Vendor Spotlight: Quaker Springs Farm

​Located in the quaint Village of Sparta, Wade and Vera Davey of Quaker Springs Farm raise small herds of heritage breed pigs and free range poultry in the fresh country air and sunshine.

Owned and operated by Vera and Wade Davey, their farming journey started with a personal desire to have better tasting meat. “We started growing our own animals so that we would have great tasting meat from our pork, chicken, turkey, duck, or (limited) lambs," Vera explained. "You really do taste and see a difference.” 

All of their animals are free range and GMO free, and include unique heritage pork breeds like Berkshire, Tamworth, and Mangalista pigs. “We raise our animals with lots of access to sunshine and fresh air, just like our grandparents did,” says Vera, boasting a proud smile, “No matter what you farm, it is always a lot of work, but we have learned to only grow what we can handle, so we only do so many pigs and poultry a year.” Their smaller herd size means they are able to dedicate lots of time, attention, and care to their animals, resulting in a fresh and notable difference in their products. ​​

Lots of hard work, dedication, and attention to detail goes into raising their animals, and it results in delicious products and ready-made meals, like smoked ham steaks, fresh whole chickens, bacon, and sausage rolls, made with homemade pie crusts! (Pro tip - Vera's Cuban Sloppy Joes are incredible, but they go fast, so keep an eye out on their Facebook page to see when they bring them to the market!).​

​“We make our ready-made meals from our pork and poultry,and we sell our fresh, whole poultry as well.” Vera states. “We try to make prepared foods that get people to try things they may not usually try, like Greek Pastitsio with pork or lamb, or Caribbean curry with lamb, rice and peas.” Vera explained. Shopping at local farmers' markets like Horton makes trying new cuts and products feel less intimidating, since the farmers who know the products best are often the ones behind the counter selling them! They can answer any questions you have, and can also provide cooking and serving suggestions which can help make new recipes feel more approachable. Plus, there is something special about being able to buy directly from the farmers' who put so much care, time, energy, and love into their animals and products. 

Vera and Wade take great pride in their animals and products, and hold themselves to their guiding principal, 'We are responsible for what we raise'. They truly enjoy meeting new market go-ers, catching up with customers, and sharing their products, knowledge, and farm updates each week at The Horton Farmer’s Market. Vera and Wade also love the variety of other vendors at the market, and get much of their fresh products from fellow vendors for their prepared foods and meals. Just as Vera and Wade want their customers to know their farmers and know their food, the market allows them to do the same with different ingredients and products from other local vendors.​

Pork Chops with Apple Cider Glaze

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Paige Palmer, EDC Summer Marketing Support, 2024

Paige is happy to be joining the St. Thomas Economic Development Corporation as their 2024 Summer Marketing Assistant. She is completing her undergraduate degree this summer with a double major in Media and Communications Studies and Thanatology at Western University and King’s University College. She is excited to help to promote local vendors and businesses this summer, and is looking forward to trying all the delicious and unique produce and products at the Horton Farmers’ Market this summer! Outside of work and school she loves spending time learning about nature, animals, and gardening. ​