The Roost
3314 Kirkfield Rd. 6 L0K 1B0 Kawartha Lakes, ON, Canada

Hey brightviewfarmgreens . Big fan of the pea shoots over here. Better up my order this week.

#rainbow #sugarshack #sweetontario #maplesyrup #mapleseason #sap #sapboiling #potofgold #liquidgold #naturescandy #nature #mothernature #kawarthalakes #dalrymple

Boiling in our last 14,000 litres of sap. Long days ahead #sweetontario #sap #sapboiling #mapleseason #maplesyrup #maplesyrupseason #nectarofthegoddesses #mothernature #sugarwater #sweetwater #maplesap #treewater #springtime #springhassprung #kawarthalakes #dalrymple #ramara #simcoecounty #kawarthaliving #ontariofarmers #farmhers

The extra sweet moments made in the sugar bush. #morethanmaplesyrup #ontariomaplesyrupproducers #makingmemories #maplesyrupseason #maplesyrup #familytime #sweetontario #omspa #farmers #farmhers #freerangekids #dalrymple #kawarthalakes

When I tell you it has been a week around here, don't point out it's only Tuesday! These little lovelies arrived on Sunday. A set of triplets. The first came without issue. The second, a stillborn; and the third, the tiniest, feistiest little lamb I've yet to see. She had a rough first couple hours and had to be whisked into the house to get her body temp up. Once she was up, she hasn't looked back. Mama is a first timer and had some initial milking issues, which t...ranslated into latching issues for the first lamb, so it's been a big hands-on experience getting her ducts unclogged and getting used to nursing. With each feeding, all three are settling in, and so am I! The learning curve has been steep but I'm starting to get the hang of these wooly mamas. These were our last lambs for this season. 6 live lambs and 5 losses Farming is a yin and yang most days. For every loss, there is a win. #lambingseason #lambsofinstagram #ontariolamb #bottlefeeding #babylambs #springtime #springhassprung #farmbabies #farmhers #farmers #ontariofarmers #kawarthalakes #dalrymple #ramara #simcoecounty #simcoe #simcoecountyliving #springlambs See more

Sound on for Baby Mina's sap dripping tutorial. . . . #sap #maplesyrup #mapleseason #sweetontario #omspa #buckets #sapbucket #ontariomaplesyrupproducers #ontariomaplesyrup #babiesonthefarm #freerangekids #kawarthalakes #kawarthalakesfarmers #dalrymple #dalrymplelake #farmers #farmhers

The tree is down and the decorations have been put away, marking an official close to Christmas here at The Roost Farm. The last few days have given us some time to breathe and rest after a whirlwind month before Christmas. We were overwhelmed by the love and #shoplocal support. I could hardly make baskets fast enough and we're down to our last few bottles of syrup. In the hustle and bustle of it all, we were able to share some #shoplocal love in our communities and I have t...o give a shout out to some of the amazing local artisans whose gifts and talents really marked a beautiful Christmas for us. Thank you to Bakes by the Lake for all the gluten and dairy free treats! A heartfelt thank you to the incredibly talented Heartworks Children's Studio for the incredible personalized family peg dolls. Shout out to Hawkins Homestead Studios for our matchy family Roost sweatshirts, and to @seahag_sarge for my sweet new holiday earrings. The kids all loved their hot chocolate bombs by Hammond Baking Co. and their locally made ornaments sourced from Makers Market Orillia . And a special thanks to @robertgraves_art for our perfect new . Supporting local has never been easier or more important. To all the local businesses out there, thank you for what you do and good luck in 2021. See more

Wishing you a Merry Christmas and the safest and happiest of holidays. #covidchristmas #christmaseve #christmas2020 #christmasonthefarm

Smoked ham, barbecued on the Big Green Egg, finished with smoked red pepper jelly. #mouthwatering #noleftovers . . . #farmraisedpork #smokedham #biggreenegg #redpepperjelly #freerangepork #freerange #pork #ontariopork #farmfood #farmlife #kawarthalakesfarmers #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #ramara #brechin #lagooncity #orillia #simcoecounty #simcoecountyliving #farmfreshfood #supportafarmer #buylocal #shoplocal

Santa's workshop! Thank you, to all those who have liked, shared and ordered from us. We are humbled and grateful for the tremendous support. The first wave of baskets are headed out and they look as good as they taste. . .... . #farmmadegifts #ontariomaplesyrup #ontariohoney #preserves #giftbaskets #buylocal #sweetontario #shoplocal #shoporillia #shopkawarthalakes #dalrymple #orillia See more

