April 2025 GROWING VERTICALLY • HEALING TREES • CHOCOLATE CAKE PROVINCIAL PROFILE: BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA TWINS, UNCOMMON BUT NOT RARE AT ROBVALE SPECKLE PARK, MILTON, ON
TRANSFORMATION BY INSPIRATION I’ve gained inspiration from Small Farm Canada Lite to lighten-up. Including changing the name of this feature from “Editorial” to “250 & Under.” It is a catchy title, don’t you think? The best part, the title is the word count. No lengthy dissertations like an editorial. Time to lighten up and focus elsewhere. For instance, I recently saw a video recommending planting two pepper seedlings together, in one hole in the garden or in a pot as peppers have shallow roots. Two pepper plants growing together with intertwined roots systems can stabilize each other. Interesting information to explore further and perhaps test out. Another thing that I learned from a colleague, is that when twin calves are born, and one is female and one male – the little heifer most likely cannot be bred. A Freemartin is a female heifer that is born a twin to a bull calf. The heifer calf is born with reproductive tract deformities and in most cases (95 per cent) is infertile. Expect a story about twins in a future issue of SFC magazine. Did you know that B.C. is small-farm centric? Yes over 60 per cent of farms are small in scale. They have driven innovation and solutions to scale in many sectors. Meat processing is one we explore in this issue of SFC Lite and we are not done there either, the conversation will continue. In the March-April magazine we discussed vertical farming and gardening with tech, trellis and teepee. We continue this space conscious discussion digitally with keyhole gardens and espaliering on page 8. SFC Lite aims to be heavy with information upfront and finish on a light note with throwback stories of food by Helen Lammers-Helps and of good humour by Dan Needles. Enjoy! 250 & UNDER Cover photo Victoria Robinson, Robvale Speckle Park Milton, ON EDITOR Julie Harlow | 1-866-260-7985 ext 272 Julie.Harlow@SmallFarmCanada.ca ADVERTISING SALES 1-866-260-7985 Sales@SmallFarmCanada.ca DESIGN | Andrea Williams CIRCULATION & SUBSCRIPTIONS Ashleigh Benedict | 1-866-260-7985 x252 Subscriptions@SmallFarmCanada.ca MARKETING & OPERATIONS Denise Faguy | Denise.Faguy@Farms.com PUBLISHER | Farms.com Canada Inc. PRINT: The print magazine for Small Farm Canada is published six times each year by Farms.com Canada Inc. Subscription rate for one year: $24.95 (+tax). Single copy price is $5.95. SUBSCRIBE NOW! DIGITAL: Small Farm Canada Lite is published 6 times each year, tandeming the Small Farm Canada magazine print issues. Contact Info@ SmallFarmCanada.ca for your free subscription. Your privacy is important to us. Occasionally we may send you information from reputable companies whose products or services we believe may be of interest to you. If you would prefer to have your name removed from the list, contact us at Info@ SmallFarmCanada.ca. Contents copyrighted by Farms.com Canada Inc. and may be reprinted only with permission. Copyright © 2025 Farms.com Canada Inc. All rights reserved. ISSN 1710 4955 Acceptance of advertising does not constitute endorsement of the advertiser, its products or services, nor do Small Farm Canada, or Farms.com Canada Inc. endorse any advertiser claims. The publisher shall have no liability for the omission of any scheduled advertising. 90 Woodlawn Road West, Guelph, ON N1H 1B2 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca PROUD TO BE CANADIAN OWNED! We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Get social with Small Farm Canada IN THIS ISSUE April 2025 | Vol. 1 Issue 2 4 NEWS & NOTES Ice cream cone failure, Flavour Trails on the way, NCIAF partners with Tea Creek. 6 GARDEN HOOP HOUSE ARTICLE BY DAN KERR A Dan DIY that never gets old. 13 GRAND OLD CHOCOLATE CAKE ARTICLE BY HELEN LAMMERS-HELPS Helen’s recipe for rest-time, doesn’t use eggs or dairy. 15 THAT IS HORRIBLE IDEA, WHAT TIME? STORY BY DAN NEEDLES Dan reflects on ideas that seemed bright at the time. 8 THE WONDER OF ESPALIER 10 A LITE LOOK AT B.C. IN THE NEXT ISSUE: MAY/JUNE 2025 - SOIL ISSUE Booking deadline: Friday, April 11, 2025 Ad material due: Thursday, April 17, 2025 Soil health is a hot-sheet issue at SFC. Our focus on soil health will include pasturing/rotational grazing systems, silvopasture and other soil health promoting measures of having livestock on the land. Ayers, Carrow, Carter and Jones report on research, management and trends towards living a productive sustainable lifestyle that builds foodways and communities.
