6 minute read
News Advertiser Salute to Our Farmers and Local Producers
Starting the Fulfilling Journey of Farming
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Kayla Melenka, her husband Conlynn, and their children Taelynn and Hayley have been building up their small operation on a 155-acre parcel. They raise chickens, a couple of milking cows, and a herd of farm dogs and cats.
Kayla expressed that farming is more than just an occupation — it’s a way of life rooted in hard work, patience, and a deep connection to the land. “For our family, moving back to Baba and Gido’s original homestead north of Hairy Hill has been a dream come true. While we’re not yet a fully established farm, we’re committed to growing, learning, and one day becoming successful cattle farmers and active contributors to agriculture.”
Kayla admitted that they have so much respect for the established farmers who run larger operations — their knowledge, dedication, and experience are invaluable, and they would never want to take any credit away from the incredible work they do. “We humbly hope to follow in their footsteps, learning as we go and working toward building a sustainable and productive farm of our own,” Kayla said.
Kayla went on to say that one of the greatest advantages they have is having close family as neighbors, experienced agricultural farmers who have already been an incredible source of guidance and support. Through their mentorship, they have had the opportunity to get involved in fieldwork, like combining and learning the ins and outs of farming firsthand. Their experience helps them avoid common mistakes, understand best practices, and grow in confidence as we take on more responsibilities.
On why people should pursue this profession, “Farming brings a unique lifestyle, one rooted in tradition, hard work and family. Many farms are passed down through the generations. Working alongside family members creates a bond that’s rare in other professions. There’s a sense of legacy and pride in continuing that work. Also there is a satisfaction of working in fresh air, being physically active and in a quiet environment away from the hustle of city life. You're constantly learning, as well. Whether it be about soils, animals, new technologies, or the art of making things “work” in a pinch. Keeps life challenging and rewarding. Farming also teaches patience, resilience, and respect for the natural world, which is something our kids and future generations hopefully get to see and pass down again, continuing the circle of family farming/ life.”
“For us, farming isn’t just about building a business; it’s about returning to our roots, teaching our children the value of hard work, and allowing them to experience the same country life we grew up with. We know the road ahead won’t be easy, but with family by our side and a willingness to learn, we’re excited for the journey and hopeful for the future,” Kayla added.
Unique Tree Nursery Helps to Produce Homegrown Food
Rosanne Fortier - News Correspondent
Kurt Kachmar and Kristel Gotthold, owners of Prairie Hardy Nursery, based in Two Hills County, have a mail-order tree nursery specializing in cold-hardy fruit and nut trees, berry bushes, and unique trees, all selected to thrive in Hardiness Zone 3 and colder regions. Their goal is to help fellow gardeners and orchardists grow their food, even in the toughest prairie conditions.
On how this venture began, “Our journey to starting the nursery is a bit different. While many young people from this area move to the city for work, we did the opposite. We left successful careers in Edmonton and Calgary because we wanted to homestead and live close to nature.
For Kurt, this was also a homecoming. He grew up in Sherwood Park, but his family roots run deep in the area. His maternal Baba and Guido were from Shandro, and his paternal ones from Two Hills, and he spent a lot of time here growing up. It felt natural to return to this land, and for me —born and raised in Belgium— I felt right at home in these gently rolling hills, Kristel admitted.
This couple started this nursery because when they first moved here, they wanted to plant fruit trees but quickly realized that finding truly prairie-hardy varieties was a challenge. Many nurseries sell trees grown for and in warmer climates, and they saw a need for hardy trees grown locally.
Hence, they dove deep into the world of horticulture and grafting, and after years of testing different varieties, Prairie Hardy Nursery was born.
They grow various bare-root hardy fruit and nut trees, including apples, pears, plums, apricots, walnuts, hazelnuts, basketry willows, and unique poplars. They also offer small fruit plants like aronias, haskaps, sea buckthorn, grapes, currants, and raspberries; they add more each year! They grow organically, using sustainable and permaculture-inspired methods. Their trees are planted on rewilded land, surrounded by native shrubs that support local pollinators and wildlife.
They have always been passionate about a healthy lifestyle, and growing their own fruit and nut trees is a big part of that. They believe in food sovereignty: having a reliable, homegrown food source, especially in uncertain times when people can’t always rely on imported produce. “Fresh fruit, picked at peak ripeness, is also far more nutrient-dense than store-bought produce, which loses antioxidants in transit. Plus, tending to our trees, hand-weeding, mulching, and harvesting keep us active and connected to the land. Now that our orchard is maturing, we’re finally enjoying the fruits of our labour!
We specialize in selling one-year-old bare-root trees. Our trees are shipped dormant, without soil, making them easier to handle, transport, and establish successfully,” Kristel said.
