Nestled against a mountain backdrop in the unceded secwépemc land commonly referred to as Spallumcheen BC, Fresh Valley Farms is a Certified Organic farm (NOOA Cert #04-346) made up of two and a half quarter sections. Steve Meggait and Annelise Grube-Cavers raise certified organic beef, chicken, turkey, and heritage pork on pasture.
The farm uses regenerative systems, with an emphasis on animal welfare. Steve and Annelise are committed to being responsible stewards of the land, fostering biodiversity and extensive habitats throughout the farm, and in conjunction with raising pasture-raised livestock. All of the feed brought on to the farm is certified organic, and much of it is locally grown. While the land has always been managed without the use of synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, Annelise and Steve felt the need to fully align with their principles and completed the transition to Certified Organic in 2020. They appreciate the importance of third-party audits to back up the transparency they have always communicated with their customers.
All of the animals at Fresh Valley Farms have ample access to pasture, and areas to forage, explore, and exercise their natural behaviours whether that be rooting, scratching, or moving together as a herd.
Farming with nature is an important part of how nutrient-dense, pasture-raised meats are produced on this farm while maintaining habitats for wild fauna, and improving plant diversity. This means frequently rotating animals through the pasture, preventing over-grazing, and ensuring that pigs and cattle have access to a range of space, including shady wooded areas in summer, and shelter against rain or snow in the cooler months.
With their two young children in tow, you will find Steve and Annelise working on various farm projects, always with a focus on sustainability and feeding the local community. Steve also volunteers on several agricultural committees and is a founding director of the Small Scale Meat Producers' Association, and Annelise enjoys doing food-systems research and is currently serving as the Organic sector representative on the BC Agriculture Council.
Fresh Valley Farms also offers rental of a beautiful guesthouse on the farm, includes farm tours for stays over a certain minimum number of nights, and optional 'Homesteader Groceries.' Inquire at events@freshvalleyfarms.ca to learn more, or have a look at our Rentals and Events page to learn more.
To keep up with the day-to-day activities on the farm follow along on Instagram or Facebook. There are photos and stories of farming and nature, along with culinary inspiration from the farmers' own kitchen adventures!