3 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca LETTERS TO THE EDITOR BIOSOLIDS CONCERNING Farmland is being contaminated by biosolids use. All biosolids contain municipal sewage. This sewage contains factory, industrial and hospital waste. It contains thousands of chemicals. In Maine and Michigan, where land is being properly tested, farms have been found to be permanently contaminated because of spreading sewage biosolids on the land. Many Canadian jurisdictions are not doing the proper testing to determine the impact of spreading biosolids on our land. Is it SAFE to spread sewage biosolids on our farmland? Remember: “all of the chemistry that society produces, and is exposed to, is in that sewage”. Our goal is to share our accumulated knowledge and research so people can make an informed decision on what is best for their land. • Sewage biosolids are allowed to be spread on our farmland as they contain nitrogen and phosphorus. • What about all the chemicals they are known to contain? • Biosolids by the numbers: • 84,000 chemicals • 4,700 PFAS aka “Forever Chemicals” • 11 heavy metals tested • 3 bacteria tested • 1 type of PFAS tested Starting in October 2024 sewage biosolids, imported or produced in Canada, are to be tested for PFAS – for PFOS only (one type of thousands of PFAS), for a limit of 50 ppb (parts per billion) at a time when the U.S. EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) risk assessment for PFOS in sewage sludge shows that: • 1 ppb “can present a significant risk to human health”. CFIA [Canadian Food Inspection Agency] (per an article referring to a CFIA draft report on PFAS) • The land application of sewage biosolids “is a key uptake pathway for PFAS into the food chain”. The first step forward – stop spreading sewage biosolids – then the chemicals will stop accumulating. Citizens Concerned About Biosolids ccab.ontario@gmail.com facebook.com/stopspreadingsewage Chemical Key: PFAS: polyfluoroalkyl substances PFOS: perfluorooctane sulfonate, is a synthetic chemical belonging to the larger group of chemicals called polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their persistence and potential health and environmental risks. LEFT PAGE: CLOCKWISE: VICTORIA ROBINSON | MAYATNIKSTUDIO - ADOBE STOCK | KEVIN OKE PHOTOGRAPH - ADOBE STOCK | JOANNE DALE - ADOBE STOCK
4 April 2025 NEWS & NOTES INDIGENOUS FOODWAY TRAINING The National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture and Food (NCIAF) announced a transformative partnership on March 17th. A partnership with Tea Creek Training Inc. (Tea Creek), an Indigenous-led initiative dedicated to land-based food sovereignty and trades training located in Kitwanga, B.C. This collaboration, solidified through a memorandum of understanding (MOU), represents a significant step forward in revitalizing Indigenous food systems and empowering Indigenous communities across Canada. Tea Creek’s culturally safe, land-based training programs are renowned for fostering Indigenous food sovereignty and economic independence—values that deeply aligned with NCIAF’s mission of advancing Indigenous agricultural practices. Together, the organizations aim to combine their strengths to make a lasting impact. Key Objectives of the Partnership: • Leverage Expertise: Combine NCIAF’s national reach and leadership in Indigenous agriculture with Tea Creek’s framework for land-based learning and skill development. • Expand Educational Opportunities: Explore potential synergies with academia and Indigenous communities to formalize learning pathways for Indigenous participants. • Promote Well-Being: Use joint efforts to improve overall well-being, healing, and confidence among Indigenous Peoples by fostering sustainable food systems and economic independence. Source: National Circle for Indigenous Agriculture FLAVOUR TRAILS 2025 IS ON THE WAY! We’re gearing up for another exciting season of Flavour Trails, celebrating local food, farms, and small businesses! First up — we’re bringing Flavour Trails Downtown Victoria on April 26th-27th—a special farm-to-table event showcasing partnerships between farms on the Saanich Peninsula and the incredible restaurants that bring their produce to life. Expect delicious tastings, chef collaborations, and a true celebration of local food! But that’s not all — Flavour Trails festivals will be popping up across the Saanich Peninsula throughout the summer, including in Central Saanich, North Saanich, and more! Visit our website: www.flavourtrails.com, and stay connected on Facebook and Instagram, for updates! Source: flavourtrails.com After working with thousands of growers, JM Fortier has identified the key principles that set thriving farms apart. In this new YouTube video, he shares invaluable insights and breaks down the five must-do’s for building a profitable, productive, and resilient farm: 1️ Bigger isn’t always better 2️ Bio-intensive cropping systems 3️ Strategic crop planning 4️ Mastering greenhouse production 5️ Finding the right market Check out JM’s video to dive into each of these essential elements! 5 KEY LESSONS FOR SMALL-SCALE FARMING SUCCESS
