The Future of the Farm
Etomami Ecofarm and Community Shared Agriculture (CSA) Program
by Christine Wood

Managing an organic farm can be a joyful journey, a rewarding lifestyle, a fruitful and challenging business. The farm life offers privileges that many people only experience when on vacation: waking up to birds chirping, being able to see the Milky Way, not hearing traffic for days on end, enjoying a fresh, organic meal prepared with food picked just hours earlier.

Then, there are the less appealing aspects of the farm lifestyle, such as having to brave the harsh winter weather to tend to your animals, heavy workloads and long hours, the seemingly constant repairs that need doing, dealing with drought, and more.

Some say it’s all worth it; the best lifestyle you could ever have. What about you? Does the idea of running an organic farm spark a little fire inside you? Whether you’re a little curious or have been searching for an opportunity to manage an organic farm for a long time, this article is for you.

After speaking with Keith Neu, owner of Etomami ECOFarm, about his desire to soon retire, and having no one in place to take over his farm, we decided to reach out through WHOLifE Journal to let people know about this opportunity. Here’s our conversation:

Christine: Last time we spoke, you mentioned some very significant challenges that are facing Canadian farmers today. What can you tell me about these challenges?

Keith: What many farmers are facing right now is finding the next generation to take over the farm. No longer are farms being passed on from farmer to son or daughter. The cycle is broken, as children grow up and choose other paths, perhaps a career that comes with less stress or promises better money.

Christine: Is this an issue you are personally facing right now?

Keith: Yes, this is a huge concern for me right now. I’m at the age where I’d like to start thinking about retirement, but I worry about the future of the farm.

Christine: Certainly not everyone is suited to take on an operation like this. What are some of the qualities someone should possess if they want to run a farm like yours?

Keith: Motivation, dedication, perseverance, and intelligence!

Christine: Do you think a single person or a couple/family would be more successful at running your farm in particular?

Keith: A couple most definitely, as there’s lots of work for more than one person.

Christine: Many people know you from your CSA weekend trips delivering fresh produce around Saskatchewan. Tell me what’s involved in that.

Keith: For instance, in the winter we have to go through all of the fresh produce to check for quality. We have to butcher at least two head of beef three weeks ahead of the delivery to ensure we have enough meat. We have to ensure that the freezers and coolers are working and the week of the delivery we put in about 30 to 40 man-hours to pack everything up. Then, of course, I’m on the road Friday afternoon until Sunday afternoon when I get back to the farm.

Christine: What other aspects to your farm are there? What possibilities are available as additional sources of income that maybe haven’t been explored yet?

Keith: If I had more help, there is a big opportunity to supply restaurants, farmers’ markets, organic food stores, and supermarkets. Right now, I’m swamped just trying to supply the community shared agriculture (CSA).

Christine: If you could give a future farmer just starting out any advice, what would you tell him/her?

Keith: There’s no life like it! But you have to love it to be able to weather the ups and downs. The direct sales aspect of the CSA takes the boom and bust out of the income but adds a lot of work to farming.

Christine: If someone was interested in taking over your farm, what should they do?

Keith: Come for a visit and stay awhile!

If you’re mildly curious or very serious, please contact Keith Neu to discuss this opportunity in detail. E-mail: km.neu@sasktel.net, 306-865-2103, 306-865-7481, Hudson Bay, SK, www.saskecofarm.com.

Christine Wood is the creator of Wood’s Body Goods, a Saskatchewan bath and body care company specializing in natural deodorants, lip balms, beer soaps, and more. With a focus on supporting local, beeswax from local farmers is used in approximately 90 percent of all their products and the beer used in their beer soaps comes from Saskatoon. Wood’s Body Goods has been a Sabex Award finalist two years in a row, and products can be found in thirty shops, spas, and natural health food stores across Western Canada. Visit woodsbodygoods.com and/or call (306) 715-9775.