Our Story
From big dreams to Guernsey cows
Back to 2002...
Mark and Caroline are first-generation dairy farmers who’ve called the Cowichan Valley home for most of their lives.
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In 2002, they purchased the land that would become Promise Valley Farm, full of wild hope and big dreams of starting a dairy. For eight years, they farmed conventionally — milking Holsteins and navigating the quota system — but the numbers just weren’t adding up, and neither was the lifestyle they wanted for their family.
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With heavy hearts, they sold the cows and their quota. It was a hard goodbye — and a defining moment.
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For the next six years, the family turned to mixed farming: raising pastured pork and poultry, collecting farm-fresh eggs, and growing vegetables. It was rewarding work, but their dream of dairying never truly faded.
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The pull toward the cows — and a better way to farm — was still there. Stronger than ever.
A new vision
Over time, their curiosity turned into conviction. Countless books and documentaries about food, health, and soil led them to a new vision — one rooted in organic farming, nutrient-dense food, and cows raised with care.
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That vision took shape when Mark and Caroline discovered the Guernsey cow — a rare, heritage breed known for its rich golden milk and naturally occurring A2A2 beta-casein protein, which many people find easier to digest.
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They imported their first Guernsey cows, transitioned the entire farm to organic practices, and began the long 36-month certification process. It wasn’t easy — but it was right.
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Then came a leap of faith: purchasing a small amount of quota and building their own on-farm dairy plant. With that, Promise Valley Farm & Creamery was truly born — a full-circle return to the dream that started it all, now grounded in regenerative principles and a deep love for land, animals, and people.
Where we are today
Today, Mark and Caroline continue to be committed to providing their community with wholesome, organic milk and yogurt, taking care of their Guernseys, and taking care of their land through regenerative practices. They are excited to keep learning more about farming, including trying a few different practices like no-till drilling and roller crimping their cover crops.
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Learning never stops on this farm -- and they wouldn't have it any other way!