5 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca COOL TOOL FAIL, ICE CREAM CONE SEED STARTERS Seeding exuberance through trying a new and cool tool for planting ended a few days later with bitter reality. It was okay in theory but in practice didn’t take long to fail. Not even a few days into the test case for using ice cream cones to start seeds, our little seed pots were raided by mice. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained. If you have a mouse free environment for seed starting, ice cream cones may still be a contender, but in our case newspaper pots will remain the seed starting pot of choice. If you have a cool tool that you would like SFC to review, message Editor@ SmallFarmCanada.ca. Ignatius Farm New Farmer Training Program A Place of Peace Ignatius Jesuit Centre Build a foundation to start a successful farm enterprise 4 Terms (April - November) Weekly webinars Periodic field days & in-person trainings Flexible! Sign up for single trainings or full program! efao.ca/ifnftp EDITOR’S TIP: SEEDY SATURDAY AND SUNDAY DATES AND LOCATIONS ARE AVAILABLE IN THE SMALL FARM CANADA EVENT CALENDAR ACCESSIBLE FROM THE HOMEPAGE AT WWW. SMALLFARMCANADA.CA. LEFT PAGE: TOP: NCIAF.CA| FLAVOUR TRAILS | THEMARKETGARDENER.COM | RIGHT PAGE: FIREFLY-ADOBE STOCK
6 April 2025 Secure 2 boards on the left to hold the start end, then add the clock arm. Bending the rod until it completes the hoop. GARDEN HOOPS ARTICLE & PHOTOS BY DAN KERR SFC MARCH-APRIL 2022 Our farm is located on a small band of land along the north shore of Lake Huron situated in plant hardiness zone 4B. Proximity to the Great Lakes gives us very temperate weather conditions that as a rule allows the growing season to linger longer than in other parts of our latitude. The Boss, being a very active gardener, wants to push the envelope farther each season. When the suggestion of a greenhouse came up, I suggested a hoop house instead. THE CRITERIA Not a new idea by any means but easy to design and build, I chose to come up with my own dimensions or build from what I had to build with. I wanted the inside height to be high enough that The Boss could pretty well stand up, with the width of the size of the current garden bed. The length could be variable depending on need and the garden. Another factor – a big one – was the cost of the building materials as everything has increased in cost to the point of ridiculous. THE DESIGN The inside overall height would be five feet and the bottom width four feet. At the five-foot mark the two sides are attached to a bottom cross member which sticks out about four inches. The sides extend 10 inches below this point allowing them to be pushed into the ground to secure the base. MATERIALS I considered aluminum but the cost was prohibitive, wood was doable but heavy to move and not the greatest for longevity, so I considered steel rebar (the textured steel rod used for reinforcing in concrete). I now had to find a supplier to price it out. I sourced out Northern Steel of Timmins, Ontario. At $10.00* per 20 foot piece, the project was becoming doable using rebar. The bonus part, it wasn’t tied up in a sea can off the shore of California. Delivery of a bundle of 20 foot rods to the end of the driveway in the next week made the supply chain easy and was a surprising change to just about everything today. The construction was next. (*Dan advises current price of 20’ rebar at $11.87 each.) THE BUILD With a 16 by four-foot mobile work bench left over from my airplane build, I laid out a pattern to follow to bend the arch. Wood dies from scrap wood were cut out along with an arm. The arm was screwed to the bench. It rotated inside the arch like a clock arm allowing me to bend the rod at that precise point. Starting with a single 20 foot rod, I clamped one end to the bench with a pair of vise grips leaving an eight-inch overhang (for the ground anchors). I then grabbed the other end pulled the rod against the arm bending it slightly, then I backed off on the rod tension, moved the arm about an inch and applied pressure, again bending it slightly. This action was continued over and over until the arch was made and the hoop was formed. I marked the remainder of rod with soap stone and with my hand grinder cut it off; this would become the bottom cross member. From here I took the two pieces to the dirty room and PRACTICAL
