Business Spotlight

Milk & Honey Dairy

Milk & Honey Dairy has joined the long list of farms in Lacombe County that provide fresh, local food to Central Albertans. Owned and run by Marcel & Heather Wassink, Milk & Honey is home to 108 animals, including 64 milking cows.

Milk & Honey Dairy has joined the long list of farms in Lacombe County that provide fresh, local food to Central Albertans. Owned and run by Marcel & Heather Wassink, Milk & Honey is home to 108 animals, including 64 milking cows. Marcel grew up on a dairy farm in Leduc County and has tremendous pride in how he was raised. The time spent with his family, especially working with his father on the farm, helped him develop a strong work ethic and a love for the docile, curious personality of the cows. Along with his wife Heather, they began milking their first 64 cows in February 2023 at Milk & Honey Dairy. Keeping it in the family, Heather grew up on the property where the Wassinks now farm, and they look forward to developing their skills and passion for farming together.

There is plenty of room for growth in the 25,000-square-foot barn, but the plan is to go slow and steady, especially in their first few years of operation. The family also farms 400 acres between Lacombe and Ponoka County, which includes 100 acres just for feed production. Marcel appreciates the strong support for agriculture in Lacombe County and a deep understanding of the industry's importance. He also shared that the County's network of high-quality and well-maintained roads makes it easy for them to get their whole milk where it needs to be, which is typically the Saputo processing plant in Red Deer. (And having a central location certainly helps!)

The cows at Milk & Honey Dairy enjoy their modern and automated dairy facility, complete with Lely Robotics, supplied through another local business - Penner Farm Services. Milking, feeding, and even cleaning is robotic, giving the cows the freedom and comfort to eat or milk as needed, 24 hours a day. This model works very well for the animals because, unlike humans, their natural pasture-based cycle is to sleep only about four hours a day in the form of shorter naps. The agriculture industry is very family oriented, which is one of the things Marcel and Heather appreciate most about it. The ability to work where you live allows so much more time for family. Patience and flexibility are two of these essential skills for working with animals. Growing up on a dairy farm, Marcel had a good understanding of both before starting his own operation, but now has the daily opportunity to hone them and pass them on.

A lot of variety is found in agriculture, including new challenges and skills to learn daily. Marcel shared that “rarely is there a boring day in agriculture!” Some of this variety is thanks to the significant innovations in the industry. These innovations yield efficiencies for farmers that allow them to provide customers with a safer and more sustainable product than ever before, which is a huge advantage. To stay on top of these advances and other industry changes, the Wassinks know that they must continually learn. There are always ways to improve, so they prioritize participating in workshops and studies when they can. For these services, they have relied on organizations like Alberta Milk, the University of Calgary, Alberta Agriculture, and Dairy Farmers of Canada, who provide accurate and up-to-date information for producers.

Penner Farm Services

Beginning in the early 80s, First Choice Operations provided products and services for hog farmers. When Penner Farm Services purchased the company in 2002, it came with a relocation of the business to Red Deer from Manitoba. Ten years later, in 2011, they made another move that found them settling in Lacombe County to their current location in the Wild Rose Commercial Park.  

This location appealed to them because it is in the heart of central Alberta farming country, is cost-effective for business, and provides excellent access. Because Penner Farm Services has clients across the province, a facility at the intersection of QEII and Hwy 12 allows for ease of travel for customers and for staff, who are mostly local to the Lacombe area.   

In addition to supporting local people with employment, Penner Farm Services is committed to being involved with local events, organizations, and companies whenever possible. Occasionally they will also work with national organizations through an effort with the Manitoba team.  

Like many successful businesses, Penner Farm Services has turned to diversification over the years. When the hog industry took a hit, they adapted their model to become a multi-species provider. Now, in addition to hog farms, they also support poultry, dairy, and grain farms. Their products also show this diversification as you can purchase anything from boots and gloves for staff, to automatic ‘Lely' milking machines (as pictured).

Due to the increased business costs, more care has been taken to find savings that Penner Farm Services can pass on to their customers. Creative and unique solutions to the construction or renovation of barns also allow customers to benefit from more energy-efficient buildings, which results in cost savings over time. The new barn for Milk & Honey Dairy (also pictured) is a great example of the design work provided by the team.  

Another creative practice the team has begun is to share producer stories. They work with current customers to educate the public about agriculture in its many forms. You can view some of the stories in video format by visiting the company website (https://pennerfarmservice.com/). The videos also serve as a marketing tool to teach about their various products and services. This practice, among others, solidifies their role as ‘agvocates.'    

