Spring has finally sprung here in southern Ontario after a cool start to April. This means it’s time to dust off the farming equipment and get back to the fields. The first task at hand in the spring is field preparation. That means manure. Loads and loads and loads of manure! Manure is a vital part of our sustainable farming practices here at Thompson Potato Farm. It replenishes nutrients that last year’s crop may have depleted therefore helping us look after our land. This video shows the manure spreader in action. Note the very bumpy ride the tractor driver needs to endure. Be sure to visit our photo gallery for additional pictures.
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Land preparation involves using many different pieces of farming equipment. We chose which piece of equipment we use based on the soil type of each field. This is a video of our cultivator in action. The primary function of the cultivator is to create an even seed bed by leveling the land. A secondary function of the cultivator is soil aeration which ensures oxygen and water reach the roots of the seed potatoes. The cultivator is the last pass on the land before we start planting the potatoes. Be sure to visit our photo gallery for additional pictures.
This video of the disc harrow was taken in October, 2015. John is preparing the land to plant a cover crop for the winter. Cover crops help prevent soil erosion over our harsh Canadian winters. The cover crop will be worked into the land in the spring to boost essential nutrients in the soil. Our tractors are routinely stalked by sea gulls who are hoping to find fresh grubs and worms that are disturbed by the discs! Be sure to visit our photo gallery for additional pictures.
Last fall we were bombarded by thousands of geese who were looking for an easy meal. Every day the geese flew in and feasted on corn cobs. When they were disturbed by a tractor and flew away en masse, the sky literally darkened and the noise was deafening. This video captures about one quarter of the geese that were temporarily living with us! Be sure to visit our photo gallery for additional pictures.
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The Common-TaterThompson Potato FarmFarming is fascinating! 
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