In an inspiring twist of fate, Josef Buttigieg has turned an unplanned venture into a thriving farm that welcomes visitors to experience rural life in Saskatchewan. Originally from Toronto, the University of Regina biology professor arrived in Lumsden in 2017 seeking a temporary respite from urban living, only to find himself fully immersed in agricultural life and community engagement.
From City Life to Farm Life
Buttigieg’s initial aim was to create a simple acreage, akin to a cottage but with the added potential of operating a farm. “I wanted to have a farm because you can do much more with a farm than you can do with a lakeside acreage,” he explains. With a PhD in neurophysiology from McMaster University, Buttigieg sought a slower pace, away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Initially, his plans involved just a few animals, but as friends and acquaintances learned about his farm, requests for more livestock began to pour in.
What began as a modest escape quickly transformed into a full-scale operation. “Some people got wind that I had a farm and said, ‘Hey, can you raise some chickens?’” Buttigieg recalls. This unexpected interest led him down a path he had not envisaged.
The Birth of Farm Tours
By 2018, Buttigieg opened his farm to visitors, starting with tours for his daughter’s friends. He admits, “The concept of doing the tours was completely unplanned, like much of my farm journey.” What he initially thought would merely supplement his income with “gas money-slash-beer money” soon evolved into a popular attraction. People began knocking on his door, eager to learn more about farm life.
Despite initial doubts about whether there was a market for such tours, the overwhelming community response proved him wrong. “All of a sudden we had people banging down the door for that,” he says, reflecting on the rapid growth of interest in farm experiences.
A Flourishing Community Hub
Today, Buttigieg’s farm, now known as Fenek Farm, attracts hundreds of visitors each week and is home to over 300 animals, including sheep, rabbits, alpacas, and various birds. The farm offers a range of activities, including petting zoos, hayrides, and special events, all carefully detailed on their website.
Accessibility and affordability are key priorities for Buttigieg. He strives to ensure that all visitors can enjoy the farm experience without financial strain. The hayrides are wheelchair-friendly, and prices are set to be ethical and inclusive. Raising his children in this environment marks a significant shift from his own upbringing, but he hopes the experience will instil in them a strong work ethic and an open mindset.
Embracing the Unexpected
Visitors to Fenek Farm are encouraged to arrive with an open mind. “You never know what you’re going to find when you come out to the farm. You might see a baby being born, there might be a swarm running, or you might see sheep running loose and dogs being worked,” Buttigieg shares. This sense of unpredictability adds to the charm and allure of the farm, ensuring that each visit offers something unique.
Why it Matters
Buttigieg’s journey from professor to farm owner exemplifies the profound impact of community and the unexpected paths life can take. His commitment to providing an accessible and engaging farm experience fosters a connection between urban dwellers and the agricultural world. In a time when the gap between city and country life seems to widen, Fenek Farm stands as a beacon of hope, reminding us of the value of nature and community engagement. In embracing this new chapter, Buttigieg not only enriches his own life but also cultivates a deeper appreciation for rural living among his visitors.
