National CSA sign up day

Stam Farms market share treasures

 Today is the PERFECT day to sign up for a season of local bounty at a local farm!

What is a CSA?  Community supported agriculture, which is a partnership between you the consumer and the farmer as the grower.  A typical CSA share is paid for in advance, and in return throughout the growing season you will receive a basket of gorgeous produce weekly, bi weekly etc. 

Will I get to choose what is in my CSA share?  Each farm runs their program differently.  Some do offer flexibility and choice with items in the share allowing you to select your preferred greens, roots etc according to what is available.  Other farms put together the same shares for everyone. 

How much produce is in each share?  This varies farm to farm!  Most have at least 2 size options to suit each person or family’s needs.

Why do we have to pay up front?  Paying for the CSA ahead of time allows the grower to cover up front costs of purchasing seed, growing seedlings and planting while securing the farmers income for season regardless of environmental or natural factors.  Drought last year saw many farmers abandoning lesser than crops in order to save others.  Not all farms require up front payment, some may take a payment plan or accept monthly installments.  None the less the CSAs were full of what fared well for each farmer, I know ours certainly were! 

Gorgeous Matchbox Garden share

Farming grueling work – think of how hot it was last summer here in Southern Ontario and imagine working the fields harvesting in that heat!  Seriously, thank a farmer today if you can and better yet support them with a CSA commitment this year! 

Cheers!

Here are some of the beautiful farms I follow that offer CSAs in and around the greater Hamilton area.  If I have missed you let me know and I will happily add your farm to the list. 

Honest Field Farms – Hamilton

http://www.honestfieldfarms.ca

Manorun Organic Farm – Lynden

http://www.manorun.com/shares

Matchbox Garden - Caledonia

http://www.matchboxgarden.ca/services

 Plan B Organics - Branchton

http://planborganicfarms.ca

Stam Farms – Hagersville – CSA (Market share) is now FULL for 2017 but will have farm gate produce and other goodies for sale

https://www.facebook.com/stamfarms/

Tree and Twig – Wellandport – CSA is now FULL for 2017 but produce may be available, call and ask.  http://treeandtwig.ca

Little Brown Cow

Lucky <3

I have followed this lovely little farm on Facebook for ages, watching all the farm updates and dreaming of the day I would venture out to the shop in Brantford.  This past week I decided to send a message to the farm requesting 2kg of cheese curds – the bulk price is fantastic AND they are freezable!  I packed the littles and the dog up when I received the message they were ready and off we went to pick them up!

Lovely noticeable signage

The farm is super easy to find, you can’t miss the big sign!  Jenny, the co-owner, greeted us inside.  She was so friendly, easy to talk to and very informative.  Before we left, Jenny put our things in our car and took us over to see a new calf named Lucky!  My kiddos were thrilled and talked about it the rest of the day. 

Jersey is the breed they raise and after some research I can see why!  Though they are small in comparison to other dairy breeds they have a high butterfat milk content and are a calm, docile but curious breed.  There are many other reasons why one might choose Jersey cattle, these are just the ones that stood out to me – a curious consumer.

Our goodies 

Though Little Brown cow is well known for their amazing cheese curds that are available fresh every Friday afternoon, they offer so much more.  Artisan cheese varieties, cream cheese and both white and chocolate milk (in this house we really love chocolate milk ;) ) all of which are processed entirely on site.  Quiche and cheesecake varieties and other meals are also made in the shop.  Frozen beef is always available and often fresh on Fridays!  There are many other offerings at Little Brown Cow, these are just some of the ones that stood out to me.

One of the things I always love about the small business owners I meet is how passionate they are about their work.  It just radiates off of them and leaves you feeling inspired.  That is definitely how I felt after I left Little Brown Cow.  

Overall our experience was a wonderful one and we will definitely be adding Little Brown Cow to our permanent list of farms we love.  I look forward to seeing what the future holds for this wonderful farm and the checking out the new location when it opens this spring!


Thanks for reading!

