"We bought it for the land, for the space. We took everything down, built our first barn, and lived there." Carolin gestures to the Farm Store. "While building our house." The farm evolved from housing cow-calf pairs to expanding into stalker livestock. "We try to carry around 40-ish head," Carolin shared, laughing about their initial underestimation of their needs. "Turns out, we needed more barn space." Their commitment to quality was evident in every detail, from choosing breeds for leaner meat to their unique processing facility. "Our customer base is growing," she beamed, reflecting on their journey. "The Horton Market has been a game-changer, providing consistency and growth opportunities." While they began their journey as a hobby farm without necessarily anticipating going pro, farm life is familiar for both Ben and Carolin - they both grew up on farms, surrounded by farms. Their growth from hobby toward raising cattle commercially and adding on a processing facility began slowly until everything changed. In 2020, when obtaining some of the required meat cuts became difficult, the pair opted to solve their problem and open their own butchering facility to augment the on-farm store. This expansion subsequently increased the products they could make available. The extensive offerings include sausage, poultry (5-star recommendation for the Lemon Pepper Chicken Breast), pork, beef tallow, and unique cuts you likely don't see in regular grocery stores like Butt Bacon. Carolin's eyes lit up as she spoke about underrated cuts like skirt steaks and chuck eyes. "We're able to increase sales by educating customers on these gems," she explained. "It's about more than just selling meat; it's about sharing knowledge and creating connections."
It turns out there are a lot of underrated cuts of meat. This is the beauty of shopping at a farmers' market like The Horton Farmers' Market. As a consumer, you can connect directly with the person providing the product. In this case, Carolin can offer suggestions on preparation, such as how to slice a skirt steak to melt in your mouth just as much as that tenderloin you've been dreaming of. Their journey wasn't without challenges, but their perseverance and community support were unwavering. "The community has been absolutely amazing," Carolin emphasized. "From embracing our products to appreciating our dedication, it's been a rewarding experience." As the interview concluded, the essence of B & C Farms shone through—a testament to hard work, passion, and the power of community. From dilapidation to dynamism, their story was a reminder that every journey, no matter how humble its beginnings, can blossom into something beautiful with dedication and a little bit of love.
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Step into a world of turkey magic at the Turkey Shoppe, nestled in the heartland of poultry perfection. Since 1958, this family farm has been serving succulent turkey delights. In 1992, they opened their on-farm retail store to further spread turkey love. What started as a small venture has blossomed into a buzzing hub of turkey goodness! What's their secret? They're all about turkey, all the time! The Turkey Shoppe covers every turkey craving, from plump breasts and sizzling sausages to mouthwatering deli cuts. They're the pros for making turkey a delicious part of your everyday meals. Whether you need a quick fix or plan a feast, they have just what you need. But it's not just about the food—the whole experience sets them apart. With a team of friendly and witty staff, they'll have you laughing your way through the aisles. They love being part of the Horton Farmers' Market, "We love the interaction with our customers and being part of their healthy eating lifestyle." It's a community, and they're proud to be a part of it! They're turning up the heat this year with their incredible chefs, Ben and Matt. They whip up exclusive heat-and-serve turkey meals every Friday to make your taste buds dance with joy. Follow their social media or website to stay in the loop and never miss a mouthwatering creation when it makes its Horton debut fresh on Saturday Morning! Now, let's talk about the star of the show: Turkey Schnitzel. "Turkey Schnitzel is always a favourite," this crowd-pleaser is quick, delicious, and oh-so-versatile. Whip it up for a gourmet sandwich, toss it on a bed of greens, or let it steal the spotlight in a fancy dinner. Here's the secret to perfection: preheat a lightly greased pan, sizzle it on medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, and voila! Crispy, tender goodness awaits.
So, whether you're a turkey enthusiast or just starting your poultry adventure, the Turkey Shoppe is your go-to destination for all things turkeylicious. Join the turkey revolution and experience flavour, fun, and a whole lot of gobble-tastic excitement at the Turkey Shoppe—where turkey reigns supreme! Once upon a time, a pair of passionate farmers embarked on a flavorful adventure in a land not so far away. They wanted to bring the joy of exceptional meat to their community, and thus, Quaker Springs Farm was born! Today, you are invited on a whimsical journey through Quaker Springs Farm, where the animals roam happily, the flavours burst with delight, and every bite tells a unique story. Quaker Springs Farm sets out on a mission to ensure that every meat-loving soul experiences the flavours of their carefully raised animals. Founders Wade and Vera Davey took matters into their own hands. They started raising their own herds of pigs, chickens, turkeys, ducks, and even the occasional lamb. The result? Farm fresh meat you'll taste and see the difference from the very first bite! At Quaker Springs Farm, they believe in preserving the old-world charm and exceptional quality of heritage breeds. Wade and Vera's small herds of pigs exclusively consist of Berkshire, Tamworth, and the latest addition to their family, Mangalista. They finish meat chickens while also hatching chickens, ducks, and turkeys. "All of our animals are raised with lots of access to sunshine and fresh air, just like our grandparents did." Quaker Springs Farm takes immense pride in offering a wide range of products, from succulent pork products, including sausages and chops, to ready-made meals crafted with love, such as sausage rolls. Poultry is available whole or as a main ingredient in the hearty family favourite recipes they create. And let's remember Quaker Springs Farm's limited quantity of lamb, perfect for enjoying fresh or transformed into dishes like Caribbean curry lamb. "We proudly sell Water Buffalo sourced from our neighbour in West Lorne. And in a delightful new addition this year, we've partnered with the esteemed Gunns Hill and Millbank Cheese Artisans to bring you an assortment of irresistible cheeses". Throughout their journey, Vera and Wade have learned valuable lessons. "Grow what you can handle; we only do so many pigs a year, as well as poultry. No matter what you farm, it is always a lot of work". Focusing on a limited number of pigs and poultry each year ensures that every animal receives the care and attention they deserve. Farming is undeniably hard work, regardless of what you choose to raise. Still, with dedication and passion, Quaker Springs Farm continues to thrive.
