Besley Country Market offers food education at open house

August 20, 2015 · 0 Comments

Locals interested in how Besley Country Market, on the south edge of Shelburne, produces all their delicious tomatoes every week got the chance to learn all about it on August 15th. The Besleys opened their farm to the public, offering a free barbeque and a full tour of the contemporary green house filled with thriving tomato plants that reached to the ceiling.
Brian Besley, his wife Debbie and their son Evan Besley co-own and operate the farm. Brian says “a lot of people wanted to learn about the operation, so we offered an open house and barbeque as a gesture of appreciation to the community that has been so good to support us.” Besley added, “People want to know where their food comes from – this is an excellent opportunity to show them.”
In the spring 2012 the Besley put poles in the ground to build the green house and by June they were growing tomatoes. The idea was the brain child of 3rd year Phys-Ed Major Evan Besley. Away at university, he changed his mind on what he wanted to do with his life. Like his parents, Evan wanted to farm – but not dairy which they operated at that time.
At first Brian was sceptical, “There was reason no one was building green houses in this area” he thought – but now, he says things have “turned out really well.” Brian acknowledges that they have been very fortunate to have excellent workers – very positive students and local young people – “they have been great to work with and they keep us motivated,” says Brian.
One of the student workers on the farm is Ellen Ferris who is studying Wildlife Biology Conservation at Guelph University. Ellen told the Free Press that it was her third summer at the Besley farm. She explained how the operation was all run off a computer – “It turns on the water when it is sunny, controls temperature, and shuts the roof if it is windy,” she said pointing out the five varieties of tomatoes the green house produces: strawberry, red cluster, yellow cluster, cherry and beef steak. She also drew attention to the two beehives that had been brought into the greenhouse for the purpose of pollination.
With a total of 1750 plants, the green house produces 1500 pounds of tomatoes a week, and the Besley Country Market has become the supplier to many local restaurants in Shelburne, Orangeville and Grand Valley. The Besleys are regular vendors at the newly located Shelburne Farmers’ Market, at First and Owen Sound streets, Thursday afternoons from 3–7 p.m. as well as at the Orangeville Farmers’ Market every Saturday morning. There were many customers buying at the Besley’s roadside stand August 15th as there is everyday throughout the growing season. The family also produces cash crops, corn, raspberries, strawberries, beets, beans, potatoes and other vegetables. Visit the Besley Country Market on Victoria Street south at 30th side road Shelburne.

By Marni Walsh