Creamier by Nature
At Trail Hub, we believe that every ingredient has a story and ideally, a local one. For our cheese curds, that story begins in Enniskillen, Ontario, just a short drive from Trail Hub, where Sargent Family Dairy has been raising Jersey cows and crafting rich, small-batch dairy for generations.
From milk that flows straight from the pasture into the creamery, to the squeaky-fresh cheese curds that crown our trail-side poutine, every bite carries the care, history, and pride of a local farm deeply rooted in Durham Region.
Local Dairy with a Legacy
Sargent Family Dairy's roots stretch back more than a century. As Tim Sargent explains, "My great, great, great grandfather emigrated… basically on the Mayflower." What began as a small family farm has grown into a vertically integrated dairy farm that still keeps family at its core.
Today, Tim and Sharyn Sargent, along with their children Melyssa, Daniel, and Benjamin, continue the tradition. Together they care for 150 Jersey cows, milking about 65 to 70 each day, and oversee every step of the process, from pasture to packaging.
This commitment to heritage is about more than business. It's about preserving a way of life that ties land, livestock, and community together.
From Cow to Curds
At Sargent Family Dairy, "farm to fork" isn't just a phrase, it's a literal description of how they operate. The milk flows directly from the dairy barn into their on-farm processing plant, where it's pasteurized, crafted, and transformed into milk, artisanal cheeses, and the cheese curds we proudly serve at Nest.
Melyssa who manages much of the creamery work, describes the process with the kind of detail that comes from passion: "Depending on how soft I want the cheese, it depends on how small the curd I cut… this batch is for cheese curds, so I want the curd to be relatively big."
Each vat of curds is gently cooked, drained, and "cheddared" before being salted, cut, and taste-tested by the family. "We taste test every batch just so we know that it's evenly coated," Melyssa explains. The result? Squeaky-fresh curds that make you immediately crave fries and gravy.
The Jersey Difference
While most of Ontario's milk comes from Holsteins, the Sargents have stayed true to Jersey cows, a smaller breed known for producing richer, creamier milk.
"The efficiency of the Jersey — the milk is just thicker, richer, creamier," Tim says. That natural richness comes from higher butterfat content, giving Sargent milk and cheese curds their signature flavour and texture.
For us at Trail Hub, that means every dish made with Sargent dairy carries a depth of flavour you won't find anywhere else.
A Local Connection You Can Taste
Being vertically integrated allows Sargent Family Dairy to sell directly to local customers, restaurants, and markets. That short farm-to-table journey is something we deeply value at Trail Hub.
As Tim notes, "There's a benefit to all farmers to have that kind of local connection where farm-to-table support exists."
For us, that connection shows up in every plate of Trail Side Poutine where Sargent's squeaky curds meet crispy fries and savoury gravy for the ultimate farm-to-fork comfort food.
More Than an Ingredient
What makes Sargent Family Dairy remarkable goes far beyond the milk and curds themselves. It's the heritage woven into every batch, five generations of farmers who have cared for their land, their herd of Jerseys, and their community with equal devotion.
Each step of their process, from pasture to creamery, reflects a choice to keep things close to home: to produce on-farm, to sell locally, and to stay connected to the people who enjoy their products. For us at Trail Hub, that commitment transforms an ingredient into a relationship, one that adds depth, authenticity, and meaning to every plate we serve.
Taste the Difference at Trail Hub
Whether you're hiking our trails, gathering for lunch, or sharing a poutine with friends, we invite you to taste the difference that truly local dairy makes.
Reserve your table at Nest or stop by the HandleBar Grill and enjoy a farm-to-table experience where even the simplest ingredients (like a perfectly squeaky cheese curd!) tell a story worth savouring.
About the Author
Trail Hub is your premier destination for adventure in the Greater Toronto Area. Situated in the Durham Region, we are trailside to more than 240 km of trails perfect for biking, hiking, disc golf, and skiing. Our chalet offers farm-to-table dining, breathtaking vistas, and memorable events such as corporate gatherings and weddings. Immerse yourself in the nature and vibrant community at Trail Hub.
Explore. Experience. Connect.