This in-person event is part of the Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program – a collaboration between Ignatius Jesuit Centre, EFAO, Everdale and the National Farmers Union – Ontario. 

Join us in beautiful Field, ON (55km north of North Bay) for another Field Day in Northern Ontario! We’ll start the day at Restless Ravens Homestead, have a short break and then head down the road to finish the day at Kaila’s Flower Farm.

About the hosts

Restless Ravens Homestead

Run by Dan Weiler and Aimée Hodgins in the backwoods of Field, ON, Restless Ravens Homestead is a small-scale ecological farm utilizing techniques like no-till, permaculture, companion planting, polyculture, multi-sowing, cover cropping, vermicomposting, land stewardship, and biodynamic practices. Though only operating their current farm since 2019, both have extensive farming backgrounds, with Dan having worked on various farms and Aimée, a 4th-generation farmer, deeply devoted to studying plants for over 10 years. They produce a wide variety of farmed and value-added products, including livestock, meat, seeds, produce, eggs, plants, herbal products, CSH boxes, workshops, and mentorship programs. They also run a farm stand, seed library, and are developing a farm store. Their focus is on herbs, seeds, plants, value-added products, education, and self-sufficiency. Aimée, previously a board member for the Mangalitsa Breed Organization, brings expertise in pig farming. The homestead thrives on reclaimed, untouched farmland without infrastructure, electricity, or water lines, facing rugged Northern Ontario terrain and harsh winters. They take pride in creating a sustainable, hyperlocal, and ecologically respectful farm, working harmoniously with the earth and their community.

Kaila’s Flower Farm

Kaila, a full-time farmer, specializes in selling cut flowers through a small bouquet CSA and custom arrangements for baby showers, anniversaries, and small weddings. While keeping the flower business small, she also engages in various farming activities, including growing seeds, raising livestock, and selling beef, pork, chicken, and eggs. Kaila dedicates much of her day to home dairy and food preservation, ensuring her farm operates as a self-sustaining ecosystem where livestock supports both her family and the soil. Initially focused on selling food, Kaila discovered that flowers are more rewarding and help sustain her homesteading lifestyle.

Agenda

12:00-12:30 PM: Welcome and introductions.

12:30-2:00 PM: Tour of Restless Ravens Homestead. Learn about off-grid fencing setup and pasture-raised Mangalitsa pigs and harvest your own medicinal tea blend!

2:00-2:30 PM: Snack break (bring your own snack; herbal tea provided).

2:30-4:00 PM: Tour of Kaila’s Flower Farm. We will start with a discussion of farm beginnings and gardening experiences and visit the barn to see the animals and hear the farm history. Then we’ll explore the compost system, gardens, perennial hedge, crop garden, memorial garden, and chicken tractors and visit the dairy cattle, male goats, and rotational grazing practices. Then we will walk through the back pasture with the female dairy goats and the milkweed field (registered as a monarch waystation) and have a small stop at pigs. We will end the day at the flower studio for a possible mason jar flower arrangement activity if time allows.

Preparation

As always please come prepared for any weather and bugs. This event is held 100% outdoors!

Parking information

Please park near the farm store.