A Passion for Food Innovation - Tour the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre with Farms at Work!
2025-06-09 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Toronto) | 216 Purdy Rd, Colborne, ON K0K 1S0, Canada, 216 Purdy Rd, Colborne, Ontario, Canada
Show your Love for Local food, and join Farms at Work for a tour of the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre. OAFVC is a unique food manufacturing facility in our region, helping food entrepreneurs and farmers bring Made in Ontario products to market. The OAFVC is designed, built, and staffed to be a launchpad for food entrepreneurs moving into the next phase of business growth. Their production support provides access to safe, clean, food manufacturing spaces and qualified staff. Clients join their network of food entrepreneurs and industry supporters whose unique experiences and resources help the OAFVC drive opportunities for innovation that benefit all. The OAFVC is host to a wide range of equipment geared to innovate, scale-up, and advance food processing for clients. With a dedicated team excited by innovation and passionate about entrepreneurship, the OAFVC has successfully helped launch 175 food businesses and brought nearly 550 new Made in Ontario products to market between 2018 and 2025.

What to Expect
A guided tour with the manager of the Ontario Agri-Food Venture Centre while it is in operation. We will finish our food innovation experience by sampling a few of the over 550 Made in Ontario products made by local food entrepreneurs and farmers at the OAFVC.

Spaces are limited, so sign up today to secure your spot!

Tour the Future of Farming with Farms at Work - Meet OZ, the In-Field Robot - and More!
2025-06-24 10:00 - 14:00 | The Barrett Centre & Whitby Campus Urban Farm
About this event:

Vertical hydroponic farming, an in-field multifunctional robot, biodigesters, freeze driers and aquaculture – all in one morning! Durham College is sharing their passion for innovation, sustainable agriculture, and strengthening local food systems with us and you are invited!
Our first stop is The Barrett Centre in Ajax. They are Durham College’s dynamic new urban farm and hub of innovation in urban agricultural practices, research, education and training. Home to:

market garden & flower ranges,
hoop houses,
apiary,
indoor Growcer vertical farm

A 20 minute drive will bring us to The Whitby Campus Urban Farm. It is considered a living lab, where students have the ability to experience hands-on learning. Our tour will include:

market gardens and greenhouses
indoor farm and aquaponic growing areas
freeze driers
Biodigester
A demonstration of Oz , the autonomous weeder

The Oz, from Naio Technologies, is a multifunctional robot that assists in arduous and time consuming tasks – hoeing, weeding, making furrows, seeding and is 100% electric.
Don’t miss this exciting opportunity to see agricultural innovation in action.

Tickets: $20 (Durham College does not charge a fee. Tickets cover organizing costs at Farms at Work)

Growing Grapes in the Kawarthas - A Tour of the Cheeky Duck Vineyard
2025-07-31 16:30 - 17:30 | ON
Join Farms at Work to learn about growing wine grapes in the Kawarthas. What impact does the soil have? How do you choose appropriate varieties of grapes? Bring your questions!
Cheeky Duck cultivates delicious wine in a respectful and harmonious way with their surroundings. Their 5-acre vineyard is home to Vidal, Pinot Gris, Chardonnay, Baco Noir, and Marquette varietals of grapes. Sustainability is woven into every part of the business. They are dedicated to being eco-friendly and carbon-neutral and their vineyard is a haven for butterflies and bees. Lively runner ducks assist with grazing and pest control. Additionally,they use vine pruning as an energy source during the winter.
What to Expect
A guided tour of the Cheeky Duck vineyard to learn about establishing, maintaining, harvesting and creating wine from grapes grown here at the edge of the Canadian Shield. Our host will share the vineyard’s sustainability practices. Sample their perfect blend of exceptional taste and sustainability with an optional wine tasting to end the tour.
Farm Tour Details
Location: 1786 Young’s Point Road, Lakefield
Date and Time: Thursday, July 31, 2025, 4:30pm
Tickets: $20 tour only
$48.25 tour and wine tasting (19+ hosted by the Winery)
(Use the “Reserve Your Spot” button at the top of the page to buy your tickets)
Have the full experience with a dinner reservation! Michelin-trained Chef Josh Keepfer is a passionate supporter of local farmers, using locally sourced ingredients to create unforgettable culinary and beverage excellence.
Book here: https://www.exploretock.com/cheeky-duck-vineyard

