All Indigenous growers, land stewards and community members are welcome to attend this field day free of charge! Please use the coupon code BOOT2025 when filling out the registration form to receive free admission.

Join us for a Field Day at Rubber Boot Farm, where Marcel and Karine Forget have built a thriving regenerative farm in Timmins, Ontario. What began as a small backyard project has expanded into a diversified operation featuring pastured pork, broilers, turkeys, ducks, meat rabbits, eggs, honey, garlic, and root vegetables.

This event will focus on sustainable husbandry practices for their wide variety of livestock, including:

• Rotational grazing and pasture management for pigs, poultry, and rabbits
• Breeding programs for genetic resilience and productivity
• Shelter and housing strategies for different livestock species
• Winter management in Northern Ontario’s challenging climate

In addition to livestock care, Marcel will highlight the key infrastructure that supports their farm’s success, including:

• A walk-in freezer for on-farm meat storage
• A commercial kitchen space for value-added processing
• Multi-purpose barns and shelters designed for efficiency and animal welfare

Attendees will have the opportunity to tour the farm, see livestock in action, and discuss the challenges and rewards of regenerative agriculture in the North. Whether you’re a seasoned farmer, an aspiring grower, or simply interested in sustainable food systems, this Field Day offers valuable insights into ethical and profitable small-scale livestock farming.

About the host:

Marcel Forget is the owner and operator of Rubber Boot Farm in Timmins, Ontario. His journey into sustainable farming began after a life-altering motor vehicle accident in 2015 left him with a broken back. During his rehabilitation, he started raising 20 chickens as a form of physical therapy and mental health support. What began as a small project quickly grew into a passion for agriculture, ultimately transforming Rubber Boot Farm into a thriving family-run business. Today, the farm produces pasture-raised pork, poultry, eggs, honey, garlic, and root vegetables, all while prioritizing regenerative agriculture practices. Marcel and his wife, Karine Forget, who runs a full-time optometry practice, are committed to rotational grazing and soil health, ensuring their farm not only provides high-quality, sustainable food but also supports the long-term well-being of their land and community.

This field day is supported by funding from the Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario.