Learning on the fly at Blue Ridge Farms

On Wednesday last week, homeschoolers from Whitecourt and area descended onto Blue Ridge Farms for an afternoon of fun and learning. Jillian Byers, owner of Blue Ridge Farms (along with her husband Brett), walked the large group around the farm, showing them the different animals they have and how they do things differently.

“I love educating. I love being able to answer questions and teach kids and adults and help bridge that gap between producer and consumer,” she explained. Going into the homeschool hang-out, Byers said she wasn’t initially expecting such a big group and was excited to welcome so many to the farm. “I thought we would get maybe half (of this) out here, so I’m very happy to see so many come. Having people here is exactly why I built the farm store, to help connect kids to where their food comes from.”

Being a homeschool group rather than one specific grade of children meant many different ages together. Byers said she liked having that type of a mix. “I like having the different age groups because you get all kinds of different questions. Little guys are always excited to see the animals, and the bigger guys have interesting questions to ask, and I definitely got that today.”

A pony followed the group as they made their way from spot to spot, and children hopped on to take rides. The homeschoolers and their families learned about the regenerative ranching that Blue Ridge Farms practices and preaches. “We are trying to make the land a better place, not just for us but for our kids and the planet. We just won a Planet of Plenty award, and basically, it all comes back to soil health and sequestering carbon and producing a nutrient-dense protein on our farm,” explained Byers.

The Alltech Canada Planet of Plenty Award 2022 honoured Blue Ridge Farms as a role model in sustainable agriculture and community engagement. Through regenerative ranching, the Byers are aiming for sustainability by farming in a way that regenerates the land and helps keep it viable for the farmers of tomorrow.

Homeschool-parent Tiana Hill was one of many parents in attendance and said it was lovely to see another big group come together. “One of our last events was a movie at Vista Theatre, and we had well over 100 people there. Today, there are over 80 of us here. I like seeing families come together to form a community because that’s what we’ve been personally looking for.” Hill’s son began homeschooling during the lockdown. “We’ve been looking for this community and this sense of belonging and for my kid to know there are others like him. To see so many kids having fun and to see so many families together is beautiful.”

Homeschooling was not something she ever thought she would do. “It was all new to me. With things being closed the last two years, our homeschool experience was basically the families we knew before. Then, I talked to a seasoned homeschooling mom, and she said that I had no idea what homeschooling could really be yet. This, what we are doing here today, is what homeschooling can really be. I think there is a silver lining in everything. Homeschooling is our blessing that came out of the last two years.”

Hill said she looks forward to seeing the area homeschool community continue growing. “What surprises me is that every function we have brings out new faces. There are so many of us. I’m excited about what the future holds. I’m excited for next year, and I’m ready to plan and do more.”

Those interested in homeschooling and curious to see the types of events in the area can join the Whitecourt Homeschool Community Discussion and Support Facebook page. To learn more about Blue Ridge Farms, visit www.blueridgefarms.ca. The Byers plan to take part in the Alberta Open Farms Days again, which take place on August 13 & 14. Their farm store is open every Sunday from 1-4 pm or by appointment.