Authors: Krupa Gadhwana
The Community
Kamloops has a strong connection to farming and local food. Blackwell Dairy Farm has been producing fresh milk in the area since 1913. The Kamloops Farmers’ Market is another example, where local farmers sell fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and dairy to the community. The city’s semi-warm climate and water from the Thompson River help farmers grow crops and raise animals. Groups like the Kamloops Food Policy Council support local farming and food security. Because of these farms, markets, and community efforts, Kamloops is an important place for fresh, local food in British Columbia. Many families, students and community members are interested in learning where their food comes from, especially me.
Most people simply buy milk from the store without thinking about the hard work behind it. It seems easy to grab a bottle from the shelf, but there is a long and complex process that happens before it reaches the consumer. From caring for cows, milking them daily, ensuring their health, processing the milk, and maintaining quality standards. So in short, dairy farming is a labor-intensive job. I first visited Blackwell Dairy Farm with my host mom, who only buys local dairy products. This experience helped me realize the importance of supporting local farms and inspired me to focus on Blackwell Dairy Farm for this tour. That is why I want to organize the Blackwell Dairy Farm Tour—to give people a chance to see firsthand dedication and effort that goes into dairy farming. By offering farm tours, we can strengthen connections between the farm and the people of Kamloops. The tour also helps educate visitors about sustainable farming and the dedication required to produce fresh milk.
(Shannon Ainslie / iNFOnews.ca)
Blackwell Dairy farm started in 1913 when Milton Blackwell moved from Vancouver and bought a farm east of Kamloops in Barnhartvale. He produced fresh milk and sold it at the Kamloops farmers market and through home delivery. In 1928, the farm moved to its current location, and over the years, different generations of the Blackwell family have managed the farm. Arthur Blackwell took over in 1947, later partnering with his son Ted in 1966 to rebuild the dairy business. By 1983, they had their own processing plant, and Blackwell Dairy Farm Inc. was officially formed in 1986. Despite challenges, including a fire in 2017, the farm has continued its legacy of providing fresh dairy products to the community.
Today, Blackwell Dairy Farm is run by Laura Hunter, the fourth generation of the family, continuing its long tradition of excellence.
The Opportunity
This agritourism project is a great way for people to experience farm life firsthand. It gives visitors the chance to see how milk is collected, processed, and packaged. They can also interact with the animals and take part in simple farm chores. The tour will mostly attract local families, school groups and those who are curious about agriculture. What makes this opportunity even more special is that it’s the only tour like this in Kamloops, making it a rare and valuable experience for the community. The farm is deeply connected to the region’s agricultural roots, and by offering this tour, we are providing a chance for people to learn about the local farming process in a personal way. The farm is excited and happy to share this experience with visitors, as it strengthens the bond between the farm and the local community. By keeping the tour small (10 people or fewer), we ensure a personal and hands-on experience. The small fee of $30 will help cover transportation, farm worker and compensation which will make the tour affordable while still supporting the farm.
The Experience
- The farm worker will guide the group to the milking station.
- Visitors can see how cows line up automatically for milking
- Worker will explain how the milking machines function.
- Hands-on – Feeling the warmth of freshly squeezed milk
- Visitors can meet young calves and learn about their feeding process.
- Explanation of how bottle-feeding is monitored to ensure proper nutrition.
- Tour of the milk collection area where milk is stored in large tankers.
- Explanation of milk categorization by fat content (1%, 2%, whole milk)
- Overview of lab testing procedures for milk quality and safety.
- Visitors can observe the bottling process.
- Explanation of labeling and distribution.
- Discussion on how milk is transported to retailers.
Visitors can assist with feeding cows by shoveling hay.
| Pick up location– Thompson Rivers University Basketball court near Old Main Building | Drop Off location – Blackwell Dairy Farm -7000 blackwell rd |
| Milking Process Observation: (12 pm – 12.15 pm) | The farm worker will guide the group to the milking station. Visitors will see how cows line up automatically for milking. Explanation of how the milking machines function. Hands-on experience: Feeling the warmth of freshly squeezed milk. |
| Calf Feeding and Care: (12.15pm-12.30pm) | Visitors meet young calves and learn about their feeding process. Explanation of how bottle-feeding is monitored to ensure proper nutrition. |
| Milk Collection and Processing: (12.30pm – 12.45pm) | Tour of the milk collection area where milk is stored in large tankers. Explanation of milk categorization by fat content (1%, 2%, whole milk). Overview of lab testing procedures for milk quality and safety. |
| Milk Bottling and Packaging: (12.45pm- 1.00pm) | Visitors observe the bottling process. Explanation of labeling and distribution. Discussion on how milk is transported to retailers. |
| Hands-on Farm Activities: (1.00pm – 1.30pm) | Visitors assist with feeding cows by shoveling hay. |
Budget Breakdown
| Expense | Estimated Cost |
| Transportation (van rental+driver for 2 hour) Boogie Bus | $250 |
| Farm Worker (The one who will give tour) | $50 |
| Total | $300 |
The Small Tourism Effect
This farm tour is an example of small-scale tourism that benefits both visitors and the local community. Unlike large commercial attractions, this experience is intimate, educational, and focused on sustainability. The farm can connect with any audience, including families, students, and food enthusiasts, who want to understand the origin of their food. Personally, I have experienced the hardships my grandfather faced while managing a farm with cows and buffaloes. From vegetable farming to dairy milk production, I have seen firsthand dedication it takes to manage such a farm. That’s why I want to organize this Blackwell Dairy Farm Tour. Also, this initiative aligns with sustainable development principles, which fosters responsible agricultural practices while supporting the local economy. It also plays a crucial role in heritage tourism, offering visitors the chance to engage with the local history and agricultural traditions that have shaped Kamloops for generations. Through this tour, we are facilitating cultural exchange by sharing knowledge about dairy farming practices and local food systems. Additionally, it helps with community engagement, encouraging local people to learn about farming while strengthening ties to their heritage.
By limiting the number of visitors, the tour minimizes disruption to farm operations while maximizing engagement. Small tourism activities like this help support local businesses, promote agricultural awareness, and create meaningful experiences. The revenue generated from the tours contributes to farm maintenance and ensures that this educational programs continue.
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