Pumpkins and gourds at Butters Farms east of St. Thomas, Ont., account for only about 10 per cent of the farm’s production but generate almost half of the total farm revenue.
The success of Butters Farms demonstrates how a relatively small acreage devoted to high-value products can deliver a disproportionate share of farm revenue.
"Dedicating a small percentage of acreage to something experimental, or driven by trends, can give you the best of both worlds," advises Brendan Gill, Account Manager Agriculture Services at TD Bank. "You're able to test out a new product, or pivot to growing demand, but you're not compromising your core business. It's a delicate balance, however it can become a viable income stream for your operation."