7 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca welded them together using 6013 Lincoln rods. Cross members were needed between the hoops for stability. I attached them on an angle from the top of one hoop to middle on the second and then the bottom of the third hoop. I welded washers on the hoops and cross members for attachment points which were then married up with 5/16” bolts. The first three hoops are about five feet apart, the cross members are a 20 foot piece cut in half, so 10 feet long. The other non-supported hoops are about 10 feet apart. COVERING MATERIAL Again, the Boss jumped in to research plastic including what to get and where to buy it. She was able to track down MIDLAND COVERS who supplies UV protected plastic for greenhouses. Not cheap, but this would allow usage of the same plastic for more than one season as opposed to an unprotected vapor barrier type plastic which would disintegrate within the season. The hoops were used, although not finished but finished enough to be garden ready and they proved their worth. After the extended season the hoops were removed and totally repainted and put back up. In March the plastic will go back up, held in place with clamps around the hoops and planks along the bottom with the ends simply folded at each end, weighted with concrete blocks. This keeps the plastic in place and secure. The Boss was content (for now) that this should satisfy her gardening ambitions as in year one the hoops provided a good return. Here’s to looking forward! Of course, as we go, we will have to tweak the build because that’s what small farming is all about to us – a beautiful experiment. If you want it longer, make more hoops. The extra is cut off and added as the bottom brace. TIP: WE USE FOUR 6” CLAMPS PER HOOP TO ATTACH THE PLASTIC. Your Small Farm & Homesteading Store www.BerryHill.ca I 1-800-668-0372 Canadian Family Owned Since 1946 TWO-WHEEL TRACTORS One tractor to power over 75 attachments. Attachments sold separately. Browse & build your perfect combination today.
8 April 2025 GARDENING 101 KEYHOLE GARDENING IS TRENDING ARTICLE BY JULIE HARLOW The keyhole gardening method was developed in Africa to grow food in severe drought and extreme heat. One raised bed for both growing and composting is created that uses up to 80 per cent less water than conventional gardening beds. The garden is watered through the composting basket. The water and nutrients from the compost flow over a low layer of rocks into the garden’s soil. HOW TO MAKE A KEYHOLE GARDEN Start by clearing a circle in the ground, digging in four posts and making a cylinder in the keyhole for the composting basket. In the garden, rocks and debris form the first layer, with nutrient rich green and brown compost, soil and composted manure also forming layers over top. A garden retaining wall built of rocks, logs or bricks encircles the garden and keeps in moisture, while the bottom layer of rocks and debris drain the excess water. After the bed is loaded with green and brown composting materials, gardeners collect scraps and water through the built-in compost tunnel. This is key to reducing evaporation and allows plants to develop strong, healthy roots that are more resistant to drought. While most common vegetables work well in this raised bed garden, tomato and kale tend to thrive in a keyhole garden in most zones in Canada. KEYHOLE GARDEN MAINTENANCE The two main components of maintaining a keyhole garden are hydration and plant nutrients from compost. THE WONDER OF ESPALIER Fruit trees such as apples, pears, and cherries can be trained vertically against a wall or fence or along wire supports. These trees may be trained to produce single-stems, fan shapes and parallel-branches. The practice is called espaliering. It uses sturdy, horizontal wires strained between fence posts to create the necessary supports for wall-trained fruit. Apples and pears are traditionally used, as their branches are flexible and they fruit repeatedly on the same spurs. Spur-bearing varieties are best for espaliering. Stone fruit (peaches, plums, nectarines and cherries) are best trained into a fan shape as their more brittle wood is difficult to train horizontally. Espalier is an ancient horticultural technique that involves pruning and training fruit trees to grow flat with support to form a structured two-dimensional shape. Espalier fruit trees were used in European gardens during the Middle Ages to create decorative walls and were also planted along courtyard interiors to protect buds from late-spring frosts. Espaliered trees can be traced back even earlier to ancient Egypt when fig trees were cultivated against walls in tombs. The term “espalier” (ess-PAL-yay) is derived from the French work for trellis or support structure. WHY ESPALIER? Espalier is a space-saving fruit tree training method that provides numerous CRAB APPLE TREE TRAINED TO PRODUCE PARALLEL BRANCHES. TOP: VECTORMINE - ADOBE STOCK | BOTTOM: JOANNE DALE - ADOBE STOCK
