Lucknow farm receives environmental, sustainability award

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A local organic farmer is getting noticed for her environmental and sustainability efforts.

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“A number of things make me passionate about organic farming,” said Katrina McQuail, of Meeting Place Organic Farm in Lucknow. “Having grown up on the farm, I think that it offers a really wonderful opportunity for spending time together as a family. I have seen the impact on the land and the animals to be raised in accordance with the organic standard. I love knowing that what I do is taking care of the environment and feeding people in our wider community nutrient-dense, high quality food.”

Meeting Place Organic Farm recently received an Environmental and Sustainability Award from the Huron Chamber of Commerce presented during the 2022 Spirit of Success Awards gala held on Nov. 25. The award was one of 11, each focused on different aspects of business and community engagement, that received a total of 92 nominations combined.

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“One of the most important things to know about our farming style and farm is that it can be done incrementally,” said McQuail. “Part of why our farm is where it is, in terms of regenerative and sustainable practices, is that we’ve been incorporating these practices and learning and evolving since the 1970s.”

Meeting Place Organic Farm began with McQuail’s parents, Tony and Fran, who purchased the 100-acre property in 1973. McQuail and her sister, Rachel, were raised on the farm, eventually leaving to pursue other ventures. 

McQuail returned to the farm in 2014 and took over the farm business in 2016. She is now raising her own children on the property where she grew up.  

“I hope that our farming practices encourage our children to love animals and the outdoors, for them to care deeply about the earth and community,” said McQuail. “If they want to follow in my footsteps, I’ll support them happily, and if they don’t, I’ll support them in that too. When I was a kid, I didn’t think I’d come back to the farm, but here I am. The goal is always that the farm and the property support our family in following their goals and doesn’t limit them or hold them back.”

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Despite organic farming becoming more mainstream in recent years, McQuail said there is room for further education.

“I think a common misconception is that organic farming has to be small scale and has to be labour intensive,” said McQuail. “I’m watching some really interesting models of collaborative organic farms that are marketing together so that each farm doesn’t have to do all of the things, and they can access larger markets, as well as institutional markets.”

Although the family is already ahead of the herd in terms of organic farming, McQuail said the sky’s the limit for her future plans. 

“I have a lot of different hopes — some of which are conflicting,” she said. “I dream of the farm being more of a gathering place for the community with events and activities hosted here throughout the year in collaboration with other farms, groups and organizations. This could include weddings or other private celebratory events. I would love for the farm to expand into more organic fruit and nut production to sell fresh, as well as for further processing, and I would love to have a commercial level flower farm that could supply local florists.”

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McQuail’s list goes on to include a farm school or daycare, a petting zoo, a new farm store, and possible collaborations with theatre companies to host productions or supply animals for performances.

“We’re so lucky to have great neighbours and a wonderful community, so we’re always looking for ways to collaborate and support,” she said.

One aspect of the farm that McQuail is especially enthusiastic about is her pigs. 

“Oh pigs, I just love most things about them,” she said. “I love baby pigs, so getting to be part of their arrival and then watching them grow up. They have so much personality and attitude. I appreciate that they have multiple babies, so it is easy to grow your drove if you want to and seeing pigs in the pasture is just so cool. Seeing how they frolic and care for their environment is really neat. Plus they taste delicious.”