by Jo Barnes | photos by Kathryn Alvarez Photography – 

Being new parents means constantly learning and frequently laughing. Michael and Jess Charlesworth, of 1906 Cross Road Farm, not only apply this to their family life, but also to their new foray into farming.

The local couple are enjoying the challenges and rewards of parenting a three-year-old and an infant of six months, and since 2021, learning how to master raising chickens for egg production. “We have grown the farm to this point – it’s not a hobby now,” shares Jess, adding with a grin: “Farming is an adventure; we learn to roll with it.”

This adventure is a family affair, as evidenced by three-year-old Franklin who enthusiastically follows his father around and points out the chickens and other features of the farm.

Despite their lack of farming experience, lots of research, hard work and a can-do attitude have enabled the couple to make gains towards their goal. Their bright blue roadside stand is stocked with farm fresh eggs in response to the increasing demand from customers. “We’ve been encouraged by neighbours and friends,” says Jess. “Our chickens lay eggs which are picked that day and go directly to the stand. They’re very fresh!”

The couple co-purchased the four-acre property with a friend in 2016. They were keen to find a place to live that provided acreage and room to grow. “We had seen ads for acreages for sale,” says Michael. “We wanted to have some space and not to feel crammed into somewhere in town.”

They tried a few livestock options before finally settling upon chickens and discovered a demand for their poultry’s eggs. “When we started, people were asking for eggs,” says Michael. “Eggs are a universal product,” adds Jess. “We can do this year-round, and it’s an easy way to support local food production.”

The two of them began by clearing fields, installing water lines and setting up poultry runs and housing. In 2021 they increased the flock from 100 to 399. “We’re registered with BC Eggs, and this number is the maximum for a Small Lot Producer,” comments Jess. “The next level is commercial producer which would be a major step for us.”

Meat chickens were added in 2022 and also turkeys. The latter have been an especially successful addition. “We sold 97 turkeys this year,” says Jess. “It was rewarding for us.” Adds Michael: “It makes us happy to know customers are eating our products in their homes with their families.”

Through the process, the young farmers have learned and applied new initiatives to provide optimum care for their poultry. “I built chicken tractors which are portable coops to give chickens new areas to graze,” shares Michael. “They are based on the ideas of an American farmer, Joel Salatin. Each house is about 10 feet by 10 feet, and I can move it around with the use of a good dolly.”

Not only do these specialized tractors provide protection and shelter for the poultry, but they are a benefit to the landscape too. Chickens can scratch and dig the ground for bugs, seeds, grass and other edibles, and in doing so, they serve as two-legged tractors tilling the soil. In addition, their manure is excellent for fertilization. “We use chicken manure on the fields where we’re growing garlic,” says Jess.

The free-range approach delivers up flavourful eggs. “The colour reflects what the chicken eats and is doing,” says Michael. “They have access to outdoor space, foraging and eating grass, and so, a good flavour of egg is produced.”

With the demands of two growing children and the daily minutiae of the farm, the days are busy and varied. Family and friends have helped the couple along the way. “We have a project to work on with everyone. Family helps out and we have more time with them and our kids,” says Jess.

An HVAC engineer by day, Michael enjoys the challenges and rewards of farming tasks when he gets home. “I like problem solving,” comments Michael. “It’s rewarding. I like seeing the animals through the stages of life.”

What started as an idea for an interesting project has expanded into a small business venture and lifestyle. Poultry housing has evolved, techniques and approaches continue to mature, and customer support and interest grows. “We have customers wanting more, but it’s a big step and a larger investment,” says Jess.

Michael says: “We’re trying our best to give the birds we are raising the best life so provide the best product to our customers.”

It takes effort and often a lot of juggling, but for this couple, the opportunity to provide food for a growing family, to be a part of the local farming community and to participate in food security make it all worthwhile.

Visit their website at www.1906crossroadfarm.com.