Who We Are

Jess and AJ of Hoften Farms Pork & Poultry are a young, small family farm in the North Okanagan of BC.

They farm with a stunning view of the Enderby cliffs and the Shuswap River. They moved to the province in fall of 2022 after spending time on the prairies where the winters sometimes feel never ending, and the storms that roll across the prairie skies are awe-inspiring.

Their address has changed several times in the last few years, but one thing which has remained constant, is that the animals always come along for each move. A few of the animals on the farm have got to experience living in Alberta, Manitoba and now British Columbia. Jess tells “it wasn’t easy to do, but it was worth it, the animals are like family”.

Raising animals have always been apart of who they are, both Jess and AJ came from different styles of farming backgrounds. These two have always been known for having a wide assortment of animals on the farm and their love for animals can be seen in how well their animals are cared for. Providing high quality food products for consumers is a both a passion and a full-time job for the two of them; they feel that food should both nourish and bring families together.

Jess loves to express her love with food, and great food comes from home-grown, family farms where animals have names and are raised in a more natural setting. Being outside in the fresh air and sunshine is not only beneficial for the animals, but the farmers too!

Our Farming Philosophy

Together Jess and AJ raise their animals with care and quality in mind. There are 5 Freedoms of Animals, international standards of animal care set in 1965, that they respect on the farm, the goal being to not just meet the requirements but to exceed them. Those being...

The Freedom from Thirst and Hunger. Animals on the farm have access to fresh water on demand and feed intake is monitored several times per day. The Freedom of Discomfort; by providing appropriate shelter, bedding, natural lights, and not exposing the animals to extreme temperatures or noises.

The Freedom of pain, injury, or diseases, by being diligent about prevention as well as being knowledgeable and able to rapidly detect illness and working closely with a veterinary the animals receive top quality care. 

The Freedom to Express Normal Behavior's, such as having the space and companionship to engage in play behavior. Their pigs can wallow in the mud and the chickens are able to scratch at their feed and rest on perches at nighttime.

The Freedom from fear and distress which includes any mental and psychological stress by providing safe hiding places and enrichment for the animals, as well as not overcrowding pens.

Having animals happy and stress free is beneficial and promotes a mutualistic relationship. You will not only be able to see but also taste the difference in the farm to fork products available at Hoften Farms Pork & Poultry. Being offered currently they have turkey, chicken, pork, beef and eggs. You can purchase individual cuts, freezer boxes, or quarters and halves.