Follow Little Brown Cow on Facebook!
https://www.facebook.com/littlebrowncows/

Norton Farms

Norton Farms retail shop

It has been quite a while since my last post!  Hectic holidays followed by post holiday sickness kept me pretty busy!  My hope is that 2017 has started well for all of you and may it continue to bring you and yours love, luck and prosperity.

I am often asked how it is possible to feed my family meats from local farms on a single income vs grocery store.  I feel like many of us are under the impression that meats in a conventional grocery store are less expensive.  Sure at times they may be with varying sales, but many farmers with retail shops do their best to offer options for families to save – Norton Farms is one of those shops!

Norton Farms is located in Hagersville – just on the edge of Hartford.  They offer a monthly special, for example they had 10lbs of bacon for $60 one month this past summer.  Burgers, pork chops and ground beef are all other specials I have seen, follow along on Facebook to see what the current special is!

A meat CSA that runs for 4mths at a time is also something that Norton offers.  The CSAs include pork, beef and chicken and offer some flexibility with cuts each month depending on the package you select. 

Bulk beef is also available – which is the best money saver when it comes to beef.  Summer’s draught was hard on farmers, their crops and animals definitely struggle.   Norton Farms offers two beef options, exclusively grassfed or the less expensive grassfed and grain finished beef.  This gives people the ability to choose what is best for their budget and dietary needs. 

Ground beef special, burgers, bacon and chicken breast

Norton Farms also offers 7 different Meat packages regularly available to order.   These offer excellent pricing and each package has different meat and cuts – for example there is a no pork box available for those who would rather do without.

You will find other offerings in the shop – honey, grassfed water buffalo cheese, eggs and maple syrup are all things you can pick up from this little farm shop!

Another fantastic thing about buying from a shop like Norton vs a box store is not only are you helping to support a small family run business BUT you are also buying from an organic and sustainable farming practice.  Sustainability is all about respecting the natural cycle of absolutely everything from the soil microbes right to the animal's natural habits.

It’s true it is a bit of a drive if you are from the city but it is a lovely scenic drive and I think sometimes in life that is just what we need -  a simple trek through the countryside, giving the mind a break from the hustle and bustle of the city.  Definitely a worthwhile trip if your budget is tighter and you want to eat well. 

Thanks for reading!

PS.

Keep in mind that these small businesses are not typically open every day or until later hours so it`s best to double check on their website to make sure they are open!

Norton Farm's website
http://www.nortonfarms.com/

and Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/nortonfarming/

Shop, eat and drink small and local this season

The holiday season is here and with it brings Christmas wish lists, stockings to fill, dinner parties, dining out, coffee catch ups and more!  This year instead of dashing off to a grocery store, hitting up that fast food drive thru or running to a box store to find that perfect gift – consider looking around this wonderful city at all the beautiful shops and restaurants to find what you are looking for.  

Harrington Lane Farms Christmas Breakfast Basket!  Photo Credit: Krista Harrington

For a festive meal this season why not check out the local food options here in the city!  Mattson and Co., Aberdeen Tavern, The Mule and Mezcal are just a handful of the delightfully delicious places to dine.  Skip the typical pizza place and try NaRoma or Bread Bar for their take on the tasty classic.

Rushing around this season you’re bound to feel hungry and most likely will be inclined for typical drive through foods.  That isn’t your only option though!  Several awesome places such as the Burnt Tongue, Mesa, Fsh and Chp and the new Mattson to Go offer delicious eats.  If you are craving a burger try switching it up and ordering from Delirious Burger or Hambrgr.  This type of takeout might be a little more work – you may have to call your order in but well worth it! 

Savoury and sweet trays are a must have for any host or hostess during the holidays!  There are great options to order offered by Harrington Lane Farms and Cake and Loaf bakery.  Bonus is Harrington Lane and Cake and Loaf have plenty of other wonderful gift options to grab while you are there!  

If you’re up for building your own trays or platters The Real Food Market, Locke St. Meat and Deli and The Mustard Seed Co-op are wonderful places to shop for your ingredients.  The Hamilton Farmer's Market also has everything you could need PLUS the Real Food Court where you can grab yourself a bite from Pokeh, Cake and Loaf Market or enjoy some Henry Brown’s Small Batch Ice Cream.

