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FARM TOUR DRIVING MAP......
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HOST FARMS OF TOUR......
ALPACA CENTRAL
Jean and Aldo Marascio
201215 Country Road 109
East Luther
In 2008, Jean, Aldo and their daughter Risa left the city life of Mississauga to move to their new home, a 100 acre farm near Grand Valley. As part of their “retirement planning process”, Jean and Aldo started raising Alpacas.
Their new “relaxed” country lifestyle included the hands-on installation of extensive stretches of fencing to protect the growing herd from predators. Both Aldo and Jean have been busy learning about nutrition, breeding, shearing, fibre quality and grading. Their herd now exceeds 100 animals.
Although, they have not yet given up their day jobs, they have been actively participating in markets and fairs to promote their operation.
Alpacas are known for their luxurious fibre. Watch as the sheared fleece is transformed into skeins of yarn, ready to be used for the creation of clothes, blankets, and rugs. Jean is always on the lookout for quality knitters who would enjoy working with the alpaca yarn.
As you tour the farm, see if you can find the Llamas guarding the Alpacas. Ask Jean or Aldo what baby alpacas are called. Be sure to stop and say hello to the family’s equines.
MUST SEE and DO:
§ Local artisans at work
§ Samples of graded fibre
§ Fibre Feel Test
§ Alpaca products to purchase
§ Find Llamas hidden amongst the Alpacas
LUTHER MARSH
Grand River Conservation Authority
Sideroad 21/22
East Luther
A dam constructed in 1952 across the Black Creek created the 4000 acre reservoir known as the Luther Marsh. Although constructed primarily for the flow augmentation for the Grand River, this water body is one of Ontario’s largest inland wetlands and is a wildlife haven. Thousands of waterfowl stage here during the spring and fall migration. The marsh is home to many species of mammals, amphibians and reptiles. The area has just recently been discovered to host the largest Great Egret roosting colony in Canada.
The Luther Marsh Wildlife Management Area (WMA) is 14,000 Acres in size and is jointly owned by the Grand River Conservation Authority and the Ministry of Natural Resources. The WMA is a mixture of managed farmland, swamp, marsh, tree plantations and natural forest cover.
Take a walk along the dam to view the wildlife. Ducks Unlimited Canada and the Dufferin South Simcoe Land Stewardship Network will feature educational displays. Find out about area wetland projects. Try out the Grand River Conservation Authority’s interactive activity.
Linda McLaren, a wildlife artist and naturalist, will be on hand to share her work and discuss the importance of the marsh to Dufferin County. Linda is well known for the “Sketchbook” contributions to “In the Hills” magazine.
Wayne Townsend will have a display from the Dufferin County Museum and will answer questions about the marsh.
MUST SEE and DO:
§ Marsh wildlife Spotting
§ Interactive GRCA Display
§ Linda McLaren Art
§ Dufferin County Museum Display
GOODIG FARM
David Good
361285 Conc 8-9 Road
East Luther
David Good, a single 25 year old dairy farmer completed the purchase of his parents’ farm earlier this year. He is currently milking 60 pure bred Holsteins, feeding replacement heifers and working the farm’s 300 acres. His parents, Martha and Ignaz have purchased a neighbouring property and will commence building a new home next spring.
Ignaz Good arrived in Canada in 1972 from the mountains of Switzerland. He worked as a relief milker as he searched for a place to call his own. Finally, with the support of some new found friends, Ignaz completed the purchase of Goodig Farm from Ross and Grace Brown. Martha, a city girl from Zurich, joined him in 1978. Together, they raised four children as they built up their dairy herd.
Ignaz and Martha have always been very self sufficient. They make their own bread, butter and apple cider, grow their vegetables, raise sheep, hogs and poultry for their own consumption. In the fall, the sausage making machine comes out and the family produces many varieties. Ask Ignaz about his smoke house where he prepares a wide variety of delicatessen style meats.
