Canada: Small farms near cities boast sustainability, education – Winnipeg
“We are not certified organic, but we use organic methods, so we don’t use any sprays … we don’t want to eat food that has been sprayed, so we don’t grow food that has been sprayed.”
By Melissa Bezan
The Western Producer
Dec 31, 2021
Excerpts:
A 29-acre farm may seem small by many prairie standards, where farms seem to get bigger every year.
But for Mike and Carolyn Reimer, who live within the city limits of Winnipeg, 29 acres are just enough.
“Farms keep getting bought up and huge corporations are taking over, and if we can provide something that’s a little bit different, then we’re all for that,” said Mike.
They named their operation Living Well Farm, and those 29 acres are usually home to seven cows, an alpaca and many free-range chickens.
Being on the edge of Winnipeg has provided them with many opportunities not available to farmers or ranchers who live more rurally. In a city of almost one million people, having a small farm within the city limits provides urban people a chance to experience and learn about agriculture.
“I had one mom come and she often comes with her kids,” Carolyn said. “She texted me one day and said, ‘my son finally realized that it’s the chickens that lay the eggs.’ So, I think that whole idea of helping your kids see this is the work that has to be done.”
Next to Brandon, Man., is a small farm known as Brown Sugar Produce. Started in 2001, it sells all different types of homegrown vegetables.
