Trent Farm Research Centre Expands Its Agricultural Research and Training Capacity With First Facility

Trent University is increasing its role in Ontario’s agriculture sector with the official opening of the Lightbody Drive Shed, the first building at the Trent Farm Research Centre (the Farm), announced on Wednesday. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This new facility builds on more than a decade of research and hands-on learning in sustainable agriculture at Trent,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “With the development of this tremendous land asset and the support of generous donors through our Momentous Campaign, we are entering a new phase in sustainability research and innovation – positioning Trent to lead in adaptive agriculture practices, soil science, and new carbon capture techniques. It is so exciting to grow the Farm in order to provide students with concrete farming and research experiences and to create a living lab for faculty. Outreach in the region, and beyond, will also feature large in the growing Trent Farm work ahead.” 

Named for the late Bob and Margie Lightbody, the shed the first building on the Farm and provides essential workspace and storage for faculty, students and community collaborators conducting fieldwork according to Trent. The Lightbodys, students in Trent’s founding class of 1964, were also farmers themselves and made a legacy gift to support the development of this space. Trent says the drive shed is a catalyst for Trent to provide regionally relevant insights to farmers and food producers. 

Trent says approximately 40 per cent of farmers are expected to retire in the next 10 years, while demands for locally and sustainably produced food are increasing amid more unpredictable weather and shifting growing conditions.

Research projects underway at the Farm include: 

• Climate and weather monitoring in partnership with Environment and Climate Change Canada 

• Natural fertilizer innovation in collaboration with V6 Agronomy, supported by funding from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council 

• Soil carbon sequestration research with the Ontario Soil and Crop Improvement Association, supported by NSERC 

• Student-led no-till mulch and luffa production trials supported by the Ecological Farmers Association of Ontario 

• Indigenous food sovereignty initiatives, pollinator gardens, and food forest installations developed with students and community partners 

“The Trent Farm Research Centre is a vital part of our students’ learning experience,” says Dr. Karen Thompson, director of the Farm and associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment. “Students learn by applying theory and ideas from the classroom here in the field, working directly with faculty, industry, and community collaborators to tackle important challenges to our local, regional, and global food security. The research and teaching conducted here at the Trent Farm is building the capacity of the next generation to lead in agriculture, food systems, and community development.” 

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Hello Farm Awarded Second-Annual Peterborough Agricultural Innovation Award Implementing Japanese Farming Techniques

The ingenuity of Ava Richardson and Kiyotami ‘Zenryu’ Owatari of Hello Farm from Havelock has paid off as they were awarded the Peterborough Agricultural Innovation Award which included $500 and a plaque presented at Sunderland Co-operative on Thursday afternoon.

(From left to right) Bonnie Clark, Peterborough Country Warden; Jim Martin, Havelock-Belmont-Methuen Township Mayor, Kiyotami ‘Zenryu’ Owatari, Hello Farms; Ava Richardson, Hello Farms; Gath Stoner, Sunderland Co-op retail division manager and Elmer Buchanan, of Farmers Market Havelock. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The award is in its second year and was created by the Peterborough Agricultural Roundtable. Hello Farms is based out of Havelock growing organic herloom vegetables from their market garden.

“We're new still to the Peterborough area and have been here for three years now and farming for two,” explained Richardson. “We just came from just Japan, we were farming there for a decade so to be chosen for such an award is quite an honour.”

Richardson and Owatari adapted a Japanese farming technique of growing crops using a biochar chimney to improve their soil fertility, moisture retention and tilth to grow their garden.

The mix traditionally uses rice husks and bran but the farm substituted it with a unique blend of spelt husks and wheat bran. The result was a doubling in their overall crop yields and income.

Richardson is originally from the Oshawa area and moved to Japan for elementary school teaching and spent 14 years there (with 10 of them farming). She met Owatari as his native land, where the latter was a Buddhist monk and chef for over 20 years.

They lived close to Fukushima, known for the nuclear accident due to the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. It created less-than-ideal farming conditions that made the pair health-conscious when growing their own produce.

