by Jo Barnes | photo by Kathryn Alvarez Photography –
The sweet, earthy smell and smooth, silky feel of fresh cut hay; that amazing sound when a passing breeze rustles through the field in such a way as to make it seem alive. These are the memories of being on the farm that can stay with you for a lifetime, and for some families, generations.
Working the land and sharing the harvest with others is an experience that for the Bickford family goes back to 1911, and today in 2022, a fifth generation carries on the farming tradition at the farm site off Wallace Drive. “I’m proud we’re all family and doing this together,” shares Jason Bickford. “I remember riding around the hay bales with my cousins on the farm ATV. I’ve always been on the farm, and I don’t ever want to see it go.”
Jason’s grandfather, Barry Bickford, was an enthusiastic Saanichton farmer who grew strawberries, cauliflower and hot house tomatoes.
With a smile, Jason notes: “He was a true farmer.”
Like any proud grandparent who hears that his grandchildren are keen to begin a new venture that has been part of the family’s history, Barry could hardly contain his enthusiasm. “When the kids started clearing out the land and planting, their grandpa got excited,” says Doug, Jason’s uncle. “He started to buy equipment like a corn planter and a fertilizer injector.”
The 50-acre property has been owned by the family for almost 50 years. Previously the site was a Christmas tree farm well known in the community.
“We have always been in Saanichton. People know the Bickford name,” comments Doug. “Years ago, they came for the Christmas trees.”
In 2019, trees were cleared and the land was prepared for new crops. In the first year, corn and pumpkins were planted. By the third year, sunflowers were added to the list. The current generation of 11 grandchildren oversee six acres of crops and share the workload at the farm.
“We all pitch in doing the planting, weeding, watering, harvesting and decorating,” says Jason.
This generation of growers at Bickford Farms not only dedicates their energy to the farming effort, but they do so while juggling full-time jobs. For them, though, preserving the family farm traditions and contributing to the community is important.
“Our farm is family-oriented,” notes Jason. “We work together, and it’s rewarding.”
Along the way, they are supported by others in the family too.
“My role is to help out with things like watering or field preparation. We’re supporting these young people getting into farming,” says Doug. “They’re all working full time.”
For the summer season, two acres of sunflowers are in full bloom by the end of August. In addition to selling them at the farm stand, Bickford Farms offered an entertaining way to appreciate these flowers. “We have a Sunflower Walk,” shares Jason. “When the flowers are about a foot tall, we cut an interesting path through the field and put up decorations. You can walk through a field of yellow and immerse yourself in sunflowers.”
This past summer, visitors not only enjoyed the Sunflower Walk but also had fun with wooden photo boards along the way where they put their faces through the cut-out holes and posed for photographs.
“It’s great to see people come here,” adds Jason. “They comment about how well put together the decorations are along the walk.”
The farm also typically grows an acre of corn, but heat waves in recent years have made growing corn more difficult for local farmers. “There are challenges in farming. We’re trying to make sure everything is going to grow well,” relates Jason.
“During the heat wave, we managed to keep up with watering.”
It’s a daily team effort all with the goal of offering fresh, quality produce. “The corn is picked every day,” says Doug. “It’s fresh, local produce.”
Also offered is a U-Pick pumpkin service whereby visitors can stroll through the field to find that perfect pumpkin. As well as the traditional orange variety, there are white and even black pumpkin species growing.
“People can visit at the beginning of October. We’ll be open dawn to dusk every day,” comments Jason.
Whether they come to pick pumpkins or wander through the sunflower field, many people are return customers. They enjoy the taste of farm fresh corn-on-cob or the fun of picking their own Halloween pumpkins. And, it’s that farm experience they remember that prompts a return visit.
In years gone by, this site was a familiar place for Christmas tree-hunting locals to visit prior to the festive season. Now they come out for some fresh produce or to enjoy the fresh air and family time. It is new crops and a new generation at the Bickford Farms, and it’s still all about making memories.
Family photo from left to right – Karlee Dinnadge, Declan Dinnadge holding Ava Dinnadge, Kelsea Bissenden, Louis Cove, Brooke Morneau (sitting on front tire) Holly Marc, Trevor Marc, Jason Bickford, Ashley Cove holding Maddison Cove (Morgan Morneau and Brad Bickford not present).
