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Room to Grow

July 18, 2023

On a sunny spring morning, Mike Schroeder, owner of Lakeland Farms and Lakeland Feeds, pulls into the driveway
of his farmhouse in the Silver Creek valley. The sky is blue, the breeze is warm, and there is a calmness in the air. It
feels as though you've been transported to the country, far away from the hustle and bustle of city life, yet the
commute, if you can call it that, is only minutes from downtown. 


Mike grew up on a dairy farm in the lower mainland, and while he wanted to continue the family tradition, he could not
deny the challenges that farming further west presented. The lower mainland was congested, and land was
expensive. There had to be greener pastures somewhere else, he thought.


Salmon Arm had been on the radar for several years after a cousin had worked in the area and noted the beauty and
utility of the area. The central location, majestic landscape and fertile lands were ideal, and when the opportunity
arose to acquire land in 2005, Mike and his wife Sarah and his family jumped at the chance to build their agriculture
business. The dream that began with just a piece of land and several outbuildings has now transformed into Lakeland
Farms, a certified organic cash crop and egg farm, and Lakeland Feeds, a commercial feed milling facility for
poultry, cattle and swine. The feed is not only produced for the 4500 chickens on site but is also sold commercially to
organic farms throughout BC. 


The feed mill was completed in 2020, just as the pandemic hit, and then the farm faced droughts, floods and fires.
Rising commodity prices resulted in a good business uptake from commercial farms. It was an exciting and
challenging time but it has now laid the foundation for retail sales, which is expected to launch in the fall of 2023.
More now than ever, people are concerned with food security. Having access to locally produced, organic feed will
benefit our community and all those who have taken to raising their own food in a world of supply chain issues and
skyrocketing prices at supermarkets across the country.  


Business growth for Lakeland Farms and Feeds can be attributed to many factors beyond simple hard work. It's not
just the soil health and quality that has allowed the business to flourish and expand; proximity to many different
markets, easy access to shipping and an agriculture-friendly city and the Agricultural Land Reserve all have
played a role in supporting growth. The strong agricultural industry in the area has made it easy to find employees,
and retention is easier when the location allows for a work/life balance.


Salmon Arm has provided the opportunity to grow a business and allowed for a meaningful and adventure-filled life
outside of life on the farm. The small town charm combined with ample activities and community events has engaged
and welcomed the active family. Youth sports (baseball, soccer, gymnastics, and taekwondo) keep the kids busy most
of the year. However, they still find time as a family to enjoy the exceptional hiking and camping in the area. A family
favourite is just across the lake at Heralds Park - where they can get away but still be close enough to the farm. With
Mt Ida literally out their back door, the family can explore, hike, and relax.


For the Schroeder family, living the farm life in Salmon Arm is everything they could ask for. The future is bright, as
there is still so much room to grow. 

Find out more at Lakelandfarms.ca

 

SAEDS respectfully acknowledges we are located on the unceded traditional territory of the Secwepemc First Nation.

Contact

Salmon Arm Economic Development Society

Address 220 Shuswap St NE
Salmon Arm BC V1E 4N2

Phone Phone: 250.833.0608

Email info@saeds.ca

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