Yikes! 10 days till Christmas Eve

The season just flies by. I hope all of you are enjoying the coming of Christmas and not too stressed with all the preparations.
Our tree sales have been going well, we still have some beauties - Fraser Fir, Balsam and Scotch Pine.

There is still time to order your turkey. I am very limited on small ones but have some in the 18lb plus range. This can all change because they are still all living and weights are only certain once they are dressed and ready for dinner. Give me a range of 4 lbs in order to have one that will fit your needs.

We're still baking. The Christmas cookie trays are very enticing and yummy. They make great hostess gifts, take them to an office party, or just enjoy at home for dessert. Place your pie orders for the 24th so you won't be dissappointed. We close at 4 pm Christmas eve and reopen the first weekend in May. I try not to overbake because I get to eat whats left.

Our turkey pies are ready and we'll have our chicken pies done by this Friday. They're delicious and make for an easy meal.

This may be the last blog before Christmas. I'm already booking our workshops and conferences we want to attend this winter. I'll try and keep you posted on what will be new for next season.

We wish you all a very merry Christmas with all the joy the season can bring. Stay safe this winter and we'll see you in the spring.

MMMM The tastes and smells of Christmas

Shortbread cookies, mince tarts and pies, the smell of a Christmas tree; oh the traditions of Christmas.

It's one of our favorite times of the year.

Our farm and market is now open daily until Christmas eve day.

We still have apples, carrots, squash and other Ontario produce available, we're baking our pies, and there is a beautiful selection of fresh cut Fraser fir, Balsam and Scotch Pine Christmas trees to choose from - anywhere from 3 ft to approx. 12 ft.

Fresh, Free Range, Grain Fed Turkeys
are available by special order. They'll be ready for pickup December 23rd and 24th. Get your order in early so you won't be disappointed.

Kawartha Dairy eggnog is in. We think it's the best you'll ever taste. Place your orders for eggnog and pies for the 24th as I try to sell out. This way you won't be disappointed.

DECEMBER HOURS

Beginning Dec 6th
Mon to Wed 9:00 till 7:30
Thurs to Sun 9:00 till 6pm

Dec 20th to Dec 23rd 9:00 till 6:00

We are closing for the season Friday Dec 24th at 4:00pm and will reopen the first weekend in May.

Christmas Trees are here

We've got some beautiful trees now and more are coming on Saturday. Frasers, Balsam and Pine so far. The smell is amazing. We'll be starting to look like Christmas soon. Cedar roping will be available as of Friday November 19th.


Our Last batch of Roasting Chickens are in
the market. We'll put them in the freezer as of Saturday the 20th. Supplies are very limited so come ASAP. We're open in November Thursday to Sunday 9 till 5.


Farm'n Fun
The animals are still here welcoming visitors. It is starting to get cool so dress warmly - our playgrounds are open.

Christmas baking
will be available approximately December 1st. We don't like to crowd out the American Thanksgiving. Mince pies, tarts and cookie trays are something sweet to make your holidays a treat.

Order your Christmas Turkey now
Christmas comes fast and it seems to take so long to get everyone organized. Start planning dinner now so you won't be panicking last minute.

Stock up on Squash
Our crop of squash is looking great and we have great prices. Time to stock up. We've still got a nice selection of Ontario produce. Check out our market for end of season specials.

Celebrate the Coming of Christmas with us.

Enjoy the peacefulness of November

Our farm and market is open Thursday to Sunday in November from 9 till 5 (except the 7th when they close the road till 1pm).

We still have a good selection of apples including Spy's for baking and other produce in our market along with apple cider, pies, preserves and more.

Christmas Turkeys
We are now taking orders for fresh, free range, grain fed turkeys for Christmas. You can never be too prepared.

LAST CALL FOR ENCHANTED FOREST
Our wagon rides and Enchanted Forest will be closing down for the season Sunday November 7th. Come out and enjoy a quiet walk in the woods. Our farm animals and play areas will still be here till the end of November and into December, depending on the weather.

KENNEDY ROAD CLOSED SUNDAY NOVEMBER 7TH FROM 8AM TILL 1
Don't be disappointed. Come after 1 pm to visit the farm as the road is closed till then for a fundraising marathon.

Halloween is coming soon!!!

