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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen Agriculture, 2003-03-19, Page 36THE CITIZEN, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 19, 2003. PAGE A-11. jpl*..1.......................................................................................................................:■ * >61 ..... . . p (i [ ..... Ji 1 j !,•,•........ tak'' McKillop family sees future in mustard By Bonnie Gropp Citizen editor 1,200 acres but also in family enterprise, have farmed poultry, corn, a The Whyte family knows how to work the land. Nick Whyte has lived in the same area all of his life. He and his wife Joan currently reside on what is part of the original family farm. The Whytes’ four children, David, Brian, Crystal and Murray and their spouses all live within a mile. Working independently, conjunction as the Whytes successfully in soybeans and wheat. Such a strong agricultural background has ensured that they are always looking for new opportunities to strengthen the existing livelihood. Two years ago, such a venture was undertaken by Murray and his business associate Barry Cleave, when they grew 10 acres of mustard in search of a new crop that would improve profitability. ’’Some of us have felt that com and soy have not been profitably Kids come home to family farm Continued from A-10 hired a man to help out in the early years,” says Plaetzer. One of her jobs was to stack the bales as they entered the mow. In what can often be an unpleasant task, she found fun. “We used to time ourselves and count the number of loads.” She also notes that her dad usually had to come up and straighten out the stacks after the children had finished. They also helped their mom work the huge garden as well as can, preserve and freeze the produce. Plaetzer knew she would attend college in the city when the time came, as her parents were insistent. “It is important to get an education,” interjects Cunning­ ham. After her move to an urban centre for education, Plaetzer says, “I always wanted to live in the country, but I never thought I’d marry a priced on average over the last four or five years,” explains Nick. “We are looking for a crop that would make as much or more as the tried and true.” In that first year the new crop did just that, says Whyte.”We liked the results.” Having contracted to G.S. Dunn and Co. Ltd. in Hamilton the first year, the Whytes were given the opportunity to grow 3,000 acres in 2002. They grew 10 per cent; the remainder was subcontracted. The second year, however, proved not quite as good for growing conditions, but Whyte says they are “optimistic the crop has its place.” “It will take a number of years to know for certain. There are so many different weather variables.” Specifically, says Whyte to grow yellow mustard farmers are looking for heat units of 2,750 or less. “It is not a crop to grow south of here.” Mustard is also reasonably frost resistant, says Whyte. “Much more so than com or soybeans. The crop is also fairly drought tolerant, because its tap root penetrates about five feet into the farmer.” Though she has returned to the land, she is glad she can teach and survive on her own, if necessary. “It was wise of Mom and Dad to push.” Now a part-time teacher for her own satisfaction and to help support the farming endeavours of husband Larry, Plaetzer says her duties are much different than her mother’s were. “In the summer, I am the errand person and I do a few chores. I can’t work with the pigs as the air bothers me. ” Plaetzer confides that she has never liked pigs anyway. The organic crops grown on the Plaetzer farm also require hand weeding, a task with which she assists, as well as acting as foreperson for hired students. The Cunningham family’s love of the land has passed onto an other generation. soil, which under dry conditions allows it to use stored soil moisture efficiently. The plants prefer well-aerated soils that do not become water logged, as poor aeration will stunt the growth. Admixtures can be a severe problem in mustard. Some, such as wild mustard or canola are virtually impossible to clean out. “The land before seeding a mustard crop should be essentially free of these.” As well mustard has several insect pests and diseases in common with soybeans so they should not be sown on the same field more than once in four years. Conversely, cereals, Whyte notes, are not susceptible to mustard pests and diseases. Unlike some new crops, such as garlic, mustard requires no specialized equipment to grow, spray, till or combine. For seeding they use a drill with a grass seeder attachment as an option. Another is a brillion seeder, which is used to plant anything with a fine seed such as clover or alfalfa. Some use air seeders, says Whyte. Continued A-12 Plaetzer’s children are thrilled when they have the opportunity to return to the place “where Mom grew up and help their Uncle Roger.” They have also begun to do jobs at home and look after the chickens. “The younger generation is already offering to help,” she says. “I am glad the children want to farm and maintain the home farm.” Leona agrees that there will always be a connection to that land. “It is a tie that you don’t want to break. It will always be the family farm.” MICHELIN and BFGoodrich, vour partners in farm tires. Growing business The Whytes have a licenced elevator for the mustard which is grown by the family as well as by a number of sub­ contractors. (Bonnie Gropp photo) ROBERT RADFORD FARM MACHINERY REPAIRS P.O. Box 144 Londesboro, Ontario NOM 2H0 The Advantages of the Michelin Radial Tire 1- Outstanding traction due to a flat stable crown and larger footprint. 2- Better distribution of pressure in the ground contact patch resulting in lower compaction and greater flotation. 3 - Reduced working time due to less tire slip, resulting in greater productivity. 4 - Reduced fuel consumption. 5 - Longer tread life. 6 - Comfort and flexibility. jw©m rai a auto AUTO - TRUCK - FARM ■, Hwy. 4 South CLINTON Phone: (519) 482-3752 Fax: (519) 482-9446