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By Nancy Van Sas, Workshop Leader
First Vice President Steve Sickle hosted the 2022 Summer Meeting on his farm just outside St. George in Brant County. The highlight of the annual summer meeting is the Tuesday tour, this year focusing on farms in the St. George area. From the challenges created by the steep slopes at the Sickle Farm to the niche industries popping up in the vicinity, each stop on the tour was selected for its uniqueness and innovation. Those who were able to attend the tour learned a great deal; what follows is a summary of the tour stops within the Brant County SCIA.
The vertical challenges the escarpment can create, at Sickle Farms.
Leading edge poultry breeding genetics
Modern technology with the aid of the Mobile Soil Technology Suite (MSTS) enabled participants to get a glimpse inside the high biosecurity facilities at Hendrix Genetics Ltd., producers of leading-edge poultry genetics. Located in the heart of Brant County, Hendrix Genetics, is striving to produce a breeding program that will help meet the increasing food demand of the future.
The MSTS enables biosecurity measures can be maintained while on tour.
Turning gravel fields into a successful farm
In the fast-draining gravelly loam north of Brantford, hazelnuts thrive compared to other crops. The Sharp family set out to take advantage of this fact. While Ferrero Rocher, only minutes down the road, might seem the logical destination of this crop, the Sharps are venturing out on their own. After seven years of investment, they are expanding their operation to include processing and marketing, as the demand for hazelnuts increases. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, these nuts are not only delicious, they also claim to have health benefits of reducing cardiovascular disease such as stroke and coronary artery disease.
Sharp family hazelnut orchard. Photo credit: Margaret May
Apples today, cider tomorrow
Among the most desirable apple hybrids, Honeycrisp are sought after for their taste. Unfortunately, these apples require multiple pickings which drives up labour costs. To compete in today’s market, Brantview Apples & Cider are expanding their operation to include a line of hard cider made using Honeycrisps along with other apple varieties, pears and various other fruits. The family- owned operation is also looking into other opportunities for the next generation including orchard expansion and a wedding venue.
Our tour of Brantview farms on their custom wagons.
Thinking outside the box with squash production
Vandronglen Farms has discovered that growing on terminated cereal rye can protect their squash from damage compared to laying directly on the soil. They also discovered that the allelopathic nature of rye is similar to that of black walnut trees, in that it emits a toxin into the ground that inhibits other plants from growing near it. In addition to protecting the squash from blemishes and reducing weed populations in the field, the cereal rye also shaded the soil and reduced moisture loss, which was very important in the hot and dry summer of 2022.
Increased shade and soil protection created by the bed of cereal rye in squash production.
Producers and distributors in the edible bean market
The Cruickshank family owns and operates Grand River Bean Inc., a local, independent grower and distributor of IP and edible beans. The Cruickshanks also provides first- hand support to help local growers gain access to global markets. For example, the BlackBeard, an edible bean variety suited to growing in Ontario’s climate, is currently in high demand world-wide for its ability to retain its black colour during the canning process whereas many other varieties produce an undesirable brown residue.
Edible beans field plot at the Grand River Bean Inc.