In today’s episode of Dawn’s Dirt, I sit down with Brooke Vanderkley from Vanderkley Valley Farm, a mama of four, farmer, and full-tilt entrepreneur about building a profitable, values-driven homestead without burning out. We jam on seasons over “balance,” scaling from 30 to 600 meat birds, pricing eggs like a pro, pivoting after hail wipes you out, and turning a farm into a family-powered brand with agritourism, Airbnb and (yup) shampoo sales. If you’re ready to stop dabbling and start designing a farm-to-table business that actually pays, this one’s your marching orders.

 

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Episode Highlights: seasons not balance, scaling meat chickens, soy & corn free eggs, premium pricing, agritourism & glamping, 5am routines, serving over selling, involving kids, grocery-store marketing, pivoting after setbacks, renting land in town, team-first leadership

Takeaways: 

• Build in seasons, not “balance”
• Pick a profitable lane before adding more
• Price for value, not guilt
• Market relentlessly and locally
• Differentiate (e.g., soy/corn-free) to stand out
• Involve your kids and protect family time
• Think beyond products: add experiences and education
  
  

 

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Links & Resources Mentioned

Brook’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brookevanderkley/ 

Brooke’s Website: https://vanderkleyvalleyfarm.ca/ 

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Love what you’re hearing on Dawn’s Dirt? Don’t keep it to yourself—help us grow! Share the show with your friends, like this episode, and leave a quick 5-star rating. Your support means the world and helps us keep bringing you the content you love!

 

Visit Dawn’s Website: https://www.dawnsdirt.ca/ 

Dawn’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dawns_dirt/

 

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Want to turn your homestead into more than just a hobby? I’ve been there. As a former farmer, I built a profitable business from my land — selling out at local markets, preserving food through canning, and earning hundreds of thousands of dollars from what I grew and raised. Now, I help others do the same. Whether it’s garden coaching, raising animals, selling eggs, or turning your harvest into income through canning, I’ll show you practical ways to bring real value from your homestead. Let’s talk about your goals and how we can make your land work for you. Book a free call today using the link below, let’s get started!

Book Your FREE Call Today! 

 

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