Springtime on the farm is usually a season of renewal—new growth, blooming flowers, and buds on the trees. However, when the ice storm hit at the end of March, it quickly turned this hopeful time into a disaster. Ice accumulation on trees, buildings, and hydro lines took out power for six days and caused severe damage that will require months or even years to recover from. Although this ice storm was a massive setback to our operation, it did remind us all how privileged we are to live in a safe country with access to so many important resources (i.e., water, heat, hydro, and internet). The ice storm also demonstrated what a wonderful community we live in as there was a lot of support offered from neighbours and the local community.
As any farmer knows, resilience is a cornerstone of this way of life. So, we are slowly picking up the pieces and forging ahead with a renewed sense of purpose. We have assessed the damage and initiated some cleanup around the buildings and laneways of the farm. The fallen trees and branches will be used as wood chips on our fields and between our permanent beds. The wood chips will also be a great addition to our compost pile, increasing the airflow and providing a better carbon: nitrogen ratio. We will use the larger branches and logs in our wood boiler furnace to heat the buildings and house.
While the ice storm brought a lot of damage and disruption to our farm, it also taught us valuable lessons in resilience, teamwork, and preparation. Farming is never without its challenges, but as we move forward, we’re more determined than ever to continue growing, improving, and strengthening our farm. We’ll face the next storm with a bit more experience, a lot more preparedness, and the same dedication to our land, plants, and community.