FOCUS - MARCH 2019 5 How it all began . . . . Afamily tradition since 1969, Willowtree Farmbeganwhen19-year-oldRodMcKay pursued his dream. The graduate of the University of Guelph’s renowned Agricul- ture program purchased a beautiful farm property just outside of Port Perry. He began cash cropping, and established a dairy farm. In 1979, as a surprise for his wife Marlene, Rod planted four acres of strawberries. Marlene, who grew up on a strawberry farm near Brantford, was delighted. And that’s when diversification first began. Marlene started out selling her beautiful berries in a wagon on the side of the road. “With innovation and expansion,” their late parents’ vision has been carried on by the second generation. “All four family members are excited about the future of the business,” Jordan commented. “We all work together, and everyone has different strengths to bring to the table.” Future plans include increasing cus- tomer convenience with more online shopping for gift baskets and ready- made meal kits, and promoting the farm for school tours. It’s all about agri-educa- tion delivered in an entertaining fashion. A good example is the upcoming annual Willowtree Farm Maple Syrup Festival, planned for March. The public can visit thesugarbushtoseehowsapismagically transformed into maple syrup, do some taste testing, and just have some good old-fashioned family fun. “Our mission is to share our family passion for sustainable farming and fresh food,” is the Willowtree philosophy. Mission accomplished! All of Scugog can be beaming along with the McKays after their Canada OYF Award. shop and the farmers markets. (Wil- lowtree participates in more than a dozen in the GTA.)All of the livestock are ethically raised, free roaming on the pastures, and free from antibiotics and added growth hormones. The foursome all brainstorm about special events and public education opportunities. Check out the website www.willowtree.ca or their Facebook page to learn more about everything from Pumpkin Palooza to school fundraisers featuring boxes of fresh vegetables, to special occasion events. Weather permitting, there’s a skating rink on the property. And what would a bonfire be without marshmallows? Wagon rides, face painting, pumpkin cannonballs, asparagus and brussel sprout-themed cooking events, sleigh rides, scavenger hunts, corn roasts, pick your own berries…the list goes on… Frank Groeneweg, Canada’s OYF program 1st Vice Chair, who attended the event, commented, “Alex and Jordan, along with their families, have successfully harnessed their comple- mentary skills, resulting in a multi- plier rarely seen.” By Lynn Campbell, Focus on Scugog SPECIALIZING IN CARGO VANS Celebrating 4 years in Scugog STRAIGHT FORWARD AUTO SERVICE Making clients happy for 23 years! 2871 Hwy 7A, Blackstock • 905-986-5252 straightforwardauto@hotmail.com