Vendor Spotlight: Howe Family Farms

Welcome to Howe Family Farms, a vibrant and exciting agricultural venture in the heart of Elgin County. The Howe brothers expertly operate this 5th generation farm - Ryan, Rick, and Kevin, blending tradition with innovation to create a truly extraordinary experience.

The Howe family's farming heritage dates back to the late 1800s, and their dedication to the land has been passed down through generations. As stewards of the farm, they have embraced modern farming practices while staying true to the crops cultivated by their ancestors. 

The brothers understand pollinators' vital role in the ecosystem and eagerly embrace initiatives to support their well-being. Each year, the farm's vibrant garden comes alive with a kaleidoscope of pollinator-friendly flowers, creating a buzzing haven for butterflies and bees. In fact, they've even participated in groundbreaking research programs, including tagging monarch butterflies to track migration patterns. Acts like this showcase their love for nature and their dedication to environmental sustainability.

Howe Family Farms stands as a beacon of fresh, local produce. They have everything from sweet strawberries to mouthwatering watermelons and vibrant raspberries to pumpkins and squash!

But Howe Family Farms is more than just a farm. It's a hub of community spirit and connection. The brothers have transformed their humble roadside stand into two bustling farm markets at 11143 Highbury Ave, St. Thomas, and 48556 John Wise Line in Aylmer, ensuring that the surrounding communities have easy access to their products. And let's not forget the infectious energy of the Horton Farmers' Market, "Every year, we are absolutely blown away by the support we receive from our community. Whether they visit our market, spend time Saturday mornings at the Horton Market, send us an encouraging message, leave us a review, or share something delicious from the market with a friend - we appreciate it!"

Their newest crop, raspberries, takes center stage this year. "Growing raspberries is newer to us, and we are so excited to share this year's crop with you! We've been trailing and growing more each year, and this year will be the most we've grown to date. It's a big learning curve trying something new, and we can't wait to hear what everyone thinks of them". 

Among their offerings, strawberries hold a special place in the hearts of the Howe brothers. "At Howe's, we take pride in everything we do, but strawberries are our #1. We have been growing them for over 100 years. Now we can offer our customers the finest-tasting strawberries from late May to early November. Throughout the summer, different varieties of berries offer different flavour profiles."

When making the most of their produce, the Howe brothers have a few tips and tricks up their sleeves. Take, for example, their beloved sweet corn. "We find fresh sweet corn is so flavourful it needs nothing (not even butter or salt!!); our favourite is keeping the husks on and roasting it over the fire. Then, we make sure to freeze (quick blanch, cut off the cob, freeze) for the winter! Nothing beats the winter blues like pulling out a bag of flavourful local corn from the freezer and making some creamy corn salsa for tacos in the wintertime!"

Above all, Howe's Family Farm cherishes the profound support they receive from the community year after year. The joy of interacting with individuals who share their passion for quality, flavour, and sustainable farming practices is a constant source of inspiration. Whether it's a visit to the bustling farm markets, a vibrant morning at the Horton Farmers' Market, or the heartfelt messages and reviews received, the brothers are deeply grateful for their community's unwavering encouragement and connection.

So immerse yourself in Howe's Family Farm, where tradition meets innovation. Your taste buds will thank you, and your connection to the land will grow stronger with each bite. 

Mayzie Mansell

Mayzie is working with Railway City Tourism for the season and assisting with marketing support for the Horton Farmers' Market. You'll catch Mayzie Saturday morning snapping photos at the market and connecting with our incredible vendors. She returns to school in the fall as a student in Philosophy, Politics, and Economics.