About Us

 

Kevin Cornish grew up in Indian River, Ontario with no desire to be a farmer. He helped neighbours with their hay crops in the summer months but spent most of the time longing to be driving or working with the heavy machinery. This passion for heavy machinery led Kevin to Fleming College where he completed his Heavy Equipment Technician certificate. After years of working in the heavy equipment field, Kevin found his way back to Fleming and now works for the Heavy Equipment Techniques and Operator program as well as the Sustainable Agriculture program.

Janet Dawson grew up in Indian River, Ontario on her family beef farm, which is the same location as Indian River Acres. She was very involved in the beef operation and attended many fairs and events to show cattle. Not only was she an avid 4-H club member, Janet was quite the baking enthusiast and entered baking in many fairs. When it was time to spread her wings, Janet decided to travel east to Halifax for her Bachelor’s degree and then west to Edmonton for her Master’s degree. When the opportunity arose to purchase the family farm, Janet jumped at the chance and returned home to get back to her agricultural roots. 

Soon after Janet & Kevin bought the farm, Liam & Lucas sprouted and joined the family farm operation. They have a strong desire to learn how to grow, harvest, and prepare food grown from our fields.  They support all of the day-to-day farm operations and even grow their own flowers for their fresh cut flower business. They have regular business meetings to review their progress and plan for the upcoming flower season.

Over the years, Kevin & Janet have been involved in many associations and activities that work to support their learning and the evolution of the farm, including: Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Federation of Agriculture, Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association, Ontario Garlic Growers Association, and hosting a variety of agricultural learning workshops, 4-H club tours, school tours, and providing in-class presentations at local schools.

Awards

2022 - Peterborough County Farm Family of the Year

2022 - Peterborough Agricultural Innovation Award

2019 - Peterborough County Agricultural Leadership Award