9 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca BENEFITS OF KEYHOLE GARDENING: They can be made exclusively from low-cost, locally available materials. They also require less labour and water than regular vegetable gardens. The keyhole structure ensures soil fertility for five to seven years supporting production of five or more varieties of vegetables at a time. Another advantage to keyhole gardening is flexibility. Because building the garden involves building up, it can be built on uneven terrain. It can also be positioned optimally to receive sunlight. TIP: MOST EXPERTS RECOMMEND KEEPING A HALF METRE FROM THE FIRST ROW OF PLANTS AND THE COMPOST BASKET TO PREVENT NUTRIENT OVERLOAD IN THE INNERMOST ROWS. benefits: • Grow homegrown fruit in small spaces – perfect for urban gardens, patios, and narrow yards. • Easier harvesting – No ladder required; fruit remains within arm’s reach. • Aesthetic appeal – A visually striking garden feature that combines function and artistry. BEST FRUIT TREES FOR ESPALIER Apple and pear trees are the most commonly espaliered varieties due to their flexible branches and adaptability. Apple trees are particularly popular because their new stems remain pliable longer than pears, making them easier to train. Note that spur-bearing apple trees are even better if you want more fruit from your living fence. Other great options for espalier include: • Peaches – A beautiful choice for espalier, producing fragrant blooms and delicious fruit. • Dwarf and semi-dwarf fruit trees – Ideal for small gardens and container growing. 1. WATERING A KEYHOLE GARDEN Water the garden in the centre through the compost basket. It is the main water source for the garden. If the soil surface is overly dry, some water can be directed through other means. 2. COMPOSTING Regular top up of the compost basket is required to maintain plant nutrition. Uncooked fruit and vegetable scraps, eggshells, coffee grounds, grass clippings, bread, dry oats and grains, leaves, and twigs are all good materials to use. Avoid composting cooked fruit and veg, oil or fat, meat and any plants infected with pests. Examine the compost basket structure after the first season and after that check regularly to see if it needs to be replaced. Source: GreenhouseCanada.com 1-800-387-RAIN Providing Irrigation Solutions since 1954. 2515 Pinegrove Road, Delhi ON N4B 2X1 www.vandenbussche.com Transplanters & Diggers Smart Farming Seeding Success
10 April 2025 A LITE LOOK AT BRITISH COLUMBIA ARTICLE BY JULIE HARLOW BEAUTIFUL BRITISH COLUMBIA B.C.’s unique climate means variety. Locally produced food to fit any taste and preference – from eggs, chicken, mushrooms and dairy to tree fruit, vegetables, grain and beef…. and many more. And don’t forget agricultural products like cut flowers and nursery plants. SMALL FARMS ARE BIG IN B.C. Small farms continue to dominate in B.C. Operations smaller than 70 acres account for 66 per cent of farms. Most small farms are in the Lower Mainland, the Thompson-Okanagan and Vancouver Island. Direct sales are a popular route to market for many small producers, and 78 per cent of the 5,381 farms in B.C. that engage in direct sales are in the same three regions where small farms dominate – the ThompsonOkanagan (28 per cent), Vancouver Island and the Lower Mainland (25 per cent). The census indicates that 46 per cent of B.C. farms receive all their income from direct sales, with the two key channels being on-farm retail or consumer deliveries. Source: CountryLifeinBC.com TOP: MAGR80 - ADOBE STOCK | YULIA - ADOBE STOCK | HANNA - ADOBE STOCK | ABDUL - ADOBE STOCK | WATERCOLOR IDEAS - ADOBE STOCK | ANITAPOL - ADOBE STOCK | KWANTLEN POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY | LANASHAM - ADOBE STOCK KPU SHINING A LIGHT A research scientist at Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) has been awarded a $540,000 grant to study how using LED lighting technology could boost greenhouse strawberry production. “Due to climate change and extreme weather, growers are increasingly looking at indoor production,” says Dr. Li Ma, researcher at KPU’s Institute for Sustainable Horticulture (ISH). The project, funded by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and Mitacs, will enable the ISH to address the many challenges faced by greenhouse strawberry growers, particularly the need for precise light management. As Ma explains, each strawberry variety has a different response to light, and controlling the spectrum of light can influence the plant’s health, growth, and resistance to pests. KPU research team (From left to right: Jean-Mornay du Plessis, Dr. Li Ma, Olivia Puszka, Sarah Murria and Aria Tamanaei YA FARM APPRENTICE Young Agrarian apprenticeships are fully immersive and put the apprentice into the heart of running a farm business, day in and day out. Host farms are carefully selected and have diverse expertise and skill sets to share. They are chosen because their farm philosophy is guided by ecological and holistic values that recognize the connectedness of the land and people. Although experiences vary, apprentices can learn about: • caring for the soil and health of the land • grazing livestock to manage pastures and grasslands • using regenerative practices for grain and vegetable growing • farm direct marketing • how a farm can build community OVER THREE-QUARTERS OF B.C. SMALL FARMS DIRECT MARKET. SOME OF THEM THROUGH THE 145+ FARMERS MARKETS ACROSS B.C. https:/ bcfarmersmarket.org/
