Grains and Greatness at Highwood Crossing Farms

South-east of Okotoks, AB and north of High River, nestled into the twists and bends of a river, Highwood Crossing Farm has been grown and shaped by the same family for over 100 years. This time of year, following the last frost and as soon as the land can be easily worked again, the farms bustle with activity as ground is tilled to ready it for seeding. Come late summer, you will see meter-high golden fields waiting for harvest to begin the journey to your homes.


September in the Fields
Owners Tony and Penny Marshall re-established the farm’s traditional roots back in 1989 by switching to sustainable organic farming methods. This meant adapting modern technology to mirror methods originally used back in 1899 by Tony’s great-grandfather. Some of their techniques include crop rotation and growing legumes specifically for the purpose of conversion to fertilizer to replenish nutrients in the fields. They have also worked hard to minimize their carbon footprint and help preserve the natural habitats surrounding their fields, receiving the “Habitat Steward Award” in recognition for their efforts.

In 1996, Tony and Penny began turning their harvests into award winning products that have been spreading throughout the organic market scene. Last year they were named among the “Best Artisan Food Producers in Canada” and next month, Highwood Crossing will also be presented the “Canadian Food Heroes” award by Slow Food Canada. Their foray into food production began with cold-pressed canola and flax oils, but have expanded over the years to include granola, specialty flours, hot cereals, and a special gluten-free line of baking mixes for pancakes, muffins and even pizza crust! This past February their Sunflower Flax Seed Granola came in at number thirteen on the Top 25things to eat in Calgary.

September in the Fields

Recent years have seen amazing growth in both organic markets and among those educating the next generation about the food they eat every day. When asked, Tony explained that “companies need to be responsible for their actions: socially, ethically, and environmentally. One of the ways that our company is able to achieve this goal is by giving back to the community in which we live and work.”

“To this end, we are pleased to support various groups with our time and resources:
The Alberta Diabetes Foundation
The Calgary Food Bank
Seeds of Diversity
Slow Food Calgary
Slow Food Southern Alberta
Alberta Cancer Foundation
The Rotary Club of High River
The Rotary Foundation”

While we currently only carry a small selection of Highwood Crossing Farm’s products, we are always willing to add more. Check out their website and let us know if there are any items you would love for us to start carrying.

Highwood Crossing Farm