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
|
DESCRIPTION
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AVAILABILITY
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| Beef, Certified
Organic |
Custom Cuts available |
Year-round
|
| Black Currants,
Certified Organic |
|
July - August
|
| Blueberries,
Certified Organic |
|
July - August
|
| Chicken, Pastured |
|
Available in the Fall -
order in advance
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| Duck Eggs |
Spring production for specialty
market only |
Inquire about availability
|
| Duck, Pastured |
|
Available upon demand and
seasonally (Fall)
|
| Eggs, Free-range |
Brown large eggs with bright yellow
large yolks |
Year-round
|
| Goose, Pastured |
|
Available upon demand and
seasonally (Fall)
|
| Herbs |
Variety of Herbs offered |
Inquire about availability
|
| Lamb |
Custom Cuts available |
Year-round
|
| Rabbit |
Young-flavourful rabbits |
Year-round
|
| Raspberries,
Certified Organic |
|
July - August
|
| Tomatoes,
Certified Organic, Heirlooms |
Multicolour Varieties |
July - Frost
|
| Turkey, Pastured |
Featured in PEI's Fall Flavours Event
- a popular customer favourite! |
Thanksgiving
|
| 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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