Diodati Farms a labour of love

Samantha and Becky Diodati opened a farm shop Samantha likens to a “little western store” on their Highway 20 farm, where they’ve also rescued a collection of horses, ponies, goats and other animals. ~ Luke Edwards photo

By Luke Edwards

First came the love of horses, then the idea of having a couple on their own property.

It seemed a simple enough dream for Becky and Samantha Diodati. However, soon after achieving that dream the goats arrived. And the ponies. And the dogs, rabbits, chickens and even a young raccoon.

“First it was just to be able to have horses on our farm,” said Samantha, who last year moved to a Highway 20 farm on the border of Hamilton and Niagara with wife Becky. While they’d had horses they dreamed of a little patch of land to keep the equines instead of boarding them.

The Smithville property offered that, and so much more.

“We’ve always just loved animals, we’ve been obsessed,” Samantha said.

As they began fixing up an old barn and cleaning up the property, the rescues also started arriving. A couple old racing horses, a rabbit who was going to be used for meat, a young goat and a couple older ponies. On the back deck are a few rescue dogs.

“Even if they’re not here for long, they can at least enjoy the rest of their lives,” said Samantha. Some of the rescues were in pretty rough situations before arriving at Diodati Farm.

As if that weren’t enough, earlier this year they bought an old office trailer, gutted it, and refurbished it into a small store area, what Samantha describes as a “little western shop.”

In it, they’ve stocked the shelves with as much local Hamilton-Niagara region stuff as possible, including honey, jams, and homemade glasses and mugs. They also sell eggs from the home free range chickens and on weekends Samantha bakes bread to sell.

Some clothes and a few children’s toys round out the offerings.

The shop opened at the end of July and Samantha said they’ve been happy with business the first few weeks.

But already they’re eyeing bigger dreams, creating an event space and destination where vendor shows can take place or families can spend the day on the farm, meeting with the animals or taking in a musical performance.

It’s a lot of work for a couple who still work off the farm, driving truck. The past few months have given Samantha an appreciation for what farmers do.

“I give props to all the heavy farmers out there,” she said. “You really don’t realize how much work is involved (in farming).”

With all the animals on the farm needing regular attention, Samantha said there’s no such thing as holidays or sick days. It doesn’t matter if the weather’s poor or they’re tired after a long day. The chores still need doing.

Fortunately they’ve received support from friends and family, in addition to the book and video research they’ve done.

“There’s been a village behind us,” Samantha said.

The store is located on their farm, 730 Regional Road 20. They’re open 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday to Friday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They’re also active on social media, through Facebook, Instagram and YouTube under the handle Tales from Sunset Farms