Contact: Gerald and Joanne Smith Address: 2070 Spike Road Courtenay, BC V9J 1N5 Phone: (250) 337-5830 Email: llanygly@mars.ark.com Website: mars.ark.com/~llanygly/

More Information:
When Gerald and Joanne moved to this land in 1992 there were no buildings, water supply or electricity. The pastures, previously chemically fertilized, were not healthy. Through natural systems farming methods, Gerald is slowly improving the soil. Sheep, cows, and chickens are rotated through the fields to manage the health of the grass. Fields are being tilled, re-seeded and organic soil amendments added, including soft rock phosphate and K-mag. No pesticides are used. The aim is to develop a soil environment conducive to growing a productive diversified clover-rich sward which can be utilized through the growing season by management intensive grazing. Llan-y-glynn is the first farm on Vancouver Island to participate in Ducks Unlimited’s on-farm planning program for improvement and development of good farmland. It provides assistance with creation of riparian areas around the lake and along the creek. These areas are protected from encroachment by farming activities. By maintaining the stream channel and health of the riparian area, flooding is controlled. Also, shelter belts are planted to create some micro climate influence and additional bird habitat.

A cottage rental, attached to a French-style sheep milking parlour, further diversifies their product line through agro-tourism. The Smith children enjoy an animal menagerie: 6 dogs, 3 cats, 2 turkeys, a horse, a pony, hamsters and guinea pigs. Two donkeys and two llamas protect livestock from predators. Border collies work the sheep.

The Smiths report a diversity of wildlife seen on their farm: elk, wolves, deer, bear, cougar, swallows, martins, hawks, owls, herons, trumpeter swans, and sandhill cranes. Approximately 16 acres of their farm is protected area comprised of stream, lake, riparian vegetation and forest.