Since the Annapolis Valley was settled, its roots have been tied with farming.
This Back on the Farm series reflects a deep dig into agriculture. According to Agriculture Nova Scotia, there are more than 2,400 individual farm businesses representing all aspects of primary agriculture in the province – and many of these are from here in the Valley.
- This young Hants County farmer relies on some old ways of doing things to get the job done. See the story and cutest front page photo we’ve had in a long time here: Centre Burlington man discovers passion for old-fashioned farming
- VIDEO: These local farmers aren’t afraid to change things up to meet the demands of the day. See what the Manning family is up to here: Falmouth farmers shift focus to find the right balance
- Eating healthy while counting pennies may not be as difficult for residents living in the Valley versus other areas of the province. Learn more here: Eating healthy on a budget not as difficult in the Valley as one may think: dietitian
- Watch that forklift! Reporter Sara Ericsson recently became immersed in the operations at TapRoot Farms. Read her firsthand account of the experience, and view the photos, here: Reporter spends a day at TapRoot Farms in Port Williams
- Michael Lightfoot of Wolfville has learned the lessons taught by his family’s farming past. He diversified into grape growing as a means to mitigate risk and established Lightfoot and Wolfville Vineyards. VIDEO: Diversification key to success for Wolfville farmer who took on grape growing, established winery
- VIDEO: “If you do everything right from the get-go and look after the details, it will all fall into place,” Lawrencetown grower, Luke den Haan. Learn more about the transformation of Luke den Haan’s business: Lawrencetown greenhouse grower diversified into grapes
- Fifth-generation farmer Dave Bowlby is farming the same land his great-great grandfather settled on before Canada was a country. But much has changed. Dempsey Corner Orchards has evolved into an agri-tourism destination that regularly welcomes hundreds of guests for special events. And who knows what the future will hold… Read the full story: Dempsey Corner Orchards farmer sees longevity in trying new things
- Amy VanderHeide hits the floor running most days. Morning comes early after late nights on the farm… but she wouldn’t have it any other way. “It’s a labour of love and it’s a huge commitment and, to me, there’s nothing else that I could imagine doing.”
Check out the full story/slideshow: Coldbrook farmer proudly commits to the 24/7 lifestyle
- A Woodville farmer has lost his entire U-Pick fall apple crop following a heavy and unexpected frost in June. Read about the devastating impact here: Woodville apple orchards lose U-Pick crop to June frost
- Here’s a piece offering some provincial perspective on where we are, and where we need to go, when it comes to agriculture.
“The thing we have to start talking about in the schools and every place we can, is agriculture as a real career today. It’s high-tech business, it has lots of avenues to make a very good living, an extremely good living, and a lifestyle that you couldn’t get anywhere else in the world.” – Agriculture Minister Keith Colwell
Read the full report: Keith Colwell pushing food security, farming as a career, capitalization of new opportunities
- Acadia professors offer their thoughts on sustainability in farming and the future of the industry. Read all about it here: Acadia University scholars share their thoughts on sustainability in farming
- Columnist Ed Coleman digs in to unearth some history on how the introduction of the tractor changed the face of farming – forever. Read his report here: COLUMN: Tractors, train changed county farming forever
