We have more land seekers and opportunities than what is listed here! Get in touch with a Land Matcher at bclmp@youngagrarians.org to learn about the latest opportunities and to access free B.C. Land Matching Program services in your region.
ABOUT THE FARMER
Meet Kelsey Epp, the owner and operator of Tsolum River Ranch and Studio Aase in Courtenay, BC. Kelsey raises a flock of 55 Suffolk and Gotland sheep for meat and wool in addition to raising pork, meat rabbits, laying hens and beef production on 26 acres of land.
Kelsey’s passion for raising livestock is deeply ingrained from her childhood in a farming family and her educational background in medicine, which revealed the powerful impact of a wholesome diet in preventing diseases, guiding Kelsey’s commitment to the well-being of soil, livestock, and consumers on the ranch.
Kelsey’s commitment to quality has led to partnerships with local establishments, such as the esteemed Il Falcone restaurant, where her lamb is prominently featured. She also sells meat products beyond the Comox Valley to clients in Squamish, Nanaimo, and Vancouver. Beyond livestock farming, Kelsey has established a thriving line of home goods in her studio, Studio Aase, which utilizes all the wool generated by her flock to craft handmade items, including wool duvets, felted wool slippers, and woven rugs. Studio Aase products can now be found all across Canada and internationally!
ABOUT HER LAND VISION
As her ranching and design businesses reach high demand, Kelsey is looking to expand her land base in order to meet the needs of her customers and her animals. She is seeking 50-100 acres of land in the Comox Valley-Campbell River area to seasonally graze her animals. Kelsey is open to land opportunities within 100 kilometers of Courtenay, where her property is located. For the right land with suitable infrastructure, she might be willing to travel further.
Kelsey is seeking land with good grazing pasture, perimeter fencing and ideally interior electric fencing and a barn or shelter. For a seasonal grazing lease, Kelsey could truck in her own shelter, fencing and mineral supplements. Access to water would be ideal but is not essential. Temporary or long-term housing on the property would be desirable depending on the situation.
Kelsey is interested in a 1 year trial lease with the potential to renew medium- or long-term.
GET IN TOUCH
This farmer is participating in the B.C. Land Matching Program. Reach out to the Vancouver Island Land Matcher, Kiyomi Ito, at kiyomi@youngagrarians.org to start a conversation and learn about next steps.
Learn more about this farmer (and other farmers and Land Listings in your region) on the Young Agrarians UMAP. For more about the B.C. Land Matching Program, please visit youngagrarians.org/land.
The B.C. Land Matching Program is funded on Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands by the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia under the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership, a federal-provincial-territorial initiative, with additional support from Cowichan Valley Regional District and the Real Estate Foundation of BC.