Strive Natural Food and Fibre
Background
Attempting to start a business where the decisions, projects, and everyday tasks revolve around personal interests, principles, and enjoyment was always the idea. But how to satisfy all those criteria was the big question.
​
Concerns about health, nutrition, and fitness resulted in the constant hunt for lean and clean protein. Spending time working outdoors is more enjoyable than indoors at any time of year. The love for all kinds of animals. The non-stop adventures that come with caring for critters and living alongside nature. Big challenges. Peace and quiet. These are all reasons why raising yaks was a perfect fit. Having always lived in urban areas, buying a farm and raising specialty livestock seemed far-fetched.
​
But after many hours of dreaming, and more hours of overtime, I was blessed with the opportunity to create Strive Natural Food and Fibre in 2020 near Eckville, Alberta. With some much appreciated help from friends and family, everything around here is growing.
​
​​
Striving
The principles that guide the decisions on the farm.
It didn't take long to learn there's no perfection to be had while working with animals, weather, and nature. But an ambition to improve always, especially in the ways that are felt to be most important, brings meaning to the work on the farm.
​
Honesty and transparency always. Not satisfied with this aspect of much of our commercial food system, it is certainly a top priority of the farm. You deserve to know anything and everything about the animals and their feed. Your health as a consumer is as important as mine is as a producer.
​
The health and welfare of the animals is a top priority. These animals live their lives for us whether they know it or not. They deserve respect and compassion. A natural diet and living conditions are important. A goal on the farm is to grow a quiet and relaxed herd, which will reduce day-to-day stress on the yaks and improve safety while working with them.
​
Conservation of the environment is a responsibility we all share. A net-positive impact on the soil, water, and the wildlife that shares this land is a goal. There are no chemicals used on the farm.
​
​