Cake and Loaf Bakery Seasonal Latte

Having your event catered can save a lot of stress and the businesses of Hamilton can cover that too!  Jonny Blonde, Picone Fine Foods and Taylor’s Tea Room are a handful of those who offer this service.

Meeting for coffee or tea to catch up throughout the holidays is always enjoyable!  Hamilton has so many lovely places to grab your favourite beverages!  Relay Coffee, Cannon Coffee Co., Finch on Locke, Vintage Coffee, Mulberry Coffee House and Parkermanns Fine Tea are a few of the great places to swing by with your friends or family!

As far as gifts are concerned there is something for everyone in the city!  Needlework, Handknit Yarn Studio, Quills and Mixed media all offer the creative gift giving solution and so much more. 

Citizen Kid and Barefoot Babies are two excellent places to search for special and quality items for the littlest humans you know!

Burlap and Twine and Simply Zen have plenty of awesome things for that person on your list who could use some relaxation.  Epic Books or J.H. Gordon Books might also have something to help one unwind.

Citizen Kid goodies!

Hotti Biscotti would be a treat to anyone’s stocking which brings me to chocolate - everyone needs chocolate in their stocking!  Forrat’s Chocolates & Chocolate on James are just two of the outstanding places you can find treats for the stocking, to give as a hostess gift or to just eat yourself!

Yellow Dog Grooming can certainly pamper your pooch with a bath and groom!  While Beasley Pet Co has just the right gift for your canine or feline companion.     

I could go on for days rhyming off all of the wicked restaurants and shops in the greater Hamilton area – there are so many I haven’t mentioned but they are all equally fabulous.  The best part is they all offer much more than just what I mentioned them for – most have pre-wrapped gifts, gift certificates, subscriptions, classes, unique confections, specialty drinks, platters, catering it goes on and on – no one trick ponies to be found! 

It is really hard to stray from the boxed stores sometimes especially when your child ONLY wants a Hatchimal…. Which my daughter did and I found for a non-inflated price lucky for her.  But wherever I can this holiday season, I will be shopping, dining and sipping small and local!  I encourage everyone to do the same, the businesses you support will thank you <3

PSA:  Saturday November 26th is small business Saturday!  Skip the mall and head to the sweet shops the city has to offer!

FREE Parking makes shopping small easier!

Lights of Locke Street Festival!  Lots to do while you shop!

Presented by Cake & Loaf Bakery and Community Partners
Supporting a wonderful cause
http://cakeandloaf.ca/news/second-annual-dundurn-lights-festival-friday-dec-9th/

For those who love links like I do I added a link to each of the above listed businesses!  I hope it helps you find what you are looking for this season!  - Cheers!

Food and Drink Related Mentions:

