Fleming College Students And United Way Transform Empty Lot Into Community Garden To Help Feed Kawartha Lakes

Fleming College’s Sustainable Agriculture program, based at Fleming’s Frost Campus, and United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes have been developing a garden since 2019 on a plot that was once an empty, unused lot owned by Crayola Canada.

Farm Stand at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Fleming’s Sustainable Agriculture diploma and post-graduate and Ecosystem Management students have helped turn the once vacant lot into a thriving community garden with a robust irrigation system and more than 100 fruit trees.

“This garden is a living lab providing our students with an invaluable, hands-on education and an experience that travels far outside the classroom,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “The work they are doing in Edwin Binney’s Community Garden benefits not only the students but the entire region. As many homes struggle with rising grocery bills, Fleming students are helping to supply fresh, nutritious food to the community.”

The United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes has opened a farm stand at Edwin Binney’s Community Garden in Lindsay that, sells produce grown in the new community garden.

The stand, located at 50 Mary Street W., runs each Tuesday from 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. throughout the growing season while supplies last. Freshly harvested veggies, fruits and herbs will be available for purchase.  

In its first year, Fleming students and faculty with the Sustainable Agriculture Technician program helped produced 5,500 lbs. of fresh produce. Last year that yield increased to 16,264 lbs. of healthy fruits and vegetables.  

Much of that produce makes its way to 20 agencies and 10 foodbanks throughout the City of Kawartha Lakes. The United Way, supported by Fleming College, has also implemented three pilot projects which provide produce to nearly 300 people living in rent-geared-to-income housing who are identified as being at risk for food insecurity. 

The garden also provides co-op placements for students and has created employment opportunities for summer students.  

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Norwood Agricultural Society Names Fair Ambassador Ahead Of Annual Norwood Fair

Emma Harding has been crowned the 2022 Norwood Fair Ambassador, after the Ambassador Competition hosted on Sunday at the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre.

Photo by Megan Wilson.

Harding competed in a group of six young women from the Norwood area.

On Sunday, each competitor was interviewed by a panel of three judges, delivered a speech about the fair and answered an impromptu question in front of an audience.

Harding is a student at Norwood District High School and works as an Administrative Assistant at McCloskeys International. She is sponsored by The Norwood Legion, Branch 300.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Norwood Fair Ambassador program. When it began, the winner was crowned Norwood Fair Queen, though as years went by the name was changed.

Marcia Warr was the first Norwood Fair Queen in 1947.

This year, Harding will receive the crown from Ashley Vanderhorst who was crowned during the 2019-2020 season. Because of COVID-19 there was no competition for 2020-2022.

As Ambassador, Harding will assist in various tasks during the fair weekend like helping at the School Fair and Homecraft Buildings, handing out ribbons at various competitions throughout the weekend, riding on the Ambassador float in the parade on Saturday , attending the Opening Ceremonies and representing her sponsor throughout the fair grounds.

Before and after the fair weekend, the Ambassador will also represent the Norwood Fair at community event like the Santa Claus parade.

Harding will also attend the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) Convention held in Toronto in February and compete in the Canadian National Exhibition Ambassador of the Fairs Competition in Toronto in August.

The Norwood Fair will take place October 8 - 10, 2022.

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Township Of Douro-Dummer 2022 Burn Permits Are Now Available

Residents of Douro-Dummer can now apply online for their 2022 burn permits.

Photo by Angela O’Grady

A burn permit is required for anyone residing in the township that wishes to have an open air fire (camp fire, brush fire etc.).

The most common burn permit is a residential permit, costs $20 for the entire year and allowes the user to have multiple fires on the property.

Farmers that need to obtain a burn permit to support farming activities on multiple properties should contact Jess McArthur directly for assistance at (705) 652-8392 x 212 or jessykam@dourodummer.on.ca.

The burn permit system is new, and better communicates fire risk and burn bans to the public. The cost of the permit pays for the system the township is using and any surplus will go into a Wildland Firefighting reserve to help pay for future operational response and/or equipment.

Burn permits can be obtained by creating an account online and purchasing your permit with a credit card. They can also be purchased in person at the Municipal Office or the Douro-Dummer Public Library. Cash, cheque and debit are accepted at these two locations. Permits are not valid until paid.

Click here for more information or to purchase a burn permit.

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Documentary from The New Canadians Centre Focuses On Migrant Workers

A short documentary, filmed and directed by local filmmaker Shahed Khaito called ‘The Hands That Feed Us’ was released on August 5.

Photo courtesy of the New Canadians Centre

The documentary is produced in partnership with the New Canadians Centre and the Peterborough Immigration Partnership.

