From Farm to Your Table

Before diving into this topic, I want to acknowledge my perspective on food and health. I firmly believe that what we eat has a major impact on our well-being, and I favor naturally raised and organic whole foods. With various diets and approaches to eating, I don’t claim to know what’s best for everyone, but I think it’s essential to consider how food choices impact both health and sustainability when discussing farm-to-table options. One of the great advantages of living in an agriculturally rich region is having access to local farms and fresh produce. While supermarkets and curated grocers offer convenience, visiting local farms lets you source food directly. Below, I highlight some of my favorite local farms that not only provide incredible products but also promote sustainable, regenerative farming practices. These include Good Family Farms, with their diversified organic operations, Sideroad Farms’ certified organic vegetables and flowers, Twin Creeks Farm’s grass-only livestock, Higginson Farms’ sustainable beef production, and Harvest Moon Farm’s dedication to healthy soils and community connections. Supporting these farms means making healthier food choices while contributing to a sustainable food system. Good Family Farms I’ve known the Goods since they opened with an old painted sign and a freezer in their drive shed. Now, their operation spans over 600 acres, offering beef, pork, chicken, lamb, eggs, and a wide variety of produce at their Farm Store in Meaford, Ontario. They also sell at the Collingwood Farmers' Market and offer delivery. Good Family Farms operates on regenerative principles, certified organic, and focused on healthy soils. By rotating livestock and crops, they create a symbiotic environment that nourishes both the land and the animals, minimizing the need for harsh chemicals and ensuring sustainable production. https://goodfamilyfarms.ca/     Sideroad Farms Patrick and Amy Kitchen established Sideroad Farm in 2013 in Walter’s Falls, Ontario. Their 60-acre farm produces Certified Organic vegetables, pasture-raised chickens and eggs, and cut flowers. They are deeply committed to sustainability, using regenerative agricultural practices such as cover cropping and livestock integration to improve soil health. You can find their produce at local farmers' markets, through their CSA programs, and at their farm store. Sideroad Farms also partners with local retailers and restaurants, helping to spread their values of environmental stewardship and healthy eating across the community. https://sideroadfarm.com/         Twin Creeks Farm Located on the beautiful rolling hills of the Niagara Escarpment, Twin Creeks Farm produces grass-only beef and lamb, as well as pastured pork and poultry. Their farming philosophy goes 'Beyond Organic,' ensuring animals have full access to fresh grass during the growing season. They employ sustainable practices that nurture both their land and their animals, providing customers with naturally raised, high-quality meat. Twin Creeks is committed to growing food for their family and community with the highest standards of environmental care. https://www.twincreeksfarm.ca/     Higginson Farms Dedicated to raising sustainably produced beef, Higginson Farms focuses on grass-fed, grain-finished cattle. Their humane farming practices aim to minimize environmental impact while producing tender, flavorful beef. Offering everything from individual cuts to pre-packaged boxes, Higginson Farms is committed to transparency, ensuring their customers receive ethically raised, high-quality meat. Whether you're visiting their farm or ordering for delivery, they make it easy to bring farm-fresh beef to your table. https://shophigginsonfarms.com/         Harvest Moon Farm Nestled just outside of Meaford, Harvest Moon Farm specializes in providing fresh, organic vegetables to the community. Known for their hands-on approach to sustainable farming, they offer not only produce but also educational workshops and consulting services. Their mission is to connect people to their food, from seed to plate, while emphasizing the importance of healthy soils and sustainable growing practices. By empowering their customers with knowledge and fresh, local ingredients, Harvest Moon Farm helps build a stronger, more connected community centered around wholesome, nutritious food. https://www.farmharvestmoon.com/  

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Market Minute: October 2024 Update

Real estate activity in our region remains below the expected pace, although we’ve observed a notable rise in inventory. This increase in supply has contributed to a steady trend of price adjustments across most areas. However, it’s important to note that these "improvements" don’t necessarily indicate prices are moving up or down; rather, they reflect the ongoing balancing act between sellers’ expectations and what buyers are willing to pay. Many homeowners continue to list their properties at higher prices, often based on past market conditions. Our role is to provide an informed, data-driven pricing strategy, offering the most up-to-date insights to support our recommendations. Ultimately, the market is a dynamic environment, where prices are determined by what both buyers and sellers are willing to agree upon. The Bank of Canada's October 23, 2024 rate announcement delivered a highly anticipated 50 basis point cut, reducing the overnight lending rate to 3.75%. While this is good news for those with variable-rate mortgages, for those looking at renewals or new mortgages, most lenders had already factored in this reduction. The Bank has also hinted at further rate cuts to support the sluggish Canadian economy, with many economists projecting the rate could fall to 2.75% by spring 2025. So, what does this mean for our local market? We’re likely to see continued stability with a slight increase in activity. However, I expect some downward pressure on prices as buyers take advantage of the growing inventory and time on their side. It’s still a good time to sell, but sellers should remain patient and realistic about market conditions, as pricing strategically will be key to securing the right buyer. If you are considering selling don’t hesitate to invite me and my team to come give a complimentary and comprehensive home valuation. 

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An Industrial Look in a Forested Setting

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