Meet Hannah Kucher and her Family
As soon as we pulled up to the Freefield Organic Farm, we knew that we were expected because three blonde heads were peering out the window in anticipation of our arrival.
The first to burst from the house was eldest daughter Hannah who’s sweet face looks like the yellow flowers that bloom everywhere on the property.
Soon we meet Franz and Erna Kucher who moved from Austria to Inglis, Manitoba with Hannah and their two sons Elias and Jonathon.
Two years ago little Samuel was born and it was this entourage (as well as a neighbour who helps out in the orchard) who proudly led us on our farm tour. In between the children showing us their wide variety of squashes, Franz and Erna explain how they decided to leave Austria and their full time jobs (he a Policeman and she a Teacher) and move to Canada when they were delivered a wake-up call in the form of a flood.
Over the years, they have moved a number of former schoolhouses onto their property and one serves as the farm house while another has been renovated to become a milling house. The kids attend school in nearby Inglis and Franz has a job which takes him away from the farm. Erna, Sam and two dogs keep the home fires burning and the entire family participates in the operation of their 560 acres of land.
They grow Heritage vegetables, raspberries, apples, cherries, plums, currents, hazelnuts and a variety of other berries. In 2012 they added Golden flax, hulless oats, Red Fife wheat, amaranth and red clover. Three milling machines have been purchased one by one, so that they will be capable of producing a number of gluten free flours, flakes and bread mixes. They also press oils and package herbal teas.
The tour has been casual, but so informative, and the enthusiasm of these first generation Canadians is contagious. It is obvious that the kids are hating to see us go, but they are so polite and obedient that no fuss is made. As we pull away the family has gathered on the lawn to waves us on and wish us well.
Kath’s quote: “Burn down your cities and leave our farm, and your cities will spring up again as if by magic; but destroy our farms and the grass will grow in the streets of every city in the country.”
Love-that s all.