11 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca OKANAGAN Agriculture is a major contributor to Okanagan’s economy, including a mix of crops, livestock and processed products. Tourism and proximity of Kelowna, provides both local and export demand for added-value, high-value and organic products, and for cider, wine and beer. Fertile soils, hot summers and mild winters make for excellent growing conditions. THOMPSON-NICOLA Products include beef, forage, onions, potatoes, melons, herbs and highvalue medicinal plants like ginseng. The tree fruit and wine grape sectors are growing in this region, as is the dairy sector. The varied landscape has large tracts of high quality ranch lands, making beef production attractive. Agri-tourism is also a vibrant sector connecting producers with clients. VANCOUVER ISLAND This landscape contains distinct, isolated agricultural areas, including the Comox, Sayward and Cowichan valleys, Saanich Peninsula, Nanaimo lowlands, Alberni Valley and many Gulf Islands. Often, farms in this region are smaller and specialized, supplying local and tourism-oriented markets as well as those on the mainland. THE SOUTH COAST The South Coast is both a significant supplier and consumer of agricultural products, as half of B.C.’s population live within the area. Over 200 commodities are produced including cranberries, raspberries, blueberries, potatoes, dairy products, poultry and eggs. The region also hosts many of the greenhouse businesses in the province. SOME B.C. PLACES TO GROW SMALL-SCALE MEAT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION The Small-Scale Meat Producers Association (SSMPA) represent British Columbia farmers and ranchers who are raising meat outside of the conventional, industrial system. Changes in meat inspection and licensing in B.C. has provided on-farm options for small producers who want to slaughter their own animals. Navigating production requirements, regulations and legislation in the small-scale sector can be challenging. The SSMPA have compiled numerous resources from food safety requirements to extreme weather preparedness to help to streamline the process. Members are encouraged to reach out to info@ smallscalemeat.ca with additional questions or for support. TEA CREEK Tea Creek is an award-winning, Indigenous- led, culturally safe, land-based Indigenous food sovereignty and trades training initiative located at Kitwanga B.C. Their Mission is to revitalize the culture of economic interdependence and food production that was a central part of life for Indigenous peoples throughout the Americas. TOP (L-R): RONNYBAS - ADOBE STOCK | SAL AUGRUSO/WIRESTOCK - ADOBE STOCK | KEVIN OKE PHOTOGRAPH - ADOBE STOCK | EDB3_16 - ADOBE STOCK | MIDDLE: SMALL-SCALE MEAT PRODUCERS ASSOCIATION | BOTTOM: TEA CREEK
12 April 2025 Trees and Shrubs that Heal describes how trees and shrubs can improve human health, ranging from forest bathing to making decoctions of bark, leaves or fruit to relieve specific ailments. The chemistry behind the healing action is described with details on saponins, fatty acids, polyphenols and more. Two-thirds of the book is made up of two-page profiles of eighty plants describing “herbal actions,” research findings, active constituents, safety, as well as tips on harvesting and cultivation. However, the information is brief and often general. If you’re looking for plants to forage in Canada, this wouldn’t be the best book for you. The profiles are from trees and shrubs from the Americas, Asia, Australia and Europe. Most are not native to Canada and many aren’t hardy in much of the country (i.e., they can only grow in zones 6+). However, I still learned more about the plants on my land. For example, black currant leaves have antiviral effects that can help stave off colds and flu, and the leaves can also be used to alleviate joint pain and arthritis. Trees and Shrubs that Heal could complement more detailed medicinal herb books for the grower who wants to grow non-native trees and shrubs in warm areas or sheltered conditions. TREES AND SHRUBS THAT HEAL: RECONNECTING WITH THE MEDICINAL FOREST BY ANNE STOBART REVIEWED BY JANET WALLACE BOOK REVIEW SAPONINS BY EXAMPLE The capacity of individual plant species to develop novel metabolites has been affirmed by their imperviousness to plant herbivores. Plants have developed surprising diversity of substance protections against plant herbivores. An example of those utilized by plants in this regard are the triterpenoid saponins which encourage plant immunity against a wide range of insect pests, pathogens, as well as other herbivores. Source: nih.gov. 35 Howard Ave, Elmira 519-669-5500 NOLT’S COMPACT MULCH LAYER CROP CARE PICK ASSIST TAR RIVER ROTO TILLERS 41”-81” width In-stock 1. 