Joy and Kevin de Vos, who operate Foxtrot Dairy Ltd. in Deep Creek, British Columbia, are expanding their farm’s educational reach with a new store and campground, marking a growing trend in agritourism.
The couple’s decision to open their farm to the public stems from their longstanding connection to the 4-H Club and their commitment to educating visitors about agriculture.
Kevin, a third-generation dairy farmer, explained, “The desire for educational tours started from connections to 4-H.”
The farm, established by Kevin’s father and grandfather in 1969, has long been a family-run operation. About 16 years ago, the De Vos began exploring ways to transition the farm into an agritourism experience, with the idea of offering educational opportunities for the public.
After taking over from Kevin’s mother five years ago, the De Vos developed a vision that included opening a store as the first step.
This vision has now come to fruition with the soft opening of the Foxtrot Dairy store in December 2024, with a grand opening scheduled for February 15.
The store features local products such as coffee, cheese, honey, meats, and crafts from nearby producers, including Mountainside Donuts and other local artisans.
Joy de Vos shared that customer response has been positive, with many stopping by daily, even on days when the store is closed.
The store’s inviting atmosphere includes a large table at its center, where customers can relax and enjoy coffee.
“We wanted people to feel they stepped back in time and just leave the world behind,” Joy said. This sentiment reflects the couple’s broader vision of creating a space for relaxation and learning, allowing visitors to connect with their food and local culture.
The De Vos are also working on opening a 10-site campground by summer 2025. This campground will be part of their educational experience, where guests will have the opportunity to participate in dairy tours.
The couple hopes to extend this learning experience to school groups in the future, emphasizing the importance of agritourism in fostering education about agriculture.
As Joy mentioned to Salmon Arm Observer, “We’re always wanting to teach people, always wanting to share… and also, we’re still learning.”
Their efforts also aim to promote regional collaboration by directing visitors to other local agricultural attractions, such as Larch Hills Winery and DeMille’s Farm Market. “We’re not trying to exclusively have them.
We’re trying to make sure that they know all the other areas they can go,” Joy explained, underscoring the value of supporting local businesses in agritourism.
The de Vos’ initiative represents the growing potential of agritourism, offering insights into how integrating educational experiences with direct consumer engagement can boost local economies.
As the sector continues to grow, businesses that combine education, hands-on activities, and community support are likely to succeed in an increasingly competitive market.