In an unexpected twist of fate, Josef Buttigieg, a biology professor at the University of Regina, has transformed his life from academia to agriculture. What began in 2017 as a temporary escape from the hustle and bustle of Toronto has evolved into a thriving farm experience in Lumsden, Saskatchewan, attracting hundreds of visitors eager to engage with farm life.
A New Chapter Begins
Buttigieg arrived in Saskatchewan seeking a temporary respite from his bustling urban life. The Toronto native and neurophysiology expert envisioned owning a modest plot of land, akin to a cottage, but with the advantages that a farm could offer. “The farm was supposed to be an acreage,” Buttigieg explains. “How some people have cottages, I wanted to have a farm because you can do much more with a farm than you can do with a lakeside acreage.”
Initially starting with just a few animals, Buttigieg embraced the slower pace he had longed for. However, life had other plans, and his temporary retreat quickly morphed into something more permanent.
The Unexpected Growth of Fenek Farm
Before long, word spread about Buttigieg’s new venture. “Some people got wind that I had a farm and said, ‘Hey, can you raise some chickens?’” he recalls. This casual mention sparked a series of events that transformed his modest idea into a bustling farm operation.
In 2018, just a year after acquiring the land, Buttigieg opened Fenek Farm to visitors, starting with tours for his daughter’s friends. “I thought, ‘We’ll just do this for fun. Some gas money-slash-beer money on the side, this will be great,’” he reflects. The initial enthusiasm from visitors quickly snowballed, leading to a surge of requests for tours.
“I wasn’t sure if there was a market for farm tours,” Buttigieg admits. However, the overwhelming positive feedback proved him wrong. As word spread, the farm began receiving numerous visitors eager to learn about rural life, resulting in hundreds of attendees each week.
A Diverse and Welcoming Farm Experience
Today, Fenek Farm boasts over 300 animals, ranging from sheep and alpacas to birds and rabbits. The farm offers a variety of experiences, including petting zoos, hayrides, and special events, all designed to be inclusive and family-friendly. Buttigieg is particularly committed to making the farm accessible, ensuring that activities like hayrides are wheelchair-friendly and that products are priced ethically.
Raising his children on the farm has provided them with experiences vastly different from his own upbringing. He aims for them to develop a strong work ethic and an appreciation for the land. “It’s important for my kids to grow up with an open mind and a strong work ethic,” he says, highlighting the value of their rural lifestyle.
Visitors are encouraged to approach their farm experience with an open mind. “You never know what you’re going to find when you come out to the farm,” Buttigieg notes. “You might see a baby being born, or sheep running loose, or dogs being worked.” This unpredictability adds a charm to the farm, making each visit unique.
Why it Matters
Buttigieg’s journey from professor to farmer encapsulates a broader narrative about the resurgence of local farming and the importance of connecting urban populations with agriculture. In an era where many are increasingly distanced from food sources, Fenek Farm serves as a vital bridge, fostering understanding and appreciation for farm life. By prioritising accessibility and education, Buttigieg not only enriches his community but also cultivates a sustainable future for agriculture in Canada.
