Filter by Popular Categories
Young Agrarians is celebrating the ninth year of the Business Mentorship Network (BMN) program in BC and the expansion of the program across the Prairies! The BMN offers business mentorships to a diverse array of new and young farmers. Through one-on-one mentorship, peer networks and online workshops young farmers develop the skills necessary to operate ecologically sustainable and financially viable farm businesses.
YA business mentorships have helped over a 100+ farmers to generate more revenues, grow more food and put more land into production. Immediate results have led to on average of 64% more farm revenue, a 72% increase in food produced, and a 48% increase in land under production. We are thrilled to bring the stories of these farmers to you for inspiration!
Applications open for Mentees across Western Canada in October 2023.
Mentor applications are accepted year round.
Check out the program page on our website for more information!
Our names are Chantal and Jeff O’Hara and along with our three kids, Malcolm, Lugh and Bram we operate Moonlit Ridge Farm in Cache Creek BC. We respectfully acknowledge that the land we farm is within the ancestral, traditional, and unceded territory of the Secwepemc Nation. Our Mentor is Mark Fisher from High Slope Acres.
What inspired you to get into farming?
We were inspired to farm from a desire to provide and work for ourselves. We also believed that hops farming would bring us closer to our love of brewing beer!
How did you learn how to farm?
We learned on the fly! Everything has been trial and error and lucky for us we have met some amazing small-scale farmers along the way who have helped us immensely.
What type of business structure is you farm, what do you produce and how much land is under production?
We are co-owners of our farm business. We produce microgreens and a range of produce with a focus on leafy greens and herbs in about an acre. On 2 acres we have a breeding flock of Icelandic Sheep which we use to produce wool and meat.
What types of ecological farm practices and/or responses to climate change realities do you engage in?
Our microgreens are Organic Certified and we hope to transition the rest of our farm to organic in the near future. We also use the waste from our livestock to provide additional nutrients to our soil.
What is your land tenure?
We bought our land in spring of 2020. We have a mortgage.
Why did you apply for business mentorship?
We are first-generation farmers and are well aware we lack the knowledge and experience when it comes to farming. We started to grow microgreens and noticed there was a need for fresh produce in the spring, fall and winter in our village. We wanted to take our business to the next level but we were missing the knowledge on how to get there. The mentorship was a unique opportunity to help us take those next steps.
What is the greatest business challenge you face as a new farmer?
Money for sure. There is so much we would like to do but we do not want to go into severe debt to do it. So it’s been a slow process, which can be frustrating at times.
What is your primary business goal for the season?
Our primary business goal this season is to increase production on our market garden and really dial in what products we are going to offer. We really hope to learn how to extend our growing season, so we can offer year-round greens and continue our year-round CSA.
What business tools could you not live without?
Our social media and word of mouth have been our biggest assets in acquiring new business. They have also been extremely useful in finding help and answers to questions that we have.
If you had a farming robot what would it be?
An automatic waterer for the gardens, microgreens and animals. So much time spent watering.
How can we find out more about you, your farm, and its products?
Our Website is: https://www.moonlitridge.ca/
Insta: https://www.instagram.com/moonlitridgefarm/
FB: https://www.facebook.com/MoonlitRidgeFarm/
This program is made possible with the generous funding support of Vancity, Endswell Foundation and Columbia Basin Trust.