Dalew Farms

Dalew Farms, nestled in the heart of Ontario, isn't just a farm; it's a labour of love tended to by the Lewington family – Dave, Chantal, Jacob, Olivia, and Emma. With their 18th season underway, they're on a mission to redefine what it means to farm sustainably while enriching their local community.

“Our vision is to make regionally produced foods convenient and accessible to residents in North Eastern Ontario, while connecting consumers with the stories and relationships to where their food comes from.”

Rooted in Sustainability

Sustainability isn't just a word at Dalew Farms; it's at the very core of their operation. Through regenerative agriculture methods like no-till planting, rotational grazing, and cover crops, they nurture their land and animals with care, ensuring that each harvest is both bountiful and ecologically restorative. From grass-fed, grass-finished beef to pasture-raised pork, every product is a testament to their commitment to the land and the health of their customers.

Dalew Farms is investing in a more resilient future for their community, the environment, and the farm business. Through funding provided by the Fair Finance Fund, Dalew Farms aims to expand its Click Fork Kitchen prepared meal offerings over the next three years, and invest in new, energy-efficient equipment and renovations to reduce energy use and increase labour and environmental efficiency. This will significantly impact Dalew Farms’ business by increasing profitability and ensuring their long-term viability.

Community Connection & Growth

For Dalew Farms, resilience is also about the relationships they cultivate. In 2019, they took the reins of Click Fork – The Northeastern Online Farmers Market, offering products from local farms that share their commitment to sustainable practices. This is just one of many examples of how Dalew Farms strives to create opportunities for their community.

In addition to five new staff hired just before becoming a Fair Finance Fund client, Dalew Farm has created an incredible four new jobs in the first year of their loan—well exceeding their goal of two new hires within five years! They attribute their growth to their increasing focus on working with local suppliers, and offering more locally sourced products in both their freezer meals and catering services. As they say, “Our customers have thanked us with their consistent purchasing!”

As proud members of the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario, the Lewington family is committed to not just sustaining their farm but also the broader farming community. Their dedication to long-term sustainability ensures that Dalew Farms will continue to thrive, setting an example for generations to come. From their fields to their community, they're sowing the seeds of a brighter future, one harvest at a time.