Cattle & Beef

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Sleepy G Beef

Milking Shorthorns

Shorthorn cattle originated in Britain at the beginning of the 19th Century. For nearly one hundred years shorthorns were prized for both beef and milk qualities. Up until the 1950s, shorthorn cattle were found on many Canadian farms. However, single-trait breeds such as the Holstein dairy cow, or the Angus and Hereford beef breeds eventually replaced them as farms began to specialize in either beef or milk production.

At Sleepy G Farm we have a small herd of traditional, dual purpose (meat & dairy) type Shorthorn cattle. We use Artificial Insemination to breed our cows with modern Shorthorn bulls. Our aim is to produce high quality beef from a pasture-based system using brood cows that can be easily handled and milked by hand. Additionally, we have a team of Shorthorn oxen that we use on the farm.

The colour of Shorthorn cattle include any combination of red, white, and roan. We believe that Shorthorn cattle are the most beautiful of the British breeds.

Our Janice is the oldest cow in our herd. She , along with two of our other cows were purchased from Diane and Ivan Naylor at Lady Grove Milking Shorthorns in Kleefeld Manitoba. Maple Inn Janice 4th was classified as "Excellent " twice during her commercial milking career. She retired to Sleepy G in 2010 as has given us 6 calves to date!

Interested in learning more about our cattle herd and perspectives on Canadian beef and dairy? Check out these issues of our CSA newsletter: On making hay; On the quota system; Our perspective on breeding cattle.

SLEEPY G FARM IS A COMMUNITY
CSA stands for “Community Supported Agriculture”. CSA members purchase a subscription to the farm’s harvest prior to the growing season. In exchange for the membership fee, CSA members will receive a portion of the farm's harvest throughout the growing season. CSA programs are a wonderful way for people to strengthen their relationship with food through an increased awareness of the cycles of nature and the gift of harvest. By being a member of our CSA you will enjoy fresh, ripe, seasonal produce grown right here in Northwestern Ontario!

There are a number of other benefits to the CSA member which include supporting your local economy, minimizing the carbon footprint related to feeding your family, becoming connected with farming, and trust in the quality and safety of the food you eat. We, the farmers are directly accountable to you, our members.

Benefits to the farmers include a guaranteed sale of much of the farm’s produce, money at the beginning of the season when it is needed most, and pride in contributing to our community in a real and meaningful way. Additionally, we get the opportunity to get to know our Members on a personal level which is often very rewarding as many of our customers are passionate about the same things as us. CSA is not only about high quality food – it’s also about community building.

We now offer a sliding-scale fee schedule for our CSA programs!
This allows members to select the membership that works for them financially without eligibility criteria or fear of judgment. You CSA membership supports not only a local organic farm but other community members.

Certified Organic by Ecocert Canada

Sleepy G Farm 2024