Have you heard of The FarmGate?  Many of us are already familiar with them because most of us drive by their farm everyday but for those who aren’t familiar, The FarmGate is known for Wood Carvings, Harrington’s Saurkraut, Locally Grown Cabbage, Cauliflower, Squash, Pumpkins, Meadowsweet Soap Works, Ornamental Birds, Gnomes, and Locally Made Maple Syrup.  Situated on 50 acres located on Ramara Road 47 in Brechin, The FarmGate is owned and managed by Bert & Lori Harrington.  They make a great team as The Harrington family makes delicious maple syrup every spring from their maple bush and Lori Harrington crafts unique artisan soaps in a variety of seasonal fragrances as well as ornamental birds and gnomes.

We were thrilled to ask Bert & Lori a few more questions about The FarmGate in our Community Spotlight and you may be surprised just as I was, to hear about their history in the Township of Ramara and their efforts to continuously give back to our community.

When was the FarmGate first established and can you give us a little bit of the history behind The FarmGate?

The FarmGate was established in 2014. It was our venture into the shop/buy local movement. I am a fourth generation farmer to the area. We have previously been involved in raising beef cattle and are still currently involved in cash cropping of soybeans and wheat. These commodities tend to be sold on a world market instead of local. With the growing demand for local produce we decided to enter the market.

Is this your first time owning a locally grown business and if so, was it always a dream of yours?

This would be my first time operating a business that caters to a local market. Previously our efforts were more far reaching. Operating locally is far more rewarding in that you are far more involved with your community. We are truly enjoying it.

The FarmGate is a unique name. Where did it originate from?

The FarmGate name was derived from the form of sales it represents. Farm gate sales refers to buying directly from the farm instead of through a distributor. Sometimes it is also referred to as farm direct sales.

How long have you lived in Brechin and how do the two of you manage such a big property?

I grew up in Brechin on a farm just north of here. That farm is still in the family and we have added other farms over the years. I worked in the GTA for many years in engineering and marketing. All the time though my brothers, parents and eventually children worked the farms on evenings and weekends. The plan was to become full time farmers when we retired and that was exactly what happened. The workload although still fairly heavy is nothing to what it used to be so with family, we still manage to get things done.

You offer several locally grown products at your farm. If you had to choose one, which would be your favourite and why?

Of all the products we produce I have to say Maple Syrup is my favorite for several reasons. I learned the process from watching a neighbor when I was 8 years old. Lots of fun for a kid that age lol. It was also the first product we offered to the local market and is a farmer’s first crop of the year. Starting in late February it’s a chance to get outside and enjoy nature. It’s also Canada’s product and a sense of pride goes into making it.

What is your favourite thing about owing a local business?

My favorite thing about owning a local business is meeting with the community and the tremendous support the people provide. You also learn so much from them. They provide great input as to what products they would like you to produce in the future.

What do the both of you like to do in your free time?

Free time?? What’s that lol. I would say Lori’s is her crafts. Seems like she’s always coming up with new ideas. Not sure what mine is as I like to be busy because I enjoy the farm so much. I guess that means it’s not work to me.

If you had any words of encouragement or advice for someone thinking of opening up their own business to follow their dreams, what would they be?

I would encourage anyone starting up a business to follow their dreams, to be patient and persevere. Things tend to evolve instead of happening over night. What you start out doing may look quite different over time. The end result will however, turn out to exceed your expectations.

“Basil and Dorothy Harrington were lifelong residents of Ramara Township.  They operated a farm located at Lots 8 & 9 Concession 6 from the time they were married in 1942 until their passing in 2010 and 2012 respectively.  The barn raising photo below is a barn built in 2013 and is typical of the style they built and worked in all their lives.  The building is dedicated to their memory.”

I don’t know about you, but now that I am aware of the history of this barn being built in memory of Bert’s parents, I will always think of them if I stop in or drive by.

The FarmGate is located at 3093 Ramara Rd. 47 in Brechin and we encourage you to follow them on facebook at: The FarmGate to see what they are up to next and to follow Lori Harrington’s crafts on Instagram at:  Knittednest.