3 & 5 row. Also a good selection of Seed Rollers and Replacement Parts. JANG PUSH SEEDERS We’re helping you grow with these great brands: Weeding, planting & harvesting with ease! GOOD FOR A TIGHT BUDGET SOLAR CHARGED CROP CARE SPRAYERS From 25-750 gallons. Also Specialty Sprayers. CALL US FOR A FREE VEGETABLE AND FLOWER GROWING SUPPLY CATALOGUE AZS BRUSHER Call with your fruit and vegetable washing needs. TOP LEFT: ANNE STOBART AVAILABLE AT INDIGO/CHAPTERS
GRAND OLD CHOCOLATE CAKE ARTICLE & PHOTO BY HELEN LAMMERS-HELPS I’ve been making a version of this Jiffy Devil’s Food Cake since I was young. It’s still my go-to chocolate cake recipe because it’s so darn easy to make and tastes delicious. Who needs a cake mix when you can whip up this cake batter so quickly? And if you don’t happen to have any eggs, milk or butter in the house, no problem. They aren’t needed for this recipe and you won’t miss them: this cake is moist and chocolatey. Kitchener, Ontario Culinary Historian, Carolyn Blackstock, says she thinks of this type of recipe as a “winter time cake.” She explains that dairy- and eggfree recipes were popular during the winter months before farms had electricity. Without artificial light, hens don’t lay as many eggs during the short days of winter. Butter and milk also tended to be in short supply during winter months when cows were often “dry” (a rest period prior to spring calving.) Or, cows may not have been kept through the winter months due to a lack of stored feed. An internet search of egg — and dairy — free cake recipes turns up other similar recipes with names like Depression Cake or Wartime Cake, popular at times when eggs were presumably either expensive or less available. And if you’re wondering where the name “Devil’s Food” Cake came from, Wikipedia has this to say: “. . . it is difficult to precisely qualify what distinguishes devil’s food from the more standard chocolate cake, though it traditionally has more chocolate than a regular chocolate cake, making it darker.” If you are interested in historical cooking, you can read about Blackstock’s daily adventures cooking from the 1906 Berlin (now Kitchener) Cookbook on her blog: http://366dayswiththeberlincookbook. wordpress.com. 13 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca INSTRUCTIONS 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. 2. In a medium sized bowl, sift together the cocoa, flour and baking soda. Add the sugar and salt and stir. Add the vinegar to the water and then pour into the dry ingredients along with the vegetable oil and vanilla. Mix until blended. (I often do this by hand and it still turns out fine.) 3. Pour into a greased 8” X 8” square cake pan. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the centre of the cake comes out clean. 4. When cool, frost with your favourite icing or, if you want to keep it dairy-free, sprinkle with icing sugar, drizzle with melted chocolate chips (dairy-free) or you can make a dairy-free chocolate frosting using vegan margarine, cocoa and oat or soy milk. No problem if the hens aren’t laying or there is no milk or butter in the house, yet you still want to make a moist, chocolatey cake. JIFFY DEVIL’S FOOD CAKE FOOD INGREDIENTS • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour • 3 Tbsp. cocoa • ½ tsp. salt • 1 tsp. baking soda • 1 cup cold water • 1 Tbsp. white vinegar • 1 cup sugar • ⅓ cup canola oil • 1 tsp. vanilla EGG & DAIRY FREE
14 April 2025 FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL US AT 519-669-2192 Email us @ efsaudersales.ca or vISIT US AT OUR WALLENSTEIN LOCATION Rotary Plow Power Harrow * * * * * Chipper/Shredder Precision Depth Roller SALE ENDS MAY 31, 2025 AQUACULTURE SUPPLIES LAKE & POND SUPPLIES Est. 1989 Your Pond & Lake Professionals Since 1989 For a complete line of solutions anytime Visit our Updated Website: FishFarmSupply.ca How Does Pond Dye Work? Aquatic plants, just like plants on land, need light to grow. In ponds we address light penetration into the water by adding pond dye. Pond dye essentially creates a higher re ective surface on your pond so that less light reaches the bottom, where plants start to grow every spring. It works best at depths greater than six feet and will not be as e ective in the shallow areas around the edges of your pond. Pond dyes work on the premise that plants grow poorly without light so blocking it will reduce your growth in the main body of the pond. Pond dyes are available in blue, which you commonly see at golf courses, and black, which