Agri-Food Forum
The County of Brant hosted the 14th annual 2022 Municipal Agriculture Economic Development and Planning Forum on November 2nd and 3rd, 2022.
This year’s theme was 'Tradition, Innovation and Regeneration'. At the forum, attendees explored County of Brant farms and agricultural businesses that embrace technology, new crops, entrepreneurship and environmental stewardship.
View event details below.
Event Schedule
Date | Time | Details |
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Wednesday, November 2, 2022 | 9:30 am to 8:00 pm | Bus tour of County of Brant Farms and Operations |
Thursday, November 3, 2022 | 8:30 am to 4:00 pm |
The 2022 Agri-Food Forum |
Bus Tour Destinations |
Kevin Hodge Farms Corn, soybeans, kidney beans, cranberry beans and ginseng on 1,900-acres in Southern Brant. Diversification has been an important part of Kevin’s business plan and over the past few years has planted a hazelnut orchard as well houses a grain elevator on his farm. Kevin is Chair of the Ontario Hazelnut Association and the County of Brant Agricultural Advisory Committee and is also an instructor for Conestoga’s Agricultural Equipment Operator Pilot Program. Slaman’s Quality Flowers Slaman’s Quality Flowers - For three generations, Slaman’s Quality Flowers has been providing premium quality lisianthus and chrysanthemum flowers year-round. Explore their new state-of-the-art greenhouse located south of Burford which utilizes the latest in sustainable production technologies. Lunch - The Windmill Country Market The Windmill Country Market is famous for it’s deli, bakery, and wide variety of local and international grocery products. On the Bus Presentation - On-farm diversified use policies In rural Ontario, many family farmers are diversifying their land uses to create additional revenue streams to assist agriculture viability. On-farm diversified use policies in rural municipalities allows farmers to create both agriculture related and non-agriculture businesses. An OMAFRA-funded research study at the University of Guelph explores the best practices and lessons learned for municipal and agricultural stakeholders to ensure both agriculture and on-farm diversification can thrive and co-exist. Join researchers Pam Duesling (County of Brant), Emily Sousa (OFA), and Dr. Wayne Caldwell to learn more about how to balance on-farm diversified uses with farmland preservation. Steelwheel Brewery Since 2015, Harold Kuret and Cindy Blair have grown a variety of hops on their property, located on the outskirts of the County of Brant at 105 Powerline Road. In addition to growing their own ingredients, Steel Wheel Brewery emphasizes sourcing local ingredients and employing local residents. Set in a unique, fully renovated 1890’s farmhouse, Steel Wheel Brewery features a comfortable tasting room and an adjacent outdoor patio where patrons are invited to try a variety of small-batch brews. Brantview Apples & Cider/Howell Road Cider Company Brantview Apples & Cider is an eighth generation Apple Orchard in the County of Brant. The orchard grows 20 varieties of apples and pears. The scratch bakery produces apple cider donuts, pies, crisps and other delicious baked goods. Fresh Apple cider and a variety of other apple products are available in the Apple Shed. Also operating on the farm is Howell Road Cider Company which produces small batch Craft Cider using cider pressed from apples grown at our orchard. Dinner - Juniper Dining Co. Juniper Dining Co. offers a unique and delicious dining experience in a modern, fine dining atmosphere, featuring quality and seasonal ingredients. Special seasonal menu for attendees. Dinner - Evening Speaker - "Spicy" Jan Vilaca |
Agriculture in the County of Brant |
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