If you've never heard that term before, it refers to one who supports and champions the agriculture industry; an advocate for agriculture, and the use of the term is growing. Penner Farm Services is committed to being agvocates and do this in part by being involved with producer groups, committees, and organizations. This involvement fosters strong relationships based on a common goal to further the industry.  

In recognition of this work, their history in the community, and their innovations in technology, Penner Farm Services was recently awarded the ‘Agricultural Business of the Year' award for 2022 by the Lacombe & District Chamber of Commerce. Keep up the excellent work! 

Gull Lake Honey Company

After getting married in 2017, Lorne and Alida Prins decided they wanted to return to Lacombe County, where Lorne grew up. After living in Edmonton and Vancouver and being separated internationally for work, the two agreed they would pursue any opportunity they could find that would return them to the family farm. The trouble was, what would this opportunity ‘bee'?

At the same time, some local beekeepers that were connected to the family were downsizing their beekeeping operations into retirement. Lorne and Alida were in the right place at the right time. Although the Prins had no background or knowledge in beekeeping, they jumped at the opportunity and have never looked back.

This spring marked the 5th year of business for Gull Lake Honey, and they've grown to 2000 mature colonies and hope to have up to 800 colonies to be used for spring stock replacement. This number of colonies will allow them to produce several hundred barrels of honey and a few thousand pounds of beeswax this season – if mother nature cooperates! Coming out of winter, not all the mature colonies will survive to continue with the honey production, which means stock replacement is required. By growing nucleus colonies rather than purchasing them, Lorne and Alida can keep greater control over the process to ensure the health and strength of their greatest asset.

The primary business for Gull Lake Honey comes from their commercial-scale apiary. As members of the Honey Producers Co-operative, most of the honey they produce is sold in bulk to Bee-maid in Spruce Grove, then packaged and retailed under that label across North America. Not the type of people to put all their bees in one hive, the Prins opened a farm store in 2020 where they sell some of their products and other locally sourced goods. If you've ever dreamed about pouring fresh, warm honey from a tap into your own container from home, you can also experience that at the farm store. The bees might sleep during the winter, but that doesn't mean nothing is happening - families and school groups can participate in educational tours and candle-making activities all winter long. The store is open all year, and you can even attend an occasional market on-site featuring lots of local vendors!

The next step in diversification is to develop a queen breeding program to both satisfy their internal need for stock replacement and to sell queens and colonies to other producers and hobbyist beekeepers in the area. From a honey producer to a bee supplier!

As new beekeepers, Lorne and Alida are keen to learn while also contributing to their new agricultural community. To that end, Lorne now sits as Vice Chair of the Alberta Beekeepers Commission and has recently joined the board of AgSafe Alberta.

Their words of advice come straight from the most significant lessons they've learned in the last four years; there isn't one way to get the job done, be willing to ask for help and then learn as much as you can from those who are more experienced. That's pretty great advice for any industry or situation, don't you agree?

Follow them online:

Website: https://the-gull-lake-honey-company.square.site/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GullLakeHoney/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gulllakehoney

Hop to It

Hops are a complex plant that when harvested and processed, are used to make beer. With the number of craft breweries in Alberta growing significantly over the last 5 years, more farmers are getting into the market by growing hops. The Bjarnasons were one of the first and after 5 years in operation remain one of the longest-running hops farms in the province.

After Shayne & Jenelle purchased their acreage east of Lacombe, they began dreaming about how they could make the land work for them. With 25 acres to spare, surely there would be a crop they could grow on their land. With a passion for the craft beer industry and Jenelle's certification as level 1 agronomist the couple began their growing adventure and aptly named their business ‘Hop to It' where they grow local, quality hops. The varieties grown are Cascade, Centennial, Mt. Hood, Northern Brewer, Columbus, Willamette – all with different features and tastes.

The Bjarnasons have learned that patience is key and that growing hops is of a labor of love. The plants take 3-5 years to reach maturity and 7-10 years to provide a return on investment. Part of the reason it takes so long for plants to reach maturity is that their taproots grow as far as 20 feet down into the ground! This means that when they're at their full height there is as much plant above ground as there are roots underground. Each year after harvest the plants get cut down and by the next harvest, they've grown back up to the top of the 18-foot trellis.

The weather adds an interesting element as well, because hops like warmer weather but require a lot of water. When the dugout is full it's not an issue but in drier years as we've experienced recently, it can present a challenge. As a new industry and a specialty farm, it can be next to impossible to insure a hops crop. There is a lot to learn so the other farmers in the province work together to grow awareness and share knowledge.

