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.
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Vera explains that 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, because 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! “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 Patitisio with pork or lamb, or Caribbean curry with lamb, rice and peas.” Vera explained. When you shop at a farmers’ market like The Horton Farmer’s Market, it allows you as a consumer to try different cuts and products, while also being able to interact with and get suggestions and advice from the farmers growing and creating the products. ​

Vera and Wade take great pride in their animals and products, happily stating “We are responsible for what we raise.” They love meeting existing and new customers and sharing their products, knowledge, and pride with customers at The Horton Farmer’s Market. They also love the variety of other vendors at the market, “We get much of our fresh products from them for our prepared foods/meals.” Vera says. 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. ​