The Saugeen Times

Bruce-Huron Produce Auction officially launched Friday

Huron-Kinloss news

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Auctioneer Dave McCormick (C) of Teeswater auctions off carts of flowers at the Bruce-Huron Produce Auction Friday afternoon
photos by David Dadson

The Bruce-Huron Produce Auction was officially launched Friday afternoon, north of Lucknow.

Located at 733 Kairshea Ave. (RR 3, Holyrood), the auction is owned and operated by members of the farming community in Bruce and Huron counties. It supports local growers by creating a new market for regional produce.

The goal is to increase family farm revenue by encouraging local farmers to diversify into higher-value crops such as seasonal fruit and produce.

Food is also a growing concern for consumers, as more and more people recognize the importance of "buying locally," and appreciate the quality and the unbeatable taste of "freshly-picked" food.

A full range of local fruit and produce will be sold at the auction in wholesale lots. Lot sizes vary from a half-bushel and full-bushel to pallets and field bins.

The first auction featured hanging baskets and bedding plants, as well as a few early-season vegetables. More produce will be added through the summer season, including strawberries, peas, broccoli, cucumbers, tomatoes, sweet corn, zucchini, potatoes, cauliflower, lettuce, onions, and green and yellow beans.

In the fall, the auction will feature apples, squash, pumpkin, gourds, potatoes, watermelon, peppers, and so on.

Growers must be within a 75-kilometre radius of Lucknow. They must apply for a selling number, and standardized packaging will be used to maintain product uniformity. Growers are responsible to grade and pack prior to sale.

Buyers are required to obtain a number prior to the sales. No sale or resale of produce is allowed on the grounds, except through the auction.

The next auction is Friday, May 27, at 3 p.m. From then on, auctions will be held every Monday and Friday at 3 p.m. More sales will be added, if needed.

For more information, fax a message to the auction board of directors at 519-395-5062.

Auctioneer is Dave McCormick of McCormick's Auction Service, RR 2, Teeswater. He can be reached at 519-359-0202 or auctiondave@hotmail.com; or visit his website at www.mccormicksauctions.com

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