The Rural Voice, 2001-09, Page 48Alternative crops -
from fruit to nuts
Bruce County farms try something different,
and hope to enjoy the fruits of their efforts
Story and photos by Sandra Forster
. -s-..
Ron Farrell inspects some of the 5,000 hazelnut trees in his Kincardine -area
orchard (above) while Ken Holtby and Cheryl Drape (below) see their kiwi
yield is improving this year.
44 THE RURAL VOICE
Two Kincardine -area farm
families are growing some
unusual crops instead of the
traditional corn, soybeans, wheat.
They've learned that being a
pioneer in a new market can be both
exciting and challenging. ,
Ken Holtby and Cheryl Draper of
Knapton Farms planted 350 vines of
Hardy Kiwi on one and a half acres.
Ron Farrell has 5,000 hazelnut
trees on 25 acres.
Unlike annual rotation crops,
these permanent plantings take about
five years until the first marketable
harvest.
These farmers are optimistic this
year's crop will put money in the
bank.
Holtby and Draper chose Hardy
Kiwi, also called Chinese
Gooseberry, for its potential for
profit. They learned about the fruit at
a conference on alternative crops.
"It seemed like a worthwhile
venture," Draper said, especially in
combination with their strawberry
patch.
Potentially, kiwis can produce 50
to 100 pounds of fruit per vine on
300 vines per acre. The fruit should
sell tor $3 per pound. But, there is no
proven market, and initial start-up
costs are high.
They planted their first vines in
the spring of 1996, and this fall they
hope finally to have enough fruit to
sell.
"We're hoping for some sort of
return this year," Holtby said. By
August it appeared the yield would
be considerably higher this year than
last, he said. Despite some wind
damage, the crop is weighing heavily
on the wires that hold up the vines.
Set-up costs include the vines,
which are planted as two -foot bare
rootstock, posts, high -tensile wire for
trellises, and a trickle irrigation
system. Holtby said he's spent over
$7,000 so far, not including his own
labour cost.
Their experiment continues to be a
learning experience.
"We're learning as we go along.
You're a pioneer at every step of the
way," Draper said.
They found that the kiwi vines are
very thirsty. Holtby said the
continuous irrigation system supplies