Support Farms at Work with a donation:
https://farmsatwork.ca/donate-0

Pasture Walk, Local Dinner, and Learning Stations at Heritage Cattle Company
2025-09-10 16:00 - 19:30 | Heritage Cattle Company, 690 Scriven Road, Otonabee-South-Monaghan, Ontario, K9J 6Y3, Canada
Sponsored by Sunderland Co-op, Heritage Cattle Company and Peterborough County Dairy Producers. Proceeds will be donated to local agricultural charities – Peterborough County 4H and Farms at Work.

Date: Wednesday, September 10th
Time: 4:00pm-7:30pm
Location: Heritage Cattle Company
Address: 690 Scriven Road, Otonabee-South-Monaghan
Tickets: $20 online, $25 at the door (4H members free as always)

Join Farms at Work, Peterborough County 4H and Sunderland Co-op for a memorable night of local food and knowledge sharing.

This is an OSCIA approved Knowledge Sharing Event in the Rotational Grazing Systems category.

Schedule of Events:
4:00-5:30 pm – Pasture Walk

Meet the Heritage Cattle Company Farmers Aaron and Ben MacDonald
Rotational Grazing Systems with Tim Campbell, Pasture Specialist – Sunderland Co-op
Alternative Parasite Control with Derek Stanley – Merck Animal Health

5:30-6:15 pm – Local Supper sponsored by Sunderland Co-op and prepared by SKH Catering featuring:

Pulled beef from Heritage Cattle
SKH’s famous potato salad
Milk from local dairy farms (Kawartha Dairy)

Note: Bring your own plates and cutlery!! Bring lawn chair(s) if you wish.

6:30-7:30 pm – Information Stations

Cattle Handling Systems with Kloosterman Equipment
Pasture Nutrition with Elliott Stripp (Ruminant Nutritionist) & Ashley Ferren( Ruminant Feed Consultant) – Sunderland Co-op
Ask the Vet with Dr. Greg Aitken DVM of Peterborough Veterinary Services

Thank you to partners Sunderland Co-op, Heritage Cattle Company, Peterborough County Dairy Producers, Peterborough Veterinary Services, Merck Animal Health, Wallenstein Feed & Supply and the OSCIA
If you have questions please email Katie at education@farmsatwork.ca

1.5 acre Market Garden Tour - Cold Spring Organics
2025-10-06 16:00 - 18:00 | Cold Spring Organic, 8869 Spruce Grove Rd, Campbellcroft, Ontario, Canada
About this event:

Can you grow 105 varieties of organic produce on 1.5 acres? Do the numbers work?

Join Cold Spring Organics and Farms at Work for an evening exploring organic vegetable production, permaculture principles, regenerative agriculture, community collaborations and protecting threatened species. Whether you’re a seasoned grower, new to farming, or a food enthusiast, don’t miss this opportunity to connect with local food production and gain practical insights for your journey in agriculture.
Tour Highlights
Organic Vegetable Production: Learn about the certification process with CSI for the Canadian Organic Standards (COR) and how to grow healthy & nutritious chemical-free food without synthetic fertilizers.
Permaculture Practices: Find out how permaculture design mimics self-sustaining ecosystems in nature by holistically integrating crop, water, and wildlife management to build resilience & adaptability for the long-term health of the land.
Regenerative Agriculture: Learn about how Cold Springs’ regenerative agriculture methods restore & strengthen soil health and the ecosystem it supports.
Protecting Threatened Species: See how safe spaces are created for threatened bird species around the farm.
Community Collaborations: Hear about how Cold Springs engages with their community.