give a more natural Muskoka water look. Pond dyes are most e ective if added early in the spring as soon as the ice is o the pond and before growth starts. They are non-toxic and are safe for humans, pets and wildlife alike. To decrease plant growth in ponds you could also explore nutrient management straties by using probiotics and manual removal. We discuss these topics and more in our FREE Pond Resource Guide. It is lled with years of experience helping our customers and will help you understand the problems you are experiencing and why they happen. Please contact us if you would like one sent out or you can drop by our store to pick one up and discuss the challanges you are having. Your Pond & Lake Professionals Since 1989
15 www.SmallFarmCanada.ca LARKSPUR SUPPER CLUB THAT’S A HORRIBLE IDEA. WHAT TIME? STORY BY DAN NEEDLES ILLUSTRATION BY MATTHEW NEEDLES SFC MAY-JUNE 2022 My cardiologist recently asked me if I thought I was in good health and I replied that I thought I was. Then he went through a checklist of my past health issues which included a bolt in my foot, a partial hip replacement, a broken shoulder, a popped bicep muscle, broken fingers, two hernias and various other contusions. Several of these mishaps involved a ladder and almost all of them required a general anesthetic. “What can I say?” I shrugged. “I have a farm.” At the beginning of the pandemic my younger son decided not to renew his contract with the Canadian military and, much to his mother’s delight, he came home. He didn’t think there was much chance of getting posted anywhere interesting and he wanted to try his hand at some sort of small business. His mother was confident that he had made the safer choice. Just before his discharge, Matt’s superiors tried to talk him out of leaving by offering him a leadership course, but he wasn’t keen on the idea of becoming an officer. For six years, he had listened to his sergeants refer to the people up the chain of command as “The Good Idea Fairies” and he didn’t want to join that club. Matt would have made an excellent officer because he grew up on a farm and got used to figuring things out by himself at a very early age. Farm life encourages problem-solving and resourcefulness, two characteristics that stand you in good stead wherever life takes you. But it also can turn you into a Good Idea Fairy if you’re not careful. This is the reason why a lot of farmers are missing fingers or have a distinctive limp. I remember a kindergarten teacher telling us that Matt was a great problem solver. At the time, she was watching him pile up boxes to get to a high shelf that held a can of paint he wanted. “He’s very creative,” she said admiringly. Dr. Sam Pelzman, an economist at the University of Chicago, who studied motor accident statistics after the introduction of seatbelts in the 1970s, found that measures to address the consequences of bad driving only encouraged more bad driving. The Pelzman Effect was coined to describe how safety measures often failed to make people adjust their personal comfort level for risky behavior. A driver who finds that anti-lock brakes will stop his car in half the time and distance he needs for conventional brakes will now drive twice as fast and follow the vehicle in front of him twice as close. He is no safer than he was to start with. It is a known fact in sky-diving … the safer the gear, the more chances skydivers will take, in order to keep the fatality rate constant. This makes farm safety people tear their hair out. They go to a lot of effort drawing pictures on lawnmowers and farm machinery …stick figures doing really stupid things like putting their hand under the mower deck to see if the blades are spinning. Do the pictures help? The answer is, and always will be, ‘Not one little bit’. In fact, some of the pictures look like fun. Who knew you could play catch with your front-end loader? Behavior that appears idiotic to most of us is hard-wired into the young brains. How else did we discover that the world wasn’t flat? How else did we learn to fly or drink cow’s milk or eat mushrooms? I have captured this principle in a mathematical equation: Safety Choices = Effort Saved x Bragging Rights ÷ Probability of Public Humiliation. I see Matt go by on the riding mower. He leans down to grab a twig off the lawn, like a gaucho cowboy, one toe in the steering wheel and one hand on the seat to keep the safety shut-off switch from activating. In that brief moment, you can see that the history of human technical progress is really nothing more than a series of bar bets. “If I can do that, then why can’t I do this? Here, hold my beer.” His mother says, “Where do you think he learned this? He’s been watching you for the last 25 years.” She shook her head impatiently. “I suppose he’ll be fine... if he’s allowed to live.”
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