10 days till Halloween!!!! Our Harvest Festival is on for the next two weekends so come and enjoy. Bundle up when they're calling for city temperatures below 15 degrees as we are close to 5 degrees cooler here at the farm.
Pony rides are here October Sundays from 11:00 till 3:00 as long as the weather permits. They will not be here if it is raining.

SPY APPLES ARE HERE!!!
Calling all bakers. We now have spy apples available - by the pound, 1/2 peck 1/2 bushel and bushel. We have them for a limited time only, once our bin of spy apples is gone, it's gone.

Looking forward to the Coming of Christmas
Our farm and market is open until December 24th. Enjoy Christmas baking, fresh cut Christmas trees and fresh Christmas turkeys.

Pumpkin Harvest Festival

I hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving. The weather couldn't have been better.
Time to change our focus to PUMPKINS!

Our harvest festival is now in full swing each weekend in October with a lot of fun activities. We've worked hard this summer to bring in new activities for you to enjoy and they've been well received. Our pedal karts are always in use, Billy Goat Mountain, our new slide has received rave reviews and the wagon train brings lots of smiles to people's faces - it's great for the toddlers.

Check out our website for complete details on our festival.

Honey Crisp apples are on special until October 15th for $1.49lb or as long as supplies last. A good chance to try them - they're very juicy with a sweet hint of watermelon flavour.

We hope to have mutsu apples available this week. They are great for eating and baking.

Don't forget that our farm is open until December 24th. We also have fresh turkeys available for Christmas.

Enjoy the fall, it's been beautiful so far.

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is almost here. Our market looks like it with the displays overflowing. We are fortunate there is so much good food grown in Ontario.

We are open daily through till Oct 31st then Thursday to Sunday in November then daily in December till Dec 24th. October is a busy month with our Harvest Festival each weekend including Thanksgiving Monday.

PONY RIDES each October Sunday and Thanksgiving Monday from 11-3.

We now have over 5 varieties of apples fresh picked in the market, including Honeycrisp.

Order your Thanksgiving Turkey now!

Time is flying and Thanksgiving will soon be here. It's time to start preparing. We've got our order book ready so order soon.
Our turkeys are free range, grain fed and delicious.

APPLES HAVE STARTED
Macintosh apples are now here along with Gala and Empire. More varieties will be arriving soon. They're starting to press apple cider and that will be in our market Thursday September 16th. A great start to the fall season.

FALL FUN IS HERE
We've been working hard this summer putting in new activities for you to enjoy. Come on out and discover what they are. Everyone who's been here has had a great time.

Looking forward to seeing everyone.

Labour Day Weekend

Summer for students is officially ending but for us here on the farm its still full blast. We're on our last patch of beans and their at a fantastic stage right now.

We'll be open everyday Labour Day weekend from 9 till 6.

We've been busy this summer and we've got lot's happening this fall. Beginning this weekend we are reopening our Enchanted Forest available this Saturday, Sunday and holiday Monday from 10:00am till 3:00.

Our corn maze will officially open Saturday September 4th. Enter it if you dare!!!!!

Come on out and discover whats been keeping us busy.

Join us this weekend as we celebrate farming.
Our staff will be wearing special T shirts promoting the Farmers Feed Cities campaign.
Farmers Feed Cities is committed to increasing the understanding of the value that farmers contribute to Ontario’s economic physical and social health. Farmers Feed Cities is committed to ensuring a sustainable future for farmers in Ontario.

From field to fork – when the farming industry is healthy it positively impacts the province’s well being. Through increased awareness, Farmers Feed Cities encourages Ontarians to appreciate the importance of farming to Ontario. "We hope this increased accessibility to information on our farming industry will engage Ontarians to support their second largest industry – farming," continues Van Rooy.For more info check out www.farmersfeedcities.com.

We're also collecting food donations for the North York Harvest Food Bank. They pick up Tuesday so we'll store any fresh food donations in our cooler. Help get the school year off to a fresh start.

Catch Summer While you Can

This summer has been flying by and with July being reported as the second hottest on record you know the crops are going to be affected. Everything is early.

Apples have begun - we have Ginger Gold, a green,tangy apple that sweetens when ripe is the best early apple I've tasted. We keep them cold to keep them crunchy as you should do for all early apples.

