Harrington Lane Farms

Harrington Lane Farms previous shop - photo credit -Krista Harrington

I remember my first visit to Harrington Lane Farms (Spring 2015) like it was yesterday.  The drive up the long tree lined lane way, being greeted by chickens, ducks and geese — it was so inviting, so peaceful.  I stood there for a moment after stepping out of my truck taking in the sights.  The gorgeous laying boxes for the hens along the barn, they even had a ladder leaning against a window for the hens to climb in and out with ease.   A charming hand written sign on the side of the barn listed the hours (3 days a week) and specials offered at that moment.  It was all so warm and welcoming, I felt at home.

Photo credit - Krista Harrington

At this time the shop was in a little area off of the barn.  It was a small space, but every inch served a purpose.   There was a cooler where fresh meats could be purchased and a freezer with a chalk board displaying its contents, as this changed week to week.  Eggs, jams and other pantry items were displayed perfectly on the sweetest country shelving surrounded by handmade items like honey pots and knitted mice.

Krista and I discussed my order and she happily answered any and all of my questions, though they were minimal as it was obvious these animals were adored and lived the best life possible.  She told me to take my kids around to see the animals before I headed home.   This was well-received by my animal loving littles!

We walked down the big hill and to the pastures where the pigs — Berkshire, Tammworth, Mangalista and large black pigs — were all sun bathing, rolling in mud and happily munching away on some delicious veggies.  I was surprised as the closer we got, the closer the pigs came to us!  They were happy to see humans, not fearful.

Bathing Beauties

Off to the right we walked to see the sheep in pasture — Icelandic Dairy and Cheviot Meat — these creatures are magnificent.  The kids loved watching as they grazed and basked in the warmth of the spring sun.

Some of the flock

As we walked back to the truck we had some followers!  We were being trailed by some adorable heritage ducks, geese and chickens.   It was here I became aware of what free range truly is, though Krista prefers to describe her birds as pastured since they are free to travel the pastures as they wish.  What a wonderful way to end our first visit!

Harrington Lane Farms is environmentally cautious as well as sustainable.  This lovely farm is powered by wind and solar and heated with wood during the winter.  They have honey bees galore to pollinate the gorgeous pastures that provide for the animals, allowing the eco system to thrive as it was meant to.

A gaggle of geese

Around the time most of us were pre-occupied with Christmas holidays in December of 2015, Krista was hard at work making her vision of a more central and larger shop come to life.  Behind the scenes Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop in Waterdown was starting to unfold, and would soon be a place where meats, pantry items, produce and so much more would readily be available throughout the week.

Early 2016 Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop opened and has quickly become a reliable source for humanely raised, no hormone or antibiotics, NON GMO meats and other local items such as breads, coffee, preserves, cheese — the list is quite long!

Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop

Krista’s love for her animals, passion for the environment and sustainable farm methods is a true labour of love.  She is incredibly hard-working and inspiring with a lot to offer the community and the city.  Many of her products are used in local shops, and you might have enjoyed them in some form without knowing!

I am so thankful I found Harrington Lane Farms, feeding my family responsibly is much easier now and I know that our dollars spent there are truly appreciated by this outstanding family-owned business.

Thanks for reading!

Note:

Harrington Lane Farms Village shop took over for the shop on the farm and the original shop is now closed.  This new location is convenient for many communities with easy access from the highway, and Krista is still apart of three Farmers' Markets – Waterdown, Dundas and Hespeler Village Market — to better serve her customers.

Photo Credit - Krista Harrington

Fun fact!  Krista is also the owner and face behind From These Roots Jam and preserve company!

Jam and preserve display

Follow along on the Harrington Lane Farms Village Shop Facebook page to see upcoming specials!

https://www.facebook.com/harringtonlanefarmsvillageshop/?fref=ts

For more information on the farming practices and mission statement of Harrington Lane Farms here is the webite.

http://www.harringtonlanefarms.ca/

Turkeys roaming through pastures

Where I began

Hi!  My name is Jessica. I am an almost 33-year-old mother of two children, ages five and two.  We live on the outskirts of the city with enough space to grow a decent sized garden.  I have a passion for local farms and shops in and around Hamilton, Ontario and am often advocating local foods to anyone who will listen.

The greater Hamilton area has an eclectic selection of eateries, coffee shops and retail space to suit the tastes of everyone.  Nestled along the edge of the city, numerous townships house beautiful farm land—this is where it all starts!   We are so fortunate to have the incredibly important field-to-table element in this area.  It may be seasonal but it can be preserved!

Matchbox Garden's CSA

I began my search for local gems in 2014 after I started to really consider where our food was coming from.  I took my questions online—reading descriptions and FAQs about local farms, coffee shops and eateries.  I looked for sustainable and responsible practices, humanely raised meats, organic practices, fair trade practices and the use of local items when possible.  I would go to these places and buy their offerings, enjoy the environment and usually have a good conversation if I was at a farm!

Stam Farm's Market Share

Our family garden is my contribution to the greater health of my family.  I dream that someday I will be able to feed more than just us!  I have had a garden for years, though this year was the largest with lots of ups and downs.

Our own zinnia

My journey is ongoing and I continue to visit my favourite farms and shops, meeting amazing people along the way.  I am always looking for new places to explore and look forward to growing my list!  My hope for this blog is that it will be a place people can find out about the wonderful treasures in the Hamilton and surrounding area and enjoy them too!