Step right up, cheese lovers and dairy enthusiasts, for a goat-tastic adventure at Great Lakes Goat Dairy! It all began 11 years ago when the cheese world was just not the same—firm goat cheeses were a rare find. But fear not, for a brilliant idea hatched in the minds of our daring cheese pioneers!

Great Lakes Goat Dairy sprang to life, offering a unique twist to cheese aficionados everywhere. Their secret superpower? Creating a variety of cheeses that could be savoured by even those with dairy intolerances. Yes, you heard that right! Lactose lamentors, rejoice, for a cheese wonderland awaits.

Picture this: firm goat cheese galore, from classic cheddar to creamy Havarti, delectable asiago to ooey-gooey mozzarella. Some with flavours that will dance on your taste buds and some crisp and clean for the purists among us. There's a cheese for every palate and occasion at Great Lakes Goat Dairy.

​Along the way, they've learned a thing or two, and boy, have they got a fun-filled lesson to share! Turns out, many folks fall head over heels for their cheese once they get a taste of the magic. So, their secret to world cheese domination? Simple—get people to try it, and they'll be taking it home faster than a goat sprinting through a meadow.

Their love affair with the Horton Farmers' Market is no secret. Amidst the vibrant crowd, they find joy in connecting with customers, sharing cheesy stories, and watching smiles light up like stars in the sky.

Attention, shoppers! Great Lakes Goat Dairy has a sumptuous treat in store for you this year! On those sweltering summer days when cooking feels like a marathon, or when you're entertaining for the holiday seasons ahead, they've got a delightful solution—cheese platters! Picture a spread of their heavenly cheeses, a tantalizing array of delicious options just waiting to dazzle your taste buds.

Among their tantalizing lineup, one cheese shines —the Caramelized Onion Cheddar. Oh, sweet caramelized goodness meets the smoothness of cheddar in a match made in cheese heaven.

And hold onto your aprons, for here's a magical recipe tip from the cheese wizards themselves—the Tomato Feta bake! Pair it with their feta, and you'll be transported to a flavour paradise you never knew existed.

So, cheese enthusiasts, dairy-free warriors, and culinary adventurers make your way to Great Lakes Goat Dairy at the Horton Farmers' Market. Embrace the goat cheese magic, dance with flavours, and savour every bite like it's a cheese carnival in your mouth. The Great Lakes Goat Dairy welcomes you with open hooves, ready to show you a world of cheese that's oh-so-goat-tastic!

​Once upon a sunny day in Belmont, a dairy dream came to life on June 18, 2022, when Mistyglen Creamery, an extension of the legendary Mistyglen Farms, flung open its barn doors to the world. Little did the world know that this charming creamery had a history dating back 70 years, filled with milky tales of success and a delightful twist to the dairy tale.

Mistyglen Farms, with its rich tradition of dairy operations, had wanted to diversify its offerings. They dreamt of processing and retailing on the farm itself, which meant Kris, the passionate nurse turned farmer, could finally return to the family fold full-time. With the vision of on-farm processing planted 9 years ago, it had weathered through seasons of waiting, but in early 2020, it was time to milk that idea into reality.

And so, the creamery nestled just 100 feet in front of the milking barn, where the magic of minimal processing and vat pasteurization unfolded. Unlike the shelf-dwellers of the dairy aisle, Mistyglen Creamery chose a low-temperature pasteurization method, preserving their high-quality raw milk with a nostalgic nod to the past. There are no unnecessary steps here, just pure, unhomogenized milk with a separation of cream atop the fluid milk, creating a picturesque canvas of dairy perfection.

But the real showstoppers were the squeaky and scrumptious cheese curds! Every Friday, the creamery showcased the authentic Quebec way and the flavours! Loaded potato and dill pickle curds tantalized taste buds like a barn dance for the tongue.

As the creamery flourished, Kris and the team were not content with being just another pit stop. Mistyglen Creamery was transforming into an agri-tourism haven. The farm beckoned the community with open arms, offering a sweet escape into the vibrant farm life (with a few chuckles from the unique farm smell). They envisioned a future where the farm hosted community services with a positive impact, like a dementia day program inspired by Care Farming—a nurturing embrace where farming and nursing danced in harmony.

In the heart of the creamery, a retail wonderland unfolded. Shoppers delighted in Mistyglen's products and local gems, all while glimpsing into the mystical production area. The milking ladies showed off their hard work on the barn's live stream, captivating customers like a prime-time dairy drama.

The Horton Market was the icing on Mistyglen Creamery's cake—a family of vendors and consumers knitted together with warm threads of community spirit. Collaborating with fellow vendors was a highlight, as was meeting customers face-to-face and treating them like cherished members of an extended family. To them, the Horton market was the essence of togetherness and love.

There were whispers of future expansions to the yogurt line. New equipment and operations were afoot as the creamery strived to make creamy dreams come true. The yogurt was a heartthrob, vying for the top spot with the beloved white non-homogenized milk—a dairy dream that made hearts flutter.