It tells the story of Julie Fleming and Roberto Garcia at Circle Organic farm in Milbrook. Fleming is a co-owner and operator of the farm. Garcia arrived at Circle Organic from Mexico through the Peterborough Immigration Partnership.

The Peterborough Immigration Program connects with farmers and workers in the region to broaden the network of support and discuss the gaps and opportunities in this area of work.

Advocates for migrant workers have raised issues related to workers’ rights and sometimes abusive treatment because of the power imbalances created by the structural inequity of this program.

They have been vocal in their calls for a fairer immigration system, improved working conditions and treatment of migrant workers, and stronger provision and protection of employment rights.

For more resources regarding migrant worker issues and developments visit Justice for Migrant Workers, Migrant Rights Network, Migrant Workers Alliance For Change or Migrant Worker Health Project.

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Award-Winning Teen Farmer to Showcase Lamb For Second Consecutive Title

Young farmer Natalie Dunford is gearing up for another successful year for the Peterborough Exhibition Junior Market Lamb show this Wednesday.

Natalie Dunford poses with her lamb. Natalie and her family also sell fresh sweet corn and pumpkins from their farm in Cavan. Photo courtesy of Sarah Dunford.

Growing up just down the road from her grandfather’s farm in Cavan, the 14-year-old Dunford has been farming her whole life. She has been showing sheep through 4-H — a non-profit geared towards teaching youth leadership and life skills — for six years and has been selling market lambs at auction for three years.

Last year, Dunford’s homegrown lamb placed first and was bought by Joe Donaldson from Smokey Joe’s butcher shop.

In past years, the Peterborough Exhibition Junior Market Lamb show has been open to the public with the lambs being auctioned off directly from the ring. Due to COVID-19, this and last year’s auction is online with an in-person show.

“The five kids that have entered lambs this year are exceptional,” said Sarah Dunford, Natalie’s mom. “They all have their own flocks. If it was in person, you could see the work that the kids do.”

To show a lamb, the farmer must “break it in” by getting the animal used to being led around the ring. Natalie has been working with her lamb that she will bring to the show on Wednesday for about a month.

She also helps look after the flock of over 60 lambs daily, performing vaccinations, putting fresh hay in their stalls and any other farm duties.

The money earned from this auction will go towards her post-secondary education says Natalie. The young farmer will attend high school in September and plans on pursuing an agricultural or horticulture education after graduation.

Natalie sits among her flock. Photo Courtesy of Sarah Dunford.

Natalie hopes that people become more aware of the fresh local lamb that is produced in Peterborough County.

“Your food comes from somewhere,” she says. “It may not come from me but it comes from somebody and it is a hell of a lot of work that goes into it.”

Hosted by the Peterborough Agricultural Society, the Ernest Boyles & Sons Ltd Market Steer and Junior Market Lamb Show & Sale begins on Wednesday. The online auction can be viewed here.

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Young Beekeeper is Buzzing About The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers

Young beekeper Heidi Westbye from Cavan has her eyes set on the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022.

Heidi working on a hive in her protective gear. Photo courtesy of Charlina Westbye.

Westbye’s interest in beekeeping was sparked when she started visiting her neighbours farm and learning about the hives they had on their property.

“I saw my neighbours working around bees and I thought it was really cool,” Westbye said.

The 12-year-old joined the Kawartha Junior Beekeepers, a program hosted by her neighbours, about four years ago though the program has since been paused due to COVID-19.

In the program participants learn about everything that goes on while beekeeping from equipment preparation to honey harvesting. When not in the classroom students observe and identify bees, split colonies and monitor the progress and health of the hive.

Anyone aged 9 - 14 can participate in the once monthly program.

While the program is temporarily halted Westbye has continued to out her neighbours with work at their apiary.

“My favourite part about working there is when we get to extract the honey,” Westbye explained, highlighting the different tools and picks used.

Westbye notes that the worst part of beekeeping is when the bees get angry and recalls a time she wasn’t wearing her full protective suit and got stung 16 times.

“Over the years if you get stung multiple times you start to build a tolerance,” she said.

Westbye is hoping to go to the International Meeting of Young Beekeepers in 2022 where junior beekeepers from all over the world will learn more about their craft.

Spots to go are limited so Westbye will participate in a series of tests to qualify to go.

The International Meeting of Young Beekeepers is a combination of competitions that will test participants theoretical and working knowledge of bees and beehives as well as a cultural and social program. The aim of the meeting is to connect young people with similar interests and continue the tradition of beekeeping.

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You Can Airbnb It At An Awesome Geo Dome On A Farm Near Peterborough Overlooking A Pond

With staycations now becoming the It thing in this pandemic era, Millen + Smith Acres farm in Keene, Ontario near Peterborough is delivering on that in a beautiful way, bringing you back to nature with farm animals grazing near you while you chillax in their just launched Geo dome.