Over the years, the family has welcomed and entertained visitors from around the world who have stayed for a meal or for an extended visit. In the blink of an eye, Martha would whip up an interesting array of “goodies” to serve. David will be happy to answer questions about his cows and farm in English, French or German.
MUST SEE and DO:
§ Milking Parlour
§ Nursery
§ Computerized feeding system
§ Market ready pigs and turkeys
§ Butter making
§ Apple Press
VAN DER VEEN FARMS
Peter and Elly Van der Veen
362321 Conc 8-9 Road
East Luther
After purchasing a farm in Canada, Peter and Elly Van der Veen emigrated from Holland in 2002 along with their six children, Eline, Lisa, Marleen, Ilze, Pieter and Harold. Within six months of arriving, they had started building a new house along with two new barns on the 215 acre farm.
The barns were filled with 2000 hogs for finishing and they grew crops of beans, corn and barley on the land. In 2004, the first Canadian in the family, Roy, was born. As pets for the children, the Van der Veens acquired 2 dogs, 2 sheep and 2 horses.
However, the market for pigs declined and the next few years were difficult. Peter and Elly decided to convert to sheep. By 2008, they said good-bye to the last of the pigs. Now instead of 2 sheep, they have over 1000 breeding ewes and 5 guard dogs (no petting please) to protect the flock from predators. They continued to build barns to house the growing operation and purchased another 100 acre farm.
In order to monitor the large flock, an electronic weigh scale and sorting system was installed. This year, a bank of solar panels was added to the roof of their shed to produce enough energy to meet their requirements and generate additional income.
MUST SEE and DO:
§ Sheep Shearing Demos - 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 2:30 p.m.
§ Solar panels – KW Powerlogic
§ Stoltz Equipment Display
§ OSMA display
§ Jill Pringle Art
§ Women’s Institute Activities
§ Wagon Rides
§ Food Booth (lamb kebobs, hamburgers, etc.)
RAYBETH FARMS
Ray and Elizabeth Hooper
384178 20 Sideroad
Amaranth
In 1970, Ray and Elizabeth Hooper gave up the security of off farm income and became full time dairy farmers. By 1977, they were able to complete the purchase of their first farm located in Amaranth. Over the next year, they worked hard to set up the barn with a pipeline for milking. As they raised their family of three, they spent the next quarter century milking 32 cows, before selling the herd and quota. Now, they cash crop their own 125 acres plus neighbouring farmland, growing a wide variety of grains and hay. As well, they maintain a small cow/calf operation of charolais cross beef cattle.
Ray has produced many “red ribbon” crops of hay and grain. Elizabeth and Ray have been tireless in their efforts to promote agriculture. Elizabeth has been involved with the annual Dufferin Farm
Tour since its inception and remains an active committee member as the 11th tour takes place this year.
Ray and Elizabeth have opened their doors to welcome many additional exhibits. Their daughter and son-in-law will be running the “Hooperville Farmer Olympics” for children. Take a tour through the barn to see additional livestock that was often a staple on the “family farm”. Visit with Karen Lada and her miniature horses. Check out Ray’s farm equipment, particularly the view from the driver’s seat of a combine. Walk down the lane to watch and question Daryl Hostrawser, a world champion plowman, and the teamsters with their heavy horses who will be working in the field. Ask Ray to demonstrate his bale wrapping machine used to create the large white marshmallows you see as you drive around the countryside. Stop in the shed and chat with several local producers who participate in farm markets in the area. Find out about our local food movement and purchase some products to take home and try.
Finally, make sure you check out the food booth operated by the High Country United Church. They will be selling beef on a bun and many delicious varieties of homemade pies and other goodies to munch on.