The sweet corn loves this heat and has been especially sweet this summer. We should have it till a heavy frost.

Tomatoes are coming in in baskets now and bushels for canning won't be far behind. We expect to have bushels by late August instead of beginning the first week of school.

Niagara peaches are amazing this year. They are so sweet and now we're into the freestone varieties so get your jam made and preserving done. Their season will be over very early in September.

Have we got beef. We've just had 2 cattle processed and our freezer is overflowing with selection. We're trying some new cuts along with marinading some as our beef is quite lean. Remember to cook it at a lower temperature for a shorter period of time. Being lean it doesn't like to be overcooked.
This month we have our burger patties on special. A good chance to check them out.

So... catch the summer while you can.

Dairy Activity Day Sunday August 8th

Come join us on the farm this Sunday as we host Dairy Farmers of Canada.

Participate in ongoing activities organized by the DFC team. They will be here on the farm from 10:00 till 3:00 to help you understand where your milk and dairy products come from in a fun and informative way.

What's new in the market!
The sweet corn is now local. It's delicious. We have peaches and cream varieties that will make your mouth water.
Time to can your peaches as the season is going fast. They started early and will end early as well so don't miss out.
Nante carrots are so sweet and eagerly anticipated. We'll have some in this weekend.

Beans are the best and our crop is plentiful. Come now for some amazing green and yellow beans. They are at a super stage right now and we're picking lots. You can pick some to, just $2.00/lb.

Where's the beef? It is in our freezer and we're trying new cuts to make your summer meals special. Check out our freezer for strip loin kabob kubes, filet mignon, marinated stir fry slices and soon corned beef brisket.

ASK JOAN
We'll be having Joan Fielden in on Saturdays. She is a home economist and will be there to answer your questions and help with meal suggestions. This is a new program for our market and we'll be trying to have her available when interest is highest. Currently we are trying Saturday mornings. We'll keep you posted as this program develops further.

Special Sundays in August

The beginning of August is a busy one. We have 2 special Sundays on the farm.

Sunday August 1st
is Kidsummer Day. Join the Todays Parent crew enjoying a day at the farm. They'll be bringing special sponsors to add to our fun activities. In celebration of Kidsummer we are offering a special admission price for this Sunday only - free admission for up to 3 children with each paid adult admission. It is a great opportunity to enjoy our activities. The weather report sounds promising so far. For more details go to http://www.kidsummer.com/ The google map still shows us north of Elgin Mills on Kennedy Rd. We are just south of Elgin Mills on the east side. We've been trying to get that fixed.

Civic Holiday Monday August 2nd
we are open from 9 till 6 with all our weekend activities happening. Why not, it's a holiday. Regular weekend admission rates apply.

Sunday August 8th - From Farm to Table
Join us and the Dairy Farmers of Canada for an opportunity to learn more about where your milk comes from. They will be available with activities for all visitors this Sunday August 8th (weather permitting) between 10:30 and 3:00. Their trailer and the activities will be out front of our market. Come see whats up.

Spring Blossom Honey is now here

This is honey is produced in the bee hives at the north end of our Markham farm. David and Joyce our beekeepers harvested it approx. 2 weeks ago. Because of the short time from winter to harvest time, supply is limited.
Our Spring Blossom Honey is in great demand because of it's light, delicate flavour. It is also raw honey in that once spun out of the honey comb and into the collection vat, the honey is put directly into the jars without any further processing. It is neither warmed nor filtered. Raw honey does crystallize faster but the flavour is unbeatable.
Check out our honey selection. Come get some before it's gone.

Summer Crops are here before you know it

I don't need to tell you that the summer has been hot. Here on the farm not only are we feeling the heat (we've a nice breeze which helps) but so are all our crops.

Our strawberries are done for the season now. We're busy getting the field ready for next year. I always recommend you start inquiring about the strawberry crop around June 15th and this year you would have been 1 week into the season. Strawberries were unusually early this year and some people were too late for the pick your own.

Sweet corn is here. It is from southwestern Ontario at the moment but will soon be from our local fields. These hot nights are making for some very sweet corn.

Special Days in August
We have 2 special event days early August.

Kidsummer is happening on our farm Sunday August 1st. Enjoy treats from the Kidsummer sponsors all put on by Todays Parent magazine.

