PLEASE NOTE - OUR SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION - OnLine Ordering will be available soon
PLEASE NOTE - OUR SITE IS UNDER CONSTRUCTION - OnLine Ordering will be available soon
We established Golden Moment Farm in 1997. Before we purchased the property we researched the land and property to determine how we could make a living from the property. The results of this research determined that the best sustainable business opportunity would be to establish a maple syrup business. That became our goal. In 1998 (yep the year of the ice storm) we were ready to launch our 1st efforts... it was an extremely difficult year as most of our trees received 65% crown damage and the future was 'ify' at best. But we persevered and moved forward year by year.
We have grown from 150 buckets and a homemade processing system to approximately 5000 taps on pipeline and the latest in Maple Syrup processing equipment. We have recently renovated our original bottling and labeling room and will also use it as our maple sampling room.
We produce maple syrup and multiple maple value added products.
A 2nd focus for our farm would be continuing breeding and raising Golden Retrievers... We got our first retriever in 1989 and since then have bred every couple of years, and maintained our female line - our next litter will be in 2022 and will be the 9th generation of our first female. The goal in breeding these dogs is not so much for making a profit but more to have a strong and healthy line of puppies that people can enjoy and rely on.
Our 3rd focus for the farm came after a couple of years... we decided that in doing business sustainably, and with tradition we purchased a team of Clydesdale mares... We felt that using horses to gather sap, and perhaps do farm tours of the property opened up another avenue for revenue. Through the years and with many lessons learned we determined that although it did bring in a bit of revenue our physical health with aging make it a unrealistic in reality. Now they are our BIG pets!
Although our main business is on the production and selling of maple syrup and related products we are always exploring ideas on how we can let others enjoy our trails and scenery year round. In 2022 we plan on booking for guided walking tours around the farm. A minimum of 5, maximum of 10 will ensure that individual focus and opportunity for great photo opportunities are available. With the COVID-19 pandemic we have put protocols in place to ensure safety for our guests enjoy the property.
John spends time year round researching and learning new ways of upgrading systems that ensure the production of quality maple syrup. Remaining efficient and current with the maple industry is key while also keeping to traditional values and protection of the forest and land is integral to our business. Keeping the equipment ready, wood cut and dried and the pipeline in working order can be daunting! This year we had some bear activity and lots of squirrel damage in our bush so he had some repairs to do before things got running smoothly.
Norma spends her time on the bottling, labeling and quality control of the maple syrup and maple products and on the sales and marketing side of the business. We are now building an on-line store to allow for people to purchase right from the website and do not have have the capability to pickup at the farm, or purchase from one of our local retailers. For those who wish a contact free pickup option click on the form below, fill out your order and it will be ready for you to pick up when you come to the farm.
We are open Monday to Saturday - 9am to 4pm
By Chance or by Appointment
140 Mother Barnes Road, Athens, ON K0E 1B0
A personal interest in photography has resulted in years of pictures that I would like to share with you... Scrolling below are memories through the years... it shows our lifestyle and builds an understanding of why we do what we do!
If you are interested in an opportunity to take some very unique photographs of Clydesdale's, Golden Retriever's, a protected wetlands and 10+ km of nature trails guided walking tours can be organized .
Maple Syrup Order Form - 2022 - PDF (pdf)
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