Aberdeen Tavern
http://theaberdeen.ca/

Bread Bar
http://www.breadbar.ca/home

Cake and Loaf Bakery
http://cakeandloaf.ca/

Cake and Loaf Market
https://www.instagram.com/cakeandloafmarket/

Cannon Coffee Co.
https://www.facebook.com/cannoncoffee/

Chocolate on James
http://chocolatonjames.com/

Delirious Burger
https://www.facebook.com/DeliriousBurger/

Finch on Locke
https://www.instagram.com/finchonlocke/

Forrats Chocolates
http://www.forratschocolates.ca/

Fsh and Chp
http://fshandchp.ca/

Hambrgr
http://www.hambrgr.ca/

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

Henry Brown's Small Batch Ice Cream
https://www.facebook.com/smallbatchice/

Hotti Biscotti
http://www.hottibiscotti.com/

Jonny Blonde
http://www.jonnyblonde.com/

Locke St Meat and Deli
http://www.lockestmeats.ca/

Picone Fine Foods
http://www.piconefinefood.ca/

Mattson & Co.
http://mattsonandco.ca/

Mattson to Go
http://mattsontogo.ca/

Mesa
https://www.facebook.com/MesaHamilton/

Mezcal
http://www.mezcaltnt.com/

Mulberry Coffee House
http://www.mulberrycoffeehouse.com/

NaRoma Pizza Bar
http://naroma.ca/

Parkermanns Fine Tea
http://www.parkermannstea.com/

Pokeh
http://pokeh.ca/

Relay Coffee
http://www.relaycoffee.com/

Taylor's Tea Room
http://taylorstearoom.com/

The Burnt Tongue
http://www.theburnttongue.com/#good-food-cant-wait

The Hamilton Farmer's Market
http://hamiltonfarmersmarket.ca/

The Mule
http://themule.ca/

The Mustard Seed Co op
https://mustardseed.coop/

The Real Food Market
http://realfoodmkt.ca/

Vintage Coffee Roasters
http://www.vintagecoffeeroasters.ca/


Other mentions:

Barefoot Babies
http://barefootbabies.ca/

Beasley Pet Co
http://beasleypetco.ca/shop/

Burlap and Twine
https://www.facebook.com/Burlap-Twine-247599648720794/

Citizen Kid
http://citizenkid.ca/

Epic Books
http://epicbooks.ca/

Handknit Yarn Studio
http://handknityarnstudio.ca/

J.H. Gordon Books
http://www.jhgordonbooks.ca/

Mixed Media
https://www.instagram.com/mixedmedia154/

Needlework
http://www.iloveneedlework.com/

Quills
http://quills.ca/

Simply Zen
https://www.facebook.com/simplyzenhamilton/

Yellow Dog Grooming
http://www.yellowdoggrooming.com/

Plan B Organic Farms

As a mother to 2 small children, one of whom is still at home full time, I am always on the lookout for ways to save time and reduce excessive spending.  Grocery store shopping is exhausting and often results in extra purchases like non- essential treats or other miscellaneous add-ons that usually go to waste.  Long lines, hurried patrons, too many choices, too many labels – it’s overwhelming and the local options are very limited though some stores are making it more of a priority now. 

One of our recent large shares + extra fruit and lunch box items

I discovered Plan B Organic Farms when they were a little newer and their delivery area wasn’t as large as it is today.  We weren’t able to receive a delivery and the depots near us were out of the way but I continued to keep them in the back of my mind.

Last winter I looked in to Plan B’s CSA share again and to my surprise there were several changes.  They deliver to our area now which is awesome!  They also have a little more flexibility with the box contents, now if there is something you never want in your box like turnip you can say – no turnip ever! 

The Plan B Organic Farms CSA also differs as you can easily pause your subscription for holidays or take a month break if needed.  If for some reason it doesn’t work out you can easily cancel by sending an email request.  Most CSAs are paid up front as well, which for us is too hard to do but Plan B offers flexibility.  We pay weekly for our box with an email transfer - though other payment schedules and methods are available.  

Some of the fruit from this week

There are 2 share sizes small (10 items or so each week) and large (12-14items each week).  Local only is an option or local and imported.  During the growing season local is the focus for both shares and many items are grown by Plan B themselves.  We choose local and imported so in the winter months we have a better variety of fruits and vegetables the kids will eat.

Another great feature is the extras that can be added such as extra fruit and lunch box items.  We opt for both of these things to ensure we have enough to keep the kids happy.  Eggs, spelt wraps, sauerkraut and other goodies can also be added as desired. 

This past week our large local and imported large share was as follows:

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, lettuce, baby salad mix, daikon radish, broccoli, mini-cauliflower, beets, red pepper, apples, limes, bok choi, cherry tomatoes, extra potatoes 

Extra fruit:  Pears, cantaloupe, grapefruit

Lunch box:  kiwi, avocado, cucumber

This typically feeds our house of 3 adults and 2 children for most of the week though I am still participating in the Matchbox Garden CSA which rounds out our weekly needs.

Each week our share is delivered (for a minimal fee) in the evening and the kids love unpacking and putting everything away.  As a bonus there is an email that goes out with a list of what’s in the box – fantastic for when you have items you are unsure of!  Along with the details is an update on the farm and recipes that include items from the week’s shares. 

