The original Kaufmans raised six children and the operation is currently running with three generations of ranchers. Many repairs and improvements were needed in the early years at Dunlevy and the Kaufmans raised 40 acres of potatoes until they made the transition into cattle. Today, Dunlevy Ranch feeds about 1500 head during the winter months. We operate both a Cow/Calf operation and a Backgrounding operation (raising additional calves from weanlings in the Fall up to 950 lbs. in late summer).
In the late 1970’s corn came back to Soda Creek. It was introduced into our crop plantings for silage and made a significant addition to our cattle feed. If we can grow feed corn, why not grow some sweet corn? Since 1982 we have invited people to come and visit the ranch and pick Soda Creek Sweet Corn at a 15-acre U-Pick patch. Some families have been visiting us for the past thirty years, spanning three generations of corn lovers! Getting out into a field, in all its glory (weeds, dirt, scratchy leaves), eating raw corn from the plant, and composting your husks is promoted at the U-Pick. Our philosophy is to share this abundance in a experiential way with our Cariboo neighbours and passersby; customers tell us Thank You as they’re leaving and have encouraged us to always continue the U-Pick.
Dunlevy Ranch has a rich history dating back to the Cariboo Gold Rush of the 1860’s. Named after Peter Dunlevy, the ranch occupies Lot 1 and Lot 2 of the Cariboo Land District having been settled in 1863 by this entrepreneurial pioneer. He owned the hotel, store, farm and ranch in Soda Creek during the boom days of the gold rush.
The farm was a huge success and Dunlevy stayed in the Soda Creek Valley and became much more prosperous than the risk-taking gold miners. The southern exposure, fertile valley soil, and fresh water from McLeese Lake made growing large amounts of produce possible to feed the gold mining population. The Cariboo Wagon Road bisected the ranch and Dunlevy was able to ship meat and produce as well as sell it locally in his store. It’s been said that some vegetable varieties grown by Dunlevy hadn’t been seen since the old country. Today the valley is recognized as a unique microclimate due to its geography and presentation.
Peter Dunlevy knew he found a special place in Soda Creek. We have been able to refine our sweet corn varieties over thirty years and offer a superb and consistent product that we are very proud of. Always fresh, always local, always family grown.
© Copyright 2022-2023 Soda Creek Sweet Corn / Dunlevy Ranch
