Meet the Bartels Family of Chippewa Creek Farms

Christine Bartels loves being on a multigenerational farm with her parents, her family and her goats. Join her for a walk in the forest, meet her animals or take a bread making class. ~ Contributed photo

By Ann Marie Chechalk

When the opportunity to become a multigenerational farm family happened, Christine and Scott Bartels together with parents Tim and Karen Parker, began renovations to the farmhouse on Smithville Road.

“When I moved away from home to go to university, I always planned to live in the city. Then kids came along and I started to think about being self-sustainable. (My) husband Scott grew up on a dairy farm in the area, so coming back to the farm was an idea he could embrace. He loves the cows,” said Christine.

One day Scott hopes to farm full time. Perhaps their young son has similar plans.

“Henry, our son, was like a little farmer without a farm until we moved here. He is very interested in the farm and loves working along with his grandfather.”

Several goals are planned for the farm: Agritourism, a baking business, custom beef orders and baking and canning workshops.

“As we renovated we built an inspected kitchen and things have evolved from there,” said Christine. “Eight years ago, I began teaching myself about sourdough breads and I actually still have the same starter. I really enjoyed learning about all different wheats and using whole grains, natural ingredients with no preservatives. I just love breads. Drinking the milk from our goats - it is so creamy - making soap from our goat’s milk, and lotions and cheese is one of my goals. Presently I make bread, scones, granola, cookies and bagels and these can be ordered by calling before Saturday and picked up fresh.”

Homesteading classes are also offered, where everyone learns how to make bread and gets to take some home, or how to use a pressure canner and take home brown beans. This fall Chippewa Creek Farm will be offering beginner and advanced bread making workshops.

To find the products that Bartels bakes, Christine attends various vendor markets and events.

Dad/Grandpa Tim Parker, helps out by picking up feed and hay for the farm.

“I enjoy them being here,” he says, “I used to raise sheep and I like the farm being operational.”

Currently they have 15 beef cattle, with the preference being speckle park, which are a Canadian breed of cattle that gain weight quickly, are easy to calve and really delicious. They’re hoping to expand to 50 head and have a regular supply of beef for their customers.

“We know the cuts we want, we raise them well and have a top quality processor that will do the custom cuts that our people like,” he said.

Meeting people and sharing their love of animals is another goal of the family. They offer small tours of up to eight people to come and meet the animals, goats, chickens and cows and take a walk in the peaceful forest.

“All of our children love the farm” said Christine, “and we hope one day Nellie, or Heidi or Henry will take it over, for now the kids like raising chickens and playing with the baby goats, and Henry loves cutting the grass and keeping the farm ready for friends that want to come visit.”

To find out how to enrol for a class or order baked goods, or take a walk in the forest contact Christine at chippewacreekfarm@gmail.com information is also on social media.