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farm historyElmgrove Farm is a little 'peace' of paradise located just South of the little town of Sutton, Ontario, and just minutes from the shores of Lake Simcoe.
The farm’s roots date back to 1949 when Berta and Wilto Schortinghuis bought the land and nurtured it through their practice of organic agriculture. The couple planted many trees on the 50-acre property and started one of the first local landscaping companies. They also grew their own produce and sold it to the local community. |
For the past fifteen years another couple, Hans and Loes Pape, have been the shepherds of the soil at Elmgrove Farm. They continued the tradition that started with Berta and Wilto by selling landscaping trees, produce and eggs.
A few years ago they began the search for an enthusiastic young farmer who could help them work the land. In stepped Daniel Hoffmann from The Cutting Veg, a local organic farm. It was a perfect match!
Daniel began his work at Elmgrove Farm in the spring of 2011 with farm manager, Paul Clarkson. Thanks to The Cutting Veg’s internship and volunteer programs, several more equally enthusiastic farmers have joined the farm. In 2013 this small, grassroots group formed the Elmgrove Farmers Collective.
While some have moved on to other pursuits, others, like Zandra Zalucky, stayed on and started her business, Cultivating Opportunities, and is now successfully growing and selling a wide selection of vegetables.
Justin Pape joined in 2019 raising Rideau sheep on the farm beginning with a small flock of 30 ewes to a current flock of over 150 ewes.
A few years ago they began the search for an enthusiastic young farmer who could help them work the land. In stepped Daniel Hoffmann from The Cutting Veg, a local organic farm. It was a perfect match!
Daniel began his work at Elmgrove Farm in the spring of 2011 with farm manager, Paul Clarkson. Thanks to The Cutting Veg’s internship and volunteer programs, several more equally enthusiastic farmers have joined the farm. In 2013 this small, grassroots group formed the Elmgrove Farmers Collective.
While some have moved on to other pursuits, others, like Zandra Zalucky, stayed on and started her business, Cultivating Opportunities, and is now successfully growing and selling a wide selection of vegetables.
Justin Pape joined in 2019 raising Rideau sheep on the farm beginning with a small flock of 30 ewes to a current flock of over 150 ewes.