« Producer Spotlight

Highlighting fruit and vegetable producers from across Canada in 2021

Three Mile Ridge – Krista and David Chatman

Lethbridge, Newfoundland and Labrador

Why do you grow this produce?

To feed people, we like to grow a large variety of vegetables.

What makes your location (or greenhouse) ideal for these crops?

Our micro-climate is warm in the summer, and our soil is a red clay loam. Our market is on the Discovery Trail that leads to Bonavista.

Where do you market your produce?

At our farm market & at the market in Clarenville when they are open

How long have you and your family produced fruits and vegetables?

My grandfather farmed for many years. I have been farming for 15.

How many acres/hectares/square feet (in the case of greenhouses) do you crop?

81 acres, 20 of which is cropped.

What sustainability and technology practices do you use in your operation to grow your crops to their fullest potential?

We have pieces of equipment that make our operation more efficient which includes a transplanter, hydr-weeder, and tractors. We also practice crop rotation and integrated pest management.

What advice would you give someone who wants to start growing their own fruits and vegetables at home?

Plant the seed. Take in the advice of many, however, in the end, farm the way that suits you best. Learn from your mistakes and what does not work for you. You get to do it again every year!

Tell the world why you farm? Do you have any worlds you'd like to share with students about agriculture.

I started farming as a way to help provide for my family while my husband was off to work. I could take our very young children our to the fields with me while tending the crops. We lived on my grandparents farm so we could take care of them.

Do you have a favourite recipe using the produce you grow?

We love roasted veggies. We dice up kohlrabi, carrot, turnip, toss in olive oil with a little salt & pepper and roast at 350F for 30 minutes.