Generations of growth this family farm has been a staple in Brantford since 1891
There are a few main attractions that Brantford is known for, such as the Bell Homestead National Historic Site, Myrtleville House Museum and many more. Among them is Brantwood Farms.
The farm first opened in 1891 and has now been a part of the Brantford community for over 100 years and five generations of the original family who owned and ran Brantwood Farms, the Pate family. Kara Pate and her brother Andrew still own and run the farm together. Brantwood Farms have held the same farm space since they opened in 1891, but as the city evolves, so does Brantwood Farms. In 2026, Brantwood Farms will be moving to St. George Road, just a seven-minute drive down the road from where the farm is currently located on 251 Powerline Rd.
“We really appreciate how supportive Brantford has been for us,” said Kara.
In the past century, Brantwood Farms has seen Brantford go through many changes and has become a pillar of the community. The farm has a wide variety of activities and events that go on all year long, although fall is a big season for the farm because apples and pumpkins are coming into season and are ready to harvest.
A popular attraction, especially with young kids, is going to see the farm animals. Brantwood has a highland cow, a donkey, goats, chickens and rabbits for the whole family to see. The annual Fall Festival is an event-filled Saturday and Sunday, that takes place every weekend in September and October. There are over 20 activities happening at these festivals, like a forest scavenger hunt, bubble bar and pumpkin bowling. Of course, a fall favourite is apple picking. Brantwood farms has 14 types of apples to choose from in their orchard, which is open until 5 p.m. daily.
An aspect of the farm that some people may not know about is the teaching and field trips that happens at Brantwood.
“We will have groups from Kindergarten classes to brownies to seniors’ groups to experience the orchard and we will talk about how our apples grow and how pumpkins grow or flower trips to learn about how things grow and what we do on the farm,” said Kara.
The Brantford community has had the opportunity to learn about agriculture and see how corn grows or even the different stages of an apple tree growing for over 100 years. Not something that many people get to see every day. The city of Brantford has done their part too, showing support for Brantwood Farms over the years.
“We really value being able to share the space with the community and have the opportunity to teach people a little bit whether directly or inadvertently by just being on the farm about agriculture,” said Kara Pate.