Kelly Van Ham
Featured Grower
Hi, my name is Kelly Van Ham. Together with my wife Judy, my son Derek and his wife Kimberly and my other son Jonah and his wife Samantha, we operate K4J Farms Ltd. I have been farming in the Bow Island area since 1978 and have been farming under K4J Farms since 2000.
What crops do you grow?
We grow sugar beets, dry beans (pinto, great northern and yellow), durum and spring wheat as well as lentils and peas on some dryland.
Why do you grow sugar beets?
Sugar beets have been a staple on our irrigated land since I started. I love to watch them grow from small seedlings to their final size. They were always the first crop seeded and the last harvested and a lot of work in between. They have always paid a lot of bills for us and helped pay for our farm!
How long have you been growing sugar beets and when did you start?
I married my high school sweetheart (Judy) in 1979 and took over the family farm that same year. The beet contract along with the farm. My dad got his contract in the late 60’s. When he got the contract, it allowed him to grow sugar beets here just like he did in Holland. They were our specialty crop and helped pay for the farm.
What was your most unique/memorable/unforgettable experience with growing sugar beets?
I remember one of the first jobs I had was hoeing sugar beets with my brothers and sister for neighbors when we arrived in Canada. It was hot, hard work and we all have fond memories of those days. Winning the highest grower award for Southern Alberta in 2011 was also a highlight.
What was your most unique/memorable/unforgettable experience with growing sugar beets?
Our long-term goal is to pass on the farm to the next generation.