On the Farm: Expansion is still in the cards for this greenhouse, more than 50 years after a young immigrant arrived in Canada
LACOMBE, Alta. — Joe Doef grew up in the horticulture industry in the Netherlands and knew early on that he wanted to continue on the garden management path. His subconscious agreed. “I had a dream that I was living in a house surrounded by greenhouses,” he says. “I was not yet 16.” In 1969, at […] Read moreTag Archives on the farm
Farm takes different approach to soil fertility
On the Farm: Producer adds calcium and reduces glyphosate while growing a variety of crops, including ancient einkorn
OUTLOOK, Sask. — Brad Boot noticed a difference between dairy cows in central Saskatchewan and those in southern Alberta. When he was 14 his father sold his dairy in Fort Macleod, Alta., and bought one three times the size near Outlook, Sask. The Saskatchewan dairy cattle were more prone to disease. They appeared to have […] Read more
Work in the boardroom contributes to the farm
On the Farm: Sask. grain producer switches gears as he moves from canola politics to the wheat side of the industry
Nokomis, Sask. – Saskatchewan farmer Brett Halstead entered 2020 with a new position and a new focus. After representing the interests of prairie canola growers for nearly a decade, Halstead recently assumed duties as chair of the Saskatchewan Wheat Development Commission (SaskWheat). Over the years, Halstead has spent plenty of time representing grower interests at […] Read more
Barley growers take grain-to-glass approach
On the Farm: Hilton Ventures and Origins Malting and Brewing Co. in Alberta has embraced innovation for decades
STRATHMORE, Alta. — The Hilton family farm has always been about change, seizing on numerous innovations over the years to expand their business. The southern Alberta farm has evolved into a grain-to-glass operation, meaning it bottles beer made from its own malt barley, and also sells barley to a buyer in the United States “It’s […] Read more
Return to family farm life-changing experience
On the Farm: Lesley and Matt Kelly left good jobs in Alberta to become partners in a Saskatchewan grain operation
For Lesley Kelly, the decision to leave a stable job in Alberta’s financial sector and return to Saskatchewan to pursue a career in farming wasn’t easy. But today, she and her husband, Matt, can’t imagine a more rewarding lifestyle. “I absolutely love living in a small town and working with family,” said Lesley. “To me, […] Read more
B.C. cattle producers resettle in Saskatchewan
On the Farm: Family wanted a place with good water, close to a major centre and near other young ranching families
MORSE, Sask. — Trading the mountains of British Columbia for the rolling hills north of Morse, Sask., represented a huge opportunity for Erika and Cyle Stewart. They and Erika’s parents, Bill and Terry Strande, relocated Pine Ranch to Saskatchewan in 2017 because urban pressure near their Merritt, B.C., operation made expansion difficult. “It was getting […] Read more
Northern Ontario farm serves local market
On the Farm: A farm near Thunder Bay supplies people with vegetables through a community-supported program
What kind of crazy people would set up a vegetable farm from scratch outside Thunder Bay, Ont.? Two southern Ontarians with no agriculture education or background, that’s who. And 10 years later, Marcelle Paulin and Brendan Grant have turned Sleepy G Farm into a model for how a small farm can successfully serve a regional […] Read more
Century ranch focuses on Herefords and Angus
On the Farm: Veronica and and Brad Doenz operate LCI Doenz Ranches and raise two sons in southern Alberta
WARNER, Alta. — Veronica Doenz wears a T-shirt that gives an immediate clue about her busy life. Chasing Cows and Kids, it reads. She and her husband, Brad, have two young sons and 300 cows so they both do a lot of each activity. Jordy, 7, is in Grade 2 at the Warner school and […] Read more
Quebec fruit operation takes safety seriously
On the Farm: Ferme François Gosselin employs up to 125 employees, who harvest fresh strawberries and raspberries
ILE D’ORLEANS, Que. — Dozens of farm workers are picking strawberries as the leaves begin to change colour in Quebec. They are nearing the end of harvest here on Île d’Orléans, a small island outside Quebec City. It’s situated on the Saint Lawrence River and is blanketed with red, orange and yellow maple trees. The […] Read more
Tree farm in the business of growing memories
On the Farm: The family sold more than 225 Christmas trees last year and are also developing other attractions for visitors
SYLVAN LAKE, Alta. — The joy is in the hunt. Bundling up, tromping through glistening snow in crisp winter air, examining it from all angles, is all part of the quest for just the right tree. Then after “the one” is discovered, cut, and packed for the journey home, there’s additional outdoor excitement to prolong […] Read more