“We're quite motivated to have access to healthy and safe food because there was nuclear fallout,” explained Richardson. ‘‘We weren't sure what was safe to eat so that's a big motivator to always be growing healthy, safe and delicious food.”

The duo wanted to implement the same Japanese quality techniques in Canada with that same mindset.

“Knowing we were coming back to Canada, let's continue that philosophy,” said Richardson. “There's not a ton of Asian vegetables available locally but we happen to know uniquely Japanese heirloom varieties.”

“There's limited vegetables available here so I'm happy to introduce these tasty vegetables here,” said Kiyotami. “The people know that we grow Japanese cucumbers and they can get only from us so that's a good start. I like to develop that kind of stuff.”

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Peterborough Agricultural Society To Host Seedling Market and Garden Show

The Peterborough Agricultural Society is hosting a seedling market and garden show this Saturday, May 13 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Morrow Building.

file photo.

Initially planned as a seedling exchange, the response from the local gardening community was so positive that organizers have added a number of educational sessions, speakers and local home and garden businesses.

“The event has really taken off,” says Louise Dobbin, general manager of the Peterborough Agricultural Society. “We’re excited to be offering something that appeals to both people who are new to gardening and those who are experienced.”

The event will feature a Seedling Swap Table where people can trade vegetable, flower or small house plant seedlings for others as well as a seed starting booth which will provide people with up to two seed kits to start and take home.

Professional Horticulture and garden specialist Erin Muscutt will be on hand from 11 a.m. to noon for an ‘Ask an Expert’ discussion as well as other speakers on vermicomposting and sprouts.

Those looking to stock up on supplies can shop from a variety of local vendors carrying seedlings, apiary products, garden decor, home and landscaping services.

Admission to the show is free and there will be a door prize from Griffin’s Greenhouse. For more information about the event, visit the website or contact Louise Dobbin at generalmanager@peterboroughag.ca.

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The Peterborough Agricultural Exchange Presents Tack Exchange Event

The Peterborough Agricultural Society is bringing together equestrians and horse lovers in Peterborough at the upcoming Tack Exchange on April 16 at the Morrow Building.

photo courtesy of the peterborough agricultural society.

From 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Tack Exchange will offer a wide range of new and gently used tack and clothing. Horse enthusiasts will also have the opportunity to sell or trade their own gently used equipment and accessories at the event.

The Tack Exchange is open to all, regardless of riding level or discipline. 

“We are excited to bring together the equestrian community in Peterborough,” said Louise Dobbin, General Manager of the Peterborough Ag Society. “Our goal is to create a fun and welcoming environment where horse enthusiasts can connect, learn, and shop for high-quality equestrian equipment at affordable prices.”

Vendor tables are available for $15 and general admission to the Tack Exchange is free. For more information about the event, visit PeterboroughAg.ca or contact Louise Dobbin.

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The Lindsay Agriculture Society Presents the Merry and Bright Festival

The Merry & Bright Festival held at the Lindsay Fairgrounds features almost one kilometre of light displays created by local individuals, businesses and organizations to raise donations and support the community from Thursday to Dec. 23.

Photo courtesy of Shanice Sproule.

The drive-through festival of lights is a joint fundraiser for the Lindsay Agricultural Society, United Way for the City of Kawartha Lakes, BGC Kawarthas, Kawartha Food Source, Lindsay Lions Club and Heritage Christian School.

Attendees can enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride — for Saturday only — and visit Santa at his portable workshop.

In 2020, the Lindsay Agricultural Society hosted the Merry & Bright Festival for the first time as a way to raise money for their partner organizations which missed the opportunity to fundraise at the year’s Lindsay Exhibition due to the COVID-19 pandemic. They say the event was very successful in its first year, providing each partner organization with over $5,000 in donations.

The display is at the Lindsay Fairgrounds located at 354 Angeline St. S. in Lindsay. Tickets can be purchased online or by paying cash at the gate.

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Ennismore Man Puts His 1,659-Pound Pumpkin On Display At Toronto Fair

It may be one of the biggest pumpkins Peterborough County has ever seen as Ennismore’s Norman Kyle grew and displayed his 1,659-pound pumpkin at the 2022 Royal Agriculture Winter Fair in Toronto from Nov. 4 to 13.

