Pilgrims’ Produce is a certified organic farm in the Okanagan Valley growing excellent veggies, fruits, herbs and nuts for our local community on just under 14 acres. 

We marry modern organic practices with tried and true techniques. For example, for season extension we use high-tunnel greenhouses; for pest management, row-covers; for weed control,  stale-bedding, flame-weeding and old-fashioned hoeing! With fruit and nut orchards, some using permaculture principles, a wild habitat area, berries, plus about 7 acres planted in garden-style veggies from Asparagus to Zucchini, this farm has a lot going on!

We are now a diversified produce farm, owned and operated by energetic, lovers-of-farming, Dan and Kat Saxton, with their clutch of four young kiddos.  The Hettlers and the Saxtons have partnered together to keep the legacy growing at Pilgrims’ Produce.

Dan

Dan was born to do this job!  With a passion to match his work ethic, he’s a natural at farming! Dan is the main workhorse here, managing the production of the crops from planting and irrigating to harvesting, organizing the crew and selling at the Farmers’ Markets.  With his steady, positive personality, never disheartened by a rainy day, he is a joy to have around. When not farming, Dan is out having fun with his four kiddos or enjoying a coffee with Kat.

Kat

Kat has been involved in farming for over 2 decades! Starting in the fresh-cut flower industry in Ontario as a young teen, she’s tried her hand at forestry, greenhouse operations, ranching and beekeeping.  She first joined the crew at Pilgrims’ Produce to learn about veggie production over a dozen years ago. The common thread in all these experiences has been a love for the outdoors, working with her hands and enjoying the beauty of the natural world.   Kat handles the office tasks for running the farm business and loves to get her hands in the dirt when she can.  Also filling her time and heart are their four young children, who are happy to join in many farming adventures!

Robert and Kathryn Hettler, along withe their children, spent several years working with small-scale farmers in fruit and vegetable production in Brazil. They came back to Canada with a passion to grow healthy food in a sustainable manner using organic methods.  Over the years, Robert and Kathryn have both played a big role in our community’s local food system. They have not only grown food, but farmers too!  Both Dan and Kat Saxton were mentored by the Hettlers at Pilgrims’ Produce, where their dream to continue the legacy began.