Sunday August 8th
We are currently finalizing plans to host an educational exhibition from Dairy Farmers Canada.
It will be located on our front lawn area so all visitors to our farm and market are welcome to drop by and learn more about milk and how Canadian farmers work to feed you.

Even if you miss both these days there are always the farm animals to visit and lots to learn on the farm.

Don't let the heat stop you. We're fresher in the country.

Sweet Corn has begun

Sweet corn from southwestern Ontario is becoming more plentiful. We now have some in our market. It's a sweet addition to dinner. As it gets closer to our area we will have a large supply, fresh picked each day.

Strawberries
This is our last week for strawberries. Our pick your own in Greenbank is now closed. Fresh pick berries will be available in our Markham Farm market this week.

Our beans are ready - fresh picked and pick your own
The bean crop is good right now. We have them on special for $5.00/3l basket in the market. Pick your own - they're plentiful in the field.

Raspberries
are at their peak so get them now. They are especially delicious this year with the heat but it is also the heat that will shorten their season. Don't delay.

Peaches
are here and delicious. They are clingstone varieties right now so only good for eating. The freestone varieties you can use in canning and jams will be approx. 2 more weeks.

Still Picking Strawberries in Greenbank

It's Wednesday and berry picking in Greenbank is still pretty good. We're optimistic that we'll be able to open mornings this week and Saturday. The weather report looks favourable except for Friday. Call 905-985-6749 to check.

Fresh picked berries are still available in our Markham Farm market hopefully through the weekend as well.

Wild blueberries are now in. Not sure about a steady supply yet but they've at least started.

Hot enough still?

This weather is not doing our crops any favours.

Strawberry Season is almost over
Our pick your own berries in Greenbank is coming to an end this week. Our hours open are variable depending on the weather and crop conditions. Picking is still good but the berries are getting smaller.
We will be open Tuesday morning 8:30am till noon if it doesn't rain. Call 905-985-6749 for the most current update.
Our Markham farm is open daily 9:00 till 6:00 and we'll have fresh picked berries for as long as possible. This will be the last week for them until the day neutral strawberries start late August.

Raspberries are here
The raspberries have begun. DON'T DELAY They don't like this heat and humidity either. Currently we have a good supply of fresh picked raspberries in our Markham Farm Market.

Looking forward to Sweet Corn
As with all crops this year sweet corn will be early. Some started under plastic is already available. We may have some in the market Friday.

Enjoy Garlic now
Ontario garlic tastes great and is now in our market. There may be another crop shortage this year so start enjoying it now.

Crops to come
blueberries, peaches, plums, nantes carrots, field tomatoes

Hot Enough?

Strawberries at the Peak of their Season

DON'T DELAY
Now is the time to pick strawberries at our Greenbank farm. There are so many berries they are almost jumping into the baskets.

June has been very wet so far but the weather reports are looking up with cooler, dryer weather forcasted for this week. The berries are sweet because of the heat and ripening quicker than usual.

Our late berries are starting to ripen which means approximately one more week of pick your own. We'll have fresh picked berries at our Markham farm for a while longer than our pick your own season.

Don't be disappointed!!! Pick this week.

OPEN THURSDAY JULY 1st at our Markham farm for fun and pick your own peas and at Greenbank for pick your own strawberries.

Celebrate Fathers this Sunday

Father's Day Sunday June 20th
What a better gift to give than time spent together with Dad. We'll be celebrating Dads this Sunday by offering free admission to fathers of all ages when accompanied by their kids. The weather sounds like it is going to co-operate and give us a beautiful day.
We'll have pick your own sweet peas available this weekend and fresh picked strawberries are in our market. YUM!

Bumper Crop of Strawberries at our Greenbank Farm
Our strawberry crop is in full swing right now. They taste great and supply is good. Don't delay. The season is earlier this year and could end earlier. It may not extend too far into July so I wouldn't wait until the kids are out of school to come picking.

Strawberry pick your own is available at our farm in Greenbank only along with fresh picked berries. Large orders can be filled. Call 905-985-6749 for a crop report and hours open.

Fresh picked strawberries from our Greenbank farm are in our Markham market daily, weather permitting.

Strawberry Pick your Own begins Friday

The season is here and the berries are beautiful, plentiful and delicious.

