CITY OF HAMILTON:
J.B. Puddicombe & Sons - Winona
All aboard! Visitors to the Puddicombe farm get a special treat now
that the owners have added an 'agricultural' train to enhance their
tours. The fruit farm uses the train to entertain and educate students
and the public about agriculture and the importance of buying local
produce. Adding this new feature has increased interest in the farm,
attracting school and wine tours. Young and old, who come to check
out the ride, leave with a smile on their face and a greater appreciation
for Ontario agriculture.
NIAGARA REGION:
Featherstone Vineyard and Winery - Vineland
You could say he "herd" it through the grapevine. David
Johnson of Featherstone Vineyard and Winery takes a novel, environmentally
gentle approach to an old routine. He "employs" a small
flock of lambs to eat the leaves around the fruiting zone of his grape
vines. Growers with standards of excellence remove leaves to produce
premium grapes for winemaking. The exposed grape clusters dry faster
in the morning, reducing their susceptibility to mildew and the need
for spraying with chemicals. Traditionally, growers would remove leaves
by hand or by using expensive, specialized machinery imported from
Europe. Using the lambs provides an alternative, green approach to
vineyard management.
Grape Growers of Ontario - Vineland Station
Technology is helping grow better vineyards in Ontario's Niagara region.
The VITIS Vine Management System is a grower-driven, farm management
resource that intertwines several tools, including geographical information
and global positioning systems. VITIS helps producers match the correct
viticulture practices in a given location to maximize quality and
determine where varieties perform the best. What started as a web-based
farming tool has evolved into a robust crop traceability system. Ontario's
grape industry moved into a leadership role in Canada as the first
commodity organization to offer growers a web-based vine management
system tool that can also address information needs of other value
chain participants.
Tree and Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm - Wellandport
Linda Crago believes in good old-fashioned gardening with a modern
twist. Her Tree and Twig Heirloom Vegetable Farm markets heirloom
vegetables produced organically for local markets, restaurants and
community agricultural shareholders. This grower's passion for unique
plants, horticulture and a 'chemical free' lifestyle resonates with
today's consumer trends. Sometimes innovation is about breathing new
life into old traditions.
WELLINGTON COUNTY:
Gilbrea Farm & AgriServices - Hillsburgh
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in horses can be caused by dust,
pollen and fungal spores in hay, but thanks to Bob Wilson's innovative
thinking, horses can now breathe easier. He designed and constructed
an automated hay bale soaking machine that helps to reduce these air-borne
irritants. Bob's time-controlled "Hay-draytor" pneumatically
soaks and drains two square hay bales at a time. That means less water
consumption, less manual work and better hay for the horse.
