Meet the Animals: Why We Chose These Breeds for Our Farm

At our farm, every animal we raise has a story and a purpose …

I want to introduce you to the different breeds we’ve chosen and explain why they’re such a vital part of our operation. These choices aren’t just practical—they’re a commitment to preserving biodiversity and supporting sustainable agriculture for the future; the fact that they’re cute as hell is an added bonus!

Shropshire Sheep: The Heart of the Farm

Shropshire sheep hold a special place in my heart—they’re the reason I became a farmer in the first place. I’ll never forget sitting on a café patio during my third year of University & reading The Omnivore’s Dilemma by Michael Pollan. Suddenly, the pieces fell into place, and I could clearly see myself raising sheep.

It wasn’t until a few years later I had the opportunity to intern with a shepherd. I worked on a farm in Ontario with my mentor, Montana Jones of Wholearth Farm Studio, that I discovered Shropshire sheep. Saving the breed has been her life’s work & now they’re a key part of our farm. Shropshires are a multi-purpose breed known for their:

• Delicious lamb: They produce a flavorful lamb carcass.
• Versatile wool: Their wool is prized by hand spinners, and we’ve dabbled in selling it.
• Hardiness: These sheep thrive in Canada’s harsh winters, even when temperatures drop into the -40s.

Shropshires were once Canada’s most popular breed because of their resilience and adaptability. Sadly, their numbers have declined in recent years. By raising Shropshires, we’re not just honoring a breed with a storied history—we’re playing a small role in conserving a genetic legacy. Biodiversity in agriculture is more than a buzzword; it’s a safeguard against monocultures and a way to ensure that farming systems remain resilient in the face of climate change.

The Small But Mighty Dexter

We recently added Dexter cattle to our farm. This Irish breed is about two-thirds the size of a standard cow, which makes them ideal for a small farm like ours. Here’s why we chose Dexters:

• Compact size: They’re easier to handle, especially as a small-scale farmer.
• Grass-based systems: Dexters gain weight slowly, allowing for flavorful, well-marbled beef without grain-based feed.
• Efficient use of land: They thrive on marginal land, converting it into high-quality meat over a longer period.

Although they take longer to mature (about 24 months versus 18 for commercial breeds), the results are worth it. Dexters also represent a connection to traditional farming systems. These hardy cattle demonstrate that smaller, slower-growing animals can still thrive in modern agriculture—and they offer a counterpoint to industrialized farming models.

Large English Black Pigs prove pork isn’t “the other white meat”

The Large English Black (LEB) is a heritage pig breed that’s become increasingly rare in Canada. We’re lucky to have a local breeder nearby, and we’re proud to support this endangered breed.

LEBs produce a generous fat cap, which helps them withstand cold winters without extensive infrastructure. This fat, when raised outdoors, is nutrient-dense and flavorful—a hallmark of the breed.

We love their docile nature, too. Their floppy ears limit their vision, making them less likely to test electric fences and more inclined to stay close to home.

Raising LEBs is about more than just producing high-quality pork. It’s about preserving a piece of agricultural history. Every time we choose to work with an endangered breed, we’re helping to ensure its survival and keeping valuable genetic traits alive for future generations.

Chickens: Compromising for Practicality

Heritage chickens, unfortunately, haven’t yet made their way into our production model for two key reasons:

• Broilers: Heritage broiler chickens take 2–3 times longer to mature, which isn’t feasible for most consumers. The cost (around $60 per chicken) and unfamiliar cooking characteristics often lead to dissatisfaction.
• Egg layers: Supply management (quota) in Canada limits how many chickens we can raise, not how many eggs we can sell. Commercial hybrids are more productive, making them the practical choice for now.

While we’ve compromised with commercial breeds for our chickens, we’re raising them in a less intensive system. Over time, we hope to transition to heritage breeds as we grow and gain more flexibility.

Why Biodiversity Matters

Each breed we raise adds to the diversity of life on our farm. In agriculture, biodiversity plays a crucial role in creating resilient ecosystems. By choosing hardy, adaptable breeds like Shropshire sheep, Dexter cattle, and Large English Black pigs, we’re building a farm that’s better equipped to handle the challenges of a changing climate.

Biodiversity also strengthens food systems. Heritage breeds often possess traits—such as disease resistance, hardiness, or adaptability—that modern, specialized breeds may lack. By raising these animals, we’re safeguarding these traits and contributing to a more secure future for farming.

Looking to the Future

Every breed on our farm is part of a bigger picture. By focusing on hardy, multi-purpose heritage breeds, we’re not only contributing to sustainable farming practices but also playing a small but important role in preserving biodiversity.

As we continue to grow, we’re committed to exploring ways to incorporate even more rare and heritage breeds into our production model. For now, we’re proud of the choices we’ve made and the animals we care for every day.