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Gelderman Farms
Jerry and Audrey Gelderman began farming in 1978 when they purchased their property on the Sumas Prairie in Abbotsford, British Columbia and built a 100 sow farrow-to-finish operation. Since then, the Gelderman’s family farm has grown to 500 sows – and they send almost 9,000 hogs to market every year.
The Geldermans have been raising more than pigs since 1978. They have also been busy parents, having raised five children, and are the very proud grandparents to ten grandchildren. Two of their children, Crystal and Nathan, together with their spouses, Tim and Heather, also work on the family farm.
Raising healthy pigs is a priority at Gelderman Farms. Jerry and Audrey, together with their children, take pride in caring for their pigs and raising them to be healthy. All producers know that having healthy, happy pigs is not only good for the pigs, but also for the families that are supported by the farm.
Jerry has always been experimental and inventive, looking for the best way to get things done. This spirit of adventure has brought modernization to Gelderman Farms. In 1990 they were the first hog farm in British Columbia to install a computerized feed mill (they make their own feed) and later a computerized feed cart.
The Geldermans realized that the sawdust bedding on which they raised the pigs, mixed with the manure, could become premium grade organic compost for field and garden. By heating and turning it, they could ensure that weeds and pathogens were killed but the best nutrients remained. Because the nutrients are natural, they release more slowly in the soil and facilitate positive bacterial growth. All of this makes the worms happy – and happy worms mean healthy soil.
In 2004 Geldermans decided to grow and harvest blueberries. To minimize the amount of spray needed to control the weeds around the plants, they place sawdust along the rows and hand weed. They control harmful aphids by bringing in ladybugs and use organic based fertilizers to feed the plants. It’s all part of their plan to produce superior products and practice full circle farming.
Both Jerry and Audrey were raised in Abbotsford, in the beautiful Fraser Valley, and enjoy working with animals and being outdoors. For them farming is more than a job, it is a lifestyle. Farming has offered the Geldermans the ability to be independent and flexible and to focus on family while running their operation.
With a desire to bring the farmer back into the picture and a passion for what they do, the Geldermans have given consumers a new opportunity to connect with the people who produce their food. For almost a year now, they have been attending food trade events and farm markets to offer sales directly from their farm. The response has been very positive and rewarding as consumers, who may not have had any connection with farms for generations, fully embrace the opportunity to meet Jerry and Audrey, learn about how they raise their pigs and purchase directly from them. The Geldermans are building many long lasting relationships. |
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