On the Farm: A greenhouse and tissue culture lab followed the fruit trees — and then came the store and patio café
ELNORA, Alta. — Dave and Arden Delidais own and operate DNA Gardens. The 15-acre orchard is nestled into the rolling parklands of central Alberta, where the hills and valleys dotted with wetlands gradually give way to sprawling prairie. The fruit farm is known for an abundance of saskatoons and boasts 19 varieties. “We are the […] Read moreAuthor Archives
Alberta family’s matriarch returns to the farm
On the Farm: A love of the farming lifestyle and a century of rich history draws woman back to her family and the farm
CLIVE, Alta. — Louise Bell recently bought a quarter section of land at Clive and plans to move back to the farm, even though she’s reached an age where many people are slowing down. “I need a purpose in life,” said the 74-year-old. She currently lives in a condo in nearby Lacombe and has bought […] Read more
Alta. farms focus on growing vegetables and raising animals
BLACKFALDS, Alta. — There’s no doubt the Hoogland family in central Alberta will remember 2020. The worldwide experience of COVID-19 would be the main reason, which has, among other things, clarified the importance of food security. “There’s definitely more people interested in buying home-grown food,” says Sherry-Ann, who with her husband, Kurt, and three youngest […] Read more
Alta. high school inspires ecological leadership
A two-acre green space in Lacombe is home to the EcoVision Club, which has remained active despite the pandemic
LACOMBE, Alta. — COVID-19 has shuttered classrooms everywhere, but it hasn’t stopped the learning. At Ècole Secondaire Lacombe Composite High School in central Alberta, a two-acre green space just outside the school’s west doors is abuzz with activity and experiential learning. It’s home to ESLCHS’s EcoVision Club, which has provided student-led, agricultural-based programs since 2007. […] Read more
Go fly a kite: an uplifting passion
BENTLEY, Alta. —Bud Taylor doesn’t have to be told twice to go fly a kite. He’s been passionate about it since childhood. The Kite Guys store and studio he owns and operates with Sharon Musto in central Alberta is the culmination of that pursuit. There are thousands of kites in the 2,500 sq. foot store, […] Read more
Father’s war experience chronicled
Marie Donais Calder writes about her father’s relationship with a German family at the end of the Second World War
Marie Donais Calder lays bare the struggles faced by her father and one family he decided to help in the immediate aftermath of the Second World War in Europe in her historical fiction series called The Other Side. The 25 books are based on real people, focusing on her father, Edmond Joseph Donais, who was […] Read more
Farmer convinced ‘this is the best place to be’
On the Farm: Couple considers themselves fortunate to be able to work with their two sons and daughter-in-law
RIMBEY, Alta. — “With the way things are right now, I’m glad I’m a farmer,” says Calvin Sargeant during a phone interview from his rural central Alberta home. He’s referring to the COVID-19 pandemic. Whole countries are closing up shop on non-essential services and requesting, sometimes demanding, that people stay home. Many workers have no […] Read more
Untimely deaths inspire acreage move
On the Farm: No Regrets Ranch features a chicken coop, greenhouse, woodworking and quilting shops, and a garden
MORNINGSIDE, Alta. — Don and Lynn Burdett dreamed for years that someday they’d have a home in the country. They’d grow a big garden, raise livestock, pursue their creative interests and provide a refuge for family and friends. “We always had the desire to live simple”, says Lynn. “To live off the land.” It’s not […] Read more
Elk producers find way to add value
A farm family in central Alberta adds holistic pet treats to the list of products they produce from their herd of 171 elk
HAYNES, Alta. — Russell and Joanne Gwozdz, along with their daughter, Rachelle, 23, run a herd of 171 elk at their quarter section Golden Willow Ranch in the rolling parklands of central Alberta. The family is entering its 22nd year in an industry that has seen its share of volatility. They’ve grown attached to their […] Read more
Dream came true for Alta. greenhouse operator
On the Farm: Expansion is still in the cards for this greenhouse, more than 50 years after a young immigrant arrived in Canada
LACOMBE, Alta. — Joe Doef grew up in the horticulture industry in the Netherlands and knew early on that he wanted to continue on the garden management path. His subconscious agreed. “I had a dream that I was living in a house surrounded by greenhouses,” he says. “I was not yet 16.” In 1969, at […] Read more
