Drumlin Farm: Heritage Taste

By Mary E. Wales- Over the past 15 years, Gerry and Sue Stephenson have gradually expanded their farm to include a CSA, retail sales, an on-farm market and sales at the Guelph Farmers’ Market. The farm is located 3km outside of Guelph on 78 acres of lush, rolling hills.

Initially, the couple purchased the farm so that their two children, who became accomplished equestrian riders, would have a home for their four horses. Once the horses had a place to call home, and the family too, the Stephensons decided to rent out the land.

In 2005, an expected diagnosis was announced in the family causing them to directly contemplate the link between diet and health. They decided to start to grow their own organic food, primarily vegetables, as a healing remedy.

Today they place emphasis on growing quality organic heritage organic vegetables, fruit and herbs. An apple orchard has been planted on the farm and an on-site certified kitchen allows for the processing of products such as kale chips and jams prepared with on-farm produce.

Kale is one of the farm’s most praised products. “We sell an awful lot of it,” states Gerry. The different varieties, such as Red Russian, True Siberian and Black Palm Tree Kale are vary both in both taste and appearance. Other vegetables grown include Sylvetta arugula, Beefsteak Tomatoes, Jimmy Nardello’s Sweet Pepper, Delicata Squash, Cocozelle Zucchini, Rosa Bianca Eggplant, Midori Giant Edamame and more.

When asked what Gerry’s favourite part of farming is the answer was quick. “Harvest time. A lot of hard work is put into preparing the soils, planting, and of course weeding and caring for the plants. Harvesting is like receiving a pay cheque after a lot of hard work.”

Drumlin Farm has been certified organic by Eco-Cert for almost four years. Certified organic growers follow production practises as outlined in the Canada Organic Standard. The use of synthetic pesticides is prohibited and emphasis is placed on restoring biodiversity and building soil organic matter.

For more information about Drumlin Farm, visit their website at or visit their stand at the Guelph Farmers’ Market in Guelph, Ontario, on Saturdays from 7-12pm.