Our Story
Adesco Western Ranch
Established in 2018
Established in 2018 in the close-knit hamlet of Tomahawk, Parkland County, Alberta, Adesco Western Ranch was founded by Tim Adekola — a dynamic, resilient young African Canadian farmer. Located along Highway 759, northeast of Drayton Valley, our farm sits on the land we tend, protect, and transform.
Our mission transcends traditional farming. We serve as a form of resistance against historical marginalization, reclaiming narratives and spaces traditionally inaccessible to Black and marginalized communities in Canada.
- Regenerative agricultural practices and land stewardship
- Community education and youth training programs
- Challenging systemic barriers in Canadian agriculture
Food Sovereignty
Restoring community control over food production, distribution, and cultural food traditions.
Community Wealth
Building intergenerational agricultural equity through shared livestock and land programs.
Why We Exist
Mission & Vision
Our Mission
To build an equitable, resilient, and sustainable agricultural community in Canada — one that centres the experiences and leadership of Black and marginalized farmers, and demonstrates that farming can be a powerful act of resistance, healing, and community wealth-building.
Our Vision
A Canada where its food landscape reflects the full diversity of its people — where Black farmers are celebrated, resourced, and empowered to lead the transition to a just and sustainable food system for all.
What Guides Us
Our Core Values
Six principles that shape every decision we make — from how we tend the land to how we serve our community.
Equity
We challenge the systemic barriers that have historically excluded Black and marginalized communities from land ownership, agricultural capital, and food systems.
Resilience
Rooted in the enduring strength of African agricultural traditions, we build systems that withstand adversity and grow stronger through every challenge.
Sustainability
Every farming decision is guided by long-term land stewardship — composting, regenerative grazing, cover cropping, and zero synthetic inputs across our operation.
Community
Our programs exist to serve the community first. From livestock banking to seed libraries, every initiative is designed to multiply wealth and opportunity across families.
Education
We partner with schools, institutions, and aspiring farmers to share knowledge about sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and the socio-political dimensions of food.
Innovation
We blend time-honoured African farming knowledge with modern regenerative techniques, creating an agricultural model that is both culturally grounded and forward-looking.
Our History
The Adesco Journey
From a single farm in Tomahawk to a multi-program community agricultural enterprise — six years of growth, resilience, and impact.
Founded
Adesco Western Ranch established in Tomahawk, Parkland County, Alberta by Tim Adekola — a young African Canadian farmer with a vision for equitable agriculture.
First Harvest
First full growing season completed. Initial vegetable plots and small livestock operation launched, establishing the foundation for community-facing programs.
Banking Programs
Goat Banking and Chicken Banking initiatives launched, placing the first community flocks and herds with enrolled Alberta families.
Cultural Seeds
The Cultural Seeds program began collecting and trialling African and diaspora heritage seed varieties on Adesco land, establishing the community seed library.
Cattle Banking
Cattle Banking program expanded the livestock-sharing model to include dairy and beef cattle, serving a growing number of families across the region.
Funded Growth
Secured funding support from Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, enabling expanded infrastructure, training programs, and community outreach initiatives.
Webinar Series
Launched a four-part webinar series on mental wellness for Black farmers, addressing the intersection of mental health, land, and identity in the agricultural community.
Continued Impact
Over 150 families supported across all programs. Ongoing expansion of the seed library, livestock banking, and regenerative vegetable production across the ranch.
The People Behind the Ranch
Meet Our Team
From the founder to our operations and community teams, every person at Adesco is committed to the mission of equitable, sustainable agriculture.
Tim Adekola
A dynamic, resilient African Canadian farmer who established Adesco Western Ranch in 2018 as an act of resistance and community building. Tim leads the ranch's strategic vision and community programs.
Ranch Operations
Our dedicated operations team manages daily livestock care, field cultivation, seed saving, and community distribution — ensuring every program runs with integrity and care.
Community Programs
Our community programs team coordinates banking program enrollments, seed library distribution, youth training sessions, and partnerships with local schools and institutions.
What We Do
Our Programs & Initiatives
Five community programs, each designed to build food security, income, and cultural connection for Black and marginalized families across Alberta.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Adesco is a Black-led agricultural enterprise founded on the principle that farming can be a vehicle for social justice. We combine traditional African livestock-sharing models with modern regenerative practices, serving our community through five distinct programs that build food security, income, and cultural connection.
Adesco Western Ranch is located at 51217 Range Road 63 in Tomahawk, Parkland County, Alberta — along Highway 759, northeast of Drayton Valley. We welcome farm visits, educational tours, and volunteer days year-round.
You can support our mission by enrolling in a Banking program, subscribing to our seasonal veggie boxes, joining the cultural seeds library, attending a webinar, volunteering on the ranch, or donating to Visible Futures Empowerment Society Inc. (VFES). Reach out through our contact page to learn more.
Yes. We actively welcome schools, community groups, and individuals who want to learn about sustainable agriculture, food sovereignty, and the work we are doing. Educational tours can be arranged by contacting us directly.
We Are Grateful For
Our Funding Partners
Adesco Western Ranch is supported by Government of Canada programs that recognise the vital role of diverse, community-led agriculture in Canada's food future.
