Our produce is always fresh, with a focus on quality, flavour and variety.
Willow Farm is a small-scale family farm run by Tessa Kautzman and Gregory Burton. We are situated at 4659 Route 106, in the beautiful Memramcook Valley just outside of Dorchester. We offer a diverse selection of seasonal vegetables as well as some fruits, herbs and preserves.
We are committed to sustainable farming practices that adhere to organic standards.
We strive to incorporate the natural tools present within our local ecosystem as we improve our soil health and manage pressure from pests, weeds and disease. We use only OMRI listed and organic fertilizers, and believe in keeping our carbon footprint and waste output low.
We limit mechanization by using hand tools wherever possible, and invest in materials that can be reused for many years. We plant flowers around our gardens, creating habitat for beneficial insects and birds, which helps keep pest populations in check. Other pest and disease management practices include insect netting, crop rotation, and focusing on healthy soils.
Tessa
My love of farming has grown out of my passion for cooking, baking and preserving.
Until our move in fall 2018, I had spent most of my adult life as a touring musician- playing bass, singing and tour managing.
To support my art practice, I also worked as a cook, baker and manager for 12 years in various small cafes and restaurants, all with a focus on community, quality and fresh ingredients.
Sharing recipes and garden tips with neighbours and managing our Farm Share program is one of the joys this work has brought me!
The farm provides me with the perfect outlet to push myself physically and explore new creative paths. I love working with the plants and strategically managing their growth from seed to harvest.
Through my work on the farm and as we’ve grown our family, I’ve also developed a passion for food literacy and food security. I hope to create more access to fresh, nutritious food in our community, especially for families with young children.
Gregory
I’m passionate about soil health, food systems and community development
I love farming because of the diversity of skills I get to use on a daily basis, from soil science to building and maintenance, to accounting.
After a childhood immersed in classical music followed by 14 years studying, teaching and performing in Montréal, small-scale farming has turned out to be an ideal outlet for me to remain active creatively, physically, and intellectually.
Running a small farm is my way of making an impact locally by providing access to fresh, healthy food. I believe we can help lead the way toward climate change mitigation and social equity by building viable businesses that put people and planet first.
From 2024, I have taken a step back from farming to pursue a carpentry apprenticeship. I have a strong interest in natural building materials, and a goal of renovating and restoring our 230 year old home.
Linus
I’m super interested in bugs, animals and outer space!
I’m a very active 5 year old, who loves to run explore on the farm. I’m full of questions about life and nature, and my favorite animal of the moment is the Owl.
I can recognize every vegetable we grow, but I only like to eat my favorites: carrots, broccoli, and mom’s homemade spaghetti sauce!
Our farm wouldn’t run without the support of our amazing volunteers and interns!
Since 2023, we’ve been accessing Mount Allison University’s Experiential Learning program to connect us with a student intern to work at the farm. This has been a wonderful experience; the interns are eager to learn and assist with all farm operations.
We’ve also been so lucky to have a team of casual volunteers, made up mostly of family members. From weeding, to harvesting, to bagging greens to garden clean up, our volunteers are the absolute best!
Are you interested in volunteering in exchange for fresh veggies? Get in touch to ask about opportunities in 2025!
Edith
I love keeping up with my big brother!
I am a determined, smart little munchkin, who loves biking, swinging and wrestling with Linus. I also love my “babies”; two soft cuddly stuffies that I carry around wherever I go!
