Start or Expand a Business

Mark Horst is the President of Marcrest Manufacturing Inc. located between Listowel and Molesworth and a resident of Huron East. As they say, necessity is the mother of invention. The business was started in 2003 out of a need for a labour saving machine; specifically, the manual labour associated with the small square bale. Marcrest continues to introduce innovative products to improve efficiencies and in the agricultural industry.  In 2025, Marcrest will introduce their new high capacity small square baler.  As Mark likes to say, “Innovation brought us here, innovation will keep us here”; there is no better satisfaction than supplying a product that fills the need of customers and making their life easier.

John, and his wife Sarah, and their four daughters started 5 Chicks and a Farmer (clever name, eh?) in 2017. On their small family farm, they produce high quality pasture raised beef, chicken, pork and turkey. Starting this agri-business was a lifestyle choice. They became passionate about producing high quality food and improving the soil, ecosystem and community health. The regenerative agricultural practices that they use, such as rotational grazing, cover cropping, and others, offer a wide range of environmental, economic, and social benefits. Products, including grass-fed beef and pasture raised chicken, can be ordered online through their online store. They even offer a subscription service, saving their customers money and time! 

This couple make a great team; both having a passion for farming. Erik's family has farmed in Huron County for over 50 years. Edda says "this place offers a lot of opportunity; rural and with a good distance to big cities but at the same time close enough to the GTA to have a large consumer base for special products". The couple launched their farm business in 2012, introduced goats in 2014, and diversified into cheese production by 2018. All their goats are fed exclusively with crops grown on the farm. Erik and Edda's innovative use of versatile technology allows them to adapt and expand into new production streams without the constant need for additional specialized equipment. This flexibility ensures their business remains dynamic and prepared for future opportunities.

David is the proud owner of Blake's Apple Orchard. The Orchard was established in 1949 by his uncles William and Louis Blake. In 1981, David took over the orchard, embracing the challenge with enthusiasm and determination. David introduced a new controlled atmosphere storage system, allowing the apple crop to remain fresh until May—a significant innovation that enhanced the orchard's sustainability. The business thrived thanks to a loyal customer base and strong support from local retail merchants. Today, David and his wife Karen continue to uphold the orchard's legacy, offering pick-your-own experiences and retail sales from Labor Day to mid-November. Reflecting on 75 successful years, David proudly states, “I have no regrets about keeping Blake's Apple Orchard open.”