2016 OFFMA
Farm Marketer of the Year BY C O UR TN EY DEN A R D HEEM A
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Heeman’s, which is owned and operated by the Heeman family in Thorndale, is being honoured for its years of offering local products to Ontario consumers in a fun and educational way. The Ontario Farm Fresh Marketing Association’s 2016 Farm Marketer of the Year is a third generation family business that specializes in strawberries, gardening, and more. Bill and Susan Heeman established the farm in the early 1960s shortly after they were married. Today, the business is run by Rudy and Florence Heeman, their son Will, and a team of employees. Speaking on behalf of the family, Will says the farm produces over 70 acres of berries and has 125,000 square feet of greenhouses that grow several thousand varieties of annuals and perennials.
Special events like ‘Sunday Brunch at Heeman’s’ or ‘Food Trucks on the Farm’ draw over 1,500 people. Meanwhile, the garden school offers over 60 do-it-yourself workshops throughout the Christmas season. When it comes to being chosen as the 2016 OFFMA Marketer of the Year, Will says, “it’s a gratifying thing.” “It’s very humbling to be selected by your peers and it reaffirms that what you’re doing is on the right course,” he says.
A few hundred acres of traditional cash crops like corn, soybeans, and wheat are grown on-farm as well. The farm utilizes world-class techniques in all aspects of its production and listens to what customers want when coming up with new business ideas. It was that mindset that led Heeman’s to create a sundae bar to show off how easy it is to make fresh fruit toppings for ice cream. There’s also a coffee bar on-site for those looking for their daily java fix. Will says the farm has transitioned into a “destination” for people to bring their family and friends.
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