From Seed to Doorstep

Fresh, Local and Personal

Peace Acres and Peace Produce | Saddle Hills County, AB

Scott and Carlee Andrews with Scott's Parents, Sue and Kevin

“Having no background in something can make it seem daunting,”

said Scott Andrews. “I say just pick one task, complete it and keep going.”

In Woking Township—about 25 km south of Rycroft in Saddle Hills County—a modest hydroponics operation by the name of Peace Produce offers lettuce, pak choi, herbs, microgreens and more. Its sister company, Peace Acres, offers customers fresh eggs, pork and chicken.

Led by Scott Andrews, originally from England, these growing businesses subsist on a healthy dose of family support and down-home values.

“I’ve always worked in large scale agriculture,” said Andrews. “But, I always wanted to meet the customer and see the whole process through.”

This desire for connection became the driving force behind both the family’s regenerative farm and their move into hydroponics.

With no prior experience in the field, Andrews leaned into learning as he went.

“I’m a graduate of YouTube University,” said Andrews. “We can all do anything if we apply ourselves.”

Rather than trying to master everything at once, Andrews focuses on solving problems as they come.

“If you don’t know something, just be open to learning it,” said Andrews.

Like most entrepreneurs, Andrews quickly discovered running a business involves far more than producing a quality product. And, time management can be tricky.

“A five minute job is never a five minute job,” said Andrews. “You have to allow for everything else that comes up.”

Despite the long hours, starting early in the morning and going until late at night, Andrews does not have a traditional view of balancing “work” and “life.”

“I don’t feel like I’m working,” said Andrews. “I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do. You are the business.”

Behind the scenes, the operation is very much a family effort. Andrews works alongside his wife Carlee and his parents, Sue and Kevin, who each contribute their own experience and strengths.

“They complete the circle,” said Andrews. “Without them, it wouldn’t be possible.”

This shared responsibility keeps the business running day to day. While Andrews has another full time job, his parents manage much of the daytime work, and his wife attends to customer needs.

“My mom has worked in food production her entire life,” said Andrews. “My wife understands what customers are looking for.”

As a team, their combined experience shapes the business operations, and how it connects with its customers.

About 95 percent of sales come directly from consumers, with a small portion coming from restaurants. This model allows for flexibility and makes it easier to reduce waste.

“People can call and tell us exactly what they need,” said Andrews. “So, we’re not overproducing.”

This direct connection to the consumer helps ensure a level of freshness not often found elsewhere.

“If you’re filling shelves in a store, there’s always going to be waste,” said Andrews. “Not wasting is something I really care about.”

While expanding into retail could accelerate growth, Andrews is careful not to compromise the values that have defined their success.

“There’s always that temptation,” said Andrews. “But it comes with more waste and higher costs.”

Word of mouth and their presence on social media are keeping customers buying.

“We’ve been selling out every week,” said Andrews. “Right now, it’s about keeping up.”

With a measured approach, the business stays in a comfortable growing zone, balancing supply with demand.

“It’s a nice place to be,” said Andrews.

Andrews finds being a business owner rewarding and especially loves seeing the many relationships Peace Produce creates within the community. It’s about more than just fresh, delicious food.

“Delivery day is my favourite day of the week,” said Andrews. “You get to spend time talking to people and connecting with them. That connection matters.”

These moments also serve as a reminder of the value behind the work.

“When you see the excitement, especially with kids, it keeps you grounded,” said Andrews. “It reminds you how important this is.”

For Andrews, there’s a sense of mutual support that defines the relationship between the business and its community.

“It’s a two-way street,” said Andrews. “It keeps you humble.”

Looking ahead, the focus is simple. Andrews and his family will continue growing and letting their customers guide the direction of the business.

“We’re just letting the consumer decide our fate,” said Andrews.

The long-term goal is for the business to provide enough income to support the family. In the meantime, the priority is to maintain quality and consistency.

“We’re focusing on the product and the feedback,” said Andrews. “We just keep doing what we’re doing.”

For those interested in going into business for themselves, Andrews has some sage wisdom.

“There’s always going to be hurdles, but there’s always a way around them,” said Andrews.

It all comes back to the mindset that built the business in the first place.

“If it’s something you want to do, just take it one task at a time,” said Andrews. “Make it happen for yourself.”

To learn more visit peaceacres.ca or connect via social media.

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Words by Amanda Hunter | Photography by Bert Reynolds