Kyle has grown a slightly smaller pumpkin that weighed 1,490 lbs. which was his then-biggest grown. Photo courtesy of the Ennismore Garden Club.

“If you did a circumference (measurement) on my pumpkin, it was 16 feet, eight inches,” recalls Kyle. “It’s a huge veggie no question.”

Kyle is no stranger to growing larger-than-life vegetables as he has grown a pumpkin that weighed 1,490 lbs. His four-pound tomato and 35-pound rutabaga are two other grown produce that accompanies his massive pumpkin.

The Ennismore man has grown giant vegetables for fifteen years. It started as a retirement project that quickly turned into a passion.

He belongs to the Giant Vegetable Growers of Ontario, a non-profit group of vegetable growers.

Kyle says this year’s prized pumpkin grew from a seed which came from a pumpkin grown within the group.

“One thing about our organization is that they share everything. All kinds of information. What’s working good, we pass it along.” he explained. “I can’t honestly tell you that there are any secrets. If you ask a question to another grower, he is only too happy to provide the answer to you.”

For beginners growing their own giant vegetables, Kyle says to remember that soil is a major component.

“I use compost. I probably add to my garden between five and ten cubic yards of compost every year. Everything is pretty well organic that we use,” says Kyle. “Get some good soil, get a good seed and away you go.”

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Year-Round Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market Moves Indoors at Peterborough Square

The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market (PRFM) is continuing indoors to the lower level of Peterborough Square announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of The Peterborough Regional Farmers’ Market.

The PRFM operates year-round, offering customers a variety of products from local artisans and farm products from third-party verified farmers and food prepared by local chefs and restaurants.

“Produce is so abundant at this time of year, especially greens and root vegetables. We are excited to continue offering local food at this time of year along with so many other amazing farmers at the market,” said Erin Bodashefsky of Foragers Farm.

The dining area and kids zone return to the indoor market space so families can bring their young ones to play in the space and enjoy a coffee, snack or lunch.

The market space is located on the lower level of the mall beside Princess Gardens retirement home.

“I love moving indoors to this space because it is so bright and friendly and not only a place to get amazing local products, but also a community hub to chat with friends and other vendors,” says Jillian Marshall of Bittersweet Botanicals. 

Underground mall parking (entrance off Charlotte Street, East of Water Street) is free every Saturday and City street parking surrounding Peterborough Square is also free of charge.

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Cornish Family Named Peterborough's 2022 Farm Family of the Year

The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce announced the Cornish family as this year’s Farm Family of the Year on Tuesday.

The Cornish family. Photo courtesy of The Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough and the Kawarthas Chamber of Commerce.

This award recognizes a farming family that has demonstrated good farming practices, an interest in the farming community and interest/participation by in their farm’s operation.

The family is made up of Kevin Cornish, Janet Dawson and their two sons Liam and Lucas. They operate Indian River Acres, located at 2275 Indian River Line in Indian River.

This 93-acre farm is where the Cornish’s grow and sell vegetables and fall decor items. They operate on a 12-month sustainable farming cycle that includes crop rotations, cover crops and selecting varieties that minimize pests and disease.

Every year, they grow 12 acres of sweet corn, five acres of pumpkins, squash and gourds, approximately 15,000 garlic bulbs and 1.5 acres of other tender vegetables (pickling cucumbers, field cucumbers, beans, asparagus, beets, lettuce, herbs, tomatoes, potatoes, zucchini). They also sell eggs from their 99 free-range egg layers, offering them to customers who sign up for weekly pick-up.

The award will be presented at the Business Excellence Awards event at the Showplace Performance Centre on Oct. 19.

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Nine-Year-Old Farmer Hard At Work Building Birdhouses To Earn Enough Money To Buy A Cow Of His Own

Cameron Ormiston, 9, has been busy this summer building and selling birdhouses with hopes to soon be able to buy his own cow.

Cameron lives with his family on their beef farm in Omemee and raise charlets, shorthorns, sheep and ducks.

The nine-year-old grew up going to cattle shows with his parents and has recently started showing cows himself at local fairs.

