Bruce Family Farm
Bruce Family Farms is located in Bridgetown, Nova Scotia, and is run by Danny Bruce and Sandie Troop. The farm has been in the family for hundreds of years, since Danny’s ancestors moved there in 1788, and they are now the 6th generation to farm this land. The farm consists of a large woodlot and about 150 acres of pasture and hay fields.
“We try to be very self-sufficient at our farm. We grow as much of the feed as possible that our animals consume, and we try to do all the work - from birthing to butchering - by ourselves,” says Danny. He also explains that the farm’s family history, and the fact that they direct market most of their produce makes them unique.
At Bruce Family Farm, the main focus is on organic beef, but they produce some other smaller items: Sandie makes jam with their organic fruit, and they grow vegetables if the season permits. They also have a few egg-layers and grow the grain to feed them. Most of their products are sold at the Wolfville and Halifax farmers markets, and the Annapolis Royal Farmers and Trader’s Market; however, some are available in health food stores.
“I see it as a way to keep me alive; we’re all concerned about our health and we want a better future,” Danny explained about his reasons for choosing to farm organically. Danny had always sold drug-free beef and never wanted to spray or use chemicals, but he also saw organics as a way to generate greater farm income. Being certified allows people who don’t know the farm to be assured of their standards and this means something to consumers, particularly those with health concerns or who are chemically sensitive. Bruce Family Farms has been certified since 1996 with Nova Scotia Organic Growers Association (NSOGA), which is a small and local Certifying body.
Despite the on-going challenges of small-scale organic farming, Danny believes that there is definitely a future in organics and would like to see the 7th generation continue their farm. “Once more people realize what goes into food production, there will be more demand for organic food,” says Danny. He feels that people need to become more educated about what they are eating and hopes that the financial situation of farming will improve so that Canadian farmers will be able to provide healthy food for the population of Canada.
Danny is the 2009 recipient of the Gerrit Loo Award.
Bruce Family Farm - SELL SHEET
|
Product
|
Description
|
Availability
|
| Beef |
Certified Organically raised Beef |
year round
|
| Sides |
|
year round
|
| Quarters |
|
year round
|
| Halves |
|
year round
|
| Custom Cuts |
Bruce Family Farm does a variety of cuts and they try to accomodate custom cuts within their means, however they asks for a months notice minimum. |
year round
|
| Stew Meat |
|
year round
|
| Normal Cuts of Beef on hand |
Steaks, Roast and Hamburger (lean brown beef), Stew Meat |
year round
|
| |
|
|
| Dog Bones |
Organic beef-based dog bones are available in various sizes. |
|
| Organic Chicken |
|
limited supply
|
| Whole |
|
limited supply
|
| Skinless, Boneless Breast |
|
limited supply
|
| Thighs |
|
limited supply
|
| Drumsticks |
|
limited supply
|
| Backs, Necks and Wings |
Excellent for stews and soups! |
limited quantities
|
| Other |
|
|
| Dried Black Coco Beans |
a round, black bean - (not a cocoa bean) |
|
| Dried Romono Beans |
|
very limited supply
|
| Potatoes |
|
#1 grade and others available August- February/May
|
| Soft Fruit Jams |
|
in season
|
| Strawberries |
Mostly as jams, available limited quantities as fresh fruit |
in season
|
| Raspberries |
Mostly as jams, available limited quantities as fresh fruit |
in season
|
| Currants |
Mostly as jams, available limited quantities as fresh fruit |
in season
|
| Gooseberries |
Mostly as jams, available limited quantities as fresh fruit |
in season
|
| Pie Pumpkins |
|
September - till storage lasts Dec/Jan.
|
| Squash |
|
in season
|
| Selection of vegetables |
|
in season
|
| Selection of colourful Gourds |
|
in season
|
|
