History of Fenwood Farm
1974
The Fenemma family begins! Over the next sixteen years, John and Carol would devote themselves to working hard and growing their family.
John & Carol married.
1993
Shift to organic farming.
An encounter with an organic farmer sparked our interest in 'no-spray' practices, leading to extensive research. Subsequently, an opportunity arose to sell organic chickens, prompting us to convert a portion of our production. As demand grew, we expanded our organic operations, despite the challenges posed by the old barn's
1999
The Fennema's become
full time farmers.
John and Carol became full-time farmers, facing challenges in balancing family life, farm work, and deciding which area to specialize in.
2005
Purchased the
processing plant.
John’s brother purchased the processing plant, bringing it under the family’s management and ensuring full control over quality from start to finish, all the way to the customer’s table. In 2012, John and Carol bought the plant and their son, Trevor, took over management.
2010
20 years in business!
2014
New store and pond.
Fenwood Farm outgrew its garage farm store and transformed the turkey barn into the current Farm Store. John also got his pond, which was dug by their son-in-law, Mike, and affectionately named 'Carol’s Pond.'
2022
Flowers are blooming.
Marita, John and Carol’s daughter, began a flower garden on the farm, offering a 'pick-your-own' experience and beautiful, hand-crafted bouquets available for purchase.
1850
Barn was built.
The iconic Ontario barn was built with hand tools, rope, horses and a whole community. Hundreds of families came to help. The women and young ladies spent days before the event to prepare the meals that were needed. It usually took a day to get the frame up. After supper, the fiddlers would start to play and everyone would dance on the new barn floor.
1990
Start of Fenwood Farm!
Driven by a long-held vision, John Fennema acquired the farm, fulfilling his aspiration of owning the distinctive barn he had admired from across the road, a dream he shared with Carol and their children; immediately, the Fennema family established their agricultural enterprise, purchasing a 1500-unit chicken quota, and to maintain financial stability, John continued his employment at Stelco, while Carol and the children diligently participated in the farm's daily operations, demonstrating a strong family commitment to their shared endeavor.
1994
Garage store opens.
The garage at Fenwood Farms became a bustling farm store, marking the start of both retail and wholesale operations.
2003
Turkeys arrive at Fenwood.
John and Carol's daughter, Julie, began raising turkeys on the farm
2007
Purchased Spencer Creek.