He began saving up money from birthdays and Christmas and doing chores for his parents and grandparents last year with plans to buy a cow of his own.

This year he planted some corn an planned to sell it, but with the drought that didn’t pan out so it was back to the drawing board.

“Birdhouses seemed like a good idea,” said Jennie, his mom. “We had some spare lumber laying around so we got to work.”

Making the bird houses is a team effort at the farm.

“I do the sanding and the painting,” said Cameron. “Mom helps me staple the pieces together and I drill the hole for the bird.”

Jennie says working hard and using tools like this is nothing new for Cameron.

“Cameron has always worked hard,” she said. “He learned to drive the excavator when he was seven, he’s used to being around tools and equipment. Dad is big on safety and he’s grown up doing it.”

So far Cameron estimates that he has sold about 40 birdhouses, and he has close to 20 pre-made.

Birdhouses sell for $15 each and can be purchased at the stand located on their family farm at 297 Lilac Rd., Omemee.

At the stand there is a notebook for customers to leave comments.

“He’s gotten a crazy amount of support, people have left notes that are from as far as Oshawa and Toronto,” said Jennie. “He’s had people offer to send him money if they’re not close, just a lot of support.”

Cameron plans to save around $2,000 for a calf that he can halter break and Jennie says he’s close to halfway there.

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Peterborough County Agricultural Wall Of Fame Committee Will Induct Six Regional Agricultural Members This Month

After a two-year hiatus, the Peterborough County Agricultural Wall of Fame Committee has announced it will be hosting its 2022 induction ceremony on August 28 at 2 p.m. in the Agricultural Heritage Building at Lang Pioneer Village.

Photo courtesy of Lang Pioneer Village.

The Wall of Fame recognizes those who have made an outstanding contribution to the agricultural industry in the region.

This year will see six local inductees.

Dr. Bill Belch (1927-2022) and Mary Belch (1934-)
Dr. Bill and Mary Belch founded the Peterborough Buffalo Farm, which at its peak had 350 head on 1000 acres.

They were known internationally for their breeding stock and developed a market for federally inspected bison meat, selling directly to consumers and local restaurants. Mary was a regular at the Peterborough Farmers Market, selling bison meat for over 20 years. Dr. Belch was a founder of the Canadian Bison Association and became national president in 1991. He was named the Grand Bisoneer of America and they received international recognition for their lifetime dedication and service to the bison industry.

G. Peter English (1943-2019)
Peter English was raised on his family farm, Enghill Holsteins near Hastings and was a Peterborough 4-H member. In 1967, he graduated with an Associate Diploma in Agriculture from the Ontario Agricultural College.

After graduation English became the associate editor of the Holstein Journal. In 1987, he became partner in the Holstein Journal and in 1991 became sole owner and publisher. English was a long-time member of Holstein Canada, receiving its Certificate of Recognition and the Supreme Dairy Show’s International Friend Award.

David P. Nelson (1944-2020)
David Nelson was a lifelong farmer. He grew up on his family’s dairy farm in Keene and later owned his own adjoining farm. David was a member of the Peterborough County Federation of Agriculture and the Peterborough Soil and Crop Association.

In addition to careers in farming and drafting at General Electric, David served in local politics for 44 years. He was a Township Councilor, Deputy Reeve and Reeve. He sat on County Council and served two terms as Peterborough County Warden. His political activities allowed him to provide a farm-informed perspective to federal and provincial ministers on a wide range of issues and concerns.

Roy Sanderson (1904-1981) and Christina Sanderson (1904-2002)
Roy and Christina (Bulmer) Sanderson were both raised on farms in Smith Township and married in 1924. They joined the Sanderson family dairy farm on Chemong Road, which is where Portage Place Mall is now located.

Roy delivered milk and eggs by horse and buggy to customers around Peterborough. When the farm was expropriated in 1951, they purchased a farm in Bailieboro. The farm was unproductive, had been impacted by soil erosion and extensive work was required on outbuildings, but they had a vision for the property. The Sanderson’s transformed their farm of “bog and bulrushes” into a beautiful and productive property. They hosted many tours showcasing new practices. Their contour farming practices with crop rotation were featured in several agriculture publications and textbooks.

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