A little bit of everything!
“We're not just what we eat, we're what they eat,” claims Robert, glancing outside at the mixed array of animals pasturing in the fields. Robert and Laura Robinson, owner/operators of Laura Leigh Organic Farms, are concerned about a world where more and more animals are being fed improper diets high in grain. "Many farm animals are meant to be put out to pasture and forage. A high grain diet can cause health problems in the animals, leading to less healthy meat," continues Robert. "We offer well-cared-for animals that have been pastured on certified organic fields; they are healthy animals leading healthy lives in the fresh air and sunshine."
Both widowed, and both with children, Robert and Laura met each other at pivotal times in their lives. They married in 2001 blending nine children and then added four more together. They decided to leave Ontario in 2002, where Robert had a dairy farm and moved to Prince Edward Island, where they knew life progressed at a different pace. They settled and began their careers with a dairy operation, but soon, they realized that the dairy didn't fulfill their desires for a sustainable lifestyle. They sold their dairy quota in order to diversify the farm and purchased mixed poultry, horses, goats and sheep and started looking for a new market. In 2007, they completed the transition to certified organic production.
Of their thirteen children, all home-schooled, and all possessing a role in the farm's operation, two have shown particular interest in their parent's farming trade; Nancy is starting an organic meat rabbit operation, while Greg aspires to continue to farm this land for life.
Laura and Robert strive for self-sufficiency in everything they do; their farm plan is comprehensive and inclusive. "Each animal has a special function; the pigs use their snouts to forage and dig up roots, and in this way they help clear acreage on the farm. Chickens use their natural scratching habits and eat the harmful insects that damage what we grow. Goats are great for ‘cleaning up’ brush areas and eating pesky weeds, and the sheep help to groom the pasture after the beef and dairy cows have gone through.” They’ve worked hard to set up their extremely diverse operation – and it probably is one of the most diverse farms on the Island, boasting eight different types of animals and plenty of crop diversity!
"We're committed to organics because both of our spouses died of cancer," says Laura. " Our choice to be sustainable is as much about our family as it is about the philosophy of organics. We are raising thirteen organic children," she says with a chuckle, "and we wouldn't have it any other way."
And indeed it doesn't seem that any other way would suit Laura Leigh Organic Farms; chemicals and children don't mix, nor are large tractors necessary when you have horses and hands. Living according to tradition and preserving a historical way of life is their specialty. They challenge you to taste the difference a labour of love produces through certified organic vegetables, small fruits and pastured grass-fed meats. Come experience their farm, you won’t go home the same.
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PRODUCT
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DESCRIPTION
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AVAILABILITY
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| Beef, Certified Organic |
Custom Cuts available |
Year-round
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| Black Currants, Certified Organic |
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July - August
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| Blueberries, Certified Organic |
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July - August
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| Chicken, Pastured |
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Available in the Fall - order in advance
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| Duck Eggs |
Spring production for specialty market only |
Inquire about availability
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| Duck, Pastured |
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Available upon demand and seasonally (Fall)
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| Eggs, Free-range |
Brown large eggs with bright yellow large yolks |
Year-round
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| Goose, Pastured |
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Available upon demand and seasonally (Fall)
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| Herbs |
Variety of Herbs offered |
Inquire about availability
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| Lamb |
Custom Cuts available |
Year-round
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| Rabbit |
Young-flavourful rabbits |
Year-round
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| Raspberries, Certified Organic |
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July - August
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| Tomatoes, Certified Organic, Heirlooms |
Multicolour Varieties |
July - Frost
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| Turkey, Pastured |
Featured in PEI's Fall Flavours Event - a popular customer favourite! |
Thanksgiving
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| Vegetables, Certified Organic |
A variety of mixed vegetables are available for the growing season, please inquire. Also, custom vegetables grown on demand! |
July - Frost
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