James & Kristi Caldwell
JAMES & KRISTI CALDWELL
Caldwell Heritage Farm
In 2014 James and Kristi Caldwell packed up their two daughters and life in Vancouver and moved to the family farm in southeast Kelowna where they embarked on an adventurous new lifestyle. Caldwell Heritage Farm is home to 73 chickens, two cows and a unique collection of antique farm equipment assembled by Kristi’s father, Jake Warkentin over many years. A self-guided walking tour includes a blacksmith shop, tool museum and three sheds housing tractors, trucks and other gems, many with connections to the Okanagan farm and business heritage. The rambling gardens, rustic stone pathways and rich green pastures also provide a romantic setting for wedding ceremonies.
We are proud to be farmers because it provides us with an opportunity to share incredible learning experiences with our two young daughters every single day. To see their proud smiles and sense of accomplishment when collecting eggs or harvesting veggies makes all the hard work more than worth it.
A good “day at the office” includes planting a new crop, seeing that all of the animals are happy and healthy or meeting with a couple interested in holding their wedding ceremony at our farm. A “really” good day at the office would involve a full 12 hours without a piece of equipment breaking down!
A hard day at the office includes losing one of our beloved laying hens. We often joke that we’re not so sure we’re cut out to be farmers… we all end up with broken hearts each time we have to say goodbye to an animal. It’s probably the most difficult part of what we do, but it’s also an important learning opportunity for our children.
Our greatest inspiration comes from our (Kristi’s) parents, who unknowingly, started us on this path over 25 years ago. They worked incredibly hard to create the beautiful farm we’re now so honored to call home. Preserving their legacy for the grandchildren they never had the opportunity to meet, and for the larger community, is what keeps us going on those tough days.
Our advice to others looking to operate a farm business today is to start small, but dream big. Know where you want to go, but expect more than a few bumps in the road. Seek out education and guidance as much as humanly possible. Never be afraid to ask for help. We’ve been extremely fortunate to find a handful of amazing mentors during the first part of our journey, and it has truly made all the difference.