Feeling crafty this morning. Pulled out some Ghanaian batik I bought in another life, and repurposed it with the most amazing smelling beeswax I've been collecting from our hives. The smell is so lovely I might just wrap myself up ;) . . . #waxwraps #beeswaxwraps #beeswax #batik #ghana #ghanaianbatik #cwy #beehiveprojects #ecofriendly #reducewaste #eliminateplastics #farmlife #homesteading #crafts #farmfresh #kawarthalakes #simcoecounty #farmmadegifts #supportafarmer #buyloca #shoplocal #shoporillia #shopkawarthalakes #brechin #lagooncity #dalrymple

Check out cute kids peddling fun stocking stuffer ideas Part 2...and some poor videography #workingwithkids . . . #popcornonthecob #maplesyrup #stockingstuffers #farmmadegifts #popcornfun #sweettreats #buylocal #supportafarmer #kawarthalakes #ramaraontario #dalrymple #keepyourkidsoffthecounter

Check out cute kids peddling fun stocking stuffer ideas...and some poor videography #workingwithkids . . . #popcornonthecob #maplesyrup #stockingstuffers #farmmadegifts #popcornfun #sweettreats #buylocal #supportafarmer #kawarthalakes #ramaraontario #dalrymple #keepyourkidsoffthecounter

Organically grown popcorn-on-the-cob. With a side of farm made maple syrup, you've got the perfect treat. #stockingstuffers #popcornfun #farmmadegifts #thingskidslove #popcorn #curedpopcorn #shoplocal #shoporillia #buylocal #supportafarmer #funholidaygifts #kawarthalakesfarmers #kawarthalakes #orillia #simcoecountyliving #simcoecounty #ramara #dalrymple #brechin

Holiday basket making is a satisfying task for me. It's so cathartic. Each basket represents 3 season's worth of work on the farm, from springtime syrup, to summer honey flows and fall preserves. It's a year in review. The colours, combinations and sweet, love-made goodness are a gift everyone loves giving and getting. . . . #holidaybaskets #farmmadegifts #farmmade #preserves #shoplocal #buylocal #sweetontario #ontariomaplesyrup #rawhoney #ontariohoney #redpepperjelly #ayearinreview #blueberryjam #strawberryjam #gifts #covidshopping #kawarthalakes #kawarthalakesfarmers #orillia #shoporillia #shopkawarthalakes #simcoecounty #simcoecountyliving #supportafarmer #ramara #brechin #lagooncity #dalrymple

Today's activity--Kawartha Lakes' Signature Experience Program training. #experientialtourism #knapsackprogram #kawarthalakes #signatureexperience #businessgoals #farmlife #agritourism #exploreontario #destinationcanada

Today, we honour all those who have served and sacrificed. Though it was strange to not be attending a service this year, we stood for our moment of silence on the farm. Like always, we took a special moment for our grandparents, Garnet & Margaret Stewart, Sandy & Lois Young, Arnold Oschefski; and for our family members who serve, @danodonel @james.stewart091 and Ian Stewart. Thank you for your service. #lestweforget #remembranceday #familywhoserve

Very excited to have our Roost Farm maple syrup CedarPoint Market Restaurant on their new breakfast menu. Thank you for showcasing local products! Can't wait to get down there for some sweet breaky. #maplesyrup #FoodForReal #cedarpointmarketrestaurant #supportlocal #localfarms #beaverton #kawarthalakes #simcoecounty #dalrymple #ontariomaplesyrup #sweetontario

Brewmaster Russell was here this weekend, picking up his fresh Chinook Hops for an upcoming Harvest Ale. We are so excited to have our hops showcased by @fenelonbrewco in this local #kawarthalakes partnership. . . . #hops #chinook #harvestale #fenelonbrewco #fenelonfalls #dalrymple #kawarthalakes #beer #craftbeer #farmfresh #farmpartners #supportlocal #buylocal #ohga #foodforreal

Peck of peppers, anyone? Seriously, though. Flash sale on peppers. $0.50 each. . .... . #peterpickedamillionpeppers #sweetpeppers #coloursofnature #mothernaturespalette #foodforreal #farmfresh #veggies #freshproduce #organicallygrown #farmfreshontario #ontariofresh #ontariofarmers #buylocal #supportafarmer #kawarthalakes #dalrymple #simcoecounty #lakecountry #ramara #kawarthalakesfarmers See more

I was feeling some major mom guilt yesterday, when she ate 3 weiners for lunch. Then she ate 3 red peppers while we were working in the garden. Life is all about balance.

