not wish to compete directly in her market of a range of vegetables but there may be opportunity for further cooperation on certain crops.
Known environmental hazards (wildfire area, flooding, etc.)
Yes - We are in a forest cultured by wildfires. A major fire in 2017 surrounded our property. The story is documented in the book 'Captured by Fire' co-authored by Fred Reid and Chris Czkowski. The threat of new wildfire has been greatly reduced by that fire. We are on the flood plane of the Hotnarko River and the meadows are subject to flooding in the spring but our buildings have not been threatened.
Current residents living on property
Yes - Monika and I live in a log house build in the early 1980's.
Availability of farm buildings
Yes - We have a barn with one milking stall, chicken coop, equipment sheds, greenhouse, blacksmith shop and storage shed.
Land is fenced
Yes - 10 acres are perimeter fenced to protect gardens from range cows. The dairy cows are managed by electric fences.
Availability of farm machinery and tools
Yes - Tractor and haying equipment.
Water source
- Well -
- Stream/river -
- Irrigation system -
Water rights to these sources
Yes - Shared with our neighbour
Restricted access of visitors
Yes - We discourage hunting in our valley.
Types of production you are open to
Soil details
- Texture -
- Rocky soil -
- Slope orientation and degree of slope (specify) -
- General fertility (nutrients) -
- Good drainage -
Preferred arrangement
- MOU -
- Business Partnership -
- Other -
Would you be willing to mentor or advise the entering farmer(s)?
Yes - Fred is a gradute of Agriculture for UBC and we both have extensive experience in agriculture.
Do you require references from the farmer(s)?
Yes - A outline of past farming experience would be nice but not necessary.
Agreement duration
A trial period of one year is advisable with the option of working towards a buy in and shared title to the land.
