General farming (3 years+) - Lifelong farming experience from childhood in rural Jammu and Kashmir , India raised goats, sheep , water buffalo, cattle and bulls and grew crops with family.
Do you have a business plan?
No - Currently developing business plan. Have done extensive research on startup costs, halal market, and livestock requirements.
Do you have financial resources available to start your farm?
Yes - Personal saving and looking for loan as well.
Do you have access to other financial resources (such as a financial partner, loan, etc.) to start your farm?'
Yes - Looking to explore Sustainable CAP cost-share grants and Canadian Agricultural Loans Act for new farmers.
Project
Farm Name
Meelu Halal Farm
Farm Project Description
I am Riyaz , a staff Accountant with an MBA based in Burnaby, BC. Grew up in a farming based village in Jammu and Kashmir, India, where my family raised goats, sheep, water buffalo, cattle and bulls and grew our own crops. My wife and I plan to establish a small halal sheep and goat farm in the Fraser Valley, beginning with a flock of 20 sheep and goats. Our goal is to supply the growing halal meat market in Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley, selling directly to Muslim families, halal butchers. we are developing a formal business plan and have researched startup coasts, government grants and local market extensively.
Preferred Arrangement
Lease -
Duration of the desired agreement
5 years, with renewal option
Ideal date to obtain land by
March 2027
Land & Features Desired
Total Land Size (acres)
10-15 open pasture
Wooded Area (acres)
No
Cultivable Area (acres)
Possibility to expand area currently available (acres)
Yes - Would consider properties with option to expend flock to 50+ animals over 3-5 years.
Zoning
ALR
Preferred current state of the surface of the cultivable area
Established pasture with grass cover. Existing fencing, water access, and basic shelter or barn strongly preferred to reduce startup costs. Open to properties requiring some improvement if lease terms reflect this.
Open to landowner residing on property
Yes - Fully open to landowner living on site. We are a quiet couple and respectful of shared space boundaries.
Need farm buildings
Yes - Basic barn or shelter for sheep during lambing season and BC winters . Feed storage essential.
Need fenced land
Yes - Existing fencing strongly preferred.
Need farm machinery and tools
No
Need established water source and infrastructure
Access to well water with adequate volume for livestock . Piped water to barn preferred.
Need on-site housing
Yes - My wife and I plan to live on the farm full-time to manage daily livestock care. A small house, secondary suite is strongly preferred.
Production type
Livestock - Sheep - Katahdin or Doper hair sheep 20 ewes to start for halal meat production.
Livestock - Goats - May add small goat herd in year2-3
Type of agriculture
Conventional -
Soil needs
Will acquire commercial insurance
Yes - Willing to carry liability insurance and name property owner as additionally insured.