To simplify the sharing of knowledge, the Bjarnasons have been members of the Alberta Hop Producers Association (AHPA) since opening in 2018. Jenelle is currently the Treasurer and works with a great group of people both on the board and on committees to move the industry ahead. They also plan some events, with the next one coming up on November 5th. The Alberta Freshtival will be held at the Red Deer location of Cilantro and Chive as a tap takeover featuring beers from Alberta craft breweries – all using AHPA member hops.

Hop to It supplies hops to both Blindman Brewing in Lacombe and Hawktail in Rimbey so if you've been a customer with either of those businesses you may have already enjoyed the fruits of Shayne and Jenelle's labor. These breweries and others will join together for the November event and if you're a craft beer enthusiast, it is not to be missed.

Shayne and Jenelle shared that Lacombe County has been a great place to start their new venture. Neighbours and friends are always willing to help, which is of huge benefit when beginning something new. They love meeting new people in brewing, hop farming and ag industries and equally enjoy touring folks around their operation. You can't help but get excited about hops after visiting with them and learning about this incredible plant!

Koornneef Farms

Is there anything better than the sweetness of a freshly picked strawberry? Mike and Bev Koornneef, along with their four children, would likely answer "no." Last year, they planted four acres of berry bushes on their seven-acre property. 2022 will be the inaugural picking season for Koornneef Farms. The family relocated to Lacombe in 2018 and lived in town while they patiently waited for the right property to come on the market. Four years later, they are literally 'living the dream' as they develop the property and build the farm.

It doesn't take long to realize how important community is to Mike and Bev. When they tell the story of how they got to where they are, you'll hear about family members who do everything from consulting to weeding; Friends and relatives who come from far and wide to help establish the farm, offer marketing support and perform quality control. You can't successfully run a berry business without some serious taste-testing! They mentioned more than once that they would not have been able to accomplish what they have in such a short time without the tremendous support they've received, and their gratitude shines through.

Mike and Bev both developed a love of berries and farming naturally. Mike grew up on a tender fruit farm in the Niagara region of Ontario. With over 30 years of experience growing strawberries, Mike's dad has taken on the role of crop consultant for the new farm. Bev grew up on the other side of the country in Abbotsford, BC, also well-known for its prolific fruit-growing reputation. It seemed like an easy decision to bring those childhood experiences to central Alberta with their very own strawberry farm.

On the farm, Bev takes the lead with book-keeping, marketing, and HR, while Mike focuses more on the delicate requirements of growing healthy, productive plants. In addition to building their new life in the country and their new business, Mike works off the farm in an agriculture support industry. He has experienced many of the ups and downs of farm life through serving his clients, which gives him some helpful insights. Their two older children have also taken an interest in helping pick the berries - and sell them! For six weeks this summer, the family will be at some local farmer's markets, and you may be lucky enough to be served by one of the young Koornneef family members.

Mike and Bev feel they are filling a gap in the current market as there is considerable demand and desire for fresh fruit in central Alberta. While some existing u-pick operations exist, Koornneef Farms will make a significant impact; Mike hopes to harvest tens of thousands of pounds of berries this year. Consumers will have a few different opportunities to purchase and enjoy a few of those pounds. In July and August, strawberry lovers can come to the farm to pick their berries or can order ahead through the website for pre-picked berries. In addition, they will be selling off-site for a few weeks at both the Lacombe Farmer's Market (Michener Park, Thursdays from 3-6 pm (3-7 pm in the summer months)) and the Bentley Farmer's Market (Bentley Curling Rink, Saturdays from 2-4 pm).

The Koornneef's are thrilled to welcome central Alberta to their farm this summer, where they aim to provide a positive picking experience for you and your family, from parking to check out.

Follow them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/koornneeffarms OR on their website at www.KoornneefFarms.com for up-to-date information and hours.

Deep Roots Farm

Located near Joffre, on the eastern side of Lacombe County, you will find Deep Roots Farm. This is where the Visscher family grows their 30,000 garlic plants. About 7 years ago, with a small section of their land and a goal to supplement their income Mark and his wife Brenda decided to grow garlic. Since then, they've increased the crop from 3000 to 30,000 plants and sell several different varieties, depending on the year.

