OUR FARM AND OUR HISTORY

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A BRIEF HISTORY

Our family comes from a long line of farmers; in the 19th century Annius and Karolina Lantz immigrated from Jamtland County, Sweden to the prairies of Western Canada. They started farming in Westaskiwin/Millet area in 1880s. 

In 1905, the oldest son, Nils Lantz with his wife Annie homesteaded on a plot of land(our farm) east of Calgary. Succeeded by their youngest son, Henning and his wife Betty(Thurne) Lantz continued to farm into the late 1980's. In the early 1990's Dave and Eve Lantz, as well as their three daughters moved out to farm to continue operations.

"We've been  stewards of this land for 115 years and this farm has touched each and every one of our hearts." - Dave Lantz

OUR TEAM 

Lantz Farms Calgary is led by Dave Lantz— a visionary entrepreneur with more than 40 years of diverse business experience. He is an influential leader with a wide range of knowledge, expertise, and solid communication skills. Dave is well respected in the agriculture community, and his agri-business operations span two provinces. Dave is proud to volunteer as the Vice President of 4-H Alberta as well as a Director at the Calgary Stampede.

Eve Lantz (co-owner) is an integral part of our farm and family. She is known for her exceptional work-ethic and heart of gold. She keeps the farm organized and bills paid. Eve is not only an administrative wizard, but an excellent cook and equipment operator. You'll find her between farm and ranch getting her hands dirty,  always helping to get the job done!

Partnering with hardworking and knowledgable local farmers has helped us expand operations . Manager and partner Mark Grant has been working with us for 17 years alongside Steve McElroy,  Andrew McElroy,  Evan and Janna(Lantz) Kolbuc, and agriculture specialist Ted Klam.

WHAT WE FARM

We currently produce hard red spring wheat, malt and feed barley, canola, and field peas. During the summer months we enjoy fresh produce from our private garden that feeds our households into the winter months.

OUR COMMUNITY

Lantz Farms supports many local organizations some of which include: The Calgary Stampede, Bow Valley Beef & Multi 4-H Club and 4-H Alberta.

In 2011 we expanded our operation with the purchase of the BC property on Skookumchuck Prairie where we grow hay, have a large market garden and “The Veggie Shack” and also raise commercial Angus cattle and Mangalitsa pigs. 

Our farm is very unique as we live in a very specialized climate in the East Kootenays. Our property borders highway 93/95 to the west, and the Kootenay River to the east. We are lucky to be surrounded by some of the most spectacular mountain views in the valley. 

OUR TEAM 

Lantz Farms at Skookumchuck is currently operated by Mike and Kacey(Lantz) Day and their three children. Together they operate a 470 acre farm/ranch located along the Kootenay River with 3 miles of riverfront, with a unique micro-climate that provides perfect conditions for growing food and raising livestock.

WHAT WE FARM

We grow and raise Mangalitsa pigs, commercial Angus cattle, as well as premium quality hay. We also grow a large market garden, and have our “Veggie Shack” along highway 93-95, where we sell a variety of produce including corn, squash, potatoes, carrots & pumpkins, among many other seasonal vegetables. We started our BC operation in 2011, where we have now happily settled in the community and are proud to provide locally grown farm fresh products. 

OUR COMMUNITY

We are proud members of the Wasa community and Lantz Farms is happy to contribute to many local organizations including the Wasa Lions Club, the

Tri-Village Kids Club, local 4-H programs, the Back Country Horsemen of BC (East Kootenay Chapter), and the Cranbrook Pro Rodeo. 

A BRIEF HISTORY

This particular farm/ranch borders the BC highway 93/95, the Kootenay River, and Crown Land. The property was originally owned by the Kootenay Land Association and was purchased by Dr. Green in 1948, along with much of the land in the surrounding area. Dr. Green started a small homestead and in 1954 Ernie Foster moved down to work for Dr. Green and began growing hay and raising 300-500 sheep. Sheep did not prove profitable, so Dr. Green partnered with George Koopmans running steers on the property and surrounding crown range. Afterwards he began a small herd of purebred Pinzgauer cattle before selling to Barry Minor. 

In 1986 the property was purchased by Barry Minor of Saskatchewan. Barry Minor (Minor Ranch) converted the property by removing trees, improving irrigation practices, and making significant changes to the hay operation. He also completed a perimeter elk fence and started providing hay to many horse and livestock owners in the valley via Dial-A-Bale. Minor Ranch ran cattle on the Crown Range and also boarded horses in the winter. 

When we acquired the property in 2011, we continued with the hay and livestock operation. In 2013 we started our first test garden, which has since expanded to become a large market garden where we are happy to share our produce with the many passers-by over the summer months and continue to grow and sell hay as well. 

There are many marks of the past on this unique property, which we have proudly kept as a showcase to the hard work done by previous owners.