These days the spotlight is on local food. The number of local Farmer’s markets and roadside stands is growing at a refreshing rate…and it’s healthy. Oxfordlicious is Oxford County’s answer to the 100-mile diet. We’re bridging the gap between farmers and local chefs, and between farmers and consumers.
Aarden Farms Limited
The family always grew a little sweet corn when he was younger but started growing the current business around 1997 and since around 2003 added other crops such as Tomatoes, peppers and melons. The hog farm started with his parents in 1976. The vegetable production started after college. After working for a large fresh market produce company Denis soon learned he enjoyed it but found the large grocery chains unreliable and frustrating. When he went home to farm with his parents they wanted to diversify and since he had lots of new experience with vegetables they went that route.The difference was they looked for value chains that wanted top quality and a partner to work with to improve both of their businesses as opposed to just a supplier. Over the next year they looked into retailing Pork and setting up the vegetable business to improve and expand with some new innovative equipment. As always they were looking for new customers to work with. Over the next 5 years they hope to grow their business by adding new wholesale customers, changing their roadside stand into a small store, with more of our products, as well as investigate and develop some high quality value added products.
He enjoys farming and doing a good job. He is driven by improvement and sees plenty of opportunities for new connections and improvement in the business which keeps him motivated and driving ahead. Local fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, zucchini, peppers, potatoes, pumpkins & squash. Savor the juiciness of watermelons, cantaloupe and fresh sweet corn. Fresh food at its best!
196709 19th Line, R.R. #1 Lakeside, ON N0M 2G0
T: 519-349-2406 F: 519-349-2051
E: aardenfarms@quadro.net
Birtch Farms and Estate Winery
Pick your own apples 15 varieties, pumpkins; mini pumpkins, large pumpkins, pie pumpkins. Winery features Fruit Wines & Tastings. Selections of decorating crops including corn stocks and gourds. We began changing our farm from a wholesale apple farm to a retail operation in 1994, in order to keep our farm viable, since the wholesale price of apples was not paying the bills.
We have hired a new staff person to add the "art of storytelling" to our wagon ride adventure. In the next 5 years we are considering adding a "children’s adventure playground", and perhaps a meeting room/event room. We enjoy the interaction with our customers, and it has given us a wonderful opportunity to create new products, events, and ideas.
655514 15th Line, R.R. #7 Woodstock, ON N4S 7W2
T: 519-469-3040 F: 519-469-3588
E: info@birtchfarms.com | www.birtchfarms.com
DOWNTOWN WOODSTOCK FARMERS’ MARKET - Thursday May to Oct
Visit our Outdoor Local Market in the HEART OF DOWNTOWN ON MUSEUM / Market Square featuring fresh fruit, veggies, eggs, meat, dairy, baked goods, flowers, plants, artisans, crafts & more. Thurs 2–6 pm.
Museum Square & Dundas St., Woodstock, ON
T: 519-537-5721 F: 519-537-3301
519-879-6562 F: 519-879-6927
E: info@downtownwoodstock.ca | www.downtownwoodstock.ca
GPS: N 43° 07.771 W 80° 45.437
Godelie Family Farm
Road side stand that operates from mid-June until Halloween and regularly attends My Market. Creamy Potatoes, beans, beets, carrots, corn, cucumbers, peppers, pumpkins, gourds, squash, strawberries, raspberries, heirloom tomatoes. PYO: raspberries, strawberries.
In the early 80’s, Gary and Blanche purchased their farm and started growing sweet corn. They also grow potatoes and it seems like they have been doing that forever Gary says, albeit on a smaller production. They have made their own potato sorter that is capable of washing, sorting and grading the potatoes. The potatoes are then boxed or bagged according to their destination. They transitioned into strawberries and other crops three years ago, and also expanded the sweet corn and potatoes. This was done in response to the declining tobacco production they were in. They want to be big enough to maintain their work force yet remain cost-effective. This is their mission despite having to contend with a 50% increase in the price of fertilizer.
There are no changes planned over the next 12 months, but one never knows what may be necessary. Recently, they converted a second tobacco shed to a cooler. This enables them to keep their products fresh in order to supply the Norwich market, 3 Toronto markets, a small wholesaler as well as individuals and their road side stand. They chose farming for the love of it and meeting people. What better way to semi retire but to do what you love.
In addition to acres and acres of test plots for a Toronto potato conglomerate, Gary is also growing a field of peach trees, in an attempt to sidestep the peach diseases that have attached some Niagara peach orchards.
22754 Otterville Rd., R.R. #1, Otterville ON N0J 1R0
Corner of Hwy 59 & Otterville Rd., R.R. #1, Otterville, ON
519-879-6562 F: 519-879-6927
Goossens Trout Farm
The Some of the freshest spring water in Ontario is located in the Otterville area. And this is perfect for raising the freshest tasting Rainbow Trout that discerning chefs demand. Farm raised, clean water rainbow trout available as filets or whole. Goosens Trout Farm Ltd., located just south of Otterville, has been in operation since 1963. Brian Goossens produces rainbow trout in cold spring water. Geared to both chefs and individuals, Goossens have been producing trout longer than most, and is known for its clean, fresh flavour. He also supplied live fish for pond stocking of trout and bass. Fresh trout is available throughout the year on short notice by calling ahead.