About the Host
Glen Young decided to become an organic farmer so he could make a difference. He wanted to teach his children where food comes from and cultivate their palates to value wholesome, nutritious foods. He wanted to help build a better future – for his family & for our planet.

Farms at Work is a charitable organization working to protect healthy, active farmland across east central Ontario. For over a decade, Farms at work has been working to support farmers, new entrants, and landowners through education, mentorship, and research.

Alpacas for Fibre and Agritourism
2025-11-28 14:00 - 16:00 | Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, 874 Lynch’s Rock Road, Lakefield, Ontario, Canada
Alpacas for Fibre and Agritourism

Location: Wanderlight Alapaca Experience: 874 Lynch’s Rock Road. Douro Dummer
Time: Friday. November 28th: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Questions? Email Education@Farmsatwork.ca

How do you raise alpacas for optimum fibre production? How do you incorporate agritourism into your farming operation? Come with your curiosity and questions!
Join Wanderlight Alpaca Experience, Averegan Farms and Farms at Work for an afternoon exploring the breeding, care and delight of alpacas. This hands-on tour will include time connecting with the Wanderlight Alpacas, and is geared toward farmers and business owners but open to folks of all interests and ages.
Tour Highlights

Care and Health of the Alpaca Herd
Genetics and Breeding of Alpacas
Shearing, Fibre Processing and Sales
Adding Agritourism to your Farm

***Online ticket purchases are preferred, but registration onsite at the event will also be available. Please arrive by 1:45 for in person registration.
Some alpaca products will be available for purchase.
About the Hosts
Donna Simmonds of Averegan Alpacas has been breeding and showing alpacas and processing alpaca fibre for 20 years. From breeding decisions, crias, shows and day-to-day care all the way to shearing and sorting the gorgeous fleeces and processing them into the softest yarns for our alpaca products – she loves it all and is excited to share her expertise.
Katie Maitland founded Wanderlight Alpaca Experience in 2020 to connect guests with the joy of alpacas, the beauty of her family farm and a glimpse into agriculture. Since then over 5000 people have visited Wanderlight, learning about alpacas, nature and farm life. From inspirational stories to practical matters of insurance, marketing, and booking, Katie is ready for your questions!For over a decade, Farms at Work has been supporting the growth of resilient thriving farms that contribute to food security across east central Ontario and working to support farmers, new entrants, and farmland owners through education, mentorship, and research.

Farmland Ownership: Opportunities, Connections and Answers
2026-02-20 09:00 - 14:00 | Cavan Monaghan Community Centre, 986 County Road 10, Millbrook, Ontario, L0A 1G0, Canada
Seeking non-farming owners of farmland!
Farms at Work is inviting registrations for a Farmland Owner Workshop, designed for non-farming owners of farmland. Hear from a range of knowledgeable speakers and network with organizations who can help you!
This is a hybrid event: Connecting in person is always the best! But if you can’t make it we still want to see you – register to participate online.

Topics to Expect

Why is every acre of farmland important?
Farm Business Registration, Property tax and your farm
Finding and keeping a great farm tenant
Farm Insurance
Environmental stewardship of your farmland
Funding opportunities and other resources
Long term options for your farmland

Help us address the topics you are most interested in! Please complete our Farmland Owner Survey in addition to registering for the workshop.
Register for in-person and online participation here: https://3common.com/event/farmland-ownership-opportunities-connections-and-answers/690b7bf691721e9a0cba9e85

Complete our Farmland Owner Survey here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSc2N-LIfmHCte1pGqlN6SiTwKe1oBIrZz9i0RUKM3Nmur69Zg/viewform

Tree Pruning and Grafting Workshop with Andy Harjula
2026-03-07 10:00 - 12:00 | Lindsay, Kawartha Lakes (exact location shared with registrants)
Join Farms at Work and farmer Andy Harjula for an engaging and hands-on morning dedicated to the art and science of fruit tree maintenance, pruning and grafting. Whether you’re a seasoned grower or a complete beginner, this workshop will provide you with the essential knowledge and skills to care for your apple trees and maximize their health and productivity.

