Quality Meat from The Dogs Run Farm at the St. Boniface Summer Market

This summer at the St. Boniface Market, visitors can discover something special: top-quality meats from The Dogs Run Farm, a small family-run operation near Clearwater, Manitoba. To bring their ethically raised products closer to urban customers, the farm is hitting the road—visiting five different city markets each week. And every Thursday, you’ll find them right here in St. Boniface. 

Rediscovering the Benefits of Nature 

The Dogs Run Farm, named for the dog-like shape of its footprint on the map, is the project of Manitoba couple Colin and Katie McInnes, who have always shared a deep love of nature. 

Erin Froese, who joined the farm four years ago as an apprentice and now works as Market Manager, shares their journey: 

“Katie and Colin are first-generation farmers who started The Dogs Run Farm in 2013. Their goal was simple but powerful: to provide good, honest food for their family, friends, and community. They also wanted to follow regenerative agriculture practices.” 

“They started small, but the farm has grown steadily. Today, it’s not just Katie and Colin—we’re a team of two full-time employees and a summer intern. We raise cattle, sheep, pigs, turkeys and chickens for meat, and laying hens for eggs.” 

Available from the very beginning by order—with the option of monthly delivery to pick up locations across the city—The Dogs Run Farm’s products have earned a strong reputation for quality. 

“All of our animals are raised on pasture using regenerative practices,” explains Erin Froese. “That means the relationship between the land and the animals is mutually beneficial. As the animals graze, they fertilize the soil, helping new grass grow. They’re rotated regularly to fresh pasture, which keeps both the land and the animals healthy.” 

“Our animals are always outdoors and free to roam,” she adds. “The health of the soil and the quality of the forage directly affects the quality of the meat both its nutrient content as well as its flavour.” 

Bringing Quality to the City

This year, The Dogs Run Farm is exploring a new model: bringing its pasture-raised meats directly to Winnipeg through the city’s farmers’ markets. 

“For farmers like us, based far from the city, it’s always been a challenge to have a consistent presence at urban markets,” says Erin Froese. “That’s why my role now focuses on being at various Winnipeg markets to represent the farm and connect with customers.” 

Traditionally, the farm made monthly deliveries to Winnipeg through an online pre-order system. “That worked well,” Erin explains, “but we wanted to reach more people in more parts of the city. So this summer, we’re attending about five markets each week, including the St. Boniface Market every Thursday.” 

“It’s also just more convenient for people,” she adds. “They can stop by, chat with us, and pick up what they need on the spot, no need to plan ahead or order in advance.” 

A Diversified Offer

So, what can you find at The Dogs Run Farm’s stall at the St. Boniface Market? “Right now, we have a lot of pork—sausages, bacon, chops—as well as lamb,” says Froese. 

“We also have fresh eggs and handmade soap. Later in the season we will also have beef available at the markets.” Among the most popular products: mustard basil sausages, breakfast sausage, herb and garlic sausage and bacon. 

In addition to their food products, the Dogs Run Farm also make soap, which can also be found at the St. Boniface Market. “All our soaps are made only with natural ingredients, some of which come from our farm.” 

A little bonus for French-speaking residents of St. Boniface and the surrounding area who stop by the market: Erin Froese can serve you in French. 

For more information or to purchase products from The Dogs Run Farm:
Visit the St. Boniface Summer Market on Thursdays from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Parc Joseph-Royal, 665 Taché Avenue, until August 28, 2025. Or visit www.thedogsrunfarm.com.