In 2021 they added the farm store where they sell their garlic crop along with a variety of other products including pickled garlic, dehydrated garlic, black garlic, herb mixes, rubs, and lots of local and unique goodies. It should be noted that the Visscher garlic crop is not the typical varieties that you'll find at the local market; they grow and sell a more unique selection such as Tibetan, Bogatyr, Georgian Fire, Baba Franchuk and Kostyn's Red. Through the summer you can also purchase delicious, fresh, in-season vegetables. Visitors can access the store from April through December on Wednesday through Saturday from 10 am to 4 pm or by appointment.

Running a business inevitably provides added benefits beyond the overall economic impact. The addition of the garlic crop and subsequent opening of the farm store have both provided a lot of opportunities to meet new people, which the Visschers particularly enjoy. Mark shared that through those interactions, the people in Lacombe County have shown themselves to be community-minded and are happy to support local.

Another benefit of growing your own food is the ability to be self-sufficient. Reducing the reliance on supply chains and focusing on local distribution is a win for the producer, and the local economy. Of course, there's also the benefit of being self-employed. The Visschers can make their own business decisions including how to steward their land. As Mark noted, building good, clean soil is particularly important to them. He has seen that more and more farmers are employing strategies such as low till practices and cover crops rather than black soil in an effort to take better care of the land.

An essential part of owning your own business is marketing it to your customer base. Mark has experienced this as well, and stated, “getting our name out there is probably the most important part of what we do on a daily basis.” If your customers don't know what you offer or where to purchase it, your business success will be precarious at best. Mark has embraced social marketing as a way to accomplish this and often posts videos on their business Facebook page Deep Roots Farm to connect with his customers.

As we move into our central Alberta spring, keep in mind that the Visschers have been hard at work on their business all winter. With a short growing season, a tremendous amount of planning is required before a crop is ready to harvest. They also spend time finding new ways to support the needs of their existing customers to both strengthen those relationships and grow the reach to new markets. These activities require time, care, and dedication which the Visschers remain committed to.

Oatway's Seed Farm

Since 1981, Oatway's Seed Farm has been growing and distributing seed from the homestead of Grant and Lois Oatway. The family purchased a farm outside of Clive in 1975 and the business is now run by son Ward, supported by his wife Lori.

Although he was exposed to the farming business after his father started in 1981, Ward initially had no intention of participating. His plan was to pursue a career in law enforcement and to that end, took criminal justice at university. Over a 25-year period, Grant Oatway hosted many international farm trainees. Inspired by this opportunity, Ward decided to participate in a similar agriculture exchange in New Zealand. He describes it as a life-changing experience, as this is when he began to change his course. While working as a summer student at the then "Alberta Agricultural Research Station" just outside Lacombe, he gained more of an appreciation for the industry; 15 years later he was still there as a full-time employee!

Fast forward a few years, and Ward has now been working full-time at Oatway's Seed Farm for the last 15 years. 2022 has brought a lot of changes, as father and founder Grant Oatway recently passed away in early February after a battle with cancer. After 20 years back on the farm learning on the job with his father Grant (and many years of prior experience and exposure), Ward is proud to carry on the tradition of the family and the legacy of his father as he forges ahead with the 30-year-old family business.

In addition to his role in the business, Ward sits on the Prairie Grains Development Council. The council's main role is to vet new seed varieties. Participating on several committees, Ward is part of the group that vote to select new strains. He also served as the president of the Alberta Seed Growers Association after spending nine years as a director.

Growing seeds is a delicate business. Some of our readers may be aware of the practice of alternating crops; a strategy that improves soil health and helps to deter pests and weeds. For you weekend growers, crop rotation is something you can implement in your own backyard garden to achieve the same results. For the specific growing that Oatway's Seed Farm undertakes, crop rotation is often a three-year cycle, requiring two full growing seasons between different crops to ensure that no cross-contamination takes place. To achieve this, they started growing yellow peas as a rotational crop. While at first, it was out of necessity, over time the peas themselves have also become a profitable crop as they gain popularity in the marketplace.

Like any industry, research and innovation have provided some significant improvements. Considering that the seed farm started in 1981, that's over 30 years of development. One important change that Ward pointed to is the addition of GPS mapping. This technology allows for more accurate planting which results in higher yields and improved business stability.

Although equipment has advanced in many ways, the Oatways do still utilize a Clipper seed cleaner that was built in the 1950s. Ward mentioned that while it may be slower, it does the same job as newer models, and works quite well!

There have also been a lot of regulation changes – most of them for the better. More oversight and stricter rules are now in place when it comes to the usage of farm chemicals. Additionally, the introduction of Alberta Environmental Farm Plans (Alberta EFP) allows farmers and producers with resources to complete a voluntary self-assessment. The assessment tool helps participants identify any potential risks to the environment and develop a plan to eliminate or improve their risk-level. It's important to note that there are also funding opportunities for producers who undertake specific sustainability projects. Information can be found on the Canadian Agricultural Partnership website.

