After getting married in 2017, Lorne and Alida Prins decided they wanted to return to Lacombe County, where Lorne grew up. After living in Edmonton and Vancouver and being separated internationally for work, the two agreed they would pursue any opportunity they could find that would return them to the family farm. The trouble was, what would this opportunity ‘bee’?

At the same time, some local beekeepers that were connected to the family were downsizing their beekeeping operations into retirement. Lorne and Alida were in the right place at the right time. Although the Prins had no background or knowledge in beekeeping, they jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back. 

Located near Joffre, on the eastern side of Lacombe County, you will find Deep Roots Farm. This is where the Visscher family grows their 30,000 garlic plants. About 7 years ago, with a small section of their land and a goal to supplement their income Mark and his wife Brenda decided to grow garlic. Since then, they’ve increased the crop from 3000 to 30,000 plants and sell several different varieties, depending on the year. 

In 2021 they added the farm store where they sell their garlic crop along with a variety of other products including pickled garlic, dehydrated garlic, black garlic, herb mixes, rubs, and lots of local and unique goodies. It should be noted that the Visscher garlic crop is not the typical varieties that you’ll find at the local market; they grow and sell a more unique selection such as Tibetan, Bogatyr, Georgian Fire, Baba Franchuk and Kostyn’s Red. Through the summer you can also purchase delicious, fresh, in-season vegetables. Visitors can access the store from April through December on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm or by appointment. 

Is there anything better than the sweetness of a freshly picked strawberry? Mike and Bev Koornneef, along with their four children, would likely answer "no." Last year, they planted four acres of berry bushes on their seven-acre property. 2022 will be the inaugural picking season for Koornneef Farms. The family relocated to Lacombe in 2018 and lived in town while they patiently waited for the right property to come on the market. Four years later, they are literally 'living the dream' as they develop the property and build the farm. 

It doesn't take long to realize how important community is to Mike and Bev. When they tell the story of how they got to where they are, you'll hear about family members who do everything from consulting to weeding; Friends and relatives who come from far and wide to help establish the farm, offer marketing support and perform quality control. You can't successfully run a berry business without some serious taste-testing! They mentioned more than once that they would not have been able to accomplish what they have in such a short time without the tremendous support they've received, and their gratitude shines through.  

Since 1981, Oatway’s Seed Farm has been growing and distributing seed from the homestead of Grant and Lois Oatway. The family purchased a farm outside of Clive in 1975 and the business is now run by son Ward, supported by his wife Lori.

Although he was exposed to the farming business after his father started in 1981, Ward initially had no intention of participating. His plan was to pursue a career in law enforcement and to that end, took criminal justice at university. Over a 25-year period, Grant Oatway hosted many international farm trainees. Inspired by this opportunity, Ward decided to participate in a similar agriculture exchange in New Zealand. He describes it as a life-changing experience, as this is when he began to change his course. While working as a summer student at the then "Alberta Agricultural Research Station" just outside Lacombe, he gained more of an appreciation for the industry; 15 years later he was still there as a full-time employee!