To local Ontario farmers, food isn’t just what we eat. It’s what brings us together as families and communities.
Behind the local food that you serve in your home, there’s a farming family and community somewhere in Ontario, working hard to care for the land, and deliver freshness you can trust. We’re proud to introduce you to some of Ontario’s finest!
Roger Pelissero, Egg Farmer
Located between Smithville and Fonthill (in the township of West Lincoln), Roger Pelissero and his family operate their egg farm. They take care of 16,000 laying hens that lay about 9,000 dozen eggs per week, sold under the Gray Ridge Egg Farms label. They also produce 96,000 egg-laying hens for themselves and other egg farms throughout Ontario.
Jason Verkaik, Carron Farms
A fourth generation farmer in Ontario, Jason traces his family’s farming history to Chatham-Kent in the 1920s when his great grandfather emigrated from the Netherlands. In 1934, his grandfather and two brothers moved to the Holland Marsh and established farms as the Verkaik brothers. In 1964, as the family grew, Jason’s grandfather started Carron Farms. The name reflects the main crops they grow – Carrots and Onions. Carron Farms currently grows 250 acres of vegetables in Ontario and focuses on sustainability.
Doug Eiche, Doug's Honey
Minutes from the Elora Gorge Conservation Area, on one of the most pristine stretches of the Grand River, Doug Eiche has carefully nurtured a small grove of linden trees to feed the bees in one of his apiaries. He has spent the last 34 years in search of ways to gently influence the flavours of honey produced by his colonies.
Meet the Stroms
Strom's Farm & Bakery, located in Guelph, is a family-friendly destination known for its fresh Ontario pumpkins and irresistible homemade treats. From mouth-watering pies to delicious cookies, every bite is made with love and local goodness.
Their story goes back to 1978, when Jay and Marg Strom started with one acre of sweet corn, and then added pumpkins in 1995.
Murray Good, Whitecrest Mushrooms
Located east of London, Ontario, Murray Good, his wife, and two sons own and operate the Whitecrest Mushrooms farm. Along with 38 farm hands, they grow brown agaricus – better known as Portobello and Crimini mushrooms. Although they grow 2 million pounds annually, comparatively, they are considered a small, family farm.
Ruth Klahsen, Monforte Dairy
Ruth Klahsen owns and operates Montforte Dairy – Ontario’s oldest, operating artisanal cheese company. After 9 years, Monforte Dairy has grown to fill a 5,800 ft2 facility and now produces 30 different kinds of cheese, which Ruth is committed to continually improving. And she wants to give back by teaching others.
Scot Legge, Legge Beef Farms Ltd.
Scot Legge owns and operates his ranch with his father. He has the capacity to raise 900 head of cattle at any given time, with over 1000 acres of land, where he also grows most of their feed. His family farm is considered mid-to-large size. He is part of the 5th generation of farmers in his family in this region and is also the president of the Bruce County Cattlemen’s Association.
Paul Hill, Willowgrove Hill Pork
Located northwest of Stratford, Ontario, Paul Hill and his wife, Rosie, own and operate the Willowgrove Hill Pork farm. They’ve committed themselves to creating products of uncommon quality and taste, while offering consumers more choice.
Meet the Chesneys
Located in Innerkip, Thames River Melons is a family-owned and operated farm that has been providing the community with fresh and delicious produce since 1984. What began as a single acre of cantaloupe planted by owner and head farmer Rob Chesney has expanded into a 500-acre farm. Today, Rob and Maria Chesney, along with their children, family, friends, and neighbors, work together to grow and sell a wide variety of fruits and vegetables across the seasons.
Meet Gray Ridge Egg Farms
Located in Ontario, Gray Ridge Egg Farms is one of the largest egg graders and marketers in the province, with a legacy spanning over 90 years. What began as a small egg grading station in Ridgetown has grown into a major player in the Ontario farm-to-table egg market. Today, Gray Ridge Egg Farms operates two grading stations in Strathroy and Listowel, bringing farm fresh eggs from local farmers to consumers across the region.
Meet the Shuhs
Shuh Orchards, located near Elmira, is a fourth-generation family farm committed to growing delicious, fresh, Ontario apples.
In 2013, Robert and Lisa Shuh shifted from dairy and poultry farming to apple growing, planting their first 50 acres with 62,000 trees. In 2020, they introduced a roadside fruit stand, which quickly gained popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Building on that success, they launched a pick-your-own apple experience in 2023—an idea from their eldest son, Tim.