Brian Goossens
165548 New Rd. R.R. #2 Otterville, ON N0J1R0
T: 519-879-6352
Gunn's Hill Artisan Cheese Ltd.
Experience artisan cheese making and dairy farming while tantalizing your palate with delicious local cheeses! Opening mid-summer 2011. This is a spot you and your family won’t want to miss!.
445172 Gunns Hill Rd., R R. #4 Woodstock, ON N4S 7V8
T: 519-532-9189
E: shep@gunnshillcheese.ca | www.gunnshillcheese.ca
GPS: N 43° 06.092 W 80° 69.132
Jakemans's Maple Syrup
This 4th generation maple syrup producer’s ancestors learned maple syruping from local Indians, many years ago. George and Betty Jakeman left Oxfordshire England and settled in south of Woodstock in 1876.. The business evolved in 1919 when Bob's grandfather, Ernest, purchased the first evaporator and hung 500 buckets. Ernest's son George took them to the next step when he purchased a larger evaporator in 1951.
Bob and Mary are fourth generation. The next generation is already involved in the business. For the next few years Bob sees great profits, a result of Quebec having no carryover from last years crop prices which have almost doubled at the wholesale level.
Voted as the best tasting maple syrup in Canada by the National Post, the Jakeman’s grow and purchase to produce various grades of maple syrup at best prices .Maple syrup, maple wine, maple teas, maple coffee, maple syrup, maple cookies, maple candies All-Canadian Maple Syrup…available in gift shops around the world. 4-H pancake meals weekends in March. Open year round - 10am - 4pm; closed Sunday.
454414 Trillium Line., R.R. #1 Beachville, ON N0J 1A0
T: 519-539-1366 F: 519-421-2469 Toll-Free: 800-382-9795
E: mary@themaplestore.com | www.themaplestore.com
Oak Manor Farms
Visit a healthfood store in Ontario, or the healthfood section at Zehr’s grocery stores, and chances are you’ll see a complete line of Oak Manor products. Oak Manor was founded in Oxford County in 1943, and was one of the first to bring electricity to the community for their dairy and seed cleaning farm. Pioneer's in farming techniques, they were also one of the first to introduce chemical farming, virtually unheard of in the 1950's.
After much soul (and soil)-searching in the 1970's, a heart wrenching decision was made -- Oak Manor farms would return to its roots and to organic farming. They now market a complete line of Organic flours, cereals and grains across Ontario.
756907 Oxford Rd. 5, R.R. #1, Tavistock, ON N0B 2R0
T: 519-662-2385 F: 519-662-2435
E: oakmanor@golden.net | www.oakmanorfarms.ca
Oxford Honey and Supplies
Pure honey is on tap all year round. John produces Un-pasteurized liquid honey, natural creamed honey, honey combs, and other natural products. John knew at the age of 7 that he could work with bees after being stung several times and having no reaction, even after several minutes there was no site marks That allowed him to help his dad work the bees which he enjoyed doing.
John has created a wonderful public observatory on the property next to a bee yard.
Information on bee biology is in the store and there are all kinds of beekeeping equipment, everything from suits, to jars and containers to heated uncapping knives. He is in his 6tb year as a beekeeper selling beekeeping supplies to others, too.
He is looking for ways to expand his volume of sales and would like to expand the business to a high volume packing operation of honey and other bee products in the future. Tuesday to Saturday 9 am - 5 pm. Give us a ring!
385296 Oxford County Rd. 59, Burgessville, ON N0J 1C0
T: 519-550-1096
E: van3301@rogers.com | http://ca.geocities.com/van3301/index.htm
Stonecroft Farms/Stonecroft Folk
Stonecroft Farms is a fifth generation family farm currently operated by Kevin Rivers and his wife Allyson MacDonald. Allyson is a local veterinarian and has a passion for animal husbandry, and as you’ll see below, house concerts.
Since the 1800’s the Stonecroft farm has been operated by the Rivers family. They raise and market Berkshire pork, a heritage breed. Berkshire compliments the rich and distinctive flavor profile of the meat to naturally produce a result that is both flavorful, tender and .delicate texture with an unbelievable level of juiciness. Available meats are: Loins, sausage, Roasts, and bacon. As well, they raise white pork and beef. Their favorite hobby is hosting folk/roots/Celtic music concerts in their century old fieldstone farmhouse.
464430 Rivers Rd., R.R. #5, Ingersoll, ON N5C 3J8
T: 519-423-6797
E: kevinandallyson@xplornet.com | www.stonecroftfolk.ca
Woodstock Farmer's Market
Open year round, this bustling Saturday morning market has a European flair, yet features local produce, with bakeries, butchers, dairy and cheese vendors, florists, and crafters. Just one block north of Dundas Street at West Ave., (Woodstock Fairgrounds).
875 Nellis St., Woodstock, ON N4S 4C6
T: 519-539-7082 F: 519-537-3349