The Geo dome, which includes a king size bed, love seat and wood stove, is nestled right over a pond that’s perfect for bird watching and canoeing in the summer, and skating in the winter months. In true rustic fashion, there is no bathroom but there is an outhouse close by.

Owners Matt Smith and Jenn Austin-Driver have created quite the utopian-like getaway. Imagine staying in a Geo dome in the great Canadian outdoors with its own pond, while nearby you are sheep, alpacas, chickens, geese, ducks, goats, cows, horses and two pot belly pigs (Billy Ray and Jolene) that you can visit by hiking around acres and acres at the farm. Pretty idyllic, eh?

At night, you can rock your best Canadian plaid while strumming your guitar and singing along to Gordon Lightfoot songs in the private campfire area, with your cooler stocked full of say, Bobcaygeon beer, while you view the constellations. It’s magical stuff.

Jenn Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada that the inspiration for the farm and Geo dome came from the growing trend of staycations and farm stays the couple were seeing and partaking in themselves on Airbnb.

“We wanted to incorporate additional options for Agri tourism on our farm and thought this would be a really cool and modern attraction,” says. “We started doing farm tours on Airbnb this summer and it’s been amazing—we’ve hosted over 150 guests for tours since August!”

Owners Matt Smith and Jenn Austin-Driver at the farm

The couple has had such amazing feedback from the day trippers and are seeing first hand the increase in people wanting to connect with nature and farm animals, and learn about the local food cycle.

“We want make connections with as many folks as possible through as many diverse avenues as possible,” Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada. “The more time we spend connecting and talking about the farm and sustainable farming practices, the more people think about incorporating better food choices into their day to day, and in turn farmers are highlighted more and more—which only helps our local agricultural industry. Farmers feed cities.”

The Geo dome just opened overnight last week, and has already started to fill their remaining 2020 fall/winter dates. This thing is sure to be a hit right into 2021 and beyond.

“The Geo dome is a year-round stay, with tons of seasonal activities to partake in on and locally off the farm,” Austin-Driver tells PTBOCanada. For those concerned with Covid cleaning, the couple adheres to rigid Covid cleaning policies and procedures to protect hosts and guests alike.

For more on the farm, check out the Airbnb listing here, the Instagram page here (this farm is so gram worthy), and Facebook here.

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The McLean Family Selected As 2019 Farm Family Of The Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Greater Peterborough Chamber of Commerce have announced the McLean family, of 2191 16th Line, Lakefield as the 2019 Farm Family of the Year.

In January 1991, Sam and Jane McLean purchased the farm and moved in with their two small children, Ben and Erin. In 2010, with Ben and Erin’s increasing involvement, the McLeans purchased a second berry farm, Buckhorn Berry Farm, one concession north of the McLeans’ home farm. 

The McLean Family

They now work both farms, harvesting strawberries, raspberries, blueberries, snap peas, beans, asparagus, tomatoes, corn, cucumbers, pumpkins, peppers, currants, rhubarb, squash and zucchini; they also produce maple syrup, jam, pickles, and preserves.

Aerial view of farm

At McLean Berry Farm, the main store offers produce from the farm as well as other local farms. Each spring, the McLeans welcome families from all over to their sugarbush and sugar shack for their annual Maplefest. 

The sugar shack

At Buckhorn Berry Farm, the family offers two on-farm stores, pick your own strawberries and raspberries, and other fruits and vegetables. 

The family also hosts the annual Pumpkinfest, attracting 13,000 visitors in 2019. Each farm also sells to local grocery stores and attends various farmers’ markets throughout the region.

The family uses a number of growing techniques including trickle irrigation, day neutral strawberries, fall raspberries and high tunnels in order to extend and improve their growing season and provide fresh fruits and vegetables each season.

The McLean family is actively involved in volunteering in the farming community, including service on the Haliburton Kawartha Maple Syrup Producers Association, Peterborough & the Kawarthas Economic Development, Farmers’ Market Ontario, and the Lakefield Farmers’ Market.

In 2017, McLean Berry Farm was awarded the Tourism/Hospitality Award and Erin McLean received the Young Professional of the Year Award from the Kawartha Chamber of Commerce & Tourism. 

The award will be presented at the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture Annual Banquet on Friday, November 22nd, at the Peterborough County Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village Museum.

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Cottage Country Farmers Market At The Barn Launches

The Cottage Country Farmers Market At The Barn will kick off on Saturday, June 16th at 8 a.m.

Located at 124 Lindsay Road, this market will entice local residents out to see local vendors that provide produce, artisan crafts and baked goods.

The market will operate rain or shine from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. until Thanksgiving weekend in October. New vendors can apply online.

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