Chickens and goats run free around greenhouses. Fat Yorkshire sows and boars grunt and snort, as little piglets explore the world. Kit WarrenB次元官网网址檚 quintessential Metchosin hobby farm is a world away from the rugby pitch or boxing ring.
Warren still looks the part of a scrappy pugilist and national level rugby player, and less so a dedicated farmer. But the Langford-born 37-year-old is working hard to transform his plot of rural, somewhat rocky property into productive land.
With nine acres, WarrenB次元官网网址檚 Shadow Mountain farm has been growing veggies and raising animals for his family for about six seasons.
With new greenhouses and more animals, he is amping up the supply to break into the growing business of supplying local food.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 not really farmland, but weB次元官网网址檝e created a farm and weB次元官网网址檒l use what we have. ItB次元官网网址檚 my goal for food security to get other people growing,B次元官网网址� Warren said while walking through one greenhouse packed with sprouting fruit trees and other plant starts.
B次元官网网址淚tB次元官网网址檚 important people know where their food comes from.B次元官网网址�
Warren has been better known in the region as a champion tough-man fighter for about a decade. His last bout was Aug. 17, 2007 at Western SpeedwayB次元官网网址檚 Summer Slug Fest II, a notorious grudge match against Shane Wilson.
B次元官网网址淚B次元官网网址檝e had 17 surgeries altogether but IB次元官网网址檓 still playing rugby,B次元官网网址� Warren said. B次元官网网址淚 attribute that to eating healthy food.B次元官网网址�
The Castaway Wanderer scrum half, known as the B次元官网网址淐ommissioner,B次元官网网址� also played internationally for CanadaB次元官网网址檚 Rugby League team and Canadian Rugby Classics over 33 international squad. Warren said taking up farming wasnB次元官网网址檛 a big leap for him B次元官网网址� he grew up on a 10 acre farm in Shawnigan Lake.
Between running a pressure washing business, boxing and rugby, he learned the ropes of organic gardening through Gaia College at Royal Roads University. He even took a stab at raising cattle by renting space on a Saanich farm.
B次元官网网址淎t eight years old I was on a farm,B次元官网网址� he said. B次元官网网址淚 knew I needed a farm and could raise kids on a farm.B次元官网网址�
Warren bought the land in 2006, and prides himself on using scrap wood and metals from his Zero Waste hauling business to recycle into outbuildings for plants and animals.
Spent grains from beer brewing at the Canoe Club is used to feed his pigs, which in turn, of course, produce manure for his plant starts and vegetables.
Warren admits making a living as a farmer is tough, especially on difficult land, but he is determined to make a go of it.
He plans to host a roadside market and a place where residents and kids can learn about farming and that food doesnB次元官网网址檛 come from a supermarket.
B次元官网网址淚 want this place to be like a petting zoo, but for kids to learn where their food comes from. WeB次元官网网址檝e got to be an outlet showcasing farming for children,B次元官网网址� Warren said. B次元官网网址淗ealthy happy animals represent healthy happy food.B次元官网网址�
WarrenB次元官网网址檚 Shadow Mountain Farm is at 4901 Sooke Rd. in Metchosin.
editor@goldstreamgazette.com
Shadow Mountain Farm market
May 26 and 27, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Shop for non-GMO veggies, farm fresh eggs, jams, jellies and baked goods.
Order local meats, including pork, lamb, beef and chicken.
Bring the kids to visit the chickens and baby pigs.
For more info, call 250-889-0880.
