Latest farm tech used on hazelnut farm
Lisha Van Nieuwenhove
Just a few years ago, Uxbridge learned it had a hazelnut farm in its midst. Now that same farm is on the cutting edge of agricultural technology, and is hosting a farm tour this weekend to show off not only its 2,500 hazelnut trees, but this advanced tech, too.
Nutcracker Ridge Farm, a hazelnut U-pick farm located just north of town, is opening its gates from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, June 13, to discuss hazelnuts and demonstrate some new agricultural technologies that may interest many local farmers, especially those involved with vegetables, specialty crops and orchards.
A Wonderfull Inc. drone sprays crops. Photo submitted by Earl Hughson
These new technologies include remote field data sensing, logging and transmitting; collaborative Robots to greatly enhance productivity; and agricultural drones (see photo above).
“A big part of what we hope to discuss at the event is not just what the technology can do,” says Nutcracker Ridge owner Earl Hughson, who owns the farm with his wife, Roselyn Meissner, “but also how growers can evaluate whether it is a good fit for their operation, and make informed decisions and better understand where drone technology may provide value within modern orchard and specialty crop production.”
Apidae Systems, a Canadian company based in Ottawa, will demonstrate remote sensing. Their systems allow farmers to get real time visibility into what is happening with their crops. Farmers can receive instant alerts about their farms vitals from soil moisture and PH levels to equipment faults and weather statuses. Farmers get this information delivered directly to their smartphone, no subscription required.
“The main goal here is saving farmer’s time and preventing foreseeable errors and plant stress,” explains Hughson.
Another technology on display may interest home gardners as well. Tandem Robotics, also a Canadian company, will present a “collaborative robot.” This robot aims to reduce the time taken for common field tasks like weeding, transplanting and bed prep by over 50 per cent. as well as increase productivity without increasing the amount of effort.
“Tandem robotics focus on smaller and medium farms who want to reduce field fatigue but may not have the budget to splurge on multi hundred thousand dollar machines,” says Hughson.
Finally, guests to the farm will be impressed by Wonderfull Inc.’s DJI agricultural drones.
Wonderfull Inc. is a Canadian agricultural drone training, compliance, and technology company based here in Ontario. Wonderfull Inc. works with farmers, agricultural organizations, researchers, and educational institutions across Canada to support the safe and practical adoption of drone technology in agriculture.
On Saturday, Wonderfull will demonstrate how modern agricultural drones, up to 100kg load capacity, are being used in real-world Canadian farming operations, including applications related to:
precision spraying and targeted application; terrain-following flight on hills and uneven ground; navigating tree rows and complex field layouts; and reducing soil compaction compared to traditional equipment. The
The demonstration will also include discussions about drone licensing and certification requirements; return on investment (ROI) considerations; operating costs and workflow; and what types of farms and operations are best suited for drone technology.
Everyone is invited to attend the farm tour on Saturday, but guests are asked to pre-register. To register for the event, go to OntarioHazelnuts.com and scroll down to the Nutcracker Ridge Farm Tour and click on the Sign Up Here! button. The event is free to Ontario Hazelnut Association members, and $15 for non-members.
Nutcracker Ridge is located just north of uxbridge on Reg. Rd. 1, a few metres past Ashworth Rd.