I was suffering from some super mom guilt yesterday, when I let her eat 3 weiners for lunch. Then she ate 3 red peppers while we were working in the garden. Life is all about balance.

Garden experiment for the win. #artichokes

Baby turkeys and wads of cuteness have arrived. . . . #farmlife #freerange #freerangekids #ontariofarmers #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #holidayturkey #christmasturkey #simcoecounty #buylocal #localfood #farmfresh

Last week of subscription baskets are out. Thank you to our amazing customers, volunteers and staff for a wonderful season. Loose garden produce, meat, eggs, honey, syrup and preserves still available. Order online, by phone or email for curbside pick up or delivery. #farmfresh #localproduce #kawarthafarmfresh #ontariofarmers #csa #zinnias #buylocal #eatlocal #foodforreal #kawarthalakes #simcoecounty #kale #tomatoes #carrots #squash #melon #dalrymple #jalepenos #peppers #cilantro #salsabasket

We got off the farm! Special thanks to our VERY overdue baby, we were able to enjoy an unexpected date night for our anniversary. @thecommonstove did not disappoint. What an incredible meal of fire and flavours. AND, I was treated to some delicious mocktails. A must try in #downtownorillia. #eatlocal #localeats #firegrilled #datenight #anniversarysupper #thanksbaby

Zesty corn relish #preserves #cornrelish #fromthefarm #farmfresh #foodforreal #ontariofresh #kawarthalakes #udney #wainmansweetcorn #buylocal #supportlocalfarms #dalrymple #canning

We got a sneak peak of Wainman's upcoming corn crop. I'd say by the three cobs she cleaned off, it's Poppy approved. is coming soon!!

Raspberry jam. Headed your way. . . . #jam #backyardberries #raspberries #farmlife #foodforreal #preserves #canning #rasberryjam #dalrymple #kawarthalakes #ontariofarmfresh #kawarthafarmfresh

Yesterday, I was grateful for the rain. Not only is the land in desperate need of it, but it meant that I got a rare lunch date with this guy. #thankyoumothernature #raindates #farmlife

Rainbow radish on an early morn'. #radish #harvesting #summerfresh #organics #localfood #localfarms #foodforreal #dalrymple #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecountyfarmfresh #orilliafarm2door #ontariofarmfresh

Pollinators are out today. #honeybees #ontariohoney #pollinators #bees #beesofinstagram #gardensofinstagram #foodforreal #freerangekids #farmlife #thehalloweencostumethatkeepsongiving

As farmers and foodies at heart, we are so thrilled to be supporting local farmers and food producers to put their goods on peoples' doorsteps. Now, more than ever, we know how important it is to support a strong, healthy and local food system. We couldn't be more excited to be a part of this exciting initiative. Check us out at Orillia.farm2door.ca https://www.facebook.com/1003166389839057/posts/1746522602170095/

Restocked @refillerydistrict with some sweet maple goodness yesterday. We are so grateful for our local business partnerships. Get your maple fix in #downtownorillia . . .... #refillerydistrict #maplesyrup #foodforreal #reducewaste #shoplocal #supportsmallbusiness #supportlocalfarms #supportlocal #businesspartnership #entrepreneurs #localfood #farmfresh #ontariomaplesyrup #sweetontario #orillia #dalrymple #simcoecounty #kawarthalakes See more

So looking forward to this experiment! Eric, from @nugrowthbio was here today to drop off some fertilizer for a test trial in our hop yard. We've been agonizing about how best to efficiently and safely feed our babies without jeopardizing our commitment to organic growing and our wallets. Well, the universe is a phenomenon. Eric found our website and called me up to see if we could work together. Our first spray of organically certified bionutrients goes on tomorrow. Nurture Growth is a Canadian made product from Mississauga that refines restaurant and grocery store waste into a % organic fertilizer. Check them out www.nurturegrowthbio.com

5 AM trip with my girls to the chicken processing plant. They didn't sleep the whole way--good company! Poppy was not at all impressed to be leaving her chickens behind. #lifeonafarm #chickens #meatbirds #morrisonscustompoultry #farmlife #foodforreal #freerange #farmgate #ontariofarmfresh #ontariofarms #kawarthafarmfresh #kawarthalakes #simcoecountyfarmfresh #simcoecounty #ramara #dalrymple #eatlocal #localfood #localfarms

