Site partner: Lou-Tec Hawkesbury 

1163 Caledonia Springs Road, Alfred 
Best vantage point: Caledonia Springs Rd. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You are responsible for your safety and security. 

Popsilos mural : Stardust by Ankh One. Theme : vulnerability.

The mural painted by the artist Ankh One illustrates the theme "vulnerability". In conversation, we realized that the artist's work and the farmer's work have many similar facets. We all live moments of vulnerability, at specific times in our lives, on Earth. These moments shape us as individuals, make us complete. The mural depicts the balance between humankind, nature and the comos: three elements that form a harmonious whole, precious, but also fragile. One may read the mural from left to right, much like a story unfolding. Its starting point being the human element, the man who gazes away towards the right, then, a lyrical representation of nature follows and contrasts with what is infinity, space, which we can consider like a field of possibilities, inspirations. Each environment influences the other and we're not always in control of what comes, but a balance seems to comfort us, helps us realize our projects and ambitions. Abstract colour markings represent those of pen markings and are a symbol of the future in construction, as it always is. The colourful abstract shapes remind us of arial views of fields. We can also see  the central element of the mural is a collection of three wheat stems, the cereal that has long been cultivated by the Lalande family. The artist chose to paint an arial view of the Lalande Farm to reflect the important elements in our lives that are shaped by the effects of this point of equilibrium in the universe, influenced by humankind, nature and the cosmos. The artist also painted a swallow that flies over the Lalande Farm, having somewhat made this arial space its own, to watch over the Farm or simply to assume its role as the Farm's official mascot. 

Where the product of meaningful exchanges and friendships are cultivated 

The Robert and Louise Lalande Farm is in its fifth generation. A beautiful, serene scene where the horizon is wide. If you visit the Farm, you will surely meet Robert and his son Eric who work there together every day.  You may also be greeted by sweet cats, Minou and Minette, or the little ducklings refreshing themselves in their charming pond. The Farm operates as a cash crops producer : wheat, hay, oat, soy. They also raise chickens. Ask them about it! They may even sell you one. Louise is passionate about art. She's an artist herself and spends time painting with oil colours. She loves animals and takes care of the small family of ducks. Robert and Louise have travelled extensively in the United States of America. They love exchanging stories with folks : they enjoy learning what other producers do and fill their luggage with conversations and good ideas. Eric is also an artist. He cuts his crops with such symmetry and design that he creates beautiful canvases in his colourful fields. 

Vankleek Hill and surrounding area

Galerie Arbor - Centre for contemporary art
36 Home, Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0


Higginson Tower
5845 Church, Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0


Miskins Meadows
450 McCallums Lane, Vankleek Hill ON K0B 1R0

Lamberio
520 Concession Road 1, Vankleek Hill, ON K0B 1R0

Casselman and surrounding area

Au Domaine du Verger Cléroux
199 route 300 Est, Casselman, ON K0A 1M0


Casselman Farmers' Market
Saturdays, 8 am to noon, sping, summer, fall
Académie de la Seigneurie
731 des Pommiers, Casselman ON K0A 1M0

St-Albert and surrounding area

Cannamore Orchard
1480 County Road 32, Crysler, ON K0A 1R0

Embrun and surrounding area

Académie du gourmet Inc.
993 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, ON K0A 1W0

Experience Café and Smoothie Bar
901 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, ON K0A 1W1

Boulangerie du village
880 Notre-Dame Street, Embrun, ON K0A 1W0

North Russell Organics
911 Eadie Road, Russell ON

More local producers

The Prescott and Russell region groups together eight municipalities. There are other small producers and artisans in the counties that are located a little further away from the circuit. If you wish to discover them, visit the Eastern Ontario Agrifood Network's website.

Site partner: @Antho_Dion 

1230, route 400 East, Casselman 
Best vantage point: route 400 East. 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

You are responsible for your own safety and security. 

Popsilos Mural: At the Heart of the Field, by Dodo Ose. Theme: The Sowing. 

This mural themed "The Sowing", gives visitors a glimpse of the farm owners' reality, emphasizing the farm's centenary story. Four dominant elements of the artwork are figurative: they are the four hands that represent the transition of the farm from generation to generation, since 1884. If we read the mural from bottom to top, we can notice the hands gain youthfulness, such as chronological time itself (in reference to newer generations). Closer to the earth, the hands' texture is earthier, which is a reference to working the land. Each hand is positioned in a sowing movement, a sign of growth and sustainability. When we look at the mural a little closer, we can notice that the hands are metaphorically tied to different crops of the Drouin Farm: wheat, corn, soy, maple and an important flower, the rose. "The Sowing" not only references agriculture, but the many projects one might sow in life, much like the Drouin Farm has done in the past and continues to do today. We can also see the trillium flower, which is a symbol of the Drouin Farm's commitment to promoting the Franco-Ontarian culture.

The composition is painted on an iconic background by the artist, inspired by the impressionist movement, which represents the Drouin Farm's location, between fields and close to the river, reminding us of the natural horseshoe shape of the land that is at the source of the Farm's logo. A detailed look at the mural will also reveal insects and animals that shared the artist's "studio" while he painted and certain stories and moments that were shared between the artist and the farmers. The backside of the silo is dominated by the king of the barnyard! Don't hesitate to walk around the silo to discover it! 

At the heart of this field, 
I was able to see hands that turned and craddled the earth, 
I was able to see hands that fed its fauna, 
I was able to see hands that spoke of love, 
I was able to see hands that uplift you towards the heavens,
At the heart of this field, which I dearly hold in my heart. 

A vocation : sharing the world of farming with the community 

The Drouin Farm is iconic to the Prescott-Russell region. The Drouin brothers, Yves and Denis, have been co-owners of the Farm for over 35 years. The Farm has been the family business since 1884 and is now in its fifth generation. Throughout the years, Yves and Denis have in some ways reinvented the business. Originally, the Farm was a dairy farm and produced cash crops. In 2008, it lent its land to L’Écho d’un peuple, an impressive outdoor theatre megaproduction showcasing the story of Franco-Ontarians. Today, the Farm continues to produce cash crops, but also invites guests to enjoy a sugar shack meal, catering services, an informative and educational experience at the Farm mostly for youngsters and it has also transformed into a revered wedding and event location. The cherry on top? The Drouin Farm has just recently opened a drive-in cinema!

The Drouins have created an environment where it is simply wonderful to be, where the animals welcome guests as much as its people! Where evenings offer colourful mesmerizing sunsets. Where life's rythm may seem ever so relaxed, but the ideas are always bubbling. 

A few tips and tricks for your self-guided visit of the Popsilos circuit:

1. Map and information is all online on the popsilos.ca website. Your smart phone will be handy! 
2. Make sure the farmers’ properties are open to the public for the time at which you plan to visit. Every site has its own hours of operations. If not, you can view the silo from the roadside. 
3. Respect the signs or barriers set-up by the farmers on their properties where entrance is prohibited. Buildings, equipment, tools or any other objects are off limit. You are responsible for your own safety and security on site.
4. Be respectful of the environment.
5. Learn about the artwork online at popsilos.ca.
6. Wear comfortable shoes suitable to farm grounds!
7. You may or may not be greeted on site. All depends on the farmers’ workday! If they’re free, they’ll love to chat!
8. If you plan on visiting certain local artisans or producers identified on the Popsilos map, also check in on the website provided to ensure they are open to visitors at the time you plan to visit. 
9. Share your photos with us on our facebook page.