Photo above: Front of the Market when I visited in late October
On the south side of County Road 92, between Elmvale and Wasaga Beach is nestled a beautiful little farm with big beautiful goals. Michelle and Henri Linde have made it their mission to make fresh seasonal produce both possible and practical for their customers.
The couple bought Valley Farm Market from Ken and Geri Rounds in 2006. The Rounds had moved on, just down the road in fact, to fulfil their own dream to open Rounds Ranch.
Henri, an immigrant from The Netherlands, had worked for Ken and Geri for a number of years. in his own words, Henri was “born a farmer” and buying the farm was an irresistible opportunity. Michelle admits she was originally just “along for the ride.”
That decision was clearly the right one. Today Michelle, and the couple’s 3 daughters, absolutely love their farm lifestyle and all work hard alongside Henri keeping the farm and business successful and growing.
It’s hard to beat the freshness, flavour and nutrition of locally-grown produce. When I visited in late October I found pumpkins, squash, cabbage, lettuce, tomatoes, potatoes, the last of the apples, and so on. Valley Farm Market also offers the convenience of frozen meals like Shepherd’s Pie, Mac & Cheese, pot pies, soups and more. In the summer month’s they have become rather famous for their potato and macaroni salad.
Their Meat & Deli section offers thick-cut European bacon, smoked pork chops, Leadbetter’s Cowboy Steaks and Cowboy Burgers, whole chickens, naturally raised beef, cheeses and curds, and other flavourful finds. You can even pick up some fresh baked goods!
In 2020 Michelle and Henri did a push on catering as a way to keep the market going during that difficult year and are still doing some of that as well. “We still have 20 events booked for summer of 2022” adds Michelle.
This time of year I am sure you’ll be tempted to pick up some Christmas gift items as you’ll find Mennonite preserves and jams, maple syrup, Soup Girl jarred soup mixes (so, so pretty!), and ciders. And there are lots of items by local crafters and producers.
The Farm takes orders for Christmas turkeys which can be picked up between December 22nd and 24th. You may want to get on that, Christmas is just over 6 weeks away!
You can learn more about Valley Farm Market on their website
Better yet, visit the Valley Farm Market at 2457 County Road 92, Elmvale
Phone: 705-322-7646
Current hours: Monday to Saturday 9:00 to 5:00 and Sunday 10:00 to 4:00
Winter hours begin December 1st: Tuesday to Saturday 10:00 to 5:00
