News & Events

On the Loss of Melissa Spearing

Melissa Spearing photo
The Board and staff of Farms at Work are greatly saddened by the recent loss our friend and incomparable colleague Melissa Spearing, Acting Chair of our Board of Directors. Melissa's insight, energy and thoughtfulness contributed enormously to our past work, and to our strategic plans for the future. We have been deeply fortunate that she chose to demonstrate her dedication to our mission by being part of our leadership team for the past seven years.

Her loss is heart-wrenching for all those who knew her, most especially her family. Our deep condolences to them.

To read more about Melissa and her impressive accomplishments by the age of 40, please refer to the Farms at Work website where she self-described her background: https://farmsatwork.ca/farms-work-board-directors.

Rest in peace, Melissa. 

Grass-Fed Beef and Pastured Poultry with Aird Family Farm

Monday, Sept 30 | 5:00 - 7:00 pm
Northumberland County
$10 - 20 sliding scale. Kids free
Register here: tinyurl.com/fawaird

Join Aird Family Farm and Farms at Work for an evening exploring grass-fed beef and pastured poultry in Northumberland County. Established in 1885 and now in its fifth generation of family ownership, Aird Family Farm has practiced regenerative farming for the past 10 years. 

Grass-Fed Beef: get up close with AIrd's herd of black angus cattle, raised on 100% grass-fed diet

Pastured Poultry: Learn about their pasture-raised meat birds and laying hens, which thrive on diverse, untreated pastured and organic feed

Regenerative Pasture Management: Gather insight into effective pasture management practices, including rotational grazing, which work to enhance soil health, ecosystem resilience, and on-farm biodiversity

Pastured Poultry & Mushrooms with Kendal Hills

Join Kendal Hills Farm and Farms at Work for an immersive tour exploring pastured poultry, the Artisinal Chicken Program, and gourmet mushroom cultivation.

Monday, Sept 9 | 5:30 - 7:30pm

Clarington, ON

Sliding scale $10 - 25. Kids free

Register here: tinyurl.com/FAWkendal

Farmers Dave Kranenburg and Emily Tufts are dedicated to regenerative agriculture, ensuring their farming practices restore and enhance the natural environment. Dave and Emily will share insights into the Artisanal Chicken Program and highlight the benefits of raising poultry on pasture. Attendees will discover the fascinating world of gourmet mushroom cultivation and learn about their methods, tips for mushroom production, and sourcing culture and substrate. We will also explore applied principles of regenerative agriculture and discover how Kendal Hills Farm integrates agroforestry and farmland stewardship into their operation. This event is ideal for those curious about the Artisanal Chicken Program or mushroom cultivation, and anyone passionate about local food. Whether you're a farmer or a conscious eater, you'll gain valuable insights into sustainable food production during your visit to Kendal Hills.

Fleetwood Hills Farm Tour

Join Fleetwood Hills Farm and Farms at Work for an evening exploring garlic, honey, and farm business strategies.

Tues Aug 27 | 6 - 8pm

Kawartha Lakes ON

$10 - 25 sliding scale. Kids 12 and under are free

Register Here: tinyurl.com/FAWfleetwood

Fleetwood Hills Farm specializes in the sustainable production of garlic, honey, and maple syrup. Farmer, Steve Moore, undertook an intergenerational farm transfer from his parents in 2019. Today, Steve cultivates 1.75 acres of garlic, manages 150 hives of honey bees, and oversees the production of maple syrup from 1,300 taps. With a strong commitment to quality and sustainability, Steve integrates cover crops, drip irrigation, and annual field trials to enhance soil health and improve existing best practices. In addition to garlic and honey production, this event will explore farm business structuring, risk management strategies, and the delicate balance between specialization and diversification. Steve will share his experience with family succession and share valuable insight for aspiring farmers entering the industry.

 

 

4th Line Theatre Presents the world premiere of Onion Skin & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes

4th Line Theatre is excited to open its 2024 Summer Season with the world premiere of Alison Lawrence’s Onion Skins & Peach Fuzz: The Farmerettes. This play is a funny and enlightening exploration of the largely unknown story of the teenage girls who stepped up and worked on farms across Canada to feed the troops, and indeed all Canadians, during WWII. These ‘Farmerettes,’ all in their 90s now, tell us that the summers they worked those farms were the best of their lives, even 70 or more years later.

July 1 – July 20, 2024
Previews: July 1- 2, 2024
Opening Night: July 3, 2024
Monday to Saturday at 6 pm

To purchase tickets and for more information, visit: https://www.4thlinetheatre.on.ca/2024-summer-season