Workshop Highlights

Introduction to Trees: Understand the basic needs and growth habits of trees, including key factors that influence their development and fruit production.
Pruning Techniques: Learn the importance of pruning as a vital tool for maintaining individual tree health and the overall health of the orchard.
Improving Yield: Learn how proper pruning can enhance fruit production by improving air circulation, light penetration, and reducing disease risk.
Pruning Neglected Trees: If you have trees that have been left unpruned for years, this workshop will guide you through some techniques to safely and effectively restore them to health without over-pruning.
Hands-On Practice: Each participant will have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned by helping to prune a tree under Andy’s guidance, ensuring they leave with practical experience to take home.
Grafting Techniques and Take Home Scion Wood
Learn grafting techniques. Each participant can take home their pruned scion wood to graft onto fruit trees at home.

What to Bring:

Hand pruners (bring your own if possible; some will be provided)
Tree wound paste (bring your own if possible; some will be provided)
Work gloves for safety and comfort
Folding chair in the event we need to retreat part time to the garage.
Warm clothing. The lesson will proceed under inclement weather, dress accordingly with boots and coat.
Water or wet cloths and a bag to transport scion wood.

Don’t miss this chance to connect with fellow fruit tree enthusiasts, gain valuable knowledge, and learn practical skills that will help you care for your apple trees and ensure they thrive for years to come.

Sustainable Seedlings and Seeds at Belmont Farmstead
2026-04-24 15:00 - 17:00 | Belmont Farmstead, 974 County Rd 48, Havelock, Ontario, K0L1Z0, Canada
The Belmont Farmstead is expanding its operations and now is the time to ask all your plant propagation and farm-business questions! Operating her business now for 15 years, Amanda is an experienced horticulturalist dedicated to soil health, biodiversity, and sustainability. She grows thousands of seedlings each season, offers individual support to ensure thriving gardens, creates beautiful botanical displays for local businesses, and has recently purchased a seed business to further grow her impact and scale. Ask your questions on the ups and downs of farm-business development, management and growth, learn about native seedling propagation and how you can balance the needs of your business, community, and environment for positive impact. Whether you’re a seasoned grower, native plant enthusiast, new farmer, or simply passionate about local food, don’t miss this opportunity to grow your network and learn with Amanda from Belmont Farmstead!
Tour highlights include: greenhouse seedling production, native plant propagation techniques, scaling a farm-based business, and lessons learned from 15 years of building a diversified horticultural enterprise.

O'Brienview Organic Farm Tour
2026-06-20 13:00 - 15:00 | O’Brienview Organic Farm, 688 Country Ln, Cameron, ON, Cameron, Ontario, K0M 1G0, Canada
What do you do when you have difficulty sourcing organic feed for your Angus cattle? If you are the O’Briens, you invent a fully automated sprouting system that turns your organic seed into nutritious fodder!.
Join Farms at Work and O’Brienview Organic Farm for an afternoon exploring the ingenuity and problem solving that has gone into this conveyor system that produces over 700lb of new sprouts at a time. Learn how the system was designed and built, the benefits of feeding sprouted fodder and how this system could integrate into your operation. Come with your curiosity and your questions!
About the Hosts
More than three decades ago, Pauline and Eric O’Brien started a mixed organic farm in Cameron, Ontario. Today, their 350 acre operation includes three generations, a tomato seedling business, an organic market garden and certified organic and pasture finished beef, poultry and pork. Together, they work with great devotion and passion maintaining and harvesting our fields, crops and livestock.
For over a decade, Farms at Work has been supporting the growth of resilient thriving farms that contribute to food security across east central Ontario and working to support farmers, new entrants, and farmland owners through education, mentorship, and research.
Get Tickets here: https://farmsatwork.ca/obrienviewfarmtour/

