It is Seeds of Success Day; a look at leaders in the local agricultural sector…brought to you by Napanee Home Furniture, Green Tractors, and Napanee Muffler and Brakes.
Today we’re looking at Paulridge Berry Farm.
This farm has a deep heritage in the community, with the land currently used for the berries being bought in 1940. Philip and Ruth Paul currently lead the farm, with their children and grandchildren helping out.
The farm in Palace Road in Greater Napanee grow’s strawberries and raspberries in the summer, and offers a unique pick-your-own experience for those wishing to enjoy the fresh country air. They also grow sunflowers, which you may already be familiar with. Their granddaughter, known to locals as ‘Sunflower Girl’, sells them during the summer on Centre Street.
Like most farmers, Philip and Ruth say one of the biggest challenges is the weather! Luckily if it’s been a dry season they have irrigation, but they admit the berries then just aren’t the same. Weather also effects when visitors stop by for berries. Philip shared that no one seems to want to pick berries if it’s too hot out or even when it’s cold and rainy.
With the farm life comes the sense of family. Not only from getting to carry on the tradition of Philip’s father and grandfather and getting to work with their children and grandchildren, but the visitors who come year after year to pick berries and visit. Ruth shared that visitors have often said it begins to feel like ‘their farm’ too. All thanks to the wonderful experience Philip, Ruth and the rest of the family and staff have created.
Listen to our full interview here:
Written by Emily Chatwood