About Us
Welcome to Blackjack Farm, a 100-acre family farm nestled on the shore of Brannen Lake in North Nanaimo. With a rich history spanning generations, the farm has evolved over the years while always remaining a local source of agricultural life. It has been home to dairy cows, beef herds, and has even supplied Brannen Lake Campsite's popular pumpkin-picking hay rides. The fields have also produced hay for countless other families' livestock over the years.
Janine is a fourth-generation farmer here at Black Jack Farm, a role that connects her deeply to the land and the animals she cares for. As the livestock manager, she's the one on the ground every day, overseeing the well-being of the animals. Her work is a hands-on blend of care and responsibility, managing the daily operations, feeding schedules, and herd health. In addition to her work with the animals, Janine is also in charge of sales, connecting with customers and sharing the story of the farm. Janine is passionate about continuing the family tradition of care for the land and its creatures.
The family's history on the farm runs deep, and Aunty Linda is a testament to that legacy. As a third-generation farmer, she grew up on the property and now plays a crucial behind-the-scenes role. Handling all the finances and secretarial work, Linda is the meticulous force that ensures the business side of Black Jack Farm is organized and sound. Her deep understanding of the farm's past and present is invaluable, allowing Christopher and Janine to focus on the hands-on daily tasks that keep the farm thriving.
Hailing from Ontario, Christopher is the farm's hay and maintenance manager, now a proud resident of Nanaimo. He is the practical force that keeps the entire operation running smoothly. His work covers a wide range of tasks, from keeping the farm's tractors and equipment in working order to maintaining fences, waterlines, and feeders. Christopher also oversees the entire hay-making process on the farm, from field preparation to baling and storage. His skills and consistent efforts are vital to the farm’s smooth operation and its ability to provide for its animals.
Those who shaped Black Jack Farm:
The Beginning
Rosa and Abel
Rosa Caillet moved from France with her son Abel, where they started the Lantzville Hotel. The hotel thrived and became an essential part of Lantzville's mining industry. Abel later purchased land on Brannen Lake where the farm still resides. He started clearing land and raising beef.
Rosa October 11, 1876- May 11, 1932
Abel August 30, 1896-July 26, 1978
"Grandpa"
Armand Caillet
Armand took over the farm in the 60's and the Lantzville hotel in the '70s. He and his wife, Gloria, built a home and raised their four children on the farm.
Armand later opened Brannen Lake Campground on the stretch of land beside the farm. There he was known by families for generations as "Grandpa."
Armand September 14, 1931 - August 19, 2012
Greatly Missed
Gloria, Diane and Sandra
Gloria January 10, 1934 - February 26, 1975
Diane October 9, 1960 - May 26, 2007
Sandra April 5, 1963 - November 17, 2015
Gloria
Gloria, originally from Vancouver, moved to Nanaimo where she met Armond. She was very active in the Girl Scouts Community and after her passing Armond, donated "Camp Caillet" in her honor to Scouts Canada.
Diane
Diane caught the farming bug early on and was determined to prove she could do anything a boy could do.
She managed Brannen Lake Campsite for many years before stepping back to focus on her own property and family at Sheepy Hollow Farm. Diane raised many animals but her true passion was sheep.
Sandra
Sandra was an avid gardener, and later started her own landscaping and arborist business. She also created beautiful wood craft from trees and shrubs she grew.
Farm hand from the start
Alan
Alan was a large part of the farm for most of his life, and can still be seen there giving a helping hand and insight to this day. He and his wife, Loraine, took over the campsite after Armand's passing.
Keeping it all together
Linda
Linda, who was born and raised on the farm, still has an active roll.
After the opening of Brannen Lake Campsites, Linda could be found in the office before leaving to focus on her family. After Armand's passing, she returned to the family businesses but this time to the farm side.
Fourth generation
Janine
Janine spent much of her childhood at Brannen Lake Campsite with her mother, Diane. At home she was hands on with her mother's farm, learning all she could from a young age.
After taking the horticulture program at VIU, (where she met Christopher) she decided it was time to get back to farming.
the new addition
Christopher
After completing the Horticulture program at VIU, Christopher started a market garden with Janine and another classmate Blaise (now of Azimuth Neighborhood Farm). They continued growing vegetables until the birth of their daughter in 2020.
Christopher and family moved to the farm in 2022, when they began focusing on hay and livestock production.