To say we've had an exciting evening around here would be a drastic understatement. Our first lamb has arrived! He and mama are doing pretty well. #babylambs #sheep #ontariofarms #freerange #freerangekids #newbabyonthefarm #farmlife #kawarthalakes #dalrymple

Since we bought the farm, Matt's dream has been to have a dairy cow. I, on the other hand, have been like . However, since the pandemic started, the kids have been plowing through 9 bags of milk a week. Out of curiosity I sat down and did the math. About $2500 a year in basic dairy. I didn't have much of an argument after that. So now we have a dairy cow. And truthfully, everyone is loving it. . . . #newcows #hisveryownholstein #milkdrinkers #holsteins #milk #homeschooling #covid_19 #farmlife #farmraisedkids #freerange #freerangekids #ontariofarmfresh #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecountyfarmfresh #chores #newskills #kidswhowork #kawarthalakes #dalrymple #orillia #ramara

Our new website and online store is up! Thanks to @thenewwhatnext and the team @kleurvision for bringing it to life! And special thanks to @reneheitznerphotography for the amazing visuals.

"This pandemic is going to be a wakeup call and I expect many to become a lot more interested in more distributed local supply chains. Local production provides the opposite: it will always be more expensive because fixed costs such as labor, electricity, and water to process each pig will be higher. But a local supply chain is less prone to disruption. It also has a lower dependence on long distance trucking."

Once upon a time, in an old life seemingly so far away, I worked with Catherine at Girl Guides of Canada National Office. We've kept in touch (thank you FB) but have seen each other about three times in over ten years. In early April, she reached out to see if she could be of assistance selling some syrup to her neighbourhood friends. With some of our major customers having to close shop, and restrictions in place cancelling Maple Weekend and a big event we had planned, I gratefully took up the offer. I expected to be making a quick drive with a couple boxes of syrup. Boy, was I mistaken! Thank you, Catherine, and all those who are supporting small businesses and farms in any way you can right now. We couldn't survive without you

The farm unicorn, getting it's chores done. #farmlife #freerangehens #freerangeeggs #freerangekids #unicorns #ontariofarms #localfarms #chores #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #dalrymple #shoplocal #ramara #simcoecountyfarmfresh #foodforreal #culinarytourismalliance

"The food supply chain really is breaking. But it’s breaking because our food system has been transformed to disproportionately benefit massive multination corporations like Tyson, Cargill and JBS at the expense of farmers, workers and as we’re now seeing in the form of empty grocery store shelves and steadily rising food prices consumers." It's time we demand a better, stronger, more reliable and safer food system. The current system has been broken for a long time; only now, in crisis, do we see just how very broken it has been. Our current system of production and distribution is a breeding ground for large scale contamination, disease and disruption. It's success relies on the exploitation of animals, workers and farmers. It's time for change. #eatlocal #knowyourfarmer #shortenthefoodchain #bringbacklocalabbatoirs

More of these, please.

We have some exciting news... It's a boy!! . . .... We're so excited to welcome our newest addition-- little Chuck--to this crazy world. He and his mama are joining our clan at The Roost farm soon, but for now, they are resting comfortably at the Healy Holstein Rathburn Birth Centre And so begins a new chapter in our eclectic farming adventures. #newcows #newhobbies #whosgoingtomilkit #itsaboy #bull #holsteins #freshmilk #farmlife #ontariofarmfresh #kawarthafarmfresh #ramara #culinarytourismalliance #localfood #localfarms #farmersfeedcities #brechin #dalrymple #kawarthalakes #rathburn See more

Hop yard clean up. . . . #familytime... #farmraisedkids #hops #springcleanup #ontariohops #ontariohopfarmers #chinook #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #dalrymple See more

"There is a limited time to make a difference in government decisions and spread the word why Canadian Ag is a priority, said Jody Mott, executive director of the Holland Marsh Growers Association. The CFA argued that the domestic food supply needs to be the country’s biggest priority, after health care."

"Bakker works for the National Farmers Union and would like to see more abattoir processing capacity in Ontario, with scale-appropriate regulations designed to support small local plants." YES, PLEASE!

