Maryann Caldwell
Puddle Duck Farm owners Merridy Senior and Eben Hancock with son Sawyer. Photo: Maryann CaldweMaryann Caldwell
Merridy Senior and Eben Hancock are the owners and operators of the 100 year old farm known as Puddle Duck Farm which they purchased in 2012. Since then, they have been busy with: house and barn improvements,caring for the animals (lots of cows and chickens, three Indian running ducks, a goat and two cats) and tending to their market garden. In October of 2013 they became new parents to Sawyer, so life has been busy indeed.
Looking at their website, it is clear they are an enterprising young couple. They sell: maple products, honey, freezer meat, cut flowers and are entering their second year selling Community Supported Agriculture or (CSA) Shares, which is their most recent venture. When asked why they embarked on this program Merridy explains; “Last year we started out small with just a few members to see how it would go. Fortunately, it was well received and we are expanding the program this year.
The CSA shares program starts in mid- to late June and runs for 20 weeks. A full share is $30.00 a week and a half share is $20.00. She explains that this business model has history. Merridy explains, “We offer a full share, which will feed a family of 4 or a half share for 2 people. We grow a wide variety of vegetables, including beets, carrots, radishes, potatoes, beans, peas, onions, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, sweet corn, peppers, kohlrabi, winter squash, zucchini, cucumber, winter radish, watermelon, lettuce, kale, Swiss chard and other greens, salad mix, plus more. We also grow herbs; including basil, parsley dill, etc. Each week we include a newsletter with the shares. In it are recipes for what is in the share that week, as well as: preserving tips, nutritional information and veggie of the week. Our members pick up their shares at the farm each week. In the summer we host a potluck lunch with our members and they get the chance to tour around the farm to see the gardens and meet the animals.”
Puddle Duck Farm grows all of their produce without the use of herbicides, pesticides, fungicides or chemical fertilizers. Other products they offer include organically raised chicken and free range eggs. After visiting the farm, it is obvious why the couple loves what they do. For more information on this local business, visit http://www.puddleduckfarm.ca or call 705 931 5794.
