Jonathan Bruderlein
Born in Geneva Switzerland, Jonathan’s first exposure to farming was as an assistant cow herder in the Swiss Alps. In 2009, Jonathan completed his undergraduate degree in Agricultural and Environmental Sciences at the Macdonald Campus of McGill University. Jonathan’s major was « Food Production and the Environment » through the McGill School of the Environment (MSE.) While at McGill, Jonathan was involved with the Organic Food Co-op where he developed an interest for farming by volunteering with the farmer who was supplying it. Jonathan realized in order to acquire the practical skills required to be a farmer, he would need to look beyond the class room.
His first introduction to CSA farming was in 2007 at La Ferme Terre Bleue in Huntingdon, Qc. In 2008 Jonathan worked at La Ferme Co-op Tourne-Sol in Les Cèdres (Qc) where he was able to deepen his understanding of managing an organic vegetable farm. Most recently , in 2009, Jonathan worked at Orchard Hill Farm in St-Thomas, Ontario. While at Orchard Hill Farm, Jonathan had the opportunity to discover the world of horse- powered farming. During his work experiences and academic training, Jonathan was involved in all the stages of organic vegetable production and farm management. He developed his abilities in working the soil using tractors and horses, construction and mechanical work, the planning and management of vegetable crops, and marketing through CSA and farmers’ markets. Equipped with these tools, Jonathan is ready to take on the next phase… starting up his own CSA.
Jolianne Demers
Quebecoise to the core, Jolianne grew up in Montreal and spent the summers of her youth in the countryside of la Beauce. These early interactions with agriculture and rural living led her to pursue an undergraduate degree in agronomy at the Macdonald campus of McGill University, which she successfully completed in the Spring of 2009.
Jolianne has worked on numerous farms in order to gain practical knowledge of organic agriculture before starting her own farm. During the summer of 2004, she worked at Meeting Place Organic Farm, in Lucknow Ontario. There, she had her first introduction to CSA farming and horse-powered agriculture. In 2006, Jolianne worked at the E.S. Lods Centre of McGill University doing research into forage production. In 2008, she worked at the Ferme écologique du parc-nature du Cap-Saint-Jacques, where she supervised a field crew and was involved in the packing and distribution of CSA shares. Jolianne’s most recent experience at Orchard Hill Farm in 2009 was instrumental in putting her firmly on the path towards a life of organic agriculture and horse powered farming.
Vision statement
Our interactions with the organic farming community has inspired us to form of long term vision for our business based on the principles of « Holistic Management ». This vision includes both our professional goals and personal values in order to insure the success of our business without compromising our quality of life.
Our Vision is one of a human-scaled agriculture, producing food in a manner that is in accordance with the laws of nature, and marketing directly to consumers while developing a community of individuals sharing a common interest in human health and the health of the planet.
We wish to provide our members food that is fresh, local, sustainable, and fair for all parties involved. Our medium term vision includes a diversified farm where crops, animals, humans, and the environment coexist. The use of draft horses for working the soil certainly fits well in our vision.