When asked about what he'd like to teach the public about agriculture, Ward talked about the complexity of the food cycle; everything is connected! It's more than just going to the store to buy a loaf of bread. It's the farmer who grows the grain with tremendous attention to every detail; the producer who mills the flour; the company that makes the bread, and the store that sells it. Not to mention the transportation required to ship the bread and all the different jobs that a simple product like this can generate! It's so important to understand where our food comes from and the role that we play as consumers in that cycle.

It's easy to forget about some of the very practical and tangible factors that support business in communities, but Ward was quick to point out how Lacombe County has helped him, and his family run a successful operation. It can be summed up by saying, ‘infrastructure is key'. Things like road grading schedules, weed control and enforcement do not go unnoticed. For a seed grower, the fact that the county does regular ditch mowing that eliminates cross-contamination between fields is essential.

In addition, one can often find helpful information in the County News regarding agriculture and business supports.

Gull Valley Greenhouses

This year, Gull Valley Greenhouses will celebrate its 30th year of business. Phil and Carolyn Tiemstra opened the greenhouse in 1992 after settling in Lacombe County. Taking a departure from Phil's family industry of chicken farming the Tiemstras dove into beefsteak tomatoes. Since that time, they have added Bok choy, mint, beans, basil, kale, lettuce, and cucumbers.

Today the family grows 12 varieties of tomatoes, in addition to their other products. In total, they will plant approximately 60,000 plants each year which yield 1 million pounds of produce! Their expansion of crops is also thanks to their increased space. Starting with only half an acre in 1992 they are now growing on 4 and a half acres, 1.5 of which is under LED light for year-round growing.

LEDs have been used commercially for about the last decade in North America and have allowed the industry, and growers like the Tiemstras to optimize their growing time. With a very specific light spectrum, they can provide an optimal recipe for their crops, so they don't lose out on production during the darker winter months.

Other innovative solutions are the use of hydroponics, and biological pest control. A hydroponic system reduces the amount of water needed for a plan to grow. Because it is resource-friendly along with its many other benefits, most greenhouse growers are using this type of system. The Tiemstras have used different fibers such as coconut coir and more recently, Rockwool as the delivery system for the water. For biological pest control, ‘good' bugs are introduced to the environment to combat and control the ‘bad' bugs from getting out of hand. Even the tiniest creatures have a role to play!

Gull Valley Greenhouses is a family operation, with son Levi joining the business full time after he graduated. Later, when he married Carmen, she also became a member of the business team. Committed to being active within their industry and maintaining high standards, the business is a member of the Alberta Greenhouse Grower's Association and is Canadian Horticulture Council (CHC) certified.

If all this talk is making you hungry and you're looking to purchase and enjoy produce grown by the Tiemstra family, there is no shortage of options! As co-owners of Pik N Pak (along with Doef's Greenhouse), they sell their products at the self-serve store near Bentley. In addition, you've likely seen them at the Gasoline Alley Farmers Market under the brand ‘Lacombe Fresh' along with produce from Doef's. Is prepared cuisine more your style? You can enjoy everything from tomatoes to mint to Bok choy at any number of restaurants in both Calgary and Edmonton.

After 3 decades of growing vegetables, the Tiemstras have learned a thing or two, especially about being flexible with both the market and with the stresses of growing. They recognize the value in providing consumers with fresh produce and have learned that collaborating with other growers makes that task a little bit easier.

Despite the obstacles, they remain committed; “We enjoy the challenges, and it's fulfilling being able to grow and provide food for our community.”

Premium Foliars Ltd.

Enhanced Soil – Healthier Crops – Healthier Bottom Line

For those of us who aren't farmers, we've likely never spent too much time thinking about how to maintain healthy soil or ensure the success of a specific crop. But for Paul Seutter and Pat Sinclair, owners of Premium Foliars Ltd., these are the things they've built their business on.

With over 20 years of experience in the ag industry, Seutter and Sinclair established their business in 2016 and purchased their Lacombe County location a year later. There were a few key things that Paul and Pat were looking for when they purchased their space in the Wildrose Commercial Park in 2017. This location afforded them great exposure and proximity to the busy intersection of Highway 12 and the QEII, making it convenient for receiving their Canadian-made products.

