In a remarkable journey from the classroom to the countryside, Josef Buttigieg, a biology professor at the University of Regina, has turned an unexpected foray into farming into a thriving community experience in Lumsden, Saskatchewan. Originally seeking a temporary retreat from the hustle and bustle of Toronto, Buttigieg and his family discovered a passion for agriculture that has blossomed into a popular destination for locals and visitors alike.
A New Beginning in Saskatchewan
In 2017, Buttigieg set foot in Saskatchewan with the intention of pursuing his teaching career. The former Torontonian aimed to escape the frenetic pace of urban life and explore possibilities for investment. What initially began as a modest venture—acquiring land with the hope of establishing a peaceful retreat—soon evolved into something far more significant.
“The farm was supposed to be an acreage,” Buttigieg recalls. “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.” With a PhD in neurophysiology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Buttigieg was ready for a change of scenery. He envisioned a few animals marking the beginning of his farming journey, but little did he know how quickly things would escalate.
An Unexpected Opportunity
Within a year of acquiring the land, Buttigieg found himself hosting farm tours, initially 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 explains, describing his modest expectations. However, the response was overwhelming. His daughter’s friends enjoyed the experience and soon, word spread, leading to an influx of visitors eager to explore the farm.
Buttigieg was initially uncertain about the viability of such tours. “I wasn’t sure if there was a market for farm tours,” he admits. Yet, as interest surged, he quickly realised he had stumbled upon a valuable community resource. “All of a sudden we had people banging down the door for that,” he says, reflecting on the unexpected popularity of the tours.
A Community Destination
Today, Buttigieg’s farm is home to hundreds of visitors each week and boasts over 300 animals, including sheep, birds, rabbits, alpacas, and dogs. The farm offers a variety of activities such as petting zoos, hayrides, birthday parties, and educational events—all of which are detailed on their website.
Accessibility and affordability are key priorities for Buttigieg. He is committed to ensuring that all community members can enjoy the farm experience without financial strain. The pricing for goods and activities is set with ethical considerations, and initiatives like wheelchair-friendly hayrides make the farm welcoming for all.
Buttigieg’s own children are growing up immersed in a lifestyle quite different from his own upbringing. He hopes that the values of hard work and open-mindedness will shape their characters as they engage with the farm and its myriad of activities.
Embracing the Unpredictable
For those contemplating a visit, Buttigieg encourages an open mindset. “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,” he says, inviting guests to embrace the spontaneity of farm life.
Fenek Farm not only serves as a platform for agricultural education but also fosters a sense of community connection and environmental awareness. Buttigieg’s story is a testament to how unexpected opportunities can lead to fulfilling and impactful experiences.
Why it Matters
The evolution of Buttigieg’s farm reflects a broader trend towards sustainable agriculture and community engagement in Western Canada. As urban dwellers increasingly seek connections to nature and local food sources, initiatives like Fenek Farm offer invaluable insights into responsible farming practices and the importance of environmental stewardship. By bridging the gap between urban and rural lifestyles, Buttigieg’s journey underscores the vital role that local farms play in fostering community relationships and promoting ecological awareness in today’s fast-paced world.