Growing Organic Grains and Exploring Plant Health with LoonSong Farm
2026-07-14 18:00 - 20:00 | Fifth Wind Farm, 3987 Timlin Road, Cold Springs, nearCobourg, Ontario, K9A 4J9, Canada
Join Farms at Work for a visit with LoonSong Farm and Fifth Wind Farm, on July 14th from 6pm- 8pm for a 2-part farm visit.
Learn about the ins and outs of growing organic grains in Northumberland County, and also learn about how Brix testing can help you to measure plant health in your fields or gardens on any scale.
Paul Salanki of LoonSong will share his experiences growing organic grains – How is it different from conventional cropping? Hear about cover cropping and crop rotations, planting methods, accessing seed, and harvesting and marketing organic grains along with some of the challenges and complexities of this type of grain farming.
Part 2 of this tour will take us into an adjacent veggie garden, where we will discuss plant health (which is also a primary indicator of underlying soil health) measured by Brix testing, and have the opportunity to try out the measurement tools with several different vegetable garden plants. We will also discuss ways to build soil health (and therefore plant health) in gardens and fields. Ordering of Brix testing instruments will be available.

Tour Curve Lake’s Aquaponic/Hydroponic System: Shki Maajitaawin Gitigaanan
2026-08-20 14:00 - 16:00 | Curve Lake First Nation
Join Farms at Work and Curve Lake First Nation’s SMG Aquaponics Corp. for a tour of the brand new Curve Lake Aquaponics and Hydroponics facility.
Explore how Shki Maajitaawin Gitigaanan (“New Beginnings Farm”), a 45,000-square-foot, band-owned operation in Curve Lake First Nation, is strengthening local food production, advancing Indigenous food sovereignty, and supplying fresh produce and farmed fish throughout the region.
See how aquaponics and hydroponics work together in a highly efficient, low-water, zero-discharge growing system, learn how tilapia and leafy greens are produced year-round, and bring your questions about their systems and plans for the future!
Be one of the first to see this modern facility and to learn from those who designed, built, and manage it.

Gather, Learn & Share - a dinner event with your Farming Community
2026-09-10 16:30 - 19:00 | Heritage Cattle Company, 690 Scriven Road, Otonabee-South-Monaghan, Ontario, K9J 6Y3, Canada
Join Farms at Work and Sunderland Co-op for an evening of learning, good food and connection with your farming community. Hosted at Heritage Cattle Company, this hands-on event will explore rotational grazing, plant health and pasture management, including a pasture walk and demonstration of using a Brix tester to assess plant health.
Enjoy a taco beef dinner featuring Heritage Cattle beef and locally sourced milk, followed by three rotating learning stations: Ask the Vet with Peterborough Veterinary Services, practical electric fencing for rotational grazing, and pasture nutrition with local ruminant specialists. Come ready to learn, share experiences and connect with other farmers.

Farm Tour: Emergence Flowers & Carrot Top Organics
2026-09-22 18:00 - 20:00 | 1928 Asphodel 6th Line Asphodel-Norwood, ON K0L 2V0, 1928 Asphodel 6th Line, Asphodel-Norwood, ON, K0L 2V0, Canada
Join Farms at Work for a collaborative farm tour with Josh Blank of Carrot Top Organics and Andrea Hicks of Emergence Flowers!
Josh and his family bought the farm in 2020 and have been slowly but surely fixing and building infrastructure, preparing the soil, and enjoying the beauty and diversity of the land. They launched Carrot Top Organics in 2022 and are excited to provide our family and our community with rich, diverse, and healthy local food from our farm. Carrot Top organics is prized for its diversity of fresh greens, variety of vegetables, and (of course) exceptional carrots! Our vegetables are available through our CSA program and our online store.
Andrea has been gardening since she was a child and in 2022 she launched her farmer/florist business, growing both at her home in Peterborough and on a plot at Josh’s farm. Using organic methods, she grows a combination of bulbs, perennials, and annual flowers. Seed starting begins in the depths of winter in her basement and continues until mid-summer to ensure a full season of flowers. She is able to grow bucket loads of fresh flowers on a small plot of land, offering specialty cut flowers for bouquets, flower subscriptions, and events.