I really enjoy the random foods we receive each week and how it encourages creativity in the kitchen.  There are many foods I never would have tried - like bok choy - if I had never received them!  It is also great to support a hardworking and local business.

A handful of other share items

As an added bonus I started to follow Irene Matys on social media, if you don’t you should!  Irene creates beautiful and tasty dishes using Plan B Organics bounty and other delicious things.  I find her kitchen magic to be wonderfully inspiring!  Irene shares recipes along the way so when share day comes I am extra eager to open the box!

Shopping for produce is a breeze this way and I don’t have to deal with grocery store madness ;) .  It also helps keep our food budget in check.

 We love Plan B and what they have to offer!  

Detailed information can be found on Plan B Organics Website:

http://planborganicfarms.ca/

Plan B Organics Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/planbfarms/

Delightful recipes can be found on Irene Matys Website:

http://www.irenematys.com/

Irene's Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/thespicyolive1/

Stam Farms

The Market stand  Photo Credit:  Natalie Stam

In 2014, while perusing a Facebook page, I saw a post about eggs for sale at Stam Farms.  At this time I was really starting to take an interest in getting to know farmers in the area and what they might have to sell my family and I so I sent a message inquiring about what else they might have.  It was between seasons for the farm but I was told by Natalie (the lovely face behind the Facebook page) they would have chicken in early summer as well as a CSA program for produce.  I filed this in the back of my mind and eventually, if I am being honest, forgot! 

Fruit was brought in from another farm as an offering

When I received a message from Natalie about the start of their new season I was thrilled!  The simple fact that she had taken the time to write down what I was interested in and follow up months later was exceptional.  As a former retail worker I know how close to impossible that is with lots on the go. 

I made my first drive to Stam Farms in Hagersville to purchase 4 whole chickens and was greeted by a wonderful family with smiles and cheerful conversation.  Natalie made sure any questions I had were answered and I felt really great knowing our hard earned money was going to a family vs a big corporation.  Although the CSA program in 2015 didn’t work for us Natalie would often prepare me a large basket pack full of delicious organically grown produce as needed which was greatly appreciated.

I had a mini seedling crisis this past spring and Natalie came to my rescue with oodles of healthy seedlings for a fantastic price and even graciously donated some.  She also offered me continuous guidance and growing support through the growing season – if it wasn’t for her I would have ripped out my peppers that ended up thriving after a rough start!    

Beans in the field  Photo Credit: Natalie Stam

This year I was able to take part in Stam Farms market share program they ran as a customer friendly CSA.  This program was unique in that you would commit to spending $50 or $100 a month (more if desired) depending on your produce needs.  Each week 2 market dates were offered on Wednesdays and Saturdays and you could go and pick what you would like and have the total cost deducted from your tab.  Not only were vegetables a part of this but eggs, honey, meats when available and preserves were all part of this program. 

This model of CSA I really enjoyed since I didn’t have to commit to the drive every single week to pick up a share.  I was also able to stock up with bulk items for my freezer with the freedom to add more credit as I went along. 

There was a lot to choose from weekly depending on what was ripe at the time - cucumbers both pickling and slicing, peppers galore, herbs such as basil and dill, zucchini, garlic, potatoes, beans, many tomato varieties, kale, salad greens, the best cantaloupe I have ever eaten and so much more.   I often left with a huge heaped basket.

Market day!  Photo Credit:  Natalie Stam

The drought this season was extremely hard on all farmers, growers, livestock - pretty much all living things - but even through the loss of a huge corn crop Stam Farms carried on with a positive and thankful spirit.  It was so encouraging during a time that was otherwise very discouraging.

If you have ever gasped at the organic grocery store pricing consider a drive next season to Stam Farms!  The pricing is a fraction of the chain stores and everything is grown with love and care.  You do not have to be a member of the CSA share program to shop their stand and you have the comfort of transparency when you buy from a family run farm – knowing exactly how your food was grown.

My family and I have enjoyed the past few seasons shopping from Stam Farms market and are thankful for the many laughs, great advice and fantastic food!  We look forward to watching the farm grow and change in years to come!

Thanks for reading!

