All posts by Heather Shobe

Farmer 2 Farmer: Lessons From a Week Volunteering on a Patagonian Farm

Posted by Heather Shobe on February 28, 2019

“¡Tú lo sabes!” Says Aunt Rosita (You know it!). “So tidy, so good. You are a farmer!” It’s February of 20017, and I’m on a South American odyssey that includes one week volunteering on a traditional farm in Patagonia. I speak very little Spanish, and what I do know is very different than the Argentinian dialect that surrounds me. My host family speaks little English, and we’re getting by on a series of hand signals, facial expressions, and a translation app I’ve downloaded to my Ipad. As a small farm operator, I’ve hosted a number of farm-stay helpers in the past, … Continue reading Farmer 2 Farmer: Lessons From a Week Volunteering on a Patagonian Farm →

November 21: Oysters Afloat! Tofino Oyster Farm Tours

Posted by Heather Shobe on November 12, 2015

Is marine farming in your future?  The Clayoquot Oyster Festival offers a chance to visit  West Coast oyster farming sites and learn about oyster production and opportunities in the industry. Boats depart from beautiful Tofino, BC on Saturday, November 21st for a 1.5 hour interpretive tour. Find out more about the Clayoquot Oyster Festival here, and book your tickets for the farm tour through Remote Passages Marine Excursions. [youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wND1s5B422Q?list=UUO1PiQXKCwrLZ9Vx7hzWwUA&w=560&h=315]

September 20: Alberni Valley Family Farms Day

Posted by Heather Shobe on September 15, 2015

The Alberni Valley welcomes you to the 5th annual Family Farms Day – Sunday, September 20th 11AM to 3PM. This free, self-guided tour features 8 farms in the Alberni Valley. Participating farms include a 30 acre mixed operation farm, permaculture homestead, mixed vegetable CSA, water buffalo dairy, community garden, winery & more! There will be local recipe books available, activities for children, farm tours and a sampling of local farm fresh products to purchase. This year’s participating farms include: Leda Organic Farm Gary, Jaqueline & Louis Swann 4361 Batty Road We have been growing organically since 1976. We are a mixed … Continue reading September 20: Alberni Valley Family Farms Day →

Farming in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island

Posted by Heather Shobe on August 28, 2015 1 Comment

In 2010, at the age of 35, I started farming in the Alberni Valley region of Vancouver Island. Surrounded by mountains, with a long inlet leading to the Pacific, this area’s climate is less moderated by the sea than many others; we typically get some of the the warmest summers and coolest winters on the island. Climate and soil conditions are great for agricultural production. I run a teeny-tiny farm, over various properties, with an often overwhelming hodgepodge of elements. While tuning into nature and keeping my hands in the soil is of utmost importance for my overall well being, I’ve … Continue reading Farming in Port Alberni, Vancouver Island →