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
|
|
