In a surprising twist of fate, Josef Buttigieg, a biology professor at the University of Regina, has transformed his life from academia to agriculture. Originally from Toronto, Buttigieg moved to Saskatchewan in 2017 to embrace a slower pace of life, only to find himself at the helm of a thriving farm that attracts hundreds of visitors each week. What began as a modest dream of owning a rural acreage has blossomed into a vibrant community hub, showcasing the potential of sustainable farming and local engagement.
A New Chapter in Saskatchewan
Buttigieg’s journey into farming was not part of his initial plan. After relocating to Saskatchewan for his teaching position, he envisioned a farm as a retreat rather than a full-time commitment. “The farm was supposed to be an acreage,” he reflects. “How some people have cottages, I wanted a farm because you can do much more with a farm than you can with a lakeside acreage.” This desire for a more grounded lifestyle soon became an unexpected venture into livestock and agritourism.
Initially, Buttigieg started with just a few animals, dipping his toes into the slower rhythms of rural life. With a PhD in neurophysiology from McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, he was ready for a change from the bustling city. However, as friends and family learned of his farm, requests for tours began to roll in. “Some people got wind that I had a farm and said, ‘Hey, can you raise some chickens?’” he recalls. “One thing led to another.”
Cultivating Connections Through Tours
It was not until 2018 that Buttigieg decided to open his farm to visitors, starting with informal 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 says, reflecting on his initial intentions. To his surprise, the tours quickly gained popularity. “They had fun and told their friends. All of a sudden we got people knocking on the door saying, ‘Hey, can we come take a look at the place?’”
Initially sceptical about the demand for farm tours, Buttigieg was overwhelmed by the enthusiastic response from the community. Before long, he found himself hosting hundreds of visitors weekly, all eager to experience life on the farm. Today, Fenek Farm is home to over 300 animals, including sheep, rabbits, alpacas, and various birds, and offers a range of activities from petting zoos to hayrides.
Emphasising Accessibility and Sustainability
Accessibility and affordability are key tenets of Buttigieg’s farming philosophy. He is committed to ensuring that everyone can enjoy the farm experience, implementing ethical pricing for goods and services while making activities like hayrides wheelchair-friendly. “Raising my children on the farm life is far from what I had grown up on,” Buttigieg notes, but he hopes that this lifestyle fosters an open and hardworking mindset in his children.
Visitors to the farm can expect the unexpected. Whether it’s witnessing the birth of a new animal or observing the daily operations of farm life, Buttigieg encourages guests to come with an open mind. “You never know what you’re going to find when you come out to the farm,” he says. “You might see a baby being born, there might be a swarm running, or you might see sheep running loose and dogs being worked.”
Building a Community Hub
Fenek Farm has evolved into more than just a farming operation; it has become a centre for community engagement. Buttigieg’s approach to farming blends education with recreation, allowing visitors to connect with the land and animals in a meaningful way. The tours not only provide entertainment but also educate the public on sustainable farming practices and the importance of local agriculture.
As demand continues to grow, Buttigieg remains mindful of the balance between commercial success and environmental stewardship. His commitment to sustainable farming practices not only supports the local ecosystem but also highlights the importance of agriculture in addressing broader environmental challenges.
Why it Matters
Buttigieg’s story underscores the transformative power of agriculture in urban and rural life alike. As cities expand and the fast-paced lifestyle often overshadows our connection to the land, initiatives like Fenek Farm revitalise community ties and promote sustainable practices. By engaging local residents in farming experiences, Buttigieg is not only nurturing a new generation of environmentally conscious individuals but also reinforcing the vital role that agriculture plays in our societies. His journey serves as a reminder that sometimes, the most rewarding paths are the ones we never intended to take.
