| This third generation farm has been operated by the Smith family for over 80 years. They use a natural system of farming which has earned the farm the Certified Organic Producer (#14-096) and Certified Heritage Farm designations. | ||
 Beaver Meadow Farms' Certified Heritage Angus on their lush Certified Organic pasture. |
Contact:
Natural Pastures Cheese Company: Doug Smith Natural Pastures Beef (also wasabi and poultry): Edgar Smith |
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| Address: Beaver Meadow Farms 1821-E Anderton Road Courtenay, BC V9M 4B1 |
Phone: (250) 339-2913 Fax: |
Website: NaturalPastures.com NaturalPasturesBeef.ca |
| Produce Grown:
Natural Pastures Cheeses available year round at retailers in BC, Farmers Markets on Vancouver Island. Natural Pastures Beef; certified organically raised 100% grass fed angus beef available seasonally at local retailers and custom orders. Broilers, organically raised pasture fed available seasonally. Contact Edgar Smith by email or at the Farm. Wasabi, wild forest grown available seasonally. Contact Edgar Smith by email or at the Farm. Cranberries available seasonally and marketed as Ocean Spray juice and craisins in local retail. |
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| More Information:
This holistically managed farm tackles conservation in many areas. The Smiths’ goal is to create and support a diverse landscape of forest, riparian areas, and grassland which maintain the native integrity of the Upper Little River Basin. The forest is harvested selectively and provides commodities besides timber such as wasabi. Harvesting at a sustainable level ensures the future of this ecosystem. The restored stream habitat supports well over 150, 000 coho, pink and chum salmon, and sea run cut throat fry – now one of the most productive fish habitats on the east coast of Vancouver Island. Little River, and the salmon and trout runs, have recovered to historic levels or greater of natural runs. The Smiths cooperate with the local salmon enhancement society which built and maintains the fish hatchery on the farm at the head of the stream.
The grasslands are the heart of the cattle operation: pastures sustain the cows year-round. Herds are rotated on a sophisticated system of monitoring plant growth and recovery. The cows are noticeably clean and disease-free. Many of the Smiths’ practices contribute to this, including the raised sawdust “highways” that connect all pastures and winter facilities. No chemical pesticides or herbicides, antibiotics, or growth hormones are used. The Smiths use a far more diverse, yet in-depth, level of knowledge than that needed for conventional farming. The results are evident in healthier, sustainable practices, healthier, happier animals and exemplary foods providing deliciously distinct flavours, nutrition and enjoyment. |
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