About
- Looking for a farm in:
- Ontario
- Number of years farming:
- 3-5 years
- Farming experience
- I have practical farming experience (including work as a farm intern or employee)
- I have studied agriculture at a post-secondary institution
- I am, or have been, a farm business owner
- Agricultural products:
- Flowers
- Fruit/berries/grapes
- Herbs
- Seeds, seedlings or nursery stock
- Vegetables
- Planned marketing strategies:
- Farmers markets or farm stand
- Community Supported Agriculture (CSA)
- Restaurant sales
- Other marketing strategies
- Land needed:
- 1 acre or less
- Facilities and equipment:
- Irrigation capacity
- Greenhouse
- Cold storage
- Processing facilities
- Planned farming practices:
- Ecological production, but not certified
Overview
Hi! I'm Wesley. In 2019, I started Royal City Acres in Guelph, Ontario. Royal City Acres is a mixed vegetable farm supplying greens, roots, fruiting vegetables and microgreens to residential customers, grocery stores and restaurants. I'm a graduate from the University of Guelph with a Bachelor of Agriculture Science specializing in Horticultural Science. I farm part-time and I am employed in the agriculture sector as a research & development scientist. With myself farming part-time, the amount of land required is small. Approximately - 1/8 of an acre. I already have a good assortment of equipment to help run a small mixed vegetable operation. Farm equipment includes seeders, flame weeder, greens harvester, broadfork, landscape fabric, row covers, insect netting, silage tarps, irrigation equipment and hand tools. Although not organically certified, I have an ecological approach to farming. I rely upon compost and animal manures for nutrition and practice a no-till bed system for production. Recently, as of March 2021, I was informed that the land I've been farming is no longer available. So, I am on the hunt to secure land close to Guelph for the 2021 growing season. I'm looking to lease land but I am open to other arrangements. All the best, Wesley
Experience
20+ years of vegetable and ornamental gardening experience. I studied horticulture science at the University of Guelph. I ran a landscaping/ garden creation business during the summers as a university student. I've worked in a perennial ornamental greenhouse for a summer.Good experience propagating and growing several different crops. I'm always learning how to grow new crops and grow crops better. Currently, in the winter months, I offer a residential drop-off of microgreens.
Partner(s)
Mostly farming alone, with the occasional assistance from my partner Maureen. My partner Maureen currently works as a project coordinator for the Ecological Farms of Ontario. She was raised on an apple orchard and mixed vegetable farm in Southern Ontario.
Farm Vision
I want to support and be a part of producing local food for my community. Last year I was producing around 50 lbs of food weekly at peak growing season of various crops including salad mix, spinach, arugula, radish, salad turnips, beets, microgreens, kale, tomatoes, onions, shallots, winter squash, herbs, carrots and other crops. I would like to continue growing the farm and pursue farming full-time at some point down the road.
Relationship with Farm Owner
Looking to form a long-term relationship with a farmer/landowner that is mutually beneficial for both parties.