Have leftover pumpkins from Halloween? The pigs at Dempsey Farms in Innisfil are happy to take them off your hands and into their bellies.
For the past week, the owner of Dempsey Farms Rory Dempsey says residents have been stopping by daily to leave their leftover gourds for the resident pigs.
Carved pumpkins are thrown right in the pen for feed, while the uncarved pumpkins are cut into pieces making it easier for the pigs to eat.
Dempsey Farms has a mix of Tamworth and Yorkshire commercial hogs. The Tamworth is a heritage breed from Ireland that has a thicker coat better for winterizing. The pigs can breed 25 piglets per year.
A Barrie brewery often donates their beer grain to the farm which he is grateful for.
"I got about six thousand pounds this week," said Rory. "The pigs love it."
Rory is new to the farming world after moving to Innisfil from Toronto.
It was his great-grandfather George Dempsey who originally purchased the farm and neighbouring properties more than 35 years ago, developing many of the cottages on the street.
The farm's barn used to be home to many bingo nights and live music shows.
"It's pretty cool," says Rory about the history of the barn.
It was just last year Rory was looking for a change of scenery from the city and decided to connect with the current property owner to purchase some of the property for a farm.
"It's kind of come full circle," he said.
Rory runs the farm with help from his mother, Colleen Dempsey. The farm is known in the community for its farm fresh eggs and pasteurized meats including chicken, pork, beef and turkey.
Rory enjoys the small-town, slower-paced farm life and is currently working on a new barn for the cows and a community garden.
Residents are always welcome to stop by the farm to visit the animals: the pigs, the highlander cows, chickens, turkeys and miniature pony, C.J.
The farm is located just off the 2nd Line at 270 Dempsey St. in Innisfil.
Walk-ins are welcome. If the gates are closed, pumpkins can be left at the shed in front of the driveway.
To learn more about Dempsey Farms, visit their website www.dempseyfarms.ca or follow them on Facebook under Dempsey Farms.
