First Nature Farms – Goodfare, Alberta

Jerry Kitt was raised in Edmonton and always had a love for the outdoors. Once hitchhiking to Alaska, Jerry was picked up by a long-lost cousin who had just purchased land in a hamlet called Goodfare, located along the British Columbia border. He loved the area, with friendly neighbors and abundant wildlife, and while he finished his trip to Alaska, he eventually moved to Goodfare permanently. “I worked at a local research station until I decided to quit and take up farming, which plunged me into poverty,” says Jerry. “My love of nature guided me to organic farming, and a course in Holistic Management helped me focus my energy on growing organic food. That was thirty years ago.” Today, Jerry farms along with his son Donovan and daughter-in-law Lisa. In addition to their large market garden, they raise Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW), Certified Non-GMO by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW pigs along with Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW and Certified Regenerative by AGW beef cattle at First Nature Farms in Goodfare, Alberta.

Certified Grassfed by AGW is the first—and only—food label in the U.S. and Canada that guarantees food products come from animals fed a 100% grass and forage diet, and raised entirely outdoors on pasture or range. Certified Non-GMO by AGW is the only certification and logo in the U.S. and Canada that guarantees a food product is produced without the use of genetically modified feed, supplements or ingredients, and comes from animals managed according to the Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW leading welfare and environmental standards on an independent farm. Certified Regenerative by AGW provides an assurance of regeneration and sustainability, measuring benefits for soil, water, air, biodiversity, infrastructure, animal welfare and social responsibility. “We’re trying to pull the carbon from the air and store it back in the soil,” says Jerry. “As farmers, that’s one way we can address climate change.” The farm has also been Certified Organic since 1990.

The farm is situated in the boreal forest in the Peace Country and consists of just under 3,000 acres of owned and leased land. The Kitts have been here since 1980. “85% of the land is either forest or meadowland with three creeks running through—and lots of beaver ponds,” says Jerry. The property is surrounded by grazing reserves to the north, south, and west and Nature Conservancy land to the east. ““It’s good to know that the loons, swans, otters, wolves, bears, etc. have a place to live. We don’t allow any hunting on our place, and we’re a predator friendly farm. We don’t bother them and they don’t bother us”.

The Kitts manage a herd of Galloway Cattle along with Berkshire pigs. Galloway cattle are known for their hardiness, forage efficiency and maternal qualities. They also produce high-quality beef and are well-suited to pasture-based systems. Berkshires are one of the oldest established breeds of pig. They are noted for unique marbling of the entire carcass, which results in unmatched flavor of the Berkshire pork. “Pure and natural; the flavor of the pork matches life on our farm,” says Jerry. “The animals eat local grains grown by organic farmers and are naturally healthy. The pigs live a stress-free life and are encouraged to express their natural behavior: rooting with their snouts, relaxing in the sun, wallowing in the mud and in winter, and snuggling in the straw. Allowing these pigs to grow slowly and naturally equates to an unsurpassed pork quality. “

The pigs and cattle are rotationally managed, grazing one section of pasture before being moved to fresh fields. This type of management allows grass to recover before cows return to graze again; it also keeps the soil properly fertilized and minimizes the build-up of internal parasites, thereby avoiding reliance on chemical treatments “We have learned to manage these animals to the benefit of the land they graze. Every species is rotated on pasture,” says Jerry. “These pigs are part of our fertility program and do not return to the same pasture for 15 years.”

The animal husbandry practices at First Nature Farms are rooted in kindness. “Of all the animals we raise, we have no aggressive animals perhaps with the exception of a couple bulls and a goose that doesn’t like me,” Jerry adds, “we manage them with respect and with high-welfare standards. Pasture-based grazing of animals is the best for the animals with also the least expenditure of fossil fuels and greatest benefit to the soil. Our farming practices strive to improve the quality and diversity of the soil and increase nutrient density of the foods we produce.”

The Kitts were seeking recognition and certification of their regenerative practices, which is what lead them toward AGW’s certifications. Going forward, they are focused on becoming better stewards of the land and want to influence their neighbors and share knowledge with others who come to learn and experience. “Passing on lessons from 34 years of organic farming is becoming more important as I grow older,” says Jerry. “We need more farmers who are gentle to the earth. I’m really proud to be recognized as a regenerative farmer and work with A Greener World. I am also extremely grateful that my son and his family share the same passion for caring for the land and producing nutrient dense food for the many families we feed.”

To keep in touch with his volunteers and customers, Jerry sends out a monthly “Farm News” email, something he has done for over a dozen years. “On a farm there’s always something happening,” says Jerry. “For instance, I’ll mention the grizzly bear that came by to visit. I stood on the deck and played accordion to it. He listened but I don’t think he’ll be coming back.”

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Non-GMO by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW pork from First Nature Farms is available in Vancouver at the five locations of Choices Markets, Famous Foods, Armando’s in the Granville Island Market, and the Kootenay Coop in Nelson, BC. In Alberta, First Nature Farms pork is available at the Grande Prairie Farmers Market along with other retail outlets. Certified Animal Welfare approved by AGW, Certified Grassfed by AGW beef from the farm is marketed through The Homestead Farm and available by subscription. Check the AGW directory for full details. For more information about First Nature Farms, visit firstnaturefarms.ab.ca, sign up for the farm’s monthly newsletter.