For the last 2 summers, I have been dabbling in farming. Since we got our 90 acres in Mono, Ontario each summer I have planted a large garden and have had a small menagerie of farm animals that included laying hens, ducks and a couple of pet lambs. This year, I am excited to tell you that I have graduated from dabbling to small scale farming.
This spring, I will plant a half acre of vegetables, expand to 25 plus laying hens and hopefully 60 meat birds and maybe some meat rabbits. The plan is to sell what we grow/raise to family and friends and donate all proceeds to charity. Any excess will also be given to a local food bank. The farming will be organic, small scale and fairly labour intensive with minimal use of machinery. The focus will be on taste and ethical/environmentally friendly practices. I still have a lot to learn about growing and raising food, however I am a keen and enthusiastic student. I am going all in 2018!
The farm will be called Blind Pig Farm. Why? Well, the name comes from the prohibition era. While speakeasies were higher-end establishments that offered illegal booze and entertainment, Blind Pigs were rough and tumble places where you could get your drink on. And turns out, a Blind Pig was located close to our farm back in the day. We learned all this when our real estate agent gave us amazing T-shirts from Dufferin County Good and told us about the history. Being that we love pigs (or pork more specifically) and adult beverages (Swine & Wine 😜), the name seems like the perfect fit!
So hopefully with lots of hard work and some luck, I will have something tasty to show for come harvest season. Wish me luck and let me know if you might be interested in getting some fresh veg and eggs this summer. As details start firming up this spring, I can share more details as to what we are planting and what will be available.
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