Chick days #babychicks #freerange #freerangechickens #foodforreal #farmlife #freerangekids #springonthefarm #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecountyfarmfresh #simcoecounty #feaston #ramara #orillia #ontariofarmfresh #culinarytourismalliance

Stuffed. . . . #wood #woodfired #maplesyrup #sweetontario #foodforreal #springhassprung #springisintheair #spring #springtime #springonthefarm #thankgodformaplesyrup #covid_19 #selfisolating #socialdistancing #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecounty #farmlife #dalrymple #supportafarmer #buylocal #frontdoordelivery

Dear friends, family and valued customers, As most know, no farm could operate without the support of its family. Without our parents, who assist us with everything from tending the syrup fires, cutting wood, harvesting, deliveries, childcare and beyond, we would quite literally have no business. The same can be said for many relatives and friends who have given so much to help us build our farm and business over these years. With that in mind, it has been especially difficu...lt to work through this process of socially isolating--especially during our busiest time of year (maple syrup ) but we are taking this situation very seriously and have day by day, made changes and assessments of how we can continue to keep our family safe during these very difficult times. At this time, we have made the decision to no longer accept customers to the farm. We are also closed to visitors, friends and neighbours, as we work together to keep our family and community safe from the novel coronavirus. We encourage all people to do their part to stop this pandemic and stay home unless absolutely necessary. At present, we continue to boil syrup, and continue to offer weekly deliveries of our available goods. Pre-orders must be paid by e-transfer or credit card and orders will be dropped outside of your door. No egg cartons will be collected at this time. Attentive hand disinfecting takes place between deliveries and as little contact as absolutely necessary with your home (ie. Doorbells) is our priority. We wish to thank all of our community for your continued support and hope like everyone to see a safe and speedy end to this chapter in history. Keep healthy and safe and keep those hands washed. Sincerely, Shannon and Matt O'Stewart

Sugarin' . . . #maplesyrup #sweetontario #foodforreal #winterwalks #almostspring #springisintheair #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecounty #farmlife #dalrymple

Out of an abundance of caution for our family/community and yours, we are heeding recommended precautions and cancelling all events scheduled for Maple Weekend, including the Pig Roast scheduled for April 4. We wish you and your loved ones a safe and healthy few weeks ahead as our country works together to stop the spread of COVID-19. Keep your hands clean :)

Who doesn't love a bush party? Visit us in the sugar bush APRIL 4 during Maple Weekend for a delicious pig roast and sampling of fine maple treats. eventbrite.ca/e/the-roost-maple-bush-pig-roast-tickets-9277

The final touches...and now, we wait. #firstboil #maplesyrup #sweetontario #foodforreal #winterwalks #almostspring #springisintheair #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecounty #farmlife #dalrymple

It's the happiest time of the year #dripdrip #maplesyrup #sweetontario #foodforreal #winterwalks #almostspring #springisintheair #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecounty #farmlife #dalrymple

The morning commute. What a beautiful day for sap boiling. #maplesyrup #sweetontario #foodforreal #winterwalks #almostspring #springisintheair #kawarthalakes #kawarthafarmfresh #simcoecounty #farmlife #dalrymple

The inaugural sap tasting. . . . #mmmtasty #sweetontario #ontariomaplesyrup #maplesyrup #farmlife #foodforreal #freerangekids #sapsucking #dalrymple #kawarthalakes #farmfresh

Success! 900 taps in. Thanks Rascals! @buckshotstewart @brianna_stewart2007 . . #readywhenyouaremothernature #sweetontario #ontariomaplesyrup #familyfun #farmlife #freerangekids #kawarthalakes #dalrymple #lakedalrymple #farming #sapsucker #900taps @ The Roost

https://www.facebook.com/1699335690308844/posts/2553027994939605/

https://www.facebook.com/1699335690308844/posts/2552933721615699/?sfnsn=mo

Visiting @fenelonbrewco talking Food Tourism Readiness in Kawartha Lakes today, with the #culinarytourismalliance . . . #kawarthalakes #foodtourism #foodforreal #feaston #fenelonfalls #food #farmraised #farmfresh #shoplocal #eatlocal https://www.instagram.com/p/B8Y8nAklCrW/?igshid=ood71xpcai38

Hard to believe that syrup season is around the corner. Wood is cut and our latest addition to the process is up and ready to be plumbed. Countdown to tapping is on. #maplesyrup #sugarshack #syrupstorage #oldmilktank #repurposed #sweetontario #omspa #kawarthalakes #ontariomaplesyrup