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This is a work in progress and will grow over time

Final Act, Orlopp Bronze Dec 19, 2012

Our flock of Orlopp Bronze Turkeys grew well and they have been very healthy and happy birds. They definitely benefited from fresh air, and room to roam. They spent their days preening and showing off,  or vying for limited female attention. They enjoyed a diverse diet including garden veggies, raspberries and whatever else they could find in their pasture.

Tomorrow they go to be processed. I have to say that we will miss their presence here on the farm. The special things to remember are things like:

• The thunderous sound of the flock running from all corners of the yard to greet us, 
• The silly sound of the group when they start to gobble (one after the other, like an echo)
• Or the familiar "shirp-shirp" they make when they see us
• The way they "stalked" a small-farmer to teach him a lesson
• The way that they follow the farmers around like an elder
• Or the way that the "Boys" stand up to protect us all from the dog
• Or how they run full-throttle behind us when we escort them to their home at night
• Or the trusting gaze they offer when we reach out and pet or touch them
• And of course, the times they do not flinch or run away when we touch them.

It has been privilege to grow them, to learn about them and know them. The only gifts we gave them were an unusual farm-life that included being cared for enthusiastically, being sung to and treated with kindness and respect. We ensured that they had food, water and that they could see the sun rise and set each day.

PS - We will really miss Bashful, he made every day special in the Turkey yard, such a gentleman. Wherever I was, he was always close behind.

Paris farmers take control of own food | Column | Opinion | Brantford Expositor

Paris farmers take control of own food | Column | Opinion | Brantford Expositor

Scapes are Ready! If you are interested in purchasing some fresh garlic scapes, send us an e-mail at info@thecobblestonefarmparis.com. We follow organic practices to grow our produce so no pesticides have been used to manage and grow these tasty Scapes. Prices: $ 3.00 a pound

Organic food and farming in Canada and the U.S. is under immediate THREAT from GM alfalfa

The introduction of Monsanto’s genetically modified (GM) herbicide tolerant (Roundup Ready) alfalfa wll have serious negative impacts on many different types of farmers and farming systems, both conventional and organic. Because alfalfa is a perennial crop pollinated by bees, GM contamination is inevitable. GM alfalfa was actually approved in Canada in 2005 but still needs to go through one more step before it can be legally sold as seed in Canada.
Why is Alfalfa Important?
Alfalfa is used as pasture and high-protein feed for animals like dairy cows, beef cattle, lambs, and pigs and is also used to build up nutrients in the soil, making it particularly important for organic farming. If introduced, GM alfalfa would threaten the future of organic food and farming because animals eat alfalfa, and then the resulting Milk and Meat products are impacted. On top of that, if a farmer grows non-modified alfalfa, eventually it will be cross-pollinated with the genetically modified strain and then Monsanto will have grounds to sue and bankrupt the farmer.

Where is the agriculture industry headed?

What can You do?
Sign the petition against approving GMO's in Canada
Endorse or Modify this letter to the government asking them to NOT ALLOW GMO's in Canada

Wishing you all a Happy New Year!

We just wanted to wish all of our friends and customers a Happy New Year!

Toronto Garlic Festival - We Were There - Were You....

This past Sunday we went to the Toronto Garlic Festival and it was buzzing with people and vendors. The weather was wonderful, sunny and warm and everyone looked like they were enjoying themselves. What a great way to spend a morning or afternoon, taking in the fresh air, appreciating the new fall colours, relishing in the warm breezes and of course buying Ontario Garlic.

We learned something new while we were there to - Did you know that some people like to eat hot peppers right out of the basket! Such Daredevils! I doubt that I'll ever develop tastebuds of steel!

Vendors provided a great variety of items to touch, taste and buy, like spices, produce, pottery and of course tasty foods. We were located between "Add Love & Stir" and "Organic Crepe." From our taste experiences, we can say that the Buckwheat Crepes with Peaches and Chocolate were STUPENDOUS and that the Dip and Prezzels were habit forming (sorry - just couldn't stop!!)

It was a great festival, lots of fun for everyone. Of course we (the Cobblestone Farm Paris) sold Gourmet Garlic, Hot Peppers and some Butternut Squash.We also talked a lot about our farming practices and our Market Garden Produce. If you're wondering - Customers order produce they want from our list, they e-mail us their choices - we pack up their order - Customers pick up their order at our farm.

We spoke with so many nice people and we hope to hear back from some of you! I am really interested in getting the recipe for the hot pepper marinade, if that customer is willing to share - please - please!

It was great to see everyone, and Toronto was definitely the place to be to enjoy Canadian Culture and Canadian Hospitality.