​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!

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! 

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!

​Hey there, meat lovers! Ever wondered what makes B&C Farms so unique? Well, let me tell you their story! It all started as a hobby with a few cattle for Ben and Carolin, but their love for these bovine buddies grew bigger than their pastures. People couldn't get enough of their incredible beef, and that's when they knew they had something special.

Their main objective? To provide their customers with mouthwatering, pasture-raised, grain-finished beef filled with love and care. They truly believe that happy cows make delicious meat, and oh boy, does it show in the flavour!

But wait, there's more! In the wild year of 2020, when everything went topsy-turvy, they faced a challenge. The beef cuts they needed were unavailable, so they put on their thinking caps and determined to build their own processing facility. Now, they can process their own beef, pork, lamb, and even seasonal deer. Talk about taking matters into their own hands!

Now, what sets them apart from the herd? B&C Farms is not your typical butcher shop. Nope, they raise and sell their very own beef! They source their steers directly from local farmers, ensuring no hormones sneak into your steaks. With a small and passionate team consisting of husband and wife duo Ben and Carolin, and Steve, the butcher with culinary superpowers, they make sure every cut is exceptional.

But that's not all! Their shop is brimming with goodies. From juicy burgers, London broils, and stuffed chicken breasts to shish kabobs and specialty sausages, they've got something for every craving. And if custom cuts are your thing, they'll happily cater to your steak thickness preferences too!

Meat isn't the only star at B&C Farms. They also offer locally sourced pork, including ground pork, bacon, chops, roast, ribs, and pork sausages. And let's not forget about their delectable range of chicken, from ground chicken to boneless breasts, thighs, wings, and whole chickens. Oh, and did I mention the smoked trout? Henk Den Besten's trout comes in six mouthwatering flavours, like maple, Dutch, Cajun, lemon pepper, and garlic pepper.
 
Throughout their journey, Ben and Carolin learned a thing or two. While advertising is excellent, the absolute best promotion comes from their incredible customers who can't help but spread the word about their phenomenal meats. Word of mouth is their secret ingredient! 

Now, let's talk about the Horton Farmers' Market, which they absolutely adore. It's got an incredible atmosphere where vendors support one another, creating strong connections among small businesses. Plus, they love that it's all about supporting local farmers and enjoying food and products made with utmost care. Their customers couldn't agree more! 

​Attention, shoppers! B&C Farms has something special in store for you this year. Thanks to some secret improvements, their burgers and specialty sausages are getting even better. Get ready to have your taste buds dancing with joy!

Now that we have dug deeper into the inner workings of this meaty paradise, it is about time you head down to the Horton Market this Saturday and experience the brilliance that B & C Farms has for you. See you there!

​Cardinal Creek Farm is entering its third year with the Horton Farmers' Market family! This small farm near Aylmer is doing some incredible things with regenerative and natural growing practices to bring the most nutrient-dense and flavourful veggies to their community. 

Anne and Lambert Cook may not have grown up farming, but they have a deep passion for it. Anne's grandparents were farmers, and her mother and grandmother both had impressive kitchen gardens, inspiring Anne to start her own garden as an adult. Anne says, "You never ever know as much as you think you know. There's always more to learn. So much so that you just have to laugh at it." This sentiment is evident in the dedication of Anne and Lambert Cook, who quickly fell in love with growing their own food and the abundance and connection it brought to them. 

After searching for their forever farm, they found their little piece of paradise on a 10-acre creek-lined horse farm. They set to work preparing the land, planting a family orchard, and starting their gardens without using large tractors. By not tilling, they could build fertile soil and produce healthy plants and incredibly nutritious food.

​And don't even get us started on their love of good quality, flavourful food! They offer prepared and frozen meals at local markets and in their store, sourcing ingredients locally and organically whenever possible. Some new plant-based meals will be coming this season starting in late June.

But let's talk about the veggies themselves. Cardinal Creek Farm grows varieties prioritizing flavour, ensuring every bite is fresh, nutritious, and oh-so-delicious. Some of their selection includes napa cabbage and potatoes are some of their beloved, fresh-grown ingredients, along with yellow cherry tomatoes, which are in season for summer! Some of Cardinal Creek Farms' favourite ways to use these products are in kimchi, tomato soup, and potato salad. They offer their produce through their Harvest Box Program, farm stand, and local markets, so there are plenty of ways to get your hands on their excellent food. Cardinal Creek Farm's love for its customers and connections made at Horton Farmers' Market is evident. They have a spring sale for Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) ending on May 26th and a seedling sale from May 13th to the end of the month. 

So there you have it, folks! Cardinal Creek Farm is a small but mighty force to be reckoned with in the local farming world. If you have yet to try their veggies, you're missing out on some seriously fantastic flavours. The Cardinal Creek Farm family can't wait to see you at the Horton Market!