Grand opening of Cody’s Cows farm store puts local farm fresh goodness in Acton’ s own backyard

The mood stayed bright and festive for the long awaited grand opening of Cody’s Cows farm market on Oct. 27, despite a dollop of snow on the day. Pick your festival – a Hallowe’en hay bale maze set the main tone, while owner Geoff Maltby had people thinking ahead, greeting guests in his Christmas sweater.

The big rock slab sign turning into the driveway from Churchill Rd N reads ‘Maltby Family Country Market’ and has a 150 marking top left corner. That’s a reminder that the Maltbys have been a farming force in Halton for 150 years.

The grounds around the store are done up beautifully - from the seasonal decorating by the sign and up the drive, to the big farm wagon of orange and white pumpkins, to the tall urns of flowers at the main shop door. There’s even a sweet little climbing area lined with bark chips for kids. Sparkles the brindle pup might even be on duty.

Co-owner and partner in crime Shanna Maltby could be found wielding BBQ tongs. Geoff said they likely served hamburgers and hot beef sandwiches to 200 people at lunch. A second course of steak and chicken would follow late afternoon. An estimated 400 – 500 people visited throughout the day, from Etobicoke, Cambridge, Oakville, Orangeville and Halton Hills.

Guests were asked to bring a food bank donation, and as a result, Geoff was able to drop off 50 lbs of food, $130 in donations from the event, as well as a donation of $200 in food products.

Acton has grown accustomed to Geoff and Shanna’s generosity, even from their time in Acton Farmers Market, becoming an anchor when it moved to its new location at Bethel. Deals and giveaways as well as really good meats could always be found at the Cody’s trailer.

Interaction with customers in ways like this helped the pair decide to morph a chicken barn in development into a farm store.

“The decision to open the Farm Store was a big leap. We have really great customers who encouraged us to do it,” says Shanna.

“However it took us almost three years of permits and planning to get it built. We needed permits from the Town (dealing with the building department wasn’t always easy, as they do not understand farm buildings), from CVC (Credit Valley Conservation Authority) for water source protection (it was very accommodating), and OMAFRA (Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs).

Messages of congratulations and best wishes came from MP Mike Chong, Minister of OMAFRA Ernie Hardeman and MPP Ted Arnott.

The total square footage of the store is 16,300. The building has multiple doors, which are great for a store. Fans will keep it cool in summer. Guests at the opening benefited as well from a floor heater that day.

Inside, the store features display cases and freezers with their signature meat – fresh and frozen beef, pork, chicken, turkey, lamb, goat, duck as well as eggs from the farm. There’s milk from a local dairy in glass bottles, maple syrup and honey from Martin’s Sweet Farm, syrup from Loves Sweetness, Mennonite baked goods, pies and bread, and Mennonite preserves.

Coming soon – bake ovens and onsite baking. Various cheeses will also be coming, as well as other local products. Stay tuned!

Right now the store is open Thursday, Friday & Saturday, and by appointment Monday to Wednesday. “If we are on the farm, we are open. We hope to expand our hours soon,” say the owners.

“Public response has been great,” they add. “People love coming out to the farm to shop, and seeing all the animals, and that we really do treat them well.”

They have an energetic Facebook feed that keeps followers updated on deadlines for orders and what’s in the latest seasonal veggie box. Their fun-loving personality shows through in contests, games and interesting postings. They’ve just added Instagram and Twitter accounts.

This busy family of 6 (the couple has 4 children under age 11, with the eldest supplying the name for the business) has some exciting future plans. After the kitchen is open and running, different chefs will come in to do up ‘ready made’ meals for take home, something different every week. School tours are part of the long term vision.

The Maltby Family Country Market is just a stone’s throw from town, literally cycling distance from the Acton Curling Club, on the east side of Churchill Rd. N.

More info: codyscows@bell.net . See also website: www.codyscows.com .