Farmers’ Market in Medina showcases local growers, ag roots in Orleans, Niagara

Photos by Ginny Kropf: Ron Human of Human Farms waits on frequent visitor to the market, Peg Pearce of Medina. Pearce tries to come every week, where she always gets eggs and likes the fresh produce.

MEDINA – With a focus on family farms, the Canal Village Farmers’ Market each week welcomes third-generation farmer Ron Human of Human Farms in Newfane to the market on the corner of West Center Street and West Avenue.

Human took over the farm from his father, and currently raises pigs, beef cattle, sheep, garlic and eggs.

Human’s father raised animals in the town of Ridgeway, taking over farming from his father, who raised animals and grew fruits and vegetables in Ridgeway. His grandfather came from England, where he raised animals.

His grandfather used horses in his farming, doing hay and plowing. He also used horse teams to plow snow for the town of Ridgeway.

“I saw my grandfather pull out several apple trees with horses,” Human said. “Apple trees of old were huge. Types of apples were Starks, Baldwins and Snow Apples.”

The market will continue to spotlight family farms for the next few weeks. Market manager Gail Miller urges everyone to come and check out the homegrown fruits and vegetables grown there, along with specialty items.

 The market welcomes community organizations and individuals to rent a space on Saturday morning.

(Left) A feature of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market last weekend was blacksmith Jacob Rowland, who devised this portable forge. A builder by trade, blacksmithing is his hobby. (Right) Jacob Rowland shapes a piece of hot iron into a hook at the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, where he occasionally demonstrates the art of blacksmithing.

Last week’s special vendor was Jacob Rowland of Ridgeway with his sister Hannah Rowland and Seraphim Brown of Middleport. Hannah was selling medicated creams for dogs, while Brown had small homemade pillows.

Jacob learned blacksmithing a year ago and said he has always liked building and making things, especially working with metal.

Entertainment and children’s activities are also weekly features.

“My hope is people coming to the market will see that many farms and farmers have been working their farms for a few generations,” Miller said. “Also, that they will note all of the farms are very local in Orleans and Niagara counties. Hopefully families will find the displays interested and educational – showing how labor intensive farming was and continues to be. And, that there is a rich history of farming in our two counties.”

There is also a kids’ game to identify some historical items on display at the market, brought from Miller’s family farm.

The market is open from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Gail Miller, manager of the Canal Village Farmers’ Market, holds an antique pitchfork which belonged to her family. The market is focusing on local farmers who support the market.