Living a Dream in Keremeos

2007-02 - by Susan McIver - Jack and Charlotte Redden of Keremeos are living their dream. "Our big dream was to sit in the kitchen and overlook our farm and animals - it has come true," Charlotte said. In early summer 2005, the Reddens purchased their four-hectares and house at 732 Sparks Street. The couple had been living on a two-hectare property in Kaleden but needed more space because they love animals and wanted to increase the types and numbers that they had. Breeds of small cattle, Dexter, Lowline and Highland, are among the animals currently found on the Redden farm. Dexter cattle originated in the south of Ireland in the 19th century as an ideal cottager's dual purpose cow providing both dairy and beef. They are one-third to one-half the size of Herefords and Holsteins and, as a result, need fewer acres to produce a high-quality product. In addition, they are said to be good natured and easy to handle. The Reddens want to double the size of their current herd of 16 cows by breeding them to their Lowline bull. The Lowline breed is the result of an Australian program to develop small, efficient, black cattle that do not have a gene for dwarfism and are polled, muscular and attractive. Australian breeders started their program in 1929 with Aberdeen Angus cattle from Brandon, Manitoba. Jack and Charlotte also have four Highland cows, two of which are already bred with the Lowline bull. An ancient Scottish breed, Highland cattle with their long horns, shaggy pelts and willingness to eat plants other cattle avoid are well adapted for rugged cold environments. The Reddens sell cattle both for breeding stock and for meat and they claim that there is quite a demand for smaller, leaner cuts of beef. Charlotte and Jack do not use sprays, hormones or artificial fertilizers and feed their animals on locally raised hay and grain. Their goal is to be certified organic, but that has become a long and involved process. Approximately 30 Suffolk and Hampshire sheep also live on the farm. Both of these breeds originated in England in the 1800s. The ram, Hampy, is a big fellow that weighs in at close to 400 pounds. During lambing season either Jack or Charlotte is up every two hours during the night. "You've got to like this lifestyle to do it," Jack said, referring to the many weeks without a full night's sleep. Lambs are sold for meat on-farm and breeding stock is also available. Six goats, including two Angoras, are happily intermingled with the sheep and a couple of horses and alpacas are kept as family pets. "We also have about 30 chickens. The eggs are used for the puppies and dogs," said Charlotte, who breeds, grooms and trains Standard poodles. Standard poodles were originally bred as hunting dogs and make wonderful family pets. "Ours are farm dogs, no fancy hair cuts for them," Jack said, referring to the utility clip Charlotte gives the dogs. Charlotte spins and knits or weaves mohair from the Angora goats, fibers of the Alpacas, wool from the sheep and hair from the poodles. "We mix the fibers for texture and colour...and fun," she said. Both Jack and Charlotte, who married five years ago, have spent much of their adult lives associated with farms and ranches. "If you're raising a family, get them out on a farm" said Charlotte, who raised her own five children on farms. For information or to order meat, call 499-0237.

 

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