A large steer painting by local artist Teresa Marie Phillips greets Farm Store visitors as they enter. She also painted the steer on the wall identifying different cuts of meat
The award-winning Van Osch Farms near Ailsa Craig continues to find ways to support its community and serve customers.
Established in 1954, with its beef cattle and cash crop operation beginning in 1971, the third generation farm is known for its stewardship and ethically-raised beef.
In May a farm store was added on site that provides consumers with another avenue to purchase high-quality beef, but also offers a wide range of locally-produced products. “Everyone comes in for the beef but then sees all of these other great items,” says store manager Anita Windsor. “We really research where products come from and we like to support area businesses. Consumers like the idea of being able to choose unique goods from local artisans.”
From Farm Girl Candles’ hand-poured soy wax creations in Hensall to Exeter’s Field and Forest raw liquid honey to Komoka’s gourmet Lunar Hot Sauce, there are plenty of distinctive offerings. The new shop has proven so popular that it has already been nominated for the Ontario Made Retailer Spotlight Award. The award recognizes stores that support Ontario-made brands and whose owners use their platforms to raise awareness about the importance of choosing local.
The Van Osch family also won a Beef Farmers of Ontario Environmental Stewardship Award recently, and was nominated for the national honour from the Canadian Cattle Association. With the holiday season at hand, Windsor is preparing themed gift baskets to sell. Themes include sweet tooth — featuring maple syrup, honey, cider and chocolate — and charcuterie board items, and a board loaded with crackers, cheeses, meat and pecans. “I will be creating fun themes for gift ideas.”
Van Osch Farms operators — all Van Oschs — are, left to right, Brendon and his father Fred, next to Kurt and Jaron and their father Gerald.
Windsor also started Sample Saturdays at the shop. “We have recipes on our website and with our commercial kitchen here, I will prepare some of them,” she says. November samples include chili, soups and recipes that will showcase ways of using different steak cuts during the barbecue offseason. A different dish will be featured each Saturday.
The farm store is open Tuesdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Van Osch Farms
35495 Creamery Rd., Ailsa Craig
226-799-3545
vanoschfarms.com