You can find Stam Farms on Facebook:

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

and on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/stamfarms/?hl=en

Some Stam Farms bounty

Matchbox Garden

The new sign at the farm

This Thursday will mark week 15 of Matchbox Garden’s CSA program!  We pick up our regular sized share Thursday’s at the farm in Caledonia and although there is a list sent out to select choices weekly, it still feels like a pleasant surprise unpacking the bag!  Occasionally items are substituted because nature hasn’t co-operated and certain items are no longer thriving come harvest but generally what you choose from the list is what you get. 

The options look something like this for a regular sized share:

Cooking Greens – choose 1 – swiss chard -1 bunch, sweet potato leaf -1 bunch, turnip tops-1bunch

Salad Greens –choose 1 –Arugula 1/4lb, baby beet greens-1 bunch, baby pok choy-1 bunch

Herbs & Flowers-choose 1- Mixed herb bunch, peppermint-1 bunch, edible flowers-1/2 pint, spearmint-1 bunch

Roots-choose 3-Beets tri colour -1 bunch, new potatoes-purple Russian-1 pint, Potatoes-white-1 pint, beets red-1 bunch, new potatoes-fingerling-1 pint, French turnip-1 bunch Cucurbit Family-choose 1-zucchini-1pint, patty pan squash-1pint, lemon squash-1 pint, early crookneck squash-1 pint, pie pumpkin-1pc, delicata squash-1pc

Tomatoes, Peppers & Eggplant-choose 2-tomatoes- cherry mixed-1pint, tomatoes-roma-1 pint, tomatoes-salad mix-1 pint, peppers-hot mixed-1/2 pint, tomatoes-field heirloom-1-4pcs, Tomatoes-paste/ketchup-1 pint, sweet peppers-mixed-1 pint

Fruit-choose 2-Pears, honey Bartlett-1 pint, peaches 1 pint, watermelon-1, apples-1 pint

One of the first CSA shares

Everything grown is certified organic with the exception of some low spray fruit sourced from fellow farms.  Hanna is always upfront about these options and they can be omitted should you not want them in your weekly bag. 

Along with being a part of the CSA program I have also purchased Matchbox Garden seeds and seedlings!  I planted an abundance of seeds this past spring that started out well but the helping hands I had liked to water a little too much ;) …Thankfully I was able to replace drowned plants with seedlings full of life from Matchbox Garden! 

 One of my favourite things about being involved in a CSA is meeting those who grow the food we eat.  It is so rewarding to drive up the lane way and be greeted by someone who has taken the time to prepare a selection of foods to feed your family.  If you ask my children where we buy vegetables they will say the farm and that warms my heart!

Evening Colours Sunflower 

Matchbox Garden started in Toronto in 2006 on a small urban lot and branched out to accommodate the farms growing needs utilizing other spaces in the GTA.  Currently the farm operates on their ½ acre property in beautiful Caledonia.  Follow the link below to the Matchbox Garden website below to learn more about the farm's history!  It’s a beautiful site with a fantastic seed catalogue.

The seeds sold by Matchbox are all hand harvested by Hanna!  They are certified organic, open pollinated and fantastic quality.  Heirloom and rare varieties are the focus all of which are full of flavour and add lovely colour to any garden! 

Hanna truly cares about the environment, the plants and all the little beings that play a role in the delicate ecosystem and uses gentle farming methods promoting sustainability.  Her experience is something she shares happily and I appreciate how willing she is to help trouble shoot my personal gardening challenges.  

This years seed order

My family is thankful for a great CSA season with Matchbox Garden.  The drive to the farm is scenic and peaceful, I often make a stop at the river.  Each week we are greeted with a warm smile and a bag full of beautiful vegetables and fruit for us to enjoy throughout the week. 

I encourage everyone I meet to take the time and get to know the farmers who feed their families on some level.  You will be amazed at what the partnership will give you and yours – healthy wholesome food & knowledge to last a lifetime. 

Thanks for Reading! 

Matchbox Garden's website: 

http://www.matchboxgarden.ca/

Share from week 14 with extra watermelon and bulk tomatoes

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!