Located in Ancaster, Ontario, Stephen Gleave’s farm is a reflection of his passion for nature, sustainability, and heritage. The 100-acre property is a mix of old Carolinian forests and manicured orchards. With a conservationist mindset and a love for agriculture, Gleave focuses on maintaining the land’s natural beauty while also nurturing its productivity.
For Gleave, farming is a lifestyle that cultivates patience, respect for nature, and an appreciation of hard work.
“There’s something wonderfully grounding about working the land,” he says. “Whether I’m in the orchard or wandering through the forest, it’s a reminder of the rhythm of nature and that protecting it is important.”
Gleave’s farm is all about biodiversity. Southern Ontario’s rare Carolinian forests support a range of native tree species, including tulip trees and Kentucky coffee trees. This region harbours rich biodiversity and is key for conserving threatened species.
Only 1% of the country’s total landmass is comprised of Carolinian forests, but they hold almost a quarter of the country’s plant species, according to the Nature Conservancy of Canada. Gleave’s work to expand and restore these woodlands reflects his investment in preserving a fragile ecosystem. He has also taken steps to lower the number of invasive plant species on his property, so the native greenery has room to thrive.
In addition to preserving forestland, Gleave also manages a thriving orchard that produces a bounty of plums, apples, pears, and cherries. The orchard is a labour of love, needing care year-round, from pruning in the winter to harvesting in the late summer months. Gleave monitors each tree carefully to keep it healthy and productive, continuously fine-tuning his farm practices for optimum growth.
“Growing fruit has taught me a lot of patience,” he explains. “You can’t rush nature. It takes time, it takes attention, it takes respect, but the pay-off is always worth it.”
Besides growing fruit, Gleave also breeds Scottish Highland cattle. The cattle grazing freely contributes to sustainable land management, allowing the pasture to stay healthy without much interference. This low-impact approach helps reduce the need for mechanical mowing and improves soil fertility through natural grazing patterns.
Approximately 10.9 million cattlewere found on Canadian farms in January 2025, according to Statistics Canada, and small-scale, sustainable operations such as Gleave’s contribute critically to agricultural diversity. Gleave is also conscientious about the welfare of his animals, giving his herd access to clean, spacious pastures and attentive care 12 months a year.
Beekeeping is another key part of the farm. Gleave maintains hives that pollinate the property, helping his orchard and the wildflowers around it thrive. With pollinator populations shrinking globally, small-scale beekeeping movements such as Gleave’s farm strengthen conservation efforts. He also plants bee-friendly plants wherever he can in the orchard to improve its health and stimulate natural pollination cycles.
“The bees are vital to everything we grow. When you see them thriving, you know you’re doing something right,” says Gleave.
Sustainability is one of Gleave’s values, and a large part of his practice is about preserving the land for future generations. Practicing rotational grazing, keeping a healthy forest cover, and avoiding the overuse of chemicals, he ensures the farm runs in harmony with nature.
Although agriculture in Canada is under growing pressure from climate change and land development, Gleave is hopeful for sustainable farming in the future. He feels that small, regenerative practices will remain crucial to protecting the country’s agricultural legacy.
“To me, farming this way isn’t just about food production,” he says. “It’s being a steward of the land and leaving it better than you found it.”
Gleave’s farm reflects the enduring relationship between people and the land. In addition to growing crops and raising cattle, Gleave nurtures a land where biodiversity flourishes and traditions are kept.
