West Side Beef Co.

Howick Community Farmers

Who They Are

Howick Community Farmers is not a single family farm but a partnership of local farmers in Howick Township, a rural agricultural community in Huron County, Ontario (includes communities like Gorrie and Fordwich). 

This group is largely made up of Mennonite and community farmers working together under shared principles of regenerative and traditional agricultural practices — focusing on ethical animal husbandry and pasture-based systems rather than solely on commodity outputs

What They Do

Howick Community Farmers collectively raise and sell a variety of livestock and farm products, including: 

  1. Pasture-raised chickens — raised on grass and natural forage rather than in confinement. 
  2. Pork — pasture-based pork production emphasizing animal health and natural grazing systems. 
  3. Other livestock (in many cases) such as cattle and lamb — also managed on pasture with rotational grazing practices. 
  4. In some markets or community platforms, products associated with the group are sold alongside other local farm goods such as organic flours — typically from partner producers within the broader Howick agricultural community. 

Their products are sometimes available through local vendors and markets — for example at speciality meat shops in urban centres like White House Meats in Toronto, which lists Howick Community Farmers products among its offerings (availability varies).

What Makes Them Special

Regenerative & Pasture-Based Farming: The group emphasizes rotational grazing and pasture health, working with animals in ways that mimic natural ecosystems rather than relying on confinement feeding systems.

Community Partnership Model: Instead of a conventional corporate agribusiness, this is a collective of local farmers sharing resources and values, typical of the Howick region’s agricultural heritage. 

Ethical Husbandry: Animals are raised outdoors on pasture, which supports animal welfare, better meat quality, and environmental stewardship — appealing to consumers seeking responsibly produced food. 

Local Food Network Links: Their participation in farmers’ markets and supply to specialty retailers helps connect rural Howick producers with broader Ontario customers

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