MUST SEE and DO:
§ Hooperville Farmer Olympics
§ Meet Black Abner, Ethel, Edith, Eyore, Dudley and Horehound
§ Lada Miniature Horses
§ M & E Quarter Horses
§ Ploughing Demos with tractors and horses
§ Farm Market
§ Food Booth (beef on a bun, pies)
SEPTEMBER NEWS RELEASE
Dufferin Town and Country Farm Tour October 1, 2011
Orangeville, Ontario September 21, 2011. The 11th annual Dufferin Town and Country Farm Tour takes place Sat. Oct.1 Visit farms in East Luther and Amaranth Townships and talk directly to our farmers to find out first hand how and where the food on your table comes from.
Farming is Ontario’s second largest sector, yet Ontario’s farm families represent only 2% of the overall population. The food they bring us is safe, nutritious, sustainable and more affordable than any other country in the world.
The tour experience is fun and educational for the whole family. It includes visits to a dairy farm, a large sheep farm, an alpaca farm, a cattle farm, and Luther Marsh, one of Ontario’s most important wetlands. At each farm, visitors will interact with farmers directly and will be able to ask questions about the diversity and complexity of modern farming.
This year’s tour offers new activities including a ploughing demonstration, miniature horses, wagon rides, and “farm Olympics” for kids. Vendors will be selling their local products direct from their farms, so don’t forget your wallets.
"We are constantly amazed at the generosity of our farm community to open their doors to the public. This is a richly rewarding experience for all who participate--an incredible opportunity for all ages to discover how farming directly impacts their lives." says Gail Little, Chair of the Dufferin Town and Country Farm Tour.
“We can talk to the farmers and make a connection between the food we eat and how it’s grown” says a past visitor.
The farm tour is a perfect family outing, starting at 9 am and ending at 4 pm., rain or shine.
The tour is free. Passports and maps can be picked up at on the day of the tour between 9 am and 2 pm. at the following locations:
Hills of Headwaters Information Centre, Orangeville
Grand Valley Public School
Bluwood Canada, Shelburne
A donation of non-perishable food for the Food Bank would be appreciated.
If you ate today, thank a Farmer
For more information call 1-800-322-9744 or Gail Little 519-925-2983
PROUD OF OUR SPONSORS
COUNTY OF DUFFERIN
DUFFERIN FEDERATION OF AGRICULTURE
WELLINGTON-DUFFERIN CHRISTIAN FARMERS
DUFFERIN CATTLEMEN’S and ONTARIO CATTLEMEN
DUFFERIN-SOUTH SIMCOE LAND STEWARDSHIP NETWORK
BLITHE HILL FARM
GREENWOOD READY MIX LTD.
JAY-LOR FABRICATING INC.
COOPERATORS INSURANCE – Orangeville, Roy Chopp
CREWSON INSURANCE BROKERS Ltd.
Dufferin Holstein Breeders
Dufferin Milk Producers
Dufferin Soil & Crop Association
Dufferin Wheat Producers
Amaranth Auto Service
Arthurs Fuel Inc.
Bryan’s Fuel
Coffey Brothers Insurance Brokers Ltd.
Cribit Seeds – West Montrose – Jeff Stam
Deckers Tire Service
Dufferin Mutual Insurance Co.
Dufferin Veterinary Services
Food in the Hills
Hereward Farms
Holmes Agro Ltd.
In the Hills
KW PowerLogic Inc.
Maizex Seeds – Tilbury – Bill Bus
Orangeville Insurance Services Ltd.
Orangeville Salt & Soil Supply
Roy’s Service Centre
T.D. Canada Trust
Starview Financial Advisors
- Terry Sullivan & Trevor Pugh
W.J. Lawrence Transport Ltd.
Whalen Professional Corporation
NEWS RELEASE - August 2011
News Release
Dufferin Town & Country Farm Tour
Saturday, October 1, 2011
“If you ate today, thank a farmer”
The food on your table was made possible by farmers. These people and their families have entered into a contract with you, the consumer, to produce safe, healthy, high-quality food in an environmentally responsible and sustainable way.
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Examples of agricultural heritage and the legacy of farming are all around us. For many people travelling along Ontario highways and rural roads, the bank barns, crops growing, livestock pasturing represent a clear and symbolic connection to many generations of farming dating back to the early settlers. Today, farm families represent less than 2% of the overall population. Farmers must increasingly concern themselves with food safety, with environmental protection and with sustainable practices.
The Dufferin Town and Country Farm Tour is your passport to understanding some of the diversity and complexity of modern agriculture through the featured profile of several operations within the townships of East Luther and Amaranth . The Farm Tour is an ideal venue to reconnect the consumers to the producers of the food we eat. Our local farmers promote –
GROW LOCAL, BUY LOCAL, EAT LOCAL….
It also provides a window to share dialogue and learn about many other related farm and rural interests. Come and tour Amaranth and East Luther Townships and see farming as it happens. We promise you will end your day enriched by the diversity of farming in Headwaters Country.
Pre-registration is not required and there is no admission fee. A non-perishable food donation to the Food Bank would be appreciated. Passports with maps showing the Farm Tour route and host locations can be picked up from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm on the day of the tour, at the following locations:
Hills of Headwaters Tourism Information Centre, Orangeville,
Hwy. 10 & Buena Vista Dr.
Grand Valley Public School, north end of Grand Valley, Cty. Rd. 25
Bluwood Canada, Shelburne, west end of Shelburne, Hwy. 89
OBJECTIVES IN PRESENTING DUFFERIN TOWN & COUNTRY FARM TOUR
S If you ate Today, Thank a Farmer…..the single most important reason why a Farm Tour is promoted. This is a grass routes effort to bring rural and town people together to talk to our farmers and learn about farming. To give tour goers the opportunity to see how the agricultural industry operates through the lives and business of farm families. We hope this exchange will enhance public awareness and appreciation for the role agriculture plays in the local economy.
S To address the viability of farming…..and at the same time, learn about the challenges of farmers in producing a consistent supply of high-quality, safe, nutritious food at an affordable cost in an environmental and sustainable way. This challenge involves many management strategies concerning welfare of animals, preservation of water, soil and the environment as well as changing markets and new technologies.
S To promote buy and eat locally-grown food…..to do this we must promote an understanding of the food chain. Local food is fresher, more nutritious and tastier. Money spent on local food circulates in the local economy strengthening the community for us all. Ontario has more than 37,000 farmers, who work long and hard to produce food and get it to processors. It is their hard work that ensures consumers get the freshest food grown in Ontario.
If You Ate Today, Thank A Farmer
The food on your table was made possible by farmers. These people and their families have entered into a contract with you, the consumer, to produce safe, healthy, high-quality food in an environmentally resposible and sustainable way.
Discover where the food on your plate really comes from at the annual Dufferin Town & Country Farm Tour, taking place this year on Saturday, October 1. Visitors will have the opportunity to visit farms and agri-businesses in the East Luther and Amaranth townships and see beef cattle, dairy cattle, sheep, equestrian facility. The tour will showcase the diversity of farming operations in Dufferin County, where agriculture is one of the region's largest industries contributing to employment and local economic prosperity.
For many who farm in Dufferin County, their business is more than just a business - it's a way of life! Families have been farming in this region for generations and continue to provide food for not only their families, but for their neighbours, and their communities.
Visitors can pick up a passport at the Hills of Headwaters Tourism Office between 9:00 am and 2:00 pm on the day of the tour. In the passport they will find a map of all the farm locations participating in the tour. Portable washrooms and hand-washing facilities will be available at each location, and select locations will provide food concessions (identified in the passport). We ask for a donation of non-perishable food items or cash for the local food bank as your admission to the day.
There will also be demonstration, activities and displays throughout the day at various locations as provided by various commodity organizations such as the Ontario Cattlemen's Association, Dufferin Federation of Agriculture, Women's Institute plus many others.
Join us on Saturday, October 1 for the Dufferin Town & Country Farm Tour.
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