1790 West
1790 West is family-owned and operated small scale farm business. We offer fresh farm-to-table produce, produced sustainably and respectfully to the land and community that provides it. With a hearty selection of summer and winter crops as well as eggs, the farm goodies from 1790 West provide the opportunity to be a part of a local effort to make a more sustainable, food secure future.
1790 West goods also include hand beaded jewellery, sustainably sourced and tanned fish skin products, reclaiming the tanning and beading skills of Kary’s great-mishoomis and great-kokum.
The Farm Crew
As a family-owned and operated business, we at 1790 West believe it is important that our customers know the family as well as the business.
Brian Dwyer
Ever the buoyant Irishman, Brian “Paddy” Dwyer first landed in Canada in 1988 – and quickly found out how vast this country is when he scored his first job in Cape Breton – a solid three days drive. He returned to Nova Scotia to start 1790 West almost 30 years later.
Kary Shannon
Kary was working for the Ontario government on future challenges in Health when she realized commuting to the office was eating up 80 hours a month, that their carbon footprint was huge, their ability to grow their own food and to get back to nature was limited in southern Ontario. They considered moving to Barbados (Caribbean Life has a lot to answer for) but in the end, her English Premier team, Crystal Palace, resounding smoked Chelsea FC and Brian had to pay up – a ticket to Halifax – to help the girls pack up and to explore potential farm sites. Six weeks later, they found 1790 West and the rest, they say, is history.
Kyle Shannon-Dwyer
Kyle came to Nova Scotia with the family and found his true path – becoming an Early Childhood Educator. Passionate about nurturing children’s well-being, he is always keen to keep them updated on what’s happening on the farm, what’s good to eat and what’s fun to grow. He loves the chickens and SPINACH.
Annie-Laura Shannon-Dwyer
Annie introduced the family to Nova Scotia when she chose Dalhousie University. After completing her BSc in Recreational Therapy, Annie realized the importance of good food on gut health, becoming a certified Nutritionist. She has a booming practice in Ontario (@gutagrip) but misses the farm and visits as often as she can. She also provides all our great nutritional insights and fabulous recipes.
Neive Shannon-Dwyer
Neive grew up stating, without hesitation, “Same as Annie”. We didn’t really expect her to follow her to school but Halifax was her kinda town too! A true artist, Neive blends words, design and art to work wonders, exploring the world and making parts work better for the whole.
Brayton and Otis
Brayton was the quietest, most laidback Aussiedoodle EVER. After living most of his life in the suburbs of Southern Ontario, protecting the family from the dreaded swimming pool, he took up life on the ocean without missing a beat. Martinique Beach was one of his favourite places in the world. At 14, he passed and took a piece of our hearts in September 2020.
His spitfire brother, Otis, a Portuguese Water Dog, looks like a shorter, more compact version of Brayton but there the similarities end. Rambunctious and full of vim (and vinegar), Otis is the star of the farm. Almost famous on facebook, you can find his exploits @Otis2023
