About Ausden Farm
About Organic Farming
Fruit Varieties
Other Products
How To Find Us
Contact Information

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:

  • 130 apples of different kinds including some heritage apples
  • 80 plum trees, four varieties
  • 40 cherry trees
  • 12 pear trees
  • 4 apricot trees
  • some very old and suffering peach trees

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.