Windsor

Looking for something new to barbecue? Try yak

Craig Willett runs a native plant nursery and garden centre in Leamington. He also raises something decidedly exotic: yaks.

Windsor Morning's Jonathan Pinto pays a visit to farmer Craig Willett to learn about his unusual herd

How did a farmer in Essex County end up raising yaks?

8 years ago
Duration 1:47
Yak farmer Craig Willett explains how he got into the business.

If you asked me where to find a yak, this is the sort of place that comes to mind.

Tibetan nomads walk on a hillside at high altitude near Yushu on the Tibetan Plateau in the Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Qinghai province. This is the kind of place you'd stumble upon a yak. (Kevin Frayer/Getty)

So when Windsor Morning host Tony Doucette told me that he found a yak farm at the edge of Essex County, I was immediately intrigued.

A few of Craig Willett's yaks grazing at his farm on County Road 14. Somewhat wild, Craig said the animals could be unpredictable and wouldn't let me me get too close. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

Craig Willett is the owner of Wheatley Woods, a native plant nursery and garden centre that, despite the name, is technically in Leamington. He also owns a herd of yaks. 

Click on the audio player to hear how Craig made the leap from plants to yaks — and what yak meat tastes like.

He's back! For his debut local food story of the season, Jonathan Pinto took us to a yak farm at the edge of Essex County.

Ready to try yak meat?

If you're interested in trying yak meat for yourself, you'll have to head to the farm, which is located at 2448 Essex County Road 14 in Leamington. 

Ground yak sells for about $22/kg ($10/lb). Other cuts of yak are a few dollars more.

A few cuts of yak meat ready for sale. (Jonathan Pinto/CBC)

Wheatley Woods is open every day except Wednesday and Sunday. Be sure to call ahead to ensure they have the cut you're looking for. The number is (519) 825-4217

And by the way, Craig also raises chickens for meat and eggs.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jonathan Pinto is the host of Up North, CBC Radio One's regional afternoon show for Northern Ontario and is based in Sudbury. He was formerly a reporter/editor and an associate producer at CBC Windsor. Email jonathan.pinto@cbc.ca.