The Homestead – Goodfare, Alberta

Situated between the arable prairie of the Peace Country and a wilderness extending to the Pacific Ocean, The Homestead, managed by Jerry Kitt along with his son Donovan, daughter-in-law Lisa and their two boys, produces a variety of meat and vegetables on lush, diverse pastures in Goodfare, Alberta. “We were both raised on organic farms and were finding it increasingly challenging to find food produced to the high standards we had become accustomed to growing up,” says Donovan, “so we’re committed to providing it for our community.”

At The Homestead, the Kitts raise Certified Animal Welfare Approved by A Greener World (AGW) and Certified Regenerative by AGW laying hens and Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW and Certified Grassfed by AGW beef cattle. 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 Regenerative by AGW provides an assurance of regeneration and sustainability, measuring benefits for soil, water, air, biodiversity, infrastructure, animal welfare and social responsibility.

The Homestead is also the first farming business in Alberta to achieve Certified Non-GMO by AGW and Certified Regenerative by AGW status for their beef cattle and crops. This 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. “Our farm has been certified organic since 1990. In addition to meat, we also produce magnificent eggs, nutritious microgreens, powerful garlic and flavorful vegetables,” says Donovan.

The flock of hens at The Homestead are raised outdoors on pasture, and are able to perform natural behaviors, like running, dust bathing, pecking and scratching for grubs and seeds. Pasture-based management not only provides the highest welfare conditions for the hens, but also produces healthier eggs containing three times as much vitamin E, seven times more beta-carotene, and twice the omega-3 fatty acids as industrial eggs.

The cows on the farm 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 raise Galloways, a traditional breed of cattle originating in the 17th century to flourish in the harsh climate of the Galloway region of Scotland,” says Donovan. “They can be black, brown, white, or belted and have a longer coat that makes them perfectly suited for Alberta winters. Galloways are renowned for their juicy, tender, and delicious meat that is naturally lean but well marbled. The flavor of Galloway beef consistently places at the top of the chart when compared to other breeds.”

The Kitts also grow a variety of Certified Non-GMO by AGW, Certified Regenerative by AGW vegetables at The Homestead. “Our vegetables are also certified organic, and we strive to use as many local varieties as we can. We hope to start saving our own seeds to develop varieties that excel in our northern Alberta climate,” says Lisa.

The Kitts were seeking some type of recognition and certification of their farming 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.

Certified Animal Welfare Approved by AGW and Certified Regenerative by AGW eggs, along with Certified Grassfed by AGW, Certified Non-GMO by AGW and Certified Regenerative by AGW beef and Certified Non-GMO by AGW and Certified Regenerative by AGW vegetables from The Homestead are available at the Grand Prairie Farmers Market as well as through subscription orders and bulk boxes. Visit AGW’s online directory for more details. For more information, visit thehomesteadfarm.ca, follow the farm on Facebook and Instagram and get in touch with the Kitt family at info@thehomesteadfarm.ca and (780) 356-2744.