Over the years, thanks to the help of countless contributors eager to learn and experience life on the land, a pioneering raw model has taken shape, with barns, stables, sheds, chicken coop, bee house, workshops, food processing facilities, etc... complemented by an old-fashioned outdoor bread oven. One by one they have been added to the original log residence, cabins, and trailer that provide the shelter for those working here.

CSA Garden

Our main source of income is the CSA garden operation, providing a weekly delivery of fresh vegetables to more than 60 families in Nelson and Kaslo during 10 months of each year. It is independently managed by a head gardener who takes on the responsibility of running it for the season in accordance with our goals, assisted by volunteer trainees and helpers.

Animals

Our animal population consists of 3-4 dairy cows and their calves, 4 sheep, 8-10 beehives, and a number of free-range chickens, as well as cats and dogs. We also have 4 Norwegian Fjord horses for riding, and who are also presently learning to do farm work.

Farming

We produce our own hay and grain, and have planted a small orchard not yet in production. All the compost needed is also made on the farm.

Woodlot

The farm is also home to the Lofstedt Farm Forestry Society, started in 1991 to manage a 600ha. Crown Woodlot Forest Licence which surrounds the farm on three sides. The Society uses horses, small cat and high lead cable systems to harvest trees from the farm's watershed. Currently the Society is focused on ecological restoration of the rainforest, nature appreciation and community forestry. For more information contact Peter Van Allen 250-353-2575.

Seasonal Festivals

An important tradition started with our best friends at the very beginning of our farming venture here-- our four Seasonal Farm Festivals at Easter, St. John's Day (Midsummer), Michaelmas (combined with harvest festival), and Christmas. The first three have become popular gatherings often reaching over 100 people, whereas Christmas is celebrated in the more intimate circle of our co-workers on the farm.

In spring, summer, and fall, our "Lofstedt Farm Gang" feverishly cleans up the farm yard and prepares the many specific thrilling events that are to take place during the upcoming celebration. The weather, of course, has an effect on the number of friends, CSA-shareholders and Nelson Waldorf School parents (with all their children, big and small) that finally come to join us for all the fun, and to enjoy the traditional "pot-luck" meal that invariably crowns the day. It generally ends around a big bonfire, with music and singing late into the night!

Dragon-wagon ride at Michaelmas