As I opened my latest farm share delivery from Coopers Farm, I was met with the earthy aroma of fresh potatoes (Red Chieftans, Papa Negras –blue potatoes and fingerlings). In addition to the potatoes, there were delicious strawberries, cantaloupe, egg plant, tomatillos, cabbage and a copious amount of corn. The weather was finally co-operating, and the harvest is now in full swing. (Coopers Farm also has now opened their 10 acre corn maze to the public which will remain open until November 1st).
Growing up, my mum often served roasted potatoes with a roast and steamed vegetables on Sunday nights. The arrival of the first batch of potatoes made me think back to those days and got me thinking that I needed to find a beef farmer in Durham Region. I consulted my Durham Farm Fresh directory (www.durhamfarmfresh.ca) and quickly located Eric and Jennifer Bowman’s Gallery on the Farm in Enniskillen, about 10 minutes from Brooklin at 1721 Region Road #3, just east of Enfield Road.
Gallery on the Farm is a picturesque 250 acre farm that has been in the Bowman family for over 80 years and farmed by three generations. The name of the farm accurately captures the beautiful collection of seven different types of cattle (Red and Black Aberdeen Angus, Herford, Murray Greys, Maine Anjou Scottish Highlands, Belted Galloways and one Holstein) alongside Eric’s collection of oil and watercolour paintings. I had the privilege to speak with Eric Bowman who demonstrated a commanding knowledge of organic farming, dedication and utmost respect for his land, animals, mother nature and, of course, his customers.
Up until 2005, Eric and Jennifer were dairy farmers, but they decided they needed a change and replaced the Holsteins with a certified organic beef herd. In addition to the 140 head of cattle, they also grow 12 different varieties of certified organic potatoes, tomatoes, cow and sweet corn, and chickens. There is a lack of organic seed in the marketplace, so part of the potato crop as “seed” for next year’s planting.
What struck me as most impressive is the amount of work that is required to maintain certification as an organic farm. As of June 30, 2009, Canada implemented organic product regulations which detail how the soil is to be managed, what the animals can eat, and how animals are to be treated. The use of chemicals is banned as are genetically-modified seeds. The farm is inspected on an annual basis by Pro-Cert Organic Systems and is subject to a rigorous review of all records, the health of the animals, the boundaries, and the steps that were taken to avoid cross pollination of nearby non-organic crops. The water and soil are tested as well as, and crops can be subject to lab testing.
The Bowmans grow all of their animal feed on the farm including cow corn, hay, and alfalfa (also certified organic). It is important to note that the cows are not grass-fed, the common term used by some meat producers. Instead, they are forage-fed, eating alfalfa which is a legume.
Instead of using chemical pesticides and fertilizers, the farm uses intercropping and cow manure to help maintain the health of the soil. What was most surprising to me is that the only two people who work on this farm are Eric and Jennifer.
All of the beef, eggs and vegetables are sold out of Gallery on the Farm, and customers come from London all the way north to Peterborough. The quality and taste of the beef is superior to anything that you could buy at a grocery store and comes with a guarantee that if you are not happy with the beef, then they would like to try to make you happy.
As I sat down to the table with my family to enjoy a dinner of Gallery Sirloin Tip Steak, Gallery Barbequed Blue potatoes and Coopers corn, I reflected on the hard work our farmers had put into growing the food my family was enjoying. Sustainable farming requires a huge amount of passion, dedication and hard work, and I am very thankful that they are dedicated to growing better food for our community.
Gallery on the Farm will be participating this year in Gates Open which is an opportunity for the public to visit farms and experience local food in Durham Region on October 3rd and 4th (www.gatesopen.ca).
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