One of the greatest joys for Vera and Wade is the opportunity to interact with their amazing customers. Whether they're lifelong fans or newcomers to Quaker Springs Farm, the Horton Market is where the magic truly happens. "There are always a bunch of great vendors, and we get much of our fresh products from [Horton Market vendors] for our prepared foods/meals." The team at Quaker Springs Farm love to surprise and delight their patrons with an array of prepared foods that entice even the most adventurous taste buds. Their single-serve wonders are designed to encourage everyone to try new flavours and fall in love with unexpected dishes. Some examples of their offerings include Greek Patitisio with options of pork or lamb, Caribbean curry lamb served with rice and peas, Shepherd's Pork Pie enveloped in puff pastry, Serbian Cevap, and cabbage rolls, among others. "Comfort foods are also a delightful part of our menu, with our chicken pot pie being the crowd favourite!" We also offer bacon cheeseburger pie, quiche, and fresh sausage rolls, all prepared from scratch, including our homemade pie crusts. Every week is a surprise! "Our smoked Berkshire pork chops are a favourite with anyone who tries them. As they are cooking, you notice the aromatic smell of smoked cured pork, full of flavour and moist". To create a delicious glazed pork chop, start with Quaker Springs Farm's fresh Berkshire chop! Photo by Jenn Eggleston Photography Step into a floral wonderland where nature's beauty intertwines with Harris Flower Farm's enchanting artistry. Founded in 2008 by Janis and Mark, this family-owned business has blossomed into a blooming sensation, with their three kids growing up amidst the vibrant petals and fragrant scents of their market stalls. Now, let's take a delightful stroll through their captivating story and see what makes Harris Flower Farm genuinely extraordinary.
With her successful optical career, Janis yearned for something more—a chance to embrace her country roots and showcase her love for the land. Inspired by her mother's suggestion, Janis began cultivating gladiolus, placing them alongside their family's spot at the Horton Market. The response was overwhelming! Encouraged by the market's enthusiastic reception, Janis expanded her offerings, and Harris Flower Farm soon flourished into over 5 acres of exquisite blooms. At Harris Flower Farm, they proudly defy conventions, offering a stunning array of flower varieties and types that even mainstream florists dare not use. With every bouquet they create, they capture the essence of each season, allowing their customers to experience the enchanting journey of nature's kaleidoscope. Their bouquets are a magical snapshot of seasonal beauty, from vibrant spring blossoms to cozy autumnal hues. Harris Flower Farm extends its exquisite offerings to delight the senses of floral enthusiasts everywhere. Their blooms are in high demand and can be found at markets across Elgin County and their on-farm flower cart. But that's not all! Their online shop and flower delivery service ensure that friends and family can share the joy, making every occasion more memorable. The farm also provides flower bouquet subscriptions, adds a touch of charm to unforgettable special events, and creates breathtaking floral masterpieces for weddings that will forever be etched in memories. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the market, the Harris Flower Farm team has witnessed a delightful spectacle: people choosing their weekly bouquets. Sometimes the decision is swift and definitive; other times, it's a captivating dance of contemplation and deliberation. The sheer joy of observing these moments has taught them the beauty of choice, individuality, and the simple pleasures derived from embracing the ephemeral nature of flowers. What makes the Horton Farmers' Market genuinely exceptional? For Janis and Mark, it's the sense of belonging and the joy of watching their children grow alongside the market's vibrant tapestry. Their oldest, Cameron, is now learning the art of floral magic at their table. The warm embrace of the market's community, vendors and customers alike, has created a bond that transcends the transactions—a sense of family and shared passion that continues nourishing their spirits. This year, Harris Flower Farm invites you to discover the convenience and splendour of its online shop. A thoughtful gesture of sending flowers to your loved ones in the area has never been more effortless. But that's not all—they specialize in crafting exceptional arrangements for every occasion, infusing a touch of floral magic into weddings, and offering solace with flowers. Dear flower enthusiasts and market lovers, we extend an irresistible invitation to come down to the vibrant Horton Market, where the magic of Harris Flower Farm comes alive! You can also get a taste of their pasture raised pork with a breakfast visit to Bonjour Breakfast - order the OMG sausage breakfast sandwich! |