Salix & Sedge Farm is a one acre certified organic vegetable farm located in Salmo. It is run by owners Brenda and Cali, with supervision and oversight from their kids, Atlin and Thalia, and has been in operation since 2015.

Growing Practices

They farm because they believe in a just and healthy food system that builds soil, respects wildlife, values its workers, and produces the most flavourful and nutritious food possible.

Here are some of the practices they use on our farm to support this vision:

• Annual soil testing and fertilization to balance soil micronutrients
• Crop rotation for healthy soil and fewer pest and disease problems
• Compost application to build soil and feed the soil life
• Careful vegetable variety selection for maximum flavour profile
• Pest management plan that focuses on prevention rather than treatment
• Wetland construction to support biodiversity
• Ongoing professional development to keep up with new research and improved production methods

5 Things You Didn’t Know About Salix & Sedge Farm


1. Who are you and where are you from originally?

Cali Olleck, originally from Revelstoke.

Brendan Parsons, originally from Guelph, ON.


2. How did you end up in the Kootenays?

Cali - I fell in love with the Kootenays while visiting my parents, who had moved to the Nelson area while I was in university. Discovered Selkirk College and moved to Castlegar to study Recreation, Fish & Wildlife. Shortly after, I met Brendan, we bought a farm and here we are!

Brendan - I moved around BC a bit but settled in the Kootenay’s to live in the mountains with great access to climbing and skiing.


3. What inspired you to become a farmer?

Cali - While studying environmental studies at university, I became passionate about creating sustainable food systems, saving farmland, and learning how to grow my own food - a skill that seemed so basic but so lost from society. At the same time, I was frustrated with my courses and wanted to do something more physical and practical. That led me to Richmond Farm School at Kwantlen Polytechnic University which was a 10-month, part classroom and part farm work program.

Brendan - My first jobs were as a cook, and over time I wanted to deepen my connection with food and how it was produced. I completed a gardening program on Cortes Island and found the whole process of growing and harvesting food to be very rewarding on a deep level. Similar to Cali, I also was frustrated with post-secondary education and was looking for meaningful, physical work that connected me to my community and the natural world.


4. What's your favorite part about being a farmer?

Cali - Working outside. Running our own business and figuring out how to make it work, making decisions, designing our schedules. Growing delicious food for people we care about.

Brendan - The constant learning and endless nuances of working inside an ecosystem and with a wide variety of crops. Creating nourishing food from a handful of seeds, sunshine, air, water and soil. Feeling like we are making a positive contribution to our community.


5. What are your future dreams?

Cali - To continue growing our farm and becoming better at what we do. Once there's more time in our lives again, I would like to get back into bicycle touring and do some more traveling.

Brendan - Cali summed it up pretty well! We are quite busy but also in a really nice place in our lives. There is a lot to work towards but we are also very grateful for what we have currently achieved.