An Important Announcement From Farmer Kendall

I’ll be honest, I’m not even really sure where to start with this announcement so I’m just going to get straight to it. After an incredible amount of soul searching, I’ve made the difficult decision to close Central Park Farms.

This journey in agriculture has been an incredible one and although 2020 has been such a hard year for so many of us, it’s been an honour to play a small part in helping feed my community during these uncertain times. This year proved to be our biggest year yet and with that has come a lot of personal struggles for myself.

I’ve come to the realization that farming at the level that I have been these past few years has taken a toll on me and I’m ready to give myself the ability to pause and reset.

On more than one occasion this year I’ve nearly lost this business because of the glaring issues surrounding abattoir and butchery access in our province and I think that has become the basis for this decision for me. I’m no longer willing and able to put in the insane hours and work involved in producing meat at this level when at any time my business can be taken from me because we don’t have the supports we need to succeed in animal agriculture. 

I’m finally willing to accept that regardless of my level of sales and our financial sustainability as a business… if I cannot feel confident that I will be able to maintain my processing then it’s a rather weak foundation to continue to build this farm on. As an entrepreneur I completely understand the need to push yourself and hustle while you grow your business, but the difference in farming is there are so many regulatory issues and difficulties in securing needed resources that the hustle sometimes feels like you’re spinning your wheels.

I’m ready for a lifestyle change that affords me more time in my life. So with that, it’s time for something new!

Now what does this mean for our customers?

As a working farm we cannot simply close the doors and walk away. There is still livestock to be cared for. We still have meat in inventory and lots more on the way each week but since I’ve always put transparency with all of you in the forefront of my decision making, I wanted to at least tell you where this is headed.

I’m incredible grateful for the team of butchers who work tirelessly for us and I’m thankful that they’re on board to help us wrap this thing up in a way that allows us more inventory to sell to you.

So far I don’t have a clear answer on when we’ll stop selling our meat but it’s coming sooner than later — Without a doubt, we’ll be finished by the end of 2020, I just don’t have a set date. Part of this will depend on how fast the last of our inventory sells.

And, I wish that I was able to pass our customers onto other local farmers who could pick up where we leave off but there sadly aren’t too many farms in the lower mainland producing pasture raised meat because of the issues I referenced above coupled with others such as the high land values in the area. 

We produce close to a hundred thousand pounds of meat annually, so it’s a big demand to try and divide up amongst other local producers.

That said, I have been in talks with my friends in the industry and I’ll be sharing with you anyone who feels like they might have some extra capacity. I just need to be careful not to overwhelm anyone who’s not prepared for just how much you all show up and support the farmers you love.

And since I know some will ask, what does that mean for me?

I’m incredibly proud of the work we’ve done here and the contribution we’ve made to local food production in our area. I’m honoured to have been a part of agriculture and hope to still play a role in supporting my fellow farmers because I know how desperately we need them.

I’m so lucky to have a wonderful little team here on the farm who fully support this decision and who can and will continue on until our inventory is sold and the remaining livestock have been re-homed.

With that support, I will be stepping back in more of the day-to-day operations to allow myself a touch of rest and so I can look for a new job… I’m actually really excited about this idea!

I would love a position that supports agriculture if possible or I’d love to work in a local small business. Whatever the role, I want to use my skills to help businesses grow. 

Sooooo if you hear of anything you think I might be a great fit for, please let me know!… there might even be some free meat in it for a great placement ;) 

To my suppliers

I know I’ve spoken to many of you already but I want to publicly thank you for all that you’ve done to support my business these last 6 years.

From local feed mills, butcher shops, equipment supply companies, chefs, print shops and more, almost all our suppliers are local small businesses which is another reason we don’t want to slam the doors on this too quickly and instead attempt to finish up the year as a way to give notice.

If anyone in the industry is looking for recommendations, I’ve been lucky enough to work with some of the best so I’d be happy to pass on their information.

To my farmer friends

I freaking love you guys so dang much! You are all absolute rock stars! 

I’ll still be around, supporting and encouraging you however I can whether that be through advice, continuing to educate our community, or even just continuing to putting your delicious food on my table. 

Through this whole decision making process, the part that has caused me to tear up is when I think about just how much I value the contributions you all are making to keep our community fed.

In the coming weeks and months I’ll have livestock, equipment, and more available for sale. Some of it’s available now but much needs to wait until we’re closed. If there’s something you’re in the market for please reach out and I can add you to an email list.

A big, huge, thank you to everyone and anyone who has been involved in the journey with us — You are the reason we were able to make this farm what it was and we love you for that!