
Originally established in the early 1920's by Dutch settlers,
arriving in the valley via Winnipeg, the farm has gone through a number
of different hands till we bought it in June of 2002.
The "Hack Farm", its original name still is
used widely, was known for its cut flowers, onions and melons. According
to the "old timers" the property was very picturesque with
a multitude of perennials flowering all the time. At one point there
were 16 fully functioning green houses on the site.
The farm is spectacularly situated on the west side of
highway 97 midway between Osoyoos and Oliver in British Columbia's Okanagan
Valley. The area is part of Canada's only true desert, with an average
rainfall of less than 10 inches. The area is known for its hot dry summers
and mild winters, and its reliance on irrigation to produce fruit and
vegetables.
The property comprises 10.9 acres of orchard, pasture
and pristine desert, and stretches from the highway steeply up the mountain
to the west. It affords incredible views of the valley, several small
lakes and the Similkameen River from almost anywhere on the property.
Since the original family left the farm it has gone downhill,
to the extent that in 2002 there had been no irrigation in place for
a number of years and the fruit trees had suffered significantly as
a result. Presently the farm has a number of healthy trees still bearing
fruit and we are in the process of adding where there are gaps and where
we have had to cut down dead trees. Thus we have:
We have planted winter hardy persimmons and Paw Paws
Our task, as we see it, is to restore the farm to its former glory,
while maintaining its organic status and providing quality food for
customers. To this end we have brought irrigation to all parts of the
farm, and are using totally organic methods to keep the soil healthy
and the produce of the highest quality.
About us
Farming, as opposed to living in a condominium, is not
for the faint of heart. Rather it is a physical, as well as an academically
demanding, lifestyle. We have masters level qualifications in our professions,
and we enjoy putting “book learning” to practical use. The
farm is a fantastic challenge for both of us. So far the learning curve
has been very steep, and that seem unlikely to change. Our other interests
and hobbies are supported on the farm. There is ample opportunity, and
good reason, to expand knowledge and to share it with others. Operating
an organic farm and producing good healthy food, as well as food for
thought, suits us both.