DAY EVENTS

Wednesday January 8 2025 at 6pm: Beekeeping basics

Join us for an evening of hive mind with our guest hosts, experienced beekeepers Rev. Ken & Shaunna MacQuarrie of Thorold, Ontario as we delve into the inspirational world of beekeeping. Once describing the apiarists' pursuit as "a rich experience of discovery, growth, pain, disappointment, connection, ecological engagement and wonder," Ken and Shaunna will offer insights on raising bees at a small to medium scale for both honey and for bees (nucs & queens).  Crieff Hills Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst will also be on hand to outline Crieff Hills' experience and plans for the future of our yard. Honey samples included.

Wednesday January 15 2025 at 6pm: Backyard Poultry 

Join guest hosts Marvin & RosaLee Metzger of Fergus, Ontario, proprietors of Feathered Acres Farm for an event focused on raising poultry in your yard or homestead.  Marvin & RosaLee breed ducks, geese and Guinea fowl on their family farm, marketing birds for meat, eggs and small mixed farms like Crieff Hills. Bring all your questions and join us for a thoughtful discussion on mixed poultry flocks; we'll even introduce you to a couple of our own fowl, including our new Khaki Campbell ducks purchased from Feathered Acres in 2024. Crieff Hills Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst will also join us to discuss the operation of the farm's mixed layer flock, ongoing quail production and seasonal broiler chicken systems. Farm fresh eggs will be available for purchase.

Wednesday January 22 at 6pm: Growing Vegetables

Join Crieff Hills Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst for an event focused on vegetable production planning for the backyard, small farm and homestead. Ryan has been growing vegetables for markets since 2004 and brings a wide range of experience across different styles and scales of production. He will cover fundamentals of agroecological design from different frames of reference: soil health, crop selection/rotation, irrigation, cover cropping, greenhouse production, agroforestry and whole farm/food system scale perspectives. Hear what the 2025 growing season will look like at Crieff Hills Farm, too.  Participants are encouraged to bring their questions and share plans for their own production spaces. Seed sharing is also encouraged: bring small packets of seeds from your garden if you have them and visit our seed swapping table.

Wednesday January 29 at 6pm: Preserving the Harvest

Join Crieff Hills Retreat Centre sous Chef Nikki for a presentation and discussion focused on preserving your harvest or foraged ingredients. Explore various techniques including hang drying, infusions, curing, canning and using a dehydrator. Learn about food safety and how to preserve the flavours of the foods you love plus unusual recipes including syrups and cordials. Farm Manager Ryan Hayhurst will also offer advice on choosing the right vegetable and herb varieties for preservation. Crieff Hills jam and cordial tasting included.