14 15 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca February 2026 ONTARIO SMALL FARMS Small farms play a vital part in Ontario’s rural economy and food culture. Many are family-run, multi generational operations that combine traditional practices with modern innovation. Other farmers are first gen farmers that have radically changed their lifestyles to farm. Both often diversify their activities—mixing crops and livestock or adding value through agritourism, on farm retail, direct-to-consumer sales, and niche markets such as organic vegetables, specialty meats, maple products, or honey. Ontario’s small-farm community is also a hub for innovation. Provincial programs and agricultural organizations recognize and support small-farm contributions to sustainability, local-food promotion, and community engagement. Initiatives like Local Food Week and farmer led research such as those conducted by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, highlight their importance as food producers using ecological production practices that elevate local communities. AUGUST’S HARVEST, STRATFORD Chinese or Canadian garlic, the choice is clear. Stratford, Ontario farmer Warren Ham of August’s Harvest is on a mission to make their garlic available 365 days a year! After 30 years growing garlic and a wide range of other alliums including green garlic, shallots, white pearl onions, cipollini and more, Ham has a lot of knowledge to share. Green garlic can be used in place of garlic, green onions or scallions and it is also great on a salad. Most cook with the white and pale green parts and use the tougher green tops in broths and soup. For more tips on allium and how to use them in recipes CLICK HERE. Read more about how Warren Ham is busting down the barriers to garlic 365 in the March-April 2026 issue of Small Farm Canada magazine. SHADES OF GRAY INDIGENOUS PET TREATS – A ZERO‑WASTE, FAMILY‑RUN ONTARIO SUCCESS STORY Shades of Gray Indigenous Pet Treats grew out of Shades of Gray Rabbitry, a family‑owned farm in Campbellford, Ontario. The business began when the family’s daughter developed significant food allergies, prompting a search for clean, nutrient‑rich proteins. This discovery led them to the benefits of rabbit meat—an option that supports both human and pet health. With a background in farming and butchery, the family naturally expanded into supplying federally inspected rabbit meat to local butcher shops, grocery stores, and restaurants. Soon after, they identified a gap in the pet treat market: high‑quality, single‑ingredient protein options. Their solution was to create Indigenous‑inspired, minimally processed pet treats made from human‑grade rabbit protein. Today, Shades of Gray focuses on zero‑waste production, transforming every part of the animal into premium treats that support pet wellness. Their products reflect a commitment to sustainability, local agriculture, and respect for the whole animal—values deeply rooted in their farm’s history and family ethos. To view their selection of products CLICK HERE. (LEFT PAGE) TOP LEFT: ADOBE STOCK: MAGR80 | NASTYA CHE | COOPER | NIGHTCREATIVITY | OLGA KHAZOVA | MAKAROVA ART | TOP RIGHT: CODY’S EGG SHACK | BOTTOM RIGHT: AUGUST’S HARVEST (RIGHT PAGE) TOP: JULIE HARLOW & BOARD’S HONEY FARM | MIDDLE RIGHT: ONTARIO HAZELNUT ASSOCIATION | BOTTOM LEFT: SHADES OF GRAY INDIGENOUS PET TREATS HAZELNUTS IN ONTARIO Hazelnuts are a low maintenance perennial crop with minimal fertilizer and labour needs compared to other tree fruits. Their long lifespan and modest management demands make them an attractive diversification option for Ontario farmers. The Ontario Hazelnut Association (OHA) supports this growing industry through research, education and resource sharing. Ontario growers plant a mix of Oregon cultivars—such as Jefferson and Yamhill—and locally bred varieties selected for resistance to Eastern Filbert Blight and hazelnut mites. Hazelnut trees provide notable ecological advantages like capturing more carbon than they release and contributing to climate change mitigation. Local production also cuts transportation emissions by decreasing reliance on imported hazelnuts. Hazelnuts require fewer inputs than many annual crops and can produce for up to 100 years, maintaining soil structure all the while. Shells also can be used to absorb heavy metals which aid in environmental cleanups like oil spills and mine sites, and can alternatively serve as mulch. To find a Ontario Hazelnut grower near you, CLICK HERE. BOARD’S HONEY FARM, PARRY SOUND DISTRICT Board’s Honey Farm specializes in producing honey and promoting apitherapy (using honey for health.) There are many potential positive health benefits that can be attributed to products from bees. Honey is obvious but Board’s Honey Farm also offers household products like bees wax furniture polish, natural cosmetics like bee venom for smoother skin and natural health products like propolis. Propolis is derived from tree resin collected by bees for use as a natural antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, anti-inflammatory and anesthetic in the hive. Jaimie Board leads the honey farm and sharing her knowledge and passion for bees with customers just comes naturally! To view Board’s Honey Farm selection of products CLICK HERE. SOCIAL MEDIA DARLING: CODY’S EGG SHACK, WALKERTON In Walkerton, Ontario, a small farm stand is making a big impact—both locally and online. At the heart of it is Cody, a 15-year-old (soon to be 16) with cerebral palsy, whose entrepreneurial spirit turned a simple idea into a thriving venture. Cody’s parents hoped he might one day take over the family farm, so they started small: a few chickens and a selfserve stand with a fridge of farm-fresh eggs. What began as a modest experiment has grown into something remarkable. Today, Cody’s Egg Shack offers more than eggs—branded merchandise and seven flavours of pickled eggs. “We aren’t your typical kind of spot because it’s all self-serve,” Cody says. “But folks love it and travel from near and far—and we’re super grateful!” His story has captured hearts on social media, making the stand a local sensation. Next goal? Saving for an aboveground pool to help with swimming exercises that support his mobility. Cody’s Egg Shack is more than a farm stand; it’s a testament to creativity, resilience, and community support for local farmfresh eggs and a great story. A LITE LOOK AT ONTARIO ARTICLE BY JULIE HARLOW
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