Most city dwellers think they understand where food comes from because they buy organic at the local grocery chain. They don't. Checking a label or strolling through a gentrified farmers market won't give you a true look into agricultural life. To actually get it, you have to stand in the middle of a prairie field, smell the damp earth, and watch a working farm operate in real time.
That is exactly what people are doing just outside of Regina.
Josef Buttigieg didn't set out to become an agritourism host. He holds a PhD in neurophysiology from McMaster University and moved to Saskatchewan back in 2017 to work as a biology professor at the University of Regina. Born and raised in Toronto, he wanted what a lot of tired city people want: a temporary escape from concrete and traffic. He bought some land in Lumsden, thinking it would act like a summer cottage but with room to do more.
Then the animals arrived.
What started as a quiet acreage quickly transformed into Fenek Farms. Today, it is a bustling operation home to over 300 animals, including sheep, alpacas, rabbits, birds, and working dogs.
The Accidental Farm Tour Business
The shift from a private sanctuary to a public destination happened entirely by accident. Neighbors and friends noticed the growing collection of livestock and asked if they could bring their kids by to see the chickens.
Buttigieg figured hosting a few small tours would bring in some extra gas or beer money. He didn't expect the overwhelming response. Word of mouth traveled fast through the community, and soon, people were dropping by constantly to ask for a look around. Today, hundreds of visitors make the trek to the farm every week.
There's a massive disconnect between urban consumers and rural producers. People want a genuine connection to the land, but they rarely get a chance to see a working agricultural operation up close. Fenek Farms fills that gap by dropping visitors right into the messy, unpredictable reality of daily life on the prairies.
What Real Prairie Agritourism Looks Like
This isn't a sanitized amusement park with a country theme. It is a live environment where plans change by the minute.
If you book a visit, you don't get a scripted corporate presentation. You might walk in and see a lamb being born right in front of you. You might watch working dogs herd livestock, or find yourself helping round up a group of sheep that decided to break loose.
Fenek Farms at a Glance:
- Location: Lumsden, Saskatchewan (near Regina)
- Livestock: 300+ animals (sheep, alpacas, rabbits, poultry)
- Highlights: Hands-on animal interaction, hayrides, farm store
- Accessibility: Wheelchair-friendly infrastructure
Buttigieg runs the property with a focus on inclusion. The hayrides are built to be completely wheelchair accessible, and the products at the farm store are priced ethically so families can afford a day out without breaking the bank. Raising his own children in this environment has shown him how much the lifestyle builds resilience and a strong work ethic—traits he wants to share with every kid who visits the property.
Beyond the Gates of a Single Farm
The massive interest in places like Fenek Farms isn't an isolated trend. Saskatchewan agriculture is opening up on a much larger scale. Organizations like Farm & Food Care Saskatchewan are actively pushing to show the public exactly what goes into modern food production.
The province-wide event known as Saskatchewan Open Farm Days highlights this exact push. On August 8 and 9, 2026, dozens of working farms, ranches, orchards, and local breweries across the province will open their gates for free, self-guided regional tours and organized bus excursions.
It lets people chat directly with the individuals who manage thousands of acres or tend to massive herds. You can see how a modern family farm operates, discover the massive role technology plays in field management, and learn how prairie producers handle global food demands.
How to Plan a Real Farm Visit
If you want to skip the commercial attractions and experience a true working prairie farm, you need to approach it with the right mindset.
Ditch the Expectations
Don't expect a pristine, manicured park. Farms have mud, strong smells, and unpredictable schedules. Wear sturdy, closed-toe boots and clothes you don't mind getting dirty.
Call Ahead or Check the Schedule
Operations like Fenek Farms balance public visits with intense daily workloads. Always check their official channels for tour hours, seasonal events, and specific guidelines before you show up at the gate.
Support the Local Operation
Most agritourism destinations feature a farm store stocked with fresh eggs, local meats, wool items, or handmade crafts. Buying directly from these shops keeps independent farms running and ensures your money stays within the local rural economy.
Leave the city mindset behind, pack some boots, and head out past the grid roads. The real story of food production isn't written on an ingredient label—it is found in the dirt, the wind, and the daily grind of prairie life.