Premium Foliars Ltd. is an independent supplier of agricultural products. The lineup includes Crop Aid Seed, a nutrient seed dressing; Crop Aid Plus, a soil health stimulant; Crop Aid Foliar Fertilizer, and Crop Aid Citric Acid, a water conditioner, and pH adjuster. They are distributors of these products across the province.

When it was difficult to find someone to complete research on Clubroot, it necessitated contacting the University of Alberta Department of Agriculture and Innotech Alberta, a research organization located in Vegreville, Alberta. Between these groups, a high level of research was completed through experimentation and credible reporting on the benefit of the Crop Aid Plus product. This specific product stimulates micro-organisms to reduce Clubroot spores and can be used on pastures, forage crops, cereals, pulses, and in vegetable production and additionally, increases biomass and yield, the studies determined.

Innovations like these and ongoing research within agriculture are essential to test new products' efficacy. Numerous field trials take place each year on a wide variety of crops. In most cases are overseen by agronomists and ensure that the product addresses the specific problem or concern.

While focusing on a wide variety of farming practices and serving an even broader customer demographic, Pat and Paul have learned that organization, research, and planning are essential. Combine these essentials with a dedication to the business, excellent products, and a commitment to customer service, and you've found the recipe for success.

Something consistently heard about those working in agriculture is the benefit of interacting with so many wonderful and hospitable people. Meeting with a client often means coffee around the kitchen table, sometimes with multiple generations, to discuss business challenges and new products. It's what makes the industry unique and special to be a part of.

According to Pat and Paul, these folks are the backbone of food production in Canada. They gamble each year with unknown factors such as weather, disease, insects, and crop production but do so because they're determined producers. As such, they remain committed to the health and wellness of their livestock, soil, and crops, which is where Premium Foliars Ltd. comes in.

One of the changes the two business owners have experienced is that as developments are made in ag technology, farmers are eager to understand how the changes can benefit their operations. There are ways to increase productivity, lower input costs, and improve the overall health of the soil and crops, and many farmers are implementing these practices and products.

Want to learn more? Check out Premium Foliars Ltd. in the Wildrose Commercial Park and find out if they have a product that will meet your farming needs! Call 403-786-8200 or visit their website www.premiumfoliars.ag.

Kettle Ridge Organics

When Chris and Leah Simeniuk of Kettle Ridge Organics made the decision to transition to organic grain farming in 2015, they were looking for ways to stay viable on smaller acres.

“We were looking for ways to increase the revenue of our existing acres without necessarily adding more land base. Converting to organic is more hours per acre but so are the returns.” Although the initial leap was made for financial reasons, they have since found additional motivation to stay on their path.

“Learning about cover crops and how different plants interact with the soil has been the biggest point of interest,” says Chris. “Not having access to chem or fertilizer to make a quick fix on my crop has made me have to really think and observe what is happening in my soil. I have to look at soil as an ecosystem as opposed to just a growing medium.”

To be a certified organic farm, Kettle Ridge Organics needs to follow the Canadian Organic Regime and submit to yearly audits by a certifier. In simple terms, they can't use chemicals for weed control and no synthetic fertilizers. To manage nutrient replacement, the Simeniuks utilize non-synthetic soil amendments and green manure cover crops. The green manure crop is terminated at the flowering stage. Its purpose is to provide food for the soil biology that in turn makes normally inaccessible soil nutrients available to the following cash crop.

Weed management needs to utilize several strategies. Starting with a clean seedbed is the first step, followed by harrowing just prior to crop emergence to remove weeds at the threadling stage. Ensuring the crop comes out first is critical. Harrowing in crops is also done depending on the type of weed pressure in the field. Crop rotation also plays a major part in weed management. Crops are rotated between early seeding, late seeding and fall seeding so as not to create a pattern for weeds to get established.

The Simeniuks organic journey is ever-evolving. They are currently working towards their Regenerative Organic Certification. The regenerative status looks at the farm's practices to ensure that soil and the surrounding environment are being enhanced as opposed to degraded. One particular topic Kettle Ridge Organics spends a lot of focus on is soil health. Minimizing tillage, increasing cover crop biomass, maintaining living plants as long as possible, and biodiversity all play important roles.

The couple agrees that utilizing an organic system isn't the only way to farm and that it isn't going to be a fit for everyone, but it is working for them.

“It isn't better, it isn't worse, it's just different,” says Leah. “It has helped us to remain a family farm and that is what is most important to us.”

Learn more at https://www.kettleridgeorganics.ca/ or follow them on Instagram at @kettleridgeorganics.