Beking’s Poultry Farm is a cherished family-run farm that has been passed down through three generations. Deeply intertwined with Ottawa’s history, this farm embodies enduring traditions and is synonymous with freshness and quality. Here’s a closer look at the story of this iconic family farm, brought to you by Ottawa Name.
How It All Began
In 1960, Gerrit Beking founded the poultry farm, starting with a small flock that he managed alongside his two sons, John and Albert. Gerrit began selling eggs with home delivery services in South Ottawa and Kemptville.
John and Albert gradually became more involved in the family business. John focused on farming operations, while Albert expanded the egg delivery network across Eastern Ontario.
After Albert’s passing in 1998, John and his family took full responsibility for running the farm and delivering eggs. By 2005, John and Cora Beking had established a reputation for providing high-quality eggs. At the time, the farm housed 14,000 free-run hens in converted barns, ensuring the birds remained active and healthy. Eggs were sorted on-site and delivered promptly, guaranteeing freshness.
What began as a modest operation on the outskirts of Ottawa has grown into the region’s most recognized provider of fresh eggs.
The Third Generation
In 2014, the farm transitioned to its third generation of leadership, with David Beking taking over alongside Chris Beking and Colleen Ford.
The Beking family remains committed to the natural farming methods introduced by Gerrit Beking. Their daily efforts ensure better living conditions for the hens and the consistent supply of high-quality eggs to customers. The family often emphasizes that healthy, happy hens lay exceptional eggs.
By 2014, the farm had expanded to 23,000 hens and served over 160 wholesale clients within a 100 km radius, including Ottawa. Beking’s Poultry Farm is located at 2405 Jochem Rd, Oxford Station, Ontario, operating Monday through Saturday from 8:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
What Makes Beking’s Poultry Farm Special
The farm upholds core values that have been preserved through generations:
- Free-Run Farming: The farm eliminates cages, giving hens unrestricted access to nesting boxes, perches, dust baths, water, and feed. This is fundamental to natural egg production.
- Certified Organic Eggs: Some hens are raised on several hectares of fresh grass and fed certified organic, non-GMO feed.
- Natural Diet: Hens enjoy a balanced, vegetarian, grain-based diet free from antibiotics, steroids, or animal by-products. This ensures the health of the hens and the quality of their eggs.
- Quality Assurance: The farm is certified by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency and adheres to HACCP standards. Beking’s Poultry Farm participates in the Start Clean-Stay Clean® program, promoting the highest agricultural standards.
Beking’s Poultry Farm produces a variety of white and brown eggs, available in medium, large, extra-large, and jumbo sizes. White eggs come from White Leghorn hens, while brown eggs are laid by Rhode Island Red hens. The only difference between them is shell colour—there’s no difference in taste or nutritional value. All eggs meet the farm’s high standards of quality and freshness.
How and When Eggs Are Delivered
Every morning, eggs are collected on the day they are laid. They are cleaned, sorted, and refrigerated to maintain freshness before being delivered within 1-3 days. In many cases, customers receive eggs the very next day.
The hens enjoy a nutritious diet that promotes their well-being. This vegetarian, grain-based diet excludes any animal by-products, antibiotics, or hormones. Notably, Canadian poultry farming standards prohibit the use of hormones and antibiotics in most cases.
The Journey Toward Carbon Neutrality
Beking’s Poultry Farm is committed to achieving net-zero carbon emissions through various green energy initiatives:
- Heat Exchangers: These systems use heat coils to warm incoming cold air during winter by recapturing about 80% of lost heat. This technology also filters out dust particles, improving air quality for the hens.
- Solar Panels: Solar panels on the barn roof provide clean energy. A net-metering program helps offset a significant portion of the farm’s electricity consumption, while the panels also act as insulation during winter months.
- Composting: The farm uses biotransformers to compost nitrogen-rich manure, converting it into nutrient-rich compost suitable for fields and gardens. This organic compost is also sold at local garden centres.
Where to Buy Beking’s Eggs
Beking’s Poultry Farm supplies eggs to high-end local restaurants and health food stores across Eastern Ontario. The farm is a proud member of Savour Ottawa, an initiative that promotes local culinary excellence.
Eggs from the farm are also available at farmers’ markets, where customers appreciate meeting the farmers and knowing they’re purchasing fresh, local products.
Visit the farm’s website to explore their product offerings, including organic probiotic yogurt and a range of cheeses.
Beking’s eggs have been served at Rideau Hall during the visit of Prince William and Duchess Kate. They were also enjoyed by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at Miller’s Oven in Manotick. These moments are a source of pride for the Beking family, reflecting their commitment to excellence.
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