Our own strawberries are now available fresh picked in our Markham market. Our Markham farm is now open daily 9 till 6. Pick your own peas begin this weekend.

We will be opening in Greenbank for fresh picked and pick your own berries this Friday 8:30 am till 7:00 pm and will be open daily as crop and weather permits. Call 905-985-6749 for up to date crop reports.

Come out and enjoy!!!!!!! See you soon.

Baby Pictures

Sorry - forgot to post our baby picture. He's a thirsty one.

Check our website soon for our video on this years sheep shearing.

It's been a busy month

Strawberry Update
Who would have thought we'd have heat alerts in May after such a cold start to the month. This heat is bringing on the crops FAST. Peas will be early - they are already in pod and the strawberries will be ready sometime around the middle of June. Check the crop report beginning June 10th by phoning our market at 905-887-1087 or our Greenbank Farm at 905-985-6749 for up to date info on the berry and pea crops.

4 New Lambs
We've had 4 new moms this month. Ewenice had only a single lamb this year. She's the veteran among the May moms. All the other moms are first timers and their lambs are doing well. We now have out extra sheep pen beside Mud and Toots pasture pen complete and moved in our new mom and baby. Come on by to say hi.

Rhubarb
We can't end this blog without mentioning the first fruit of summer. Well, it is a stem really. Some people love and we do have it available on a limited basis. Once the strawberries begin we will try to have it on a consistent basis in our market.

The Farm is now open

The animals are here, the school tours have started, the peas are 4"high and it feels like summer.
We've had 2 new kids born just in time for opening Saturday. They're doing well.

ASPARAGUS IS HERE
With this warm weather Ontario asparagus is available. We've also got huge greenhouse tomatoes, cucumbers and sweet potatoes. More selection will be here as the season progresses.

CHEESE LOVERS ALERT
New this year we will have Celebrity goat cheese,(produced in Lindsay, Ont.) and Black River Cheese (produced in Prince Edward County) joining our selection from Maple Dale Cheese. Black River Cheddar uses vegetable based rennet to make their cheese, not animal based.
Check out our cooler for this enhanced selection.

Saturday May 1st is the day

We're opening for the season this Saturday. The farm is looking good and green thanks to all this warm weather. The animals are awaiting your arrival.
We've got new lambs (Ewenice will be giving us more near the end of the month) and kids. The chicks are here, some are already 3 weeks old.

CHECK OUT THE CHICKENS
We have an incubator this year and if all goes well should have some chicks hatching next week. It is always a gamble but if we succeed I'll take some pictures as the chicks hatch and post them. (There will be a time delay as I'm not great with technology.)

Sheep Shearing
Speaking of technology, I took a video of our sheep being sheared. I currently have connections with a film grad student who is cleaning it up and editing so you can actually hear me telling you what is happening. Be on the lookout. I'll be posting it as soon as it is ready.

The strawberries and peas are doing well and may be early this year. We'll keep you posted.

See you soon

OPENING SATURDAY MAY 1st

Wow! has winter gone by fast. We're getting ready to open for the season so hopefully the warm weather will continue. Jim has already planted some peas, the earliest ever for him.

School tours are starting soon and we are busy booking now for the spring and summer.

It has been a busy winter for us. We've attended a number of workshops and conferences to sharpen our skills and make some changes on the farm. You'll see some new activities as the season progresses, ones we think you'll enjoy. April's weather will dictate their development and when they're completed.

We've made some Shepherds Pies using our own beef. They make for an easy, quick delicious meal. They'll be in our freezer section along with our other naturally raised meat.

Kids and Lambs
The sheep and goats have been busy this winter as well. We now have over a half dozen lambs and kids born and more are expected. They are full of energy and jumping around in their pens.

Spring is a time of renewal, a season we always enjoy.

See you soon!!

Spring is early on the Farm

New Arrivals
The birth of lambs is usually associated with spring but we've had some early arrivals. To date we have 2 sets of twins born. There are doing fine and have been accepted by the others in the flock.

Looking Forward to a new Season
We've just returned from a farm conference in Pennsylvania (WOW, did they get snow!) and got filled with new ideas and energy. You'll notice some changes this year, we'll be adding some new activities and refreshing some of our current ones.

We always look forward to a new season. See you May 1st.